bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Sailing Efficiency of Hybrid-Driven Underwater Glider at Zero Angle of Attack
Authors: Tian Xin , Zhang Lianhong , Zhang Hongwei
Published: December 2021

The sailing efficiency of an underwater glider, an important type of marine environment detection and data collection equipment, directly affects its range and duration. The zero-angle-of-attack gliding can be achieved by adjusting the wing installation angle to minimize the drag and improve the sailing efficiency, and thus further improving performance of the glider. This paper first presents the dynamic characteristics of a hybrid-driven underwater glider with a certain wing installation angle when it is sailing at zero angle of attack in buoyancy-driven mode and hybrid-driven mode. In buoyancy-driven mode, with a given wing installation angle, the glider can achieve zero-angle-of-attack gliding only at a specific glide angle. In hybrid-driven mode, due to the use of a propulsion system, the specific glide angle that allows the zero-angle-of-attack gliding in buoyancy-driven mode is expanded to a glide angle range bounded by zero degrees. Then, the energy consumption per meter is introduced as an indicator of sailing efficiency, and the effects of glide angle and wing installation angle on sailing efficiency of the zero-angle-of-attack glider in two driving modes are studied under the conditions of given net buoyancy and given speed, respectively. Accordingly, the optimal wing installation angle for maximizing the sailing efficiency is proposed. Theoretical analysis shows that the sailing efficiency of a zero-angle-of-attack glider can be higher than that of a traditional glider. Considering the requirements of different measurement tasks, a higher sailing efficiency can be achieved by setting reasonable parameters and selecting the appropriate driving mode.
Future Directions for Human-Centered Transparent Systems for Engine Room Monitoring in Shore Control Centers
Authors: Han Changhun , Abeysiriwardhane Apsara , Chai Shuhong , Maiti Ananda
Published: December 2021

Many autonomous ship projects have reflected the increasing interest in incorporating the concept of autonomy into the maritime transportation sector. However, autonomy is not a silver bullet, as exemplified by many incidents in the past involving human and machine interaction; rather it introduces new Human Factor (HF) challenges. These challenges are especially critical for Engine Room Monitoring (ERM) in Shore Control Centre (SCCs) due to the system’s complexity and the absence of human senses in the decision-making process. A transparent system is one of the potential solutions, providing a rationale behind its suggestion. However, diverse implementations of transparency schemes have resulted in prevalent inconsistencies in its effects. This literature review paper investigates 17 transparency studies published over the last eight years to identify (a) different approaches to developing transparent systems, (b) the effects of transparency on key HFs, and (c) the effects of information presentation methods and uncertainty information. The findings suggest that the explicit presentation of information could strengthen the benefits of the transparent system and could be promising for performance improvements in ERM tasks in the SCC.
Household Registration, Land Property Rights, and Differences in Migrants’ Settlement Intentions—A Regression Analysis in the Pearl River Delta
Authors: Wang Yuqu , Zhu Zhigang , Wang Zehong , Xu Qiying , Zhou Chunshan
Published: December 2021

Objectives: Few studies have examined the impacts of structural differences in the urban–rural dichotomy under the new household registration policy on migration and settlement behavior. Nevertheless, the rationale for the settlement policy of local governments should be further elucidated and improved. This study aims to analyze the household registration, land property rights, and differences in migrants’ settlement intentions. Methods: This study used migration survey data from the Pearl River Delta and probit regression to fill this gap in the literature. Findings: Because of the long-term effects of the household registration system and their socioeconomic differences, urban-urban migrants and rural–urban migrants differed in their settlement intentions. Furthermore, the new points-based household registration system affected migrants’ settlement intentions. Relative to the rural–urban migrants, urban–urban migrants more easily met the settlement requirements under the points-based system, and they tended to settle in their current cities. By contrast, migrants with farmland in their hometowns tended to settle there. The findings underscore the relevance of adopting perspectives that consider the urban–rural dichotomy and related structural differences to understand migrants’ settlement intentions in China.
National Park and UNESCO Global Geopark of Chelmos-Vouraikos (Greece): Floristic Diversity, Ecosystem Services and Management Implications
Authors: Tsakiri Maria , Koumoutsou Eleni , Kokkoris Ioannis P. , Trigas Panayiotis , Iliadou Eleni , Tzanoudakis Dimitris , Dimopoulos Panayotis , Iatrou Gregoris
Published: December 2021

This study highlights the importance of including detailed (local-scale) biodiversity and ecosystem services data for land-use management and promotion of protected areas using the National Park and UNESCO Global Geopark of Chelmos-Vouraikos (Greece) as a case study. Along with the conducted field surveys and literature review for the National Park’s flora documentation, ecosystem type mapping and assessment of ecosystem services have been performed, following National and European Union (EU) guidelines for the Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES) implementation across EU Member States. Main results include floristic diversity indicators, ecosystem type mapping and assessment, and ecosystem services identification and assessment of their actual and potential supply. By this, a scientifically informed baseline dataset was developed to support management and policy needs towards a holistic National Park management and a sustainable spatial planning for protected areas. Additionally, local scale ecosystem type and ecosystem services data have been produced as input for the MAES implementation in Greece and the EU.
Application of Risk Analysis in the Screening of Flood Disaster Hot Spots and Adaptation Strategies
Authors: Huang Er-Chiang , Li Pei-Wen , Wu Shao-Wei , Lin Chao-Yuan
Published: December 2021

In recent years, Taiwan has established a sound flood control foundation in terms of river management. Due to climate change and land development, surface runoff has increased. In addition, the functions of flood control engineering facilities have their limits. Surface runoff cannot be fully absorbed by rivers, and frequent floods still occur in some areas. According to the characteristics of water flowing along the terrain to low-lying land, the terrain features can be used to find out the hot areas prone to flooding and the appropriate location of flood storage space for improving flooding. On the basis of the natural terrain environment, the disaster risk framework is used to manage environmental complexity, and to carry out research on flood warning and governance decision-making systems, so that human beings can coexist with the uncertainty of flood risk. In this study, the Zhuoshuixi Basin was used as the sample area, the SCS-CN method was used to analyze the excess runoff, and the risk concept was used to establish a flood evaluation model. In addition, through the changes in land use, the SCS-CN method estimates the difference of potential maximum retention, quantifies the variation of excess rainfall in each watershed division, and uses the digital elevation model to calculate the depression site to analyze the relationship between the difference of potential maximum retention and the depression space of the watershed. The results show that the adaptation strategy for high-risk flooded areas should be strengthened, and areas with large water storage space and a small potential maximum retention difference can be the best location for offsite compensation.
The Roles of Neurotrophins in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Lin Ping-Hung , Kuo Lu-Ting , Luh Hui-Tzung
Published: December 2021

Neurotrophins are a collection of structurally and functionally related proteins. They play important roles in many aspects of neural development, survival, and plasticity. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to different levels of central nervous tissue destruction and cellular repair through various compensatory mechanisms promoted by the injured brain. Many studies have shown that neurotrophins are key modulators of neuroinflammation, apoptosis, blood–brain barrier permeability, memory capacity, and neurite regeneration. The expression of neurotrophins following TBI is affected by the severity of injury, genetic polymorphism, and different post-traumatic time points. Emerging research is focused on the potential therapeutic applications of neurotrophins in managing TBI. We conducted a comprehensive review by organizing the studies that demonstrate the role of neurotrophins in the management of TBI.
Relaxed Substrate Specificity in Qβ Replicase through Long-Term In Vitro Evolution
Authors: Yukawa Kohtoh , Mizuuchi Ryo , Ichihashi Norikazu
Published: December 2021

A change from RNA- to DNA-based genetic systems is hypothesized as a major transition in the evolution of early life forms. One of the possible requirements for this transition is a change in the substrate specificity of the replication enzyme. It is largely unknown how such changes would have occurred during early evolutionary history. In this study, we present evidence that an RNA replication enzyme that has evolved in the absence of deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs) relaxes its substrate specificity and incorporates labeled dNTPs. This result implies that ancient replication enzymes, which probably evolved in the absence of dNTPs, could have incorporated dNTPs to synthesize DNA soon after dNTPs became available. The transition from RNA to DNA, therefore, might have been easier than previously thought.
Distinct Mechanisms of Human Retinal Endothelial Barrier Modulation In Vitro by Mediators of Diabetes and Uveitis
Authors: Rudraraju Madhuri , Narayanan S. Priya , Somanath Payaningal R.
Published: December 2021

Ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and uveitis are associated with injury to the blood–retinal barrier (BRB). Whereas high glucose (HG) and advanced glycation end products (AGE) contribute to DR, bacterial infections causing uveitis are triggered by endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). It is unclear how HG, AGE, and LPS affect human retinal endothelial cell (HREC) junctions. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) is elevated in both DR and ocular infections. In the current study, we determined the direct effects of HG, AGE, TNFα, and LPS on the expression and intracellular distribution of claudin-5, VE-cadherin, and β-catenin in HRECs and how these mediators affect Akt and P38 MAP kinase that have been implicated in ocular pathologies. In our results, whereas HG, AGE, and TNFα activated both Akt and P38 MAPK, LPS treatment suppressed Akt but increased P38 MAPK phosphorylation. Furthermore, while treatment with AGE and HG increased cell-junction protein expression in HRECs, LPS elicited a paradoxical effect. By contrast, when HG treatment increased HREC-barrier resistance, AGE and LPS stimulation compromised it, and TNFα had no effect. Together, our results demonstrated the differential effects of the mediators of diabetes and infection on HREC-barrier modulation leading to BRB injury.
Internal Abiotic Components That Influence the Development of Biocorrosion on ETICS Plasters
Authors: Dybowska-Józefiak Monika , Wesołowska Maria
Published: December 2021

Basic factors affecting the appearance of algae discoloration on the surface of the system are recognized effects of the external environment (external temperature and humidity, short- and long-term radiation, precipitation, wind and air pollution). Internal factors are often neglected by international technical documents on the evaluation of the effectiveness of resistance to biocorrosion of the External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS). Based on literature data and in situ research, the basic internal factors responsible for the occurrence or intensification of the biocorrosion process were systematized. Internal factors were divided into two groups: (1) plaster properties and (2) solutions for material layouts and building details. The results of research on these factors indicate that they directly or indirectly influence the humidity condition of plaster and biocorrosion development is a consequence of this state. The opposite issue, the influence of biocorrosion on plaster properties, is analyzed only in patrial way.
FeZrN Films: Magnetic and Mechanical Properties Relative to the Phase-Structural State
Authors: Sheftel Elena N. , Tedzhetov Valentin A. , Harin Eugene V. , Kiryukhantsev-Korneev Philipp V. , Usmanova Galina S. , Zhigalina Olga M.
Published: December 2021

The paper presents results of investigation of Fe65.3–100Zr34.7–0N7.5–0 films prepared by dc magnetron deposition on glass substrates and subsequent 1-hour annealing at temperatures of 300–600 °C. The influence of the chemical and phase compositions and structure of the films, which were studied by TEM, SEM, XRD, and GDOES, on their mechanical properties determined by nanoindentation and static magnetic properties measured by VSM method is analyzed. The studied films exhibit the hardness within a range of 14–21 GPa, low elastic modulus (the value can reach 156 Gpa), and an elastic recovery of 55–83%. It was shown that the films are strong ferromagnets with the high saturation induction Bs (up to 2.1 T) and low coercive field Hc (as low as 40 A/m). The correlations between the magnetic and mechanical properties, on one hand, and the chemical composition of the films, their phase, and structural states as well, on the other hand, are discussed.
Corrosion Behavior and Susceptibility to Stress Corrosion Cracking of Leaded and Lead-Free Brasses in Simulated Drinking Water
Authors: Choucri Jamal , Balbo Andrea , Zanotto Federica , Grassi Vincenzo , Touhami Mohamed Ebn , Mansouri Ilyass , Monticelli Cecilia
Published: December 2021

Duplex α + β’ brasses are widely used in drinking water distribution systems for tube fittings, valves, and ancillaries because they are low cost, easy to fabricate, and exhibit high mechanical strength. However, depending on application conditions and alloy composition, they may undergo dealloying and stress corrosion cracking. In this research, three different brass types, two leaded (CW617N and CW602N) alloys and one lead-free brass (CW724R), were investigated to assess their corrosion behavior and susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in simulated drinking water (SDW) solutions containing different chloride concentrations, compatible with drinking water composition requirements according to Moroccan standard NM 03.7.001. The corrosion behavior was assessed by electrochemical tests such as polarization curve recording and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) monitoring, coupled to SEM-EDS surface observations. The susceptibility to SCC was investigated by slow strain rate tests (SSRT). The tests showed that corrosion was mainly under diffusion control and chlorides slightly accelerated corrosion rates. All alloys, and particularly CW617N, were affected by SCC under the testing conditions adopted and in general the SCC susceptibility increased at increasing chloride concentration.
Influence of Alkali Activator Type on the Hydrolytic Stability and Intumescence of Inorganic Polymers Based on Waste Glass
Authors: Nicoara Adrian Ionut , Badanoiu Alina Ioana
Published: December 2021

The main objective of this study is the synthesis and characterization of low cost alkali-activated inorganic polymers based on waste glass (G-AAIPs) using a mixture of NaOH and Ca(OH)2 as alkali activators, in order to improve their hydrolytic stability. This paper also presents detailed information about the influence of composition determined by X Ray Diffraction (XRD), microstructure determined by Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) and processing parameters on the main properties of G-AAIP pastes. The main factors analyzed were the glass fineness and the composition of the alkaline activators. The influence on intumescent behavior was also studied by heat treating of specimens at 600 °C and 800 °C. The use of Ca(OH)2 in the composition of the alkaline activator determines the increase of the hydrolytic stability (evaluated by underwater evolution index) of the G-AAIP materials compared to those obtained by NaOH activation. In this case, along with sodium silicate hydrates, calcium silicates hydrates (C-S-H), with good stability in a humid environment, were also formed in the hardened pastes. The highest intumescence and an improvement of hydrolytic stability (evaluated by underwater evolution index and mass loss) was achieved for the waste glass powder activated with a solution containing 70% NaOH and 30% Ca(OH)2. The increase of the waste glass fineness and initial curing temperature of G-AAIPs have a positive effect on the intumescence of resulted materials but have a reduced influence on their mechanical properties and hydrolytic stability.
Software Reliability Modeling Incorporating Fault Detection and Fault Correction Processes with Testing Coverage and Fault Amount Dependency
Authors: Li Qiuying , Pham Hoang
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a general testing coverage software reliability modeling framework that covers imperfect debugging and considers not only fault detection processes (FDP) but also fault correction processes (FCP). Numerous software reliability growth models have evaluated the reliability of software over the last few decades, but most of them attached importance to modeling the fault detection process rather than modeling the fault correction process. Previous studies analyzed the time dependency between the fault detection and correction processes and modeled the fault correction process as a delayed detection process with a random or deterministic time delay. We study the quantitative dependency between dual processes from the viewpoint of fault amount dependency instead of time dependency, then propose a generalized modeling framework along with imperfect debugging and testing coverage. New models are derived by adopting different testing coverage functions. We compared the performance of these proposed models with existing models under the context of two kinds of failure data, one of which only includes observations of faults detected, and the other includes not only fault detection but also fault correction data. Different parameter estimation methods and performance comparison criteria are presented according to the characteristics of different kinds of datasets. No matter what kind of data, the comparison results reveal that the proposed models generally give improved descriptive and predictive performance than existing models.
A Combinatorial 2-Approximation Algorithm for the Parallel-Machine Scheduling with Release Times and Submodular Penalties
Authors: Wang Wencheng , Liu Xiaofei
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we consider parallel-machine scheduling with release times and submodular penalties (P|rj,reject|Cmax+π(R)), in which each job can be accepted and processed on one of m identical parallel machines or rejected, but a penalty must paid if a job is rejected. Each job has a release time and a processing time, and the job can not be processed before its release time. The objective of P|rj,reject|Cmax+π(R) is to minimize the makespan of the accepted jobs plus the penalty of the rejected jobs, where the penalty is determined by a submodular function. This problem generalizes a multiprocessor scheduling problem with rejection, the parallel-machine scheduling with submodular penalties, and the single machine scheduling problem with release dates and submodular rejection penalties. In this paper, inspired by the primal-dual method, we present a combinatorial 2-approximation algorithm to P|rj,reject|Cmax+π(R). This ratio coincides with the best known ratio for the parallel-machine scheduling with submodular penalties and the single machine scheduling problem with release dates and submodular rejection penalties.
Domination and Independent Domination in Hexagonal Systems
Authors: Almalki Norah , Kaemawichanurat Pawaton
Published: December 2021

A vertex subset D of G is a dominating set if every vertex in V(G)\D is adjacent to a vertex in D. A dominating set D is independent if G[D], the subgraph of G induced by D, contains no edge. The domination number γ(G) of a graph G is the minimum cardinality of a dominating set of G, and the independent domination number i(G) of G is the minimum cardinality of an independent dominating set of G. A classical work related to the relationship between γ(G) and i(G) of a graph G was established in 1978 by Allan and Laskar. They proved that every K1,3-free graph G satisfies γ(G)=i(H). Hexagonal systems (2 connected planar graphs whose interior faces are all hexagons) have been extensively studied as they are used to present bezenoid hydrocarbon structures which play an important role in organic chemistry. The domination numbers of hexagonal systems have been studied continuously since 2018 when Hutchinson et al. posted conjectures, generated from a computer program called Conjecturing, related to the domination numbers of hexagonal systems. Very recently in 2021, Bermudo et al. answered all of these conjectures. In this paper, we extend these studies by considering the relationship between the domination number and the independent domination number of hexagonal systems. Although every hexagonal system H with at least two hexagons contains K1,3 as an induced subgraph, we find many classes of hexagonal systems whose domination number is equal to an independent domination number. However, we establish the existence of a hexagonal system H such that γ(H)<i(H) with the prescribed number of hexagons.
Ciphertext-Policy Attribute-Based Encryption for Cloud Storage: Toward Data Privacy and Authentication in AI-Enabled IoT System
Authors: Chinnasamy P. , Deepalakshmi P. , Dutta Ashit Kumar , You Jinsang , Joshi Gyanendra Prasad
Published: December 2021

People can store their data on servers in cloud computing and allow public users to access data via data centers. One of the most difficult tasks is to provide security for the access policy of data, which is also needed to be stored at cloud servers. The access structure (policy) itself may reveal partial information about what the ciphertext contains. To provide security for the access policy of data, a number of encryption schemes are available. Among these, CP-ABE (Ciphertext-Policy Attribute-Based Encryption) scheme is very significant because it helps to protect, broadcast, and control the access of information. The access policy that is sent as plaintext in the existing CP-ABE scheme along with a ciphertext may leak user privacy and data privacy. To resolve this problem, we hereby introduce a new technique, which hides the access policy using a hashing algorithm and provides security against insider attack using a signature verification scheme. The proposed system is compared with existing CP-ABE schemes in terms of computation and expressive policies. In addition, we can test the functioning of any access control that could be implemented in the Internet of Things (IoT). Additionally, security against indistinguishable adaptive chosen ciphertext attacks is also analyzed for the proposed work.
Safety of Aesthetic Medicine Procedures in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: A Literature Review
Authors: Adamczyk Kamil , Rusyan Ewa , Franek Edward
Published: December 2021

Autoimmune thyroid diseases are the most common organ-specific autoimmune diseases, affecting 2–5% of the world’s population. Due to the autoimmune background of thyroid diseases, we analyzed a wide range of cosmetic procedures, from minimally invasive cosmetic injections (mesotherapy) to highly invasive procedures, such as lifting threads. Out of the seven categories of treatments in aesthetic medicine analyzed by us—hyaluronic acid, botulinum toxin, autologous platelet-rich plasma, autologous fat grafting, lifting threads, IPL and laser treatment and mesotherapy—only two, mesotherapy and lifting threads, are not recommended. This is due to the lack of safety studies and the potential possibility of a higher frequency of side effects in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases.
Platinum Recovered from Automotive Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Exhaust Systems in Hydrometallurgical Operation
Authors: Papagianni Sotiria , Moschovi Anastasia-Maria , Polyzou Ekaterini , Yakoumis Iakovos
Published: December 2021

The current study is focused on platinum recovery from the secondary sources of end-of-life heavy-duty diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) and heavy-duty catalyzed diesel particulate filters (c-DPFs) in order to reduce the supply–demand gap within the European Union. The extraction of platinum was based on a hydrometallurgical single-step low acidity leaching system (HCl-H2O2-NaCl) and a calcination step that takes place before the leaching process. The parameters of calcination and leaching process were thoroughly investigated in order to optimize recovery efficiency. The optimized results proved that a calcination step (at 800 °C for 2 h) improves the recovery efficiency by a factor of 40%. In addition, optimal Pt recovery yield was achieved after 3 h of leaching at 70 °C, with a solid-to-liquid (S/L) ratio of 70 g/100 mL (70%) and 3 M HCl-1% vol H2O2-4.5 M NaCl as leaching conditions. The optimum Pt recovery yield was 95% and 75% for DOC and c-DPF, respectively. Since the secondary feedstock investigated is highly concentrated in platinum, the pregnant solution can be used as a precursor for developing new Pt-based catalytic systems.
Mechanical Properties and Microstructure Evolution of Mg-Gd Alloy during Aging Treatment
Authors: Liu Yi , Song Yang , Li Na , Sha Xuechao , Xu Mengning , Chen Bin , Gao Bo , Xiao Lirong , Zhou Hao
Published: December 2021

Rare-earth-containing Mg alloys are a group of widely investigated alloys due to the disperse nano-sized precipitations formed during heat treatment. The underlying formation and strengthening mechanisms of precipitation is critical for their industrial applications. In this work, we systematically studied the evolution of precipitations in a Mg-10Gd alloy, based on the atomic-scaled TEM and HAADF-STEM observations. Especially, the in-depth transition mechanism from G.P. Zone to β”, β’, βT and βM is proposed, as well as their relationships with mechanical properties. It is found that blocking effect of precipitations improves the strength significantly, according to the Orowan mechanism. The elliptic cylinder shaped β’ phase, with a base-centered orthorhombic lattice structure, provides significant strengthening effects, which enhance the hardness and ultimate tensile strength from 72 HV and 170 MPa to 120 HV and 300 MPa.
Effect of V and Ti on the Oxidation Resistance of WMoTaNb Refractory High-Entropy Alloy at High Temperatures
Authors: Lu Shuaidan , Li Xiaoxiao , Liang Xiaoyu , Yang Wei , Chen Jian
Published: December 2021

Alloying with V and Ti elements effectively improves the strength of WMoTaNb refractory high entropy alloys (RHEAs) at elevated temperatures. However, their effects on the oxidation resistance of WMoTaNb RHEAs are unknown, which is vitally important to their application at high temperatures. In this work, the effect of V and Ti on the oxidation behavior of WMoTaNb RHEA at 1000 °C was investigated using a thermogravimetric system, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The oxidation of all alloys was found to obey a power law passivating oxidation at the early stage. The addition of V aggravates the volatility of V2O5, MoO3 and WO3, and leads to disastrous internal oxidation. The addition of Ti reduces the mass gain in forming the full coverage of passivating scale and prolongs the passivation duration of alloys.
Systematic Distortion Factor and Unrecognized Source of Uncertainties in Nuclear Data Measurements and Evaluations
Authors: Kornilov Nikolay V. , Pronyaev Vladimir G. , Grimes Steven M.
Published: December 2021

Each experiment provides new information about the value of some physical quantity. However, not only measured values but also the uncertainties assigned to them are an important part of the results. The metrological guides provide recommendations for the presentation of the uncertainties of the measurement results: statistics and systematic components of the uncertainties should be explained, estimated, and presented separately as the results of the measurements. The experimental set-ups, the models of experiments for the derivation of physical values from primary measured quantities, are the product of human activity, making it a rather subjective field. The Systematic Distortion Factor (SDF) may exist in any experiment. It leads to the bias of the measured value from an unknown “true” value. The SDF appears as a real physical effect if it is not removed with additional measurements or analysis. For a set of measured data with the best evaluated true value, their differences beyond their uncertainties can be explained by the presence of Unrecognized Source of Uncertainties (USU) in these data. We can link the presence of USU in the data with the presence of SDF in the results of measurements. The paper demonstrates the existence of SDF in Prompt Fission Neutron Spectra (PFNS) measurements, measurements of fission cross sections, and measurements of Maxwellian spectrum averaged neutron capture cross sections for astrophysical applications. The paper discusses introducing and accounting for the USU in the data evaluation in cases when SDF cannot be eliminated. As an example, the model case of 238U(n,f)/235U(n,f) cross section ratio evaluation is demonstrated.
Study on Particle Manipulation in a Metal Internal Channel under Acoustic Levitation
Authors: Wang Yaxing , Wu Liqun , Wang Yajing
Published: December 2021

In order to study the acoustic levitation and manipulation of micro-particles in the heterogeneous structures inside metal, a test system for internal levitation in three-dimensional space is designed, establishing the 3D motion model of ultrasonic levitation and manipulation of micro-particles. The relationship between levitation force, particle diameter, internal channel size, and transmission thickness is established through the motion manipulation tests of multi-configuration channel levitation micro-particles in components. The results show that the proposed method can realize the following movement of levitation micro-particles at a higher speed and the control of motion accuracy in three-dimensional space. The micro-particles can be reliably suspended and continuously moved inside the components along a predesigned motion trajectory. The results provide an effective and feasible processing scheme for direct processing through the internal spatial structure.
Kingella kingae Osteoarticular Infections Approached through the Prism of the Pediatric Orthopedist
Authors: DeMarco Giacomo , Chargui Moez , Coulin Benoit , Borner Benoit , Steiger Christina , Dayer Romain , Ceroni Dimitri
Published: December 2021

Nowadays, Kingella kingae (K. kingae) is considered as the main bacterial cause of osteoarticular infections (OAI) in children aged less than 48 months. Next to classical acute hematogenous osteomyelitis and septic arthritis, invasive K. kingae infections can also give rise to atypical osteoarticular infections, such as cellulitis, pyomyositis, bursitis, or tendon sheath infections. Clinically, K. kingae OAI are usually characterized by a mild clinical presentation and by a modest biologic inflammatory response to infection. Most of the time, children with skeletal system infections due to K. kingae would not require invasive surgical procedures, except maybe for excluding pyogenic germs’ implication. In addition, K. kingae’s OAI respond well even to short antibiotics treatments, and, therefore, the management of these infections requires only short hospitalization, and most of the patients can then be treated safely as outpatients.
Potential of Phototrophic Purple Nonsulfur Bacteria to Fix Nitrogen in Rice Fields
Authors: Maeda Isamu
Published: December 2021

Biological nitrogen fixation catalyzed by Mo-nitrogenase of symbiotic diazotrophs has attracted interest because its potential to supply plant-available nitrogen offers an alternative way of using chemical fertilizers for sustainable agriculture. Phototrophic purple nonsulfur bacteria (PNSB) diazotrophically grow under light anaerobic conditions and can be isolated from photic and microaerobic zones of rice fields. Therefore, PNSB as asymbiotic diazotrophs contribute to nitrogen fixation in rice fields. An attempt to measure nitrogen in the oxidized surface layer of paddy soil estimates that approximately 6–8 kg N/ha/year might be accumulated by phototrophic microorganisms. Species of PNSB possess one of or both alternative nitrogenases, V-nitrogenase and Fe-nitrogenase, which are found in asymbiotic diazotrophs, in addition to Mo-nitrogenase. The regulatory networks control nitrogenase activity in response to ammonium, molecular oxygen, and light irradiation. Laboratory and field studies have revealed effectiveness of PNSB inoculation to rice cultures on increases of nitrogen gain, plant growth, and/or grain yield. In this review, properties of the nitrogenase isozymes and regulation of nitrogenase activities in PNSB are described, and research challenges and potential of PNSB inoculation to rice cultures are discussed from a viewpoint of their applications as nitrogen biofertilizer.
Ribosomal Hibernation-Associated Factors in Escherichia coli
Authors: Maki Yasushi , Yoshida Hideji
Published: December 2021

Bacteria convert active 70S ribosomes to inactive 100S ribosomes to survive under various stress conditions. This state, in which the ribosome loses its translational activity, is known as ribosomal hibernation. In gammaproteobacteria such as Escherichia coli, ribosome modulation factor and hibernation-promoting factor are involved in forming 100S ribosomes. The expression of ribosome modulation factor is regulated by (p)ppGpp (which is induced by amino acid starvation), cAMP-CRP (which is stimulated by reduced metabolic energy), and transcription factors involved in biofilm formation. This indicates that the formation of 100S ribosomes is an important strategy for bacterial survival under various stress conditions. In recent years, the structures of 100S ribosomes from various bacteria have been reported, enhancing our understanding of the 100S ribosome. Here, we present previous findings on the 100S ribosome and related proteins and describe the stress-response pathways involved in ribosomal hibernation.
One Health Approach to Rickettsiosis: A Five-Year Study on Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in Ticks Collected from Humans, Animals and Environment
Authors: Pascucci Ilaria , Antognini Elisa , Canonico Cristina , Montalbano Marco Giuseppe , Necci Alessandro , di Donato Alessandra , Moriconi Martina , Morandi Benedetto , Morganti Giulia , Crotti Silvia , Gavaudan Stefano
Published: December 2021

The spotted fever group of Rickettsiae is a heterogeneous group of Rickettsiae transmitted by ticks, causing similar diseases in humans (spotted fever). Until recently, it was supposed that a single pathogenic tick-borne SFG Rickettsia circulated in each different geographic area and that R. conorii subsp. conorii was the SFG Rickettsiae circulating in Italy, but in the last decade, thanks to molecular diagnostic, several different Rickettsia species, previously not considered pathogenic for decades, have been isolated from ticks and definitively associated to human disease, also in Italy. The present survey was carried out with the aim of investigating the presence of different SFG Rickettsia species in a geographic area where no information was available. Ticks collected from animals submitted to necropsy, removed from humans in local hospitals and collected from the environment were identified and tested by PCR for Rickettsia spp. based on the gltA gene, and positive PCR products were sequenced. A total of 3286 ticks were collected. Fifteen tick species were recognized, the most represented (79.52%) species in the collection was Ixodes ricinus, followed by Rhipicephalus sanguineus (9.13%). The overall prevalence of Rickettsia infection was 7.58%. Eight species of Rickettsia were identified, the most frequent was R. monacensis (56%), followed by R. helvetica (25.50%). Noteworthy, is the detection in the present study of Rrhipicephali, detected only twice in Italy. These are the first data available on SFG Rickettsiae circulation in the study area and they can be considered as starting point to assess the possible risk for humans.
Novel Transcriptional and Translational Biomarkers of Tularemia Vaccine Efficacy in a Mouse Inhalation Model: Proof of Concept
Authors: Liu Qing Yan , Leclerc Sonia , Pan Youlian , Liu Ziying , Stark Felicity , Conlan Joseph Wayne
Published: December 2021

Francisella tularensis subspecies tularensis (Ftt) is extremely virulent for humans when inhaled as a small particle aerosol (<5 µm). Inhalation of ≥20 viable bacteria is sufficient to initiate infection with a mortality rate ≥30%. Consequently, in the past, Ftt became a primary candidate for biological weapons development. To counter this threat, the USA developed a live vaccine strain (LVS), that showed efficacy in humans against inhalation of virulent Ftt. However, the breakthrough dose was fairly low, and protection waned with time. These weaknesses triggered extensive research for better vaccine candidates. Previously, we showed that deleting the clpB gene from virulent Ftt strain, SCHU S4, resulted in a mutant that was significantly less virulent than LVS for mice, yet better protected them from aerosol challenge with wild-type SCHU S4. To date, comprehensive searches for correlates of protection for SCHU S4 ΔclpB among molecules that are critical signatures of cell-mediated immunity, have yielded little reward. In this study we used transcriptomics analysis to expand the potential range of molecular correlates of protection induced by vaccination with SCHU S4 ΔclpB beyond the usual candidates. The results provide proof-of-concept that unusual host responses to vaccination can potentially serve as novel efficacy biomarkers for new tularemia vaccines.
Current Advances in the Biodegradation and Bioconversion of Polyethylene Terephthalate
Authors: Qi Xinhua , Yan Wenlong , Cao Zhibei , Ding Mingzhu , Yuan Yingjin
Published: December 2021

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a widely used plastic that is polymerized by terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG). In recent years, PET biodegradation and bioconversion have become important in solving environmental plastic pollution. More and more PET hydrolases have been discovered and modified, which mainly act on and degrade the ester bond of PET. The monomers, TPA and EG, can be further utilized by microorganisms, entering the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) or being converted into high value chemicals, and finally realizing the biodegradation and bioconversion of PET. Based on synthetic biology and metabolic engineering strategies, this review summarizes the current advances in the modified PET hydrolases, engineered microbial chassis in degrading PET, bioconversion pathways of PET monomers, and artificial microbial consortia in PET biodegradation and bioconversion. Artificial microbial consortium provides novel ideas for the biodegradation and bioconversion of PET or other complex polymers. It is helpful to realize the one-step bioconversion of PET into high value chemicals.
Deciphering Rhizosphere Microbiome Assembly of Castanea henryi in Plantation and Natural Forest
Authors: Cheng Yuanyuan , Zhou Lexin , Liang Tian , Man Jiayin , Wang Yinghao , Li Yu , Chen Hui , Zhang Taoxiang
Published: December 2021

Based on the importance and sensitivity of microbial communities to changes in the forest ecosystem, soil microorganisms can be used to indicate the health of the forest system. The metagenome sequencing was used to analyze the changes of microbial communities between natural and plantation Castanea henryi forests for understanding the effect of forest types on soil microbial communities. Our result showed the soil microbial diversity and richness were higher in the natural forests than in the plantation. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria are the dominant categories in the C. henryi rhizosphere, and Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were significantly enriched in the natural forest while Acidobacteria was significantly enriched in the plantation. Meanwhile, the functional gene diversity and the abundance of functions in the natural forest were higher than that of the plantation. Furthermore, we found that the microbial network in the natural forests had more complex than in the plantation. We also emphasized the low-abundance taxa may play an important role in the network structure. These results clearly showed that microbial communities, in response to different forest types, provide valuable information to manipulate microbiomes to improve soil conditions of plantation.
Can Public Health Interventions Change Immediate and Long-Term Dietary Behaviours? Encouraging Evidence from a Pilot Study of the U.K. Change4Life Sugar Swaps Campaign
Authors: Lamport Daniel J. , Wu Szu-Yun , Drever-Heaps Jenni , Hugueniot Orla , Jones Daniel J. W. , Kennedy Orla B. , Williams Claire M. , Butler Laurie T.
Published: December 2021

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the U.K. Change4Life Sugar Swaps campaign for improving nutritional intake in a small sample of families prior to the 2015 nationwide launch. A total of 49 participants from 14 families received information and materials during a two-week intervention period in November 2014 encouraging them to swap high sugar foods and drinks for low sugar alternatives. Daily dietary intake was reported with online food diaries over four stages, each two weeks in length: (i) baseline (no information provided), (ii) intervention when Sugar Swaps materials were accessible, (iii) immediate follow-up, and (iv) one year on from baseline. Data were analysed for sugar, glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, protein, salt, fibre, vitamin C, and energy. During the intervention, significant daily reductions of 32 g sugar, 11 g fat, and 236 kcal for each family member were observed, among others, and 61% of benefits achieved during the intervention period were maintained at immediate follow-up. Encouragingly, for children, reductions in sugar, sucrose, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, and energy were observed one year on. The Sugar Swaps Campaign is potentially an effective public health intervention for improving short- and long-term dietary behaviour for the whole family.
The Association between Fasting Glucose and Sugar Sweetened Beverages Intake Is Greater in Latin Americans with a High Polygenic Risk Score for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: López-Portillo María Lourdes , Huidobro Andrea , Tobar-Calfucoy Eduardo , Yáñez Cristian , Retamales-Ortega Rocío , Garrido-Tapia Macarena , Acevedo Johanna , Paredes Fabio , Cid-Ossandon Vicente , Ferreccio Catterina , Verdugo Ricardo A.
Published: December 2021

Chile is one of the largest consumers of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) world-wide. However, it is unknown whether the effects from this highly industrialized food will mimic those reported in industrialized countries or whether they will be modified by local lifestyle or population genetics. Our goal is to evaluate the interaction effect between SSB intake and T2D susceptibility on fasting glucose. We calculated a weighted genetic risk score (GRSw) based on 16 T2D risk SNPs in 2828 non-diabetic participants of the MAUCO cohort. SSB intake was categorized in four levels using a food frequency questionnaire. Log-fasting glucose was regressed on SSB and GRSw tertiles while accounting for socio-demography, lifestyle, obesity, and Amerindian ancestry. Fasting glucose increased systematically per unit of GRSw (β = 0.02 ± 0.006, p = 0.00002) and by SSB intake (β[cat4] = 0.04 ± 0.01, p = 0.0001), showing a significant interaction, where the strongest effect was observed in the highest GRSw-tertile and in the highest SSB consumption category (β = 0.05 ± 0.02, p = 0.02). SNP-wise, SSB interacted with additive effects of rs7903146 (TCF7L2) (β = 0.05 ± 0.01, p = 0.002) and with the G/G genotype of rs10830963 (MTNRB1B) (β = 0.19 ± 0.05, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The association between SSB intake and fasting glucose in the Chilean population without diabetes is modified by T2D genetic susceptibility.
Association of Macronutrients Composition, Physical Activity and Serum Androgen Concentration in Young Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Mizgier Małgorzata , Watrowski Rafał , Opydo-Szymaczek Justyna , Jodłowska-Siewert Elżbieta , Lombardi Giovanni , Kędzia Witold , Jarząbek-Bielecka Grażyna
Published: December 2021

The roles of dietary macronutrients and physical activity (PA) in patients with PCOS have not been sufficiently reported, especially in adolescent girls. To address this knowledge gap, we evaluated the associations between serum concentrations of total testosterone (tT), free testosterone (fT), androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and dietary macronutrients intake as well as different types and levels of PA. The study population consisted of 96 girls of Caucasian ancestry, aged 14–18 years: 61 participants with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 35 healthy controls. Serum tT, fT, A, DHEA-S, and SHBG were determined in fasting blood. Macronutrient intake and PA levels were assessed by using the three-day food record method and the Beliefs and Eating Habits Questionnaire (KomPAN), respectively. We found several positive correlations between dietary macronutrients such as total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and hormonal parameters across the entire cohort and in healthy girls. A positive correlation between SHBG and total protein consumption as well as an inverse correlation between SHBG and carbohydrate intake could be determined. No correlation between androgens and macronutrients was found in the PCOS group. In contrast, we observed an inverse correlation between androgen concentrations (except of DHEA-S) and “work/school” and/or “leisure time” PA only in PCOS patients. Moreover, the hormone levels differed according to PA intensity. In conclusion, the impact of diet and PA was strikingly different in adolescents with and without PCOS. These findings indicate that disturbed hormonal homeostasis in PCOS, at least in the youngest patients, likely “overtrump” dietary influences, and otherwise, PA offers a therapeutic potential that requires further evaluation of the long-term effects in randomized studies. (ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: NCT04738409.)