bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Analysis of Keto-Acid Reductoisomerase ILVC in the Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium robertsii
Authors: Wang Yulong , Liu Shihong , Yin Xuebing , Yu Deshui , Xie Xiangyun , Huang Bo
Published: September 2021

Ketol-acid reductoisomerase (ILVC) is the second enzyme in the branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) biosynthesis, which regulates many physiological activities in a variety of organisms from bacteria to fungi and plants. In this work, function mechanisms of ILVC in Metarhizium robertsii Metchnikoff (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) were explored with site-directed mutagenesis, reductase activity assays and transcriptomics analysis. The reductase activity assays showed that ILVC from phytopathogenic fungi exhibited significantly higher activities than those from entomopathogenic fungi but lower than those from yeast. Site-directed mutagenesis and enzymatic activities of MrILVC with different active-site mutants (Arg-113, Ser-118, Asp-152, Asp-260, and Glu-264) confirmed that active sites of MrILVC are conserved with plant and bacterial ILVCs. Deleting MrilvC causes the complete failures of vegetative growth and conidial germination, feeding with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) recovers the fungal growth but not conidial germination, while both characteristics are restored when supplemented with yeast extract. Compared to ΔMrilvC cultured in czapek agar (CZA), plenty of genes involved in the biosynthesis of antibiotics and amino acids were up- or down-regulated in the wild type or ΔMrilvC feeding with either BCAAs or yeast extract. Further analysis showed some genes, such as catalase A, participate in mycelial growth and conidial germination was down-regulated in ΔMrilvC from CZA, revealing that MrILVC might control the fungal development by gene regulation and BCAAs or yeast extract could play partial roles of MrILVC. This study will advance our understanding of ILVC function mechanisms in fungi.
News Recommender Systems and News Diversity, Two of a Kind? A Case Study from a Small Media Market
Authors: Hendrickx Jonathan , Smets Annelien , Ballon Pieter
Published: September 2021

Content recommender systems have become commonplace in all digital platforms, and they profoundly alter the media content presented to users. This also applies to news recommender systems (NRSs) used by media companies. However, as it is generally accepted that diverse news coverage is crucial to maintain democratic societies, the role of NRSs is frequently questioned. We assess the development processes of NRSs at three media companies: two private ones active in several European countries, and one public service broadcaster, using a previously established conceptual model for news diversity. Ultimately, we find that news personalization is currently still more of an idea than an actual recurrent practice, and that the application of NRSs is integrated and harmonized across countries and/or other types of new media types (e.g., streaming services) of the same company. We highlight similarities and differences in approaches, objectives and rationales between private and public companies.
Validation of an NGS Panel Designed for Detection of Actionable Mutations in Tumors Common in Latin America
Authors: Salvo Mauricio , González-Feliú Evelin , Toro Jessica , Gallegos Iván , Maureira Ignacio , Miranda-González Nicolás , Barajas Olga , Bustamante Eva , Ahumada Mónica , Colombo Alicia , Armisén Ricardo , Villamán Camilo , Ibañez Carolina , Bravo María Loreto , Sanhueza Verónica , Spencer M. Loreto , de Toro Gonzalo , Morales Erik , Bizama Carolina , García Patricia , Carrasco Ana María , Gutiérrez Lorena , Bermejo Justo Lorenzo , Verdugo Ricardo A. , Marcelain Katherine
Published: September 2021

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is progressively being used in clinical practice. However, several barriers preclude using this technology for precision oncology in most Latin American countries. To overcome some of these barriers, we have designed a 25-gene panel that contains predictive biomarkers for most current and near-future available therapies in Chile and Latin America. Library preparation was optimized to account for low DNA integrity observed in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. The workflow includes an automated bioinformatic pipeline that accounts for the underrepresentation of Latin Americans in genome databases. The panel detected small insertions, deletions, and single nucleotide variants down to allelic frequencies of 0.05 with high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility. The workflow was validated in 272 clinical samples from several solid tumor types, including gallbladder (GBC). More than 50 biomarkers were detected in these samples, mainly in BRCA1/2, KRAS, and PIK3CA genes. In GBC, biomarkers for PARP, EGFR, PIK3CA, mTOR, and Hedgehog signaling inhibitors were found. Thus, this small NGS panel is an accurate and sensitive method that may constitute a more cost-efficient alternative to multiple non-NGS assays and costly, large NGS panels. This kind of streamlined assay with automated bioinformatics analysis may facilitate the implementation of precision medicine in Latin America.
Crisis Mitigation through Cash Assistance to Increase Local Consumption Levels—A Case Study of a Bimonetary System in Barcelona, Spain
Authors: Martín Belmonte Susana , Puig Jordi , Roca Mercè , Segura Marta
Published: September 2021

Subsidies in the form of direct transfers from the government to citizens constitute a powerful mechanism for crisis mitigation and for the alleviation of economic inequalities. However, the connection between direct transfers of cash assistance to selected individual beneficiaries and the prosperity of their immediate surrounding local economy has not been sufficiently explored. This paper presents a case study which analyzes the effects of allocating cash assistance in the form of a local currency. It shows that, under certain conditions, such a transfer not only provides the beneficiaries with additional purchasing power to satisfy their needs but also that the monetary injection benefits local SMEs by generating additional turnover. Using transactional data from the system, some indicators are proposed to analyze the properties of the system, namely, user satisfaction, total and average income generated by local businesses, the local multiplier, the recirculation of the local currency, and the velocity of its circulation. Our findings indicate that cash assistance provided in the REC local currency could contribute to local economic development and financial stability by sustaining local commerce, while preserving most of the original positive effects of cash assistance in a legal tender.
Correction: Kelm et al. Applying the FFP Approach to Wider Land Management Functions. Land 2021, 10, 723
Authors: Kelm Kathrine , Antos Sarah , McLaren Robin
Published: September 2021

The authors would like to correct the following section of this paper [...]
Features and Socio-Economic Sustainability of Traditional Chestnut Forestry Landscape in China: A Case of Kuancheng County, Hebei Province
Authors: He Lulu , Min Qingwen , Hong Chuanchun , Zhang Yongxun
Published: September 2021

Since Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (IAHS) were launched by the FAO to protect the sustainable traditional agricultural systems around the world, their conservation has become a new difficult issue under the context of urbanization. Farmers in IAHS sites giving up small-scale traditional farming due to their low economic benefit and high labor intensity are considered as the main cause hindering effective conservation of these heritages. This study takes the Kuancheng traditional chestnut cultivation system (KTCCS) in northern China as a case to assess its economic and socio-cultural sustainability. Based on questionnaires and interviews, this study found that: the traditional ecological farming methods were still used by local farming households to plant chestnut trees; and most farmers support IAHS conservation. KTCCS performs economic and socio-cultural sustainability. For a household, the labor productivity of chestnut cultivation was 1.33 times that of their non-farm jobs because of the low labor input of chestnut cultivation. Farmers widely consider they live in a harmonious social environment but are lower than other households in economic status. Most farmers still lack an understanding of indigenous traditional knowledge and cultures. In the future, secondary and tertiary industries should be developed to provide farmers with employment opportunities in their hometowns for protecting KTCCS.
A Systematic Investigation of the Integration of Machine Learning into Supply Chain Risk Management
Authors: Schroeder Meike , Lodemann Sebastian
Published: September 2021

The main objective of the paper is to analyze and synthesize existing scientific literature related to supply chain areas where machine learning (ML) has already been implemented within the supply chain risk management (SCRM) field, both in theory and in practice. Furthermore, we analyzed which risks were addressed in the use cases as well as how ML might shape SCRM. For this purpose, we conducted a systematic literature review. The results showed that the applied examples relate primarily to the early identification of production, transport, and supply risks in order to counteract potential supply chain problems quickly. Through the analyzed case studies, we were able to identify the added value that ML integration can bring to the SCRM (e.g., the integration of new data sources such as social media or weather data). From the systematic literature analysis results, we developed four propositions, which can be used as motivation for further research.
Growth Kinetics and Some Mechanical Properties of Plasma Paste Borided Layers Produced on Nimonic 80A-Alloy
Authors: Makuch Natalia , Dziarski Piotr , Kulka Michał , Keddam Mourad
Published: September 2021

Plasma paste boriding was employed in order to produce the boride layers on Nimonic 80A-alloy. The process was carried out at temperatures of 1023 K, 1073 K and 1123 K for 3, 4 and 6 h in a gas mixture of 50% H2-50% Ar. Borax paste was used as a boron source. The microstructure of the produced surface layers consisted of the mixture of nickel borides and chromium borides. The effect of processing temperature and duration on the thickness of the borided layers was observed. The theoretical thicknesses of the borided layers were estimated using an integral diffusion model. A good correlation was obtained between the theoretical (modeled) and experimental depths of the plasma paste borided layers. The boride layers were characterized by a high hardness ranging from 1160 HV to 2132 HV. The multiphase character of the produced layers resulted in differences in hardness. A significant improvement of the wear resistance of the plasma paste borided Nimonic 80A-alloy was observed in comparison with the non-borided alloy.
Verification of Fatigue Damage and Prognosis Related to Degradation of Polymer-Ceramic
Authors: Kosiński Piotr , Żach Piotr
Published: September 2021

Statistically, road accidents involving pedestrians occur in the autumn and winter months, when outdoor temperatures reach −30 °C. The research presented in this paper investigates the impact of a pedestrian’s head on laminated windscreen, taking into account the effects of external temperature, heating of the windscreen from the inside, and fatigue of the glass. The automotive laminated windscreen under study is made from two layers of glass and a Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) resin bonding them together. PVB significantly changes its properties with temperature. The Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations of a pedestrian’s head hitting the windscreen of an Opel Astra II at <−30 °C, +20 °C> were performed. The obtained Head Injury Criterion (HIC) results revealed an almost twofold decrease in safety between +20 °C and −20 °C. The same test was then performed taking into account the heating of the windscreen from the inside and the fatigue of the glass layers. Surprisingly, the highest HIC value of all the cases studied was obtained at −30 °C and heating the windscreen. The nature of safety changes with temperature variation is different for the cases of heating, non-heating, and fatigue of glass layers. Glass fatigue increases pedestrian safety throughout the temperature range analysed.
The Viscoelastic Behaviour of Waterlogged Archaeological Wood Treated with Methyltrimethoxysilane
Authors: Broda Magdalena , Spear Morwenna J. , Curling Simon F. , Ormondroyd Graham A.
Published: September 2021

Waterlogged wood treatment with methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) proved effective in stabilising wood dimensions upon drying (anti-shrink efficiency of 76–93%). Before the method can be proposed as a reliable conservation treatment, further research is required that includes the evaluation of the mechanical properties of treated wood. The aim of the study was to characterise the effect of the treatment on the viscoelastic behaviour of archaeological waterlogged elm and oak wood differing in the degree of degradation. Dynamic mechanical analysis in the temperature range from −150 to +150 °C was used for the study. To better understand the viscoelastic behaviour of the treated wood, pore structure and moisture properties were also investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy, nitrogen sorption, and Dynamic Vapour Sorption. The results clearly show that methyltrimethoxysilane not only prevents collapse and distortions of the degraded cell walls and decreases wood hygroscopicity (by more than half for highly degraded wood), but also reinforces the mechanical strength by increasing stiffness and resistance to deformation for heavily degraded wood (with an increase in storage modulus). However, the MTMS also has a plasticising effect on treated wood, as observed in the increased value of loss modulus and introduction of a new tan δ peak). On the one hand, methyltrimethoxysilane reduces wood hygroscopicity that reflects in lower wood moisture content, thus limiting the plasticising effect of water on wood polymers, but on the other hand, as a polymer itself, it contributes to the viscous behaviour of the treated wood. Interestingly, the effect of silane differs with both the wood species and the degree of wood degradation.
Pathways to Green Perspectives: Production and Characterization of Polylactide (PLA) Nanocomposites Filled with Superparamagnetic Magnetite Nanoparticles
Authors: Murariu Marius , Galluzzi Armando , Paint Yoann , Murariu Oltea , Raquez Jean-Marie , Polichetti Massimiliano , Dubois Philippe
Published: September 2021

In the category of biopolymers, polylactide or polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the most promising candidates considered for future developments, as it is not only biodegradable under industrial composting conditions, but it is produced from renewable natural resources. The modification of PLA through the addition of nanofillers is considered as a modern approach to improve its main characteristic features (mechanical, thermal, barrier, etc.) and to obtain specific end-use properties. Iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) of low dimension (10–20 nm) such as magnetite (Fe3O4), exhibit strong magnetization in magnetic field, are biocompatible and show low toxicity, and can be considered in the production of polymer nanocomposites requiring superparamagnetic properties. Accordingly, PLA was mixed by melt-compounding with 4–16 wt.% magnetite NPs. Surface treatment of NPs with a reactive polymethylhydrogensiloxane (MHX) was investigated to render the nanofiller water repellent, less sensitive to moisture and to reduce the catalytic effects at high temperature of iron (from magnetite) on PLA macromolecular chains. The characterization of nanocomposites was focused on the differences of the rheology and morphology, modification, and improvements in the thermal properties using surface treated NPs, while the superparamagnetic behavior was confirmed by VSM (vibrating sample magnetometer) measurements. The PLA−magnetite nanocomposites had strong magnetization properties at low magnetic field (values close to 70% of Mmax at H = 0.2 T), while the maximum magnetic signal (Mmax) was mainly determined by the loading of the nanofiller, without any significant differences linked to the surface treatment of MNPs. These bionanocomposites showing superparamagnetic properties, close to zero magnetic remanence, and coercivity, can be further produced at a larger scale by melt-compounding and can be designed for special end-use applications, going from biomedical to technical areas.
Critical Thermodynamic Conditions for the Formation of p-Type β-Ga2O3 with Cu Doping
Authors: Zhang Chuanyu , Li Zhibing , Wang Weiliang
Published: September 2021

As a promising third-generation semiconductor, β-Ga2O3 is facing bottleneck for its p-type doping. We investigated the electronic structures and the stability of various Cu doped structures of β-Ga2O3. We found that Cu atoms substituting Ga atoms result in p-type conductivity. We derived the temperature and absolute oxygen partial pressure dependent formation energies of various doped structures based on first principles calculation with dipole correction. Then, the critical thermodynamic condition for forming the abovementioned substitutional structure was obtained.
Minimization Method for 3D Surface Roughness Evaluation Area
Authors: Molnár Viktor
Published: September 2021

3D surface roughness measurement is still a less mature procedure than its 2D version. The size of the evaluation area is not as standardized as the measurement length in the 2D version. The purpose of this study is to introduce a method for minimizing the evaluated surface area. This could help industrial applications in minimizing the time and cost of measurements. Machining experiments (hard turning and infeed grinding) and surface roughness measurements were carried out for automotive industrial parts to demonstrate the introduced method. Some frequently used roughness parameters were analyzed. Basic statistical calculations were applied to analyze the relationship between the surface area and the roughness parameter values and regression analyses were applied to validate the results in case of the applied technological data. The main finding of the study is that minimum evaluation areas can be clearly designated and, depending on the different roughness parameter–procedure version, different evaluation sizes (Sa: 1.3 × 1.3 mm; Sq: 1.4 × 1.4 mm; Ssk and Sku: 2 × 2 m; Sp and Sv: 1.7 × 1.7 mm) are recommended.
AC Susceptibility Studies of Magnetic Relaxation in Mn12-Stearate SMMs on the Spherical Silica Surface
Authors: Pastukh Oleksandr , Konieczny Piotr , Laskowska Magdalena , Laskowski Łukasz
Published: September 2021

The study of magnetic relaxations in Mn12-stearate single-molecule magnets deposited on the surface of spherical silica nanoparticles was performed. For such a purpose, the investigation of AC magnetic susceptibility dependence on the frequency and temperature was performed. Based on the Argand plots obtained for different temperatures and temperature dependencies of susceptibility, obtained for different frequencies of AC field, the corresponding relaxation times were derived. Fitting to the Arrhenius law revealed the values of an effective energy barrier and a mean relaxation time, which were consistent for both measuring techniques (Ueff/kB∼ 50 K and τ0∼ 10−7 s) and similar to the corresponding values for the analogous bulk compounds. Additionally, the obtained relaxation parameters for the Mn12-stearate molecules on the spherical silica surface were compared with corresponding values for the Mn12-based single-molecule magnets deposited upon other types of nanostructured silica surface.
Global Dynamics of an SEIR Model with the Age of Infection and Vaccination
Authors: Li Huaixing , Wang Jiaoyan
Published: September 2021

This paper is concerned with the stability of a SEIR (susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered) model with the age of infection and vaccination. Firstly, we prove the positivity, boundedness, and asymptotic smoothness of the solutions. Next, the existence and local stability of disease-free and endemic steady states are shown. The basic reproduction number R0 is introduced. Furthermore, the global stability of the disease-free and endemic steady states is derived. Numerical simulations are shown to illustrate our theoretical results.
Metapopulation Persistence and Extinction in a Fragmented Random Habitat: A Simulation Study
Authors: Althagafi Hashem , Petrovskii Sergei
Published: September 2021

Habitat fragmentation is recognized as the most serious threat to biodiversity worldwide and has been the focus of intensive research for a few decades. Due to the complexity of the problem, however, there are still many issues that remain poorly understood. In particular, it remains unclear how species extinction or persistence in a fragmented habitat consisting of sites with randomly varying properties can be affected by the strength of inter-site coupling (e.g., due to migration between sites). In this paper, we address this problem by means of numerical simulations using a conceptual single-species spatially-discrete system. We show how an increase in the inter-site coupling changes the population distribution, leading to the formation of persistence domains separated by extinction domains. Having analysed the simulation results, we suggest a simple heuristic criterion that allows one to distinguish between different spatial domains where the species either persists or goes extinct.
Coupled Discrete Fractional-Order Logistic Maps
Authors: Danca Marius-F. , Fečkan Michal , Kuznetsov Nikolay , Chen Guanrong
Published: September 2021

This paper studies a system of coupled discrete fractional-order logistic maps, modeled by Caputo’s delta fractional difference, regarding its numerical integration and chaotic dynamics. Some interesting new dynamical properties and unusual phenomena from this coupled chaotic-map system are revealed. Moreover, the coexistence of attractors, a necessary ingredient of the existence of hidden attractors, is proved and analyzed.
Ischemic Nephropaty: The Role of the Renal Artery Stenosis Revascularization on Renal Stem Cells
Authors: Cianci Rosario , Perrotta Adolfo Marco , Gigante Antonietta , Errigo Federica , Ferri Claudio , Cianci Eleonora , Simeoni Mariadelina , Mazzaferro Sandro , Lai Silvia
Published: September 2021

We report the case of a 65-year-old man with acute GFR decline to 37 mL/min and uncontrolled high blood pressure. He was suspected for renovascular hypertension and underwent a renal color Doppler ultrasound scan that detected a bilateral atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. A digital selective angiography by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTRAs) was successfully performed. Blood pressure rapidly normalized, GFR increased within a few days, and proteinuria disappeared thereafter. These clinical goals were accompanied by a significant increase of circulating renal stem cells (RSC) and a slight increase of resistive index (RI) in both kidneys. This single observation suggests the need for extensive studies aimed at evaluating the predictive power of RI and RSC in detecting post-ischemic renal repair mechanisms.
The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Sperm Cryostorage, Theoretical or Real Risk?
Authors: Anifandis George , Taylor Tyl H , Messini Christina I , Chatzimeletiou Katerina , Daponte Alexandros , Ioannou Dimitrios , Tempest Helen G
Published: September 2021

Cryopreservation of human gametes and embryos as well as human reproductive tissues has been characterized as an essential process and aspect of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Notably, sperm cryopreservation is a fundamental aspect of cryopreservation in oncological patients or patients undergoing gonadotoxic treatment. Given that there is a risk of contamination or cross-contamination, either theoretical or real, during the procedures of cryopreservation and cryostorage, both the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) have provided updated guidelines for preventing or reducing the contamination risk of sexually transmitted viruses. Given the ongoing and worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, there is considerable interest in what measures should be taken to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 contamination during cryopreservation and cryostorage of semen samples. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the virus that causes COVID-19, and whose transmission and infection is mainly aerosol-mediated. Several ART professional societies, including ESHRE and ASRM have proposed measures to mitigate the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Whether the proposed safety directives are enough to mitigate the possible SARS-CoV-2-contamination of sperm samples during cryopreservation or whether the policies should be re-evaluated will be discussed in this review. Additionally, insights regarding the possible impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the safety of sperm cryopreservation will be discussed.
Low Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy as a Novel Treatment for Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized-Controlled Clinical Study
Authors: Lin Kun-Ling , Chueh Kuang-Shun , Lu Jian-He , Chuang Shu-Mien , Wu Bin-Nan , Lee Yung-Chin , Wu Yi-Hsuan , Shen Mei-Chen , Sun Ting-Wei , Long Cheng-Yu , Juan Yung-Shun
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives: To evaluate the effects of low intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LiESWT) on stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Materials and Methods: This investigation was a multicenter, single-blind, randomized-controlled trial study. Sixty female SUI patients were randomly assigned to receive LiESWT with 0.25 mJ/mm2 intensity, 3000 pulses, and 3 pulses/s, once weekly for a 4-week (W4) and 8-week (W8) period, or an identical sham LiESWT treatment without energy transmission. The primary endpoint was the changes in urine leakage as measured by a pad test and validated standardized questionnaires, while the secondary endpoint was the changes in a 3-day urinary diary among the baseline (W0), the W4 and W8 of LiESWT, and 1-month (F1), 3-month (F3), and 6-month (F6) follow-up after LiESWT. Results: The results showed that 4 weeks of LiESWT could significantly decrease urine leakage based on the pad test and validated standardized questionnaire scores, as compared to the sham group. Moreover, 8 weeks of LiESWT could significantly reduce urine leakage but increase urine volume and attenuate urgency symptoms, which showed meaningful and persistent improvement at W8, F1, F3, and F6. Furthermore, validated standardized questionnaire scores were significantly improved at W8, F1, F3, and F6 as compared to the baseline (W0). Conclusions: Eight weeks of LiESWT attenuated SUI symptoms upon physical activity, reduced urine leakage, and ameliorated overactive bladder symptoms, which implied that LiESWT significantly improved the quality of life. Our findings suggested that LiESWT could serve as a potentially novel and non-invasive treatment for SUI.
Comparative Study of the Structural and Functional Properties of Membrane-Isolated and Isoelectric pH Precipitated Green Lentil Seed Protein Isolates
Authors: Osemwota Etinosa C. , Alashi Adeola M. , Aluko Rotimi E.
Published: September 2021

The demand for isolated seed proteins continues to increase but functionality in food systems can be greatly dependent on the extraction method. In this work, we report the physicochemical and functional properties of lentil seed proteins isolated using various protocols. Lentil flour was defatted followed by protein extraction using isoelectric pH precipitation (ISO) as well as NaOH (MEM_NaOH) and NaCl (MEM_NaCl) extractions coupled with membrane ultrafiltration. The MEM_NaCl had significantly (p < 0.05) higher protein content (90.28%) than the ISO (86.13%) and MEM_NaOH (82.55%). At pH 3–5, the ISO was less soluble (2.26–11.84%) when compared to the MEM_NaOH (25.74–27.22%) and MEM_NaCl (27.78–40.98%). However, the ISO had higher yield and protein digestibility (48.45% and 89.82%) than MEM_NaOH (35.05% and 77.87%) and MEM_NaCl (13.35% and 77.61%), respectively. Near-UV circular dichroism spectra showed that the MEM_NaOH had loose tertiary conformation at pH 3, 5, 7 and 9 while ISO and MEM_NaCl had more compact structures at pH 7 and 9. The three protein isolates formed better emulsions (lower oil droplet sizes) at pH 7 and 9 when compared to pH 3 and 5. In contrast, foaming capacity was better at pH 5 than pH 3, 7, and 9.
Effects of Hydration and Temperature on the Microstructure and Transport Properties of Nafion Polyelectrolyte Membrane: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Zhang Guoling , Yang Guogang , Li Shian , Shen Qiuwan , Wang Hao , Li Zheng , Zhou Yang , Ye Weiqiang
Published: September 2021

To investigate the effects of temperature and hydration on the microstructure of polymer electrolyte membrane and the transport of water molecules and hydronium ions, molecular dynamics simulations are performed on Nafion 117 for a series of water contents at different temperatures. The interactions among the sulfonate groups, hydronium ions, and water molecules are studied according to the analysis of radial distribution functions and coordination numbers. The sizes and connectivity of water clusters are also discussed, and it is found that the hydration level plays a key role in the phase separation of the membrane. However, the effect of the temperature is slight. When the water content increases from 3.5 to 16, the size of water clusters in the membrane increases, and the clusters connect to each other to form continuous channels for diffusion of water molecules and hydronium ions. The diffusion coefficients are estimated by studying the mean square displacements. The results show that the diffusion of water molecules and hydronium ions are both enhanced by the increase of the temperature and hydration level. Furthermore, the diffusion coefficient of water molecules is always much larger than that of hydronium ions. However, the ratio of the diffusion coefficient of water molecules to that of hydronium ions decreases with the increase of water content.
Application of Machine Learning to Bending Processes and Material Identification
Authors: Cruz Daniel J. , Barbosa Manuel R. , Santos Abel D. , Miranda Sara S. , Amaral Rui L.
Published: September 2021

The increasing availability of data, which becomes a continually increasing trend in multiple fields of application, has given machine learning approaches a renewed interest in recent years. Accordingly, manufacturing processes and sheet metal forming follow such directions, having in mind the efficiency and control of the many parameters involved, in processing and material characterization. In this article, two applications are considered to explore the capability of machine learning modeling through shallow artificial neural networks (ANN). One consists of developing an ANN to identify the constitutive model parameters of a material using the force–displacement curves obtained with a standard bending test. The second one concentrates on the springback problem in sheet metal press-brake air bending, with the objective of predicting the punch displacement required to attain a desired bending angle, including additional information of the springback angle. The required data for designing the ANN solutions are collected from numerical simulation using finite element methodology (FEM), which in turn was validated by experiments.
Advanced High-Strength Steels by Quenching and Partitioning
Authors: Sabirov Ilchat , Santofimia María J. , Petrov Roumen H.
Published: September 2021

Quenched and partitioned (Q&P) steels are recently developed materials with carefully selected chemical compositions and multiphase microstructures resulting from precisely controlled heating and cooling processes [...]
All-in-One High-Power-Density Vibrational Energy Harvester with Impact-Induced Frequency Broadening Mechanisms
Authors: Cao Yongqi , Shen Weihe , Li Fangzhi , Qi Huan , Wang Jiaxiang , Mao Jianren , Yang Yang , Tao Kai
Published: September 2021

This paper proposes an electrostatic-piezoelectric-electromagnetic hybrid vibrational power generator with different frequency broadening schemes. Both the nonlinear frequency broadening mechanisms and the synergized effect of the electrostatic-piezoelectric-electromagnetic hybrid structures are investigated. The structure and performance of the composite generator are optimized to improve the response bandwidth and performance. We propose that the electrostatic power generation module and the electromagnetic power generation module be introduced into the cantilever beam to make the multifunctional cantilever beam, realizing small integrated output loss, high output voltage, and high current characteristics. When the external load of the electrostatic power generation module is 10 kΩ, its peak power can reach 3.6 mW; when the external load of the piezoelectric power generation module is 2 kΩ, its peak power is 2.2 mW; and when the external load of the electromagnetic power generation module is 170 Ω, its peak power is 0.735 mW. This means that under the same space utilization, the performance is improved by 90%. Moreover, an energy management circuit (ECM) at the rear end of the device is added, through the energy conditioning circuit, the device can directly export a 3.3 V DC voltage to supply power to most of the sensing equipment. In this paper, the hybrid generator’s structure and performance are optimized, and the response bandwidth and performance are improved. In general, the primary advantages of the device in this paper are its larger bandwidth and enhanced performance.
Use of Discrete Element Modelling to Evaluate the Parameters of the Sampling Theory in the Feed Grade Sampler of a Sulphide Gold Plant
Authors: Magalhães Marcus , Chieregati Ana , Ilic Dusan , de Carvalho Rodrigo , Lemos Mariana , Delboni Homero
Published: September 2021

Cross-stream cutters are widely used in the mining and resources industry to obtain representative samples of particulate flows. Discrete element modelling (DEM) and analysis can be used to investigate influences of operational parameters, sampler design and material physical properties in the generation of the Increment Extraction Error (IEE), which when present, results in a frequently biased, non-representative sample. The study investigates the practicality of the rules and recommendations proposed by Dr. Pierre Gy that were developed and established as principles for the correct extraction of samples in industrial sampling equipment. Results validate Pierre Gy’s sampling theory using DEM in a cross-stream cutter of a sulphide gold plant. Importantly, the outcomes indicate that careful consideration must be given to physical ore properties and, consequently, that sampling systems should be developed specifically to each application.
Non-Targeted Screening Approaches for Profiling of Volatile Organic Compounds Based on Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectroscopy (GC-IMS) and Machine Learning
Authors: Capitain Charlotte , Weller Philipp
Published: September 2021

Due to its high sensitivity and resolving power, gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) is a powerful technique for the separation and sensitive detection of volatile organic compounds. It is a robust and easy-to-handle technique, which has recently gained attention for non-targeted screening (NTS) approaches. In this article, the general working principles of GC-IMS are presented. Next, the workflow for NTS using GC-IMS is described, including data acquisition, data processing and model building, model interpretation and complementary data analysis. A detailed overview of recent studies for NTS using GC-IMS is included, including several examples which have demonstrated GC-IMS to be an effective technique for various classification and quantification tasks. Lastly, a comparison of targeted and non-targeted strategies using GC-IMS are provided, highlighting the potential of GC-IMS in combination with NTS.
Functional Analysis of the GPI Transamidase Complex by Screening for Amino Acid Mutations in Each Subunit
Authors: Liu Si-Si , Jin Fei , Liu Yi-Shi , Murakami Yoshiko , Sugita Yukihiko , Kato Takayuki , Gao Xiao-Dong , Kinoshita Taroh , Hattori Motoyuki , Fujita Morihisa
Published: September 2021

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor modification is a posttranslational modification of proteins that has been conserved in eukaryotes. The biosynthesis and transfer of GPI to proteins are carried out in the endoplasmic reticulum. Attachment of GPI to proteins is mediated by the GPI-transamidase (GPI-TA) complex, which recognizes and cleaves the C-terminal GPI attachment signal of precursor proteins. Then, GPI is transferred to the newly exposed C-terminus of the proteins. GPI-TA consists of five subunits: PIGK, GPAA1, PIGT, PIGS, and PIGU, and the absence of any subunit leads to the loss of activity. Here, we analyzed functionally important residues of the five subunits of GPI-TA by comparing conserved sequences among homologous proteins. In addition, we optimized the purification method for analyzing the structure of GPI-TA. Using purified GPI-TA, preliminary single particle images were obtained. Our results provide guidance for the structural and functional analysis of GPI-TA.
Deep Learning-Enabled Multitask System for Exercise Recognition and Counting
Authors: Yu Qingtian , Wang Haopeng , Laamarti Fedwa , El Saddik Abdulmotaleb
Published: September 2021

Exercise is a prevailing topic in modern society as more people are pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Physical activities provide significant benefits to human well-being from the inside out. Human pose estimation, action recognition and repetitive counting fields developed rapidly in the past several years. However, few works combined them together to assist people in exercise. In this paper, we propose a multitask system covering the three domains. Different from existing methods, heatmaps, which are the byproducts of 2D human pose estimation models, are adopted for exercise recognition and counting. Recent heatmap processing methods have been proven effective in extracting dynamic body pose information. Inspired by this, we propose a deep-learning multitask model of exercise recognition and repetition counting. To the best of our knowledge, this approach is attempted for the first time. To meet the needs of the multitask model, we create a new dataset Rep-Penn with action, counting and speed labels. Our multitask system can estimate human pose, identify physical activities and count repeated motions. We achieved 95.69% accuracy in exercise recognition on the Rep-Penn dataset. The multitask model also performed well in repetitive counting with 0.004 Mean Average Error (MAE) and 0.997 Off-By-One (OBO) accuracy on the Rep-Penn dataset. Compared with existing frameworks, our method obtained state-of-the-art results.
Transformation of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) during Lime Treatment of Wastewater Sludge and Their Impact on Soil Bacteria
Authors: Abdulsada Zainab , Kibbee Richard , Princz Juliska , DeRosa Maria , Örmeci Banu
Published: September 2021

This study investigated the impact of lime stabilization on the fate and transformation of AgNPs. It also evaluated the changes in the population and diversity of the five most relevant bacterial phyla in soil after applying lime-stabilized sludge containing AgNPs. The study was performed by spiking an environmentally relevant concentration of AgNPs (2 mg AgNPs/g TS) in sludge, applying lime stabilization to increase pH to above 12 for two hours, and applying lime-treated sludge to soil samples. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to investigate the morphological and compositional changes of AgNPs during lime stabilization. After the application of lime stabilized sludge to the soil, soil samples were periodically analyzed for total genomic DNA and changes in bacterial phyla diversity using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results showed that lime treatment effectively removed AgNPs from the aqueous phase, and AgNPs were deposited on the lime molecules. The results revealed that AgNPs did not significantly impact the presence and diversity of the assessed phyla in the soil. However, lime stabilized sludge with AgNPs affected the abundance of each phylum over time. No significant effects on the soil total organic carbon (TOC), heterotrophic plate count (HPC), and percentage of the live cells were observed.
Enhanced Absorption with Graphene-Coated Silicon Carbide Nanowires for Mid-Infrared Nanophotonics
Authors: Rufangura Patrick , Khodasevych Iryna , Agrawal Arti , Bosi Matteo , Folland Thomas G. , Caldwell Joshua D. , Iacopi Francesca
Published: September 2021

The mid-infrared (MIR) is an exciting spectral range that also hosts useful molecular vibrational fingerprints. There is a growing interest in nanophotonics operating in this spectral range, and recent advances in plasmonic research are aimed at enhancing MIR infrared nanophotonics. In particular, the design of hybrid plasmonic metasurfaces has emerged as a promising route to realize novel MIR applications. Here we demonstrate a hybrid nanostructure combining graphene and silicon carbide to extend the spectral phonon response of silicon carbide and enable absorption and field enhancement of the MIR photon via the excitation and hybridization of surface plasmon polaritons and surface phonon polaritons. We combine experimental methods and finite element simulations to demonstrate enhanced absorption of MIR photons and the broadening of the spectral resonance of graphene-coated silicon carbide nanowires. We also indicate subwavelength confinement of the MIR photons within a thin oxide layer a few nanometers thick, sandwiched between the graphene and silicon carbide. This intermediate shell layer is characteristically obtained using our graphitization approach and acts as a coupling medium between the core and outer shell of the nanowires.
Dietary Advanced Glycation End-Products and Colorectal Cancer Risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Study
Authors: Aglago Elom K. , Mayén Ana-Lucia , Knaze Viktoria , Freisling Heinz , Fedirko Veronika , Hughes David J. , Jiao Li , Eriksen Anne Kirstine , Tjønneland Anne , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Rothwell Joseph A. , Severi Gianluca , Kaaks Rudolf , Katzke Verena , Schulze Matthias B. , Birukov Anna , Palli Domenico , Sieri Sabina , Santucci de Magistris Maria , Tumino Rosario , Ricceri Fulvio , Bueno-de-Mesquita Bas , Derksen Jeroen W. G. , Skeie Guri , Gram Inger Torhild , Sandanger Torkjel , Quirós J. Ramón , Luján-Barroso Leila , Sánchez Maria-Jose , Amiano Pilar , Chirlaque María-Dolores , Gurrea Aurelio Barricarte , Johansson Ingegerd , Manjer Jonas , Perez-Cornago Aurora , Weiderpass Elisabete , Gunter Marc J. , Heath Alicia K. , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Jenab Mazda
Published: September 2021

Dietary advanced glycation end-products (dAGEs) have been hypothesized to be associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) by promoting inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and oxidative stress in the colonic epithelium. However, evidence from prospective cohort studies is scarce and inconclusive. We evaluated CRC risk associated with the intake of dAGEs in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. Dietary intakes of three major dAGEs: Nε-carboxy-methyllysine (CML), Nε-carboxyethyllysine (CEL), and Nδ-(5-hydro-5-methyl-4-imidazolon-2-yl)-ornithine (MG-H1) were estimated in 450,111 participants (median follow-up = 13 years, with 6162 CRC cases) by matching to a detailed published European food composition database. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations of dAGEs with CRC were computed using multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models. Inverse CRC risk associations were observed for CML (HR comparing extreme quintiles: HRQ5vs.Q1 = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.85–1.00) and MG-H1 (HRQ5vs.Q1 = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.85–1.00), but not for CEL (HRQ5vs.Q1 = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.89–1.05). The associations did not differ by sex or anatomical location of the tumor. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, our findings suggest an inverse association between dAGEs and CRC risk. More research is required to verify these findings and better differentiate the role of dAGEs from that of endogenously produced AGEs and their precursor compounds in CRC development.
Relationship between Body and Otolith Morphological Characteristics of Sabre Squirrelfish (Sargocentron spiniferum) from the Southern Red Sea: Difference between Right and Left Otoliths
Authors: Osman Yassein A. A. , Mahé Kélig , El-Mahdy Samia M. , Mohammad Ashraf S. , Mehanna Sahar F.
Published: September 2021

Otolith morphology analysis is one of the main tools used for fish or fish stock identification. Moreover, otolith shape can also be used in animal dietary studies (stomach content) for the identification of prey fishes and their size according to the relationship between fish and otolith sizes. In the present study, the relationship between fish length and otolith morphological dimensions was investigated for the sabre squirrelfish, Sargocentron spiniferum (Forsskål, 1775) (family: Holocentridae). Samples of 185 fish were collected from the coast of the Red Sea, Egypt. To analyze the relationship between fish and otolith, otolith morphometric measurements (length, width, area, perimeter, weight, sulcus, and ostium) and shape factors (aspect ratio, compactness, form factor, rectangularity, roundness, ellipticity, squareness) describing the outline shape were extracted using image analysis. Generalized linear models were applied for the relationship between body length and each otolith morphology feature. From the relationships between the total length of fish and fourteen morphology features, only otolith length, caudal length, and squareness were significantly correlated with fish size. Our results provide more information for the relationship between fish length and otolith morphometric features.
Comprehensive Investigation of Stereoselective Food Drug Interaction Potential of Resveratrol on Nine P450 and Six UGT Isoforms in Human Liver Microsomes
Authors: Ji Seung-Bae , Park So-Young , Bae Subin , Seo Hyung-Ju , Kim Sin-Eun , Lee Gyung-Min , Wu Zhexue , Liu Kwang-Hyeon
Published: September 2021

The stereoselectivity of the food drug inhibition potential of resveratrol on cytochrome P450s and uridine 5′-diphosphoglucuronosyl transferases was investigated in human liver microsomes. Resveratrol enantiomers showed stereoselective inhibition of CYP2C9, CYP3A, and UGT1A1. The inhibitions of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP2C19 by resveratrol were stereo-nonselective. The estimated Ki values determined for CYP1A2 were 13.8 and 9.2 μM for trans- and cis-resveratrol, respectively. Trans-resveratrol noncompetitively inhibited CYP3A and UGT1A1 activities with Ki values of 23.8 and 27.4 μM, respectively. Trans-resveratrol inhibited CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2E1, and CYP3A in a time-dependent manner with Ki shift values >2.0, while cis-resveratrol time-dependently inhibited CYP2C19 and CYP2E1. The time-dependent inhibition of trans-resveratrol against CYP3A4, CYP2E1, CYP2C19, and CYP1A2 was elucidated using glutathione as a trapping reagent. This information helped the prediction of food drug interaction potentials between resveratrol and co-administered drugs which are mainly metabolized by UGT1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2E1, and CYP3A.