bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Longitudinal Study of a Large Clinical Cohort of Patients with Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Co-Infections Treated with Combination Antibiotics
Authors: Xi David , Thoma Abbie , Rajput-Ray Minha , Madigan Anne , Avramovic Gordana , Garg Kunal , Gilbert Leona , Lambert John S.
Published: August 2023

The rising prevalence of tick-borne infections (TBIs) necessitates further attention. This study retrospectively investigated the types of TBIs, symptoms, and if combination antibiotics were helpful within a patient cohort at an infectious disease clinic in Ireland. In this chart audit of 301 individuals (184 female, 117 male) tested for TBIs, 140 (46.51%) had positive antibody responses for TBIs from an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunoassay) that was based on a modified two-tiered testing protocol. A total of 93 (66.43%) patients had positive antibody responses to one TBI: 83 (59.29%) for Borrelia, 7 (5.00%) for Rickettsia, and 1 (0.71%) each for either Babesia, Bartonella, or Ehrlichia. The remaining 47 (33.57%) patients were infected with multiple TBIs. These patients were treated with combination antibiotics and monitored at two subsequent follow-ups. Only 2 of 101 patients (1.98%) had discontinued treatment by the second follow-up. In the first follow-up with 118 patients, 70 (59.32%) reported pain and 48 (40.68%) had neurological symptoms. In the next follow-up of 101 patients, 41 (40.59%) had pain while 30 (29.70%) had neurological symptoms. There were statistically significant reductions in the incidence of pain (41.43%) and neurological (37.50%) symptoms between follow-ups. Thus, our study demonstrates that combination antibiotics effectively relieve TBI symptoms with good patient tolerance.
Identifying Multi-Scale Gravity and Magnetic Anomalies Using Statistical Empirical Mode Decomposition: A Case Study from the Eastern Tianshan Orogenic Belt
Authors: Xiao Fan , Lin Weipeng , Yang Huaqing , Wang Cuicui
Published: August 2023

Identifying multi-scale anomalies that have simple forms and geological significance is critical for enhancing the interpretability of gravity and magnetic survey data. In recent years, empirical mode decomposition (EMD), which was developed as a significant data-driven approach for analyzing complex signals, has been widely used in identifying gravity and magnetic anomalies due to its advantages of adaptability to nonlinear and nonstationary data. Nevertheless, the traditional EMD method is usually sensitive to outliers and irregularly spaced data because of the interpolation process in the construction of envelopes. In this regard, an extended algorithm called statistical EMD (SEMD) has been proposed based on the smoothing technique. In this study, for validation purposes, the novel SEMD method has been employed to identify multi-scale gravity and magnetic anomalies. The sensitivities of local polynomial and cubic spline smoothing methods in SEMD to combination and arrangement patterns of field sources including the size, depth, and distance in gravity and magnetic anomaly identification were investigated and compared by forward modeling under the same conditions. The results demonstrated that the local polynomial smoothing method performed better than the cubic spline smoothing method. Thus, in the case study, the SEMD method using the local polynomial smoothing technique was employed for identifying multi-scale gravity and magnetic anomalies in the eastern Tianshan orogenic belt, northwestern China. It has illustrated that the SEMD method provides a novel and useful data-driven method for extracting gravity and magnetic anomalies.
Nanobiosensing Based on Electro-Optically Modulated Technology
Authors: Li Shuang , Qin Ziyue , Fu Jie , Gao Qiya
Published: August 2023

At the nanoscale, metals exhibit special electrochemical and optical properties, which play an important role in nanobiosensing. In particular, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based on precious metal nanoparticles, as a kind of tag-free biosensor technology, has brought high sensitivity, high reliability, and convenient operation to sensor detection. By applying an electrochemical excitation signal to the nanoplasma device, modulating its surface electron density, and realizing electrochemical coupling SPR, it can effectively complete the joint transmission of electrical and optical signals, increase the resonance shift of the spectrum, and further improve the sensitivity of the designed biosensor. In addition, smartphones are playing an increasingly important role in portable mobile sensor detection systems. These systems typically connect sensing devices to smartphones to perceive different types of information, from optical signals to electrochemical signals, providing ideas for the portability and low-cost design of these sensing systems. Among them, electrochemiluminescence (ECL), as a special electrochemically coupled optical technology, has good application prospects in mobile sensing detection due to its strong anti-interference ability, which is not affected by background light. In this review, the SPR is introduced using nanoparticles, and its response process is analyzed theoretically. Then, the mechanism and sensing application of electrochemistry coupled with SPR and ECL are emphatically introduced. Finally, it extends to the relevant research on electrochemically coupled optical sensing on mobile detection platforms.
Fountain Pen-Inspired 3D Colloidal Assembly, Consisting of Metallic Nanoparticles on a Femtoliter Scale
Authors: Kim Sung-Jo , Lee Il-Hyun , Kim Won-Geun , Hwang Yoon-Hwae , Oh Jin-Woo
Published: August 2023

The 3D colloidal assemblies composed of nanoparticles (NPs) are closely associated with optical properties such as photonic crystals, localized surface plasmon resonance, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering. However, research on their fabrication remains insufficient. Here, the femtoliter volume of a 3D colloidal assembly is shown, using the evaporation of a fine fountain pen. A nano-fountain pen (NPF) with a micrometer-level tip inner diameter was adopted for the fine evaporation control of the ink solvent. The picoliters of the evaporation occurring at the NFP tip and femtoliter volume of the 3D colloidal assembly were analyzed using a diffusion equation. The shape of the 3D colloidal assembly was dependent on the evaporation regarding the accumulation time and tip size, and they exhibited random close packing. Using gold-, silver-, and platinum-NPs and mixing ratios of them, diverse 3D colloidal assemblies were formed. The spectra regarding a localized surface plasmon resonance of them were changed according to composition and mixing ratio. We expect that this could be widely applied as a simple fabrication tool in order to explore complex metamaterials constructed of nanoparticles, as this method is highly flexible in varying the shape as well as composition ratio of self-assembled structures.
Stripping Model for Short GRBs: The Impact of Nuclear Data
Authors: Yudin Andrey , Kramarev Nikita , Panov Igor , Ignatovskiy Anton
Published: August 2023

We investigate the impact of forthcoming nuclear data on the predictions of the neutron star (NS) stripping model for short gamma-ray bursts. The main area to which we pay attention is the NS crust. We show that the uncertain properties of the NS equation of state can significantly influence the stripping time tstr, the main dynamical parameter of the model. Based on the known time delay (tstr≈1.7 s) between the peak of the gravitational wave signal GW170817 and the detection of gamma photons from GRB170817A, we obtain new restrictions on the nuclear matter parameters, in particular, the symmetry energy slope parameter: L<114.5MeV. In addition, we study the process of nucleosynthesis in the outer and inner crusts of a low-mass NS. We show that the nucleosynthesis is strongly influenced by both the forthcoming nuclear data and the equation of state of the NS matter.
Zoo-Sanitary Situation Assessment, an Initial Step in Country Disease Prioritization Process: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis from 2000 to 2020 in Cameroon
Authors: Mouliom Mouiche Mohamed Moctar , Nguemou Wafo Eugenie Elvire , Mpouam Serge Eugene , Moffo Frédéric , Kameni Feussom Jean Marc , Njayou Ngapagna Arouna , Mfopit Youssouf Mouliom , Saegerman Claude , Abdoulmoumini Mamoudou
Published: August 2023

To prevent and/or control infectious diseases in animal and human health, an appropriate surveillance system based on suitable up-to-date epidemiological data is required. The systematic review protocol was designed according to the PRISMA statement to look at the available data on infectious diseases of livestock in Cameroon from 2000–2020. Data were searched through online databases. Grey literature was comprised of dissertations and theses from veterinary higher education institutions in Cameroon. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled prevalence using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software. Based on disease prevalence, major infectious diseases of livestock in Cameroon were gastrointestinal parasitosis (57.4% in cattle, 67.2% in poultry, 88% in pigs), hemoparasites (21.6% in small ruminants, 19.7% in cattle), bovine pasteurellosis (55.5%), fowl salmonellosis (48.2%), small ruminant plague (39.7%), foot-and-mouth disease (34.5% in cattle), and African swine fever (18.9%). Furthermore, other important endemic zoonoses in the country included: Rift Valley fever (10.9% in cattle, 3.7% in small ruminants), brucellosis (7% in cattle, 8% in pigs), bovine tuberculosis (4.7% in cattle), hepatitis E virus (8.4% in pigs) and bovine leptospirosis (2.5%). Most of the retrieved research were carried out in the Adamawa, Northwest, and West regions of Cameroon. The evaluation of existing data as evidence, albeit publication-specific, is an important step towards the process of prioritizing animal diseases, including zoonoses.
Ornithodoros sonrai Soft Ticks and Associated Bacteria in Senegal
Authors: Ndiaye El Hadji Ibrahima , Diarra Adama Zan , Diouf Fatou Samba , Bouganali Charles , Almeras Lionel , Sokhna Cheikh , Diatta Georges , Parola Philippe
Published: August 2023

The soft ticks, Ornithodoros sonrai, are known as vectors of the tick-borne relapsing fever caused by Borrelia spp. and have also been reported to carry other micro-organisms. The objective of this study was to collect and to identify O. sonrai ticks and to investigate the micro-organisms associated with them. In 2019, an investigation of burrows within human dwellings was conducted in 17 villages in the Niakhar area and in 15 villages in the Sine-Saloum area in the Fatick region of Senegal. Ticks collected from the burrows were identified morphologically and by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Micro-organism screening was performed by bacteria-specific qPCR and some identifications were made by standard PCR and gene sequencing. O. sonrai ticks were found in 100% (17/17) of the villages surveyed in the Niakhar area and in 66% (10/15) of the villages in the Sine-Saloum area. A total of 1275 soft tick specimens were collected from small mammal burrows. The ticks collected were morphologically identified as O. sonrai. About 20% (259/1275) of the specimens were also submitted to MALDI-TOF MS for identification. Among the resulting MS profiles, 87% (139/159) and 95% (95/100) were considered good quality specimens, preserved in alcohol and silica gel, respectively. All spectra of good quality were tested against our MALDI-TOF MS arthropod spectra database and identified as O. sonrai species, corroborating the morphological classification. The carriage of four micro-organisms was detected in the ticks with a high prevalence of Bartonella spp., Anaplasmataceae, and Borrelia spp. of 35, 28, and 26%, respectively, and low carriage of Coxiella burnetii (2%). This study highlights the level of tick infestation in domestic burrows, the inventory of pathogens associated with the O. sonrai tick, and the concern about the potential risk of tick involvement in the transmission of these pathogens in Senegal.
Mpox Outbreak 2022: A Comparative Analysis of the Characteristics of Individuals Receiving MVA-BN Vaccination and People Diagnosed with Mpox Infection in Milan, Italy
Authors: Passini Flavia , Raccagni Angelo Roberto , Diotallevi Sara , Lolatto Riccardo , Bruzzesi Elena , Candela Caterina , Bertoni Costanza , Trentacapilli Benedetta , Lucente Maria Francesca , Castagna Antonella , Nozza Silvia
Published: August 2023

Mpox caused a worldwide outbreak in 2022, disproportionately affecting MSM reporting high-risk sexual behaviors. The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of people receiving MVA-BN vaccination with those of individuals diagnosed with mpox to guide future vaccination policies. This was a retrospective study on people with mpox infection or vaccination at San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy, from May to November 2022. Characteristics were compared using Mann–Whitney or chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests; multivariable logistic regression and classification tree analysis were applied. Overall, 473 vaccinated individuals and 135 with mpox were included; 472/473 and 134/135 were MSM. People with mpox were more frequently living with HIV (48.9% vs. 22.4%, p < 0.001), had ≥1 previous STI (75.6% vs. 35.7%, p < 0.001), were chemsex users (37.8% vs. 6.34%, p < 0.001), were with a higher number of partners (23.0% vs. 1.69%, p < 0.001), and had engaged in group sex (55.6% vs. 24.1%, p < 0.001). At multivariable analysis, PLWH (aOR = 2.86, 95%CI = 1.59–5.19, p < 0.001), chemsex users (aOR = 2.96, 95%CI = 1.52–5.79, p = 0.001), those with previous syphilis (aOR = 4.11, 95%CI = 2.22–7.72, p < 0.001), and those with >10 partners (aOR = 11.56, 95%CI = 6.60–21.09, p < 0.001) had a higher risk of infection. This study underscores the importance of prioritizing MSM with prior STIs and multiple partners as well as chemsex users in vaccination policies to curb mpox spread. A destigmatized assessment of sexual history is vital for comprehensive sexual health strategies.
Frequency Comb Fiber Generator Based on Photonic Bandgap Amplifier
Authors: Abramov Aleksei , Korobko Dmitry , Zolotovskii Igor
Published: August 2023

We report on a model of a fiber frequency comb generator that develops an approach to harmonically mode-locked fiber laser design based on dissipative four-wave mixing. In our version of this approach, we assume an amplifying one-dimensional photonic crystal as a key cavity element combining the properties of an intra-cavity filter and a power amplifier. Using standard equations describing the signal transformation in the ring cavity and the output fiber cascade, we have demonstrated the possibility of the application of the proposed model as a generator of broadband frequency comb with controllable line spacing.
Integrated Encapsulation and Implementation of a Linear-Mode APD Detector for Single-Pixel Imaging Lidar
Authors: Lv Akang , Yuan Kee , Huang Jian , Shi Dongfeng , Zhang Shiguo , Chen Yafeng , He Zixin
Published: August 2023

Single-pixel imaging lidar is a novel technology that leverages single-pixel detectors without spatial resolution and spatial light modulators to capture images by reconstruction. This technique has potential imaging capability in non-visible wavelengths compared with surface array detectors. An avalanche photodiode (APD) is a device in which the internal photoelectric effect and the avalanche multiplication effect are exploited to detect and amplify optical signals. An encapsulated APD detector, with an APD device as the core, is the preferred photodetector for lidar due to its high quantum efficiency in the near-infrared waveband. However, research into APD detectors in China is still in the exploratory period, when most of the work focuses on theoretical analysis and experimental verification. This is a far cry from foreign research levels in key technologies, and the required near-infrared APD detectors with high sensitivity and low noise have to be imported at a high price. In this present study, an encapsulated APD detector was designed in a linear mode by integrating a bare APD tube, a bias power circuit, a temperature control circuit and a signal processing circuit, and the corresponding theoretical analysis, circuit design, circuit simulation and experimental tests were carried out. Then, the APD detector was applied in the single-pixel imaging lidar system. The study showed that the bias power circuit could provide the APD with an operating voltage of DC 1.6 V to 300 V and a ripple voltage of less than 4.2 mV. Not only that, the temperature control circuit quickly changed the operating state of the Thermo Electric Cooler (TEC) to stabilize the ambient temperature of the APD and maintain it at 25 ± 0.3 °C within 5 h. The signal processing circuit was designed with a multi-stage amplification cascade structure, effectively raising the gain of signal amplification. By comparison, the trial also suggested that the encapsulated APD detector and the commercial Licel detector had a good agreement on the scattered signal, such as a repetition rate and pulse width response under the same lidar environment. Therefore, target objects in real atmospheric environments could be imaged by applying the encapsulated APD detector to the near-infrared single-pixel imaging lidar system.
Savinin Triggers Programmed Cell Death of Ray Parenchyma Cells in Heartwood Formation of Taiwania cryptomerioides Hayata
Authors: Tsao Nai-Wen , Sun Ying-Hsuan , Chu Fang-Hua , Chien Shih-Chang , Wang Sheng-Yang
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between lignan biosynthesis and programmed cell death (PCD) of ray parenchyma cells during the heartwood formation of Taiwania (Taiwania cryptomerioides Hayata). Since the PCD of ray parenchyma cells and the synthesis of lignans are the two main processes involved in the formation of heartwood, both of which need to be completed through gene regulation. Based on the results of genomics and bioinformatics analysis, that the PCD of tracheids are induced by genotoxic, and the PCD of ray parenchyma cells is induced by biological factors, such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses, which could induce oxidative stress. According to the results of time−of−flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF−SIMS) analysis, lignans are produced in ray parenchyma cells, and the accumulation of savinin and its downstream lignans might be the cause of PCD in ray parenchyma cells. An in vitro experiment further confirmed that the accumulation of savinin could cause protoplasts of Taiwania’s xylem to produce taiwanin A, which is the marker of heartwood formation in Taiwania. Resulting in an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, which could induce oxidative stress in ray parenchyma cells and potentially lead to PCD. Based on these findings, we conclude that accumulation of savinin could be induced PCD of ray parenchyma cells in heartwood formation in Taiwania.
Lightweight Algorithm for Apple Detection Based on an Improved YOLOv5 Model
Authors: Sun Yu , Zhang Dongwei , Guo Xindong , Yang Hua
Published: August 2023

The detection algorithm of the apple-picking robot contains a complex network structure and huge parameter volume, which seriously limits the inference speed. To enable automatic apple picking in complex unstructured environments based on embedded platforms, we propose a lightweight YOLOv5-CS model for apple detection based on YOLOv5n. Firstly, we introduced the lightweight C3-light module to replace C3 to enhance the extraction of spatial features and boots the running speed. Then, we incorporated SimAM, a parameter-free attention module, into the neck layer to improve the model’s accuracy. The results showed that the size and inference speed of YOLOv5-CS were 6.25 MB and 0.014 s, which were 45 and 1.2 times that of the YOLOv5n model, respectively. The number of floating-point operations (FLOPs) were reduced by 15.56%, and the average precision (AP) reached 99.1%. Finally, we conducted extensive experiments, and the results showed that the YOLOv5-CS outperformed mainstream networks in terms of AP, speed, and model size. Thus, our real-time YOLOv5-CS model detects apples in complex orchard environments efficiently and provides technical support for visual recognition systems for intelligent apple-picking devices.
Physiological Mechanism of Waterlogging Stress on Yield of Waxy Maize at the Jointing Stage
Authors: Zhang Xuepeng , Huang Chao , Meng Ye , Liu Xuchen , Gao Yang , Liu Zhandong , Ma Shoutian
Published: August 2023

In the main agricultural area for waxy maize production in China, waterlogging occurs frequently during the waxy maize jointing stage, and this causes significant yield reduction. It is very important to understand the physiological mechanism of waterlogging stress in waxy maize during the jointing stage to develop strategies against waterlogging stress. Therefore, this study set waterlogging treatments in the field for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days during the waxy maize jointing stage, and were labelled CK, WS2, WS4, WS6, WS8 and WS10, respectively. By analyzing the effect of waterlogging on the source, sink, and transport of photoassimilates, the physiological mechanism of waterlogging stress in the jointing stage was clarified. The results show that PEPC and POD activities and Pro content decreased significantly under WS2 compared to CK. Except for these three indicators, the Pn, GS, leaf area, kernel number, yield, and puncture strength of stems were significantly decreased under the WS4. Under the WS6, the content of MDA began to increase significantly, while almost all other physiological indices decreased significantly. Moreover, the structure of stem epidermal cells and the vascular bundle were deformed after 6 days of waterlogging. Therefore, the threshold value of waterlogging stress occured at 4 to 6 days in the jointing stage of waxy maize. Moreover, waterlogging stress at the jointing stage mainly reduces the yield by reducing the number of kernels; specifically, the kernel number decreased by 6.7–15.5% in 4–10 days of waterlogging, resulting in a decrease of 9.9–20.2% in the final yield. Thus, we have shown that waterlogging stress at the jointing stage results in the decrease of potential waxy maize kernel numbers and yield when the synthesis of sources was limited and the transport of photoassimilates was restricted.
A Comprehensive Genome-Wide Investigation of the Cytochrome 71 (OsCYP71) Gene Family: Revealing the Impact of Promoter and Gene Variants (Ser33Leu) of OsCYP71P6 on Yield-Related Traits in Indica Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Sahoo Bijayalaxmi , Nayak Itishree , Parameswaran C. , Kesawat Mahipal Singh , Sahoo Khirod Kumar , Subudhi H. N. , Balasubramaniasai Cayalvizhi , Prabhukarthikeyan S. R. , Katara Jawahar Lal , Dash Sushanta Kumar , Chung Sang-Min , Siddiqui Manzer H. , Alamri Saud , Samantaray Sanghamitra
Published: August 2023

The cytochrome P450 (CYP450) gene family plays a critical role in plant growth and developmental processes, nutrition, and detoxification of xenobiotics in plants. In the present research, a comprehensive set of 105 OsCYP71 family genes was pinpointed within the genome of indica rice. These genes were categorized into twelve distinct subfamilies, where members within the same subgroup exhibited comparable gene structures and conserved motifs. In addition, 105 OsCYP71 genes were distributed across 11 chromosomes, and 36 pairs of OsCYP71 involved in gene duplication events. Within the promoter region of OsCYP71, there exists an extensive array of cis-elements that are associated with light responsiveness, hormonal regulation, and stress-related signaling. Further, transcriptome profiling revealed that a majority of the genes exhibited responsiveness to hormones and were activated across diverse tissues and developmental stages in rice. The OsCYP71P6 gene is involved in insect resistance, senescence, and yield-related traits in rice. Hence, understanding the association between OsCYP71P6 genetic variants and yield-related traits in rice varieties could provide novel insights for rice improvement. Through the utilization of linear regression models, a total of eight promoters were identified, and a specific gene variant (Ser33Leu) within OsCYP71P6 was found to be linked to spikelet fertility. Additionally, different alleles of the OsCYP71P6 gene identified through in/dels polymorphism in 131 rice varieties were validated for their allelic effects on yield-related traits. Furthermore, the single-plant yield, spikelet number, panicle length, panicle weight, and unfilled grain per panicle for the OsCYP71P6-1 promoter insertion variant were found to contribute 20.19%, 13.65%, 5.637%, 8.79%, and 36.86% more than the deletion variant, respectively. These findings establish a robust groundwork for delving deeper into the functions of OsCYP71-family genes across a range of biological processes. Moreover, these findings provide evidence that allelic variation in the promoter and amino acid substitution of Ser33Leu in the OsCYP71P6 gene could potentially impact traits related to rice yield. Therefore, the identified promoter variants in the OsCYP71P6 gene could be harnessed to amplify rice yields.
Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveal Sugar and Organic Acid Accumulation in Rosa roxburghii Fruit
Authors: Su Liyao , Zhang Tian , Wu Min , Zhong Yan , Cheng Zongming (Max)
Published: August 2023

Sugars and organic acids significantly impact fruit sensory quality, but their accumulation patterns and regulatory mechanisms during the development of Rosa roxburghii fruit are still unclear. We utilized transcriptomics and metabolomics to investigate genes related to sugar and organic acid metabolism in Rosa roxburghii. Metabolomics data revealed that sucrose, glucose and fructose were the primary sugars, whereas citric acid and malic acid were the primary organic acids in Rosa roxburghii fruit. We constructed the metabolic pathways of major sugars and organic acids in Rosa roxburghii and identified five key genes involved in sugar and organic acid synthesis. In addition, we identified a module containing 132 transcription factors that was significantly associated with sucrose, citric acid and malic acid. Based on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), we identified 13 transcription factors involved in sugar and organic acid metabolism, including the transcription factor RrANL2 and the sucrose synthase gene RrSUS3. Further yeast one-hybrid and dual luciferase assays showed that RrANL2 could bind to the promoter of RrSUS3 to increase its expression. These results provide new insights into the metabolism of sugars and organic acids in Rosa roxburghii fruit.
The Isolate Pseudomonas multiresinivorans QL-9a Quenches the Quorum Sensing Signal and Suppresses Plant Soft Rot Disease
Authors: Liu Siqi , Zhu Xixian , Yan Zhenchen , Liu Hui , Zhang Lianhui , Chen Wenjuan , Chen Shaohua
Published: August 2023

Quorum sensing (QS) is a communication mechanism used among microorganisms that regulate the population density and behavior by sensing the concentration of signaling molecules. Quorum quenching (QQ), a novel, eco-friendly, and efficient method for disease control, interferes with QS by disturbing the production and enzymatic degradation of signaling molecules, blocking communication among microorganisms, and thus has deep potential for use in plant disease control. Pectobacterium carotovorum can cause bacterial soft rot, resulting in yield reduction in a variety of crops worldwide, and can be mediated and regulated by the N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), which are typical signaling molecules. In this study, a novel quenching strain of Pseudomonas multiresinivorans QL-9a was isolated and characterized, and it showed excellent degradation ability against AHLs, degrading 98.20% of N-(-3-oxohexanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (OHHL) within 48 h. Based on the results of the gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC–MS) analysis, a possible pathway was proposed to decompose OHHL into fatty acids and homoserine lactone, in which AHL acylase was involved. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that the QL-9a strain and its crude enzyme are promising biocontrol agents that can considerably reduce the severity of the soft rot disease brought on by P. carotovorum, consequently preventing the maceration of a variety of host plant tissues. All of these results suggest promising applications of the QL-9a strain and its crude enzyme in the control of various plant diseases mediated by AHLs.
Taxonomic Identification and Molecular DNA Barcoding of Collected Wild-Growing Orchids Used Traditionally for Salep Production
Authors: Tsaballa Aphrodite , Kelesidis George , Krigas Nikos , Sarropoulou Virginia , Bagatzounis Panagiotis , Grigoriadou Katerina
Published: August 2023

Molecular DNA barcoding combined with botanical taxonomy can be used for the identification and conservation of collected Greek orchids used for salep production as well as in the regulation of fair salep trade. A modified CTAB protocol was used for DNA extraction, amplification of barcoding regions (ITS, matK, rbcL, trnH-psbA), and sequencing. Sequencing data were assembled using Bioedit software, and the BLAST algorithm was used on the NCBI database for species identification at the genus level. Molecular barcoding data based on genetic similarity identification was in full coherence with taxonomic classification based on morphological data. The combination of ITS and matK exhibited a greater capacity to identify a species among the Greek salep samples. Out of the 53 samples examined, 52.9% were classified as Dactylorhiza spp. and 33.3% as Anacamptis spp., whereas only 6 samples were identified as Orchis spp. (11.8%). Given that a superior-quality salep beverage comes from tubers of the latter, the number of samples classified as such in northwestern Greece is unexpectedly low. A database of 53 original reference sequences from wild-growing samples of Greek origin was generated, providing a valuable resource for the identification of other salep samples from different regions. The DNA barcoding results unveiled that salep samples from northwestern Greece are related to nine members of four different genera of Orchidaceae. All species are nationally protected and covered by the CITES convention, while many of these orchids are included in the EU Directive 92/43/EEC appendix as “Other Important Species”. Thus, expedited coordinated management actions are needed to ensure their survival in the future.
Unraveling Seasonal Allocation of Soluble Sugars, Starch and Proline in Sternbergia lutea
Authors: Pouris John , Tampiziva Evgenia , Rhizopoulou Sophia
Published: August 2023

This study focuses on Sternbergia lutea (L.) Ker Gawl. ex Spreng., a bulbous, perennial, autumnal flowering geophyte mainly distributed around the Mediterranean Basin. The seasonal content of total sugars, starch and proline in above- and below-ground plant parts in this study, which has hitherto not been the subject of a published study. Geophytes possess underground storage organs that support sprouting, leaf growth and flowering. Furthermore, their buds remain protected below the soil surface during periods of dormancy. Understanding the fluctuation of these compounds in S. lutea contributes to our knowledge of its adaptation to the Mediterranean ecosystem. It seems likely that monthly fluctuations in proline accumulation, sugar and starch content in both above- and below-ground tissues of S. lutea correspond to the distinct seasonality of the Mediterranean ecosystem. Elevated starch content was investigated in the bulbs, while lower starch content was estimated in the leaves. Substantial values of soluble sugar content have been detected in bulbs and leaves. Additionally, elevated sugar content was detected in the yellow petals of S. lutea in October. Pronounced proline accumulation was detected in the leaves and bulbs of S. lutea during its active and dormant phase, respectively.
Homogeneous Field Measurement and Simulation Study of Injector Nozzle Internal Flow and Near-Field Spray
Authors: Chen Ping , Xu Rongwu , Liu Zhenming , Liu Jingbin , Zhang Xusheng
Published: August 2023

The homogeneous field measurement of internal flow and spray of internal combustion engine injector nozzles under high pressure has always been one of the difficulties in experimental research. In this paper, an actual-size aluminum alloy nozzle is designed, and the simultaneous measurement of internal flow and near-field spray is successfully realized with the help of synchrotron radiation X-ray phase contrast imaging technology under an injection pressure of 30~90 MPa. For a 0.25 mm aperture nozzle, different radii of the inlet corner can induce different cavitation layer thicknesses, and the measured flow section shrinkage ratio is 0.70. The flow characteristics in the nozzle are entirely connected to the jet characteristics, indicating a tight correlation between internal flow and jet morphology. Finally, the internal cavitation of the nozzle was studied by the CFD simulation, and the simulation results are in good agreement with the experiment.
Non-Catalytic and Catalytic Conversion of Fruit Waste to Synthetic Liquid Fuel via Pyrolysis
Authors: Pehlivan Eylem
Published: August 2023

Plum stone stands out as an alternative biomass source in terms of obtaining fuel and chemicals with or without catalysts under different conditions. Under variable heating rates (10, 50, and 100 °C min−1) and pyrolysis temperatures (400, 450, 500, 550, and 600 °C), plum stone was pyrolyzed at a constant rate in a constant sweep gas flow (100 cm3 min−1) in a tubular fixed-bed reactor. According to the results, an oil yield reaching a maximum of 45% was obtained at a heating rate of 100 °C min−1 and pyrolysis temperature of 550 °C in the non-catalytic procedure. The catalytic pyrolysis was carried out with two selected commercial catalysts, namely ZSM-5 and PURMOL-CTX and clinoptilolite (natural zeolite, NZ) under optimum conditions with a catalyst ratio of 10% of the raw material. With the addition of catalyst, the quantity and quality of bio-oil increased, including calorific capacity, the removal of oxygenated groups, and hydrocarbon distribution. In the presence of catalysts, an increase was observed in terms of desirable products such as phenol, alkene, and alkane, and a decrease in terms of undesirable products such as acids. Considering and evaluating all the results, the use of zeolite materials as catalysts in pyrolysis is a recommended option for obtaining enhanced chemicals and fuels.
Expressing Faith in a Phenomenological Mother Tongue
Authors: Thomassen Magdalene
Published: August 2023

The article first exposes a section in Edith Stein’s masterwork, Finite and Eternal Being, where she explicitly reflects upon the relation between philosophy and theology, and on the possibility of a Christian philosophy. Here, Stein enlarges the scope of rationality when propagating faith as a source of knowledge in its own right. The phenomenological first-person perspective and notions of intention and fulfillment help to elucidate the different ways of getting to know God, finding its utmost source in the lived mystical experience. Despite including theological content in her phenomenological analysis, Stein proposes a possible “common ground” where the non-believer is also invited to join in an epistemological effort. This proposition, I suggest, is pointing forward to the contributions of the so-called “new phenomenologists” of the last half-century, Emmanuel Levinas and Jean-Luc Marion being examples of how theology and philosophy, though separate, may enrich each other.
Living the Kingdom of God: The Communal and Renewing Spirituality of Jesus in Mark
Authors: Minor Mitzi
Published: August 2023

Understanding spirituality as “the sense or experience of God and the way one lives in response to that experience”, Jesus’ spirituality according to Mark may be described as relational and communal, with less attention given to the interior spiritual lives of individuals in favor of a way of relating to “all nations and all people” as beloved children of God which can renew all creation. Mark shows Jesus shaped by the experience of the God of the Exodus, Isaiah, and Daniel so that when he announced that “The Kingdom of God has drawn near”, he was proclaiming the fulfillment of the promises of this God. Furthermore, Mark shows Jesus living into this fulfillment, not merely saying it. The result is his teaching and modeling a renewing way of living among his followers, which dismantles hierarchies in favor of welcome, service, justice, etc., and enables resistance to Roman oppression without violence and death. He called followers to see how powerful this renewal of God is. When Rome recognized its power and turned their violence against him, he continued on “the Way of the Lord”, trusting in resurrection and God’s life-giving power. Thus, Mark presents Jesus as demonstrating a life-filled, communal spirituality of renewal for his followers.
Energy-Saving Adaptive Routing for High-Speed Railway Monitoring Network Based on Improved Q Learning
Authors: Fu Wei , Peng Qin , Hu Canwei
Published: August 2023

In high-speed railway operational monitoring network systems targeting railway infrastructure as its monitoring objective, there is a wide variety of sensor types with diverse operational requirements. These systems have varying demands on data transmission latency and network lifespan. Most of the previous research focuses only on prolonging network lifetime or reducing data transmission delays when designing or optimizing routing protocols, without co-designing the two. In addition, due to the harsh operating environment of high-speed railways, when the network changes dynamically, the traditional routing algorithm generates unnecessary redesigns and leads to high overhead. Based on the actual needs of high-speed railway operation environment monitoring, this paper proposes a novel Double Q-values adaptive model combined with the existing reinforcement learning method, which considers the energy balance of the network and real-time data transmission, and constructs energy saving and delay. The two-dimensional reward avoids the extra overhead of maintaining a global routing table while capturing network dynamics. In addition, the adaptive weight coefficient is used to ensure the adaptability of the model to each business of the high-speed railway operation environment monitoring system. Finally, simulations and performance evaluations are carried out and compared with previous studies. The results show that the proposed routing algorithm extends the network lifecycle by 33% compared to the comparison algorithm and achieves good real-time data performance. It also saves energy and has fewer delays than the other three routing protocols in different situations.
An Exposimetric Electromagnetic Comparison of Mobile Phone Emissions: 5G versus 4G Signals Analyses by Means of Statistics and Convolutional Neural Networks Classification
Authors: Miclaus Simona , Deaconescu Delia B. , Vatamanu David , Buda Andreea M.
Published: August 2023

To gain a deeper understanding of the hotly contested topic of the non-thermal biological effects of microwaves, new metrics and methodologies need to be adopted. The direction proposed in the current work, which includes peak exposure analysis and not just time-averaged analysis, aligns well with this objective. The proposed methodology is not intended to facilitate a comparison of the general characteristics between 4G and 5G mobile communication signals. Instead, its purpose is to provide a means for analyzing specific real-life exposure conditions that may vary based on multiple parameters. A differentiation based on amplitude-time features of the 4G versus 5G signals is followed, with the aim of describing the peculiarities of a user’s exposure when he runs four types of mobile applications on his mobile phone on either of the two mobile networks. To achieve the goals, we used signal and spectrum analyzers with adequate real-time analysis bandwidths and statistical descriptions provided by the amplitude probability density (APD) function, the complementary cumulative distribution function (CCDF), channel power measurements, and recorded spectrogram databases. We compared the exposimetric descriptors of emissions specific to file download, file upload, Internet video streaming, and video call usage in both 4G and 5G networks based on the specific modulation and coding schemes. The highest and lowest electric field strengths measured in the air at a 10 cm distance from the phone during emissions are indicated. The power distribution functions with the highest prevalence are highlighted and commented on. Afterwards, the capability of a convolutional neural network that belongs to the family of single-shot detectors is proven to recognize and classify the emissions with a very high degree of accuracy, enabling traceability of the dynamics of human exposure.
Immunogenicity and Safety of a Newly Developed Live Attenuated Varicella Vaccine in Healthy Children: A Multi-National, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Active-Controlled, Phase 3 Study
Authors: Choi Ui Yoon , Kim Ki Hwan , Cho Hye-Kyung , Kim Dong Ho , Ma Sang Hyuk , Choi Young Youn , Kim Chun Soo , Capeding Maria Rosario , Kobashi Ilya Angelica Rochin , Kim Hun , Ryu Ji Hwa , Lee Su Jeen , Park Ho Keun , Kim Jong-Hyun
Published: August 2023

Korean manufacturers have developed a new varicella vaccine, NBP608. This phase 3, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study aimed to compare the immunogenicity and safety of NBP608 in healthy children to those of VarivaxTM (control). Children aged 12 months to 12 years were randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to receive either NBP608 or the control vaccine. Serum samples were obtained before vaccination and within six to eight weeks after vaccination. In total, 499 participants (NBP608, n = 251; control, n = 248) were enrolled. The seroconversion rate (SCR) measured using a FAMA assay was 99.53% in the NBP608 group, and the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (95% LCL) for the SCR difference (NBP608 minus the control) was 0.52%. This 95% LCL for the difference was higher than the specified non-inferiority margin of −15%. In an assessment using gpELISA, the SCR was 99.53% in the NBP608 group, and the 95% LCL for the SCR difference was 6.5%, which was higher than the specified non-inferiority margin of −15%. There were no significant differences between the NBP608 and control group with respect to the proportions of participants who demonstrated local and systemic solicited AEs. This study indicated that NBP608 had a clinically acceptable safety profile and was not immunologically inferior to VarivaxTM.
Déixis et discours : une tentative de description formelle de quelques adverbes déictiques anglais dans le discours narratif. Vers une topologie de l’espace discursif
Authors: Boucher Paul
Published: August 2023

La nature référentielle particulière des déictiques du temps, de l'espace et de la personne a été souvent remarquée. On connaît moins bien, cependant, leurs fonctions discursives. Dans le cadre de la théorie des opérations énonciatives (Culioli et Desclés), l’article tente de cerner le fonctionnement de HERE, NOW, THERE et THEN dans le discours narratif. On remarque trois types de fonctions : référentielles, connectives et pragmatiques. La nature sémantique des déictiques temporels se révèle être d’ordre aspectuel : NOW exprime une relation de transition ou ‛passage de frontière’ d’un état prédicatif ou discursif à un autre ; THEN exprime une relation de conséquence logique ou chronologique à l’intérieur d’une suite donnée. Les déictiques spatiaux, par contre, sont de nature statique. Ils expriment une relation de localisation qui tend vers l’ostension.
Le curseur yesterday dans les quotidiens britanniques : place ou structuration?
Authors: Delmas Claude
Published: August 2023

Récemment, l’attention s’est reportée sur l’analyse du discours, l’intention consistait à mieux cerner l'acte de communication. Cet article se donne pour but de signaler la complexité métaopérationnelle qu’implique la cohésion discursive. YESTERDAY constitue un marqueur fréquent, dans la presse quotidienne, de cette cohésion. On peut considérer cet opérateur comme un marqueur du statut relationnel en question. Textualité et détermination conditionnent les phénomènes, il en résulte que l'on ne saurait faire l’économie du problème de la métalangue naturelle, ce qui implique le recours à l’énonciation. Nous nous préoccuperons surtout du statut auquel nous avons fait allusion. Dans le cadre théorique qu’est le nôtre, on peut dire que la place du marqueur est iconique du statut structural de la relation. Ce n’est qu'à ce niveau d’abstraction que les généralisations deviennent profitables.
Du bon usage des voyages : quelques réflexions à partir de Quo Vadis, de J. Hall (1617)
Authors: Lacassagne Claude
Published: August 2023

Le traité de Joseph Hall intitulé Quo Vadis est une virulente mise en cause de l’utilité des voyages, alors considérés comme un instrument privilégié d'éducation. Ce court texte a donc un intérêt documentaire évident. Mais c’est surtout comme nœud intertextuel qu’il est étudié ici. Issu d'un texte biblique apocryphe dont U détourne les mots, il est à son tour magistralement et sournoisement repris par Sterne dans A Sentimental Journey : la 'Préface dans la Désobligeante’ cite et remanie en le subvertissant le discours de Hall. Au long de ce parcours intertextuel, le couplage strange(r) / native change de référents : évolution révélatrice, qu’il serait utile de poursuivre jusqu'au XXe siècle et dans d’autres chaînes textuelles.
Fantaisie sur saint Nicolas et le 45e parallèle
Authors: Vauthier Simone
Published: August 2023

A whimsical invitation to journey along the 45th Parallel, «Santa’s Village », a short story by Canadian writer Martin Avery, brings us back to an amusement park in Ontario where under the protection of Santa Claus are staged different versions of the National Dream — and nightmares. Dealing with borrowing and exchanges, the story constructs a ludic space of transformations, partly based on other fictions and on Margaret Atwood's Survival, which allows the author playfully to explore the cultural identity of Canadian literature and the nature of writing.
The Anatomy of Embedding in Alice Munro’s «Half a Grapefruit »
Authors: Daziron Héliane
Published: August 2023

Anatomie de l’enchâssement dans la nouvelle d’Alice Munro, «Halfa Grapefruit».

Analyse du processus de gestation dans la nouvelle d’Alice Munro «Half a Grapefruit» à travers la forme stylistique de l’enchâssement.
L’art et la nécessité de la connexion dans «Connection» d’Alice Munro
Authors: Rocard Marcienne
Published: August 2023

Through its narrative and thematics the first short-story illustrates that unattainable connection Munro is yearning for. To make her point more vivid she thematizes the concept itself by playing on the bisemy of the English term «connection » («relationship »/«family ties ») ; the latter meaning somehow serves as a thematic infrastructure.
Mirrormania : Audrey Thomas’s Munchmeyer and Prospero on the Island
Authors: Colvile Georgiana Mary Morton
Published: August 2023

La manie des miroirs : «Munchmeyer and Prospero on the Island» d’Audrey Thomas.

Cet essai qui s’attache à deux longues nouvelles d’Audrey Thomas, Munchmeyer et Prospero on the Island , retrace la manie des miroirs de l’auteur à différents niveaux : le caractère autobiographique de la fiction d’Audrey Thomas, sa recréation et sa contemplation de sa propre «analogie» (Baudelaire), la structure spéculaire des deux textes et la relation personnage masculin/personnage féminin, leur auto-réflexivité, l’utilisation des doubles et enfin les nombreux miroirs intratextuels et extratextuels, y compris les allusions à Through the Looking-Glass.