bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multifractal Cascade Model for Energy Evolution and Dissipation in Ocean Turbulence
Authors: Liu Xiuyan , Zhang Yufei , Song Dalei , Yang Hua , Li Xinyu
Published: September 2023

Scale properties and energy dissipation in the turbulent energy transfer process play an important role in deeply understanding the features of ocean turbulence. In this paper, a universal multifractal cascade model is applied to investigate scale and intermittency properties of a turbulent flow, and two sets of measured turbulence datasets in horizontal and vertical directions are performed for comprehensive experimental verification. First, an empirical mode decomposition method is utilized to adaptively decompose microstructure shear time series into several intrinsic mode functions. Then, the multifractal spectrum is calculated to extract multifractal features for different time scales. The ocean microstructure field shows an asymmetric structure with a left truncation and a long right tail in different directions. This proves that most energy transfer processes occur on small scales. Finally, the calculated multifractal indexes of all intrinsic mode functions for two datasets show that the intermittency of turbulence decreases with the increase in time scales, which reflects the multifractal intensity and the level of intermittency of turbulence. The multifractal cascade model can successfully build a bridge between intermittency and dissipation in the multiscale energy cascade process.
Temporal and Environmental Dynamics of Fish Stocks in the Marine Protected Area of the Artificial Reef of Kitros, Pieria (Northern Greece, Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Kallianiotis A. A. , Batjakas I. E.
Published: September 2023

The impact of temporal factors and physiochemical properties on the quantities and biomass of fish in the Thermaikos Gulf and adjacent habitats around the Pieria artificial reef complex in Northern Greece was evaluated. Data were collected from edge habitats of an artificial reef made of submerged concrete blocks located offshore of Kitros. Between 2015 and 2017, sampling excursions took place in the spring, summer, and fall of each year. The artificial reef complex is positioned 11.5 km offshore from Kitros, near the delta of the Aliakmonas River, and is influenced by freshwater from the Axios, Aliakmonas, Ludias, and Gallikos Rivers. To estimate the biomass and numbers of the primary benthopelagic commercial fish in the region, nine experimental samples were taken from 2015 to 2017, employing a bottom trawl with a mesh size of 10 mm. Each trawl sample lasted for 30 min to reduce the environmental impact of fishing in the areas under study. The sampling schedule was aligned with factors like the breeding times of the dominant species and the seasonal changes in the thermocline zone. Analysis showed seasonal differences in average abundance and biomass values across the 3 years of the study. Mullus barbatus, recognized as the most commercially significant species caught, demonstrated the greatest abundance and biomass during the second sampling season. Conversely, Pagellus erythrinus, the second most vital commercial species caught, exhibited its highest abundance in the first season and reached its peak biomass during the third sampling season. Hierarchical cluster analyses showed that the two major resulting clusters of species proliferated in numbers over the 3-year period, while undergoing a concurrent reduction in their individual sizes.
Port Digital Twin Development for Decarbonization: A Case Study Using the Pusan Newport International Terminal
Authors: Eom Jeong-On , Yoon Jeong-Hyun , Yeon Jeong-Hum , Kim Se-Won
Published: September 2023

The maritime industry is a major carbon emission contributor. Therefore, the global maritime industry puts every effort into reducing carbon emissions in the shipping chain, which includes vessel fleets, ports, terminals, and hinterland transportation. A representative example is the carbon emission reduction standard mandated by the International Maritime Organization for international sailing ships to reduce carbon emissions this year. Among the decarbonization tools, the most immediate solution for reducing carbon emissions is to reduce vessel waiting time near ports and increase operational efficiency. The operation efficiency improvement in maritime stakeholders’ port operations can be achieved using data. This data collection and operational efficiency improvement can be realized using a digital twin. This study develops a digital twin that measures and reduces carbon emissions using the collaborative operation of maritime stakeholders. In this study, the authors propose a data structure and backbone scheduling algorithm for a port digital twin. The interactive scheduling between a port and its vessels is investigated using the digital twin. The digital twin’s interactive scheduling for the proposed model improved predictions of vessel arrival time and voyage carbon emissions. The result of the proposed digital twin model is compared to an actual operation case from the Busan New Port in September 2022, which shows that the proposed model saves over 75 % of the carbon emissions compared with the case.
Numerical Investigation of Global Ice Loads of Maneuvering Captive Motion in Ice Floe Fields
Authors: Xuan Shenyu , Zhan Chengsheng , Liu Zuyuan , Feng Baiwei , Chang Haichao , Wei Xiao
Published: September 2023

During escort and convoy operations, icebreakers are often required to maneuver to open up channels or adjust routes due to the prevalence of ice floe conditions in Arctic routes. This study aimed to investigate the global ice load characteristics of the maneuvering captive motions, including constant turning motion, pure yaw motion, and pure sway motion, of the icebreaker Xue Long, using a combination of the discrete element method (DEM) and drag model. First, the method was verified using simulating Araon model tests from the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST). In addition, the maneuvering captive motions of the Xue Long model were simulated at varying turning radii, drift angles, and sway and yaw periods, which are typical but currently poorly studied maneuvering motions. Overall, the results of the study showed that the method is able to reproduce the coupling effect of the ship–ice–water system by considering ship–ice interaction and ice resistance, where the mean deviation and maximum deviation of ice resistance are 9.45% and 13.3%, respectively. The influences of the turning radius, drift angle, and sway and yaw period on the ice resistance and transverse force characteristics were studied and analyzed via ship–ice interactions. The present study provides a prediction tool for the assessment of ship maneuvering performance to assist the hull line development and model testing of icebreakers.
Consumer Trust in AI–Human News Collaborative Continuum: Preferences and Influencing Factors by News Production Phases
Authors: Heim Steffen , Chan-Olmsted Sylvia
Published: September 2023

AI has become increasingly relevant to the media sector, especially for news media companies considering the integration of this technology into their production processes. While the application of AI promises productivity gains, the impact on consumers’ perceptions of the resulting news and the level of AI integration accepted by the market has not been well studied. Our research focused on the analysis of news consumers’ preferred level of AI integration, AI news trust, and AI news usage intentions linked to the application of the technology in the discovery/information-gathering and writing/editing phases. By connecting a comprehensive set of factors influencing the perception of news and AI, we approached this gap through structural equation modeling, presenting an overview of consumers’ responses to AI integration into news production processes. Our research showed that while participants generally prefer lower levels of AI integration into both phases of production, news trust and usage intention can even increase as AI enters the production process—as long as humans remain in the lead. These findings provide researchers and news media managers with a first overview of consumers’ responses to news production augmentation and its implications for news perception in the market.
Circular-Statistics-Based Estimators and Tests for the Index Parameter α of Distributions for High-Volatility Financial Markets
Authors: SenGupta Ashis , Roy Moumita
Published: September 2023

The distributions for highly volatile financial time-series data are playing an increasingly important role in current financial scenarios and signal analyses. An important characteristic of such a probability distribution is its tail behaviour, determined through its tail thickness. This can be achieved by estimating the index parameter of the corresponding distribution. The normal and Cauchy distributions, and, sometimes, a mixture of the normal and Cauchy distributions, are suitable for modelling such financial data. The family of stable distributions can provide better modelling for such financial data sets. Financial data in high-volatility markets may be better modelled, in many cases, by the Linnik distribution in comparison to the stable distribution. This highly flexible family of distributions is better capable of modelling the inflection points and tail behaviour compared to the other existing models. The estimation of the tail thickness of heavy-tailed financial data is important in the context of modelling. However, the new probability distributions do not admit any closed analytical form of representation. Thus, novel methods need to be developed, as only a few can be found in the literature. Here, we recall a recent novel method, developed by the authors, based on a trigonometric moment estimator using circular distributions. The linear data may be transformed to yield circular data. This transformation is solely for yielding a suitable estimator. Our aim in this paper is to provide a review of the few existing methods, discuss some of their drawbacks, and also provide a universal (∀α∈(0,2]), efficient, and easily implementable estimator of α based on the transformation mentioned above. Novel, circular-statistics-based tests for the index parameter α of the stable and Linnik distributions are introduced and also exemplified with real-life financial data. Two real-life data sets are analysed to exemplify the methods recommended and enhanced by the authors.
Welfare Indices in Anurans under Human Care
Authors: Cortés Pérez Ethel , Maldonado Reséndiz Ricardo Itzcóatl
Published: September 2023

Certain species within the order Anura are relatively new in the context of exotic animals as pets, and the precise conditions required for their optimal care and well-being are still not well understood. This knowledge gap highlights the crucial need to develop effective strategies to measjournal oure the welfare of these animals. To address this need, the objective of this study was to review the existing literature on welfare indices related to amphibians kept under human care. A systematic review was conducted across eight scientific databases, with a focus on identifying relevant articles that explored welfare indices specifically within the order Anura. The search was performed using two specific keywords. In total, 1568 English language results were obtained. Following a refinement process, 19 articles were selected for further analysis. The most investigated welfare indices in amphibians included individual survival, life expectancy, reproduction, hibernation, and body condition. However, it is important to note that studies specifically examining the behavior of amphibians within the order Anura are limited in scope. It is evident that there is still much work to be conducted in order to gain a deeper understanding of the environmental conditions and cognitive processes that affect the well-being of these animals.
Unraveling the European Agricultural Policy Sustainable Development Trajectory
Authors: Doukas Yannis E. , Salvati Luca , Vardopoulos Ioannis
Published: September 2023

Amidst growing concerns about the impact of agriculture on the environment, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has been overhauled to prioritize sustainable rural development in European agriculture. Based on this line of thought, the present contribution delves into the details of the CAP’s shift, focusing on the main environmental concerns faced in the policy-making framework. Grounded in a political science perspective, the current study looks at how environmental and climate change concerns were gradually elevated inside the CAP’s policy-making framework and how they helped create the “green architecture” for European agriculture. Examining the process of policy change under the lens of historical institutionalism and neo-institutionalism within the multilevel governance framework of the European Union (EU), the key role played by the gradual introduction of measures aimed at promoting measurable environmental criteria and climatic targets is highlighted. For instance, measures aimed at preserving carbon-rich soils and enhancing water resources can have positive impacts on the environment. However, these measures were also recognized to increase the cost of production for the European farmers, who faced serious difficulties in adjusting to the new framework. Within this context, this research delves into the roles played by two additional fundamental entities: the consumer and environmental activism. Additionally, the study underscores the EU’s commitment to addressing climate change and sustainable development challenges and how conditionality is being used to link funding to results. Upon analyzing the CAP’s shift, the reflection of a more flexible and rational approach is argued to be embodied by the new policy architecture. By incorporating both CAP pillars, encouraging collaboration with compatible policies, and allowing for greater adaptability in response to the unique circumstances and objectives of each member state, the CAP is taking significant steps towards sustainability and climate action. These insights into the significance and implications of the CAP’s shift towards sustainability offer valuable recommendations for future policy developments, emphasizing the need to balance environmental concerns with the needs of farmers and other stakeholders.
Response of Food Production and Trade to the Global Socio-Ecological System Network
Authors: Xie Wenqi , Zhou Gang , Yang Haijuan , Chen Xin , Wang Chao , Ji Jieying
Published: September 2023

Food production and trade play a fundamental role in the globalized food system. However, the phenomena of decreasing food production and trade interruptions are becoming increasingly common. Currently, there is a lack of simultaneous research on food production and import trade. This study compiles socio-economic environmental data from 146 countries and regions worldwide and employs mobile window and network analysis methods to illustrate how food production quantity influences the social-ecological system. The research findings indicate that in the majority of regions worldwide (102 countries), food demand is met through the local food supply, with a predominant distribution in coastal and inland areas. However, 31% of countries or regions primarily achieve food security through import trade, and many of them are island nations and peninsular countries. This discovery provides valuable insights for understanding the diversity and dependency within the global food system. Based on the impact of food production quantity on the global socio-ecological system network, this study reveals the uneven strengths of connections between nodes and inconsistent connection directions. Building upon these findings, we propose recommendations concerning agricultural policies, human-environment relationships, agricultural transformation, and climate change to help prevent and manage food insecurity risks.
Order Picking Problem: A Model for the Joint Optimisation of Order Batching, Batch Assignment Sequencing, and Picking Routing
Authors: Coruzzolo Antonio Maria , Lolli Francesco , Balugani Elia , Magnani Elisa , Sellitto Miguel Afonso
Published: September 2023

Background: Order picking is a critical activity in end-product warehouses, particularly using the picker-to-part system, entail substantial manual labor, representing approximately 60% of warehouse work. Methods: This study develops a new linear model to perform batching, which allows for defining, assigning, and sequencing batches and determining the best routing strategy. Its goal is to minimise the completion time and the weighted sum of tardiness and earliness of orders. We developed a second linear model without the constraints related to the picking routing to reduce complexity. This model searches for the best routing using the closest neighbour approach. As both models were too complex to test, the earliest due date constructive heuristic algorithm was developed. To improve the solution, we implemented various algorithms, from multi-start with random ordering to more complex like iterated local search. Results: The proposed models were tested on a real case study where the picking time was reduced by 57% compared to single-order strategy. Conclusions: The results showed that the iterated local search multiple perturbation algorithms could successfully identify the minimum solution and significantly improve the solution initially obtained with the heuristic earliest due date algorithm.
Experimental Study on Friction and Wear Characteristics of Hydraulic Reciprocating Rotary Seals
Authors: Zhang Zongyi , Gao Dianrong , Guan Tianyuan , Liang Yingna , Zhao Jianhua , Wang Liwen , Tang Jie
Published: September 2023

Wear is one of the main failure causes of hydraulic seals. Wear will lead to degradation in the mechanical properties and sealing properties of seals. Compared with hydraulic seals with one-way rotational motion, the hydraulic reciprocating rotary seals work in more complex operating conditions, so their wear mechanism becomes more complicated. Aimed at exploring the friction and wear law of hydraulic reciprocating rotary seals and the property evolution law during the wear process, this paper set up an experimental system to simulate the working conditions of the hydraulic reciprocating rotary seals. The friction characteristics were obtained under different working pressures and different motion parameters. The wear characteristics were obtained under rated working conditions. The surface morphology was observed by SEM and the wear mechanism was analyzed.
A BPNN-QSTR Model for Friction-Reducing Performance of Organic Liquid Lubricants on SiC/PI Friction Pair
Authors: Wang Tingting , Zhang Liang , Chen Hao , Wu Li , Gao Xinlei
Published: September 2023

In this study, a systematic test of 36 organic liquid compounds as lubricants in the SiC/PI friction pair was conducted to investigate their friction-reducing performance. The back propagation neural network (BPNN) method was employed to establish a quantitative structure tribo-ability relationship (QSTR) model for the friction performance of these lubricants. The developed BPNN-QSTR model exhibited excellent fitting and predictive accuracy, with R2 = 0.9700, R2 (LOO) = 0.6570, and q2 = 0.8606. The impact of different descriptors in the model on the friction-reducing performance of the lubricants was explored. The results provide valuable guidance for the design and optimization of lubricants in SiC/PI friction systems, contributing to the development of high-performance lubrication systems.
Thermodynamic Analysis Based on the ZL205A Alloy Milling Force Model Study
Authors: Cui Jing , Shen Xingquan , Xin Zhijie , Lu Huihu , Shi Yanhao , Huang Xiaobin , Sun Baoyu
Published: September 2023

The ZL205A aluminum alloy is mostly used in automobiles, aircraft, aerospace, and other mechanical components, but now, it focuses on the study of its casting performance, and there is still a lack of research on its cutting performance. In this paper, the milling ZL205A aluminum alloy was milled for testing and simulation analysis. The milling test showed that the impact of the axial cutting depth, radial cutting depth, feed, and cutting speed on the milling force was successively reduced. A thermodynamic analysis model is proposed to evaluate the cutting force and tool design in milling. The model considers the front angle and friction angle of the tool, in which the friction angle is adjusted by the friction coefficient, the variable is the cutting parameter, the constant is fitted through the milling experiment, and the effectiveness of the model is verified to predict the milling force. The pre-grinding test was carried out before the experiment, and the stability of the test was proved by observing the macroscopic shape of the chip and the wear of the cutting edge. The model comprehensively considers the tool angle and quickly calculates the minimum load on the milling cutter based on the optimal geometric parameters, which can be used to optimize the milling cutter structure and provide a theoretical basis for the preparation of ZL205A aluminum alloy mechanical components.
Current and Future Trends in Tribological Research
Authors: Johns-Rahnejat Patricia M. , Rahmani Ramin , Rahnejat Homer
Published: September 2023

The paper provides a commentary on the theme of “Current and Future Trends in Tribological Research: Fundamentals and Applications”, which is a special feature issue commemorating the 10th anniversary of the journal, Lubricants. A historical discourse is provided regarding various aspects of tribology as a multi-disciplinary subject that interacts in an inter-disciplinary manner with many other subjects: multi-body dynamics, thermofluids and heat transfer, contact mechanics, surface science, chemistry, rheology, data science, and biology, to name but a few. Such interactions lead to many important topics including propulsion with different sources of energy, mitigating emissions, palliation of friction, enhancing durability and sustainability, optimization through detailed analysis, and the use of artificial intelligence. Additionally, issues concerning kinetics at various physical scales (from macroscale to microscale onto mesoscale and nanoscale) affecting the kinematics of contacts are discussed. The broad range of considered applications includes vehicular powertrains, rotor bearings, electrical machines, mammalian endo-articular joints, nanobiological attachment/detachment, and locomotion. Current state-of-the-art tribological research is highlighted within a multi-physics, multi-scale framework, an approach not hitherto reported in the open literature.
Design of Backstepping Sliding Mode Control for a Polishing Robot Pneumatic System Based on the Extended State Observer
Authors: Li Qinsheng , Ding Birong
Published: September 2023

Due to advantages such as a high power-to-weight ratio, a simple structure, and low cost, pneumatic systems are widely applied in automation. However, precise position control of pneumatic actuators is challenging because of factors such as friction, compressibility, and external disturbances. This paper presents a backstepping sliding mode control (BSMC) strategy based on the extended state observer (ESO) for pneumatic cylinder position tracking. A nonlinear model of the pneumatic system is first established, then system states and disturbances are estimated by an ESO, next the BSMC approach is developed using backstepping method and sliding mode control theory, and the stability of the ESO and controller is analyzed using Lyapunov theory. Finally, simulations and experiments on a pneumatic testbed are performed to compare the effectiveness of the proposed approach with PID control. The results show that the proposed strategy improves tracking accuracy and robustness against disturbances, with a 77.04% reduction in root mean square error (RMSE). This research provides a promising control solution for automated pneumatic polishing robots.
A Posterior p-Value for Homogeneity Testing of the Three-Sample Problem
Authors: Wang Yufan , Xu Xingzhong
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we study a special kind of finite mixture model. The sample drawn from the model consists of three parts. The first two parts are drawn from specified density functions, f1 and f2, while the third one is drawn from the mixture. A problem of interest is whether the two functions, f1 and f2, are the same. To test this hypothesis, we first define the regular location and scale family of distributions and assume that f1 and f2 are regular density functions. Then the hypothesis transforms to the equalities of the location and scale parameters, respectively. To utilize the information in the sample, we use Bayes’ theorem to obtain the posterior distribution and give the sampling method. We then propose the posterior p-value to test the hypothesis. The simulation studies show that our posterior p-value largely improves the power in both normal and logistic cases and nicely controls the Type-I error. A real halibut dataset is used to illustrate the validity of our method.
Robust μ-Controller for Automatic Glucose Regulation for Type I Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Kralev Jordan , Slavov Tsonyo
Published: September 2023

Type I diabetes mellitus is a serious autoimmune condition impacting a large population around the world that need a daily infusion of insulin substitutes to regulate blood glucose levels within healthy limits. The purpose of the study was to design a robust μ-controller based on an uncertain linear-time invariant (LTI) representation of the Hovorka model for glucose–insulin metabolism. The model set was obtained using linearization around an equilibrium point and adding parametric uncertainty to account for the time delay variation between plasma glucose concentration and its subcutaneous measurement. As a result, the robust stability and performance of the closed loop were proved using the structured singular value μ. The performance of the designed controller was also checked with a numerical simulation in connection with the nonlinear model.
Inequalities for Riemann–Liouville-Type Fractional Derivatives of Convex Lyapunov Functions and Applications to Stability Theory
Authors: Agarwal Ravi P. , Hristova Snezhana , O’Regan Donal
Published: September 2023

In recent years, various qualitative investigations of the properties of differential equations with different types of generalizations of Riemann–Liouville fractional derivatives were studied and stability properties were investigated, usually using Lyapunov functions. In the application of Lyapunov functions, we need appropriate inequalities for the fractional derivatives of these functions. In this paper, we consider several Riemann–Liouville types of fractional derivatives and prove inequalities for derivatives of convex Lyapunov functions. In particular, we consider the classical Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative, the Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative with respect to a function, the tempered Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative, and the tempered Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative with respect to a function. We discuss their relations and their basic properties, as well as the connection between them. We prove inequalities for Lyapunov functions from a special class, and this special class of functions is similar to the class of convex functions of many variables. Note that, in the literature, the most common Lyapunov functions are the quadratic ones and the absolute value ones, which are included in the studied class. As a result, special cases of our inequalities include Lyapunov functions given by absolute values, quadratic ones, and exponential ones with the above given four types of fractional derivatives. These results are useful in studying types of stability of the solutions of differential equations with the above-mentioned types of fractional derivatives. To illustrate the application of our inequalities, we define Mittag–Leffler stability in time on an interval excluding the initial time point. Several stability criteria are obtained.
Graded Rings Associated with Factorizable Finite Groups
Authors: Al-Shomrani Mohammed M. , Al-Subaie Najla
Published: September 2023

Let R be an associative ring with unity, X be a finite group, H be a subgroup of X, and G be a set of left coset representatives for the left action of H on X. In this article, we introduce two different ways to put R into a non-trivial G-weak graded ring that is a ring graded by the set G which is defined with a binary operation ∗ and satisfying an algebraic structure with specific properties. The first one is by choosing a subset S of G such that S is a group under the ∗ operation and putting Rt=0 for all t∈G and t∉S. The second way, which is the most important, is induced by combining the operation ∗ defined on G and the coaction ◁ of H on G. Many examples are provided.
On Albert Problem and Irreducible Modules
Authors: Quintero Vanegas Elkin Oveimar
Published: September 2023

Motivated by the relation between Albert’s Problem and irreducible modules within the class of commutative power-associative algebras, in this paper, we show some equivalences to Albert’s Problem. Furthermore, we study some properties of irreducible modules for the zero algebra of dimension n and we concluded that there are no irreducible modules of dimension four.
Mathematical Modeling of Pseudoplastic Nanofluid Natural Convection in a Cavity with a Heat-Generating Unit and Solid Finned Heat Sink
Authors: Loenko Daria S. , Sheremet Mikhail A.
Published: September 2023

The power-law nanofluid natural convection in a chamber with a thermally generating unit and a solid ribbed structure has been studied in this work. A mixture of carboxymethylcellulose with water and copper nanoparticles is a working fluid illustrating pseudoplastic properties. The effective properties of the nanoliquid have been described by experimental correlations reflecting the temperature effect. The governing equations have been formulated on the basis of the conservation laws of mass, momentum and energy employing non-primitive parameters such as stream function and vorticity. The defined boundary value problem has been worked out by the finite difference technique using an independently developed calculation system. The Rayleigh number is fixed for analysis (Ra = 105). The paper analyzes the influence of the nanoparticles volume fraction, an increase in which reduces the temperature in the case of the one edge presence. An analysis of the rib height has shown that its growth leads to a weakening of the convective heat transfer, but at the same time, the source temperature also decreases. Increasing the number of fins from 1 to 3 also helps to reduce the average temperature of the heat-generated element by 15%.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Signaling Does Not Increase Inflammation from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection in the Cystic Fibrosis Bronchial Epithelium
Authors: Hirsch Meghan June , Matthews Emma Lea , Bollenbecker Seth , Easter Molly , Kiedrowski Megan R. , Barnes Jarrod W. , Krick Stefanie
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: Chronic inflammation due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) remains a concerning issue in the wake of modulator therapy initiation. Given the perpetuating cycle of colonization, infection, chronic inflammation, and recurrent injury to the lung, there are increases in the risk for mortality in the CF population. We have previously shown that fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 can exaggerate transforming growth factor (TGF) beta-mediated bronchial inflammation in CF. Our study aims to shed light on whether FGF23 signaling also plays a role in PA infection of the CF bronchial epithelium. Materials and Methods: CF bronchial epithelial cells were pretreated with FGF23 or inhibitors for FGF receptors (FGFR) and then infected with different PA isolates. After infection, immunoblot analyses were performed on these samples to assess the levels of phosphorylated phospholipase C gamma (PLCγ), total PLCγ, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and total ERK. Additionally, the expression of FGFRs and interleukins at the transcript level (RT-qPCR), as well as production of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 at the protein level (ELISA) were determined. Results: Although there were decreases in isoform-specific FGFRs with increases in interleukins at the mRNA level as well as phosphorylated PLCγ and the production of IL-8 protein with PA infection, treatment with FGF23 or FGFR blockade did not alter downstream targets such as IL-6 and IL-8. Conclusions: FGF23 signaling does not seem to modulate the PA-mediated inflammatory response of the CF bronchial epithelium.
The Importance of Out-of-Office Blood Pressure Measurement, as Highlighted by the Correlation with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in an Untreated Hypertensive Population
Authors: Antza Christina , Tziomalos Georgios , Kostopoulos Georgios , Trakatelli Christina , Kotsis Vasilios
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: Hypertensive heart disease, especially left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), is considered to be one of the main types hypertension-mediated organ damage. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine which method of measuring BP (office BP measurement (OBPM), 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), or home BP monitoring (HBPM)), can be better correlated with echocardiographic LVH in the untreated hypertensive population. Materials and Methods: This study’s population consisted of 202 patients 58 ± 15 years old (40.8% males). All patients reported elevated home BP measurements for at least 3 months, but they had never been treated before for hypertension. Office and out-of-office BP measurements, including ABPM on a usual working day and seven-day HBPM, as well as 2D echocardiography, were performed. Results: In the univariate analysis, LVH was associated (p < 0.05) with a mean 24 h systolic BP (OR: 1.93, CI: 1.29–2.91), a mean 24 h diastolic BP (OR: 1.30, CI: 1.16–1.80), ambulatory daytime systolic (OR: 1.11, CI:1.01–1.82) and diastolic BP (OR: 1.13, CI:1.09–1.17), ambulatory nighttime systolic BP (OR: 2.11, CI: 1.04–4.31), and mean home systolic BP (OR: 1.05, CI:1.01–1.12). Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between the LV mass index and the mean 24 h systolic BP (r = 0.58, p < 0.05), daytime systolic BP (r = 0.59, p < 0.05), and nighttime systolic BP (r = 0.57, p < 0.05). Most of the population with confirmed LVH presented confirmed hypertension (based on ABPM, 48.1% or HBPM, 40%). The second most dominant phenotype was masked hypertension (ABPM, 32.7% and HBPM, 23.7%). The majority (59.3%) had non-dipping status, 20.4% had a reverse dipping pattern, 13% had a dipping pattern, and only 7.3% had extreme dipping BP. Conclusions: Out-of-office BP measurement devices seemed to be superior compared to in-office. This advantage is highlighted by better correlations in the identification of LVH as well as the diagnosis of masked hypertension, a condition also highly correlated with LVH.
Elucidating Cuproptosis-Associated Genes in the Progression from Nash to HCC Using Bulk and Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analyses and Experimental Validation
Authors: Zhao Zizuo , Luan Tiankuo , Wan Jingyuan , Du Hui , Hu Jun , Liu Hao , Gong Xia , Kuang Ge , Wang Bin
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Timely treatment during the NASH stage is essential to minimize the possibility of disease progression to HCC. Cuproptosis is a newly identified form of cellular death that could impact the progression of various diseases and cancers. Materials and Methods: Transcriptome and single-cell sequencing datasets were utilized to investigate the role of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in NASH progression to HCC. FDX1, LIPT1, and PDHP were identified as CRGs in NASH patients, and FDX1, DBT, GCSH, SLC31A1, and DLAT were identified as CRGs in patients with NASH progressing to HCC. FDX1 was found to play a significant role in both NASH patients and patients with NASH progressing to HCC. This study constructed cuproptosis-related clusters (CRCs) using the Nonnegative Matrix Factorization algorithm, and they were linked to fatty acid metabolism and the PPAR signaling pathway in both NASH CRCs and HCC CRCs. The Weighted Correlation Network Analysis algorithm identified CRP, CRC, TAT, CXCL10, and ACTA1 as highly relevant genes in NASH CRCs and HCC CRCs. The expression of FDX1 was validated in both mouse models and human NASH samples. Results: The investigation highlights FDX1 as a pivotal CRG in both NASH and NASH progression to HCC. The comprehensive characterization of CRGs sheds light on their potential biofunctional importance in the context of NASH and HCC. Our experimental results show that FDX1 expression was significantly increased in NASH patients. Conclusions: The present study identified key CRGs, revealing their potential impact on NASH and HCC. Meanwhile, targeting FDX1 may prevent the progression of NASH to HCC.
Evaluation of the Antifungal Effect of Rhus verniciflua Stokes Extract for Oral Application Potential
Authors: Kim Yu-Rin , Kim Gyoo-Cheon , Nam Seoul-Hee
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: This study confirms the possibility of using Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) extract as a natural treatment for oral candidiasis. Materials and Methods: RVS was extracted with 70% ethanol to examine the antioxidant activity through polyphenol, flavonoid content, and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl). To evaluate the antifungal effect against Candida albicans (C. albicans; KCTC 7965/ATCC 10231) and evaluate the stability of RVS, a water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1) assay was performed in human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Results: The findings revealed that RVS extract has fairly high antioxidant activity. The clear zones of the RVS extract against C. albicans increased in diameter due to the inhibition of fungal growth at higher concentrations. Treatment with the 1.25 mg/mL RVS extract had a more than 99% antifungal effect against C. albicans, and the 20 mg/mL RVS extract had a 100% antifungal effect. The WST-1 assay showed that the RVS extract induced low cell viability in the HaCaT cells, which inhibited their proliferation, and the RVS extract is also toxic to normal cells. Conclusions: Although the RVS extract with high antioxidant activity showed clear antifungal activity against C. albicans, it exhibited a low survival rate. Therefore, the development of a safe natural antibiotic is necessary.
Influence of Symbiotic Fermentation Broth on Regulating Metabolism with Gut Microbiota and Metabolite Profiles Is Estimated Using a Third-Generation Sequencing Platform
Authors: Wu Chih-Yin , Huang Chun-Kai , Hong Wei-Sheng , Liu Yin-Hsiu , Shih Ming-Chi , Lin Jung-Chun
Published: September 2023

Overnutrition with a high-fat or high-sugar diet is widely considered to be the risk factor for various metabolic, chronic, or malignant diseases that are accompanied by alterations in gut microbiota, metabolites, and downstream pathways. In this study, we investigated supplementation with soybean fermentation broth containing saponin (SFBS, also called SAPOZYME) in male C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat-fructose diet or normal chaw. In addition to the lessening of weight gain, the influence of SFBS on reducing hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia associated with a high-fat-fructose diet was estimated using the results of related biological tests. The results of gut microbial profiling indicated that the high-fat-fructose diet mediated increases in opportunistic pathogens. In contrast, SFBS supplementation reprogrammed the high-fat-fructose diet-related microbial community with a relatively high abundance of potential probiotics, including Akkermansia and Lactobacillus genera. The metagenomic functions of differential microbial composition in a mouse model and enrolled participants were assessed using the PICRUSt2 algorithm coupled with the MetaCyc and the KEGG Orthology databases. SFBS supplementation exerted a similar influence on an increase in the level of 4-aminobutanoate (also called GABA) through the L-glutamate degradation pathway in the mouse model and the enrolled healthy population. These results suggest the beneficial influence of SFBS supplementation on metabolic disorders associated with a high-fat-fructose diet, and SFBS may function as a nutritional supplement for people with diverse requirements.
Oxygen Exposure and Tolerance Shapes the Cell Wall-Associated Lipids of the Skin Commensal Cutibacterium acnes
Authors: Popa Iuliana , Touboul David , Andersson Tilde , Fuentes-Lemus Eduardo , Santerre Cyrille , Davies Michael J. , Lood Rolf
Published: September 2023

Cutibacterium acnes is one of the most abundant bacteria on the skin. Being exposed to oxygen and oxic stress, the secretion of the bacterial antioxidant protein RoxP ensures an endogenous antioxidant system for the preservation of skin health. To investigate the impact of the antioxidant RoxP on oxidation of the bacteria, wildtype and an isogenic roxp mutant were cultured in anaerobic and oxic conditions. The carbonylated status of proteins were recorded, as were the most significant modifications in a relative intensity of free fatty acids (FFA) and lipids containing fatty acids (FA), such as di- (DG) and triglycerides (TG), di- (DGDG) and sulfoquinozyldiacylglycerol (SQDG) and ceramides. Concerning the fatty acid types, it was observed that the free fatty acids contained mainly C12:0–C26:0 in hydroxy and acylated forms, the DG contained mainly C29:0–C37:0, the TG contained mainly C19:0–C33:0, and the DGDG/SQDGs contained very long fatty acids (C29:0–C37:0) demonstrating the interdependence of de novo synthesis of lipids and RoxP. The area of DGDG peaks (924.52, 929.56 and 930.58) were affected by bacterial growth conditions, with the exception of m/z 910.61. Moreover, the FFA unsaturation is wider in the SQDG species (C30:0 to C36:6) than in DG, TG or free FFA species. It could be concluded that both environmental oxidative statuses, as well as the prevalence of bacterial antioxidant systems, significantly shape the lipidome of C. acnes.
An In Silico Bioremediation Study to Identify Essential Residues of Metallothionein Enhancing the Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Tasleem Munazzah , Hussein Wesam M. , El-Sayed Abdel-Aziz A. A. , Alrehaily Abdulwahed
Published: September 2023

Microorganisms are ubiquitously present in the environment and exert significant influence on numerous natural phenomena. The soil and groundwater systems, precipitation, and effluent outfalls from factories, refineries, and waste treatment facilities are all sources of heavy metal contamination. For example, Madinah, Saudi Arabia, has alarmingly high levels of lead and cadmium. The non-essential minerals cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) have been linked to damage to vital organs. Bioremediation is an essential component in the process of cleaning up polluted soil and water where biological agents such as bacteria are used to remove the contaminants. It is demonstrated that Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) isolated from activated sludge was able to remove Cd and Pb from water. The protein sequence of metallothionein from P. aeruginosa was retrieved to explore it for physicoparameters, orthologs, domain, family, motifs, and conserved residues. The homology structure was generated, and models were validated. Docking of the best model with the heavy metals was carried out to inspect the intramolecular interactions. The target protein was found to belong to the “metallothionein_pro” family, containing six motifs, and showed a close orthologous relationship with other heavy metal-resistant bacteria. The best model was generated by Phyre2. In this study, three key residues of metallothionein were identified that participate in heavy metal (Pb and Cd) binding, viz., Ala33, Ser34, and Glu59. In addition, the study provides an essential basis to explore protein engineering for the optimum use of metallothionein protein to reduce/remove heavy metals from the environment.
A Fatal A/H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus Infection in a Cat in Poland
Authors: Szaluś-Jordanow Olga , Golke Anna , Dzieciątkowski Tomasz , Chrobak-Chmiel Dorota , Rzewuska Magdalena , Czopowicz Michał , Sapierzyński Rafał , Kardas Michał , Biernacka Kinga , Mickiewicz Marcin , Moroz-Fik Agata , Łobaczewski Andrzej , Stefańska Ilona , Kwiecień Ewelina , Markowska-Daniel Iwona , Frymus Tadeusz
Published: September 2023

A European Shorthair male cat, neutered, approximately 6 years of age, was presented to the veterinary clinic due to apathy and anorexia. The cat lived mostly outdoors and was fed raw chicken meat. After 3 days of diagnostic procedures and symptomatic treatment, respiratory distress and neurological signs developed and progressed into epileptic seizures, followed by respiratory and cardiac arrest within the next 3 days. Post-mortem examination revealed necrotic lesions in the liver, lungs, and intestines. Notably, the brain displayed perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes and histiocytes. Few foci of neuronal necrosis in the brain were also confirmed. Microscopic examination of the remaining internal organs was unremarkable. The A/H5N1 virus infection was confirmed using a one-step real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The disease caused severe neurological and respiratory signs, evidence of consolidations and the presence of numerous B lines, which were detected on lung ultrasound examination; the postmortem findings and detection of A/H5N1 viral RNA in multiple tissues indicated a generalized A/H5N1 virus infection. Moreover, a multidrug-resistant strain of Enterococcus faecium was isolated in pure culture from several internal organs. The source of infection could be exposure to infected birds or their excrements, as well as contaminated raw poultry meat but, in this case, the source of infection could not be identified.
One Advantage of Being Polyploid: Prokaryotes of Various Phylogenetic Groups Can Grow in the Absence of an Environmental Phosphate Source at the Expense of Their High Genome Copy Numbers
Authors: Brück Patrik , Wasser Daniel , Soppa Jörg
Published: September 2023

Genomic DNA has high phosphate content; therefore, monoploid prokaryotes need an external phosphate source or an internal phosphate storage polymer for replication and cell division. For two polyploid prokaryotic species, the halophilic archaeon Haloferax volcanii and the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803, it has been reported that they can grow in the absence of an external phosphate source by reducing the genome copy number per cell. To unravel whether this feature might be widespread in and typical for polyploid prokaryotes, three additional polyploid prokaryotic species were analyzed in the present study, i.e., the alphaproteobacterium Zymomonas mobilis, the gammaproteobacterium Azotobacter vinelandii, and the haloarchaeon Halobacterium salinarum. Polyploid cultures were incubated in the presence and in the absence of external phosphate, growth was recorded, and genome copy numbers per cell were quantified. Limited growth in the absence of phosphate was observed for all three species. Phosphate was added to phosphate-starved cultures to verify that the cells were still viable and growth-competent. Remarkably, stationary-phase cells grown in the absence or presence of phosphate did not become monoploid but stayed oligoploid with about five genome copies per cell. As a negative control, it was shown that monoploid Escherichia coli cultures did not exhibit any growth in the absence of phosphate. Taken together, all five polyploid prokaryotic species that have been characterized until now can grow in the absence of environmental phosphate by reducing their genome copy numbers, indicating that cell proliferation outperforms other evolutionary advantages of polyploidy.