bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Aptasensor for Selective and Sensitive Detection of Staphylococcus aureus Using Graphene oxide/poly Deep Eutectic Solvent/Nickel Oxide Nanocomposite Modified Electrode
Authors: Rabiei Mohammad Reza , Rezayan Ali Hossein , Hosseini Morteza , Pebdeni Azam Bagheri
Published: January 2024

Since that pathogenic bacteria are major threats to human health; this research describes the fabrication of an effective and sensitive platform based on graphene oxide/poly deep eutectic solvent/nickel oxide nano particles (GO/PDES/NiO NPs) nanocomposite at the surface of glassy carbon electrode for selective detection of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The DNA aptamers were immobilized on the modified electrode through the EDC/NHS chemistry. Each aptasensor modification step was checked by with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) techniques. The linear dynamic range of the proposed electrochemical aptasensor covered a large variation of S. aureus concentrations from 101 – 108 CFU.mL−1 and a detection limit of 10 CFU.mL−1 under optimum conditions was obtained. Analysis of spiked tap water, lake water and human serum samples revealed high potential of this aptasensor as a sensitive, effective, and label‐free promising tool for S. aureus detection. This is the first time that poly deep eutectic solvents used in live bacteria detection.
In situ heterojunction growth of CdS‐Bi2MoO6 microspheres for highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of Ciprofloxacin under visible light
Authors: Dai Chaohua , He Lin , Zhao Min , Teng Fukang , Sang Yongliang , Li Jiaxuan , Li Yu , Zheng Yingping , Wu Min
Published: January 2024

In‐situ synthesis was utilized to create a novel CdS‐Bi2MoO6 microspheres heterojunction photocatalyst for the degradation of Ciprofloxacin (CIP). Under visible light irradiation (> 420 nm), the prepared samples demonstrated effective photocatalytic activity, the highest CIP degradation rate can reach 87 % within 60 minutes. The apparent kinetic rate constant (0.0503 min−1) is 2.9 and 5.4 times greater than that of pure CdS (0.0173 min−1) and Bi2MoO6 (0.00929 min−1), respectively. XRD, FT‐IR, Raman, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, XPS, EIS, PL, and other techniques have been applied to analyze the composition and structure of the catalyst. Furthermore, various active substance capture experiments and EPR spectra were used to examine the potential photocatalytic mechanisms. ⋅ O2− and h+ have been proven to be the most active substances in the photocatalytic degradation of CIP. The prepared samples have excellent stability, and the photodegradation system positively impacts toxicity reduction. The effective treatment of antimicrobial wastewater is a possible use for the catalyst.
Pillar‐Layered Metal‐Organic Framework decorated onto TiO2: An Efficient Photocatalyst for Mineralization of Nonsteroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Authors: Kaur Gagandeep , Sud Dhiraj
Published: January 2024

Heterostructures of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and metal oxide nanostructured are extensively explored as promising photocatalysts owing to their combined advantages of the highly porous and molecular sieving characteristics of MOFs and the effectual features of encapsulated metal oxide nanostructures. Herein, we reported for the first time two novice hybrid materials abbreviated as PMOF‐55@TiO2 and PMOF‐56@TiO2 constructed by incorporation of Zn4(TRZ)4(2,6‐NDC)2.2DMFand Zn4(TRZ)4(2,4‐BDC)2. 2DMF (TRZ=1,2,4‐triazole, 2,6‐NDC=2,6‐naphthalene dicarboxylic acids, and BDC=terephthalic acid) into the TiO2 nanostructure. The resultant heterostructures were explore for the photodegradation of three Nonsteroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs (ibuprofen, salicylic acid, and aspirin). The successful fabrication of heterostructures was authenticated by various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The surface morphological studies revealed the highly dense coating of MOFs nanoparticles on the surface of TiO2. The maximum % degradation i. e. (87.5 %, 88 %) IBU, (81.3 %, 86.5 %) SAL, (80 %, 85.5 %) ASP was achieved using PMOF‐55@TiO2 and PMOF‐56@TiO2 heterostructures with (catalyst dose‐0.6 g/L, and drug concentration‐5 mg/L) under UV light irradiation within 105 min. PMOF‐56@TiO2 is superior photocatalyst compare to PMOF‐55@TiO2 as confirmed by high rate constant (k) and lower half‐life time (t1/2) values of PMOF‐56@TiO2. Moreover, they also maintain a good recyclability performance.
Trithiazacrown Ethers Containing Piperidine Heterocycle: Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Evaluation Of α‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Dat Nguyen Tien , Van Tran Thi Thanh , Nhung Dao Thi , Anh Cao Quoc , Hang Tran Thanh , Thao Vu Thi , Khrustalev Victor , Anh Le Tuan
Published: January 2024

New derivatives of crown compounds were successfully prepared via multicomponent reactions of a thia‐podand, an β‐keto ester and ammonium acetate based on modifications of the Petrenko‐Kritschenko reaction. The structure of the synthesized compounds was identified by physical‐chemical methods of analysis including IR, NMR, HRMS, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In addition, an in vitro assay against the α‐glucosidase of synthetic compounds was first evaluated and showed positive results. The most active compound exhibited an IC50 value of 5.69±0.27 μM, which is 37 fold more potent than the standard drug of acarbose (IC50 208.42±4.68 μM). Furthermore, prediction of ADMET parameters revealed that almost all synthesized trithiacrown ether derivatives expressed drug‐like characteristics. Our results provide useful evidence that crown ether compounds are not only good chelators with metal ions but also scaffolds for developing lead candidates in the treatment of diabetic disease.
Development of Dual N, S‐Heteroatom Doped Hollow Carbon Spheres as an Alternative Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Medium
Authors: Somasundharam Hari Prasaad , Duraisamy Velu , Manju Nirupama , Antherjanam Santhy , Senthil Kumar Sakkarapalayam Murugesan
Published: January 2024

Hollow heteroatom‐doped mesoporous carbons were found to be an efficient non‐noble metal catalyst to enhance the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells. Here, we use dopamine hydrochloride (DHC) and dibenzyl disulfide (DBS) as the nitrogen and sulfur precursors to infiltrate N and S into the HCS in a single‐step process. Dibenzyl disulfide is less explored in literature as a sulfur dopant. Due to its high sulfur content and high boiling point, dibenzyl disulfide acts as an excellent sulfur dopant and can withstand the carbonization process. Among them, NSMHCS‐0.2 obtained by adding 0.2 g of dibenzyl disulfide at 31 h intervals to the polydopamine (PDA) loaded silica leads to the ideal N, S dual hetero‐atom doping in NSMHCS. Notably, it has a high shell thickness (45 nm), high BET surface area (637 m2 g−1), high pyridinic nitrogen (13.54 %), and thiophene sulfur (89.8 %) concentration. Such property tuning paved the way to reach a high positive onset potential (0.86 V vs RHE) and a limiting current density of 3.64 mA cm−2 at 0.4 V vs RHE. Additionally, NSMHCS‐0.2 has shown superior methanol tolerance and strong electrochemical stability when compared to Pt/C 20 %.
In‐Liquid Plasma Catalysis: Tools for Sustainable H2‐free Heavy Oils Upgrading
Authors: Nguyen Hoang M. , Salmasi Milad Zehtab , Song Hua
Published: January 2024

Non‐thermal plasma (NTP) catalysis, mirroring the trend towards non‐conventional electron‐mediated molecular activation, unfolds novel routes for chemical reactions. Operating at ambient pressure, lower temperatures, and energized by electricity that can powered by renewable sources, NTP offers a cost‐effective and efficient means of sustainable fuel production. This approach has the potential to revolutionize the oil and gas industry, meeting current energy demands while circumventing the challenges posed by conventional thermal catalysis processes, thereby enhancing environmental sustainability and energy security. Through an exploration of the synergistic effects between plasma, catalysis, and hydrocarbon molecules, this concept paper emphasizes the significant advancements made in in‐liquid plasma catalysis strategies for fuel production from heavy oil upgrading. We also provide insights into the heterogeneous catalyst design and the role of plasma gas as an additional catalyst for achieving efficient and sustainable energy solutions. The prospects of in‐liquid plasma catalysis, emphasizing its transformative role in shaping the energy future, are also discussed.
Green Solvent Strategies toward Sustainable Perovskite Solar Cell Fabrication
Authors: Kim Hee Jung , Kim Young Ju , Han Gill Sang , Jung Hyun Suk
Published: January 2024

The shift towards ecofriendly solvents in perovskite solar cell (PSC) production represents a significant leap towards sustainable renewable energy generation, effectively addressing concerns related to the harmful nature of conventional solvents employed in PSC manufacturing. This review assesses the toxicity of traditional solvents utilized in the PSC fabrication process as well as recent studies and challenges related to substituting toxic solvents with less harmful or green alternatives. Although considerable efforts have been made to adopt greener solvents, this review underscores the variations in evaluations based on specific criteria, highlighting the need for thorough consideration to ensure the viability and sustainability of each solvent replacement. This study offers a comprehensive exploration of the transition to greener solvents in PSC fabrication and elucidates the associated challenges and opportunities in this pivotal shift towards a more environmentally sustainable approach to renewable energy production.
Steel and composite bridges – Enabling sustainable solutions
Authors: Kuhlmann Ulrike , von Arnim Mareike , Gölz Lisa‐Marie , Hofmann Gloria , Knecht Wigand , Mönch Simon , Pourostad Vahid , Stempniewski Lena
Published: January 2024

Sustainable bridges are characterised by three main aspects: saving resources by an efficient construction, allowing for a lifelong use of bridges by optimal detailing in view of fatigue and flexible design concepts for strengthening and adapting to changed user requirements. After a short introduction in the assessment of sustainability for bridges, an overview on recent bridge research in view of sustainability is given. The key point of efficient construction in future is the use of high strength steel (HSS): basic research and adaptation of rules are needed for welding of matching and mismatching connections. Joints and their relevant failure modes are to be investigated before hollow sections of HSS can be used in a wider range. And for steel and composite bridges, optimised plate buckling rules may serve for more efficiency in construction. Bridges are designed for a service life of 100 years. This can easily be achieved and even exceeded if the detailing is realised in view of fatigue. Research on welded details such as butt welds or joints of tubular bracings will be presented. Welds can be improved by post‐weld treatment such as high‐frequency mechanical impact (HFMI) treatment. Fatigue is also a key issue when steel and concrete or timber and concrete are combined for composite bridges. Reinforced composite slabs without prestressing require a fatigue verification for the transverse shear also in areas with cracked concrete. The notch forms an efficient connection in timber‐concrete composite (TCC) bridges, where, however, little has been known up to now on the fatigue behaviour.
Delta4Ms: Improving mutation‐based fault localization by eliminating mutant bias
Authors: Liu Hengyuan , Li Zheng , Han Baolong , Liu Yangtao , Chen Xiang , Liu Yong
Published: January 2024

Fault localization is a complex, costly and time‐consuming task in software debugging. Numerous automated techniques have been developed to expedite this process. Mutation‐based fault localization (MBFL) is one of the most widely studied techniques which uses mutation analysis to generate mutants for revealing potential faults in the program. However, our theoretical analysis exposes an inherent conflict between the fundamental assumption and the essential meaning of existing MBFL suspiciousness. This conflict is caused by mutant bias. Intuitively, the suspiciousness can be corrected by eliminating the mutant bias for more accurately measuring the faulty probability of the corresponding mutant statement. In this paper, we introduce Delta4Ms, a fault localization approach designed to eliminate mutant bias. Delta4Ms integrates the principles of signal theory, modelling the actual suspiciousness and mutant bias as the desired and false signal components, respectively. Based on theoretical derivation, the average suspiciousness of mutants serves as an estimate of mutant bias. Delta4Ms effectively mitigates mutant bias, extracting the desired signal and yielding corrected suspiciousness for fault localization. To precisely estimate mutant bias, higher order mutants (HOMs) are incorporated. We conduct an extensive experimental evaluation of Delta4Ms on 320 real‐fault programs from Codeflaws. The results indicate that our model significantly outperforms existing SBFL and MBFL techniques, showing a considerable improvement in fault localization effectiveness. We further assessed the robustness of Delta4Ms by examining different HOM ratios and HOM generation strategies. Moreover, Delta4Ms achieves a substantial reduction in mutation execution cost and minimal accuracy loss through the implementation of test case reduction. Finally, we perform preliminary experiments on 15 real‐fault programs from the Defects4J benchmark to assess the generalization of the model's fault localization effectiveness.
Liproxstatin‐1 alleviates ferroptosis in sevoflurane anesthesia‐induced cognitive deficits of aged mice: The role oxidative stress
Authors: Li Shunyuan , Chen Yingle , Wang Yingmei , Zhong Xianmei , Yu Xiaoquan , Kang Zhenming , Li Yangyi
Published: January 2024

In this study, we aimed to validate the hypothesis that the interplay between sevoflurane, oxidative stress and ferroptosis is crucial for the pathogenesis of sevoflurane‐induced cognitive impairment in aged individuals. The mice with sevoflurane‐induced cognitive impairment were used to explore the effects of sevoflurane on oxidative stress, iron homeostasis, and cognitive function in aged mice. Iron content and oxidative stress markers were analyzed in hippocampal tissue homogenates using specific assays. Additionally, the levels of iron death‐related markers (Fth1 and Gpx4) were assessed by real‐time PCR and Western blotting. Morris Water Maze and novel object recognition (NOR) tests were conducted to evaluate cognitive function. Sevoflurane exposure in aged mice resulted in a significant increase in iron overloading in the hippocampus, followed by a subsequent stabilization. Oxidative stress levels were elevated in the hippocampal tissue of sevoflurane‐exposed mice, and a significant correlation was observed between iron death and oxidative stress. Liproxstatin‐1, a ferroptosis inhibitor, effectively ameliorated the decline in memory and learning abilities induced by sevoflurane anesthesia. Liproxstatin‐1 treatment reduced iron overload and oxidative stress in the hippocampal tissue of aged mice. The expression of Fth1 and Gpx4, iron death‐related markers, was downregulated following Liproxstatin‐1 intervention. Our findings suggest that sevoflurane anesthesia disrupts iron homeostasis, leading to increased oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in aged mice. These results highlight the potential of targeting iron‐mediated processes to mitigate sevoflurane‐induced cognitive impairment in the aging population.
Typification of the Linnaean name Crepis vesicaria (Compositae: Cichorieae) revisited
Authors: Ferrer‐Gallego P. Pablo
Published: January 2024

The typification of the Linnaean name Crepis vesicaria (Compositae: Cichorieae) is revised. This name had previously been “lectotypified” by Babcock in 1947 on a specimen kept in LINN (Herb. Linnaeus No. 955.3). However, Linnaeus cited in the protologue a specimen from the Joachim Burser Herbarium, currently preserved at UPS‐BURSER (Herb. Burser VI: 70). According to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Art. 9.12 of the Shenzhen Code of 2018), this is a syntype which must be chosen as the lectotype.
Dual Model Predictive Control Strategy of Direct‐Drive PMSM Based on Sliding Mode Disturbance Observer
Authors: Sun Zhaoyue , Tan Cao , Li Bo , Song Aijuan , Yu Peng , Hao Mingji
Published: January 2024

Aiming at the current control steady‐state error caused by sampling delay, parameters mismatch of direct‐drive permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). This paper proposed a method of dual model predictive control (MPC) of direct‐drive PMSM based on sliding mode disturbance observer (SMDO). Deadbeat predictive current control (DPCC) is used for current loop, a SMDO is proposed to observe the system disturbance, the estimation is compensated to DPCC by feedback to decrease the current control steady‐state error. For speed loop, MPC with an internal model control observer (IMCO) can observe and compensate the load disturbance feedforward. The experimental results show that, the dynamic response speed of the proposed strategy is fast, the speed recovery time after sudden load torque is short, and the anti‐load disturbance performance and current tracking performance are effectively improved. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Determination of dichlorvos pesticide residues in the groundwater of the environment surrounding Al‐Sin Lake using a high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Okdeh Deema Mohamed Ali , Sakr Ibrahim Aziz , ARRAJ Tareq ARRAJ
Published: January 2024

The unreasonable use of agrochemicals and various human activities in the environment of Al‐Sin Lake basin may cause pollution to water, especially with widely used organophosphate pesticides, which have an effect on the human nervous system. This research sought to determine concentrations of dichlorvos of the synthetic organophosphate pesticide in the waters of the environment surrounding Al‐Sin Lake in the Syrian coastal area. A questionnaire form was dispensed to the local residents in the region, to determine the status of the studied area. Ground and surface water samples were collected from several locations surrounding the Lake. The first site is surrounded by greenhouses and a citrus orchard. The second is the Surit spring. The third site includes greenhouses. The fourth site represents surface water (Lake Surit). The study lasted for seven consecutive months from December until June 2020–2021, samples were taken once a month. Various parameters (pH, EC, TDS, and PO4−3) were measured. Dichlorvos was extracted from the samples using solvents (hexane‐acetone) to be ready for analysis using high‐performance liquid chromatography. The results showed the presence of dichlorvos residues in the studied water samples, with average concentrations ranging between 0.2 and 1.3 µg.L−1, which were higher than the recommended value for individual pesticide in water (0.1 µg.L−1) as recommended by the European Union. Observations of dichlorvos concentration indicated some increase at lower pH. Consequently, contamination of ground and surface waters with dichlorvos was observed in the studied sites, because of its frequent use and its high solubility in water. This unregulated use of dichlorvos can pose a matter of public health concern.
Equus caballus papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV2)‐associated benign penile lesions and squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Tuomisto Laura , Virtanen Jenni , Kegler Kristel , Levanov Lev , Sukura Antti , Sironen Tarja , Kareskoski Maria
Published: January 2024

Background

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common genital, ocular and gastric tumour in horses. Equus caballus papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV2) DNA has been detected in several studies in equine penile squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and precursor lesions providing evidence of a causal role of EcPV2 in equine genital SCCs. Recently, EcPV2 E6/E7 nucleic acids were also detected in equine gastric SCCs, but further studies are required to determine the role of EcPV2 infection in the pathogenesis of gastric SCC. EcPV2 nucleic acids have been rarely described in ocular SCCs and precursor lesions.

Objectives

To investigate the presence of EcPV2 nucleic acids with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridisation (ISH) in penile hyperplasias, papillomas and SCCs in horses and to determine whether EcPV2 nucleic acids can be detected in SCCs affecting other locations, including the stomach, ocular tissues and larynx.

Methods

Twenty‐one archival formalin‐fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue samples, including 12 genital lesions comprising penile hyperplasias, papillomas and SCCs, 6 ocular SCCs, 2 gastric SCCs and 1 laryngeal SCC, were screened by PCR and ISH for EcPV2 E6/E7 DNA and mRNA. Archival FFPE tissue samples (eyelid and penile mucosa and preputium) from six horses without a diagnosis or history of neoplastic or papillomavirus‐associated disease were included as controls.

Results

EcPV2 nucleic acids were detected by PCR and ISH in all genital lesions (12/12) and gastric SCCs (2/2), in two ocular SCCs (2/6) and in one laryngeal SCC (1/1). In control horses, one eyelid sample was positive in PCR but not in ISH. The remaining control samples were negative for EcPV2 E6/E7 nucleic acids in PCR and ISH.

Conclusions

These results further support the role of EcPV2 infection in the development of equine genital SCCs and suggest that EcPV2 infection may also act as a predisposing factor for other SCCs in horses, including gastric, ocular and laryngeal SCCs.
Serum pregnancy–associated glycoprotein profiles during early gestation in Karya and Konya Merino sheep
Authors: Akköse Mehmet , Çınar Elif Merve , Yazlık Murat Onur , Kaya Ufuk , Polat Yadigar , Çebi Çiğdem , Özbeyaz Ceyhan , Vural Mehmet Rıfat
Published: January 2024

Background

Reported as being expressed by mono‐ and binucleate placental cells, pregnancy‐associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are released into the blood circulation from the ruminant placenta. Circulating gestational PAGs levels may differ between sheep breeds.

Objective

This study was aimed at the close monitoring of the serum PAGs profiles of Karya and Konya Merino sheep during early pregnancy.

Methods

Fifteen Karya and 15 Konya Merino ewes were synchronized by a 12‐day treatment with progesterone‐impregnated intravaginal sponges. After the sponges were withdrawn, the ewes were administered 400 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin. The ewes were allowed to mate naturally, and all animals were sampled for blood as of the day of mating (day 0) at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Pregnancy diagnoses were made by transabdominal ultrasonography at week 5. At weeks 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11, blood samples were collected only from the pregnant ewes. The blood samples were centrifuged at 3000 × g, and extracted sera were stored at −20°C until being used for laboratory analyses. Serum PAGs levels were determined with the aid of a commercial PAG‐enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay test originally developed for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle. Differences in the between the PAGs levels throughout pregnancy and the group effect (Karya and Konya Merino) were determined with a two‐way mixed analysis of variance. Pairwise comparisons were made using a Bonferroni adjustment.

Results

PAGs levels showed a linear increase with the advance of pregnancy in both Karya and Konya Merino sheep. No difference was detected between the breeds for serum PAGs levels. The serum PAGs levels of the pregnant and non‐pregnant ewes differed as of the fourth week.

Conclusion

The serum PAGs levels of the Karya and Konya Merino ewes were similar during the first 11 weeks of gestation, and pregnancy diagnosis could be made based on serum PAGs levels as of the 4th week in both breeds.
Mathematical modelling of a slow flameless combustion of a two-dimensional paper
Authors: Fusi Lorenzo , Calusi Benedetta , Giovinetto Antonio , Panconi Leonardo
Published: January 2024

We present a mathematical model for the slow combustion (smoldering) of a two-dimensional sheet of paper. We describe the evolution of the char region, and we investigate the effects of an orthogonal air flow on the shape of the combustion front. The mathematical formulation consists in a set of two nonlinear PDEs for the temperature and the oxygen concentrations coupled with one ODE for the cellulose concentration. The (dimensionless) problem is solved numerically by means of a spectral collocation scheme based on Chebyshev polynomials. Our results show that the Péclet and the Lewis number strongly influence the shape of the ignition front and that the advancement of the combustion front does not occur if advection and diffusion are neglected (zero Péclet and Lewis numbers). In particular we observe that the burning region and the ignition front are strongly influenced by the velocity of the airflow and by the mass and heat transport phenomena due to diffusion and advection. We shall see that the increasing of the ratio between the convective and diffusive characteristic times (Péclet number) and the decreasing of the ratio between the mass and heat diffusive characteristic times (Lewis number) have a “flattening effect” on the combustion front.
Insight on the recent materials advances for manufacturing of high-voltage transmission conductors
Authors: Kgoete Fikie Madinoge , Uyor Uwa Orji , Popoola Abimbola Patricia , Popoola Olawale
Published: January 2024

Transmission conductor forms the essential pathway where electric power traverses from the generating centre station to the distribution sub-station. Some glitches in power delivery have been attributed to that occasioned by defective transmission conductors. Challenges accruing from transmission conductors can be handled proactively by designing and developing robust conductors. This review was aimed at studying the challenges witnessed in power transmission, ways of ameliorating them, and prospective conductors for future power transmission. In the study, it was observed that lightning, bush fire, short-circuiting, and grid overload are some of the challenges in the transmission grid. It was also observed that aluminium conductor composite core (ACCC) and aluminium conductor composite reinforced (ACCR) are the two best transmission conductors existing presently based on ampacity and efficiency. It was concluded that Al-based composites of CNTs, graphene, BN, Si3N4, and TiC could perform more favourably than the existing transmission conductors. It was recommended that these new materials should be studied further to verify their applicability in transmitting electric power.
Solving basic problems of compliant tolerance analysis by static analogy
Authors: Armillotta Antonio
Published: January 2024

Predicting the geometric variation of sheet metal assemblies is a complex task, because deformation during joining operations influences the propagation of initial part deviations. To consider this effect, the paper proposes a method that formulates tolerance analysis as an equivalent problem of static analysis. Previously proposed for rigid parts, the static analogy is extended to compliant parts and applied to two-dimensional problems modeled with straight beams under the assumptions of small displacements and normal distributions of errors. For such simple cases, the method solves the problem by linearization, avoiding the use of Monte Carlo simulation and the related computational burden. Compared to existing linearization methods, the static analogy is less efficient in the integration with a finite element solver. However, it features an especially simple procedure that does not require the calculation of deflections, thus allowing a streamlined solution and even manual calculations. The comparison with alternative methods provides a first verification of the feasibility of the method, in view of further developments with the aim of dealing with cases of realistic complexity.
Global omics study of Tetraselmis chuii reveals time-related metabolic adaptations upon oxidative stress
Authors: Koletti Aikaterini , Skliros Dimitrios , Kalloniati Chrysanthi , Marka Sofia , Zografaki Maria-Eleftheria , Infante Carlos , Mantecón Lalia , Flemetakis Emmanouil
Published: January 2024

Microalgae species encounter oxidative stress in their natural environments, prompting the development of species-specific adaptation mechanisms. Understanding these mechanisms can offer valuable insights for biotechnological applications in microalgal metabolic manipulation. In this study, we investigated the response of Tetraselmis chuii, an industrially important microalga, to H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Exposure to 0.5-mM H2O2 resulted in reduced cell viability, and higher concentrations led to a drastic decline. After 1 h of exposure to H2O2, photosynthetic capacity (Qy) was negatively impacted, and this reduction intensified after 6 h of continuous stress. Global multi-omics analysis revealed that T. chuii rapidly responded to H2O2-induced oxidative stress within the first hour, causing significant changes in both transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles. Among the cellular functions negatively affected were carbon and energy flow, with photosynthesis-related PSBQ having a 2.4-fold downregulation, pyruvate kinase decreased by 1.5-fold, and urea content reduced by threefold. Prolonged exposure to H2O2 incurred a high energy cost, leading to unsuccessful attempts to enhance carbon metabolism, as depicted, for example, by the upregulation of photosystems-related PETC and PETJ by more than twofold. These findings indicate that T. chuii quickly responds to oxidative stress, but extended exposure can have detrimental effects on its cellular functions.

Key points

• 0.5-mM H2O2–induced oxidative stress strongly affects T. chuii

• Distinct short- and long-term adaptation mechanisms are induced

• Major metabolic adaptations occur within the first hour of exposure
Silencing of a Nicotiana benthamiana ascorbate oxidase gene reveals its involvement in resistance against cucumber mosaic virus
Authors: Ahmed Reshma , Kaldis Athanasios , Voloudakis Andreas
Published: January 2024

Main conclusion

Silencing of an ascorbate oxidase (AO) gene in N. benthamiana enhanced disease severity from cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), showing higher accumulation and expansion of the spreading area of CMV.

A Nicotiana benthamiana ascorbate oxidase (NbAO) gene was found to be induced upon cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) infection. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) was employed to elucidate the function of AO in N. benthamiana. The tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-mediated VIGS resulted in an efficient silencing of the NbAO gene, i.e., 97.5% and 78.8% in relative quantification as compared to the control groups (TRV::eGFP- and the mock-inoculated plants), respectively. In addition, AO enzymatic activity decreased in the TRV::NtAO-silenced plants as compared to control. TRV::NtAO-mediated NbAO silencing induced a greater reduction in plant height by 15.2% upon CMV infection. CMV titer at 3 dpi was increased in the systemic leaves of NbAO-silenced plants (a 35-fold change difference as compared to the TRV::eGFP-treated group). Interestingly, CMV and TRV titers vary in different parts of systemically infected N. benthamiana leaves. In TRV::eGFP-treated plants, CMV accumulated only at the top half of the leaf, whereas the bottom half of the leaf was “occupied” by TRV. In contrast, in the NbAO-silenced plants, CMV accumulated in both the top and the bottom half of the leaf, suggesting that the silencing of the NbAO gene resulted in the expansion of the spreading area of CMV. Our data suggest that the AO gene might function as a resistant factor against CMV infection in N. benthamiana.
NeuProNet: neural profiling networks for sound classification
Authors: Tran Khanh-Tung , Vu Xuan-Son , Nguyen Khuong , Nguyen Hoang D.
Published: January 2024

Real-world sound signals exhibit various aspects of grouping and profiling behaviors, such as being recorded from identical sources, having similar environmental settings, or encountering related background noises. In this work, we propose novel neural profiling networks (NeuProNet) capable of learning and extracting high-level unique profile representations from sounds. An end-to-end framework is developed so that any backbone architectures can be plugged in and trained, achieving better performance in any downstream sound classification tasks. We introduce an in-batch profile grouping mechanism based on profile awareness and attention pooling to produce reliable and robust features with contrastive learning. Furthermore, extensive experiments are conducted on multiple benchmark datasets and tasks to show that neural computing models under the guidance of our framework gain significant performance gaps across all evaluation tasks. Particularly, the integration of NeuProNet surpasses recent state-of-the-art (SoTA) approaches on UrbanSound8K and VocalSound datasets with statistically significant improvements in benchmarking metrics, up to 5.92% in accuracy compared to the previous SoTA method and up to 20.19% compared to baselines. Our work provides a strong foundation for utilizing neural profiling for machine learning tasks.
Parkinson’s disease motor progression in relation to the timing of REM sleep behavior disorder presentation: an exploratory retrospective study
Authors: Bovenzi Roberta , Pierantozzi Mariangela , Conti Matteo , Carignani Silvia , Fernandes Mariana , Schirinzi Tommaso , Cerroni Rocco , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Stefani Alessandro , Liguori Claudio
Published: January 2024

REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a frequent non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and the timing of its presentation might have a role in the underlying neurodegenerative process. Here, we aimed to define the potential impact of probable RBD (pRBD) on PD motor progression.

We conducted a longitudinal retrospective study on 66 PD patients followed up at the University Hospital of Rome Tor Vergata. Patients were divided into three groups: with post-motor pRBD (pRBDpost, n = 25), without pRBD (pRBDwo, n = 20), and with pre-motor pRBD (pRBDpre, n = 21). Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) scores, Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor scores, and levodopa equivalent daily dose were collected at two follow-up visits conducted in a 5-year interval (T0 and T1). pRBDpost patients had a greater rate of motor progression in terms of the H&Y scale compared to pRBDpre and pRBDwo patients, without the influence of anti-parkinsonian treatment.

These preliminary findings suggest that the post-motor occurrence of pRBD can be associated with an acceleration in PD motor progression.
Quantitative analysis of the compliance of EU Sewage Sludge Directive by using the heavy metal concentrations from LUCAS topsoil database
Authors: Yunta Felipe , Schillaci Calogero , Panagos Panos , Van Eynde Elise , Wojda Piotr , Jones Arwyn
Published: January 2024

In the European Union (EU), a common understanding of the potential harmful effect of sewage sludge (SS) on the environment is regulated by the Sewage Sludge Directive 86/278/EEC (SSD). Limit values (LVs) for concentrations of heavy metals in soil are listed in Impact Assessment of this directive, and they were transposed by EU member states using different criteria. Member states adopted either single limit values or based on soil factors such as pH and texture to define the maximum limit values for concentrations of heavy metals in soils. Our work presents the first quantitative analysis of the SSD at the European level by using the Land Use and Coverage Area Frame Survey (LUCAS) 2009 topsoil database. The reference values at the European level were arranged taking into account the upper value (EU_UL) and the lower value (EU_LL) for each heavy metal (arsenic, cadmium, copper, chromium, mercury, nickel, lead, and zinc) as well as taking into account the pH of the soil (cadmium, copper, mercury, nickel, lead, and zinc) as introduced in the SSD Annex IA. Single and integrated contamination rate indices were developed to identify those agricultural soils that exceeded the reference values for each heavy metal. In total, 10%, 36%, and 19% of the LUCAS 2009 topsoil samples exceeded the limit values. Additionally, 12% and 16% of agricultural soils exceeded the concentration of at least one single heavy metal when European LVs were fixed following the soil pH in Strategy II compared to those national ones in Strategy I. Generally, all member states apply similar or stricter limit values than those laid down in the SSD. Our work indicates that choosing LVs quantitatively affects further actions such as monitoring and remediation of contaminated soils. The actual soil parameters, such as heavy metal concentrations and soil pH values from the LUCAS 2009 topsoil database, could be used by SSD-involved policy stakeholders not only to lay down the LVs for concentrations of heavy metal in soils but also for monitoring the SSD compliance grade by using the LUCAS surveys over time (past and upcoming LUCAS datasets).
Marine Geophysical Survey of a Medieval Shipwreck in Shallow Waters Using an Autonomous Surface Vehicle: A Case Study from Avaldsnes, Norway
Authors: Ravnås Hallgjerd H. , Olsen Thomas M. , Weibull Wiktor W. , Reiersen Håkon , Ditta Massimiliano , Vivås Arild S.
Published: January 2024

This study demonstrates the successful use of a single-channel chirp system mounted on an Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) for detecting and mapping a partly buried medieval ship found in water approximately one meter (m) deep in a dynamic, intertidal environment at Avaldsnes, south-western Norway. The ASV's fast mobilization and access to areas otherwise difficult to reach, makes it an efficient, low-cost, and non-invasive platform for examining the seafloor and subsurface with high-resolution seismic data, acquired in a dense grid. Line spacing of 0.25 m allowed for the generation of a detailed 3D data cube, enabling effective interpretation of both acoustic vertical sections and horizontal amplitude maps. This approach empowered accurate identification of the outline of the wooden hull and provided information about ship dimensions and maximum burial depth. Structural elements observed in the geophysical datasets, including the keelson, raiders, and maststep, corroborates with findings from previous diving investigations and photogrammetry documentation. Moreover, the geophysical survey offers valuable additional knowledge of the buried ship remains, revealing a slight tilt of the keel and a substantial object buried in close proximity to the stern, probably the rudder or another wreck-related artefact.
Responses of Coastal Wetlands to Rising Sea-Level Revisited: The Importance of Organic Production
Authors: Morris James T. , Sundberg Karen
Published: January 2024

A network of 15 Surface Elevation Tables (SETs) at North Inlet estuary, South Carolina, has been monitored on annual or monthly time scales beginning from 1990 to 1996 and continuing through 2022. Of 73 time series in control plots, 12 had elevation gains equal to or exceeding the local rate of sea-level rise (SLR, 0.34 cm/year). Rising marsh elevation in North Inlet is dominated by organic production and, we hypothesize, is proportional to net ecosystem production. The rate of elevation gain was 0.47 cm/year in plots experimentally fertilized for 10 years with N&P compared to nearby control plots that have gained 0.1 cm/year in 26 years. The excess gains and losses of elevation in fertilized plots were accounted for by changes in belowground biomass and turnover. This is supported by bioassay experiments in marsh organs where at age 2 the belowground biomass of fertilized S. alterniflora plants was increasing by 1,994 g m−2 year−1, which added a growth premium of 2.4 cm/year to elevation gain. This was contrasted with the net belowground growth of 746 g m−2 year−1 in controls, which can add 0.89 cm/year to elevation. Root biomass density was greater in the fertilized bioassay treatments than in controls, plateauing at about 1,374 g m−2 and 472 g m−2, respectively. Growth of belowground biomass was dominated by rhizomes, which grew to 3,648 g m−2 in the fertilized treatments after 3 years and 1,439 g m−2 in the control treatments after 5 years. Depositional wetlands are limited by an exogenous supply of mineral sediment, whereas marshes like North Inlet could be classified as autonomous because they depend on in situ organic production to maintain elevation. Autonomous wetlands are more vulnerable to SLR because their elevation gains are constrained ultimately by photosynthetic efficiency.
Preclinical Models of Cardiac Disease: A Comprehensive Overview for Clinical Scientists
Authors: van Doorn Elisa C. H. , Amesz Jorik H. , Sadeghi Amir H. , de Groot Natasja M. S. , Manintveld Olivier C. , Taverne Yannick J. H. J.
Published: January 2024

For recent decades, cardiac diseases have been the leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide. Despite significant achievements in their management, profound understanding of disease progression is limited. The lack of biologically relevant and robust preclinical disease models that truly grasp the molecular underpinnings of cardiac disease and its pathophysiology attributes to this stagnation, as well as the insufficiency of platforms that effectively explore novel therapeutic avenues. The area of fundamental and translational cardiac research has therefore gained wide interest of scientists in the clinical field, while the landscape has rapidly evolved towards an elaborate array of research modalities, characterized by diverse and distinctive traits. As a consequence, current literature lacks an intelligible and complete overview aimed at clinical scientists that focuses on selecting the optimal platform for translational research questions. In this review, we present an elaborate overview of current in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo and in silico platforms that model cardiac health and disease, delineating their main benefits and drawbacks, innovative prospects, and foremost fields of application in the scope of clinical research incentives.
Multimodal transportation routing optimization based on multi-objective Q-learning under time uncertainty
Authors: Zhang Tie , Cheng Jia , Zou Yanbiao
Published: January 2024

Multimodal transportation is a modern way of cargo transportation. With the increasing demand for cargo transportation, higher requirements are being placed on multimodal transportation multi-objective routing optimization. In multimodal transportation multi-objective routing optimization, in response to the limitations of classical algorithms in solving large-scale problems with multiple nodes and modes of transport, the limitations of directed transportation networks in the application, and the uncertainty of transport time, this paper proposes an optimization framework based on multi-objective weighted sum Q-learning, combined with the proposed undirected multiple-node network, and characterizes the uncertainty of time with a positively skewed distribution. The undirected multiple-node transportation network can better simulate cargo transportation and characterize transfer information, facilitate the modification of origin and destination, and avoid suboptimal solutions due to the manual setting of wrong route directions. The network is combined with weighted sum Q-learning to solve multimodal transportation multi-objective routing optimization problems faster and better. When modeling the uncertainty of transport time, a positively skewed distribution is used. The three objectives of transport cost, carbon emission cost, and transport time were studied and compared with PSO, GA, AFO, NSGA-II, and MOPSO. The experimental results show that compared with PSO, GA, and AFO using a directed transportation network, the proposed method has a significant improvement in optimization results and running time, and the running time is shortened by 26 times. The proposed method can better solve the boundary of the Pareto front and dominate the partial solutions of NSGA-II and MOPSO. The effect of time uncertainty on the performance of the algorithm is more significant in transport orders with high time weight. With the increase in uncertainty, the reliability of the route decreases. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified.
A stable model for maximizing the number of significant features
Authors: Park Eunkyung , Wong Raymond K. , Kwon Junbum , Chu Victor W.
Published: January 2024

Identifying significant features (SFs) is important because they are driving factors of a target outcome. However, it is difficult when they have much more features than observations. The problem becomes more challenging when there are multicollinearity and infrequent common features. In such case, standard explainable methods such as OLS and Lasso often fail to identify many SF. To tackle these problems, we propose a stable model to maximize the number of SFs using selective inference called SFLasso-SI. First, in each point in the regularization path, SFLasso-SI conducts selective inference for conservative significance test. Then, it chooses the optimum value of regularization that maximizes the number of SFs. Our extensive experiments across different types of data - text, image, and video show that our SFLasso-SI can find the biggest number of SFs while maintaining similar prediction accuracy as the benchmarking methods.
Finite element investigation of cutting speed effects on the machining of Ti6Al4V alloy
Authors: Pal Surinder , Velay Xavier , Saleem Waqas
Published: January 2024

In modern times, titanium alloy has a great application prospect in the medical field. Still, the pitiful machinability of titanium alloy material brings incredible difficulty to its ultra-precision cutting. This work presented the effect of parametric sensitivity analysis of the orthogonal cutting process using the finite element method, which dramatically enhances the cutting performance of Ti–6AL–4V. The simulation results are attained by applying Abaqus® explicit 6.14 software. The mechanical reaction of two-dimensional finite element models has been examined for cutting forces. Additionally, the impacts of rake angle, clearance angle, and nose radius on the stress distribution in orthogonal cutting of Ti–6AL–4V have been investigated. Also, to make certain numerical accuracy, the Johnson–Cook constitutive models for Ti6Al4V alloy are implemented. In the end, FE simulation outcomes were supported by the reported results in the literature.
Recovering Old English
Authors: Dekker Kees
Published: January 2024

This Element Recovering Old English examines the philological activities of scholars involved in the recovery of Old English in the period between c. 1550 and 1830. This Element focuses on four philological pursuits that dominated this recovery: collecting documents, recording the lexicon editing texts and studying the grammar. This Element demonstrates that throughout the vicissitudes of history these four components of humanist philology have formed the backbone of Old English studies and constitute a thread that connects the efforts of early modern philologists with the global interest in Old English that we see today.