bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing sheep B-cell epitopes in Echinococcus granulosus recombinant antigen P29 for vaccine development
Authors: Yang Jihui , Lv Yongxue , Zhu Yazhou , Song Jiahui , Zhu Mingxing , Wu Changyou , Fu Yong , Zhao Wei , Zhao Yinqi
Published: August 2024

Background

Echinococcus granulosus is a widespread zoonotic parasitic disease, significantly impacting human health and livestock development; however, no vaccine is currently available for humans. Our preliminary studies indicate that recombinant antigen P29 (rEg.P29) is a promising candidate for vaccine.

Methods

Sheep were immunized with rEg.P29, and venous blood was collected at various time points. Serum was isolated, and the presence of specific antibodies was detected using ELISA. We designed and synthesized a total of 45 B cell monopeptides covering rEg.P29 using the overlap method. ELISA was employed to assess the serum antibodies of the immunized sheep for recognition of these overlapping peptides, leading to the preliminary identification of B cell epitopes. Utilizing these identified epitopes, new single peptides were designed, synthesized, and used to optimize and confirm B-cell epitopes.

Results

rEg.P29 effectively induces a sustained antibody response in sheep, particularly characterized by high and stable levels of IgG. Eight B-cell epitopes of were identified, which were mainly distributed in three regions of rEg.P29. Finally, three B cell epitopes were identified and optimized: rEg.P2971-90, rEg.P29151-175, and rEg.P29211-235. These optimized epitopes were well recognized by antibodies in sheep and mice, and the efficacy of these three epitopes significantly increased when they were linked in tandem.

Conclusion

Three B-cell epitopes were identified and optimized, and the efficacy of these epitopes was significantly enhanced by tandem connection, which indicated the feasibility of tandem peptide vaccine research. This laid a solid foundation for the development of epitope peptide vaccine for Echinococcus granulosus.
Phylogenetic relationships and lineage-specific mitochondrial gene rearrangement in Ophiuroidea: insights from mitochondrial genomes
Authors: Na Jieying , Zhou Yadong , Cheng Hong , Zhang Ruiyan , Shen Chengcheng , Lu Bo , Wang Chunsheng , Zhang Dongsheng
Published: August 2024

Ophiuroids, the most diverse group of echinoderms, inhabit a vast array of ecological niches and play vital roles in benthic ecosystems as suspension feeders, scavengers and opportunists. Despite the important ecological roles played by Ophiuroidea, their evolutionary history and phylogenetic relationship is not yet fully understood. In this study, 47 mitochondrial genomes of ophiuroids, including 21 newly sequenced ones, were analyzed. tRNA duplication was firstly discovered in four species and a new start codon was identified for Ophiuroidea. Eighteen phylogenetic trees based on mitochondrial genomes consistently supported two major lineages, Ophintegrida and Euryophiurida. It further confirmed the monophyly of Euryalida and Ophiurida, respectively, as well as families represented by multiple species. Among 18 trees, only the two ML trees based on amino acid sequences using IQtree method supported monophyly of Amphilepidida and Ophiacanthida, consistent with current phylogenetic system of Ophiuroidea. This result highlighted the effect of phylogenetic analysis methods and datasets on tree topology, indicating that amino acid sequence data maybe more suitable for higher taxonomic level phylogenetic analysis of ophiuroids than nucleotide sequences. Four new gene orders of 13 protein-coding genes + two rRNAs and 12 new gene orders of all 37 genes were identified. Mitochondrial gene orders were highly variable in Ophiacanthida, but were extremely conserved in Eurylida. Additionally, both branch lengths and estimated positive selection varied among the four orders, and a positive relationship between branch lengths and mitochondrial gene rearrangement rates was revealed, suggesting distinctly different evolutionary history among the four major clades of Ophiuroidea. Overall, we (1) reconstructed the phylogenetic relationship based on mitochondrial genome, supporting the current phylogenetic system in Ophiuroidea, (2) revealed a high variability in mitochondrial gene rearrangement among the four orders, (3) provided the first evidence to link gene rearrangement and nucleotide substitution in Echinodermata.
Trends of maximum annual sea surface temperature in the Eastern China Seas
Authors: Ding Wenxiang , Wu Qiong , Chen Yongxin
Published: August 2024

The increasing ocean warming due to climate change significantly threatens regional marine ecosystems by raising the frequency and severity of extreme temperature events. This study examines patterns and trends of maximum annual sea surface temperature (Tmax) in the Eastern China Seas from 1985 to 2022. The results show a significant warming trend in Tmax, exceeding the global average, with notable differences between southern and northern regions. The northern Tmax warming rate is faster, with occurrence times significantly advancing, while the southern Tmax warming rate is slower, with occurrence times significantly delayed. The southern Tmax and its timing are closely correlated with the annual maximum air temperature and its timing. In the north, Tmax timing is influenced by latent heat flux (QLH); a significant increase in August QLH inhibits the continued rise of SST, causing Tmax to advance. The study also highlights a significant increase in marine heatwaves at Tmax timing, with higher Tmax indicating a higher occurrence probability. By elucidating these Tmax trends and dynamics, our study enhances understanding of regional climate impacts, supporting targeted conservation efforts and adaptive ecosystem management strategies in the Eastern China Seas.
Iron starvation results in up-regulation of a probable Haloferax volcanii siderophore transporter
Authors: Sailer Anna-Lena , Jevtic Zivojin , Stoll Britta , Wörtz Julia , Sharma Kundan , Urlaub Henning , Dyall-Smith Mike , Pfeiffer Friedhelm , Marchfelder Anita , Lenz Christof
Published: August 2024

The response of the haloarchaeal model organism Haloferax volcanii to iron starvation was analyzed at the proteome level by data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry. Cells grown in minimal medium with normal iron levels were compared to those grown under low iron conditions, with samples being separated into membrane and cytoplasmic fractions in order to focus on import/export processes which are frequently associated with metal homeostasis. Iron starvation not only caused a severe retardation of growth but also altered the levels of many proteins. Using a comprehensive annotated spectral library and data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS), we found that iron starvation resulted in significant changes to both the membrane and the soluble proteomes of Hfx. volcanii. The most affected protein is the RND family permease HVO_A0467, which is 44-fold enriched in cells grown under iron starvation. The gene HVO_A0467 can be deleted suggesting that it is not essential under standard conditions. Compared to wild type cells the deletion strain shows only slight changes in growth and cell morphologies show no differences. Molecular docking predictions indicated that HVO_A0467 may be an exporter of the siderophore schizokinen for which a potential biosynthesis cluster is encoded in the Hfx. volcanii genome. Together, these findings confirm the importance of iron for archaeal cells and suggest HVO_0467 as a siderophore exporter.
Deep learning-based quantification of brain atrophy using 2D T1-weighted MRI for Alzheimer’s disease classification
Authors: Park Chae Jung , Park Yu Hyun , Kwak Kichang , Choi Soohwan , Kim Hee Jin , Na Duk L. , Seo Sang Won , Chun Min Young
Published: August 2024

Background

Determining brain atrophy is crucial for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. Despite detailed brain atrophy assessments using three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, their practical utility is limited by cost and time. This study introduces deep learning algorithms for quantifying brain atrophy using a more accessible two-dimensional (2D) T1, aiming to achieve cost-effective differentiation of dementia of the Alzheimer’s type (DAT) from cognitively unimpaired (CU), while maintaining or exceeding the performance obtained with T1-3D individuals and to accurately predict AD-specific atrophy similarity and atrophic changes [W-scores and Brain Age Index (BAI)].

Methods

Involving 924 participants (478 CU and 446 DAT), our deep learning models were trained on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volumes from 2D T1 images and compared with 3D T1 images. The performance of the models in differentiating DAT from CU was assessed using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Pearson’s correlation analyses were used to evaluate the relations between 3D T1 and 2D T1 measurements of cortical thickness and CSF volumes, AD-specific atrophy similarity, W-scores, and BAIs.

Results

Our deep learning models demonstrated strong correlations between 2D and 3D T1-derived CSF volumes, with correlation coefficients r ranging from 0.805 to 0.971. The algorithms based on 2D T1 accurately distinguished DAT from CU with high accuracy (area under the curve values of 0.873), which were comparable to those of algorithms based on 3D T1. Algorithms based on 2D T1 image-derived CSF volumes showed high correlations in AD-specific atrophy similarity (r = 0.915), W-scores for brain atrophy (0.732 ≤ r ≤ 0.976), and BAIs (r = 0.821) compared with those based on 3D T1 images.

Conclusion

Deep learning-based analysis of 2D T1 images is a feasible and accurate alternative for assessing brain atrophy, offering diagnostic precision comparable to that of 3D T1 imaging. This approach offers the advantage of the availability of T1-2D imaging, as well as reduced time and cost, while maintaining diagnostic precision comparable to T1-3D.
Dietary inflammatory index and type 2 diabetes in US women: a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007–2018
Authors: Mo Tingyan , Wei Man , Fu Jinyan
Published: August 2024

Objective

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major public health concern in the United States and worldwide. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) is a useful tool for assessing dietary inflammation. Although much research links the DII to diabetes, little is known about the relationship in adult women with a reproductive history in the United States. We aimed to investigate how the relationship between the DII and T2D varies among different subgroups of American women.

Methods

Secondary data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2018 were analyzed. Cross-sectional analysis of 8,394 American women aged 20 years or older who had at least one live birth. The main outcome was the diagnosis of T2D. Multivariate survey-weighted regression was used to determine the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for the association between DII and T2D. A weighted restricted cubic spline (RCS) model was constructed to establish OR curves at three knots to examine the dose–response association between DII and T2D. Additionally, a weighted subgroup analysis was performed in a fully adjusted model to verify that the association was robust.

Results

The study main found a significant association between the DII and T2D (OR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.12, 1.26, p < 0.001). Participants in the highest third of DII scores had a 56% increased risk of T2D (OR = 1.56, 95%CI: 1.16, 2.10; p for trend = 0.003) compared with those in the lowest third of DII scores, after adjusting for all covariates. The multivariable RCS demonstrated a linear association between DII and T2D (p = 0.892). The subsidiary found that subgroup analyses revealed a significant variation in the association between DII and T2D according to obesity, oral health, and poverty-income ratio (PIR) status. Among non-obese women, the OR was 1.22 (95%CI: 1.08, 1.37); among women with good oral health, the OR was 1.17 (95%CI: 1.07, 1.28); among women with low PIR, the OR was 1.17 (95%CI: 1.05, 1.30); and among women with high PIR, the OR was 1.26 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.48).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that there is a significant association between DII and T2D and that oral health, obesity, and PIR status may influence the relationship between DII and T2D risk. Further studies are warranted to validate our results and evaluate whether the results are similar in other populations.
Aversion to light is associated with impulsivity
Authors: Lander Alicia C. , Phillips Andrew J. K. , McGlashan Elise M. , Cain Sean W.
Published: August 2024

Exposure to bright light can be visually aversive. This study explored the association between light aversion and various facets of impulsivity. A total of 1,245 participants completed the UPPS-Impulsive Behavior Scale to assess five facets of impulsivity. Additionally, participants responded to questions regarding their aversion to light (e.g., how aversive do you find bright light?). Spearman’s correlation coefficients (rho) revealed that individuals who find light physically aversive, or who experience a negative physical response to exposure (e.g., nausea or headache) triggered by bright indoor light or sunlight, tend to act impulsively under extreme negative and positive affect. Individuals who experience a negative physical response to exposure display greater premeditation, indicating a higher likelihood of considering the potential consequences of their actions. Moreover, these individuals score lower on sensation-seeking, suggesting a reduced inclination to seek out thrilling or novel experiences. These results reveal a complex relationship between light aversion and impulsivity, where those who find light aversive tend to be less impulsive in general, but more impulsive under extreme positive or negative affect.
Specific emotion regulation difficulties mediate the relationship between personal distress and depressive symptoms in medical students
Authors: Colonnello Valentina , Castellano Paola , Mazzetti Michela , Russo Paolo Maria
Published: August 2024

Several studies indicate a link between personal distress and vulnerability to depression. The literature also suggests that personal distress is associated with emotion dysregulation and that emotion dysregulation plays a role in depression. However, which of the various emotion regulation difficulties mediates the relationship between personal distress and depression remains unexplored. This study therefore aims to investigate the mediating role of specific emotion regulation difficulties in the relationship between personal distress and depression. Of the 702 initially recruited participants, 635 completed a survey comprising the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory. A mediation analysis was used to explore which emotion regulation difficulties mediate the relationship between personal distress and depression. Over a quarter (27%) of participants reported moderate-severe depression symptoms. Difficulties in accessing adaptive emotion regulation strategies and in having a clear understanding about one's own emotions partly mediated the relationship between personal distress and depression symptoms. Our results are the first to indicate that personal distress is linked to depression risk through specific emotion regulation difficulties in medical students. They also highlight possible modifiable skills that could be targeted by prevention intervention.
Relationships of mental budgeting of the self-employed without personnel with tax compliance, pension, and disability arrangements
Authors: Antonides Gerrit , de Groot I. Manon
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Self-employed people without personnel mostly behave like consumers in managing their business finances, frequently leading to ill-management of the company finances. Ill-management may lead to inability to fulfill important financial obligations and making financial arrangements for the future. Here, we investigate the hypothesis that financial management is related to tax compliance.

Methods

We use having an overview of expenses, making ends meet, occurrence of a business bank overdraft, and how long the business could survive without income, as indicators of financial management. Four measures of tax compliance, i.e., the OECD measure of tax compliance, measures taken by the tax administration, enforced tax compliance, and voluntary tax compliance, and two measures of social security, i.e., pension and disability arrangements, are included. We use survey data from a sample of 1,191 Dutch self-employed people without personnel, roughly equally divided between starters ( ≤ 3 years in business) and non-starters (>3 years in business).

Results

We found both significant direct and indirect effects of mental budgeting on tax compliance and social security arrangements, thus showing incomplete mediation effects of financial management.

Discussion

The mediation effects of having an overview of expenses were relatively strong for the OECD and voluntary compliance measures, whereas the mediation effects of not making ends meet and bank overdrafts were relatively strong for measures taken by the tax administration and enforced compliance, thus indicating different financial management processes matching different motivations of tax compliance.
Unveiling the dynamic evolution of comparative advantage: assessing the competitiveness of China’s main winter and spring vegetable production regions
Authors: Hou Dainan , Wang Xin
Published: August 2024

Introduction

China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of vegetables, with all provinces, cities, and autonomous regions cultivating vegetables. The main production areas for winter and spring vegetables have higher accumulated temperatures, allowing for multiple planting seasons throughout the year. Therefore, this article examines the competitiveness of vegetable production in China’s main winter and spring vegetable producing areas from the perspective of the dynamic evolution of comparative advantages.

Methods

Drawing on statistical data from 2000 to 2018 on the development of the vegetable industry in these key provinces, our analysis incorporates methods such as the Resource Endowment Coefficient, the Comprehensive Comparative Advantage Index, the entropy method, and systematic cluster analysis to explore the evolution of competitive advantages in vegetable production across various provinces and cities.

Results and discussion

The findings reveal significant regional disparities in resource endowments and overall advantages in vegetable production during the winter and spring seasons. Notably, Chongqing, Hubei Province, and Shanghai exhibit a Resource Endowment Factor (EF) averaging above 1, indicating a relative abundance of production resources and a comparative advantage. Similarly, Hainan Province, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangdong Province, Fujian Province, Shanghai, and Zhejiang Province each demonstrate an average Comprehensive Advantage Index (AAI) exceeding 1, affirming their comprehensive comparative strengths. Overall, the competitiveness of vegetable production in these regions exhibits a fluctuating yet ascending trend, with notable disparities in competitive strengths across different areas. The ranking of annual average competitiveness scores in vegetable production is as follows: Shanghai > Zhejiang > Hubei > Hunan > Guangdong > Sichuan > Chongqing > Fujian > Guangxi > Jiangxi > Hainan > Yunnan. Based on these outcomes, the study proposes tailored strategic recommendations for provinces and cities according to their unique resource endowments and comparative advantages, aiming to enhance the sector’s productivity and competitive stance.
Forkhead box O1 transcription factor; a therapeutic target for diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Shafaati Tanin , Gopal Keshav
Published: August 2024

Cardiovascular disease including diabetic cardiomyopathy (DbCM) represents the leading cause of death in people with diabetes. DbCM is defined as ventricular dysfunction in the absence of underlying vascular diseases and/or hypertension. The known molecular mediators of DbCM are multifactorial, including but not limited to insulin resistance, altered energy metabolism, lipotoxicity, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy. FoxO1, a prominent member of forkhead box O transcription factors, is involved in regulating various cellular processes in different tissues. Altered FoxO1 expression and activity have been associated with cardiovascular diseases in diabetic subjects. Herein we provide an overview of the role of FoxO1 in various molecular mediators related to DbCM, such as altered energy metabolism, lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and cell death. Furthermore, we provide valuable insights into its therapeutic potential by targeting these perturbations to alleviate cardiomyopathy in settings of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life of Patients Receiving Multi-Solid-Organ Transplants in Childhood Are Excellent: Results From a 20-Year Cohort Study
Authors: Paessler Alicia , Maple Hannah , Cortes Miriam , Simmonds Jacob , Tse Yincent , Raja Maduri , Muorah Mordi , Kessaris Nicos , Stojanovic Jelena
Published: August 2024

Advances in medicine allow children with previously fatal conditions to survive longer and present as transplant candidates; some requiring multiple solid-organ transplants (MSOT). There is limited data on clinical outcomes and no data on quality of life (QoL). In this mixed methods cohort study clinical outcomes from the NHSBT registry were analysed for all patients who received a kidney and one other solid-organ transplant as a child between 2000 and 2021 in the UK. QoL was measured using the PedsQL 3.0 Transplant Module questionnaire. 92 children met the inclusion criteria: heart/heart-lung and kidney (n = 15), liver and kidney (n = 72), pancreas and kidney (n = 4) and multivisceral (n = 1). Results showed excellent patient and graft survival, comparable to single-organ transplants. Allograft survival and rejection were significantly better in patients with combined liver and kidney transplants compared to patients with sequential liver and kidney transplants. QoL was excellent with a mean score of 74%. Key findings included a significant improvement in QoL post-transplant. This is the first study to look at clinical and QoL outcomes in MSOT recipients. The results indicate excellent long-term outcomes. All children born with conditions leading to end-stage disease in multiple solid-organs should be assessed as transplant candidates.
Global Stabilization of Control Systems with Input Saturation and Multiple Input Delays
Authors: Wu Jiawei , Li Bing , Li Jiashuai , Li Mingze , Yang Binyu
Published: August 2024

In this paper, the global stabilization problem of control systems with input saturation and multiple input delays is studied, and a new method is proposed to design nonlinear stabilization control laws. First, based on Luenberger’s canonical decomposition, the multiple-input delay system is transformed into a series of linear time-delay systems with single inputs and input saturation. However, for the converted system, each subsystem is coupled to the others. Therefore, the idea of recursion is adopted to construct a special state transformation with time delay for each subsystem and convert it into a linear system with time delay for both state variables and input variables. For the conversion system, a nonlinear controller with cascade saturation control is designed, and the controller includes some free parameters. The control performance of the controller is improved by adjusting the free parameters online. At the same time, a less conservative stability condition is established to ensure the dynamic performance of the closed-loop system. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method are verified by numerical simulation and practical applications in a spacecraft rendezvous system.
A Robust Hꝏ-Based State Feedback Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Drives Using Adaptive Fuzzy Sliding Mode Observers
Authors: Tahami Hamed , Saberi Sajad , Ali Bashar Mahmood , AbdulAmeer Sabah , Abdul Hussein Abbas Hameed , Chaoui Hicham
Published: August 2024

In several applications, the accuracy and robust performance of the control method for the speed of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) is critical. Model uncertainties, caused by inaccurate model identification, decrease the accuracy of PMSM control. To solve this problem, this paper presents a super robust control structure for the speed control of PMSMs. In the proposed method, the model uncertainties with Lipschitz condition together with disturbances are considered during the PMSM modeling, and their effects are handled using a robust state feedback control. To be more specific, the Lyapunov stability proof is performed in such a way that the model uncertainty effects are eliminated. Before that, the Lyapunov stability criteria have been selected in such a way that the Hꝏ conditions are considered and guaranteed. This issue helps to eliminate the effects of the disturbances. In addition, this paper considers another option to make the whole control structure robust against sudden load changes. To solve this problem, a fuzzy adaptive sliding mode observer (FASMO) is presented to determine the load torque and use it in the control signal generation. In this observer, the switched gain of the sliding mode observer (SMO) is adapted using a fuzzy system to eliminate the chattering phenomena and increase the estimation accuracy. In fact, the proposed method is called super robust because it resists model uncertainties, disturbances, and sudden load changes during three stages by robust state feedback control, Hꝏ criterion, and load estimator, respectively. The performance of the proposed approach is validated through a set of laboratory tests, and its superiority is shown compared to other methods.
Mapping Leadership and Organizational Commitment Trends: A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Abu Orabi Tareq , Almasarweh Mohammad Salameh , Qteishat Mazen Kamal , Qudah Hanan Ahmad , AlQudah Mohammad Zakaria
Published: August 2024

This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric and content analysis of scholarly articles investigating the relationship between leadership and organizational commitment. Utilizing the Web of Science Core Collection database, the research encompasses a rigorous search strategy focused on terms such as “leadership”, “distributed leadership”, “transformational leadership”, and “organizational commitment”. We selected a final dataset of 2110 peer-reviewed papers from the management and business domains after filtering through over 10,000 sources. The analysis identifies five key clusters to expand the understanding between leadership and organizational commitment: (1) “The Future of Remote Work and Its Impact on Organizational Commitment”, (2) “Authentic Leadership in the Age of Climate Organizational Change”, (3) “Job Satisfaction Promotes Leadership and Organizational Commitment by Empowering Attitudes and Perceptions”, (4) “Study of Leadership Style and Culture as Antecedents of Organizational Performance”, and (5) “Leadership in the Digital Age: Exploring the Intersection of Transactional and Transformational Leadership Styles”. This study’s originality lies in its extensive bibliometric examination, offering novel insights and guiding future research directions, thereby significantly contributing to the understanding and advancement of the field.
Construction of a Discrete Elemental Model for Clayey Soil Considering Pressure–Sinkage Nonlinear Relationship to Investigate Stress Transfer
Authors: Guan Zhuohuai , Jiang Dong , Zhang Min , Li Haitong , Jin Mei , Jiang Tao
Published: August 2024

The discrete element method (DEM) has been extensively utilized to investigate the mechanical properties of granules, particularly their microscopic behavior, overcoming limitations in field tests such as cost, time consumption, and soil condition restrictions. To ensure the development of reliable DEM simulations, proper contact model selection and parameter calibration are essential. In this research, a DEM parameter calibration method that could represent the nonlinear relationship between clayey soil pressure and sinkage at different moisture contents was proposed. Firstly, the sinking modulus K and the soil deformation exponent n were identified to reflect the nonlinear pressure–sinkage relationship. Then, sensitive DEM parameters on the soli pressure–sinkage relationship were investigated and calibrated, and the effect of moisture content on them was explored. Finally, the transfer of soil internal stress during subsidence was analyzed using the constructed discrete element model. The average error of the sinking modulus K and the soil deformation exponent n between the DEM and the experimental result at four moisture contents were 4.7% and 4.9%, respectively. The relative error of soil internal stress between simulation and experiment was 6.7%, 4.4%, and 9.7% at depths of 50 mm, 100 mm, and 150 mm, respectively. The soil particle trajectory, soil internal stress distribution, and variations during plate pressure–sinkage progress were analyzed by the constructed DEM model. The results demonstrated good agreement with theoretical models and experimental findings. The proposed clayey soil DEM modeling process that considers the pressure–sinkage nonlinear relationship at different moisture contents can be applied in machine-soil research.
Reconstruction of the Quadriceps Extensor Mechanism with a Calcaneal Tendon–Bone Allograft in a Dog with a Resorbed Tibial Tuberosity Fracture
Authors: Kim Hyunho , Lee Haebeom , Lewis Daniel D. , Jeong Jaemin , Kim Gyumin , Jeon Youngjin
Published: August 2024

A non-reducible tibial tuberosity fracture is a rare complication of tibial tuberosity transposition performed during correcting of medial patella luxation (MPL) in dogs. This condition severely disrupts the quadriceps extensor mechanism, leading to significant pelvic limb lameness. An 11-year-old, 1.8 kg spayed female Yorkshire Terrier sustained a comminuted left tibial tuberosity fracture during surgical correction of an MPL. Six months after surgery, the dog was markedly lame and unable to extend the left stifle. Radiographs revealed patella alta and resorption of the fragmented tibial tuberosity. A composite frozen allogeneic calcaneal tendon–bone block was utilized to reconstruct the tibial tuberosity and reattach the patellar ligament. Initial postoperative radiographs confirmed restoration of a normal patellar ligament to patella length ratio (1.42). Both the allogeneic bone used for tibial tuberosity reconstruction and the tendon used to reattach the patellar ligament were successfully integrated. The dog regained satisfactory limb function without recurrence of patella luxation, as reported by the owners 29 months postoperatively. The use of a calcaneal tendon–bone allograft effectively restored the functional integrity of the quadriceps extensor mechanism, providing a viable option for addressing quadriceps insufficiency resulting from the loss of the osseous tibial insertion.
Isolation of Aerobic Bacterial Species Associated with Palpable Udder Defects in Non-Dairy Ewes
Authors: Zeleke Mandefrot M. , Kenyon Paul R. , Flay Kate J. , Aberdein Danielle , Pain Sarah J. , Velathanthiri Niluka , Ridler Anne L.
Published: August 2024

The objectives of these studies were to identify associations between udder half defects (hard or lump) and bacteria isolated from milk or mammary tissue swabs, to compare with samples from normal udder halves at different physiological time points and to compare bacterial species isolated via milk and swabs of mammary tissue from within the same udder halves. A total of 1054 samples were aseptically collected from each udder half of 199 non-dairy breed (Romney) ewes from three different studies (Study A, n = 77; Study B, n = 74; and Study C, n = 48). Conventional bacterial culture and MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry were used for bacterial identification. Of the 225 samples from which bacteria were isolated, Mannheimia haemolytica and Streptococcus uberis were the dominantly identified species from defective udder halves, whereas coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CNS) species, mostly Staphylococcus simulans and Staphylococcus chromogenes, were more frequently isolated from normal udder halves. The ongoing presence of bacterial species over time was variable, although less frequently identified species showed less stability over time. A very high agreement (91.5%) of bacterial species identified was observed between the mammary tissue swab and udder half milk samples during post-weaning. In summary, palpable udder half defects were associated with bacterial positivity, and the ongoing presence of the bacteria over time was dependent on the species involved. Hence, culling ewes with palpable udder half defects that had more stable bacterial species could contribute to reducing the recurrence of palpable defects or mastitis.
Novel Monoclonal Antibody Specific toward Amyloid-β Binds to a Unique Epitope within the N-Terminal Region
Authors: Paterno Giavanna , Moore Brenda D. , Bell Brach M. , Gorion Kimberly-Marie M. , Ran Yong , Prokop Stefan , Golde Todd E. , Giasson Benoit I.
Published: August 2024

Amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition throughout the neuroaxis is a classical hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases, most notably Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aβ peptides of varied length and diverse structural conformations are deposited within the parenchyma and vasculature in the brains of individuals with AD. Neuropathologically, Aβ pathology can be assessed using antibodies to label and characterize their features, which in turn leads to a more extensive understanding of the pathological process. In the present study, we generated a novel monoclonal antibody, which we found to be specific for the N-terminal region of Aβ. This antibody reacted to amyloid precursor protein expressed in cultured cells and labels Aβ plaques and cerebral amyloid angiopathy in brain tissue from a mouse model of amyloidosis as well as post-mortem brain tissue from patients diagnosed with AD. This highly specific novel antibody will serve as a unique tool for future studies investigating Aβ deposition in novel mouse models and cross-sectional studies using post-mortem human tissue.
Effects of Acremonium terricola Culture on Lactation Performance, Immune Function, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Flora of Sows
Authors: Chen Zhirong , Xiao Lixia , Sun Qian , Chen Qiangqiang , Hua Weidong , Zhang Jinzhi
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to determine the effects of different doses of Acremonium terricola culture (ATC) on lactation performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal flora of sows. Forty-five Landrace sows (3–6 parity) were randomly assigned to the following three treatments from 85 days of gestation to 21 days after farrowing: a control diet (CON, basal diet), a low-dose Acremonium terricola culture diet (0.2% ATC, basal diet + 0.2% ATC), and a high-dose Acremonium terricola culture diet (0.4% ATC, basal diet + 0.4% ATC). Compared with the CON group, the supplementation of 0.2% ATC increased the average daily milk yield of sows by 4.98%, increased milk fat, total solids, and freezing point depression on day 1 postpartum (p < 0.05), increased serum concentration of Triiodothyronine, Thyroxin, and Estradiol on day 21 postpartum (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the supplementation of 0.4% ATC increased the average daily milk yield of sows by 9.38% (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the supplementation of 0.2% ATC increased serum concentration of IgG, IgM, and IFN-γ, CD4 on day 1 postpartum (p < 0.05) and increased serum concentration of immunoglobulin A ( IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M ( IgM), complement 3 (C3), cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4), cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) on day 21 postpartum (p < 0.05), while the supplementation of 0.4% ATC reduced serum concentration of IL-2 on day 21 postpartum (p < 0.05). Moreover, the supplementation of 0.4% ATC significantly increased serum concentration of catalase (CAT) (p < 0.05). Additionally, the supplementation of ATC affected the relative abundance of the intestinal flora at different taxonomic levels in sows and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as in the norank_f__Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes group, Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes group, and Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014 group of sows, while reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Phascolarctobacterium and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1. These data revealed that the supplementation of ATC during late gestation and lactation can improve lactation performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, and the gut microbiota. Compared with supplementation of 0.4% ATC, 0.2% ATC enhances the levels of thyroid-related hormones, specific antibodies, and cytokines in serum, promotes the diversity of beneficial gut microbiota, beneficial bacteria in the intestine, reduces the population of harmful bacteria, and thereby bolsters the immunity of sows. Hence, 0.2% ATC is deemed a more optimal concentration.
Perioperative Changes in Plasma Nitrite and IL-6 Levels Predict Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation (POAF) and Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Fischer Matthew A. , Howard-Quijano Kimberly , Zong Nobel Chenggong , Youn Ji Youn , Liu Norika Mengchia , Scovotti Jennifer , Grogan Tristan , Mahajan Aman , Cai Hua
Published: August 2024

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are common yet significant complications after cardiac surgery, with incidences of up to 40% for each. Here, we assessed plasma nitrite and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels before and after cardiac surgery to quantify the extent to which oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to POAF and AKI occurrence. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 206 cardiac surgical patients. Plasma nitrite and serum IL-6 levels were determined preoperatively and at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h postoperatively. The patients had continuous EKG monitoring for occurrence of POAF, while daily serum creatinine was measured for determination of stage 1 + AKI. Results: Postoperatively, 78 (38%) patients experienced AF, and 47 (23%) patients experienced stage 1 + AKI. POAF analysis: Age, ACE-inhibitor use, valve surgery and percent change in baseline plasma nitrite at 24 h postoperatively were associated with POAF in multiple logistic regression analysis. The inclusion of this new biomarker significantly improved the POAF prediction model (AUC 0.77 for clinical risk factors alone, to AUC 0.81). AKI analysis: A history of diabetes mellitus was associated with AKI in multiple logistic regression analysis, and the addition of preoperative IL-6 levels improved the prediction model for AKI occurrence (AUC 0.69 to AUC 0.74). Conclusions: We previously observed selective upregulation of NADPH oxidase isoform 4 (NOX4) in patients with AF, a critical causal role of NOX4 for AF in zebrafish and a robust inhibitory effect of nitric oxide (NO) on NOX4. Our data innovatively demonstrate that a reduction in circulating nitrite levels, likely implicative of elevated NOX4-mediated oxidative stress, independently associates with POAF and improves POAF prediction, whereas the inclusion of circulating IL-6 levels improves the prediction model for AKI. Therefore, therapeutic strategies to mitigate these pathophysiological sequalae of surgical stress may reduce the incidence of severe postoperative complications of POAF and AKI.
Unlocking the Detoxification of Phenanthrene from Water Using Alkali-Activated Slag Mortar
Authors: Tran Thanh Tai , Le Quynh Thi Ngoc
Published: August 2024

Low-cost and high-performance materials or techniques that could synergistically remove phenanthrene (PHE) in a simple manner were highly desired. Herein, we reported an alkali-activated slag (AAS) that proved applicable in both construction and environmental protection efforts. AAS was synthesized by mixing ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and an alkaline solution. The prepared AAS mortar achieved the highest mechanical strength when using an alkaline activator with a Na2O concentration of 8% by slag weight. Moreover, AAS exhibited excellent sorption performance towards PHE, with the highest sorption performance reaching 44.0 mg/g, which was much higher than that of GGBFS. Sorption of PHE reached equilibrium within approximately 120 h and fit well with the pseudo-second-order model. Furthermore, the primary sorption mechanisms for PHE on AAS were attributed to cation-π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and flocculation. The strategy of using AAS not only met the requirements for high-performance and low-cost materials but also addressed the challenging issues of developing an all-in-one treatment for PHE pollutants, which was of great significance to wastewater purification.
Study on Effectiveness of Regional Risk Prioritisation in Reinforced Concrete Structures after Earthquakes
Authors: Işık Ercan , Hadzima-Nyarko Marijana , Radu Dorin , Bulajić Borko
Published: August 2024

Depending on the characteristics of the existing buildings, earthquakes can cause damage at different levels and have a significant impact on the environment. The structural damages after the earthquakes have shown the importance of analysing both the existing and the damaged buildings. In this study, the Turkish rapid seismic assessment method, which was used for the existing building stock before a possible earthquake, was applied to the damaged reinforced concrete (RC) buildings after the 6 February earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş (Türkiye). The building data were used as a result of field observations in the provinces of Adıyaman, Hatay, and Kahramanmaraş, where the greatest destruction was caused by these earthquakes. Five RC buildings from each province were considered. The rapid assessment method was applied to a total of 15 buildings with different levels of damage. For this purpose, pre-earthquake images of the buildings were obtained, and an earthquake performance score was obtained for each building, taking into account the sustained damage during the earthquake. The primary aim of this study is to show the effects of structural irregularities on earthquake behaviour and to demonstrate the applicability of the rapid assessment methods used before the earthquake. The results obtained clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of rapid evaluation methods for existing building stock. Structural analyses were also carried out in this study to address the fact that the height of the ground storey is higher than the other storeys, which is one of the factors leading to a soft storey.
Combined Process for Caffeine Treatment in Aqueous Solution by Adsorption/Regeneration and Fenton Oxidation
Authors: Zanatta Natalia Pollon , Jurado Davila Vanessa , Hugue Katianna , Féris Liliana Amaral
Published: August 2024

This study aims to assess the efficiency of caffeine mitigation in an aqueous solution through a combination of adsorption and the Fenton reaction, using granular activated carbon (GAC). The present study also investigates the reduction in the concentration of oxidation byproducts in the solution and the regeneration of the solid. The combined process was conducted in four consecutive cycles using optimal values determined in individual technique studies. For the individual adsorption study, a Box–Behnken design was employed, with varying pH (3 to 11), GAC concentration (1.0 to 10.0 g L−1), and contact time (10 to 120 min). In the individual Fenton study, based on a factorial design, concentrations of FeSO4·7H2O (4 to 20 mg L−1) and H2O2 (25 to 150 mg L−1) were used at reaction times of 5 and 60 min. GAC was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), specific area (BET), and pore size (BJH) throughout all stages of experimentation. The outcomes show that the adsorption achieved a 93.4% removal rate under the optimal experimental conditions (natural pH, 65 min, and 10 mg L−1) and the Fenton reaction achieved a 98.92% degradation rate at a 37.5 ratio of H2O2/FeSO4·7H2O. The combined process also achieved an efficiency of over 95.7% of caffeine removal in four cycles, reducing the Total Organic Carbon (TOC) by more than 47.65% and 20.6% at 5 and 60 min of the Fenton reaction, respectively. Regeneration efficiencies of 99.6%, 91.8%, and 93.8% for the other three evaluated cycles were obtained. These findings suggest that the combined process is a promising solution for the treatment of effluents contaminated with caffeine.
A Fundamental Study on Circularly Polarized Double-Loop Antennas with Quasi-Two Sources
Authors: Hirose Kazuhide , Hirose Mitsuki , Mita Shintaro , Nakano Hisamatsu
Published: August 2024

Two concentric double-loop antennas were analyzed using the moment method to increase the 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth. Each antenna has a driven loop connected to a branched feedline that is vertical to the ground plane. First, a parasitic loop was added outside of the driven one with a spacing of S. It was found that the axial ratio bandwidth has a maximum value of 23% for S = 0.02 wavelengths. Next, we moved a parasitic loop inside of the driven one. It was revealed that the antenna shows an axial ratio bandwidth of 40%, which is three times as wide as that of a single-loop antenna. The analysis results were verified with experimental work.
Thermomechanical Analysis of PBF-LB/M AlSi7Mg0.6 with Respect to Rate-Dependent Material Behaviour and Damage Effects
Authors: Richter Lukas , Smolina Irina , Pawlak Andrzej , Schob Daniela , Roszak Robert , Maasch Philipp , Ziegenhorn Matthias
Published: August 2024

This paper describes the self-heating effects resulting from mechanical deformation in the additively manufactured aluminium alloy AlSi7Mg0.6. The material’s self-heating effect results from irreversible changes in the material’s microstructure that are directly coupled with the inelastic deformations. These processes are highly dissipative, which is reflected in the heat generation of the material. To describe such effects, a numerical framework that combines an elasto-viscoplastic Chaboche model with the Gurson Tvergaard Needleman damage approach is analysed and thermomechanically extended. This paper characterises the sample preparation, the experimental set-up, the development of the thermomechanical approach, and the material model. A user material subroutine applies the complete material model for the finite element software Abaqus 2022. To validate the material model and the parameters, a complex tensile test is performed. In order to check the finite element model, the energy transformation ratio is included in the evaluation. The numerical analyses of the mechanical stress evolution and the self-heating behaviour demonstrate good agreement with the experimental test. In addition, the calculation shows the expected behaviour of the void volume fraction that rises from the initial value of 0.0373% to a higher value under a complex mechanical load.
Exact Reliability and Signature Formulas for Linear m-Consecutive-k-out-of-n: F Systems
Authors: Gökdere Gökhan , Bugatekin Ayse
Published: August 2024

An m-consecutive-k-out-of-n: F (m/C/k/n: F) system consists of n linearly ordered components such that the system fails if and only if there are at least m nonoverlapping runs of k consecutive failed components. Our motivation in this work is to obtain efficient formulas for the signature and reliability of the m/C/k/n: F system with independent and identical (i.i.d) components that are easy to implement and have a low computational time. We demonstrate that the reliability formula derived for this system requires less computational time than the m/C/k/n: F system formula currently in use. For the minimal and maximal signatures of the m/C/k/n: F system, we provide precise equations. In addition, the average number of faulty components at the time of an m/C/k/n: F system failure and mean time to failure (MTTF) of an m/C/k/n: F system are analyzed through the system signature.