bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Increasing the Orthodontic Forces over Cortical and Trabecular Bone during Periodontal Breakdown—A Finite Elements Analysis
Authors: Moga Radu-Andrei , Olteanu Cristian Doru , Botez Mircea Daniel , Buru Stefan Marius , Delean Ada Gabriela
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives: Herein we used numerical analysis to study different biomechanical behaviors of mandibular bone subjected to 0.6 N, 1.2 N, and 2.4 N orthodontic loads during 0–8 mm periodontal breakdown using the Tresca failure criterion. Additionally, correlations with earlier FEA reports found potential ischemic and resorptive risks. Materials and Methods: Eighty-one models (nine patients) and 243 simulations (intrusion, extrusion, rotation, tipping, and translation) were analyzed. Results: Intrusion and extrusion displayed after 4 mm bone loss showed extended stress display in the apical and middle third alveolar sockets, showing higher ischemic and resorptive risks for 0.6 N. Rotation, translation, and tipping displayed the highest stress amounts, and cervical-third stress with higher ischemic and resorptive risks after 4 mm loss for 0.6 N. Conclusions: Quantitatively, rotation, translation, and tipping are the most stressful movements. All three applied forces produced similar stress-display areas for all movements and bone levels. The stress doubled for 1.2 N and quadrupled for 2.4 N when compared with 0.6 N. The differences between the three loads consisted of the stress amounts displayed in color-coded areas, while their location and extension remained constant. Since the MHP was exceeded, a reduction in the applied force to under 0.6 N (after 4 mm of bone loss) is recommended for reducing ischemic and resorptive risks. The stress-display pattern correlated with horizontal periodontal-breakdown simulations.
Microbiota-Accessible Boron-Containing Compounds in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: Biţă Cristina Elena , Scorei Ion Romulus , Vreju Ananu Florentin , Muşetescu Anca Emanuela , Mogoşanu George Dan , Biţă Andrei , Dinescu Venera Cristina , Dinescu Ştefan Cristian , Criveanu Cristina , Bărbulescu Andreea Lili , Florescu Alesandra , Ciurea Paulina Lucia
Published: November 2023

The microbiota–gut–brain axis has garnered increasing attention in recent years for its role in various health conditions, including neuroinflammatory disorders like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). CRPS is a debilitating condition characterized by chronic neuropathic pain, and its etiology and pathophysiology remain elusive. Emerging research suggests that alterations in the gut microbiota composition and function could play a significant role in CRPS development and progression. Our paper explores the implications of microbiota in CRPS and the potential therapeutic role of boron (B). Studies have demonstrated that individuals with CRPS often exhibit dysbiosis, with imbalances in beneficial and pathogenic gut bacteria. Dysbiosis can lead to increased gut permeability and systemic inflammation, contributing to the chronic pain experienced in CRPS. B, an essential trace element, has shown promise in modulating the gut microbiome positively and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. Recent preclinical and clinical studies suggest that B supplementation may alleviate neuropathic pain and improve CRPS symptoms by restoring microbiota balance and reducing inflammation. Our review highlights the complex interplay between microbiota, inflammation, and neuropathic pain in CRPS and underscores the potential of B as a novel therapeutic approach to target the microbiota–gut–brain axis, offering hope for improved management of this challenging condition.
Generating a Sustained Oxygen-Stable Atomic Concentration in a High-Temperature Gas Effect Investigation
Authors: Zhi Dong , Chang Yu , Huang Long , Chen Wei , Li Yunfei , Wang Luping , Deng Lunhua
Published: November 2023

Modulated laser absorption spectroscopy is an ideal technique for evaluating flow-field parameters and determining flow-field quality by measuring the atoms dissociated in high-temperature environments. However, to obtain the absolute number density of atoms in the flow field, it is necessary to compare the measured modulated absorption spectroscopy signal with a known atomic concentration and establish a quantitative relationship through concentration calibration. Nevertheless, it remains a challenging task to prepare transient atomic samples with known concentrations that meet the calibration requirements. This study utilized the alternating-current glow discharge technique to dissociate oxygen in the air flow, resulting in the continuous generation of oxygen atoms. The absolute number densities of the generated oxygen atoms were determined by measuring the direct absorption spectra of centered on 777 nm for oxygen atoms. The number densities of the generated atoms were finely tuned by adjusting the discharge parameters. Throughout the 120-min continuous operation of the discharge system, the concentration of excited-state oxygen atoms remained stable within the range of (2.51 ± 0.02) × 108 cm−3, demonstrating the remarkable stability of the transient atomic concentration generated by the glow discharge plasma. This observation suggests that the generated atoms can be utilized as a standardized atomic sample of known concentration for absolute concentration calibration purposes.
Femtosecond Laser Machining of an X-ray Mask in a 500 Micron-Thick Tungsten Sheet
Authors: Owusu-Ansah Ebenezer , Dalton Colin
Published: November 2023

Femtosecond laser material processing (FLMP) was used to make an X-ray mask in a 500 µm thick tungsten sheet without the use of any chemical etch methods. The laser produced an 800 nm wavelength at a 1 kHz repetition rate and a pulse width of 100 fs. The laser beam arrival at the tungsten sheet was synchronized to a computer numerically controlled (CNC) stage that allowed for motion in the XYZθ directions. The X-ray mask design was made using CAD/CAM software (Alphacam 2019 R1) and it consisted of linear, circular, and 45° angle features that covered an area of 10 mm × 10 mm. A total of 70 laser beam passes at a moderate laser energy of 605.94 J/cm2 were used to make through-cut features into the tungsten sheet. The morphology of the top view (laser incident, LS) images showed cleaner and smoother cut edges relative to the bottom view (laser exit, LE) images. It was found that the size dimensions of the through-cut features on the LE surfaces were better aligned with the CAD dimensions than those of the LS surfaces. The focused laser beam produced inclined cut surfaces as the beam made the through cut from the LS to the LE of the tungsten sheet. The circular features at the LS surface deviated toward being oval-like on the LE surface, which could be compensated for in future CAD designs. The dependence of the CNC processing speed on the thickness of the etch depth was determined to have a third-order exponential decay relationship, thereby producing a theoretical model that will be useful for future investigators to predict the required experimental parameters needed to achieve a known etch depth in tungsten. This is the first study that has demonstrated the capability of using a femtosecond laser to machine through-cut an X-ray mask in a 500 µm thick tungsten sheet with no involvement of a wet etch or any other such supporting process.
Effect on Fine Particles Output Characteristics of Ceramic Ball Grinding
Authors: Tong Jiaqi , Wu Caibin , Wang Yihan , Tian Jingkun , Li Zheyang , Xie Feng , Yao Xin , Zeng Guisheng
Published: November 2023

Steel balls as traditional grinding media are prone to excessive fines generation and high energy consumption. Therefore, in light of this problem, the authors investigated another media—ceramic balls based on the output characteristics of fine particles. This study discusses the effect of ceramic balls on the change of the particle size distribution, zero-order output characteristics, micro-strain, and collision energy in ground products. The results showed that for −10 μm particle size, ceramic balls have a smaller production rate than steel balls. In addition, when the filling rate of ceramic balls is 40%, the yield of −10 μm is reduced compared to steel balls. Therefore, ceramic balls greatly reduced the overgeneration of fines. Additionally, the micro-strain rate of ceramic ball grinding with time is 67% lower than that of steel ball grinding. Furthermore, ceramic balls cannot only mitigate excessive fines generation but also effectively reduce energy consumption.
Dehydroxylation of Kaolinite and Halloysite-Rich Samples: An In Situ Study of the Texture and Structural Evolutions
Authors: Daou Imane , Mocuta Cristian , Lecomte-Nana Gisèle Laure , Tessier-Doyen Nicolas , Peyratout Claire , Guinebretière René , Thiaudière Dominique
Published: November 2023

Halloysite and kaolinite are dioctahedral TO phyllosilicates that drive the interest of scientists for formulating environmentally friendly materials, and consequently in the field of ceramics. The main scope of this study was the understanding of the texture evolution upon the dehydroxylation reaction and the influence of the presence of halloysite. In situ synchrotron (002) and (111) poles figures were recorded on the DiffAbs beamline at SOLEIL Synchrotron, from room temperature to 1000 °C, on kaolinite and/or halloysite-rich samples shaped by tape casting. Commercial kaolins and halloysite provided by Imerys company were used. The samples were labeled KRG100, KCS100, H100, KRG50H50 and KRG59H50 in relation with the wt. % of kaolin (KRG, KCS) or halloysite (H) clays. In samples KCS100 and KRG100, a strong texture was observed until in situ annealing at 700 °C, with respect to the c-axis of kaolinite. On the contrary, the texture with respect to the c-axis of halloysite for the sample H100 was weak whatever the temperature was. Moreover, this weak texture disappeared before the complete dehydroxylation of halloysite. This is due to the opening of some halloysite tubes. When considering the samples KRG50H50 and KCS50H50, a significant texture was observed with the c-axis preferentially oriented perpendicular to the sample surface. The presence of kaolinite platelets predominated onto the alignment of halloysites tubes. Furthermore, it was noted that the halloysite influenced the (002) diffracted intensity into the temperature range 20 °C to 400 °C. Above 400 °C, the behavior obtained for the (002) reflection in samples KRG50H50 and KCS50H50 was similar to the behavior noticed for pure kaolins KRG100 and KCS100, respectively. The dehydroxylation temperature range appeared to be relevant with combined effect of kaolinite and halloysite transformations arising from KRG100 or KCS100 and H100 samples. Therefore, the onset point of dehydroxylation is 550 °C ± 25 °C for KRG100, KCS100, KRG50H50 and KCS50H50. For the pure halloysite H100 sample, the dehydroxylation starts at the lower temperature 475 °C. It was also noted that during the dehydroxylation of kaolinite, the characteristic portion of ring related to the diffracted intensity of the (111) reflection located at χ = 45° tended to disappear above 550 °C and led to the formation of a new transitory phase with a (111) reflection with perpendicular alignment to the c-axis. Indeed, an epitaxial relationship with the (111) kaolinite reflection could be assumed. Further X-ray scattering experiments allowed highlighting the effective offset temperature of the dehydroxylation, which was identified as close to 720 °C. The metakaolinite achieved structural transformation to another transitory phase at 1000 °C.
Reduced-Dimension Surrogate Modeling to Characterize the Damage Tolerance of Composite/Metal Structures
Authors: Arndt Corey , Crusenberry Cody , Heng Bozhi , Butler Rochelle , TerMaath Stephanie
Published: November 2023

Complex engineering models are typically computationally demanding and defined by a high-dimensional parameter space challenging the comprehensive exploration of parameter effects and design optimization. To overcome this curse of dimensionality and to minimize computational resource requirements, this research demonstrates a user-friendly approach to formulating a reduced-dimension surrogate model that represents a high-dimensional, high-fidelity source model. This approach was developed specifically for a non-expert using commercially available tools. In this approach, the complex physical behavior of the high-fidelity source model is separated into individual, interacting physical behaviors. A separate reduced-dimension surrogate model is created for each behavior and then all are summed to formulate the reduced-dimension surrogate model representing the source model. In addition to a substantial reduction in computational resources and comparable accuracy, this method also provides a characterization of each individual behavior providing additional insight into the source model behavior. The approach encompasses experimental testing, finite element analysis, surrogate modeling, and sensitivity analysis and is demonstrated by formulating a reduced-dimension surrogate model for the damage tolerance of an aluminum plate reinforced with a co-cured bonded E-glass/epoxy composite laminate under four-point bending. It is concluded that this problem is difficult to characterize and breaking the problem into interacting mechanisms leads to improved information on influential parameters and efficient reduced-dimension surrogate modeling. The disbond damage at the interface between the resin and metal proved the most difficult mechanism for reduced-dimension surrogate modeling as it is only engaged in a small subspace of the full parameter space. A binary function was successful in engaging this damage mechanism when applicable based on the values of the most influential parameters.
Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi Activity, Mutagenicity, Hepatocytotoxicity and Nitroreductase Enzyme Evaluation of 3-Nitrotriazole, 2-Nitroimidazole and Triazole Derivatives
Authors: Menozzi Cheyene Almeida Celestino , França Rodolfo Rodrigo Florido , Luccas Pedro Henrique , Baptista Mayara dos Santos , Fernandes Tácio Vinício Amorim , Hoelz Lucas Villas Bôas , Sales Junior Policarpo Ademar , Murta Silvane Maria Fonseca , Romanha Alvaro , Galvão Bárbara Verena Dias , Macedo Marcela de Oliveira , Goldstein Alana da Cunha , Araujo-Lima Carlos Fernando , Felzenszwalb Israel , Nonato Maria Cristina , Castelo-Branco Frederico Silva , Boechat Nubia
Published: November 2023

Chagas disease (CD), which is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and was discovered more than 100 years ago, remains the leading cause of death from parasitic diseases in the Americas. As a curative treatment is only available for the acute phase of CD, the search for new therapeutic options is urgent. In this study, nitroazole and azole compounds were synthesized and underwent molecular modeling, anti-T. cruzi evaluations and nitroreductase enzymatic assays. The compounds were designed as possible inhibitors of ergosterol biosynthesis and/or as substrates of nitroreductase enzymes. The in vitro evaluation against T. cruzi clearly showed that nitrotriazole compounds are significantly more potent than nitroimidazoles and triazoles. When their carbonyls were reduced to hydroxyl groups, the compounds showed a significant increase in activity. In addition, these substances showed potential for action via nitroreductase activation, as the substances were metabolized at higher rates than benznidazole (BZN), a reference drug against CD. Among the compounds, 1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-(3-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)ethanol (8) is the most potent and selective of the series, with an IC50 of 0.39 µM and selectivity index of 3077; compared to BZN, 8 is 4-fold more potent and 2-fold more selective. Moreover, this compound was not mutagenic at any of the concentrations evaluated, exhibited a favorable in silico ADMET profile and showed a low potential for hepatotoxicity, as evidenced by the high values of CC50 in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, compared to BZN, derivative 8 showed a higher rate of conversion by nitroreductase and was metabolized three times more quickly when both compounds were tested at a concentration of 50 µM. The results obtained by the enzymatic evaluation and molecular docking studies suggest that, as planned, nitroazole derivatives may utilize the nitroreductase metabolism pathway as their main mechanism of action against Trypanosoma cruzi. In summary, we have successfully identified and characterized new nitrotriazole analogs, demonstrating their potential as promising candidates for the development of Chagas disease drug candidates that function via nitroreductase activation, are considerably selective and show no mutagenic potential.
Efficacy of Electromyographic Biofeedback in the Recovery of the Vastus Lateralis after Knee Injury: A Single-Group Case Study
Authors: Morales-Sánchez Verónica , Reigal Rafael E. , Antunes Raul , Matos Rui , Hernández-Mendo Antonio , Monteiro Diogo
Published: November 2023

Electromyographic biofeedback (EMG-BF) is a technique that can contribute to the improvement of muscle tone and control in the rehabilitation process after injury. The aim of this research was to determine the effectiveness of EMG-BF in increasing the electromyographic activity of the vastus lateralis after knee injury. The sample consisted of four individuals who had undergone surgery or rehabilitation to resolve either a partial meniscal tear or a patellar tendon strain. The intervention consisted of a program of ten sessions of EMG-BF work. Twelve trials were performed in each session, in which participants were instructed to target the muscle tension produced by the vastus lateralis of the uninjured hemilateral limb. Of the twelve trials in each session, the first three and the last three were performed without feedback, and the intermediate six with feedback. The recording of muscle activity was performed using CY-351/2 Mioback equipment, which allowed the amplitude of the electromyographic signal to be evaluated. The results indicated that the sample analyzed reached greater amplitude during the biofeedback trials, both for the maximum (Z = −13.43, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.64, 95% CI (0.27, 1.01)) and mean (Z = −7.26, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.24, 95% CI (−0.12, 0.60)) values. The amplitude also increased throughout the ten sessions, both for the maximum (Z = −3.06, p < 0.01, Cohen’s d = 1.37, 95% CI (0.29, 2.45)) and mean (Z = −3.06, p < 0.01, Cohen’s d = 1.20, 95% CI (0.34, 2.08)) values. Thus, the results highlight the efficacy of this technique in improving muscle activity, suggesting that it is a useful therapeutic procedure in injury recovery.
An Effective Strategy to Synthesize Well-Designed Activated Carbon Derived from Coal-Based Carbon Dots via Oxidation before Activation with a Low KOH Content as Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Zhang Yaojie , Jia Jianbo , Sun Yue , Xu Bing , Jiang Zhendong , Qu Xiaoxiao , Zhang Chuanxiang
Published: November 2023

The development of coal-based activated carbon for supercapacitors provides a robust and effective approach toward the clean and efficient use of coal, and it also offers high-quality and low-cost raw materials for energy storage devices. However, the one-step activation method for preparing coal-based activated carbon has problems, such as difficulty in introducing surface-functional groups and high KOH dosage. In our work, activated carbon was prepared through an effective strategy of oxidation and KOH activation with a low KOH content by employing coal-based carbon dots as raw material. The influence of temperature during the KOH activation of carbon dots on a specific surface area, pore structure, and various quantities and types of surface-functional groups, as well as on the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors, was systematically studied. The as-prepared sample, with the alkali–carbon ratio of 0.75, processes a large specific surface area (1207 m2 g−1) and abundant surface-functional groups, which may provide enormous active sites and high wettability, thus bringing in high specific capacitance and boosted electrochemical performances. The oxygen and nitrogen content of the activated carbon decreases while the carbon content increases, and the activation temperature also increases. The as-prepared activated carbon reaches the highest specific capacitance of 202.2 F g−1 in a 6 M KOH electrolyte at a current density of 10 A g−1. This study provides new insight into the design of high-performance activated carbon and new avenues for the application of coal-based carbon dots.
Nanoimprinted Hierarchical Micro-/Nanostructured Substrates for the Growth of Cardiomyocyte Fibers
Authors: Mühlberger Michael M. , Kopp Sonja , Deyett Alison A. , Pribyl Markus , Haslinger Michael J. , Siegel Anica M. , Taus Philipp , Guillén Elena , Torres-Caballero Aranxa , Baltov Bozhidar , Netzer Michael A. , Prado-López Sonia , Yde Leif , Stensborg Jan , Mendjan Sasha , Hering Steffen , Wanzenboeck Heinz D.
Published: November 2023

Investigating the behavior of cardiomyocytes is an important part of drug development. We present a structure and a related nanoimprint-based fabrication method, where the cardiomyocytes form isolated fibers, which is beneficial for drug testing, more closely representing the structure of the cardiomyocytes in vivo. We found that channel structures with walls with a rough top surface stimulate cardiomyocytes to form such fibers, as desired. Nanoimprint lithography is used as a fast and cost-efficient method to fabricate our hierarchically structured cell growth substrates.
Association of Circulating Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines and Chemotherapy-Associated Subjective Cognitive Impairment in a South African Cohort of Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Keetile Nicholas , Osuch Elzbieta , Lentoor Antonio G. , Rasakanya Tsakani
Published: November 2023

Background: The evidence links chemotherapy to cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients. This study assessed the link between subjective chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation in breast cancer patients. Methods: In a correlational study, 113 patients aged 21 to 60 years on chemotherapy regimens completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognition Test (FACT-Cog) as a measure of subjective cognitive functioning at three time points (baseline- T0, third cycle- T1, and sixth cycle- T2). The levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)) were measured using an assay method and compared with the subjective cognitive impairment. Results: Midway through chemotherapy, higher levels of TNF-α were inversely linked with self-perceived cognitive performance, while higher levels of IL-1β were positively associated (p = 0.030). However, at the end of chemotherapy, only IL-8 (p = 0.50) was associated with higher self-perceived cognitive problems. Conclusions: The specific roles that various cytokines and their interactions may play in neuroinflammation or neuroprotection require further investigation.
The Role of Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside in Modulating Oxaliplatin Resistance by Reversing Mesenchymal Phenotype in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kurter Hasan , Basbinar Yasemin , Ellidokuz Hulya , Calibasi-Kocal Gizem
Published: November 2023

Background: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in the biological and biochemical processes of cells, and it is a critical process in the malignant transformation, and mobility of cancer. Additionally, EMT is one of the main mechanisms contributing to chemoresistance. Resistance to oxaliplatin (OXA) poses a momentous challenge in the chemotherapy of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, highlighting the need to reverse drug resistance and improve patient survival. In this study, we explored the response of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), the most abundant anthocyanin in plants, on the mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer, with the purpose of overcoming acquired OXA resistance in CRC cell lines. Methods: We generated an acquired OXA-resistant cell line, named HCT-116-ROx, by gradually exposing parental HCT-116 cells to increasing concentrations of OXA. To characterize the resistance, we performed cytotoxicity assays and shape factor analyses. The apoptotic rate of both resistant and parental cells was determined using Hoechst 33342/Propidium Iodide (PI) fluorescence staining. Migration capacity was evaluated using a wound-healing assay. The mesenchymal phenotype was assessed through qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining, employing E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin markers. Results: Resistance characterization announced decreased OXA sensitivity in resistant cells compared to parental cells. Moreover, the resistant cells exhibited a spindle cell morphology, indicative of the mesenchymal phenotype. Combined treatment of C3G and OXA resulted in an augmented apoptotic rate in the resistant cells. The migration capacity of resistant cells was higher than parental cells, while treatment with C3G decreased the migration rate of HCT-116-ROx cells. Analysis of EMT markers showed that HCT-116-ROx cells exhibited loss of the epithelial phenotype (E-cadherin) and gain of the mesenchymal phenotype (N-cadherin and Vimentin) compared to HCT-116 cells. However, treatment of resistant cells with C3G reversed the mesenchymal phenotype. Conclusion: The morphological observations of cells acquiring oxaliplatin resistance indicated the loss of the epithelial phenotype and the acquisition of the mesenchymal phenotype. These findings suggest that EMT may contribute to acquired OXA resistance in CRC. Furthermore, C3G decreased the mobility of resistant cells, and reversed the EMT process, indicating its potential to overcome acquired OXA resistance.
Reply to Wakolbinger-Habel, R.; Muschitz, C. Comment on “Kaufman et al. Popular Dietary Trends’ Impact on Athletic Performance: A Critical Analysis Review. Nutrients 2023, 15, 3511”
Authors: Kaufman Matthew , Frehlich Levi , Fredericson Michael
Published: November 2023

We appreciate Wakolbinger-Habel and Muschitz’s comment [...]
PYED-1 Overcomes Colistin Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Stabile Maria , Esposito Anna , Iula Vita Dora , Guaragna Annalisa , De Gregorio Eliana
Published: November 2023

Antibiotic resistance has become more and more widespread over the recent decades, becoming a major global health problem and causing colistin to be increasingly used as an antibiotic of last resort. Acinetobacter baumannii, an opportunistic pathogen that has rapidly evolved into a superbug exhibiting multidrug-resistant phenotypes, is responsible for a large number of hospital infection outbreaks. With the intensive use of colistin, A. baumannii resistance to colistin has been found to increase significantly. In previous work, we identified a deflazacort derivative, PYED-1 (pregnadiene-11-hydroxy-16,17-epoxy-3,20-dione-1), which exhibits either direct-acting or synergistic activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative species and Candida spp., including A. baumannii. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of PYED-1 in combination with colistin against both A. baumannii planktonic and sessile cells. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of PYED-1 with and without colistin was assessed. Our results show that PYED-1 and colistin can act synergistically to produce a strong antimicrobial effect against multidrug-resistant populations of A. baumannii. Interestingly, our data reveal that PYED-1 is able to restore the efficacy of colistin against all colistin-resistant A. baumannii isolates. This drug combination could achieve a much stronger antimicrobial effect than colistin while using a much smaller dosage of the drugs, additionally eliminating the toxicity and resistance issues associated with the use of colistin.
Correction: Joseph et al. Efficacy of Ketamine with and without Lamotrigine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Preliminary Report. Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16, 1164
Authors: Joseph Boney , Nunez Nicolas A. , Kung Simon , Vande Voort Jennifer L. , Pazdernik Vanessa K. , Schak Kathryn M. , Boehm Stacey M. , Carpenter Brooke , Johnson Emily K. , Malyshev Grigoriy , Smits Nathan , Adewunmi Daniel O. , Brown Sarah K. , Singh Balwinder
Published: November 2023

In the original publication [...]
Polyvinyl Alcohol–Citric Acid: A New Material for Green and Efficient Removal of Cationic Dye Wastewater
Authors: He Ye , Zheng Yangyang , Liu Xia , Liu Chang , Zhang Huacheng , Han Jie
Published: November 2023

The citric acid (CA) cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) adsorbent, PVA–CA, was efficiently synthesized and its application to the removal of dyes in water, particularly the cationic dye, methylene blue (MB), was thoroughly investigated. The morphologies and physiochemical characteristics of PVA–CA were fully characterized by SEM, FT-IR, XRD, TGA, BET, and XPS. The effects of contact time, adsorbent dosage, MB concentration, solution pH, and temperature on the adsorption performance were compared using controllable methods. The maximum adsorption capacity of PVA–CA was 709.86 mg g−1 and the removal rate remained high through several adsorption–desorption cycles, demonstrating that such a composite absorbent has a good adsorption performance and recoverability. Further analysis by the density functional theory (DFT) showed that van der Waals interactions, electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding interactions between PVA–CA and MB played significant roles in the adsorption mechanism.
Cashew Nutshells: A Promising Filler for 3D Printing Filaments
Authors: Paternina Reyes María José , Unfried Silgado Jimy , Santa Marín Juan Felipe , Colorado Lopera Henry Alonso , Espitia Sanjuán Luis Armando
Published: November 2023

Cashew nutshells from the northern region of Colombia were prepared to assess their potential use as a filler in polymer matrix filaments for 3D printing. After drying and grinding processes, cashew nutshells were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). Three different filaments were fabricated from polylactic acid pellets and cashew nutshell particles at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 weight percentages using a single-screw extruder. Subsequently, single-filament tensile tests were carried out on them. SEM images showed rough and porous particles composed of an arrangement of cellulose microfibrils embedded in a hemicellulose and lignin matrix, the typical microstructure reported for natural fibers. These characteristics observed in the particles are favorable for improving filler–matrix adhesion in polymer matrix composites. In addition, their low density of 0.337 g/cm3 makes them attractive for lightweight applications. ATR-FTIR spectra exhibited specific functional groups attributed to hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin, as well as a possible transformation to crystalline cellulose during drying treatment. According to TGA analyses, the thermal stability of cashew nutshell particles is around 320 °C. The three polylactic acid–cashew nutshell particle filaments prepared in this work showed higher tensile strength and elongation at break when compared to polylactic acid filament. The characteristics displayed by these cashew nutshell particles make them a promising filler for 3D printing filaments.
An Afrocentric Ecoreading of ‘Coloniality of Power’ in Prophet Hosea’s Narrative
Authors: Josiah Ucheawaji Godfrey , Jeffrey-Ebhomenmen Blessing
Published: November 2023

This work examines the environmental challenges occasioned by Samaria’s ‘imperial singleness’ in prophet Hosea’s text from an African perspective. The interaction between the ‘seat of power’ in Samaria and imperial forces in Hosea’s time appears to have negatively influenced Israel’s attitude towards land use (Hos 12:1, 2; 1 Ki 21:1–28; 2 Ki 9:26). Such interface becomes evident in a shift, by Samaria’s ‘seat of power’, from Yahweh’s prescribed land-use policy to those of their imperial masters—Assyria and Egypt. Despite Israel’s liberation from Egypt by Yahweh during the exodus (Hos 11:1), their susceptibility to treaty alliances with these imperial forces remains vivid in Hosea’s narrative (Hos 7:1–16; 12:1–2). Echoing the words of Ngwa, such an alliance seemingly classifies Samaria’s monarchy as a ‘localised imperial singularity’ and a ‘single hero’ as against the ‘communal oneness with the divine, humans and the earth itself’. This ‘localised imperial singleness’ and its effect on Israel’s land was subjected to a critical engagement premised on the principles of interconnectedness and the voice of the earth, while a combination of Mburu’s African Hermeneutics and Kavus’ Ecological Hermeneutics is employed for the purpose of critical decolonial discourse.
A Rapid-Convergence Precise Point Positioning Approach Using Double Augmentations of Low Earth Orbit Satellite and Atmospheric Information
Authors: He Bei , Cai Changsheng , Pan Lin
Published: November 2023

The precise point positioning (PPP) technique generally takes tens of minutes to converge, severely limiting its use. This longer convergence time is mainly due to the slower variation of satellite geometry in space and the stronger correlation of unknown parameters to be estimated. Fortunately, the lower orbit altitude of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites contributes to the fast variation of the satellites’ spatial geometry. In addition, high-precision atmospheric delay information has become readily available, which can help decrease unknown parameters’ correlation. This study proposes a double-augmentation PPP approach with accelerated convergence by tightly integrating the LEO/atmosphere-augmented information. The GNSS observations in both mid-latitude and low-latitude areas, and simulated LEO observations under a Walker/polar mixed constellation, are used to validate the double-augmentation PPP approach. Test results in both areas indicate that the double-augmentation PPP can converge within 0.8 min, improving the convergence time by over 73%, and over 83% compared to the LEO-only augmented PPP and atmosphere-only augmented PPP.
The Influence of Validation Colocation on XCO2 Satellite–Terrestrial Joint Observations
Authors: Li Ruoxi , Zhou Xiang , Cheng Tianhai , Tao Zui , Gu Xingfa , Wang Ning , Zhang Hongming , Lv Tingting
Published: November 2023

Comparing satellite retrieval with high-precision ground observations is an essential component for the validation of CO2 satellite products. The initial stage of assessing the bias in retrieval products from satellite and ground sources involves establishing a geographical connection between observations that are temporally and spatially proximate. The primary aim of this paper is to evaluate the influence of variations in neighborhood definitions and colocation methods on the assessment of satellite products and provide quantitative references. To achieve this, a series of experiments were conducted involving the Global Total Column Carbon Observation Network (TCCON) and the OCO-2 satellite. Various spatial-temporal neighborhoods and colocation methods were considered in these experiments. The results indicate that spatial neighborhoods exert a more substantial influence on bias compared to temporal neighborhoods. In the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, there is an observed linear increase trend between the difference of OCO-2 and TCCON observations and the spatial neighborhood, with an average increase of 0.32 ppm as the neighborhood size changes from 1° to 10°. Regarding colocation methods, the simple spatiotemporal geographic constraints tend to overlook changes in the atmospheric state to a certain extent. The target geographic constraint method reduces the bias by 2% to 5% by increasing the proportion of OCO-2 observations targeting TCCON while the method of introducing T700 potential temperature reduces by 2% to 13% by screening the gradient of CO2 concentration change. Moreover, an evident correlation exists between the bias and their corresponding latitudes, with a 0.20 ppm increase in bias observed for every 10° increment in latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. The bias of TCCON and OCO-2 shows a pronounced seasonal regularity, with the highest in summer. The study also discusses the selection of spatiotemporal matching with low satellite coverage, the bias distribution, and the attribution of bias to the natural wind field.
Simultaneous Measurement of Flow Velocity and Electrical Conductivity of a Liquid Metal Using an Eddy Current Flow Meter in Combination with a Look-Up-Table Method
Authors: Krauter Nico , Stefani Frank
Published: November 2023

The Eddy Current Flow Meter (ECFM) is a commonly employed inductive sensor for assessing the local flow rate or flow velocity of liquid metals with temperatures up to 700 ∘C. One limitation of the ECFM lies in its dependency on the magnetic Reynolds number for measured voltage signals. These signals are influenced not only by the flow velocity but also by the electrical conductivity of the liquid metal. In scenarios where temperature fluctuations are significant, leading to corresponding variations in electrical conductivity, it becomes imperative to calibrate the ECFM while concurrently monitoring temperature to discern the respective impacts of flow velocity and electrical conductivity on the acquired signals. This paper introduces a novel approach that enables the concurrent measurement of electrical conductivity and flow velocity, even in the absence of precise knowledge of the liquid metal’s conductivity or temperature. This method employs a Look-Up-Table methodology. The feasibility of this measurement technique is substantiated through numerical simulations and further validated through experiments conducted on the liquid metal alloy GaInSn at room temperature.
Performance of Grating Couplers Used in the Optical Switch Configuration
Authors: Laffont Emilie , Valour Arnaud , Crespo-Monteiro Nicolas , Berini Pierre , Jourlin Yves
Published: November 2023

Surface plasmon resonance is an effect widely used for biosensing. Biosensors based on this effect operate in different configurations, including the use of diffraction gratings as couplers. Gratings are highly tunable and are easy to integrate into a fluidic system due to their planar configuration. We discuss the optimization of plasmonic grating couplers for use in a specific sensor configuration based on the optical switch. These gratings present a sinusoidal profile with a high depth/period ratio. Their interaction with a p-polarized light beam results in two significant diffracted orders (the 0th and the −1st), which enable differential measurements cancelling noise due to common fluctuations. The gratings are fabricated by combining laser interference lithography with nanoimprinting in a process that is aligned with the challenges of low-cost mass production. The effects of different grating parameters such as the period, depth and profile are theoretically and experimentally investigated.
A Novel Four-Step Algorithm for Detecting a Single Circle in Complex Images
Authors: Cao Jianan , Gao Yue , Wang Chuanyang
Published: November 2023

Single-circle detection is vital in industrial automation, intelligent navigation, and structural health monitoring. In these fields, the circle is usually present in images with complex textures, multiple contours, and mass noise. However, commonly used circle-detection methods, including random sample consensus, random Hough transform, and the least squares method, lead to low detection accuracy, low efficiency, and poor stability in circle detection. To improve the accuracy, efficiency, and stability of circle detection, this paper proposes a single-circle detection algorithm by combining Canny edge detection, a clustering algorithm, and the improved least squares method. To verify the superiority of the algorithm, the performance of the algorithm is compared using the self-captured image samples and the GH dataset. The proposed algorithm detects the circle with an average error of two pixels and has a higher detection accuracy, efficiency, and stability than random sample consensus and random Hough transform.
Spatial and Temporal Variation in Soil Salinity and Correlation with Groundwater Depth in the Karamay Irrigation District of China
Authors: Liu Guohui , Tian Changyan , Mai Wenxuan , Azeem Ahmad , Yang Jige
Published: November 2023

The secondary salinization of irrigated areas poses a direct threat to both the sustainable development of oasis agriculture and ecological stability in arid regions. In this study, we conducted an experiment to examine alterations in groundwater levels and soil salinity within the plow layer, as well as their combined impact, in arid regions following extended reclamation in standard diversion irrigation areas. For this experiment, the Karamay irrigation district was selected. Four different years, namely, 1996, 2006, 2016, and 2021, were selected for soil sampling and groundwater monitoring data. Descriptive statistics, along with the use of GIS technology and Pearson’s correlation, were employed to analyze the data in order to discern the patterns of soil salinity and groundwater depth within the plow layer. Additionally, this approach helped establish the correlation between these factors over the last 25 years of reclamation in the Karamay irrigation district. The results showed that, (1) due to an increase in the reclamation duration, the groundwater depth in the irrigation area decreased year by year, and the salinity of the arable soil showed an overall decreasing trend, but it increased in local low-lying areas; (2) the influence of the groundwater depth on the salinity of the arable soil had a threshold value. It decreased from 3.1 m in 2016 to 2.4 m in 2021, and a significant negative correlation was observed between salinity and the depth of groundwater. When the groundwater depth was shallower than the threshold value, the soil salinity in the plow layer was negatively correlated with the groundwater depth. In the arid irrigation zone, inadequate drainage facilities resulted in a significant rise in the groundwater table due to the excessive amount of irrigation water. This created secondary salinization of the arable soil. It is thus concluded that implementing adequate drainage systems in arid irrigation regions will help prevent secondary salinization and promote the sustainable development of agriculture in these areas.
Simulation Study of a Novel Solar Air-Source Heat Pump Heating System Based on Phase-Change Heat Storage
Authors: Liu Panxue , Zhao Jianhui , Chen Jiamei
Published: November 2023

A traditional solar air-source heat pump heating system cannot effectively utilize solar energy, and it consumes large amounts of energy when operating during cold nights. Accordingly, a conventional heating system has been improved by phase-change heating to form a new phase-change thermal storage solar air-source heat pump heating system. Based on the TRNSYS simulation platform, a heating simulation study of the improved phase-change heating system was carried out in Xi’an City. The results show that the addition of phase-change thermal storage technology allows the heating system to make better use of solar energy, and the efficiency of the solar collector is increased by 5.9%; the presence of the phase-change material effectively reduces the rate of temperature drop inside the water tank, making the water supply temperature more stable; during the whole heating period, the improved phase-change heating system saved 484.91 kWh of operating energy, showing a very good energy-saving effect.
Distributed Control Scheme for Clusters of Power Quality Compensators in Grid-Tied AC Microgrids
Authors: Martínez-Gómez Manuel , Burgos-Mellado Claudio , Morales-Paredes Helmo Kelis , Gómez Juan Sebastián , Verma Anant Kumar , Bonaldo Jakson Paulo
Published: November 2023

Modern electrical systems are required to provide increasing standards of power quality, so converters in microgrids need to cooperate to accomplish the requirements efficiently in terms of costs and energy. Currently, power quality compensators (PQCs) are deployed individually, with no capacity to support distant nodes. Motivated by this, this paper proposes a consensus-based scheme, augmented by the conservative power theory (CPT), for controlling clusters of PQCs aiming to improve the imbalance, harmonics and the power factor at multiple nodes of a grid-tied AC microgrid. The CPT calculates the current components that need to be compensated at the point of common coupling (PCC) and local nodes; then, compensations are implemented by using each grid-following converter’s remaining volt-ampere capacity, converting them in PQCs and improving the system’s efficiency. The proposal yields the non-active power balancing among PQCs compounding a cluster. Constraints of cumulative non-active contribution and maximum disposable power are included in each controller. Also, grid-support components are calculated locally based on shared information from the PCC. Extensive simulations show a seamless compensation (even with time delays) of unbalanced and harmonics current (below 20% each) at selected buses, with control convergences of 0.5–1.5 [s] within clusters and 1.0–3.0 [s] for multi-cluster cooperation.
Analysis of Steady Groundwater Flow in Confined Aquifer Due to Long-Strip Pit Dewatering with Suspended Cut-Off Wall
Authors: Tan Weijia , Kang Haibo , Xu Jin , Wang Xudong
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the steady flow resulting from dewatering by a partially penetrating well in a confined aquifer with a cut-off barrier. By considering flow in both horizontal and vertical directions and incorporating the barrier and pumping well as flow boundary conditions, separate mathematical models are established for the inside and outside of the cut-off barrier. The interaction between these zones is ensured through continuous conditions along the opening of the two zones. A semi-analytical solution is derived for the problem using the finite Fourier cosine transform and boundary transformation methods. The effectiveness of the method is verified by comparing it with the finite element numerical results and pumping test data respectively. Based on the proposed solutions, we proceed to analyze the influence of some relevant factors: the extent to which the cut-off wall is embedded within the confined aquifer, the depth of the partially penetrating well, and the distance to the lateral head boundary. Results indicate that a greater depth of the cut-off wall leads to a reduced pumping rate requirement for achieving a desired drawdown of the confined water level within the excavation. According to the presented solution, placing pumping wells near the top of the confined aquifer in excavation dewatering projects can facilitate a faster reduction of the confined water head at the excavation bottom. Additionally, proximity of lateral head boundary could significantly impact dewatering, with closer boundaries reducing dewatering effectiveness due to improved aquifer recharge. Finally, the use of the Fourier method showcases impressive convergence properties in the approach presented in this study. The computed results maintain a high level of approximation quality, even with extremely coarse discretization.
Soil Erosion vs. Vineyard Productivity: The Case of the Aglianico del Vulture DOC and DOCG Areas (Southern Italy)
Authors: Lazzari Maurizio , Piccarreta Marco
Published: November 2023

Soil erosion in European Mediterranean vineyards is the main impact factor of uncontrolled solute and nutrient transport, degradation of soil structure, and loss of organic matter, which are key controlling factors in grape productivity and quality. The relationship between soil loss and grape productivity in the Aglianico DOC and DOCG areas of Southern Italy has been studied. Erosion values estimated through the RUSLE model were compared with grape productivity from 2011 to 2019. The obtained results show a negative correlation between the two parameters. The amounts of soil loss for different vineyard slope classes were also considered. The erosion values increase by an order of magnitude moving from the gentle slopes (0–5°) to the steeper ones (>30°), typical of hilly and mountainous areas. The planned shift in the future of vineyards towards these altitudinal bands could prove to be uneconomical if conservative techniques are not carried out.