bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ВІБРОАКУСТИЧНА ДІАГНОСТИКА ТУРБОКОМПРЕСОРА СУДНОВОГО ДИЗЕЛЬНОГО ДВИГУНА
Authors: Varbanets R.A. , Fomin O.V. , Klymenko V.G. , Minchev D.S. , Malchevsky V.P. , Zalozh V.I.
Published: May 2022

Вступ. Сучасні турбонагнітачі суднових дизельних двигунів мають високий коефіцієнт підвищення тиску в компресорі – до 5 і вище. Вони створюють високий тиск наддувочного повітря, тим самим забезпечуючи високу питому потужність і високоефективну роботу суднового двигуна з низьким викидом оксидів вуглецю та сажі. Серед іншого, висока економічність дизельних двигунів MAN MC і MAN ME з фактичною питомою витратою палива на рівні 160–170 г/ кВт·год забезпечується високим тиском наддувочного повітря. При зниженні ефективності роботи турбонагнітача, потужність і економічність дизельного двигуна швидко знижуються, а рівень викидів оксидів вуглецю та сажі зростає. Допустимий рівень шкідливих викидів при експлуатації суднових дизельних двигунів обмежений чинними вимогами Міжнародної морської організації. Оскільки переважна більшість морських транспортних суден різного класу має дизельні двигуни, питання їх ефективної та безпечної експлуатації є безумовно актуальним. У статті представлено метод віброакустичної діагностики турбокомпресора суднового дизельного двигуна в умовах експлуатації, коли необхідно оперативно визначити миттєву частоту обертання турбокомпресора та рівня вібрації ротора. Метод полягає в аналізі віброакустичного сигналу, який формується компресором турбонагнітача під час роботи дизельного двигуна під навантаженням. Результати. Спектральний аналіз показує, що лопатки компресора генерують коливання, які завжди присутні в спектрі загальної вібрації турбонагнітача незалежно від його технічного стану. «Лопаткова» гармоніка, яка відповідає цим коливанням, в спектрі визначається за допомогою методу обмежень. Розрахована миттєва частота обертання турбокомпресора дозволяє проаналізувати амплітуду основної гармоніки в спектрі. Метод, представлений у статті, допомагає усунути спектральні витоки дискретного перетворення Фур’є (DFT), щоб оцінити амплітуду основної гармоніки. Подальший аналіз амплітуди основної гармоніки дозволяє ефективно оцінити рівень вібрації ротора турбокомпресора під час експлуатації. Метод можна застосувати на практиці за допомогою смартфона або комп’ютера, на якому встановлено спеціальне програмне забезпечення. Висновки. Запропонований метод може бути закладений в основу системи постійного моніторингу частоти і рівня вібрації турбокомпресора суднового дизельного двигуна.
РОЗРАХУНОК ПАРАМЕТРІВ ОСТІЙНОСТІ ОДНОЯРУСНОГО КОНТЕЙНЕРНОГО ХАУСБОТУ
Authors: Konovalova H.V. , Shchedrolosiev O.V. , Terlych S.V.
Published: May 2022

Вступ. У зв’язку зі збільшенням популярності будівництва плавучих будинків (хаусботів) виникає необхідність розроблення методик забезпечення їх безпечної експлуатації. Хаусботи, згідно із класифікацією Регістру судноплавства України, належать до стоїчних суден навіть за наявності енергетичної установки. Для безаварійної експлуатації таких плавучих споруд необхідним є забезпечення остійності, враховуючи їх малу осадку у разі відносно великої вітрильності та, як правило, недостатньої надійності якірного та/або швартовного пристроїв. Метою дослідження є отримання математичних залежностей для визначення параметрів остійності (центру величини, поперечного та поздовжнього метацентрів для трьохпоплавкового понтону самохідного хаусботу). Аналіз останніх досліджень та публікацій. Теоретичною базою є наукові роботи в галузі проєктування та конструювання хаусботів, дебаркадерів, понтонів, нормативно-правова база Регістру судноплавства України, а також дослідження щодо модульного формування та конструктивно-технологічних рішень плавучих та берегових споруд. Методи дослідження. Для розрахунку плечей статичної остійності використано два основні методи теорії корабля: рівнооб’ємних нахилень та обертання відносно нерухомої вісі. Спосіб рівнооб’ємних нахилень передбачає проведення допоміжних ватерліній, які наближено відсікають постійний об’єм підводної частини понтону. Недоліком такого методу є необхідність дублюючих обчислень для діючої та допоміжної ватерлінії, у зв’язку із чим виникає можливість накопичення похибок. Резюме. Вперше розроблено методичні рекомендації розрахунку остійності плавучих будинків на прикладі одноярусного контейнерного хаусботу. Запропоновані авторами математичні залежності та графічні пояснення до них дозволяють визначити параметри діаграми Ріда для різних розмірів понтону, його осадки та значень статей навантаження у разі мінімальної кількості вихідних даних.
СИСТЕМА МОНІТОРИНГУ ШАТУННИХ ПІДШИПНИКІВ КОЛІНЧАСТИХ ВАЛІВ СУДНОВИХ ДВИГУНІВ ВНУТРІШНЬОГО ЗГОРЯННЯ
Authors: Savchuk V.P. , Belousov Е.V. , Zinchenko D.O. , Boyko M.O.
Published: May 2022

Вступ. З розвитком нових технологій значно розширилися можливості створення повністю автоматизованих систем діагностування, що особливо необхідно в разі складної обробки сигналів датчиків діагностичної системи. Сучасні конструкції датчиків забезпечують термокомпенсацію, одночасне вимірювання декількох параметрів та відрізняються великою надійністю (набагато вищою, ніж раніше), що полегшує побудову комплексних автоматизованих систем діагностування. Мета. Статтю присвячено розробленню прямого безперервного контролю температури підшипників шатунної шийки, що дасть змогу забезпечити більш раннє виявлення порушення режиму змащення обертових підшипників колінчастих валів суднових двигунів внутрішнього згоряння, та моделюванню процесу перегріву нижньої головки шатуна в разі порушення функціонування системи змащення. Результати. Запропоновано варіант конструкції датчика температури шатунного підшипника, який, на відміну від способу вимірювання з використанням радіотехнології поверхневої акустичної хвилі (SAW), має активний датчик температури та електрогенеруючий термоелемент. Такий пристрій може працювати в режимі як вимірювання температури, так і сигналізатора критичної температури. У першому варіанті постійно здійснюється передача та реєстрація температури вимірюваного об’єкта, а в другому – активація вихідного сигналу датчика за критичного значення температури підшипника та, відповідно, збільшення температурного градієнта на термоелементі. В останньому варіанті зростання температури об’єкта вимірювання призводить до підвищення електричної потужності термоелектричного елемента та в разі досягнення порогового значення температури здійснюється активація передачі аварійного сигналу модулем бездротової передачі даних до модуля бездротового прийому даних. Для визначення градієнта температур і подальшого конструювання датчика, а також вибору параметрів термоелектричного модуля наведено результати комп’ютерного моделювання процесу нагріву шатунного підшипника на прикладі дизельного двигуна МаК М32С. Висновки. Отримані результати системного моделювання вказують на те, що процес зміни температури шатунних підшипників є досить швидким, а тому потребує швидкої реєстрації критичного зростання температури системами безперервного моніторингу. Поставлене завдання можна вирішити шляхом модернізації таких систем дистанційними перетворювачами температури запропонованої конструкції.
ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ НЕЙРОМЕРЕЖЕВОГО МОДЕЛЮВАННЯ ДЛЯ ПРОГНОЗУВАННЯ ТРИВАЛОСТІ ПЕРЕБУВАННЯ ТРАНСПОРТНОГО ЗАСОБУ НА ЗУПИНЦІ ГРОМАДСЬКОГО ТРАНСПОРТУ
Authors: Zhuk М.М. , Pivtorak H.V. , Hits І.І.
Published: May 2022

Вступ. Підвищення попиту на громадський транспорт серед міського населення можна досягнути комплексом різних заходів, одним з яких є вдосконалення системи перевезень та підвищення якості обслуговування пасажирів на різних ланках перевізного процесу. Сучасні методи опрацювання та аналізу параметрів функціонування транспортних систем дозволяють оцінити вплив різноманітних чинників на транспортні процеси та спрогнозувати результати такого впливу. Більшість транспортних процесів мають стохастичну, нелінійну структуру. У таких випадках доцільно використовувати методи штучного інтелекту, зокрема штучні нейронні мережі. Мета. Метою статті є визначення тривалості перебування транспортного засобу на зупинці громадського транспорту з використанням нейромережевого моделювання. Результати. У роботі розкрито основні принципи функціонування штучних нейронних мереж та правила їх використання. Проаналізовано доцільність застосування нейромережевого моделювання для прогнозування тривалості перебування транспортного засобу на зупинках громадського транспорту. Зокрема, проаналізовано вплив таких чинників, як: довжина маршруту, відстань від початку маршруту до досліджуваної зупинки, інтервал між транспортними засобами певного маршруту та пасажирообмін на зупинці. На основі зібраної під час натурних спостережень інформації в програмному середовищі Deductor створено нейронну мережу та проведено прогнозування тривалості перебування транспортного засобу на зупинці. Проведено оцінку якості отриманої моделі. Висновки. Нейромережеве моделювання є ефективним інструментом для дослідження транспортних процесів. Отримані результати свідчать про достатню точність отриманої моделі (середня тривалість перебування транспортного засобу на зупинці становить 24 с у ранковий період та 21 с – в обідній, відхилення в межах від 5 до 9,6 %). Подальші дослідження спрямовуватимуться на підвищення точності моделі шляхом, зокрема, розширення переліку вхідних параметрів.
A Review on Electric Vehicles Charging Strategies Concerning Actors Interests
Authors: Sabzi Shahab , Vajta Laszlo , Faghihi Tayebeh
Published: May 2022

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in societies and an important part of smart grids. Utility companies should be able to provide them with vital energy as they need electric energy instead of fuel, and this is where new challenges emerge in the network. In order to avoid causing utilities to incur additional energy and economic losses, researchers have proposed smart charging as a way to provide adequate energy to vehicles. When developing a charging schedule for a fleet of EVs, special considerations are made on variables such as energy, cost, and EVs milage. In this review paper, the importance of EVs integration into smart grids is studied, and then different methods to develop EVs charging scheduling are investigated. These methods can vary from optimization algorithms to learning-based, and game theory-based approaches. Then, as the considered system consists of three main actors, including EV users, the utility operator, and aggregators, a systematic review is conducted on these actors, and objectives related to each one are analyzed. Finally, research gaps related to the problem are studied. Researchers can use this review to conduct further research on the integration of EVs into smart grids.
Bibliotecas universitarias, de almacenes a buscadores en metaverso
Authors: Navarro Pedreño José
Published: May 2022

Junto al desarrollo de la universidad, las bibliotecas universitarias han sido parte consustancial de esta institución, no pudiendo disociarse el espacio bibliotecario de la propia universidad. El papel desempeñado por las bibliotecas ha cambiado lentamente a lo largo del tiempo. Inicialmente se han dedicado a atesorar volúmenes de textos escritos y conocimientos que se ponían ha disposición del estudiantado y el profesorado. Sin embargo, el desarrollo de las nuevas tecnologías y la informatización del conocimiento han provocado un cambio rápido, en el que los servicios priman frente al número de volúmenes almacenados y en el que la información digital y su accesibilidad son la base de las actuales bibliotecas, focalizadas en los servicios a la investigación que, en muchos casos, parecen predominar sobre los educativos. La investigación y la docencia virtual, con el necesario acceso a los textos digitales y la inmediatez en su consecución, actúan como motores de una nueva revolución de las bibliotecas universitarias.
Predicting resin pockets and blemishes in radiata pine lumber from log properties
Authors: Jones Trevor G. , Yang Jun Li , McConchie Don L. , Downes Geoffrey M.
Published: May 2022

Background: Resin pockets and blemishes in pruned logs of radiata pine (Pinus radiata D.Don) can reduce the value of clear and moulding grades of lumber. External resin features (ERF) on the bark of the logs have proved an effective method of predicting the incidence of resin pockets in the lumber. Resin canals have been associated with resin blemishes in radiata pine, and could prove useful in improving the prediction of the grade recovery of lumber.
Methods: Pruned butt logs of radiata pine trees from two forests in the North Island, New Zealand, were selected for low, moderate, and severe levels of external resin features (ERF) on the bark, and for low, average, and high resin canal diameter, frequency and brightness from breast height increment cores. The relationships were evaluated between these properties, and the lumber resin features and grade recovery of the logs.
Results: The number of resin pockets, the blemish rating, and the percentage of boards with resin streaks and resinous heartwood increased, and the recovery of clears and moulding grade boards and the lumber value declined, with the severity of the ERF class of the logs. Multiple regression models gave good predictions of the grade recovery and loss of lumber value, using the log ERF class, volume, heartwood content, and number of Type 1 resin pockets on the ends of the logs, as independent variables. The resin canal properties did not improve the regression models. Resin blemishes were associated with Type 2 resin pockets, and were more frequent in the forest where false growth rings were present. This suggests the constitutive resin flow from resin canals, rather than the resin canal size and frequency, is more important in determining the incidence of resin blemishes.
Conclusions: The prediction of the grade recovery of lumber using the ERFs of radiata pine logs, was supplemented by the log volume, heartwood content and number of Type 1 resin pockets on the ends of the logs. The environmental factors that drive the constitutive resin enrichment of resin canals, such as drought conditions that give rise to false growth rings, could be useful in improving the prediction of grade recovery for forest stands.
The effects of nitroglycerine on the redox status of rat erythrocytes and reticulocytes
Authors: Marković SD , Ognjanović BI , Štajn AŠ , Žikić RV , Saičić ZS , Radojičić RM , Spasić MB
Published: May 2022

The effects of nitroglycerine (NTG) are mediated by liberated nitric oxide (NO) after NTG enzymatic bio-transformation in cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate some products of NTG bio-transformation and their consequences on the redox status of rat erythrocytes and reticulocytes, considering the absence and presence of functional mitochondria in these cells, respectively. Rat erythrocyte and reticulocyte-rich red blood cell (RBC) suspensions were aerobically incubated (2 h, 37 degrees C) without (control) or in the presence of different concentrations of NTG (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mM). In rat erythrocytes, NTG did not elevate the concentrations of any reactive nitrogen species (RNS). However, NTG robustly increased concentration of methemoglobin (MetHb), suggesting that NTG bio-transformation was primarily connected with hemoglobin (Hb). NTG-induced MetHb formation was followed by the induction of lipid peroxidation. In rat reticulocytes, NTG caused an increase in the levels of nitrite, peroxinitrite, hydrogen peroxide, MetHb and lipid peroxide levels, but it decreased the level of the superoxide anion radical. Millimolar concentrations of NTG caused oxidative damage of both erythrocytes and reticulocytes. These data indicate that two pathways of NTG bio-transformation exist in reticulocytes: one generating RNS and the other connected with Hb (as in erythrocytes). In conclusion, NTG bio-transformation is different in erythrocytes and reticulocytes due to the presence of mitochondria in the latter.
Anti-establishment coalition governments in Southern Europe: Greece and Italy
Authors: Georgiadou Vasiliki , Mavropoulou Jenny
Published: May 2022

Anti-establishment parties have been entering contemporary European Democracies with sizeable vote shares. During the Great Recession, the Greek and the Italian party system could be perceived as convergent case-studies for the formation and breakthrough of anti-establishment parties. Given the fact that ideologically diverging anti-establishment parties – the Coalition of the Radical Left - Social Unionist Front (SYRIZA) and the Independent Greeks (ANEL) in the Greek case, as well as the Five Star Movement (M5S) and the League in the Italian one – came to power and formed coalition governments, the primary goal of this article is to enquire into supply-side parameters, exploring potential associations along a range of programmatic stances and policy dimensions that effectuated these governing alliances. Using the Comparative Manifesto Project dataset, our findings confirm the existence of expected programmatic differences as well as a converging policymaking basis between the anti-establishment coalition partners of both governing alliances.
Angiographic Pulse Wave Coherence in the Human Brain
Authors: Koch Matthew J. , Duy Phan Q. , Grannan Benjamin L. , Patel Aman B. , Raymond Scott B. , Agarwalla Pankaj K. , Kahle Kristopher T. , Butler William E.
Published: May 2022

A stroke volume of arterial blood that arrives to the brain housed in the rigid cranium must be matched over the cardiac cycle by an equivalent volume of ejected venous blood. We hypothesize that the brain maintains this equilibrium by organizing coherent arterial and venous pulse waves. To test this hypothesis, we applied wavelet computational methods to diagnostic cerebral angiograms in four human patients, permitting the capture and analysis of cardiac frequency phenomena from fluoroscopic images acquired at faster than cardiac rate. We found that the cardiac frequency reciprocal phase of a small region of interest (ROI) in a named artery predicts venous anatomy pixel-wise and that the predicted pixels reconstitute venous bolus passage timing. Likewise, a small ROI in a named vein predicts arterial anatomy and arterial bolus passage timing. The predicted arterial and venous pixel groups maintain phase complementarity across the bolus travel. We thus establish a novel computational method to analyze vascular pulse waves from minimally invasive cerebral angiograms and provide the first direct evidence of arteriovenous coupling in the intact human brain. This phenomenon of arteriovenous coupling may be a physiologic mechanism for how the brain precisely maintains mechanical equilibrium against volume displacement and kinetic energy transfer resulting from cyclical deformations with each heartbeat. The study also paves the way to study deranged arteriovenous coupling as an underappreciated pathophysiologic disturbance in a myriad of neurological pathologies linked by mechanical disequilibrium.
OAS3 is a Co-Immune Biomarker Associated With Tumour Microenvironment, Disease Staging, Prognosis, and Treatment Response in Multiple Cancer Types
Authors: Li Xin-yu , Hou Lei , Zhang Lu-yu , Zhang Liming , Wang Deming , Wang Zhenfeng , Wen Ming-Zhe , Yang Xi-tao
Published: May 2022

2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthase (OAS) is a class of enzymes induced by interferons and mainly encoded by the OAS1, OAS2, and OAS3 genes, which activate the potential RNA enzymes to degrade viral mRNA, inhibit viral protein synthesis and promote apoptosis in virus-infected cells.OAS3is associated with breast cancer prognosis. However, the expression and prognosis ofOAS3and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes in pan-cancer remain unknown. In the present study, we have systematically investigated and confirmed the role ofOAS3in tumour immune infiltration, immune escape, tumour progression, response to treatment, and prognosis of different cancer types using various bioinformatics methods. The findings suggest thatOAS3is aberrantly expressed in almost all TCGA cancer types and subtypes and is associated with tumour staging, metastasis, and prognostic deterioration in different tumours. In addition,OAS3expression is associated with the prognosis and chemotherapeutic outcomes of various cancers. In terms of immune-infiltrating levels,OAS3expression is positively associated with the infiltration of immunosuppressive cells. These findings suggest thatOAS3is correlated with prognosis and immune-infiltrating levels.
Image-Based Analysis Revealing the Molecular Mechanism of Peroxisome Dynamics in Plants
Authors: Goto-Yamada Shino , Oikawa Kazusato , Yamato Katsuyuki T. , Kanai Masatake , Hikino Kazumi , Nishimura Mikio , Mano Shoji
Published: May 2022

Peroxisomes are present in eukaryotic cells and have essential roles in various biological processes. Plant peroxisomes proliferate by de novo biosynthesis or division of pre-existing peroxisomes, degrade, or replace metabolic enzymes, in response to developmental stages, environmental changes, or external stimuli. Defects of peroxisome functions and biogenesis alter a variety of biological processes and cause aberrant plant growth. Traditionally, peroxisomal function-based screening has been employed to isolate Arabidopsis thaliana mutants that are defective in peroxisomal metabolism, such as lipid degradation and photorespiration. These analyses have revealed that the number, subcellular localization, and activity of peroxisomes are closely related to their efficient function, and the molecular mechanisms underlying peroxisome dynamics including organelle biogenesis, protein transport, and organelle interactions must be understood. Various approaches have been adopted to identify factors involved in peroxisome dynamics. With the development of imaging techniques and fluorescent proteins, peroxisome research has been accelerated. Image-based analyses provide intriguing results concerning the movement, morphology, and number of peroxisomes that were hard to obtain by other approaches. This review addresses image-based analysis of peroxisome dynamics in plants, especially A. thaliana and Marchantia polymorpha.
M5C-Related lncRNA Predicts Lung Adenocarcinoma and Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling: Computational Biology and Basic Science
Authors: Bai Ming , Sun Chen
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Epigenetic RNA modification regulates gene expression post-transcriptionally. The aim of this study was to construct a prognostic risk model for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) using long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) related to m5C RNA methylation.

Method: The lncRNAs regulated by m5C methyltransferase were identified in TCGA-LUAD dataset using Pearson correlation analysis (coefficient > 0.4), and clustered using non-negative matrix decomposition. The co-expressing gene modules were identified by WGCNA and functionally annotated. The prognostically relevant lncRNAs were screened by LASSO regression and a risk model was constructed. LINC00628 was silenced in the NCI-H460 and NCI-H1299 cell lines using siRNA constructs, and migration and invasion were assessed by the Transwell and wound healing assays respectively.

Results: We identified 185 m5C methyltransferase-related lncRNAs in LUAD, of which 16 were significantly associated with overall survival. The lncRNAs were grouped into two clusters on the basis of m5C pattern, and were associated with significant differences in overall and disease-free survival. GSVA revealed a close relationship among m5C score, ribosomes, endolysosomes and lymphocyte migration. Using LASSO regression, we constructed a prognostic signature consisting of LINC00628, LINC02147, and MIR34AHG. The m5C-lncRNA signature score was closely related to overall survival, and the accuracy of the predictive model was verified by the receiver operating characteristic curve and decision curve analysis. Knocking down LINC00628 in NCI-H460 and NCI-H1299 cells significantly reduced their migration and invasion compared to that of control cells.

Conclusion: We constructed a prognostic risk model of LUAD using three lncRNAs regulated by m5C methyltransferase, which has potential clinical value.
Pancreatic Organoids for Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Research
Authors: Casamitjana Joan , Espinet Elisa , Rovira Meritxell
Published: May 2022

In recent years, the development ofex vivoorganoid cultures has gained substantial attention as a model to study regenerative medicine and diseases in several tissues. Diabetes and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are the two major devastating diseases affecting the pancreas. Suitable models for regenerative medicine in diabetes and to accurately study PDAC biology and treatment response are essential in the pancreatic field. Pancreatic organoids can be generated from healthy pancreas or pancreatic tumors and constitute an important translational bridge betweenin vitroandin vivomodels. Here, we review the rapidly emerging field of pancreatic organoids and summarize the current applications of the technology to tissue regeneration, disease modelling, and drug screening.
Heterogeneous Fenton-Like Catalysis of Electrogenerated H2O2 for Dissolved RDX Removal
Authors: Compton Patrick , Dehkordi Nazli Rafei , Knapp Michael , Fernandez Loretta A. , Alshawabkeh Akram N. , Larese-Casanova Philip
Published: May 2022

New insensitive high explosives pose great challenges to conventional explosives manufacturing wastewater treatment processes and require advanced methods to effectively and efficiently mineralize these recalcitrant pollutants. Oxidation processes that utilize the fundamental techniques of Fenton chemistry optimized to overcome conventional limitations are vital to provide efficient degradation of these pollutants while maintaining cost-effectiveness and scalability. In this manner, utilizing heterogeneous catalysts and in-situ generated H2O2 to degrade IHEs is proposed. For heterogeneous catalyst optimization, varying the surface chemistry of activated carbon for use as a catalyst removes precipitation complications associated with iron species in Fenton chemistry while including removal by adsorption. Activated carbon impregnated with 5% MnO2 in the presence of H2O2 realized a high concentration of hydroxyl radical formation - 140 μM with 10 mM H2O2 - while maintaining low cost and relative ease of synthesis. This AC-Mn5 catalyst performed effectively over a wide pH range and in the presence of varying H2O2 concentrations with a sufficient effective lifetime. In-situ generation of H2O2 removes the logistical and economic constraints associated with external H2O2, with hydrophobic carbon electrodes utilizing generated gaseous O2 for 2-electron oxygen reduction reactions. In a novel flow-through reactor, gaseous O2 is generated on a titanium/mixed metal oxide anode with subsequent H2O2 electrogeneration on a hydrophobic microporous-layered carbon cloth cathode. This reactor is able to electrogenerate 2 mM H2O2 at an optimized current intensity of 150 mA and over a wide range of flow rates, influent pH values, and through multiple iterations. Coupling these two optimization methods realizes the production of highly oxidative hydroxyl radicals by Fenton-like catalysis of electrogenerated H2O2 on the surface of an MnO2-impregnated activated carbon catalyst. This method incorporates electrochemically induced oxidation of munitions in addition to removal by adsorption while maintaining cost-effectiveness and scalability. It is anticipated this platform holds great promise to eliminate analogous contaminants.
Ring-Over-Ring Deslipping From Imine-Bridged Heterorotaxanes
Authors: Hoshino Sayaka , Ono Kosuke , Kawai Hidetoshi
Published: May 2022

Ring-over-ring slippage and ring-through-ring penetration are important processes in the construction of ring-in-ring multiple interlocked architectures. We have successfully observed “ring-over-ring deslipping” on the rotaxane axle by exploiting the dynamic covalent nature of imine bonds in imine-bridged heterorotaxanes R1 and R2 with two macrocycles of different ring sizes on the axle. When the imine bridges of R1 were cleaved, a hydrolyzed hetero[4]rotaxane [4]R1′ was formed as an intermediate under dynamic equilibrium, and the larger 38-membered macrocycle M was deslipped over the 24-membered ring (24C8 or DB24C8) to dissociate into a [3]rotaxane [3]R3 and a macrocycle M. The time dependent NMR measurement and the determined thermodynamic parameters revealed that the rate-limiting step of the deslipping process was attributed to steric hindrance between two rings and reduced mobility of M due to proximity to the crown ether, which was bound to the anilinium on the axle molecule.
Cryptic Genes for Interbacterial Antagonism Distinguish Rickettsia Species Infecting Blacklegged Ticks From Other Rickettsia Pathogens
Authors: Verhoeve Victoria I. , Fauntleroy Tyesha D. , Risteen Riley G. , Driscoll Timothy P. , Gillespie Joseph J.
Published: May 2022

Background

The genus Rickettsia (Alphaproteobacteria: Rickettsiales) encompasses numerous obligate intracellular species with predominantly ciliate and arthropod hosts. Notable species are pathogens transmitted to mammals by blood-feeding arthropods. Mammalian pathogenicity evolved from basal, non-pathogenic host-associations; however, some non-pathogens are closely related to pathogens. One such species, Rickettsia buchneri, is prevalent in the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis. While I. scapularis transmits several pathogens to humans, it does not transmit Rickettsia pathogens. We hypothesize that R. buchneri established a mutualism with I. scapularis, blocking tick superinfection with Rickettsia pathogens.

Methods

To improve estimates for assessing R. buchneri infection frequency in blacklegged tick populations, we used comparative genomics to identify an R. buchneri gene (REIS_1424) not present in other Rickettsia species present throughout the I. scapularis geographic range. Bioinformatic and phylogenomics approaches were employed to propose a function for the hypothetical protein (263 aa) encoded by REIS_1424.

Results

REIS_1424 has few analogs in other Rickettsiales genomes and greatest similarity to non-Proteobacteria proteins. This cohort of proteins varies greatly in size and domain composition, possessing characteristics of Recombination hotspot (Rhs) and contact dependent growth inhibition (CDI) toxins, with similarity limited to proximal C-termini (~145 aa). This domain was named CDI-like/Rhs-like C-terminal toxin (CRCT). As such proteins are often found as toxin-antidote (TA) modules, we interrogated REIS_1423 (151 aa) as a putative antidote. Indeed, REIS_1423 is similar to proteins encoded upstream of CRCT domain-containing proteins. Accordingly, we named these proteins CDI-like/Rhs-like C-terminal toxin antidotes (CRCA). R. buchneri expressed both REIS_1423 and REIS_1424 in tick cell culture, and PCR assays showed specificity for R. buchneri over other rickettsiae and utility for positive detection in three tick populations. Finally, phylogenomics analyses uncovered divergent CRCT/CRCA modules in varying states of conservation; however, only R. buchneri and related Tamurae/Ixodes Group rickettsiae carry complete TA modules.

Conclusion

We hypothesize that Rickettsia CRCT/CRCA modules circulate in the Rickettsia mobile gene pool, arming rickettsiae for battle over arthropod colonization. While its functional significance remains to be tested, R. buchneri CRCT/CRCA serves as a marker to positively identify infection and begin deciphering the role this endosymbiont plays in the biology of the blacklegged tick.
Circulating Microbiota in Cardiometabolic Disease
Authors: Sumida Keiichi , Han Zhongji , Chiu Chi-Yang , Mims Tahliyah S. , Bajwa Amandeep , Demmer Ryan T. , Datta Susmita , Kovesdy Csaba P. , Pierre Joseph F.
Published: May 2022

The rapid expansion of microbiota research has significantly advanced our understanding of the complex interactions between gut microbiota and cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal system regulation. Low-grade chronic inflammation has long been implicated as one of the key mechanisms underlying cardiometabolic disease risk and progression, even before the insights provided by gut microbiota research in the past decade. Microbial translocation into the bloodstream can occurviadifferent routes, including through the oral and/or intestinal mucosa, and may contribute to chronic inflammation in cardiometabolic disease. Among several gut-derived products identifiable in the systemic circulation, bacterial endotoxins and metabolites have been extensively studied, however recent advances in microbial DNA sequencing have further allowed us to identify highly diverse communities of microorganisms in the bloodstream from an -omics standpoint, which is termed “circulating microbiota.” While detecting microorganisms in the bloodstream was historically considered as an indication of infection, evidence on the circulating microbiota is continually accumulating in various patient populations without clinical signs of infection and even in otherwise healthy individuals. Moreover, both quantitative and compositional alterations of the circulating microbiota have recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory conditions, potentially through their immunostimulatory, atherogenic, and cardiotoxic properties. In this mini review, we aim to provide recent evidence on the characteristics and roles of circulating microbiota in several cardiometabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease, with highlights of our emerging findings on circulating microbiota in patients with end-stage kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis.
Digital Assessment of Acquired Alexia and Agraphia: On the Relevance of Written Discourse
Authors: Jaecks Petra , Jonas Kristina
Published: May 2022

The digital revolution has created challenges as well as opportunities for people with acquired reading (= alexia) and writing (= agraphia) impairments. Although it is difficult to validly assess written discourse, it is imperative that people with alexia and agraphia (PwAA) receive reliable diagnostics for the following reasons: (1) discourse in written and oral forms is highly relevant to daily interaction and participation, but there are no established tests or diagnostic procedures to assess written discourse; (2) reliable diagnostic measures are a prerequisite for any language rehabilitation, especially for the complex skills needed for written discourse; and (3) the continuing trend in digitalization offers new opportunities for easily collecting and assessing written discourse via digital means. In our manuscript, we highlight the relevance of written discourse for social participation and in the digital world and argue that in order to improve social participation in general and digital participation in particular for PwAA, remote assessment of written discourse abilities can be the basis for speech and language therapy treatment focused on communicative abilities.
Machine Learning Methods for Predicting Long-Term Mortality in Patients After Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Yu Yue , Peng Chi , Zhang Zhiyuan , Shen Kejia , Zhang Yufeng , Xiao Jian , Xi Wang , Wang Pei , Rao Jin , Jin Zhichao , Wang Zhinong
Published: May 2022

Objective:

This study aims to construct and validate several machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict long-term mortality and identify risk factors in unselected patients post-cardiac surgery.

Methods

The Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-III) database was used to perform a retrospective administrative database study. Candidate predictors consisted of the demographics, comorbidity, vital signs, laboratory test results, scoring systems, and treatment information on the first day of ICU admission. Four-year mortality was set as the study outcome. We used the ML methods of logistic regression (LR), artificial neural network (NNET), naïve bayes (NB), gradient boosting machine (GBM), adapting boosting (Ada), random forest (RF), bagged trees (BT), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB). The prognostic capacity and clinical utility of these ML models were compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Of 7,368 patients in MIMIC-III included in the final cohort, a total of 1,337 (18.15%) patients died during a 4-year follow-up. Among 65 variables extracted from the database, a total of 25 predictors were selected using recursive feature elimination and included in the subsequent analysis. The Ada model performed best among eight models in both discriminatory ability with the highest AUC of 0.801 and goodness of fit (visualized by calibration curve). Moreover, the DCA shows that the net benefit of the RF, Ada, and BT models surpassed that of other ML models for almost all threshold probability values. Additionally, through the Ada technique, we determined that red blood cell distribution width (RDW), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), SAPS II, anion gap (AG), age, urine output, chloride, creatinine, congestive heart failure, and SOFA were the Top 10 predictors in the feature importance rankings.

Conclusions

The Ada model performs best in predicting 4-year mortality after cardiac surgery among the eight ML models, which might have significant application in the development of early warning systems for patients following operations.
A Prospective, Single-Center, Phase I Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Value of Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale With a Novel Biodegradable Occluder
Authors: Du Yajuan , Xie Hang , Shao Hui , Cheng Gesheng , Wang Xingye , He Xumei , Lan Beidi , He Lu , Zhang Yushun
Published: May 2022

Objective

Traditional metal alloy occluders for the closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) may be associated with some potential complications, and may restrict the trans-septal access to the left atrium for future treatment of left-sided heart disease. Increasing attention has been paid to novel biodegradable occluders (NBOs) to achieve PFO closure. We aimed to evaluate the role of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the diagnostic and anatomical evaluation of PFO, as well as in the Post-procedural assessment after transcatheter closure with a NBO.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, single-center clinical study of 44 patients who were diagnosed with PFO by contrast transthoracic echocardiography (c-TTE) and TEE from June 2019 to June 2020. All patients underwent PFO occlusion with NBO under TTE guidance. Follow-up was performed at 2 days and 3 months after the procedure with TTE, and at 6 months and 1 year after the procedure with c-TTE, TTE, and TEE.

Results

Interventional treatment was successfully performed in all patients. The left and right sides of the occluder device disc were significantly reduced at 3, 6, and 12 months compared to 2 days after the procedure (all P < 0.01), and decreased gradually. The thickness was significantly reduced at 12 months compared to the first three time points (all P < 0.01). Thrombus was found on the surface of the occluder device in three patients (6.4%) at 3 and 6 months after occlusion. At 6 months after procedure, there were 3 (6.8%) cases of extensive residual right-to-left shunt (RLS), 2 (4.5%) cases of moderate shunt, and 7 (15.9%) cases of small shunts. One year after procedure, 2 (4.5%) cases had a extensive residual shunt, 6 (13.6%) cases of small shunts were confirmed to originate from pulmonary veins by TEE, and the PFO-RLS occlusion rate reached 95.5%.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of NBO for the closure of PFO in humans, with a high rate of complete shunt closure. Accurate TEE assessment of the PFO anatomy before closure with NBO is important to ensure that the procedure remains safe and effective. Furthermore, TEE plays a crucial role in the Post-procedure follow-up.
Assessment of Right Ventricular Mechanics by 3D Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Early Phase of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Evrard Bruno , Lakatos Bálint Károly , Goudelin Marine , Tősér Zoltán , Merkely Béla , Vignon Philippe , Kovács Attila
Published: May 2022

Aim

To compare global and axial right ventricular ejection fraction in ventilated patients for moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to early SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia or to other causes, and in ventilated patients without ARDS used as reference.

Methods

Retrospective single-center cross-sectional study including 64 ventilated patients: 21 with ARDS related to SARS-CoV-2 (group 1), 22 with ARDS unrelated to SARS-CoV-2 (group 2), and 21 without ARDS (control group). Real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography was performed for hemodynamic assessment within 24 h after admission. Contraction pattern of the right ventricle was decomposed along the three anatomically relevant axes. Relative contribution of each spatial axis was evaluated by calculating ejection fraction along each axis divided by the global right ventricular ejection fraction.

Results

Global right ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower in group 2 than in both group 1 and controls [median: 43% (25–75th percentiles: 40–57) vs. 58% (55–62) and 65% (56–68), respectively: p < 0.001]. Longitudinal shortening had a similar relative contribution to global right ventricular ejection fraction in all groups [group 1: 32% (28–39), group 2: 29% (24–40), control group: 31% (28–38), p = 0.6]. Radial shortening was lower in group 2 when compared to both group 1 and controls [45% (40–53) vs. 57% (51–62) and 56% (50–60), respectively: p = 0.005]. The relative contribution of right ventricular shortening along the anteroposterior axis was not statistically different between groups [group 1: 51% (41–55), group 2: 56% (46–63), control group; 56% (50–64), p = 0.076].

Conclusion

During early hemodynamic assessment, the right ventricular systolic function appears more impaired in ARDS unrelated to SARS-CoV-2 when compared to early stage SARS-CoV-2 ARDS. Radial shortening appears more involved than longitudinal and anteroposterior shortening in patients with ARDS unrelated to SARS-CoV-2 and decreased right ventricular ejection fraction.
Anticoagulant SERPINs: Endogenous Regulators of Hemostasis and Thrombosis
Authors: Grover Steven P. , Mackman Nigel
Published: May 2022

Appropriate activation of coagulation requires a balance between procoagulant and anticoagulant proteins in blood. Loss in this balance leads to hemorrhage and thrombosis. A number of endogenous anticoagulant proteins, such as antithrombin and heparin cofactor II, are members of the serine protease inhibitor (SERPIN) family. These SERPIN anticoagulants function by forming irreversible inhibitory complexes with target coagulation proteases. Mutations in SERPIN family members, such as antithrombin, can cause hereditary thrombophilias. In addition, low plasma levels of SERPINs have been associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. Here, we review the biological activities of the different anticoagulant SERPINs. We further consider the clinical consequences of SERPIN deficiencies and insights gained from preclinical disease models. Finally, we discuss the potential utility of engineered SERPINs as novel therapies for the treatment of thrombotic pathologies.
Mechanical Behavior and Microstructural Characteristics of Ultradeep Tight Carbonate Rocks With Different Burial Depths
Authors: Zhang Ran , Sun Jianmeng , Cheng Zhigang , Xin Bixiao , Chen Hao
Published: May 2022

The rapid growth in energy demand has placed more attention on the exploration and development of oil and gas in ultradeep reservoirs. However, deep buried rocks in the special “three high” geological environment exhibit significantly different mechanical response characteristics and microstructural features compared with shallow rocks, which requires more targeted experiments and theoretical research. In this work, tight carbonate rocks obtained from five different burial depths ranging from 6077 to 6738 m are used to carry out quasi in situ triaxial compression tests under dry and saturated states. Combined with digital rock modeling based on computed tomography scans, the macromechanical responses and microstructural charactersites of the target samples with the variation of depth are analyzed. The results indicate that the long-term strength of deep rocks is much closer to the peak strength than that of shallow rocks, which can reach 94%–99% of the peak strength. The deeper-buried samples exhibit more pronounced plasticity under the same high confining pressure, and their elastic modulus is more likely to be weakened by pore water. Meanwhile, the ratios of residual strength to peak strength increase as the burial depth increases. Interestingly, the samples with weaker structures are more prone to alternate strain hardening and strain softening during the postpeak stage. On the other hand, the distribution of microstructural parameters for different depths is presented to help interpret the mechanical behaviors, and the difference in the dynamic and static elastic modulus of saturation is significantly connected with the mean pore–throat ratios. These results could provide a reference for research on deep rock mechanics.
Late Paleozoic Shoshonitic Magmatism in the Southwestern Middle Tianshan (Tajikistan) of the Southwestern Altaids: Implications for Slab Roll-Back With Extensional Arc-Related Basins After Flat Subduction
Authors: Khalimov Gufron , Yang He , Sang Miao , Xiao Wenjiao , Mamadjanov Yunus , Aminov Jovid , Yogibekov Dzhovid , Liu Xijun
Published: May 2022

Paleozoic magmatic rocks are widespread in the western Middle Tianshan. Their petrogenesis can provide important insights into the geodynamic evolution of the southwestern Altaids. Here, we present an integrated study of U–Pb zircon geochronology and geochemical and Lu–Hf isotopic compositions for the Late Paleozoic shoshonitic Chorukhdairon pluton and genetically and spatially related quartz porphyry in the southern Chatkal–Kurama terrane, western Middle Tianshan. The Chorukhdairon pluton mainly comprises monzodiorite and quartz monzodiorite (first phase), quartz monzonite (second and main phase), monzogranite (third phase), and leucomonzogranite (fourth phase). LA–ICP–MS zircon dating yielded magma crystallization ages of 294–291 Ma and 286 Ma for the Chorukhdairon pluton and quartz porphyry, respectively. All the rocks possess high K2O content (3.29–5.90 wt.%) and show an affinity with shoshonite series rocks. They display similar trace element compositions characterized by the enrichment of large ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Th, U, and K) and depletion of high-field strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, P, and Ti), compatible with typical arc magmatism. Combined with zircon Lu–Hf isotopic data, we suggest that the Chorukhdairon pluton was produced by partial melting of the enriched mantle, followed by fractional crystallization of pyroxenes, amphibole, plagioclase, biotite, and accessory Fe–Ti oxides, apatite, and zircon. The quartz porphyries are similar to highly fractionated I-type granitic rocks, and their parental magma could result from the mixing of different batches of mantle-derived magmas or magmas derived from the mantle and juvenile lower crust. Considering the continuousness of the Middle Carboniferous to Early Permian magmatism in the western Middle Tianshan and other regional geological data, we suggest that the Chorukhdairon pluton and related quartz porphyry probably formed in an oceanic subduction setting. Furthermore, the temporal and spatial evolution of the Paleozoic magmatism imply that the flat-slab subduction that was induced by the subduction/accretion of seamounts probably occurred beneath the Middle Tianshan during the Middle Devonian to Early Carboniferous, after which the southeastward slab roll-back occurred during the Middle Carboniferous to Early Permian. The late slab roll-back was responsible for the southeastward arc magmatism migration and magmatic flare-up in the Chatkal–Kurama terrane, western Tianshan, and led to the formation of arc-related extensional basins and significant crustal growth in the southwestern Altaids.