bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heavy metals in the sediments of urban sinkholes in Cancun, Quintana Roo
Authors: Ortega-Camacho Daniela , Acosta-González Gilberto , Sánchez-Trujillo Fernanda , Cejudo Eduardo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSoils in urban areas can accumulate heavy metals as a result of anthropogenic inputs. This research focuses on a young coastal tourist city that has been urbanized over the last 52 years and shows accelerated demographic growth and urban development. Deposition of heavy metals in soils is caused by human economic activities, which has significant implications for the environment. We evaluated heavy metal concentrations in urban sinkholes, which are sites for the natural accumulation of water and sediments. These locations also receive rainfall runoff or have been used as unregulated dumps. By performing a multistage extraction to address availability and risk, we found that Zn, Fe and Al were the predominant metals; Cu, Pb and Ni were only detected in some sinkholes. The contamination factor was high for Zn and moderate for Pb. The geoaccumulation index showed that Zn is the most abundant and available metal in urban sinkholes and the metal with the highest potential ecological risk. Between 12 and 50% of the total concentration of all metals was extracted from the organic matter phase. Correlations were found between the degree of urbanization of the city and the degree of pollution, and the trends were stronger in older sections of the city. Zn is the most prevalent element and has high concentrations. The metal concentrations in the sediments can be used as warning signs for their potential risk to environmental and human health, and these results can be compared with those of other tourist cities in karstic environments around the world.
Occupational exposure to HIV and utilization of post-exposure prophylaxis among healthcare workers at St. Peter’s specialized hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Tsega Dejen , Gintamo Binyam , Mekuria Zelalem Negash , Demissie Negesu Gizaw , Gizaw Zemichael 
Published: April 2023

AbstractHealthcare workers are susceptible to blood borne pathogens, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Occupational exposure to HIV infection among healthcare workers is becoming a global public health concern. However, there is limited evidence about occupational exposure of healthcare workers to HIV and utilization of post-exposure prophylaxis in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Accordingly, this study was conducted to assess the prevalence of occupational exposure to HIV and utilization of post exposure prophylaxis among healthcare workers at St. Peter’s specialized hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 308 randomly selected healthcare workers in April 2022. Structured and pretested self-administered questioner was used to collect data. Occupational exposure to HIV was taken as any percutaneous injury or blood or other body fluids exposure while administering medications, specimen collection, and other procedures with HIV confirmed patients. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with occupational exposure to HIV and utilization of post-exposure prophylaxis. Statistically significant association was declared on the basis of adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and p-value less than 0.05. The study found that 42.3% (95% CI 36.6, 47.9%) of the healthcare workers had occupational exposure to HIV during their career time, out of whom 16.1% (95% CI 11.9, 20.3%) used post-exposure prophylaxis. Healthcare workers with lower-level education such as diploma (AOR: 0.41, 95% CI 0.17, 0.96) and BSc (AOR: 0.51, 95% CI 0.26, 0.92), and healthcare workers who received infection prevention training (AOR: 0.55, 95% CI 0.33, 0.90) had less risk of exposure to HIV. On the other hand, nurses (AOR: 1.98, 95% CI 1.07, 3.67), midwifes (AOR: 3.79, 95% CI 1.21, 11.9), and physicians (AOR: 2.11, 95% CI 1.05, 4.22) had high risk of exposure to HIV compared with other professionals. Moreover, healthcare workers with BSc degree compared with healthcare workers with masters degree (AOR: 3.69, 95% CI 1.08, 12.6), healthcare workers with long service year (AOR: 3.75, 95% CI 1.64, 8.57), and healthcare workers who are working in facilities where prophylaxis is available (AOR: 3.41, 95% CI 1.47, 7.91) had higher odds to utilize post-exposure prophylaxis. Significant proportion of healthcare workers included in the current study had occupational exposure to HIV and very few of them used post-exposure prophylaxis. Healthcare workers need to use appropriate personal protective equipment, safely manage contaminated equipment, and safely administered medications and collect specimen to protect themselves from exposure to HIV. Moreover, use of post-exposure prophylaxis should be promoted when exposure exists.
Acute effect of moderate and high-intensity interval exercises on asprosin and BDNF levels in inactive normal weight and obese individuals
Authors: Ceylan Halil İbrahim , Öztürk Mehmet Ertuğrul , Öztürk Deniz , Silva Ana Filipa , Albayrak Mevlüt , Saygın Özcan , Eken Özgür , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Nobari Hadi 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to examine the acute effects of moderate-intensity aerobic and high-intensity interval exercise protocols on Asprosin and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels in inactive normal weight and obese individuals. A total of 20 male individuals aged 18–65 years, ten normal weight (NW) (Body Mass Index (BMI): 18.5–24.99 kg/m2) and 10 obese (Ob) (BMI: 24.99–35.00 kg/m2) participated in this study, voluntarily. Moderate aerobic exercise (AE) (main circuit 30 min, between 40 and 59% of Heart Rate Reserve: HRR) and High-Intensity Interval exercise (HIIE) running protocols (main circuit 20 min, between 75 and 90% of the HRR for 1 min*10 times, and 1-min active rest at 30% of the HRR) was applied to the volunteer participants in the morning hours (08.00–10.00 a.m.), following the night fasting (at least 8–10 h) for at least 3 days between each other. Blood samples were collected from the participants before and immediately after each exercise protocol, and serum asprosin and BDNF hormone levels were determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay” method. Basal serum asprosin was found to be significantly higher in the Ob group compared to the NW group (p < .001), while the basal serum BDNF hormone was found to be lower (p < 0.05). It was observed that the serum asprosin level of both groups decreased significantly after both AE and HIIE protocols (p < 0.05). In addition, there was a significantly higher decrease in serum asprosin level in the Ob group compared to the NW group after HIIE protocol. For the Ob group, serum BDNF level increased considerably after HIIE protocol compared to AE protocol (p < 0.05). Serum asprosin was found to be higher in the Ob group, while the serum BDNF was found to be lower. In addition, the acute exercises of different intensity significantly affected hormones that regulate appetite metabolism. In particular, it was observed that the HIIE protocol had a greater effect on the regulation of appetite (hunger-satiety) in the Ob group. This result can be taken into account when planning training programs for these individuals.
In vivo imaging of MmpL transporters reveals distinct subcellular locations for export of mycolic acids and non-essential trehalose polyphleates in the mycobacterial outer membrane
Authors: Thouvenel Laurie , Rech Jérôme , Guilhot Christophe , Bouet Jean-Yves , Chalut Christian 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe mycobacterial cell envelope consists of a typical plasma membrane, surrounded by a complex cell wall and a lipid-rich outer membrane. The biogenesis of this multilayer structure is a tightly regulated process requiring the coordinated synthesis and assembly of all its constituents. Mycobacteria grow by polar extension and recent studies showed that cell envelope incorporation of mycolic acids, the major constituent of the cell wall and outer membrane, is coordinated with peptidoglycan biosynthesis at the cell poles. However, there is no information regarding the dynamics of incorporation of other families of outer membrane lipids during cell elongation and division. Here, we establish that the translocation of non-essential trehalose polyphleates (TPP) occurs at different subcellular locations than that of the essential mycolic acids. Using fluorescence microscopy approaches, we investigated the subcellular localization of MmpL3 and MmpL10, respectively involved in the export of mycolic acids and TPP, in growing cells and their colocalization with Wag31, a protein playing a critical role in regulating peptidoglycan biosynthesis in mycobacteria. We found that MmpL3, like Wag31, displays polar localization and preferential accumulation at the old pole whereas MmpL10 is more homogenously distributed in the plasma membrane and slightly accumulates at the new pole. These results led us to propose a model in which insertion of TPP and mycolic acids into the mycomembrane is spatially uncoupled.
Stereocomplexed microparticles loaded with Salvia cadmica Boiss. extracts for enhancement of immune response towards Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Gonciarz Weronika , Chmiela Magdalena , Kost Bartłomiej , Piątczak Ewelina , Brzeziński Marek 
Published: April 2023

AbstractControlled delivery of therapeutic substance gives numerous advantages (prevents degradation, improves uptake, sustains concentration, lowers side effects). To encapsulate Salvia cadmica extracts (root or aerial part), enriched with polyphenols with immunomodulatory activity, in stereocomplexed microparticles (sc-PLA), for using them to enhance the immune response towards gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori. Microparticles were made of biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(d-lactic acid) (PDLA). Their stereocomplexation was used to form microspheres and enhance the stability of the obtained particles in acidic/basic pH. The release of Salvia cadmica extracts was done in different pH (5.5, 7.4 and 8.0). The obtained polymers are safe in vitro and in vivo (guinea pig model). The sc-PLA microparticles release of S. cadmica extracts in pH 5.5, 7.4, and 8.0. S. cadmica extracts enhanced the phagocytic activity of guinea pig bone marrow-derived macrophages, which was diminished by H. pylori, and neutralized H. pylori driven enhanced production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-10. The sc-PLA encapsulated S. cadmica extracts can be recommended for further in vivo study in guinea pigs infected with H. pylori to confirm their ability to improve an immune response towards this pathogen.
Reputation risk during dishonest social decision-making modulates anterior insular and cingulate cortex activity and connectivity
Authors: Dupont Lennie , Santangelo Valerio , Azevedo Ruben T. , Panasiti Maria Serena , Aglioti Salvatore Maria 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTo explore the neural underpinnings of (dis)honest decision making under quasi-ecological conditions, we used an fMRI adapted version of a card game in which deceptive or truthful decisions are made to an opponent, with or without the risk of getting caught by them. Dishonest decisions were associated to increased activity in a cortico-subcortical circuit including the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), anterior insula (AI), left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, supplementary motor area, and right caudate. Crucially, deceptive immoral decisions under reputation risk enhanced activity of – and functional connectivity between – the bilateral ACC and left AI, suggesting the need for heightened emotional processing and cognitive control when making immoral decisions under reputation risk. Tellingly, more manipulative individuals required less involvement of the ACC during risky self-gain lies but more involvement during other-gain truths, pointing to the need of cognitive control only when going against one’s own moral code.
HOPE-SIM, a cryo-structured illumination fluorescence microscopy system for accurately targeted cryo-electron tomography
Authors: Li Shuoguo , Jia Xing , Niu Tongxin , Zhang Xiaoyun , Qi Chen , Xu Wei , Deng Hongyu , Sun Fei , Ji Gang 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling technology has been developed for the fabrication of cryo-lamella of frozen native specimens for study by in situ cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). However, the precision of the target of interest is still one of the major bottlenecks limiting application. Here, we have developed a cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM) system named HOPE-SIM by incorporating a 3D structured illumination fluorescence microscopy (SIM) system and an upgraded high-vacuum stage to achieve efficiently targeted cryo-FIB. With the 3D super resolution of cryo-SIM as well as our cryo-CLEM software, 3D-View, the correlation precision of targeting region of interest can reach to 110 nm enough for the subsequent cryo-lamella fabrication. We have successfully utilized the HOPE-SIM system to prepare cryo-lamellae targeting mitochondria, centrosomes of HeLa cells and herpesvirus assembly compartment of infected BHK-21 cells, which suggests the high potency of the HOPE-SIM system for future in situ cryo-ET workflows.
Fabrication of helix–fiber composites with mechanically coupled core-wrapping for programmable properties
Authors: Li Dan , Zhu Zhiwei , Zhao Ziyu , Ji Yuan , Fu Xuewei , Liu Zunfeng , Yang Wei , Wang Yu 
Published: April 2023

AbstractHelix-fiber composites (HFCs), which involve wrapping a material around a flexible core, are of interest for intelligent stretchable functional materials or devices. Here, we reveal that mechanical coupling between the core and wrapping plays a critical role in controlling the structure and mechanical properties. Our results show that the mechanical properties of the HFC can be programmed by precisely tuning the mechanical coupling strength among them. Interestingly, the HFC also shows unique pseudo-elastic behavior under large strain due to the mechanical coupling effects. The HFC is demonstrated as an elastic metal conductor, programmable sensor, and finally as an elastic mold for structure transplantation by mechanically decoupling the elastomer core from the helix fiber. The results not only deepen the fundamental understanding of HFCs, but also may promote future structure-properties and fabrication studies on helix-structured functional composite and devices.
Eastern Mediterranean water outflow during the Younger Dryas was twice that of the present day
Authors: Trias-Navarro Sergio , Pena Leopoldo David , de la Fuente Maria , Paredes Eduardo , Garcia-Solsona Ester , Frigola Jaime , Català Albert , Caruso Antonio , Lirer Fabrizio , Haghipour Negar , Pérez-Asensio José Noel , Cacho Isabel 
Published: April 2023

AbstractEastern Mediterranean deep-intermediate convection was highly sensitive to varying inputs of fresh water fluxes associated with increased rainfall during the African Humid period (15-6 kyr Before Present). Here we investigate changes in the water-outflow from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea since the last deglaciation using neodymium isotope ratios. Our results indicate enhanced outflow during the Younger Dryas, two times higher than present-day outflow and about three times higher than during the last Sapropel. We propose that the increased outflow into the western Mediterranean over the Younger Dryas was the result of the combined effect of 1) enhanced climate-driven convection in the Aegean Sea and 2) reduced convection of western deep water during this period. Our results provide solid evidence for an enhanced Younger Dryas westward flow of Eastern Mediterranean sourced waters in consonance with an intensification of Mediterranean water-outflow during a weakened state of the Atlantic circulation.
Physics-Informed Bayesian learning of electrohydrodynamic polymer jet printing dynamics
Authors: Oikonomou Athanasios , Loutas Theodoros , Fan Dixia , Garmulewicz Alysia , Nounesis George , Chaudhuri Santanu , Tourlomousis Filippos 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCalibration of highly dynamic multi-physics manufacturing processes such as electrohydrodynamics-based additive manufacturing (AM) technologies (E-jet printing) is still performed by labor-intensive trial-and-error practices. Such practices have hindered the broad adoption of these technologies, demanding a new paradigm of self-calibrating E-jet printing machines. Here we develop an end-to-end physics-informed Bayesian learning framework (GPJet) which can learn the jet process dynamics with minimum experimental cost. GPJet consists of three modules: the machine vision module, the physics-based modeling module, and the machine learning (ML) module. GPJet was tested on a virtual E-jet printing machine with in-process jet monitoring capabilities. Our results show that the Machine Vision module can extract high-fidelity jet features in real-time from video data using an automated parallelized computer vision workflow. The Machine Vision module, combined with the Physics-based modeling module, can also act as closed-loop sensory feedback to the Machine Learning module of high- and low-fidelity data. This work extends the application of intelligent AM machines to more complex working conditions while reducing cost and increasing computational efficiency.
Imagining sustainable futures for the high seas by combining the power of computation and narrative
Authors: Lübker Hannah Marlen , Keys Patrick W. , Merrie Andrew , Pereira Laura M. , Rocha Juan C. , Ortuño Crespo Guillermo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe high seas are experiencing a stark increase in industrial activities, with resources being exploited unsustainably and shared unequally. This suggests the need for a transformation, a shift in the deeper structures of the system such as underlying paradigms and mind-sets. We created future visions by combining computational text analysis with a structured, yet creative futuring approach. This process resulted in four science fiction stories, which aim to capture the complexity of the system, embrace the inherent uncertainty of the future and question current unsustainable trajectories, while emphasizing the vastness of future option space. The visions are analyzed using the concept of imaginaries, demonstrating that futuristic stories can be traced back to current realities and the scientific evidence they were based upon. We argue that engaging with alternative futures can open up transformative spaces to rethink the relationships between humans and the high seas, from which novel imaginaries can emerge.
In‐depth investigation of inter‐turn short‐circuit faults of surface‐mounted permanent magnet machines with series‐parallel coil connections
Authors: Mei Zeting , Li Guang‐jin , Zhu Zi‐Qiang , Clark Richard , Thomas Arwyn , Azar Ziad 
Published: April 2023

AbstractA general analytical model is developed in a concise block matrix form for surface‐mounted permanent magnet (SPM) machines with series‐parallel coil connections under inter‐turn short circuit (ITSC) fault. In the model, branch currents are used as state variables and inductances of different series‐parallel coil connections are calculated using an analytical method, namely winding function approach (WFA) together with slot permeance method. Based on the characteristics of the calculated inductances and the developed fault model, the multiphase Clarke transformation has been proposed to simplify the fault model. In the process of model simplification, the healthy machine model using branch currents as state variables have been proven to be equivalent to that using 3‐phase currents as state variables. The proposed fault models of a 3kW 96‐slot 32‐pole SPM machine with different series‐parallel coil connections have been built in Matlab/Simulink and validated by time‐stepping 2D FE simulations. Simulation results show that different series‐parallel coil connections have little influence on the amplitude of the ITSC current. Finally, a small scale 24‐slot 8‐pole SPM machine prototype has been built to further validate the accuracy of the proposed fault model.
Reliability analysis of multilevel and matrix converters used in more electric aircraft
Authors: Verma Aanchal , Singh Aditya , Anand Kumar Kyadsandra , Saket Ram Khelawan , Khan Baseem 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis paper presents the current scenario related to the application of power electronics converters in aviation industries, major challenges and their reliability aspects. Recent developments in power electronics have given a major breakthrough in the aviation industry. These developments are not only limited to the more electric aircraft (MEA) but also in the field of electric propulsion, popularised as electric propulsion aircraft (EPA). The aircraft requires a well‐established protection scheme of these converter topologies. The overall reliability of aircraft solely depends on its protection and fast mitigation of any fault if occurs in the cruise time. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of power converters applications in MEA and EPA. Further, a review of various topologies of Power Converters and their reliability assessment is also described in detail. The physics of Failure of switches, their lifetime estimation and thermal cycling have also been discussed. Finally, the reliability assessment of different topologies and their comparison has been discussed for overall performance enhancement of the MEA and EPA.
High step‐up quasi‐Z‐source converter with full soft switching range, continuous input current and low auxiliary elements
Authors: Hajilou Maryam , Packnezhad Mohsen , Farzanehfard Hosein 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis paper presents a fully soft switched high step‐up DC–DC converter based on quasi‐Z‐source converter. The voltage gain is boosted by combining coupled inductors and switched capacitor techniques. Moreover, a ZVT cell comprising of only a single switch and an inductor coupled to the quasi‐Z‐source inductor is utilized to reduce the magnetic cores and realize soft switching for all semiconductors without imposing any extra voltage or current stress on the converter elements. The main switch operates at zero voltage switching and zero current switching (ZCS) at turn‐on which is independent of the load and duty cycle variations. Hence, soft switching condition for the main switch at turn‐off is easily provided by a snubber capacitor. In addition, the reverse recovery problem of all the converter diodes is significantly mitigated by ZCS at turn‐off while the continuous current at the input source is maintained. In order to verify the theoretical analysis and the proposed converter operation, a converter prototype is implemented at 300 W and 100 kHz. Finally, a comprehensive comparison is performed between the proposed converter and other high step‐up converters based on quasi‐Z‐source structure, to demonstrate the merits of the proposed converter.