bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endotyping Chronic Respiratory Diseases: T2 Inflammation in the United Airways Model
Authors: Ambrosino Pasquale , Marcuccio Giuseppina , Raffio Giuseppina , Formisano Roberto , Candia Claudio , Manzo Fabio , Guerra Germano , Lubrano Ennio , Mancusi Costantino , Maniscalco Mauro
Published: July 2024

Over the past 15 years, the paradigm of viewing the upper and lower airways as a unified system has progressively shifted the approach to chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs). As the global prevalence of CRDs continues to increase, it becomes evident that acknowledging the presence of airway pathology as an integrated entity could profoundly impact healthcare resource allocation and guide the implementation of pharmacological and rehabilitation strategies. In the era of precision medicine, endotyping has emerged as another novel approach to CRDs, whereby pathologies are categorized into distinct subtypes based on specific molecular mechanisms. This has contributed to the growing acknowledgment of a group of conditions that, in both the upper and lower airways, share a common type 2 (T2) inflammatory signature. These diverse pathologies, ranging from allergic rhinitis to severe asthma, frequently coexist and share diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as therapeutic strategies targeting common molecular pathways. Thus, T2 inflammation may serve as a unifying endotypic trait for the upper and lower airways, reinforcing the practical significance of the united airways model. This review aims to summarize the literature on the role of T2 inflammation in major CRDs, emphasizing the value of common biomarkers and integrated treatment strategies targeting shared molecular mechanisms.
Synthesis of an Anion Receptor Using 3,6-Diaminophenanthrene as a Scaffold
Authors: Halgreen Lau , Valkenier Hennie
Published: July 2024

The synthesis of phosphate receptors represents an important avenue of research given the ubiquity of phosphate in biological and environmental systems. While many molecular scaffolds suitable for smaller anions are available either commercially or via reported synthetic routes, scaffolds suitable for larger anions such as phosphate are less common. In this work, we present a clear and straightforward synthesis of the basic molecular scaffold 3,6-diaminophenanthrene and of a novel 3,6-bisureidophenanthrene anion receptor prepared from this scaffold. Of the seven synthetic steps using readily available starting materials and reagents, only a single chromatographic purification step was required. The different interactions of the 3,6-bisureidophenanthrene-based anion receptor with phosphate and chloride are demonstrated. We expect that this convenient synthesis of the 3,6-diaminophenanthrene building block will pave the way for applications in many different fields of research, from materials science to supramolecular chemistry.
Experimental Tests and Numerical Analysis of Aerodynamic Properties of the Composite-Made Jet-Propelled Aerial Target
Authors: Frant Michał , Kiszkowiak Łukasz , Majcher Maciej , Zalewski Piotr
Published: July 2024

The design of an aircraft’s internal structure, and therefore the appropriate choice of material type, is a direct function of the performed tasks and the magnitude and type of the acting loads. The design of a durable aircraft structure with appropriate stiffness and lightness requires knowledge of the loads that will be applied to the structure. Therefore, this paper presents the results of an aerodynamic experimental test and numerical analysis of a newly designed jet-propelled aerial target. The experimental tests were carried out in a low-speed wind tunnel for a wide range of angles of attack and sideslips. Moreover, they were performed for various configurations of the airplane model. In addition, the results of the experimental test were supplemented with the results of the numerical analysis performed using computational fluid dynamics methods. During numerical analysis, specialized software based on solving partial differential equations using the Finite Volumes Method was used. This article presents the methodology of the conducted research. The results of the aerodynamic analysis are presented in the form of diagrams showing the aerodynamic force and moment components as a function of the angle of attack and sideslip. In addition, qualitative results of the flow around the plane have been presented. The results obtained prove that the adopted methods are sufficient to solve these types of problem. The aerial system was positively verified during the qualification tests of the system at the Polish Air Force training range and finally received the type certificate.
Effect of Thermal Oxidation of Carbon Nanotubes during Wet Spinning into Fibers Using Sodium Cholate Surfactant in Aqueous Dispersion
Authors: Jeong Yun Ho , Im Jaegyun , Choi Gyeong Hwan , Kim Chae Bin , Lee Jaegeun
Published: July 2024

Surfactant-based wet spinning is a promising route toward the eco-friendly production of carbon nanotube fibers (CNTFs). However, currently, the properties of surfactant-based wet-spun CNTFs lag behind those produced by other methods, indicating the need for further understanding and research. Here, we explored the surface characteristics of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that are advantageous for the properties of CNTFs produced by wet spinning, using sodium cholate as a surfactant. Our finding indicates that appropriate thermal oxidation of CNTs enhances the fiber properties, while excessive oxidation undermines them. This implies that the bonding mechanism between CNTs and sodium cholate involves hydrophobic interaction and π-π interaction. Therefore, it is crucial to preserve a clean surface of CNTs in wet spinning using sodium cholate. We believe our research will contribute to the advancement of surfactant-based wet spinning of CNTFs.
Comparative Analysis of Microabrasive Film Finishing Effects across Various Process Variants
Authors: Tandecka Katarzyna , Kacalak Wojciech , Mathia Thomas G.
Published: July 2024

The paper investigates various methods of microfinishing and arrives at the best technique to produce a very smooth surface. Various setups, with and without oscillation, were developed, together with a microfinishing attachment used on conventional lathes and milling machines. The workpiece material used was an amorphous nickel–phosphorus Ni–P alloy. The surface roughness parameters, such as Sa, Sv, and Sp, were measured with the TalySurf CCI6000 instrument. For the measurement of the surface protrusions, an “analysis of islands” technique was used at various levels of cut-off. The 2BA method—machining below the workpiece axis with oscillation—turned out to be the most effective method applied because it had the highest density of protrusions while having the smallest value of surface roughness. Non-oscillation with the machining zone below the axis also becomes effective, indicating that repositioning can compensate for a lack of oscillation. Already, the very compact surface structure achieved with minimized depths in the valleys by the 2BA method supported the improvement in tribological performance and increase in load-carrying capacity, together with lubricant retention enhancement. These results show that the microfinishing process can be optimized by parameter tuning, and also, non-oscillating methods could come to be a practical alternative, probably reducing the complexity of equipment and cutting costs. Further studies need to be aimed at the scalability of these methods and their application to other materials and fields.
Integrated Control of a Wheel–Track Hybrid Vehicle Based on Adaptive Model Predictive Control
Authors: Li Boyuan , Pan Zheng , Liu Junhua , Zhou Shiyu , Liu Shaoxun , Chen Shouyuan , Wang Rongrong
Published: July 2024

Hybrid wheel–track systems have found extensive applications due to the advantages a combination of wheels and tracks. However, the coupling influence between the wheeled and tracked mechanisms poses a challenge to stable and efficient controller design and implementation. This paper focuses on the lateral dynamic control of a vehicle in scenarios where both tracks and wheels are in contact with the ground. A dynamic model of a vehicle is first established based on the tire brush model and linearized general track model. Based on the dynamic model, a novel adaptive model predictive control (AMPC) method is designed considering the coupling and nonlinearity of the wheels and tracks to simultaneously regulate both mechanisms. Compared with traditional model predictive control approaches, the AMPC controller takes the side-slip angle and slip ratio as constraints to prevent the vehicle from reaching unstable states. Simulations are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the controller, and the results indicate that the controller has the capacity to optimize the objective’s yaw-rate response while maintaining lateral vehicle stability and preventing slip by imposing constraints.
On Neural Observer in Dynamic Sliding Mode Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Wind Generator
Authors: Karami-Mollaee Ali , Barambones Oscar
Published: July 2024

The captured energy of a wind turbine (WT) can be converted into electricity by a generator. Therefore, to improve the efficiency of this system, both the structures of WTs and generators should be considered for control. But the present challenge is WT uncertainty, while the input signals to the generator should be smooth. In this paper, a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) is considered. The dynamics of the PMSG can be described using two axes, named d-q reference frameworks, with an input in each framework direction. To obtain the maximum power and to overcome the uncertainty by means of a smooth signal, the dynamic sliding mode controller (D-SMC) is implemented. In the D-SMC, an integrator is placed in the control scheme in order to suppress the chattering, because it acts like a low-pass filter. To estimate the state added by the integrator, a new observer-based neural network (ONN) is proposed. The proof of the stability of the D-SMC and ONN is based on Lyapunov theory. To prove the advantages of the D-SMC, a comparison was also carried out by traditional sliding mode control (T-SMC) with a similar ONN. From this comparison, we know that the advantages of the D-SMC are clear in terms of real implementation, concept, and chattering suppression.
Vehicle Re-Identification Method Based on Multi-Task Learning in Foggy Scenarios
Authors: Gao Wenchao , Chen Yifan , Cui Chuanrui , Tian Chi
Published: July 2024

Vehicle re-identification employs computer vision to determine the presence of specific vehicles in images or video sequences, often using vehicle appearance for identification due to the challenge of capturing complete license plate information. Addressing the performance issues caused by fog, such as image blur and loss of key positional information, this paper introduces a multi-task learning framework incorporating a multi-scale fusion defogging method (MsF). This method effectively mitigates image blur to produce clearer images, which are then processed by the re-identification branch. Additionally, a phase attention mechanism is introduced to adaptively preserve crucial details. Utilizing advanced artificial intelligence techniques and deep learning algorithms, the framework is evaluated on both synthetic and real datasets, showing significant improvements in mean average precision (mAP)—an increase of 2.5% to 87.8% on the synthetic dataset and 1.4% to 84.1% on the real dataset. These enhancements demonstrate the method’s superior performance over the semi-supervised joint defogging learning (SJDL) model, particularly under challenging foggy conditions, thus enhancing vehicle re-identification accuracy and deepening the understanding of applying multi-task learning frameworks in adverse visual environments.
CCFD: Efficient Credit Card Fraud Detection Using Meta-Heuristic Techniques and Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Mosa Diana T. , Sorour Shaymaa E. , Abohany Amr A. , Maghraby Fahima A.
Published: July 2024

This study addresses the critical challenge of data imbalance in credit card fraud detection (CCFD), a significant impediment to accurate and reliable fraud prediction models. Fraud detection (FD) is a complex problem due to the constantly evolving tactics of fraudsters and the rarity of fraudulent transactions compared to legitimate ones. Efficiently detecting fraud is crucial to minimize financial losses and ensure secure transactions. By developing a framework that transitions from imbalanced to balanced data, the research enhances the performance and reliability of FD mechanisms. The strategic application of Meta-heuristic optimization (MHO) techniques was accomplished by analyzing a dataset from Kaggle’s CCF benchmark datasets, which included data from European credit-cardholders. They evaluated their capability to pinpoint the smallest, most relevant set of features, analyzing their impact on prediction accuracy, fitness values, number of selected features, and computational time. The study evaluates the effectiveness of 15 MHO techniques, utilizing 9 transfer functions (TFs) that identify the most relevant subset of features for fraud prediction. Two machine learning (ML) classifiers, random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM), are used to evaluate the impact of the chosen features on predictive accuracy. The result indicated a substantial improvement in model efficiency, achieving a classification accuracy of up to 97% and reducing the feature size by up to 90%. In addition, it underscored the critical role of feature selection in optimizing fraud detection systems (FDSs) and adapting to the challenges posed by data imbalance. Additionally, this research highlights how machine learning continues to evolve, revolutionizing FDSs with innovative solutions that deliver significantly enhanced capabilities.
To Exit or Not to Exit: Cost-Effective Early-Exit Architecture Based on Markov Decision Process
Authors: Kim Kyu-Sik , Lee Hyun-Suk
Published: July 2024

Recently, studies on early-exit mechanisms have emerged to reduce the computational cost during the inference process of deep learning models. However, most existing early-exit architectures simply determine early exiting based only on a target confidence level in the prediction, without any consideration of the computational cost. Such an early-exit criterion fails to balance accuracy and cost, making it difficult to use in various environments. To address this problem, we propose a novel, cost-effective early-exit architecture in which an early-exit criterion is designed based on the Markov decision process (MDP). Since the early-exit decisions within an early-exit model are sequential, we model them as an MDP problem to maximize accuracy as much as possible while minimizing the computational cost. Then, we develop a cost-effective early-exit algorithm using reinforcement learning that solves the MDP problem. For each input sample, the algorithm dynamically makes early-exit decisions considering the relative importance of accuracy and computational cost in a given environment, thereby balancing the trade-off between accuracy and cost regardless of the environment. Consequently, it can be used in various environments, even in a resource-constrained environment. Through extensive experiments, we demonstrate that our proposed architecture can effectively balance the trade-off in different environments, while the existing architectures fail to do so since they focus only on reducing their cost while preventing the degradation of accuracy.
Systematical Investigation on Anti-Fatigue Function and Underlying Mechanism of High Fischer Ratio Oligopeptides from Antarctic Krill on Exercise-Induced Fatigue in Mice
Authors: Mao Sha-Yi , Suo Shi-Kun , Wang Yu-Mei , Chi Chang-Feng , Wang Bin
Published: July 2024

High Fischer ratio oligopeptides (HFOs) have a variety of biological activities, but their mechanisms of action for anti-fatigue are less systematically studied at present. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the anti-fatigue efficacy of HFOs from Antarctic krill (HFOs-AK) and explore its mechanism of action through establishing the fatigue model of endurance swimming in mice. Therefore, according to the comparison with the endurance swimming model group, HFOs-AK were able to dose-dependently prolong the endurance swimming time, reduce the levels of the metabolites (lactic acid, blood urea nitrogen, and blood ammonia), increase the content of blood glucose, muscle glycogen, and liver glycogen, reduce lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase extravasation, and protect muscle tissue from damage in the endurance swimming mice. HFOs-AK were shown to enhance Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activities and increase ATP content in muscle tissue. Meanwhile, HFOs-AK also showed significantly antioxidant ability by increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the liver and decreasing the level of malondialdehyde. Further studies showed that HFOs-AK could regulate the body’s energy metabolism and thus exert its anti-fatigue effects by activating the AMPK signaling pathway and up-regulating the expression of p-AMPK and PGC-α proteins. Therefore, HFOs-AK can be used as an auxiliary functional dietary molecules to exert its good anti-fatigue activity and be applied to anti-fatigue functional foods.
Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction Disparities: A Systematic Review of Sociodemographic and Economic Barriers
Authors: Vangsness Kella L. , Juste Jonathan , Sam Andre-Philippe , Munabi Naikhoba , Chu Michael , Agko Mouchammed , Chang Jeff , Carre Antoine L.
Published: July 2024

Background: Breast reconstruction (BR) following mastectomy is a well-established beneficial medical intervention for patient physical and psychological well-being. Previous studies have emphasized BR as the gold standard of care for breast cancer patients requiring surgery. Multiple policies have improved BR access, but there remain social, economic, and geographical barriers to receiving reconstruction. Threats to equitable healthcare for all breast cancer patients in America persist despite growing awareness and efforts to negate these disparities. While race/ethnicity has been correlated with differences in BR rates and outcomes, ongoing research outlines a multitude of issues underlying this variance. Understanding the current and continuous barriers will help to address and overcome gaps in access. Methods: A systematic review assessing three reference databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Ovid Medline) was carried out in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A keyword search was conducted on 3 February 2024, specifying results between 2004 and 2024. Studies were included based on content, peer-reviewed status, and publication type. Two independent reviewers screened results based on title/abstract appropriateness and relevance. Data were extracted, cached in an online reference collection, and input into a cloud-based database for analysis. Results: In total, 1756 references were populated from all databases (PubMed = 829, Ovid Medline = 594, and Web of Science = 333), and 461 duplicate records were removed, along with 1147 results deemed ineligible by study criteria. Then, 45 international or non-English results were excluded. The screening sample consisted of 103 publications. After screening, the systematic review produced 70 studies with satisfactory relevance to our study focus. Conclusions: Federal mandates have improved access to women undergoing postmastectomy BR, particularly for younger, White, privately insured, urban-located patients. Recently published studies had a stronger focus on disparities, particularly among races, and show continued disadvantages for minorities, lower-income, rural-community, and public insurance payers. The research remains limited beyond commonly reported metrics of disparity and lacks examination of additional contributing factors. Future investigations should elucidate the effect of these factors and propose measures to eliminate barriers to access to BR for all patients.
The Role of Programmed Cell Death 1/Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) Axis in Sepsis-Induced Apoptosis
Authors: Coman Oana , Grigorescu Bianca-Liana , Huțanu Adina , Bacârea Anca , Văsieșiu Anca Meda , Fodor Raluca Ștefania , Stoica Florin , Azamfirei Leonard
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives: Sepsis involves a dysregulated host response, characterized by simultaneous immunosuppression and hyperinflammation. Initially, there is the release of pro-inflammatory factors and immune system dysfunction, followed by persistent immune paralysis leading to apoptosis. This study investigates sepsis-induced apoptosis and its pathways, by assessing changes in PD-1 and PD-L1 serum levels, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) severity scores. Materials and Methods: This prospective, observational, single-centre study enrolled 87 sepsis patients admitted to the intensive care unit at the County Emergency Clinical Hospital in Târgu Mureș, Romania. We monitored the parameters on day 1 (the day sepsis or septic shock was diagnosed as per the Sepsis-3 Consensus) and day 5. Results: Our study found a statistically significant variation in the SOFA score for the entirety of the patients between the studied days (p = 0.001), as well as for the studied patient groups: sepsis, septic shock, survivors, and non-survivors (p = 0.001, p = 0.003, p = 0.01, p = 0.03). On day 1, we found statistically significant correlations between CD8+ cells and PD-1 (p = 0.02) and PD-L1 (p = 0.04), CD4+ and CD8+ cells (p < 0.0001), SOFA and APACHE II scores (p < 0.0001), and SOFA and APACHE II scores and PD-L1 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.01). On day 5, we found statistically significant correlations between CD4+ and CD8+ cells and PD-L1 (p = 0.03 and p = 0.0099), CD4+ and CD8+ cells (p < 0.0001), and SOFA and APACHE II scores (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The reduction in Th CD4+ and Tc CD8+ lymphocyte subpopulations were evident from day 1, indicating that apoptosis is a crucial factor in the progression of sepsis and septic shock. The increased expression of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis impairs costimulatory signalling, leading to diminished T cell responses and lymphopenia, thereby increasing the susceptibility to nosocomial infections.
Unveiling Bladder Cancer Prognostic Insights by Integrating Patient-Matched Sample and CpG Methylation Analysis
Authors: Kim Chanbyeol , Oh Sangwon , Im Hamin , Gim Jungsoo
Published: July 2024

Bladder cancer prognosis remains a pressing clinical challenge, necessitating the identification of novel biomarkers for precise survival prediction and improved quality of life outcomes. This study proposes a comprehensive strategy to uncover key prognostic biomarkers in bladder cancer using DNA methylation analysis and extreme survival pattern observations in matched pairs of cancer and adjacent normal cells. Unlike traditional approaches that overlook cancer heterogeneity by analyzing entire samples, our methodology leverages patient-matched samples to account for this variability. Specifically, DNA methylation profiles from adjacent normal bladder tissue and bladder cancer tissue collected from the same individuals were analyzed to pinpoint critical methylation changes specific to cancer cells while mitigating confounding effects from individual genetic differences. Utilizing differential threshold settings for methylation levels within cancer-associated pathways enabled the identification of biomarkers that significantly impact patient survival. Our analysis identified distinct survival patterns associated with specific CpG sites, underscoring these sites’ pivotal roles in bladder cancer outcomes. By hypothesizing and testing the influence of methylation levels on survival, we pinpointed CpG biomarkers that profoundly affect the prognosis. Notably, CpG markers, such as cg16269144 (PRKCZ), cg16624272 (PTK2), cg11304234, and cg26534425 (IL18), exhibited critical methylation thresholds that correlate with patient mortality. This study emphasizes the importance of tailored approaches to enhancing prognostic accuracy and refining therapeutic strategies for bladder cancer patients. The identified biomarkers pave the way for personalized prognostication and targeted interventions, promising advancements in bladder cancer management and patient care.
Cleaning of Ultrafiltration Membranes: Long-Term Treatment of Car Wash Wastewater as a Case Study
Authors: Tomczak Wirginia , Woźniak Piotr , Gryta Marek , Grzechulska-Damszel Joanna , Daniluk Monika
Published: July 2024

Car wash wastewaters (CWWs) contain various pollutants with different contents. Hence, selecting an appropriate process for their treatment is a great challenge. Undoubtedly, the ultrafiltration (UF) process is one of the most interesting and reliable choices. Therefore, the main aim of the current study was to investigate the performance of the UF membranes used for the long-term treatment of real CWWs. For this purpose, two polyethersulfone (PES) membranes with molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) values equal to 10 and 100 kDa were applied. As expected, a significant decrease in the permeate flux during the UF run was observed. However, it was immediately demonstrated that the systematic cleaning of membranes (every day) with Insect agent (pH = 11.5) prevented a further decline in the process’s performance. In addition, this study focused on the relative flux during the process run with breaks lasting a few days when the UF installation was filled with distilled water. The results of this research indicated that aqueous media favor microorganism adherence to the surface which leads to the formation of biofilms inside processing installations. As a consequence, many attempts have been made to restore the initial membrane performance. It has been found that the application of several chemical agents is required. More precisely, the use of an Insect solution, P3 Ultrasil 11 agent, and phosphoric acid increases the relative flux to a value of 0.8. Finally, it has been indicated that the membranes used in this work are resistant to the long-term exposure to bacteria and chemical agents. However, during the separation of CWWs for the membrane with an MWCO of 10 kDa, a lesser fouling influence and higher effectiveness of cleaning were obtained. Finally, the present study demonstrates a novel analysis and innovative implications towards applying the UF process for the CWW treatment.
A Case Study of a Laser Beam Welding Model for the Welding of Inconel 718 Sheets of a Dissimilar Thickness
Authors: Murua Oihane , Arrizubieta Jon Iñaki , Lamikiz Aitzol , Schneider Heinz Ingo
Published: July 2024

Laser beam welding (LBW) is a highly demanded process for premium-quality joints in aeronautic, energy, or industrial sectors, where flexibility and low-heat-affected zones are required. One of the main applications of LBW in the near future is expected to be the welding of new turbine engine components, which are typically made of Nickel-based superalloys. However, parameter setup is time- and resource-consuming, where experiment-based methods are typically employed. Therefore, the process development is far from an efficient resource utilization. In the present work, an LBW numerical model is developed and experimentally validated through a machine-integrated monitoring system. The LBW model is based on solving the heat transfer problem produced by the laser and provides the resulting temperature field, as well as the weld bead dimensions. The model includes a variable heat source that automatically adapts to the welding regime, conduction, or keyhole. For the model validation, two Inconel 718 sheets of different thicknesses are butt-welded and an error of around 10% is obtained, which ensures the validity of the model.
Numerical Study on Fretting Wear of DZ125/FGH99 Tenon/Mortise Joint Structure
Authors: Song Laicong , Shi Zhenyu , Zhang Chengpeng , Li Yong
Published: July 2024

Fretting wear in the contact area between the aero-engine blade tenon and turbine disk mortise has an important influence on the performance of the aero-engine. In this paper, the tenon joint structure of the DZ125/FGH99 superalloy material is taken as the research object, and the finite element model of the fir-tree tenon joint structure is established. Through subroutine invocation and mesh adaptive control technology, the fretting wear problem of dissimilar material contact pairs under composite load is numerically studied. The results show that for the specific tenon joint structure and load and boundary conditions studied in this paper, the maximum wear occurs on the contact surface of the first tooth, and the surface will show different partial slip states in different load cycles. The slip region always extends from the two contact edges to the interior, and the upper side has a larger range. Wear has a significant effect on the stress distribution and stick–slip state of the contact surface. The second and third teeth have a small amount of wear and are basically in a stick state during the entire wear process. Therefore, wear has little effect on the stress distribution and the stick–slip state of the contact surface. This study reveals the coupling relationship between the fretting wear and contact state of the tenon joint structure.
A Flexible Temperature Sensor Integrated at Needle Tip for In Situ Acupoint Temperature Monitoring
Authors: Song Ci , Yu Zheng , Feng Weiwen , Sun Ke , Wen Chuanbiao , Zhang Shengyan , Yu Shuguang , Li Xinxin
Published: July 2024

Temperature can reflect vital activities, and researchers have attempted to guide Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment by observing acupoint temperature changes. Integrating a temperature sensor at the needle tip enables in situ acupoint temperature measurement. However, the sensor needles for acupoint temperature monitoring designed in previous studies were fabricated by manually soldering thermistor beads and metal wires, making mass production difficult. In this work, using MEMS manufacturing technology, a flexible temperature sensor that can be integrated at the needle tip is proposed and can be mass-produced on silicon wafers. The sensor uses a Pt thermistor as the temperature-sensing element and has a slender flexible structure with dimensions of 125 μm width by 3.2 cm length. As the sensor is inserted into a hollow needle, the Pt thermistor is glued to the needle tip. In the temperature range of 30 °C to 50 °C, the fabricated temperature sensor has a sensitivity of 5.00 Ω∙°C−1, a nonlinearity of ±0.39%FS, and a repeatability error of ±2.62%FS. Additionally, the sensor has been applied to in vivo acupoint temperature monitoring experiments in rats and demonstrated good performance, suggesting its promise for future research on acupoint temperature.
Adaptive Internal Model Backstepping Control for a Class of Second-Order Electromagnetic Micromirror with Output Performance Constraints and Anomaly Control
Authors: Gan Huasen , Qin Yi , Zhang Jinfeng , Lv Cixing , Chen Zhonghua , Hu Yaohua
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the asymptotic tracking problem for a class of second-order electromagnetic micromirror model with output performance constraints and anomaly control, which is subject to model parameter uncertainties and external disturbances. Specifically, this paper formulates the trajectory tracking control problem of an electromagnetic micromirror as a closed-loop control trajectory tracking problem based on the general solution framework of output regulation. Moreover, the extended internal model is introduced to reformulate the closed-loop control problem into a state stabilization problem of the augmented system. Based on the augmented system, an internal model backstepping controller is proposed by integrating the barrier Lyapunov Functions (BLF) and the Nussbaum gain function with the backstepping structure.This controller not only satisfies the output performance constraints of the micromirror, but also maintains the control performance in anomalous control situations. The final performance simulation demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed controller.
Identification, Characterization, and Homology Analysis of a Novel Strain of the Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus from Yunnan, China
Authors: Wang Jiale , Shah Taif , Zhou Jiuxuan , Long Xinhua , Wang Yixuan , Chen Jie , Shi Mingfei , Shah Zahir , Wang Binghui , Xia Xueshan
Published: July 2024

Wildlife serve as potential microbial reservoirs, accounting for approximately 70% of emerging infectious diseases. Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), which causes Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in humans, is a highly pathogenic tick-borne virus prevalent in several parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe with high case fatality rates. Several CCHFV cases have been reported in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Southern and Eastern Europe. The disease is endemic in several parts of western China, particularly Xinjiang. Ticks of the genus Hyalomma have been identified as a principal vector and reservoir for CCHFV, although other tick species may also have a crucial role in maintaining CCHFV in endemic regions. On infection, CCHF begins as a nonspecific febrile illness that can progress to severe hemorrhagic manifestations with a higher case fatality due to the unavailability of vaccines or other therapeutic agents. In this study, we collected tissue samples from a wild dead Chinese serow (Capricornis milneedwardsii) and three Naemorhedus griseuses from Deqin County, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, China, to investigate for contagious viruses that could be transmitted to humans. We identified a novel CCHFV strain, YNDQL-415G, in the liver tissue of a dead C. milneedwardsii. We performed nucleotide and amino acid sequence homology on the full-length viral genome. The results revealed significant homology between the viral S segment to that of the Africa1 strain, while the M and L segments showed similarity with the Asia CCHFV strain, indicating potential gene reassortment in the YNDQL-415G strain. The genetic characterization of a novel CCHFV strain from a dead C. milneedwardsii raises concerns about the possibility of a new zoonotic infection. A regular survey program is recommended to track the distribution of wild animals as well as the viruses they may transmit to humans and other domestic mammals in the region.
Retrospective Detection of Ophidiomyces ophidiicola from Snake Moults Collected in Bieszczady Mountains, Poland
Authors: Marini Daniele , Szczygieł Piotr , Kurek Katarzyna , Di Nicola Matteo Riccardo , Dorne Jean-Lou C. M. , Marenzoni Maria Luisa , Rüegg Joëlle , Bury Stanisław , Kiraga Łukasz
Published: July 2024

Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, the causative agent of ophidiomycosis, poses a potential threat to wild snakes worldwide. This study aimed to retrospectively investigate the prevalence of O. ophidiicola in archived snake moults collected from the San River Valley in the Bieszczady Mountains, Poland, from 2010 to 2012. Using qPCR for O. ophidiicola detection and conventional PCR for clade characterisation, we analysed 58 moults and one road-killed specimen of Zamenis longissimus and Natrix natrix. A novel combination of primers (ITS2L) was used to simultaneously confirm SYBR Green-based qPCR results and perform genotyping. O. ophidiicola has been detected from two Z. longissimus and one N. natrix specimens. The identified clade (I-B) is consistent with those found in wild snakes of eastern Europe and San River Valley, indicating that O. ophidiicola has been present in this region for at least a decade. This study underscores the value of historical samples in understanding the long-term presence of pathogens and highlights the potential role of environmental reservoirs in the persistence of O. ophidiicola. Our findings are crucial for informing conservation strategies for the endangered Aesculapian snake populations in Poland, emphasising the need for ongoing monitoring and habitat management to mitigate the potential impact of ophidiomycosis.
Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Strains from Romania: A Whole Genome-Based Description
Authors: Usein Codruța-Romanița , Oprea Mihaela , Dinu Sorin , Popa Laura-Ioana , Cristea Daniela , Militaru Cornelia-Mădălina , Ghiță Andreea , Costin Mariana , Popa Ionela-Loredana , Croitoru Anca , Bologa Cristina , Rusu Lavinia-Cipriana
Published: July 2024

The zoonotic Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) group is unanimously regarded as exceptionally hazardous for humans. This study aimed to provide a genomic perspective on the STEC recovered sporadically from humans and have a foundation of internationally comparable data. Fifty clinical STEC isolates, representing the culture-confirmed infections reported by the STEC Reference Laboratory between 2016 and 2023, were subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis and sequences were interpreted using both commercial and public free bioinformatics tools. The WGS analysis revealed a genetically diverse population of STEC dominated by non-O157 serogroups commonly reported in human STEC infections in the European Union. The O26:H11 strains of ST21 lineage played a major role in the clinical disease resulting in hospitalisation and cases of paediatric HUS in Romania surpassing the O157:H7 strains. The latter were all clade 7 and mostly ST1804. Notably, among the Romanian isolates was a stx2a-harbouring cryptic clade I strain associated with a HUS case, stx2f- and stx2e-positive strains, and hybrid strains displaying a mixture of intestinal and extraintestinal virulence genes were found. As a clearer picture emerges of the STEC strains responsible for infections in Romania, further surveillance efforts are needed to uncover their prevalence, sources, and reservoirs.
Characterization of the Hoof Bacterial Communities of Active Digital Dermatitis Lesions in Feedlot Cattle
Authors: Wong Nicholas S. T. , Malmuthuge Nilusha , Gellatly Désirée , Nordi Wiolene M. , Alexander Trevor W. , Ortega-Polo Rodrigo , Janzen Eugene , Jelinski Murray , Schwartzkopf-Genswein Karen
Published: July 2024

Digital dermatitis (DD) is a costly hoof infection, causing lameness and pain in feedlot cattle. DD lesions can develop nonlinearly through a series of clinical stages, which can be classified by Dopfer’s M-stage scoring system. This widely adopted lesion scoring system recognizes five DD stages, where M1 (early lesion), M2 (acute ulcerative lesion), and M4.1 (chronic proliferative lesion with new developing lesion) are considered active but separate stages of the disease. This study assessed the skin surface microbiota of the active DD lesions of feedlot cattle. The DD lesions from three commercial feedlots were swabbed and then scored according to Dopfer’s M-stage scoring system. Swab samples were collected from 12 M2- and 15 M4.1-stage lesions. A total of 21 control swab samples from healthy contralateral feet (DD control) were classified as stage M0. An additional six skin swabs (M0) were collected from completely healthy (CH control) cattle with no lesions. The bacterial communities of active DD lesions (M2 and M4.1) and healthy skin (M0) were profiled using 16S amplicon sequencing. Diversity analyses showed that the hoof bacterial communities of M2 and M4.1 lesions were each distinct from those of M0 skin. However, the bacterial communities between the two active lesion stages were not different from each other. A significant increase in the relative abundance of Spirochaetota and Fusobacteriota and an overall decrease in bacterial diversity contributed to the altered bacterial communities in M2 and M4.1 lesions compared to those of healthy skin (M0). Although stages M2 and M4.1 are considered clinically different stages, the lesion-associated bacterial community is similar between the two active stages.
A Clean and Health-Care-Focused Way to Reduce Indoor Airborne Bacteria in Calf House with Long-Wave Ultraviolet
Authors: Ding Luyu , Zhang Qing , Wang Chaoyuan , Yao Chunxia , Shan Feifei , Li Qifeng
Published: July 2024

Long-term exposure to a relatively high concentration of airborne bacteria emitted from intensive livestock houses could potentially threaten the health and welfare of animals and workers. There is a dual effect of air sterilization and promotion of vitamin D synthesis for the specific bands of ultraviolet light. This study investigated the potential use of A-band ultraviolet (UVA) tubes as a clean and safe way of reducing airborne bacteria and improving calf health. The composition and emission characteristics of airborne bacteria were investigated and used to determine the correct operating regime of UVA tubes in calf houses. Intermittent exceedances of indoor airborne bacteria were observed in closed calf houses. The measured emission intensity of airborne bacteria was 1.13 ± 0.09 × 107 CFU h−1 per calf. Proteobacteria were the dominant microbial species in the air inside and outside calf houses. After UVA radiation, the indoor culturable airborne bacteria decreased in all particle size ranges of the Anderson sampler, and it showed the highest reduction rate in the size range of 3.3–4.7 μm. The results of this study would enrich the knowledge of the source characteristics of the airborne bacteria in intensive livestock farming and contribute to the environmental control of cattle in intensive livestock production.
Characterising Eastern Grey Kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) as Hosts of Coxiella burnetii
Authors: Tolpinrud Anita , Dobson Elizabeth , Herbert Catherine A. , Gray Rachael , Stenos John , Chaber Anne-Lise , Devlin Joanne M. , Stevenson Mark A.
Published: July 2024

Macropods are often implicated as the main native Australian reservoir hosts of Coxiella burnetii (Q fever); however, the maintenance and transmission capacity of these species are poorly understood. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to describe the epidemiology of C. burnetii in a high-density population of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) in a peri-urban coastal nature reserve in New South Wales, Australia. Blood, faeces and swabs were collected from forty kangaroos as part of a population health assessment. Frozen and formalin-fixed tissues were also collected from 12 kangaroos euthanised on welfare grounds. Specimens were tested for C. burnetii using PCR, serology, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. A total of 33/40 kangaroos were seropositive by immunofluorescence assay (estimated true seroprevalence 84%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 69% to 93%), with evidence of rising titres in two animals that had been tested four years earlier. The PCR prevalence was 65% (95% CI 48% to 79%), with positive detection in most sample types. There was no evidence of pathology consistent with C. burnetii, and immunohistochemistry of PCR-positive tissues was negative. These findings indicate that kangaroos are competent maintenance hosts of C. burnetii, likely forming a significant part of its animal reservoir at the study site.
Enteropathogenic Providencia alcalifaciens: A Subgroup of P. alcalifaciens That Causes Diarrhea
Authors: Bulach Dieter , Carter Glen P. , Albert M. John
Published: July 2024

Despite being considered a normal flora, Providencia alcalifaciens can cause diarrhea. In a previous study, strain 2939/90, obtained from a diarrheal patient, caused invasion and actin condensation in mammalian cells, and diarrhea in a rabbit model. Four TnphoA mutants of 2939/90 produced negligible invasion and actin condensation in mammalian cells. Now, the parent strain and the mutants have been sequenced to locate TnphoA insertion sites and determine the effect on virulence. A TnphoA insertion was detected in the type three secretion system (T3SS) locus on a large plasmid and not in a T3SS locus on the chromosome. In 52 genomes of P. alcalifaciens surveyed, the chromosomal T3SS locus was present in all strains, including both P. alcalifaciens genomic clades, which we classified as group A and group B. Plasmid T3SS was present in 21 of 52 genomes, mostly in group A genomes, which included isolates from an outbreak of hemorrhagic diarrhea in dogs. The TnphoA insertion only in the plasmid T3SS locus affected the invasion phenotype, suggested that this locus is critical for causation of diarrhea. We conclude that a subgroup of P. alcalifaciens that possesses this plasmid-mediated T3SS is an enteric pathogen that can cause diarrheal disease.
The Role of Oncogenic Viruses in Head and Neck Cancers: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Advancements in Detection Methods
Authors: Samara Pinelopi , Athanasopoulos Michail , Mastronikolis Stylianos , Kyrodimos Efthymios , Athanasopoulos Ioannis , Mastronikolis Nicholas S.
Published: July 2024

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) constitute a wide range of malignancies originating from the epithelial lining of the upper aerodigestive tract, including the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and salivary glands. Although lymphomas affecting this region are not conventionally classified as HNCs, they may occur in lymph nodes or mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues within the head and neck. Oncogenic viruses play a crucial role in HNC onset. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is extensively studied for its association with oropharyngeal cancers; nevertheless, other oncogenic viruses also contribute to HNC development. This review provides an overview of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and advancements in detection methods of oncogenic viruses associated with HNCs, recognizing HPV’s well-established role while exploring additional viral connections. Notably, Epstein–Barr virus is linked to nasopharyngeal carcinoma and lymphomas. Human herpesvirus 8 is implicated in Kaposi’s sarcoma, and Merkel cell polyomavirus is associated with subsets of HNCs. Additionally, hepatitis viruses are examined for their potential association with HNCs. Understanding the viral contributions in the head and neck area is critical for refining therapeutic approaches. This review underlines the interaction between viruses and malignancies in this region, highlighting the necessity for ongoing research to elucidate additional mechanisms and enhance clinical outcomes.
Bismuth White (Bismuth Oxychloride) and Its Use in Portrait Miniatures Painted by George Engleheart
Authors: Burgio Lucia
Published: July 2024

This article documents the discovery of ‘bismuth white’ on three late eighteenth-century portrait miniatures in the Victoria and Albert Museum collections, painted by renowned English artist George Engleheart. Metallic bismuth and bismuth-containing minerals have been known for centuries and were used on various types of artistic production, from German Wismutmalerei to medieval manuscripts and Renaissance paintings. However, until now they had never been documented on portrait miniatures, despite documentary evidence that suggests their use. The Raman analysis of the three miniatures shows that bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl, corresponding to the mineral bismoclite) is present, and XRF data prove that this material was used as a white pigment in its own right. This work is a pilot study: it represents the first step in the rediscovery of bismuth white as an artist’s pigment, and hopes to provide encouragement to other institutions to look deeper in their collections and map out the use of a relatively rare white material which until now had not been detected or documented in fine art objects.