bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model Predictive Control Based Energy Management Strategy of Series Hybrid Electric Vehicles Considering Driving Pattern Recognition
Authors: Hao Jinna , Ruan Shumin , Wang Wei
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes an energy management strategy for a series hybrid electric vehicle based on driving pattern recognition, driving condition prediction, and model predictive control to improve the fuel consumption while maintain the state of charge of the battery. To further improve the computational efficiency, the discretization and linearization of the model is conducted, and the MPC problem is transferred into a quadratic programming problem, which can be solved by the interior point method effectively. The simulation is carried out by using Matlab/Simulink platform, and the simulation results verify the feasibility of the condition prediction method and the performance of the proposed method. In addition, the predictive control strategy successfully improves the fuel economy of the hybrid vehicle compared with the rule-based method.
Measuring the Adoption of Drones: A Case Study of the United States Agricultural Aircraft Sector
Authors: Rodriguez Roberto
Published: March 2023

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, are an emerging technology that has changed the way many industries conduct business. Precision agriculture is one industry that has consistently been predicted to be a major locus of innovation for UAS. However, this has not been the case globally. The agricultural aircraft sector in the United States is used as a case study here to consider different metrics to evaluate UAS adoption, including a proposed metric, the normalized UAS adoption index. In aggregate, UAS operators only make up 5% of the number of agricultural aircraft operators. However, the annual number of new UAS operators exceeded that of manned aircraft operators in 2022. When used on a state-by-state basis, the normalized UAS adoption index shows that there are regional differences in UAS adoption with western and eastern states having higher UAS adoption rates while central states have significantly lower UAS adoption rates. This has implications for UAS operators, manufacturers, and regulators as this industry continues to develop at a rapid pace.
An Application of the Prabhakar Fractional Operator to a Subclass of Analytic Univalent Function
Authors: Indushree M. , Venkataraman Madhu
Published: March 2023

Fractional differential operators have recently been linked with numerous other areas of science, technology and engineering studies. For a real variable, the class of fractional differential and integral operators is evaluated. In this study, we look into the Prabhakar fractional differential operator, which is the most applicable fractional differential operator in a complex domain. In terms of observing a group of normalized analytical functions, we express the operator. In the open unit disc, we deal with its geometric performance. Applying the Prabhakar fractional differential operator dcθα,βγ,ω to a subclass of analytic univalent function results in the creation of a new subclass of mathematical functions: W(γ,ω,α,β,θ,m,c,z,p,q). We obtain the characteristic, neighborhood and convolution properties for this class. Some of these properties are extensions of defined results.
Chain-Extendable Crosslinked Hydrogels Using Branching RAFT Modification
Authors: Rimmer Stephen , Spencer Paul , Nocita Davide , Sweeney John , Harrison Marcus , Swift Thomas
Published: March 2023

Functional crosslinked hydrogels were prepared from 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and acrylic acid (AA). The acid monomer was incorporated both via copolymerization and chain extension of a branching, reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer agent incorporated into the crosslinked polymer gel. The hydrogels were intolerant to high levels of acidic copolymerization as the acrylic acid weakened the ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) crosslinked network. Hydrogels made from HEMA, EGDMA and a branching RAFT agent provide the network with loose-chain end functionality that can be retained for subsequent chain extension. Traditional methods of surface functionalization have the downside of potentially creating a high volume of homopolymerization in the solution. Branching RAFT comonomers act as versatile anchor sites by which additional polymerization chain extension reactions can be carried out. Acrylic acid grafted onto HEMA–EGDMA hydrogels showed higher mechanical strength than the equivalent statistical copolymer networks and was shown to have functionality as an electrostatic binder of cationic flocculants.
Impact of GA3 on Sugar and Lipid Degradation during Annona x atemoya Mabb. Seed Germination
Authors: Mimi Carolina Ovile , Sousa Marília Caixeta , Corrêa Patrícia Luciana Carriel , De-la-Cruz-Chacón Ivan , Boaro Carmen Sílvia Fernandes , Ferreira Gisela
Published: March 2023

Gibberellins act to overcome dormancy and increase the germination rate of seeds of several species, including the genus Annona. Considering that Annona seeds have a high lipid content and have few sugars, the degradation of such reserves from the application of gibberellins has not been described so far. This study aimed to evaluate how the application of different gibberellic acid (GA3) concentrations acts on the sugar and lipid degradation pattern during the germination of atemoya seeds (Annona x atemoya Mabb.). Therefore, two experiments were carried out, one to evaluate the effect of GA3 on the germination process and another to evaluate the degradation of the reserves. To study the effect of GA3 on germinability, four treatments with GA3 concentrations of 0, 250, 500, and 1000 mg L−1 were used. To study the degradation of reserves, the four GA3 concentrations and five collection times were used (dry seed; seed with 1 day, 5 days, and 10 days of water acquisition; and seeds with primary root emission). Atemoya seeds showed an increase in germinability and changes in the sugar and lipid degradation pattern during the germination process in response to the treatments with GA3. Lipid and sugar degradation was observed from 24 h after seed immersion in GA3. The highest GA3 concentrations (500 and 1000 mg L−1) led to increases of 25% and 20%, respectively, in the germination rate, intensification of lipid degradation in seeds with primary root emission, and a decrease in sugar concentration until the 5th day.
The Impact of Plant Growth Regulators and Floral Cluster Thinning on the Fruit Quality of ‘Shine Muscat’ Grape
Authors: Choi Sujung , Ban Seunghyun , Choi Cheol
Published: March 2023

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) and floral cluster thinning are commonly used to improve grape yield and quality, but their effects on different fruit quality attributes in the ‘Shine Muscat’ are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the impact of PGRs and floral cluster thinning on various fruit quality parameters such as the cluster weight, berry weight, diameter, shape, sugar and acid content, firmness, and residual feel of peel. Our results indicate that the gibberellic acid 3 (GA3) 25 mg/L + thidiazuron (TDZ) 5 mg/L treatment at full bloom and GA3 25 mg/L treatment at 12 days after full bloom showed the largest cluster weight, berry weight, and diameter, while the forchlorfenuron (CPPU)-treated group, with a more balanced effect on fruit skin and flesh firmness, had the highest proportion of a positive residual feel of the peel. Floral cluster thinning by 4 cm was found to be effective for promoting fruit growth and maintaining an appropriate sugar–acid ratio, while thinning by 5 cm resulted in a higher number of berries but smaller berry size and lower sugar–acid ratio. These findings can be useful for grape growers and researchers in optimizing PGR and floral cluster thinning treatments to improve grape yield and quality.
Essential Oil-Added Chitosan/Gelatin-Based Active Packaging Film: A Comparative Study
Authors: Roy Swarup , Min Seung-Jae , Rhim Jong-Whan
Published: March 2023

Active packaging films based on chitosan/gelatin were prepared using a solution casting method by adding various essential oils (lime, tea tree, rosemary, and thyme essential oils), and their effects were compared. The fabricated films were characterized and various physical properties as well as the antioxidant performance of the films were studied. Adding essential oils to the polysaccharide/protein biopolymer mixtures resulted in compatible films with high transparency (>90% transparency). The mechanical strength and stiffness of the chitosan/gelatin films were improved by about 30% in the presence of essential oil, but the flexibility slightly decreased, and the stiffness improved. On the other hand, the water vapor barrier properties, thermal stability, and hydrophobicity of the essential oil-containing films were not significantly changed. Adding various essential oils significantly enhanced the antioxidant activity of chitosan/gelatin-based films. Therefore, bio-based functional films with added essential oils can be applied in active packaging applications.
Unmanned Engine Room Surveillance Using an Autonomous Mobile Robot
Authors: Kim Seon-Deok , Bae Cherl-O
Published: March 2023

With the rapid advances in science and technology, ships that do not require any crew on board (i.e., autonomous ships) are being actively researched. Several studies on unmanned ships are in progress, and unmanned engine room studies are also being conducted. These studies mainly focus on engine failure prediction and diagnosis, but have not paid sufficient attention to various abnormal situations. Accordingly, this study focusses on the surveillance of engine rooms and abnormal situations using autonomous mobile robots. The abnormal situation considered in this study was a fire that could be highly dangerous if it occurred in the ship’s engine room. A map of the engine room was created using an autonomous robot, and when a destination was set on the map, a path was found, and the engine room was surveilled by autonomously moving by tracking the path. When a fire is detected during surveillance, the coordinates of the fire are converted so that the autonomous mobile robot can use them and move to a new destination. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the autonomous mobile robot’s movement performance, fire detection performance, and performance in the engine room. In terms of movement performance evaluation, the arrival rate to the destination was 88% on average, and the fire detection performance was a 0.9833 detection rate, 0 false alarm rate, and 0.9916 accuracy. The performance evaluation in the engine room confirmed that the fire was detected while driving, and the destination was changed to a new destination by coordinate conversion and driving was performed autonomously. Through this, it was confirmed that it is possible to surveil the engine room using an autonomous mobile robot, which contributes towards the development of unmanned engine room and ship safety.
Importance of Clinical Isolates in Cryptococcus neoformans Research
Authors: Jackson Katrina M. , Ding Minna , Nielsen Kirsten
Published: March 2023

The human pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is a global health concern. Previous research in the field has focused on studies using reference strains to identify virulence factors, generate mutant libraries, define genomic structures, and perform functional studies. In this review, we discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using reference strains to study C. neoformans, describe how the study of clinical isolates has expanded our understanding of pathogenesis, and highlight how studies using clinical isolates can further develop our understanding of the host–pathogen interaction during C. neoformans infection.
Pediatric Tinea Capitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study from 2010 to 2021
Authors: Dascalu Joel , Zaaroura Hiba , Renert-Yuval Yael , Khamaysi Ziyad , Avitan-Hersh Emily , Friedland Rivka
Published: March 2023

Pediatric tinea capitis displays a wide range of prevalence, with significant variability among populations. We retrospectively extracted the medical records of 456 pediatric patients diagnosed with tinea capitis during the years 2010–2021, from the dermatology outpatient clinics in two tertiary medical centers. Three species were isolated in 90% of patients: T. tonsurans, M. canis, and T. violaceum. While T. tonsurans presented a six-fold increase in incidence during the years 2019–2021, M. canis maintained stable incidence rates. Furthermore, terbinafine was the most efficient antifungal agent against T. tonsurans, achieving complete clinical clearance in 95% of patients, as compared to fluconazole (68%) and griseofulvin (38%) (p < 0.001). The mycological cure was recorded in 61/90 (68%) of patients with available data, at an average of 10 weeks. For patients with M. canis, griseofulvin and fluconazole were equally efficient (73% and 66%, respectively) (p = 0.44). Kerion was described in 36% and 14% of patients with T. tonsurans and M. canis, respectively, (p < 0.001). In conclusion, since 2019, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of T. tonsurans, establishing this pathogen as the most common cause for tinea capitis in our population. Our data suggest that terbinafine is effective and presents high cure rates for tinea capitis in the pediatric population.
Mechanisms of Surfactin from Bacillus subtilis SF1 against Fusarium foetens: A Novel Pathogen Inducing Potato Wilt
Authors: Liu Lin , Jin Xiaofan , Lu Xiuhua , Guo Lizhong , Lu Peiwei , Yu Hao , Lv Beibei
Published: March 2023

Fusarium wilt is a severe and worldwide disease in potato cultivation. In this study, Fusarium foetens was first identified as the pathogen of potato wilt. Bacillus subtilis SF1 has the potential for controlling potato wilt induced by F. foetens, resulting in a mycelium growth inhibition of 52.50 ± 2.59% in vitro and a significant decrease in incidence rate by 45.56% in vivo. This research highlighted the antifungal activity of surfactin from B. subtilis SF1 and attempted to reveal the unknown antifungal mechanisms. Surfactin inhibited F. foetens mycelium growth beyond the concentration of 20 μg/μL. Surfactin-treated mycelium appeared to have morphological malformation. Surfactin enhanced reduced glutathione production and caused the increase in values of the extracellular fluids in OD260 and OD280. Surfactin induced differential protein expression and changed the genes’ transcription levels. Surfactin binds to fungal DNA via groove-binding mode, with a binding constant of Kb 2.97 × 104 M−1. Moreover, B. subtilis SF1 harbored genes encoding plant-promoting determinants, making potato seedlings grow vigorously. The results will help provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of surfactin against filamentous fungi and the application of surfactin-producing microbial in the biocontrol of plant pathogenic fungi.
Regional Conservation, Research, and Education: Ways Forward
Authors: Bechert Ursula S.
Published: March 2023

There are currently over 8 billion people on Earth, a figure which grows by approximately 67 million annually; https://www [...]
Allocation of U.S. Biomass Production to Food, Feed, Fiber, Fuel and Exports
Authors: Lant Christopher , Paudel Suman , Mueller Kaeli , Larson Grace , Ovando-Montejo Gustavo A. , Givens Jennifer
Published: March 2023

This paper analyzes the end uses—food, feed, fiber, fuel, and exports—of biomass production in the U.S. in 1997, 2002, 2007, and 2012. They are also analyzed at the state level in 2012. Biomass production is measured as human appropriation of net primary production (HANPP), an ecological footprint measured as carbon fixed through photosynthesis, derived from data on crop, timber and grazing yields. HANPP was allocated to end uses using publicly available sources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and internet-based sources publishing data on agricultural trade. HANPP was 717–834 megatons (MT) of carbon per year, which comprised 515–615 MT of crop-based, 105–149 MT timber-based, and 64–76 MT of grazed HANPP. Livestock feed commanded the largest proportion, but decreased from 395 (50%) to 305 MT (42%) of all HANPP and 320 to 240 MT (58–44%) of crop-based HANPP. The proportion allocated to exports was stable at 118–141 MT (17–18%) of total HANPP and 112–133 MT (21–23%) of crop-based HANPP. Biofiber decreased from 141 MT (18%) to 97 MT (13%) of all HANPP. Biofuel increased strongly from 11 MT to 98 MT, from 1% to 14% of all HANPP and 2% to 18% of crop-based HANPP, surpassing food and biofiber by 2012. Direct food commanded 89–105 MT, the lowest proportion at 12–13% of all HANPP, and 17–18% of crop-based HANPP. The highly fertile Midwest and the drought-prone Intermountain West stand out as regions where a very small percentage of biomass is allocated to direct human food. The high proportions of biomass production allocated to nonfood uses is consistent with the tragedy of ecosystem services and commodification of nature frameworks. Reducing these proportions presents opportunities for improving ecosystem services, food security, and human well-being.
Phenomena of Contact and Mixing in the Arbëresh Dialects of San Marzano di San Giuseppe in Salento and Vena di Maida in Calabria
Authors: Savoia Leonardo Maria , Baldi Benedetta
Published: March 2023

In this work, we will investigate hybridization, borrowing, and grammatical reorganization phenomena in the Arbëresh dialects of San Marzano (Apulia) and Vena di Maida (central Calabria). The data from the Arbëresh of S. Benedetto Ullano (northern Calabria) will be useful to provide a comparative frame. Arbëresh is the name of the Albanian varieties spoken in the villages/cities generally formed in the late fifteenth century by communities fleeing from Albania as a consequence of the Ottoman occupation. The long-time contact with neighboring Romance varieties is reflected in the extended mixing phenomena which characterize the lexicon and the morphosyntactic organization of Arbëresh as a heritage language. This is particularly evident in the two dialects that we investigate in this contribution, where relexification and grammatical reorganization phenomena provide us with an interesting testing ground to explain language variation.
Colombian Hippos and Species Management: Exploring the Legal Case Surrounding the Management and Control of the Colombian Hippos from a Species Justice Perspective
Authors: Doornbos Elliot
Published: March 2023

Colombian hippopotamus populations are increasing against the backdrop of general species decline. In addition to wider calls for further protection, this pocket population is considered an invasive species and is subject to ongoing legal discussions about how they should be controlled and managed. These proceedings currently consider two options: whether the hippopotamus population needs to experience yearly culls or to use a fertility management program. This article explores whether species justice has a place within the control of non-native species via this case study of the Colombian hippo legal proceedings. When reviewing this case, neither euthanasia nor fertility control are fully in the interests of the species; however, fertility control is more in line with their interests. The conclusion considers whether it is possible to recognise the interests of wildlife within species management and how a shift towards the interests of species and species justice at minimum could provide more dignified and harmless methods of species control as well as find alternative solutions which are more in the interest of the majority of parties.
Study on the Novel High Manganese Austenitic Steel Welded Joints by Arc Welding for Cryogenic Applications of LNG Tanks
Authors: Zhang Shuchang , Wang Honghong , Wang Yangwen , Cao Liang
Published: March 2023

The novel high-Mn austenitic steel is becoming a promising steel for cryogenic applications of LNG tanks. The welded joints take a critical role in cryogenic service for storage tanks. In this work, we developed well-matched high-Mn welding consumables and prepared the welded joints by shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), submerged arc welding (SAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). The detailed welding parameters were proposed first, then the welding quality, mechanical properties, and microstructure were investigated. The results show that good welding quality, excellent mechanical properties, and stable levels of mechanical properties were obtained for high-Mn steel welded joints using similar welding consumables, the solid core of electrodes, and solid welding wires. Notably, the lowest cryogenic absorbed energy was found at 5 mm away from the fusion line rather than at the fusion line. The hardness of the welded joints was detected to be less than 280 HV due to the whole austenitic microstructure.
Nanocomposites as Substituent of Cement: Structure and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Rada Roxana , Manea Daniela Lucia , Chelcea Ramona , Rada Simona
Published: March 2023

To date, the scientific research in the field of recycling of construction and demolition wastes was focused on the production of concrete, cements, and bricks. The attainment of these products was limited to the addition of suitable binder contents, such as lime or cement, compaction, and possibly heat treatment, without a concrete recycling method. In this paper, new cement materials consisting of 2.5 weight% composite and originating from construction and demolition waste powder, were prepared and investigated in view of applications in the construction industry as a substituent of cement. The materials with recycled powder from construction and demolition wastes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The XRD data indicate vitroceramic structures with varied crystalline phases. The NMR relaxometry data show four reservoirs of water associated with bounded water and with three types of pores in the composite construction material. The micro-Vickers hardness was measured to reflect the influence of composite nature in the local mechanical properties of the composite-cement for the mixture with Portland cement and (EC) expired cement.
Experimental Investigation of Eco-Friendly Anhydrous Calcium Sulfate Whisker and Waste Cooking Oil Compound Modified Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Liu Yutong , Yang Zeliang , Luo Hui
Published: March 2023

In recent years, waste material recycling and reuse have attracted great interest as environmentally friendly modifiers to improve asphalt pavement performance. In this study, anhydrous calcium sulfate whiskers (ACSW), synthesized using phosphogypsum waste, and waste cooking oil (WCO), one of the most prevalent waste oils, were used together as modifiers to create an environmentally friendly asphalt mixture. In particular, WCO was used to compensate for the negative effects of ACSW on asphalt mixture performance at low temperatures. A variety of ACSW and WCO compound-modified asphalt mixtures were fabricated. High-temperature stability, medium-temperature fatigue, low-temperature anti-cracking, moisture susceptibility, repeated freeze–thaw, and long-term aging tests were conducted to comprehensively evaluate the pavement performance. Compared to the base asphalt mixture, the compound-modified asphalt mixtures were demonstrated to have better high- and low-temperature, moisture susceptibility, fatigue, anti-freezing, and anti-aging properties, especially for the 6%ACSW and 2%WCO compound-modified asphalt mixture. Therefore, the 6%ACSW and 2%WCO compound-modified asphalt mixture was ultimately selected for use in construction, as this mixture can meet the requirements for regions with cold winters and hot summers.
Continuous Differentiability in the Context of Generalized Approach to Differentiability
Authors: Koceić-Bilan Nikola , Braić Snježana
Published: March 2023

Recently, in their paper, the authors generalized the notion of differentiability by defining it for all points of the functional domain (not only interior points) in which the notion of differentiability can be considered meaningful. In this paper, the notion of continuous differentiability is introduced for the differentiable function f:X→Rm with a not necessarily open domain X⊆Rn; i.e., the continuity of the mapping df:X→HomRn,Rm is considered. In addition to introducing continuous differentiability in the context of this generalized approach to differentiability, its characterization is also given. It is proved that the continuity of derivatives at some not necessarily interior points of the functional domain in the direction of n linearly independent vectors implies (continuous) differentiability.
Optimal Robot Pose Estimation Using Scan Matching by Turning Function
Authors: Sadeghi Bigham Bahram , Abbaszadeh Omid , Zahedi-Seresht Mazyar , Khosravi Shahrzad , Zarezadeh Elham
Published: March 2023

The turning function is a tool in image processing that measures the difference between two polygonal shapes. We propose a localization algorithm for the optimal pose estimation of autonomous mobile robots using the scan-matching method based on the turning function algorithm. There are several methodologies aimed at moving the robots in the right way and carrying out their missions well, which involves the integration of localization and control. In the proposed method, the localization problem is implemented in the form of an optimization problem. Afterwards, the turning function algorithm and the simplex method are applied to estimate the localization and orientation of the robot. The proposed algorithm first receives the polygons extracted from two sensors’ data and then allocates a histogram to each sensor scan. This algorithm attempts to maximize the similarity of the two histograms by converting them to a unified coordinate system. In this way, the estimate of the difference between the two situations is calculated. In more detail, the main objective of this study is to provide an algorithm aimed at reducing errors in the localization and orientation of mobile robots. The simulation results indicate the great performance of this algorithm. Experimental results on simulated and real datasets show that the proposed algorithms achieve better results in terms of both position and orientation metrics.
Autonomous Navigation System of Indoor Mobile Robots Using 2D Lidar
Authors: Sun Jian , Zhao Jie , Hu Xiaoyang , Gao Hongwei , Yu Jiahui
Published: March 2023

Significant developments have been made in the navigation of autonomous mobile robots within indoor environments; however, there still remain challenges in the face of poor map construction accuracy and suboptimal path planning, which limit the practical applications of such robots. To solve these challenges, an enhanced Rao Blackwell Particle Filter (RBPF-SLAM) algorithm, called Lidar-based RBPF-SLAM (LRBPF-SLAM), is proposed. In LRBPF, the adjacent bit poses difference data from the 2D Lidar sensor which is used to replace the odometer data in the proposed distribution function, overcoming the vulnerability of the proposed distribution function to environmental disturbances, and thus enabling more accurate pose estimation of the robot. Additionally, a probabilistic guided search-based path planning algorithm, gravitation bidirectional rapidly exploring random tree (GBI-RRT), is also proposed, which incorporates a target bias sampling to efficiently guide nodes toward the goal and reduce ineffective searches. Finally, to further improve the efficiency of navigation, a path reorganization strategy aiming at eliminating low-quality nodes and improving the path curvature of the path is proposed. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, the improved algorithm is integrated into a mobile robot based on a ROS system and evaluated in simulations and field experiments. The results show that LRBPF-SLAM and GBI-RRT perform superior to the existing algorithms in various indoor environments.
BZINB Model-Based Pathway Analysis and Module Identification Facilitates Integration of Microbiome and Metabolome Data
Authors: Lin Bridget M. , Cho Hunyong , Liu Chuwen , Roach Jeff , Ribeiro Apoena Aguiar , Divaris Kimon , Wu Di
Published: March 2023

Integration of multi-omics data is a challenging but necessary step to advance our understanding of the biology underlying human health and disease processes. To date, investigations seeking to integrate multi-omics (e.g., microbiome and metabolome) employ simple correlation-based network analyses; however, these methods are not always well-suited for microbiome analyses because they do not accommodate the excess zeros typically present in these data. In this paper, we introduce a bivariate zero-inflated negative binomial (BZINB) model-based network and module analysis method that addresses this limitation and improves microbiome–metabolome correlation-based model fitting by accommodating excess zeros. We use real and simulated data based on a multi-omics study of childhood oral health (ZOE 2.0; investigating early childhood dental caries, ECC) and find that the accuracy of the BZINB model-based correlation method is superior compared to Spearman’s rank and Pearson correlations in terms of approximating the underlying relationships between microbial taxa and metabolites. The new method, BZINB-iMMPath, facilitates the construction of metabolite–species and species–species correlation networks using BZINB and identifies modules of (i.e., correlated) species by combining BZINB and similarity-based clustering. Perturbations in correlation networks and modules can be efficiently tested between groups (i.e., healthy and diseased study participants). Upon application of the new method in the ZOE 2.0 study microbiome–metabolome data, we identify that several biologically-relevant correlations of ECC-associated microbial taxa with carbohydrate metabolites differ between healthy and dental caries-affected participants. In sum, we find that the BZINB model is a useful alternative to Spearman or Pearson correlations for estimating the underlying correlation of zero-inflated bivariate count data and thus is suitable for integrative analyses of multi-omics data such as those encountered in microbiome and metabolome studies.
Healthcare-Associated Bloodstream Infections Due to Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Dobrović Karolina , Škrobo Tea , Selec Katarina , Jelić Marko , Čivljak Rok , Peršec Jasminka , Sakan Sanja , Bušić Nikolina , Mihelčić Antonija , Hleb Sonja , Andrašević Arjana Tambić
Published: March 2023

Healthcare-associated infections are an emerging cause of morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide, especially those caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. The objectives of this study were to assess the incidence of bloodstream infections (BSIs) among critically ill COVID-19 patients and to analyze the characteristics of healthcare-associated BSIs due to MDR Acinetobacter baumannii in an COVID-19 ICU. A single-center retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital during a 5-month period. The detection of carbapenemase genes was performed by PCR and genetic relatedness by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus-sequence typing. A total of 193 episodes were registered in 176 COVID-19 ICU patients, with an incidence of 25/1000 patient-days at risk. A. baumannii was the most common etiological agent (40.3%), with a resistance to carbapenems of 100%. The blaOXA-23 gene was detected in ST2 isolates while the blaOXA-24 was ST636-specific. PFGE revealed a homogeneous genetic background of the isolates. The clonal spread of OXA-23-positive A. baumannii is responsible for the high prevalence of MDR A. baumannii BSIs in our COVID-19 ICU. Further surveillance of resistance trends and mechanisms is needed along with changes in behavior to improve the implementation of infection control and the rational use of antibiotics.
Induction, Flavonoids Contents, and Bioactivities Analysis of Hairy Roots and True Roots of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg
Authors: Wang Hongzhen , Wang Anran , Pu Hanying , Yang Yuxin , Ling Zeyuan , Xu Haishun , Xu Juan , Yu Haizheng , Wu Xueqian
Published: March 2023

The flavonoids in Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg (T. hemsleyanum) have high medicinal value. However, because of slow growth and harsh ecological environments, T. hemsleyanum is currently an endangered species. In light of this, we present a detailed hairy root induction procedure as a promising alternative to true roots with medicinal value. The percentage of explants induced by Agrobacterium rhizogenes (A. rhizogenes) to produce hairy roots out of the total number of explants infected (induction rate 1) was 95.83 ± 7.22%, and the proportion of hairy roots that contained Rol B fragments among all the hairy roots with or without Rol B fragments (positive rate) was 96.57 ± 1.72%. The transformation was further confirmed by the expression of the GUS protein. A high-productive hairy root line was screened for the comparative profiling of six flavonoids with true roots using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The contents of (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin, neochlorogenic acid, luteolin-6-C-glucoside, and orientin were 692.63 ± 127.24, 163.34 ± 31.86, 45.95 ± 3.46, 209.68 ± 6.03, and 56.82 ± 4.75 μg/g dry weight (DW) of 30-day-old hairy roots, respectively, which were higher than those of 3-year-old true roots. Hairy roots have stronger antioxidant activity than true roots. Overall, the hairy roots of T. hemsleyanum could serve as promising alternative sources for the production of flavonoids with medicinal uses.
Ultrasensitive and Simple Dopamine Electrochemical Sensor Based on the Synergistic Effect of Cu-TCPP Frameworks and Graphene Nanosheets
Authors: Ji Liudi , Wang Qi , Gong Xiaqing , Chen Jiamin , Zhu Xiaoming , Li Zeyu , Hu Peng
Published: March 2023

Dopamine (DA) is an important neurotransmitter. Abnormal concentration of DA can result in many neurological diseases. Developing reliable determination methods for DA is of great significance for the diagnosis and monitoring of neurological diseases. Here, a novel and simple electrochemical sensing platform for quantitative analysis of DA was constructed based on the Cu-TCPP/graphene composite (TCPP: Tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin). Cu-TCPP frameworks were selected in consideration of their good electrochemical sensing potential. The graphene nanosheets with excellent conductivity were then added to further improve the sensing efficiency and stability of Cu-TCPP frameworks. The electrochemical properties of the Cu-TCPP/graphene composite were characterized, showing its large electrode active area, fast electron transfer, and good sensing performance toward DA. The signal enhancement mechanism of DA was explored. Strong accumulation ability and high electrocatalytic rate were observed on the surface of Cu-TCPP/graphene-modified glassy carbon electrode (Cu-TCPP/graphene/GCE). Based on the synergistic sensitization effect, an ultrasensitive and simple DA electrochemical sensor was developed. The linear range is 0.02–100 and 100–1000 µM, and the detection limit is 3.6 nM for the first linear range. It was also successfully used in detecting DA in serum samples, and a satisfactory recovery was obtained.
Development of pH-Responsive N-benzyl-N-O-succinyl Chitosan Micelles Loaded with a Curcumin Analog (Cyqualone) for Treatment of Colon Cancer
Authors: Sripetthong Sasikarn , Eze Fredrick Nwude , Sajomsang Warayuth , Ovatlarnporn Chitchamai
Published: March 2023

This work aimed at preparing nanomicelles from N-benzyl-N, O-succinyl chitosan (NBSCh) loaded with a curcumin analog, 2,6-bis((3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl) methylene) cyclohexanone, a.k.a. cyqualone (CL), for antineoplastic colon cancer chemotherapy. The CL-loaded NBSCh micelles were spherical and less than 100 nm in size. The entrapment efficiency of CL in the micelles ranged from 13 to 39%. Drug release from pristine CL was less than 20% in PBS at pH 7.4, whereas the release from CL-NBSCh micelles was significantly higher. The release study of CL-NBSCh revealed that around 40% of CL content was released in simulated gastric fluid at pH 1.2; 79 and 85% in simulated intestinal fluids at pH 5.5 and 6.8, respectively; and 75% in simulated colonic fluid at pH 7.4. CL-NBSCh showed considerably high selective cytotoxicity towards mucosal epithelial human colon cancer (HT-29) cells and lower levels of toxicity towards mouse connective tissue fibroblasts (L929). CL-NBSCh was also more cytotoxic than the free CL. Furthermore, compared to free CL, CL-NBSCh micelles were found to be more efficient at arresting cell growth at the G2/M phase, and induced apoptosis earlier in HT-29 cells. Collectively, these results indicate the high prospective potential of CL-loaded NBSCh micelles as an oral therapeutic intervention for colon cancer.
Pyrolysis Kinetics of Lignin-Based Flame Retardants Containing MOFs Structure for Epoxy Resins
Authors: Yao Tianyu , Yang Ruohan , Sun Cong , Lin Yuzhu , Liu Ruoqi , Yang Hongyu , Chen Jiajia , Gu Xiaoli
Published: March 2023

This study describes the preparation of a lignin-based expandable flame retardant (Lignin-N-DOPO) using grafting melamine and covering 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) using the Mannich reaction. Then, through in situ growth, a metal-organic framework (MOF) HKUST-1 (e.g., Cu3(BTC)2, BTC = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate)/lignin-based expandable flame retardant (F-lignin@HKUST-1) was created. Before that, lignin epoxy resin containing phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) components had been created by combining epoxy resin (EP) with F-lignin@HKUST-1. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to examine the thermal characteristics of epoxy resin (EP) composite. The findings indicate that the thermal stability of EP is significantly affected by the presence of F-lignin@HKUST-1. Last but not least, the activation energy (E) of EP/15% F-lignin@HKUST-1 was examined using four different techniques, including the Kissinger-SY iteration method, the Ozawa-SY iteration method, the Lee-Beck approximation-iteration method, and the Gorbatchev approximation-iteration method. It was discovered that the activation energy was significantly higher than that of lignin. Higher activation energy suggests that F-lignin@HKUST-1 pyrolysis requires more energy from the environment, which will be significant about the application of lignin-based flame retardants.
Jumping in the Chiral Pool: Asymmetric Hydroaminations with Early Metals
Authors: Notz Sebastian , Scharf Sebastian , Lang Heinrich
Published: March 2023

The application of early-metal-based catalysts featuring natural chiral pool motifs, such as amino acids, terpenes and alkaloids, in hydroamination reactions is discussed and compared to those beyond the chiral pool. In particular, alkaline (Li), alkaline earth (Mg, Ca), rare earth (Y, La, Nd, Sm, Lu), group IV (Ti, Zr, Hf) metal-, and tantalum-based catalytic systems are described, which in recent years improved considerably and have become more practical in their usability. Additional emphasis is directed towards their catalytic performance including yields and regio- as well as stereoselectivity in comparison with the group IV and V transition metals and more widely used rare earth metal-based catalysts.
Mass Spectrometry Imaging for Single-Cell or Subcellular Lipidomics: A Review of Recent Advancements and Future Development
Authors: Li Dan , Ouyang Zheng , Ma Xiaoxiao
Published: March 2023

Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) has emerged as a powerful imaging technique for the analysis of biological samples, providing valuable insights into the spatial distribution and structural characterization of lipids. The advancements in high-resolution MSI have made it an indispensable tool for single-cell or subcellular lipidomics. By preserving both intracellular and intercellular information, MSI enables a comprehensive analysis of lipidomics in individual cells and organelles. This enables researchers to delve deeper into the diversity of lipids within cells and to understand the role of lipids in shaping cell behavior. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements and future prospects of MSI for cellular/subcellular lipidomics. By keeping abreast of the cutting-edge studies in this field, we will continue to push the boundaries of the understanding of lipid metabolism and the impact of lipids on cellular behavior.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Schiff Bases Derived from 4-Amino-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione
Authors: Janowska Sara , Khylyuk Dmytro , Janowski Michał , Kosikowska Urszula , Strzyga-Łach Paulina , Struga Marta , Wujec Monika
Published: March 2023

The treatment of infectious diseases is a challenging issue faced by the medical community. The emergence of drug-resistant strains of bacteria and fungi is a major concern. Researchers and medical professionals are working to develop new and innovative treatments for infectious diseases. Schiff bases are one a promising class of compounds. In this work, new derivatives were obtained of the 4-amino-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione reaction, with corresponding benzaldehydes with various substituents at position 4. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of all synthesized compounds were tested. Several new substances have shown moderate antifungal activity against Candida spp. The highest activity directed against C. albicans was shown by compound RO4, with a 4-methoxyphenyl moiety and an MIC value of 62.5 µg/mL. In order to check the toxicity of the synthesized compounds, their effect on cell lines was examined. Additionally, we tried to elucidate the mechanism of the antibacterial and antifungal activity of the tested compounds using molecular docking to topoisomerase IV, D-Alanyl-D-Alanine Ligase, and dihydrofolate reductase.
Numerical Analysis for Light Absorption Spectra of the Base of DNA-Wrapped Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Taira Hisao , Miyashiro Daisuke , Umemura Kazuo
Published: March 2023

This study numerically demonstrates the light absorption spectra of each base of DNA-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Previous experimental and theoretical studies show that the optical properties of these composites are different from the bare SWCNTs. In this work, we investigated the bases of DNA that influence optical properties. To obtain stable molecular states for studying optical properties, molecular dynamics calculations were performed. Additionally, light absorption spectra in the ultraviolet-to-near-infrared region of one type of base-wrapped (e.g., adenine-, thymine-, cytosine-, or guanine-wrapped) SWCNTs were investigated by utilizing the semi-empirical molecular orbital theory using SCIGRESS commercial software. This method can significantly reduce the calculation time compared to the ab initio molecular orbital method, making the handling of composites of bases and SWCNTs possible. We found that the largest peaks appear at a wavelength of around 300 nm for all the composites. Furthermore, we found that the light absorption spectra above 570 nm are strongly influenced by adenine and cytosine. Thus, our computational results provide insight into the optical properties and the effects of base–SWCNTs that are difficult to investigate experimentally under the influence of solvents and various molecules.
PF127 Hydrogel-Based Delivery of Exosomal CTNNB1 from Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induces Osteogenic Differentiation during the Repair of Alveolar Bone Defects
Authors: He Longlong , Zhou Qin , Zhang Hengwei , Zhao Ningbo , Liao Lifan
Published: March 2023

Pluronic F127 (PF127) hydrogel has been highlighted as a promising biomaterial for bone regeneration, but the specific molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. Herein, we addressed this issue in a temperature-responsive PF127 hydrogel loaded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-derived exosomes (Exos) (PF127 hydrogel@BMSC-Exos) during alveolar bone regeneration. Genes enriched in BMSC-Exos and upregulated during the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and their downstream regulators were predicted by bioinformatics analyses. CTNNB1 was predicted to be the key gene of BMSC-Exos in the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, during which miR-146a-5p, IRAK1, and TRAF6 might be the downstream factors. Osteogenic differentiation was induced in BMSCs, in which ectopic expression of CTNNB1 was introduced and from which Exos were isolated. The CTNNB1-enriched PF127 hydrogel@BMSC-Exos were constructed and implanted into in vivo rat models of alveolar bone defects. In vitro experiment data showed that PF127 hydrogel@BMSC-Exos efficiently delivered CTNNB1 to BMSCs, which subsequently promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, as evidenced by enhanced ALP staining intensity and activity, extracellular matrix mineralization (p < 0.05), and upregulated RUNX2 and OCN expression (p < 0.05). Functional experiments were conducted to examine the relationships among CTNNB1, microRNA (miR)-146a-5p, and IRAK1 and TRAF6. Mechanistically, CTNNB1 activated miR-146a-5p transcription to downregulate IRAK1 and TRAF6 (p < 0.05), which induced the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and facilitated alveolar bone regeneration in rats (increased new bone formation and elevated BV/TV ratio and BMD, all with p < 0.05). Collectively, CTNNB1-containing PF127 hydrogel@BMSC-Exos promote the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by regulating the miR-146a-5p/IRAK1/TRAF6 axis, thus inducing the repair of alveolar bone defects in rats.
Effects of Multiple Global Change Factors on Symbiotic and Asymbiotic N2 Fixation: Results Based on a Pot Experiment
Authors: Wang Zhenchuan , Sun Xibin , Chen Hao , Li Dejun
Published: March 2023

Biological N2 fixation, a major pathway for new nitrogen (N) input to terrestrial ecosystems, largely determines the dynamics of ecosystem structure and functions under global change. Nevertheless, the responses of N2 fixation to multiple global change factors remain poorly understood. Here, saplings of two N2-fixing plant species, Alnus cremastogyne and Cajanus cajan, were grown at rural and urban sites, respectively, with the latter representing an environment with changes in multiple factors occurring simultaneously. Symbiotic N2 fixation per unit of nodule was significantly higher at the urban site than the rural site for A. cremastogyne, but the rates were comparable between the two sites for C. cajan. The nodule investments were significantly lower at the urban site relative to the rural site for both species. Symbiotic N2 fixation per plant increased by 31.2 times for A. cremastogyne, while that decreased by 88.2% for C. cajan at the urban site compared to the rural site. Asymbiotic N2 fixation rate in soil decreased by 46.2% at the urban site relative to the rural site. The decrease in symbiotic N2 fixation per plant for C. cajan and asymbiotic N2 fixation in soil was probably attributed to higher N deposition under the urban conditions, while the increase in symbiotic N2 fixation per plant for A. cremastogyne was probably related to the higher levels of temperature, atmospheric CO2, and phosphorus deposition at the urban site. The responses of N2 fixation to multiple global change factors and the underlying mechanisms may be divergent either between symbiotic and asymbiotic forms or among N2-fixing plant species. While causative evidence is urgently needed, we argue that these differences should be considered in Earth system models to improve the prediction of N2 fixation under global change.