bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing nitrogen removal in combined sewage overflows by using bio-fluidized bed with ceramic waste powder carriers: effects and mechanisms
Authors: Zhou Zian , Zheng Xinyuan , Hua Yinghao , Guo Meixin , Sun Xiaoting , Huang Yan , Dong Liming , Yu Suping 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Micron-size ceramic waste powder (<75 μm and 75–150 μm) was used as the carrier in a high concentration powder carrier bio-fluidized bed (HPB) to treat simulated overflow sewage. The sludge extracellular polymers (EPS), electron transfer capacity of EPS, nitrogen removal pathways, and microbiological characteristics were analyzed to gain insights into the nitrogen removal pathways and mechanisms. The results showed that only the effluent from the HPB (<75 μm) could meet the stringent pollutant discharge standards in China of 50 mg/L for CODCr and 15 mg/L for total nitrogen from beginning to end. Meanwhile, the electrochemical performance tests indicated that the electron accepting and donating capacities of the sludge EPS in the HPB (<75 μm) were 42.75% and 32.73% higher than those in the conventional activated sludge, meaning that ceramic powder carriers can increase the extracellular electron transfer capacity of the sludge and accelerate the denitrification process. Also, metagenomics analysis results showed that the relative abundances of the denitrification-related Nor genes were 28%–39% higher in the HPB (<75 μm) and HPB (75–150 μm) than in the conventional activated sludge (CAS). These results show that ceramic waste powders have the potential to be used as carriers in HPB systems to treat overflow sewage.
Seasonal host shifts based on midgut residues of Protaetia brevitarsis
Authors: Wu Hui , Cui Zhuangzhi , Huang Xiaoqing , Kong Fanfang , Wang Zhongyue , Cui Haizhen , Liu Yongqiang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

White-spotted flower chafer adult (Protaetia brevitarsis), a serious omnivorous pest in regions with multiple fruits and crops, to gain a deeper understanding of its harmful patterns, we used DNA molecular tracking technology to identify host plant residues in the midgut of adult and determined their preferred plant species during the growing season. The combined results for 2019 and 2021 show that adults fed on 32 plant species among 23 families in multi-cropped regions, with a preference for grapes (Vitis vinifera; 40%), peach (Prunus perisica; 23%), and mulberry (Morus alba; 14%). Some adults fed on multiple plant hosts, with four species detected in one adult and two to three species detected in one-third of adults. Adults shifted among host species during the season, from mulberry or grape to peach and then back to grape. These results provide a scientific basis for in-depth research to develop green integrated control technologies against P. brevitarsis adults.
A novel HPNVD descriptor for 3D local surface description
Authors: Sa Jiming , Zhang Xuecheng , Zhang Chi , Song Yuyan , Ding Liwei , Huang Yechen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Existing methods for 3D local feature description often struggle to achieve a good balance in distinctiveness, robustness, and computational efficiency. To address this challenge, a novel 3D local feature descriptor named Histograms of Projected Normal Vector Distribution (HPNVD) is proposed. The HPNVD descriptor consists of two main components. First, a Local Reference Frame (LRF) is constructed based on the covariance matrix and neighborhood projection to achieve invariance to rigid transformations. Then, the local surface normals are projected onto three coordinate planes within the LRF, which allows for effective encoding of the local shape information. The projection plane is further divided into multiple regions, and a histogram is computed for each plane to generate the final HPNVD descriptor. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed HPNVD descriptor achieves a good balance among distinctiveness, robustness, and computational efficiency. Moreover, the HPNVD-based point cloud registration algorithm shows excellent performance, further validating the effectiveness of the descriptor.
Multi-state Chiral Switching Through Adiabaticity Control in Encircling Exceptional Points
Authors: Chen Lin , Li Aodong , Wang Jian , Alu Andrea 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Dynamic encircling of exceptional points has attracted significant interest in recent years, as it can facilitate chiral transmission selectivity due to a nontrivial eigenstate evolution. Recently, multi-state systems have been explored, associated with more complex topologies supporting a larger number of exceptional points, but chiral switching among multiple eigenstates has remained elusive in experiments. Here, we overcome this challenge by dividing the eigenstate space into multiple subspaces by controlling the adiabaticity. The eigenstates in different subspaces can evolve without crosstalk, and chiral switching occurs as the eigenstates within each subspace are subject to a non-adiabatic transition while they encircle exceptional points. We experimentally demonstrate this phenomenon by reporting chiral switching for two groups of optical modes at telecom wavelengths in a four-state optical system, and theoretically demonstrate that our approach can be extended to higher-order systems. Our findings pave new avenues for studying chiral dynamics based on exceptional-point physics in multi-state systems, and offer opportunities to develop multiplexed photonic devices.
Identification of SCAF1, a hub gene affecting VEGF in LIHC, and speculation on its potential therapeutic small molecule based on network pharmacology and transcriptomics
Authors: Yu Zichuan , Zheng Hao , Tang Shengwei , Zhou Xuanrui , Zhou Minqin , Geng Xitong , Zhu Yanting , Huang Shuhan , Gong Yiyang , Jiang Yike , Chen Gen , guo liangyun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is a highly vascularized entity closely associated with immune functions, characterized by high incidence, elusive early detection, high malignancy, and poor prognosis. SCAF1 participates in the immune regulation mechanisms of various cancers (gliomas, breast cancer, etc.) and is involved in regulating the level of gene transcription. Nevertheless, there is currently no research focusing on the multiple mechanisms of SCAF1 in LIHC, including angiogenesis promotion and immunomodulation.Materials and Methods: In this study, we obtained TCGA data and utilized Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to explore hub genes, followed by evaluating the prognostic and clinical significance of SCAF1. Functional identification of SCAF1 in LIHC was performed through enrichment analysis. Subsequently, the immune therapeutic effects of SCAF1 were explored using TIMER and TISIDB. Spatial transcriptomics and single-cell sequencing analysis based on GEO data were conducted to assess heterogeneity tissue within the tumor microenvironment. Finally, molecular docking predictions were performed using Perl to evaluate pharmacological effects.Results: We identified a significant upregulation of SCAF1 in LIHC, and its overexpression may lead to decreased patient survival rates, enhanced levels of angiogenesis, invasion, and migration capabilities in LIHC. Chemokine analysis results demonstrated that the up-regulation of SCAF1 expression could inhibit the expression of cell factors such as CCL19. Experimental results demonstrated that genistein could downregulate SCAF1 and VEGFA in LIHC and inhibit cell invasion and migration levels.Conclusion: SCAF1 can influence angiogenesis in LIHC and affect tumor progression and therapeutic outcomes in LIHC patients through angiogenesis regulation.
A Lyapunov-based Solution for Precise Auto-landing of UAVs on Mobile Platforms
Authors: Kumar Darmesh , Raj Jai , Raghuwaiya Krishna , Vanualailai Jito 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we present an autonomous system for landing point-mass robots on car-like mobile landing platforms in 3-dimensional space using Lyapunov-based control scheme (LbCS). Herein, we have designed the nonlinear, time-invariant acceleration-based control algorithm for the Autonomous Vehicles (AVs), which was extracted using the LbCS. Fixed and moving obstacles were included in the dynamic environment under consideration, which the point-mass robots and the mobile landing platforms avoided while in motion to their respective targets. The control laws take into consideration cylindrical obstacles that mimic buildings in a city-like environment. In addition, the Minimum Distance Technique (MDT) has been used to derive the mathematical functions related to cylindrical obstacles and their successful avoidance. To demonstrate the stability of the dynamic model, the direct Lyapunov approach is utilized. Computer simulations of real-world situations were used to demonstrate the effectiveness, robustness, and advantages of the control scheme. Future work will involve experimentally evaluating this strategy on an actual prototype.
Clinical significance of transjugular liver biopsy in acute liver failure – a real-world analysis
Authors: Nalbant Bahar , Pape Thorben , Schneider Andrea , Seeliger Benjamin , Schirmer Paul , Heidrich Benjamin , Taubert Richard , Wedemeyer Heiner , Lenzen Henrike , Klaus Klaus 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Histopathological characterization obtained by transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) may theoretically contribute to clarification of the exact aetiology of acute liver failure (ALF). It's unclear whether the histopathological information from TJLB, due to the small specimen size, significantly contributes to diagnosing ALF causes, guiding therapy decisions, or predicting overall prognosis. This retrospective study aimed to analyse safety and clinical significance of TJLB in patients with ALF.
Methods
This retrospective, monocentric study investigated safety and efficacy of TJLB in patients with ALF over a ten-year period at a tertiary care transplant-center. The predictive value of various clinical and laboratory characteristics as well as histopathological findings obtained by TJLB on 28-day liver-transplant-free survival were evaluated by calculating uni- and multivariate Cox-proportional hazard regression models. Additional univariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the influence of degree of intrahepatic necrosis on the secondary endpoints intensive-care-unit (ICU) admission, need for endotracheal intubation, renal replacement therapy and high-urgency listing for LTX.
Results
A total of 43 patients with ALF receiving TJLB were included into the study. In most cases (n=39/43 cases) TJLB confirmed the initially already clinically presumed ALF aetiology and the therapeutic approach was unchanged by additional histological examination in the majority of patients (36/43 cases). However, in patients with a high suspicion for aetiologies potentially treatable by medical immunosuppression (e.g. AIH, GvHD), TJLB significantly influenced further treatment planning and/or adjustment. While the degree of intrahepatic necrosis showed significance in the univariate analysis (p=0.04), it did not demonstrate a significant predictive effect on liver transplant-free survival in the multivariate analysis (p=0.1). Only consecutive ICU admission was more likely with higher extent of intrahepatic necrosis (Odds ratio (OR) 1.04 (95% CI 1-1.08), p=0.046).
Conclusions
The results of this study question the general need for TJLB in patients with ALF without a presumed aetiology potentially treatable by medical immunosuppression, as the therapeutic approach was regularly not changed in these patients and outcome prediction was not superior to clinical reasoning alone. Future prospective studies need to clarify the role of TJLB in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of ALF.
Enhancing Shielding Efficiency of Ordinary and Barite Concrete in Radiation Shielding Utilizations
Authors: Ahmad Nasuha , Idris Mohd Idzat , Hussin Azimah , Karim Julia Abdul , Masenwat Norazreen , Zainon Rafidah 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Concrete has been used as a radiation shielding material due to its properties and integrity. Radiation shielding materials play a crucial role in various applications, ranging from nuclear power plants to medical facilities. Despite the prevalent use of concrete as a radiation-shielding material, uncertainties persist regarding the most suitable concrete grades for optimal attenuation, emphasizing the necessity for systematic investigation. In this study, we investigate the efficacy of ordinary and barite concrete as radiation shielding materials across different grades: M15, M25, M35, and M45. Ordinary concrete (OC), composed of cement, water, and limestone as aggregates, is compared with barite concrete (BC), where barite is added as an aggregate substitute to enhance radiation attenuation properties. An assessment is conducted on the physical attributes and gamma-ray attenuation characteristics of these concrete mixtures after exposure to Cobalt-60 and Caesium-137 radioactive elements. Key properties, including density, compressive strength, linear attenuation coefficient (µ), mass attenuation coefficient (µm), half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), radiation protection efficiency (RPE), mean free path (MFP), radiation efficiency, and lead equivalent, were examined. The concrete is irradiated in a thermal column for 24, 48, and 72 hours to assess changes in crystalline size and lattice parameters following neutron exposure. The addition of barite as an aggregate substitute enhances the density, with the density of OC ranging from 2.1 g/cm3 to 2.39 g/cm3, accompanied by compression strength ranging from 20 MPa to 44 MPa. In contrast, barite concrete (BC) has a density ranging from 3.07 g/cm3 to 3.55 g/cm3, with compression strength ranging from 18.15 MPa to 39.71 MPa. Irradiation with Cobalt-60 reveals lower linear attenuation (µ) within the range of 0.172 to 0.195 cm− 1, with consistent mass attenuation for all grades at 0.81 cm2/g. The HVL ranges from 3.559 cm to 4.020 cm, with a corresponding TVL spanning 11.825 cm to 13.354 cm. XRD testing reveals a shift in the SiO2 and BaSO4 peaks towards the right after irradiation, indicating crystalline expansion in size, with the most significant changes observed after 24 hours of irradiation. Concerning lattice parameters, the d-value (inter-atomic spacing) shows the most significant decrease of 0.10 after 48 hours of irradiation in grade 25, while the most notable increase is 0.02 after 24 hours of irradiation in grades 15 and 45. The experiment suggests that ordinary concrete is effective for radiation shielding against 137Cs but lacks sufficient efficacy against 137Co.
Design and Development of Automated Ultraviolet (UV-C) Based Surface Sterilizer and Disinfection Device for Multipurpose Application, From Prototype to Commercialization
Authors: Belay Esubalew , Foge Habtamu Aba , Sisay Samuel , Ahmed Fayid , Alemu Bikila 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The global emergence of COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, which became the cause for the loss of millions of lives, innovation of new technologies for sterilization and disinfection of different healthcare utilities became a concern of researchers and industries. Steam sterilization technology is widely used both in developing and industrialized countries. However, various healthcare utilities such as hospital rooms, N-95 masks, the interior part of Ambulances, different sensitive clothes, patient beds & classrooms, medical equipment, and many more cannot undergo disinfection by using steam autoclaves. During the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the main challenges was less availability of technology and resources to disinfect different medical equipment and COVID-19 treatment areas in Ethiopia and other developing countries at large. This paper explores design and development of automated ultraviolet (UV-C) based surface sterilizers and disinfection devices for different applications in healthcare settings. Its affordability, portability, multifunctionality, disinfection quality, essentiality of its use during the pandemic (COVID-19), and smart design approach are among the basic design criteria. A team of researchers from Jimma University and Simbona Africa Healthcare R&D designed a UV-C machine with three models during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two models are quadrilateral in shape, one is bigger and the other is smaller. The bigger one contains 12 UV-C lamps arranged on a circular surface of a hexagonal metal sheet (3 x 4 series-parallel arrangement) whereas the small model contains four UV-C lamps. The third model is a rectangular box size for sterilizing N-95 mask and other smaller tools. Each model provides a different disinfection service. We used AutoCAD 2018 to design the entire mechanical parts of the device and electrical component assembly. Finally, we successfully developed the UV-C machine locally from conceptual design to commercial product in Ethiopia. A team of microbiology experts at Jimma University Medical Center conducted testing and validation of the UV-C machine and achieved more than 90% effectiveness in disinfection quality.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv1048c affects the biological characteristics of recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Li Dan-Ni , Liu Xin-Yue , Xu Jin-Biao , Shi Kun , Li Jian-Ming , Diao Nai-Chao , Zong Ying , Zeng Fan-Li , Du Rui 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a serious, infectious, zoonotic disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Infections are transmitted in humans and livestock via aerosols. Rv1048c is a hypothetical unknown protein in the standard strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Rv1048c exists only in pathogenic Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is highly conserved; however its function is still unclear. The recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis strain Ms_Rv1048c, with heterologous expression of the Rv1048c gene, was constructed by using the pMV261 expression plasmid. The biological characteristics of the recombinant bacteria were studied, such as their growth pattern, drug resistance, and virulence. Expression of Rv1048c significantly reduced the growth rate of the strain, enhanced its ability to form a biofilm, and reduced its tolerance to sodium dodecyl sulfate, H2O2, and various anti-tuberculosis drugs, and reduced the viability of infected RAW264.7 macrophages. Rv1048c also significantly reduced the level of early proinflammatory factors in infected RAW264.7 cells. Rv1048c protein is considered to be a virulence protein that might regulate the growth of M. tuberculosis strains. The results of the present study indicate that Rv1048c plays an important role in Mycobacterial infection.
Preparation and characterisation of microcapsules loaded with essential oils (eucalyptus, aloe vera and lavender): encapsulation of cotton woven fabric and evaluation
Authors: U Rimika , A Selvakumar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Microcapsules are prepared by taking essential oils (EO) as core and gum Arabic as cover materials through a complex coacervation method. There are three essential oils are selected based on the presence of a major proportion of bacterial inhibition compounds. The sourced essential oils are derived from the identified plant species such as eucalyptus globulus, aloe barbadensis mill, and lavandula angustifolia. The proportion of the major bacterial inhibiting elements is as follows, eucalyptol (52%) from eucalyptus, linoelaidic acid (17%) from aloe vera, and linalool (35%) from lavender. Three levels of concentration of oils are preferred to identify the best bacterial inhibition. The design of the experiment is made based on box & behnken design for preparing microcapsules. The microstructure and elemental compounds of the capsules are confirmed and observed through an optical microscope and scanning electronic microscope(SEM) with EDX. The average capsule size of 2 to 7 microns was recorded by employing a particle size analyser. The encapsulation efficiency was obtained to 43%. Then, the microcapsules are applied on the cotton woven fabric and evaluated for antibacterial, antioxidant, thermos gravimetric analysis (TGA), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra-Red Analysis, SEM, and EDX. It was observed that the antibacterial and antioxidant properties are significantly improved with the encapsulated fabric sample. So it may be applied for designing the capsule with drug and may develop medical textile products for hygiene.
Effect of simulated microgravity on artificial single cell membrane mechanics
Authors: G Asuwin Prabu R , Manohar Anagha , S Narendran , Kabir Anisha , Sudhakar Swathi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The study of cell membrane structures under microgravity is crucial for understanding the inherent physiological and adaptive mechanisms relevant to overcoming challenges in human space travel and gaining deeper insight into the membrane-protein interactions at reduced gravity. However, the membrane dynamics under microgravity conditions have not unraveled yet. Moreover, the complexity of cells poses significant challenges when investigating the effects of microgravity on individual components, including cell membranes. Giant Unilamellar Vesicles (GUVs) serve as valuable cell-mimicking models and act as artificial cells, providing insights into the biophysics of membrane architecture. Herein, we have elucidated the membrane dynamics of artificial cells under simulated microgravity conditions. GUVs were synthesized in the size range of 20 ± 2.1 µm and examined their morphological changes under simulated microgravity conditions using a random positioning machine. We observed that the well-defined spherical GUVs were transfigured and deformed into elongated structures under microgravity conditions. The membrane fluidity of GUVs increased sevenfold under microgravity conditions compared to GUVs under normal gravity conditions at 48 h. It is also noted that there is a reduction in the membrane microviscosity. The study shed light on the membrane mechanics under microgravity conditions and contributes valuable insights to the broader understanding of membrane responses to microgravity and its implications for space exploration and biomedical applications.
Amanita species within section Caesareae from the highlands of Laos
Authors: Pedersen Ole Sparre , Læssøe Thomas 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Specimens of Amanita sect. Caesareae, collected in Xieng Khouang and Vientiane provinces in Laos from highland forests dominated by members of Fagaceae and Pinaceae, are studied based on morphological characters and analyses of ITS sequences. Two species, namely A. fulvocaesarea and A. chepangianoides are reported as new, both found in association with Fagaceae, whereas A. pseudoprinceps and A. subhemibapha, recently described from China and A. rubromarginata from Japan, are confirmed from Laos and found in forests with Fagaceae and Pinaceae. The phylogenetic analyses to recognize the Amanita species showed that the golden-brown to greyish orange A. fulvocaesarea and the dominantly white A. chepangianoides cluster with A. aporema, A. chepangiana, A. egregia, A. princeps and A. pseudoprinceps. A dichotomous key to identified and likely occurring Amanita species in Laos within sect. Caesareae is also provided.