bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A link between STK signalling and capsular polysaccharide synthesis in Streptococcus suis
Authors: Tang Jinsheng , Guo Mengru , Chen Min , Xu Bin , Ran Tingting , Wang Weiwu , Ma Zhe , Lin Huixing , Fan Hongjie
Published: April 2023

Synthesis of capsular polysaccharide (CPS), an important virulence factor of pathogenic bacteria, is modulated by the CpsBCD phosphoregulatory system in Streptococcus. Serine/threonine kinases (STKs, e.g. Stk1) can also regulate CPS synthesis, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we identify a protein (CcpS) that is phosphorylated by Stk1 and modulates the activity of phosphatase CpsB inStreptococcus suis, thus linking Stk1 to CPS synthesis. The crystal structure of CcpS shows an intrinsically disordered region at its N-terminus, including two threonine residues that are phosphorylated by Stk1. The activity of phosphatase CpsB is inhibited when bound to non-phosphorylated CcpS. Thus, CcpS modulates the activity of phosphatase CpsB thereby altering CpsD phosphorylation, which in turn modulates the expression of the Wzx-Wzy pathway and thus CPS production.
Photothermal-enabled single-atom catalysts for high-efficiency hydrogen peroxide photosynthesis from natural seawater
Authors: Wang Wei , Song Qun , Luo Qiang , Li Linqian , Huo Xiaobing , Chen Shipeng , Li Jinyang , Li Yunhong , Shi Se , Yuan Yihui , Du Xiwen , Zhang Kai , Wang Ning
Published: April 2023

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a powerful industrial oxidant and potential carbon-neutral liquid energy carrier. Sunlight-driven synthesis of H2O2from the most earth-abundant O2and seawater is highly desirable. However, the solar-to-chemical efficiency of H2O2synthesis in particulate photocatalysis systems is low. Here, we present a cooperative sunlight-driven photothermal-photocatalytic system based on cobalt single-atom supported on sulfur doped graphitic carbon nitride/reduced graphene oxide heterostructure (Co–CN@G) to boost H2O2photosynthesis from natural seawater. By virtue of the photothermal effect and synergy between Co single atoms and the heterostructure, Co–CN@G enables a solar-to-chemical efficiency of more than 0.7% under simulated sunlight irradiation. Theoretical calculations verify that the single atoms combined with heterostructure significantly promote the charge separation, facilitate O2absorption and reduce the energy barriers for O2reduction and water oxidation, eventually boosting H2O2photoproduction. The single-atom photothermal-photocatalytic materials may provide possibility of large-scale H2O2production from inexhaustible seawater in a sustainable way.
Phytochemical screening and in-vitro biological properties of unprocessed and household processed fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn.) seeds and leaves
Authors: Salam Shaimaa G. Abdel , Rashed Mohamed M. , Ibrahim Nabih A. , Rahim Emam A. Abdel , Aly Tahany A. A. , AL-Farga Ammar
Published: April 2023

The impact of household processes on fenugreek leaves and seeds has been analyzed for total phenolic (TP) and total flavonoid content (TF), and in-vitro biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Processes included air-drying for leaves and germinating, soaking, and boiling for seeds. Air-dried fenugreek leaves (ADFL) had high TP (15.27 mg GAE g−1 D.W.) and TF (7.71 mg QE g−1 D.W.) (milligram quercetin equivalents per gram dry weight). The TP contents of unprocessed, germinated, soaked, and boiled seeds were 6.54, 5.60, 4.59, and 3.84 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of dry weight (mg GAE g−1 D.W.), respectively. The TF contents in unprocessed fenugreek seeds, germinated fenugreek seeds, soaked fenugreek seeds, and boiled fenugreek seeds (BFS) were 4.23, 2.11, 2.10, and 2.33 mg QE g−1 D.W., respectively. Sixteen phenolic and nineteen flavonoid compounds has been identified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH·), 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS+·), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP·) assays indicated that ADFL had the highest activity. Antimicrobial activity has been evaluated against each of the eight pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. ADFL showed the strongest activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations values ranging from 0.03 to 1.06 and 0.04 to 1.18 mg ml·1 against bacterial and fungal strains, respectively. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in-vitro against RAW 264.7 macrophage cells using the nitric oxide (NO) assay. Results revealed that ADFL had the highest cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity according to the NO assay. Household processes significantly reduced the in-vitro biological properties of processed seeds.
Hip abduction angle after open-wedge high tibial osteotomy is associated with the timed up & go test and recurrence of varus alignment
Authors: Kim Youngji , Kubota Mitsuaki , Sato Taisuke , Tanabe Hiroki , Ohno Ryuichi , Ishijima Muneaki
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate the association between the hip abduction angle (HAA) and lower limb alignment as well as the clinical assessments in open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) patients. A total of 90 patients who underwent OWHTO were included. The demographic characteristics and clinical assessments (the Visual Analogue Scale for activities of daily living, the Japanese knee osteoarthritis measure, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, the Knee Society score, the Timed Up & Go (TUG) test, the single standing (SLS) test and muscle strength) were recorded. The patients were divided into two groups according to the HAA at 1 month after operation: the HAA (−) group (HAA < 0°) and the HAA (+) group (HAA ≥ 0°). Clinical scores except for the SLS test and radiographic parameters except for the posterior tibia slope (PTS), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) and lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA) were significantly improved at 2 years postoperatively. Regarding the two groups, scores on the TUG test in the HAA (−) group were significantly lower than those in the HAA (+) group (p = 0.011). The hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), weight bearing line (WBLR) and knee joint line obliquity (KJLO) in the HAA (−) group were significantly higher than those in the HAA (+) group (p < 0.001, 0.001 and p = 0.025). In contrast, the LDFA in the HAA (−) group were significantly lower than those in the HAA (+) group (p < 0.001). The TUG test and the LDFA were weakly positively correlated with the HAA (r = 0.34, 0.42, p < 0.001 and 0.001). In contrast, the HKA, WBLR and KJLO had a weak negative correlation with the HAA (r = − 0.43, − 0.38 and − 0.37, p < 0.001, 0.001 and 0.001). This study showed the postoperative HAA was significantly associated with the TUG test and the HKA, WBLR, LDFA, and KJLO. A higher postoperative HAA might induce varus recurrence and poor outcomes of the gait parameter.
Self-care barriers and facilitators in older adults with T1D during a time of sudden isolation
Authors: Munshi Medha , Slyne Christine , Weinger Katie , Sy Sarah , Sifre Kayla , Michals Amy , Davis Dai’Quann , Dewar Rachel , Atakov-Castillo Astrid , Haque Saira , Cummings M. Stirling , Brown Stephen L. , Toschi Elena
Published: April 2023

Older adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have unique challenges and needs. In this mixed-methods study, we explored the impact of isolation during a pandemic on diabetes management and overall quality of life in this population. Older adults (age ≥ 65 years) with T1D receiving care at a tertiary care diabetes center participated in semi-structured interviews during COVID-19 pandemic isolation between June and August 2020. A multi-disciplinary team coded transcripts and conducted thematic analysis. Thirty-four older adults (age 71 ± 5 years, 97% non-Hispanic white, diabetes duration of 38 ± 7 years, A1C of 7.4 ± 0.9% (57.3 ± 10.1 mmol/mol) were recruited. Three themes related to diabetes self-care emerged regarding impact of isolation on: (1) diabetes management and self-care behaviors (how isolation prompted changes in physical activity and dietary habits); (2) emotional stress and anxiety (related to isolation and lack of support system, economic concerns); and (3) concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic (impact on timely medical care and access to information). Our findings identify modifiable barriers and challenges faced by older adults with T1D during isolation. As this population has a higher risk of decline in physical and psychosocial support even during non-pandemic times, clinicians will benefit from understanding these issues to improve care of this population.
An origami-based technique for simple, effective and inexpensive fabrication of highly aligned far-field electrospun fibers
Authors: Hosseinian Hamed , Jimenez-Moreno Martin , Sher Mazhar , Rodriguez-Garcia Aida , Martinez-Chapa Sergio O. , Hosseini Samira
Published: May 2023

Fabrication of highly aligned fibers by far-field electrospinning is a challenging task to accomplish. Multiple studies present advances in the alignment of electrospun fibers which involve modification of the conventional electrospinning setup with complex additions, multi-phased fabrication, and expensive components. This study presents a new collector design with an origami structure to produce highly-aligned far-field electrospun fibers. The origami collector mounts on the rotating drum and can be easily attached and removed for each round of fiber fabrication. This simple, effective, and inexpensive technique yields high-quality ultra-aligned fibers while the setup remains intact for other fabrication types. The electrospun poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) fibers were assessed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), fiber diameter distribution, water contact angle (WCA), Fast Fourier Transform analysis (FFT), surface plot profile, and pixel intensity plots. We thoroughly explored the impact of influential parameters, including polymer concentration, injection rate, collector rotation speed, distance from the collector to the tip, and needle gauge number on fibers’ quality and alignment. Moreover, we employed machine learning algorithms to predict the outcomes and classify the high-quality fibers instead of low-quality productions.
High-performance phononic crystal sensing structure for acetone solution concentration sensing
Authors: Fang Tian-Yin , Sun Xiao-Wei , Wen Xiao-Dong , Li Yun-Xia , Liu Xi-Xuan , Song Ting , Song Yu-Zhe , Liu Zi-Jiang
Published: April 2023

A two-dimensional phononic crystal sensor model with high-quality factor and excellent sensitivity for sensing acetone solutions and operating at 25–45 kHz is proposed. The model for filling solution cavities is based on reference designs of quasi-crystal and gradient cavity structures. The transmission spectrum of sensor is simulated by the finite element method. High-quality factor of 45,793.06 and sensitivity of 80,166.67 Hz are obtained for the acetone concentration with 1–9.1%, and quality factor of 61,438.09 and sensitivity of 24,400.00 Hz are obtained for the acetone concentration range of 10–100%, which indicated the sensor could still achieve high sensitivity and quality factor at operating frequencies from 25 to 45 kHz. To verify the application of the sensor to sensing other solutions, the sensitivity for sound velocity and density is calculated as 24.61 m-1 and 0.7764 m3/(kg × s), respectively. It indicates the sensor is sensitive to acoustic impedance changes of the solution and equally suitable for sensing other solutions. The simulation results reveal the phononic crystal sensor possessed high-performance in composition capture in pharmaceutical production and petrochemical industry, which can provide theoretical reference for the design of new biochemical sensors for reliable detection of solution concentration.
Phosphorylation of the PA subunit of influenza polymerase at Y393 prevents binding of the 5′-termini of RNA and polymerase function
Authors: Liu Lu , Madhugiri Ramakanth , Saul Vera Vivian , Bacher Susanne , Kracht Michael , Pleschka Stephan , Schmitz M. Lienhard
Published: April 2023

The influenza A virus (IAV) polymerase is a multifunctional machine that can adopt alternative configurations to perform transcription and replication of the viral RNA genome in a temporally ordered manner. Although the structure of polymerase is well understood, our knowledge of its regulation by phosphorylation is still incomplete. The heterotrimeric polymerase can be regulated by posttranslational modifications, but the endogenously occurring phosphorylations at the PA and PB2 subunits of the IAV polymerase have not been studied. Mutation of phosphosites in PB2 and PA subunits revealed that PA mutants resembling constitutive phosphorylation have a partial (S395) or complete (Y393) defect in the ability to synthesize mRNA and cRNA. As PA phosphorylation at Y393 prevents binding of the 5′ promoter of the genomic RNA, recombinant viruses harboring such a mutation could not be rescued. These data show the functional relevance of PA phosphorylations to control the activity of viral polymerase during the influenza infectious cycle.
Structural analysis of the coronavirus main protease for the design of pan-variant inhibitors
Authors: Rungruangmaitree Runchana , Phoochaijaroen Sakao , Chimprasit Aunlika , Saparpakorn Patchreenart , Pootanakit Kusol , Tanramluk Duangrudee
Published: April 2023

With the rapid rate of SARS-CoV-2 Main protease (Mpro) structures deposition, a computational method that can combine all the useful structural features becomes crucial. This research focuses on the frequently occurring atoms and residues to find a generalized strategy for inhibitor design given a large amount of protein complexes from SARS-CoV in contrast to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. By superposing large numbers of the ligands onto the protein template and grid box, we can analyse which part of the structure is conserved from position-specific interaction for both data sets for the development of pan-Mpro antiviral design. The difference in conserved recognition sites from the crystal structures can be used to determine specificity determining residues for designing selective drugs. We can display pictures of the imaginary shape of the ligand by unionising all atoms from the ligand. We also pinpoint the most probable atom adjustments to imitate the frequently found densities from the ligand atoms statistics. With molecular docking, Molecular Dynamics simulation, and MM-PBSA methods, a carbonyl replacement at the nitrile warhead (N5) of Paxlovid’s Nirmatrelvir (PF-07321332) was suggested. By gaining insights into the selectivity and promiscuity regions for proteins and ligands, crucial residues are highlighted, and the antiviral design strategies are proposed.
A local translation program regulates centriole amplification in the airway epithelium
Authors: Liu Helu , Li Huijun , Jiang Zhihua , Jin Shibo , Song Rui , Yang Ying , Li Jun , Huang Jingshu , Zhang Xiaoqing , Dong Xuesong , Mori Munemasa , Fritzler Marvin J. , He Lin , Cardoso Wellington V. , Lu Jining
Published: May 2023

Biogenesis of organelles requires targeting of a subset of proteins to specific subcellular domains by signal peptides or mechanisms controlling mRNA localization and local translation. How local distribution and translation of specific mRNAs for organelle biogenesis is achieved remains elusive and likely to be dependent on the cellular context. Here we identify Trinucleotide repeat containing-6a (Tnrc6a), a component of the miRNA pathway, distinctively localized to apical granules of differentiating airway multiciliated cells (MCCs) adjacent to centrioles. In spite of being enriched in TNRC6A and the miRNA-binding protein AGO2, they lack enzymes for mRNA degradation. Instead, we found these apical granules enriched in components of the mRNA translation machinery and newly synthesized proteins suggesting that they are specific hubs for target mRNA localization and local translation in MCCs. Consistent with this, Tnrc6a loss of function prevented formation of these granules and led to a broad reduction, rather than stabilization of miRNA targets. These included downregulation of key genes involved in ciliogenesis and was associated with defective multicilia formation both in vivo and in primary airway epithelial cultures. Similar analysis of Tnrc6a disruption in yolk sac showed stabilization of miRNA targets, highlighting the potential diversity of these mechanisms across organs.
Impact of emotion-laden acoustic stimuli on group synchronisation performance
Authors: Bieńkiewicz Marta M. N. , Janaqi Stefan , Jean Pierre , Bardy Benoît G.
Published: May 2023

The ability to synchronise with other people is a core socio-motor competence acquired during human development. In this study we aimed to understand the impact of individual emotional arousal on joint action performance. We asked 15 mixed-gender groups (of 4 individuals each) to participate in a digital, four-way movement synchronisation task. Participants shared the same physical space, but could not see each other during the task. In each trial run, every participant was induced with an emotion-laden acoustic stimulus (pre-selected from the second version of International Affective Digitized Sounds). Our data demonstrated that the human ability to synchronise is overall robust to fluctuations in individual emotional arousal, but performance varies in quality and movement speed as a result of valence of emotional induction (both on the individual and group level). We found that three negative inductions per group per trial led to a drop in overall group synchronisation performance (measured as the median and standard deviation of Kuramoto’s order parameter—an index measuring the strength of synchrony between oscillators, in this study, players) in the 15 sec post-induction. We report that negatively-valenced inductions led to slower oscillations, whilst positive induction afforded faster oscillations. On the individual level of synchronisation performance we found an effect of empathetic disposition (higher competence linked to better performance during the negative induction condition) and of participant’s sex (males displayed better synchronisation performance with others). We believe this work is a blueprint for exploring the frontiers of inextricably bound worlds of emotion and joint action, be it physical or digital.
Synthetic electronic health records generated with variational graph autoencoders
Authors: Nikolentzos Giannis , Vazirgiannis Michalis , Xypolopoulos Christos , Lingman Markus , Brandt Erik G.
Published: April 2023

Data-driven medical care delivery must always respect patient privacy—a requirement that is not easily met. This issue has impeded improvements to healthcare software and has delayed the long-predicted prevalence of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Until now, it has been very difficult to share data between healthcare organizations, resulting in poor statistical models due to unrepresentative patient cohorts. Synthetic data, i.e., artificial but realistic electronic health records, could overcome the drought that is troubling the healthcare sector. Deep neural network architectures, in particular, have shown an incredible ability to learn from complex data sets and generate large amounts of unseen data points with the same statistical properties as the training data. Here, we present a generative neural network model that can create synthetic health records with realistic timelines. These clinical trajectories are generated on a per-patient basis and are represented as linear-sequence graphs of clinical events over time. We use a variational graph autoencoder (VGAE) to generate synthetic samples from real-world electronic health records. Our approach generates health records not seen in the training data. We show that these artificial patient trajectories are realistic and preserve patient privacy and can therefore support the safe sharing of data across organizations.
The impact of artificial intelligence on the reading times of radiologists for chest radiographs
Authors: Shin Hyun Joo , Han Kyunghwa , Ryu Leeha , Kim Eun-Kyung
Published: April 2023

Whether the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) during the interpretation of chest radiographs (CXRs) would affect the radiologists’ workload is of particular interest. Therefore, this prospective observational study aimed to observe how AI affected the reading times of radiologists in the daily interpretation of CXRs. Radiologists who agreed to have the reading times of their CXR interpretations collected from September to December 2021 were recruited. Reading time was defined as the duration in seconds from opening CXRs to transcribing the image by the same radiologist. As commercial AI software was integrated for all CXRs, the radiologists could refer to AI results for 2 months (AI-aided period). During the other 2 months, the radiologists were automatically blinded to the AI results (AI-unaided period). A total of 11 radiologists participated, and 18,680 CXRs were included. Total reading times were significantly shortened with AI use, compared to no use (13.3 s vs. 14.8 s, p < 0.001). When there was no abnormality detected by AI, reading times were shorter with AI use (mean 10.8 s vs. 13.1 s, p < 0.001). However, if any abnormality was detected by AI, reading times did not differ according to AI use (mean 18.6 s vs. 18.4 s, p = 0.452). Reading times increased as abnormality scores increased, and a more significant increase was observed with AI use (coefficient 0.09 vs. 0.06, p < 0.001). Therefore, the reading times of CXRs among radiologists were influenced by the availability of AI. Overall reading times shortened when radiologists referred to AI; however, abnormalities detected by AI could lengthen reading times.
Understanding the role of imidazolium-based ionic liquids in the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction
Authors: Fortunati Alessia , Risplendi Francesca , Re Fiorentin Michele , Cicero Giancarlo , Parisi Emmanuele , Castellino Micaela , Simone Elena , Iliev Boyan , Schubert Thomas J. S. , Russo Nunzio , Hernández Simelys
Published: April 2023

The development of efficient CO2 capture and utilization technologies driven by renewable energy sources is mandatory to reduce the impact of climate change. Herein, seven imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) with different anions and cations were tested as catholytes for the CO2 electrocatalytic reduction to CO over Ag electrode. Relevant activity and stability, but different selectivities for CO2 reduction or the side H2 evolution were observed. Density functional theory results show that depending on the IL anions the CO2 is captured or converted. Acetate anions (being strong Lewis bases) enhance CO2 capture and H2 evolution, while fluorinated anions (being weaker Lewis bases) favour the CO2 electroreduction. Differently from the hydrolytically unstable 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Triflate was the most promising IL, showing the highest Faradaic efficiency to CO (>95%), and up to 8 h of stable operation at high current rates (−20 mA & −60 mA), which opens the way for a prospective process scale-up.
Terahertz-induced martensitic transformation in partially stabilized zirconia
Authors: Nagai Masaya , Higashitani Yuhei , Ashida Masaaki , Kusakabe Koichi , Niioka Hirohiko , Hattori Azusa N. , Tanaka Hidekazu , Isoyama Goro , Ozaki Norimasa
Published: April 2023

Martensitic crystal structures are usually obtained by rapid thermal quenching of certain alloys, which induces stress and subsequent shear deformation. Here, we demonstrate that it is also possible to intentionally excite a suitable transverse acoustic phonon mode to induce a local shear deformation. We irradiate the surface of a partially stabilized zirconia plate with intense terahertz pulses and verify martensitic transformation from the tetragonal to the monoclinic phases by Raman spectroscopy and the observed destructive spallation of the zirconia microcrystals. We calculate the phonon modes in tetragonal zirconia and determine the decay channel that triggers the transformation. The phonon mode required for the martensitic transformation can be excited via the Klemens process. Since terahertz pulses can induce a specific local shear deformation beyond thermal equilibrium, they can be used to elucidate phase transformation mechanisms with approaches based on nonlinear phononics.
Metagenome-based metabolic modelling predicts unique microbial interactions in deep-sea hydrothermal plume microbiomes
Authors: Kuppa Baskaran Dinesh Kumar , Umale Shreyansh , Zhou Zhichao , Raman Karthik , Anantharaman Karthik
Published: April 2023

Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are abundant on the ocean floor and play important roles in ocean biogeochemistry. In vent ecosystems such as hydrothermal plumes, microorganisms rely on reduced chemicals and gases in hydrothermal fluids to fuel primary production and form diverse and complex microbial communities. However, microbial interactions that drive these complex microbiomes remain poorly understood. Here, we use microbiomes from the Guaymas Basin hydrothermal system in the Pacific Ocean to shed more light on the key species in these communities and their interactions. We built metabolic models from metagenomically assembled genomes (MAGs) and infer possible metabolic exchanges and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events within the community. We highlight possible archaea–archaea and archaea–bacteria interactions and their contributions to the robustness of the community. Cellobiose, D-Mannose 1-phosphate, O2, CO2, and H2S were among the most exchanged metabolites. These interactions enhanced the metabolic capabilities of the community by exchange of metabolites that cannot be produced by any other community member. Archaea from the DPANN group stood out as key microbes, benefiting significantly as acceptors in the community. Overall, our study provides key insights into the microbial interactions that drive community structure and organisation in complex hydrothermal plume microbiomes.
Assessing the biogeography of marine giant viruses in four oceanic transects
Authors: Ha Anh D , Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Aylward Frank O
Published: April 2023

Viruses of the phylum Nucleocytoviricota are ubiquitous in ocean waters and play important roles in shaping the dynamics of marine ecosystems. In this study, we leveraged the bioGEOTRACES metagenomic dataset collected across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans to investigate the biogeography of these viruses in marine environments. We identified 330 viral genomes, including 212 in the order Imitervirales and 54 in the order Algavirales. We found that most viruses appeared to be prevalent in shallow waters (<150 m), and that viruses of the Mesomimiviridae (Imitervirales) and Prasinoviridae (Algavirales) are by far the most abundant and diverse groups in our survey. Five mesomimiviruses and one prasinovirus are particularly widespread in oligotrophic waters; annotation of these genomes revealed common stress response systems, photosynthesis-associated genes, and oxidative stress modulation genes that may be key to their broad distribution in the pelagic ocean. We identified a latitudinal pattern in viral diversity in one cruise that traversed the North and South Atlantic Ocean, with viral diversity peaking at high latitudes of the northern hemisphere. Community analyses revealed three distinct Nucleocytoviricota communities across latitudes, categorized by latitudinal distance towards the equator. Our results contribute to the understanding of the biogeography of these viruses in marine systems.
Energy efficient integrated MEMS neural network for simultaneous sensing and computing
Authors: Nikfarjam Hamed , Megdadi Mohammad , Okour Mohammad , Pourkamali Siavash , Alsaleem Fadi
Published: April 2023

Biological systems seamlessly combine multiple functions in lightweight and energy-efficient structures. Such capability in synthetic structures would be desirable in numerous engineering applications such as aerospace, robotics and wearable devices. Here we report an integrated silicon-based structure configured to sense, perform different classification algorithms, and produce an action signal within the same physical layer. The algorithms are coded in the mechanical responses of the sensing elements of multiple coupled micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), simultaneously capturing acceleration measurements to produce an actuated signal. This all-in-one structure operates with zero circuitry and low power consumption. As a demonstration, we designed and fabricated a network of three MEMS neurons to successfully perform both simple signal classification and activity recognition problems (standing and sitting) with only 9.92 × 10−17 kWh and 17.79 × 10−19 kWh energy consumption per operation, respectively. Our approach will enable emergent technologies, such as wearable devices, to perform complex computations with power from a single battery charge.
Network-specific metabolic and haemodynamic effects elicited by non-invasive brain stimulation
Authors: Eldaief Mark C. , McMains Stephanie , Izquierdo-Garcia David , Daneshzand Mohammad , Nummenmaa Aapo , Braga Rodrigo M.
Published: May 2023

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), when applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), treats depression. Therapeutic effects are hypothesized to arise from propagation of local dlPFC stimulation effects across distributed networks; however, the mechanisms of this remain unresolved. dlPFC contains representations of different networks. As such, dlPFC TMS may exert different effects depending on the network being stimulated. Here, to test this, we applied high-frequency TMS to two nearby dlPFC targets functionally embedded in distinct anti-correlated networks—the default and salience networks— in the same individuals in separate sessions. Local and distributed TMS effects were measured with combined 18fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging. Identical TMS patterns caused opposing effects on local glucose metabolism: metabolism increased at the salience target following salience TMS but decreased at the default target following default TMS. At the distributed level, both conditions increased functional connectivity between the default and salience networks, with this effect being dramatically larger following default TMS. Metabolic and haemodynamic effects were also linked: across subjects, the magnitude of local metabolic changes correlated with the degree of functional connectivity changes. These results suggest that TMS effects upon dlPFC are network specific. They also invoke putative anti-depressant mechanisms of TMS: network de-coupling.
A P-doped PtNi alloy supported on N,C-doped TiO2 nanosheets as a stable electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in an acidic electrolyte
Authors: Lu Chen , Xu Chao , Guo Peng-Peng , Yang Kun-Zu , Xu Ying , Chi Hua-Min , Wei Ping-Jie , Liu Jin-Gang
Published: May 2023

A non-carbon-supported catalyst P–PtNi@N,C–TiO2 in which P-doped PtNi alloy was loaded on N,C-doped TiO2 nanosheets exhibited much superior ORR activity and durability compared to a commercial Pt/C catalyst in a strongly acidic electrolyte.
Regulation mechanism of human insulin fibrillation byl-lysine carbon dots: low concentration accelerates but high concentration inhibits the fibrillation process
Authors: Liu Xing-Yu , Du Shuai-Chen , Jiang Feng-Lei , Jiang Peng , Liu Yi
Published: May 2023

l-Lys CDs were used to regulate the fibrillation process of human insulin. CDs would extend the lag time. CDs in low concentration would contribute to accelerating the process, but CDs in high concentration would inhibit the fibrillation process.
Planar micro-supercapacitors toward high performance energy storage devices: design, application and prospects
Authors: Zhu Shifan , Xu Zhiheng , Tao Haijun , Yang Dandan , Tang Xiaobin , Wang Yuqiao
Published: May 2023

The well-designed planar micro-supercapacitors can be manufactured through a variety of techniques for the applications in flexible electronics, biosensors, power grids and integrated chips.
Optimal sensor selection for diagnosability enforcement of discrete event systems using labeled petri net
Authors: Hu Shaopeng , Zhang Jiafeng , Wang Jianzhou , Wu Naiqi , Li Zhiwu
Published: April 2023

This paper addresses the problem of optimal sensor selection for ensuring diagnosability of discrete event systems. Given a nondiagnosable discrete event system modeled with labeled Petri nets, a new labeling function can be designed to enforce the system to be diagnosable. An ad‐hoc parallel composition of non‐deterministic finite automata (derived from the original labeled Petri net model) that are observed at multiple observation sites is employed. In order to optimize a given labeling function as well as a sensor selection, an integer linear programming problem is formulated to associate numerical sensor costs with transition relabelings. In a multi‐fault system, this method can determine the type of faults that occur and the fault sequences pertaining to this fault type if multiple faults occur. Examples are presented to demonstrate the proposed method.
Remaining driving range prediction for electric vehicles: Key challenges and outlook
Authors: Mei Peng , Karimi Hamid Reza , Huang Cong , Chen Fei , Yang Shichun
Published: May 2023

Remaining driving range (RDR) research has continued to consistently evolve with the development of electric vehicles (EVs). Accurate RDR prediction is a promising approach to alleviate distance anxiety when power battery technology is not yet fully matured. This paper first introduces the research motivation of RDR prediction, summarizes the previous research progress, and classifies the influencing factors of RDR. Second, conduct research and analysis on the physical model of EVs, mainly including battery and vehicle models. Based on the physical model, the energy flow problem of EVs is analyzed and discussed. Third, four key challenges of RDR prediction are summarized: battery state estimation, driving behavior classification and recognition, driving condition prediction and speed prediction, and RDR calculation method. Finally, given the four challenges faced by RDR, a driving range prediction method based on vehicle‐cloud collaboration is proposed, which combines the advantages of cloud computing and machine learning to provide further research trends.
Decentralized frequency control of restructured energy system using hybrid intelligent algorithm and non‐linear fractional order proportional integral derivative controller
Authors: Irudayaraj Andrew Xavier Raj , Wahab Noor Izzri Abdul , Veerasamy Veerapandiyan , Premkumar Manoharan , Radzi Mohd Amran Mohd , Sulaiman Nasri Bin , Haes Alhelou Hassan
Published: May 2023

The emergence of micro‐sources in the energy market to reduce carbon emissions and exploit more renewable generations increases the frequency oscillations of the system. Hence, this paper attempts to develop a robust nonlinear fractional order proportional integral derivative (NLFOPID) controller for frequency regulation of restructured energy systems. A hybrid atom search‐particle swarm optimization (AS‐PSO) is proposed to optimize the gain values of the NLFOPID controller. The proposed control approach enhances flexibility by providing robustness against the RE intermittency. The optimization technique is coded in MATLAB and applied for frequency regulation of a multi‐area energy system developed in Simulink. Initially, the effectiveness of the hybrid algorithm is validated for standard benchmark functions and then implemented for frequency control. The results demonstrate that the proffered AS‐PSO technique performs significantly for various types of transactions in a deregulated energy market than state‐of‐the‐art. The real‐time applicability of the proposed controller is validated using hardware‐in‐the‐loop simulation of the open energy market in OPAL‐RT. The frequency response obtained from the AS‐PSO optimized NLFOPID controller is remarkable compared to other techniques. Furthermore, the closed‐loop stability of the system is examined using bode analysis through an improved Oustaloup approximation technique.
Research on seismic behavior of prefabricated building joints in China
Authors: Zhang Hejun
Published: May 2023

The rapid development of China’s construction industrialization process has led to increased research into prefabricated building structures. In comparison to cast-in-place construction, prefabricated buildings offer many advantages. Increasingly important has been research on prefabricated building joints’ seismic performance. A prefabricated beam, slab, column, and wall’s connection affects its seismic performance, and each joint has different characteristics. In light of this, this paper analyzed the seismic performance of prefabricated joints based on their development and application.
Defect Detection of Aluminum Profiles based on Improved Feature Pyramids
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhang Yan Sha , Pan Feng , Wang Lin
Published: May 2023

For the surface defects of aluminum profiles, there are problems of multi-scale, small object and irregular shape. This paper proposes a defects detection algorithm based on improved feature pyramid. This method compresses and saves the feature information extracted by the backbone networks, and calculates the similarity between deep and shallow features, so as to alleviate the phenomenon of loss of feature information and weakening of feature expression ability, thereby solving the problem of multi-scale and small object. At the same time, deformable convolution is introduced to enhance the feature extraction ability of the model and alleviate the detection problems caused by irregularly shaped defects. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, Faster R-CNN was used as the basic detection algorithm to conduct ablation experiments, and compared with the classical detection algorithm, the accuracy rate was as high as 72.8%. The experimental results show that the proposed method has a good performance on the task of aluminum profile defects detection, and is superior to the comparative detection algorithms.
Research and Development of Intelligent Cleaning and Mud Content Detection Technology for Machine-Made Sand
Authors: Jia Shaoying , Zhang Xiong , Lu Yelin
Published: May 2023

In this paper, an improved method of sand and mud content detection for concrete is proposed, and a set of sand and mud content detection device for concrete is designed. In this paper, a concrete gas content meter and a bubble parameter analysis system were used to study the effect of sand clay content on the gas content of commercial concrete, the loss rate of gas content in warp time, the bubble spacing coefficient and the distribution of hardened appearance pores. The pore structure test shows that the increase of mud content will appropriately reduce the proportion of harmless pores in machine-made sand concrete, and play a role in refining the pore structure in machine-made sand concrete. By using PLC controller and automatic detection device of liquid level and turbidity, the problems of complicated operation, inconvenient carrying and poor repeatability of test data are solved. It reduces the influence of human operation error and improves the accuracy of test data.
Influence of external load on forced vibration of rectangular plate
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhang Hao , Niu Qingyong , Cao Xiaoming , Liu Min
Published: May 2023

Rectangular plate is one typical structure with wild application in engineering, and the force vibration is the basis for analysis of sound radiation of plate. In this work, numerical simulation is conducted for force vibration of rectangular plate, and the influence of external load is also studied. Numerical results show that, the rectangular plate will resonate under external load at certain driven frequency, and it’s strictly related to structural modal frequencies. Structural vibration response will change obvious with the change of location of external load. When the location is fixed, with the increase of action region of external load, the acceleration of plate will decrease and some new resonance frequencies will be observed. Conclusions here will lay foundation for further work on sound radiation of plate.
Robust Attitude Control of Helicopters with Three-Degree Freedom Based on Intermittent Event-Triggered Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Chaoyang
Published: May 2023

In the field of the widely used helicopter, this paper studies whether the helicopters with three-degree freedom (3DOF helicopters) have a new control method of stable attitude. Therefore, two research methods are adopted. One is to use intermittent control, so as to achieve control stability in a short time without its inputting. The other is to find and update the time needed to meet the next control through the event-triggered mechanism. A theorem is given to prove the feasibility of these methods, and Lyapunov’s second law is also applied in this paper to analyze the stability of the model designed for robust attitude control. Besides, we use the linear matrix inequality solver to solve the feedback gain of the controller in the theorem. Finally, through MATLAB simulation, the system error state of helicopters tends to zero under intermittent control, which highlights the advantages of short communication time and few times of simulation, thus achieving the simulation goal.
Multifunctional properties and applications of ultra-light porous metal materials
Authors: Chen Jianru , Zhang Da
Published: May 2023

Porous metallic material is a new type of material with a special structure, which undergoes structural changes under certain conditions, thus forming a new structural unit. Due to their unique porosity and pore size structure, ultralight porous metallic materials have unique multifunctional properties, such as absorption and buffering of vibration energy, energy absorption and weight reduction, thermal insulation, vibration and noise reduction, and tunable performance, and thus are widely used in aerospace, energy industry, transportation, and biomedical fields. This paper reviews the research progress of ultra-light porous metal materials at home and abroad in recent years, including the basic structure and main properties of ultra-light porous metal materials, and discusses their application fields. Although China started late in this field, it has taken a place in the international arena with the continuous research work. In the future, we should focus on basic research and engineering application research to lay a solid foundation for China to achieve technological breakthrough in this field.
Feasibility study on construction of RCC gravity dam under special climatic conditions in Tibet
Authors: Pu Ning , Wang Jingyu , Zhong Weibin , Zheng Nan , Ren Jinming
Published: May 2023

According to the experience in the construction of water conservancy and hydropower projects in the Mainland, RCC dam construction has two main advantages: the rapid construction speed of roller compacted concrete can realize early power generation, and the price of fly ash is much lower than that of cement, which can reduce the project cost. Tibet has special geographical environment and climatic conditions, and generally has the characteristics of “high altitude, low pressure, low temperature, large temperature difference between day and night, and dry climate”. Taking the dam-building environment in central Tibet as an example, through investigation and research and analogy of similar projects, this paper analyzes the adaptability of construction of RCC gravity dams in Tibet from the aspects of geographical environment, climatic conditions, material properties, construction progress, and project cost. Adaptability to high altitudes. It provides a reference for choosing a safe, reliable, economical and reasonable dam type in the construction of water conservancy and hydropower projects. It provides reference for selecting safe, reliable, economical and reasonable dam types in water conservancy and hydropower engineering construction.
18F-FDG Brain PET/MRI in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis– Frontotemporal Spectrum Disorder (ALS-FTSD)
Authors: Mashriqi Faizullah , Mishra Bibhuti B. , Giliberto Luca , Franceschi Ana M.
Published: May 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and progressive neurodegenerative disorder involving both upper and lower motor neurons. Interestingly, 15 to 41% of patients with ALS have concomitant frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Approximately, 50% of patients with ALS can copresent with a broader set of neuropsychological pathologies that do not meet FTD diagnostic criteria. This association resulted in revised and expanded criteria establishing the ALS-frontotemporal spectrum disorder (FTSD). In this case report, we review background information, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and structural and molecular imaging features of ALS-FTSD.
The euro area sovereign debt crisis and the sovereign debt Laffer curve: a historic assessment for 1999–2014
Authors: Bhimjee Diptes C. P.
Published: April 2023

This article addresses the historical evolution of sovereign debt trajectories since the beginning of the euro area up to the corresponding sovereign debt crisis, using certain key economic concepts previously proposed by the literature in connection to other historic sovereign debt events. It first recovers the concept of the sovereign debt Laffer curve, which efficiently addresses the non-linear relationship between economic output and public debt issuance. It then presents an important set of theoretic economic concepts that accurately describe the onset of debt vulnerabilities negatively impacting economic growth, therefore linking these fundamental but heterogeneous public debt-related concepts under the unifying concept of the said sovereign debt Laffer curve, which adequately encompasses these heterogeneous concepts. For example, fundamental concepts such as debt vulnerability, ‘debt overhang’, or ‘illiquidity vs. insolvency’ are adequately contextualized under the said Laffer curve. This innovative historical perspective might be useful in the analysis of subsequent sovereign debt crises, as well as in tackling future research in public debt sustainability, namely where the design and implementation of sustainable public debt policies in advanced economies is concerned.
Liouville type theorem and Morse indices of a semilinear elliptic equation with nonlocal nonlinearities
Authors: An Xiaowei , He Huixia , Song Xianfa
Published: May 2023

In this study, we study the solution of a semilinear elliptic equation with nonlocal nonlinearities. By using the mountain pass theorem, Hölder’s inequality, and Sobolev embedding theorem, we obtain the existence result, establish the Liouville type theorem, and consider Morse indices of the equation.