bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corn Starch-Based Bionanocomposite Film Reinforced With ZnO Nanoparticles and Different Types of Plasticizers
Authors: Arifin Heni Radiani , Djali Mohamad , Nurhadi Bambang , Azlin-Hasim Shafrina , Masruchin Nanang , Vania P. Almira , Hilmi Amani
Published: July 2022

Corn starch var. Paragon from Indonesia and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were used to develop bionanocomposite film containing different types of plasticizers [glycerol (G) or sorbitol (S)] incorporated with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) (0, 3, 5 wt.%)viacasting method. The main objective of this study was to improve the properties of the bionanocomposite film with incorporated different types of plasticizers and ZnO NPs. The physicochemical properties of the film were systematically characterized. The results showed that the incorporation of sorbitol could significantly enhance the value of tensile strength, elongation, and Young's modulus than glycerol. In general, a higher concentration of ZnO NPs in the film could increase the tensile strength, reduce the water vapor permeability, decrease the water solubility, and influence the morphology, crystallinity, functional groups, and thermal stability of the films. The data showed that corn starch bionanocomposite film containing sorbitol with 5 wt% ZnO NPs was the most optimal film as compared to other formulations as the solubility and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) value significantly reduced, and also it increased the value of tensile strength, elongation, and Young's modulus. It can be concluded that the incorporation of glycerol or sorbitol plasticizers reinforced by ZnO NPs plays an important role in improving the properties of bionanocomposite film, hence the film has the potency to be used as sustainable and environmental friendly packaging.
Treatment of Elderly Patients with Acute Symptomatic OVCF: A Study of Comparison of Conservative Treatment and Percutaneous Kyphoplasty
Authors: Yu Dejun , Liu Zuyao , Wang Hongqing , Yao Ran , Li Fu , Yang Yang , Sun Fenglong
Published: July 2022

Objective

The present study was designed for the contrastive analysis of conservative and percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) on pain severity and recovery of injured vertebrae in elderly patients with acute symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF).

Methods

A total of 60 elderly patients with acute symptomatic OVCF were divided into two groups according to different treatment protocols, with 30 patients in each group. Patients in the Con group received conservative treatment, while patients in the PKP group received percutaneous kyphoplasty treatment. Clinical evaluation included the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Dallas pain questionnaire, the vertebral body leading edge height, the Cobb angle of injured vertebrae, the MOS item short-form health survey (SF-36), the Barthel index, and the mini-mental state examination (MMSE).

Results

At 3 days, 3 months, and 6 months post-treatment, the score of VAS and the Cobb angle of injured vertebrae in patients of the PKP group were all significantly lower than those in the Con group (P < 0.05), while the height of vertebral body leading edge in patients of the PKP group was significantly longer than that in the Con group (P < 0.05). At 6 months post-treatment, the scores of the four dimensions of the Dallas pain questionnaire scale in the PKP group were all significantly lower than those in the Con group (P < 0.05), while the score of SF-36 (PCS), SF-36 (MCS), and Barthel index in patients of the PKP group were all significantly lower than those in the Con group (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in the scores of MMSE between these two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with conservative treatment, PKP treatment of elderly patients with acute symptomatic OVCF provides rapid pain relief, restoration of damaged vertebral body height, correction of Cobb's angle, and improved quality of life.
Nuciferine Regulates Immune Function and Gut Microbiota in DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Zhu Yiling , Zhao Qing , Huang Qi , Li Yana , Yu Jie , Zhang Rui , Liu Jiali , Yan Pupu , Xia Jinjin , Guo Liwei , Liu Guoping , Yang Xiaolin , Zeng Jianguo
Published: July 2022

Nuciferine, a major aporphine alkaloid obtained from the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera, exhibits anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its protective effects against inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has never been explored. In this study, an ulcerative colitis (UC) model was established in BALb/c mice by the continuous administration of 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for 1 week. From day 8 to day 14, the DSS-treated mice were divided into a high-dose and a low-dose nuciferine treatment group and were intraperitoneally injected with the corresponding dose of the drug. Body weight loss, disease activity index (DAI), and colon length were measured. Histological changes were observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. T lymphocyte proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. The ratio of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells were estimated by flow cytometry. Finally, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to compare the composition and relative abundance of the gut microbiota among the different treatment groups. The results showed that nuciferine treatment led to a significant improvement in symptoms, such as histological injury and colon shortening in mice with DSS-induced UC. Nuciferine treatment improved the Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 balance in the DSS-induced IBD model, as well as the composition of the intestinal microflora. At the phylum level, compared with the control group, the abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota was decreased in the model group, whereas that of Bacteroidetes increased. Meanwhile, at the genus level, compared with the control group, the numbers of the genera Lachnospiraceae_Clostridium, Bilophila and Halomonas reduced in the model group, while those of Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Paraprevotella increased. Notably, nuciferine administration reversed this DSS-induced gut dysbiosis. These results indicated that nuciferine modulates gut microbiota homeostasis and immune function in mice with DSS-induced UC.
Topology Optimisation under Uncertainties with Neural Networks
Authors: Eigel Martin , Haase Marvin , Neumann Johannes
Published: July 2022

Topology optimisation is a mathematical approach relevant to different engineering problems where the distribution of material in a defined domain is distributed in some optimal way, subject to a predefined cost function representing desired (e.g., mechanical) properties and constraints. The computation of such an optimal distribution depends on the numerical solution of some physical model (in our case linear elasticity) and robustness is achieved by introducing uncertainties into the model data, namely the forces acting on the structure and variations of the material stiffness, rendering the task high-dimensional and computationally expensive. To alleviate this computational burden, we develop two neural network architectures (NN) that are capable of predicting the gradient step of the optimisation procedure. Since state-of-the-art methods use adaptive mesh refinement, the neural networks are designed to use a sufficiently fine reference mesh such that only one training phase of the neural network suffices. As a first architecture, a convolutional neural network is adapted to the task. To include sequential information of the optimisation process, a recurrent neural network is constructed as a second architecture. A common 2D bridge benchmark is used to illustrate the performance of the proposed architectures. It is observed that the NN prediction of the gradient step clearly outperforms the classical optimisation method, in particular since larger iteration steps become viable.
Design Principles for a Contrail-Minimizing Trial in the North Atlantic
Authors: Molloy Jarlath , Teoh Roger , Harty Seán , Koudis George , Schumann Ulrich , Poll Ian , Stettler Marc E. J.
Published: July 2022

The aviation industry has committed to decarbonize its CO2 emissions. However, there has been much less industry focus on its non-CO2 emissions, despite recent studies showing that these account for up to two-thirds of aviation’s climate impact. Parts of the industry have begun to explore the feasibility of potential non-CO2 mitigation options, building on the scientific research undertaken in recent years, by establishing demonstrations and operational trials to test parameters of interest. This paper sets out the design principles for a large trial in the North Atlantic. Considerations include the type of stakeholders, location, when to intervene, what flights to target, validation, and other challenges. Four options for safely facilitating a trial are outlined based on existing air-traffic-management processes, with three of these readily deployable. Several issues remain to be refined and resolved as part of any future trial, including those regarding meteorological and contrail forecasting, the decision-making process for stakeholders, and safely integrating these flights into conventional airspace. While this paper is not a formal concept of operations, it provides a stepping stone for policymakers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders with an interest in reducing aviation’s total climate impact, to understand how a large-scale warming-contrail-minimizing trial could work.
The Stability Analysis of a Tether for a Segmented Space Elevator
Authors: Luo Shihao , Cui Naigang , Wang Xiaowei , Fan Youhua , Gu Haitao
Published: July 2022

The space elevator system is a space tether system used to solve low-cost space transportation. Its high efficiency, large load and other characteristics have broad application prospects in the aerospace field. The stability analysis is the foundation of the space elevator system research. Based on the new segment space elevator system model, in this paper, the stability of the system at the equilibrium point is analyzed by Lyapunov stability theory; And based on the criterion that the change rate of the system restoring torque and the anchor point tension are greater than 0, the maximum offset angle of the system inside and outside the equatorial plane is analyzed. The results show that the segment space elevator is stable near the equilibrium point; The maximum deflection angle of the space elevator inside and outside the equatorial plane is related to the design stress of the anchor point; When the space elevator is offset outside the equatorial plane, it will only lose stability because the restoring torque reaches the maximum value; When the space elevator is offset in the equatorial plane, and due to the design stress of the anchor point is small, it will lose stability because the tensile force of the anchor point is reduced to 0, and when the design stress of the anchor point is large, it will lose stability because the recovery torque reaches the maximum value; The stability of the space elevator outside the equatorial plane is better than that in the equatorial plane.
The Evolutionary Trends and Convergence of Cereal Yield in Europe and Central Asia
Authors: Sun Zhilu , Fu Teng
Published: July 2022

The state of food security in the world, including that of Europe and Central Asia (ECA), was highlighted in 2020 by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the fact that the food security status of millions of people in ECA, particularly the most vulnerable and those living in fragile contexts, would deteriorate if swift action was not taken as soon as possible became apparent. Improving cereal yield is the key for the ECA to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 2.1 to end hunger by 2030. Impressive cereal yield growth has been witnessed within the ECA from 1991 to 2020, but there is still significant variation across the five sub-regions. This paper aimed to analyze the evolutionary trends and convergence of cereal yield in countries of the ECA from 1991 to 2020 for four major cereals: wheat, maize, barley and oats. The findings show that there is strong evidence of σ-convergence and absolute and conditional β-convergence for cereal yield in the ECA, which indicates that countries with low yield in the initial stages have totally experienced higher growth rate, and yield in countries farther away from the steady-state have to have faster growth rate to converge to the steady-state. The presence of club convergence is also identified in terms of geographic location and income level, simultaneously. Therefore, cereal yield in the ECA has converged to the whole and to different groups at the same time, which provides some evidence of agricultural technology spillover effect in the region.
Yield and Resource Utilization Efficiency Gap in Early Maturing Japonica Rice Cultivars under Different Management Strategies—A Different Location Investigation
Authors: Lv Yandong , Hu Yue , Sun Fujing , Huo Wanyue , Li Hongyu , Liu Lihua , Yin Dawei , Zheng Guiping , Guo Xiaohong
Published: July 2022

High input costs and poor management options have resulted in a large rice yield gap. Thus, there is a need to reduce production costs and improve resource-use efficiency by using new cultivation techniques at different locations. The objective of this study was to determine yield and utilization efficiency gaps in early maturing japonica rice under four treatments; no nitrogen application (N0), local farmer practice (FP), high-yield, high-efficiency practice (HYP), and super-high-yield practice (SHY). The average yields under N0, FP, HYP, and SHY were 5012, 7356, 8448, and 9629 kg ha−1, respectively. Differences among treatments were as: N0 to FP (gap 1); FP to HYP (gap 2); and HYP to SHY (gap 3). Yield gaps 1, 2, and 3 were 2337, 1092, and 1181 kg ha−1, respectively. Yield gap was positively associated with panicles per square meter. Yield under HYP and SHY was 14.8% and 30.9% higher than that under FP, respectively. This increase in yield was mainly associated with a higher number of panicles. For resources, gaps 1, 2, and 3 were as follows: water-use efficiency, 0.1706, 0.1513, and 0.1089 kg m−3; radiation-use efficiency, 0.3285%, 0.1780%, and 0.0941%; and heat-use efficiency, 1.8685, 1.0339, and 0.8798 kg °C−1 d−1 ha−1, respectively. The yield was positively correlated with water, radiation, and heat-use efficiencies. The differences in yield and resource-use efficiency were significant between sites. A reduction in yield and efficiency gaps can ensure sufficient panicle per square meter, stabilize grain number per panicle, and increase harvest index and biomass. Overall, HYP is a promising option to increase the yield of early maturing japonica rice yield in cold regions.
Evaluation of Adaptability of Different Faba Bean Landraces under Mediterranean Field Conditions of Central-Northern Algeria
Authors: Hadou el hadj Dahmane , Tellah Sihem , Goumeida Kenza , Aitouakli Sara , Tifest Chamseddine , Ammi Nihal , Ratet Pascal , Pulvento Cataldo , Sellami Mohamed Houssemeddine
Published: July 2022

The Multi-Trait selection index (MTSI) has been used to select highly productive and stable faba bean landraces across various traits. Fifteen productive, morphological, and phenological traits with desired and undesired selection gains (SGs) were evaluated in fifteen faba bean landraces under Mediterranean field conditions between 2019–2021. According to our results, most of the faba bean traits are influenced by the genotype × environment interaction (GEI) effects. Banner length (BL), seed yield (SY), diameter (D), number of flowers per inflorescence (NFI), branch number (BRN), and 100 seed weight (HSW) were found to be highly influenced by the environment, the proportions of variance explained by environmental factors were arranged between 83.21% and 74.08%, and only seed number per pod (SNP) was the highest genotypic effect (54.02%). According to the MTSI index, only three landraces (Gaada Mascara (G4), Oued zentai (G13), and Khmakhem (G15)) were considered to be highly yield-productive and to have a broad adaptability across Mediterranean environments. When numerous traits were evaluated, the MTSI index provided a strong and powerful tool for developing improved selection techniques for Faba bean studies.
Antibody-Based Approaches to Target Pancreatic Tumours
Authors: Sorbara Marie , Cordelier Pierre , Bery Nicolas
Published: July 2022

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive cancer with a dismal prognosis. This is due to the difficulty to detect the disease at an early and curable stage. In addition, only limited treatment options are available, and they are confronted by mechanisms of resistance. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) molecules are highly specific biologics that can be directly used as a blocking agent or modified to deliver a drug payload depending on the desired outcome. They are widely used to target extracellular proteins, but they can also be employed to inhibit intracellular proteins, such as oncoproteins. While mAbs are a class of therapeutics that have been successfully employed to treat many cancers, they have shown only limited efficacy in pancreatic cancer as a monotherapy so far. In this review, we will discuss the challenges, opportunities and hopes to use mAbs for pancreatic cancer treatment, diagnostics and imagery.
Infections in G6PD-Deficient Hospitalized Patients—Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Related Mortality
Authors: Alrahmany Diaa , Omar Ahmed F. , Al-Maqbali Salima R. S. , Harb Gehan , Ghazi Islam M.
Published: July 2022

G6PD deficiency is a genetic disease that weakens the immune system and renders affected individuals susceptible to infections. In the Sultanate of Oman resides a high number of recorded G6PD cases due to widespread consanguineous marriage, which may reach 25% of the population. We studied the infection patterns and risk factors for mortality to provide antimicrobial stewardship recommendations for these patients. After obtaining ethical approval, a registry of recorded cases was consulted retrospectively to include G6PD-deficient adult patients admitted to Suhar hospital over 5 years with microbiologically confirmed infections. Patient demographics, health-related information, infection causes, treatment, and clinical outcomes were studied. Data were analyzed to describe infection patterns and risk factors. Several variables, including underlying comorbidities and hospitalization details, such as length of stay, admission to critical care unit, blood transfusion, or exposure to an invasive procedure, were statistically associated with the acquisition of multidrug-resistant and hospital-acquired infections. Meanwhile, these infections were associated with a high mortality rate (28%), significantly associated with the patient’s health status and earlier exposure to antimicrobial treatment due to previous bacterial infection. The high prevalence of G6PD deficiency among the Omani population should alert practitioners to take early action when dealing with such cases during infection that requires hospitalization. Strict infection control measures, Gram-negative empiric coverage, hospital discharge as early as possible, and potent targeted antimicrobial therapy in this patient population can ameliorate the treatment outcomes and should be emphasized by the antimicrobial stewardship team.
Tubular Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Oxidative Stress, and Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Fontecha-Barriuso Miguel , Lopez-Diaz Ana M. , Guerrero-Mauvecin Juan , Miguel Veronica , Ramos Adrian M. , Sanchez-Niño Maria D. , Ruiz-Ortega Marta , Ortiz Alberto , Sanz Ana B.
Published: July 2022

Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are interconnected conditions, and CKD is projected to become the fifth leading global cause of death by 2040. New therapeutic approaches are needed. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress have emerged as drivers of kidney injury in acute and chronic settings, promoting the AKI-to-CKD transition. In this work, we review the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in AKI and CKD progression and discuss novel therapeutic approaches. Specifically, evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction in diverse models of AKI (nephrotoxicity, cytokine storm, and ischemia-reperfusion injury) and CKD (diabetic kidney disease, glomerulopathies) is discussed; the clinical implications of novel information on the key role of mitochondria-related transcriptional regulators peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha, transcription factor EB (PGC-1α, TFEB), and carnitine palmitoyl-transferase 1A (CPT1A) in kidney disease are addressed; the current status of the clinical development of therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondria are updated; and barriers to the clinical development of mitochondria-targeted interventions are discussed, including the lack of clinical diagnostic tests that allow us to categorize the baseline renal mitochondrial dysfunction/mitochondrial oxidative stress and to monitor its response to therapeutic intervention. Finally, key milestones for further research are proposed.
Complex Band Structure of 2D Piezoelectric Local Resonant Phononic Crystal with Finite Out-Of Plane Extension
Authors: Miao Zhongjian , Li Jingru , Li Sheng , Ma Qingfen
Published: July 2022

In this study, a new type of 2D piezoelectric phononic crystal with a square hollow and convex structures is designed and established. A theoretical study of the piezoelectric phononic crystal is presented in this article to investigate the transmission properties of waves in terms of complex dispersion relations. Based on the finite discretization technique and plane wave expansion, the formula derivation of the real band structure is achieved as well as the complex band diagrams are obtained. The numerical results are presented to demonstrate the multiple broadband complete bandgaps produced by the designed piezoelectric phononic crystal and the propagation characteristics of the elastic waves for different directions. In addition, the transmission loss in the ΓX direction is calculated to verify the band structure. Finally, the effects of the thickness and the square hollow side length on the band structure are discussed.
DECIDE: A Deterministic Mixed Quantum-Classical Dynamics Approach
Authors: Liu Zhe , Sergi Alessandro , Hanna Gabriel
Published: July 2022

Mixed quantum-classical dynamics provides an efficient way of simulating the dynamics of quantum subsystems coupled to many-body environments. Many processes, including proton-transfer reactions, electron-transfer reactions, and vibrational energy transport, for example, take place in such open systems. The most accurate algorithms for performing mixed quantum-classical simulations require very large ensembles of trajectories to obtain converged expectation values, which is computationally prohibitive for quantum subsystems containing even a few degrees of freedom. The recently developed “Deterministic evolution of coordinates with initial decoupled equations” (DECIDE) method has demonstrated high accuracy and low computational cost for a host of model systems; however, these applications relied on representing the equations of motion in subsystem and adiabatic energy bases. While these representations are convenient for certain systems, the position representation is convenient for many other systems, including systems undergoing proton- and electron-transfer reactions. Thus, in this review, we provide a step-by-step derivation of the DECIDE approach and demonstrate how to cast the DECIDE equations in a quantum harmonic oscillator position basis for a simple one-dimensional (1D) hydrogen bond model. After integrating the DECIDE equations of motion on this basis, we show that the total energy of the system is conserved for this model and calculate various quantities of interest. Limitations of casting the equations in an incomplete basis are also discussed.
Learning Dense Features for Point Cloud Registration Using a Graph Attention Network
Authors: Lai-Dang Quoc-Vinh , Nengroo Sarvar Hussain , Jin Hojun
Published: July 2022

Point cloud registration is a fundamental task in many applications such as localization, mapping, tracking, and reconstruction. Successful registration relies on extracting robust and discriminative geometric features. Though existing learning-based methods require high computing capacity for processing a large number of raw points at the same time, computational capacity limitation is not an issue thanks to powerful parallel computing process using GPU. In this paper, we introduce a framework that efficiently and economically extracts dense features using a graph attention network for point cloud matching and registration (DFGAT). The detector of the DFGAT is responsible for finding highly reliable key points in large raw data sets. The descriptor of the DFGAT takes these keypoints combined with their neighbors to extract invariant density features in preparation for the matching. The graph attention network (GAT) uses the attention mechanism that enriches the relationships between point clouds. Finally, we consider this as an optimal transport problem and use the Sinkhorn algorithm to find positive and negative matches. We perform thorough tests on the KITTI dataset and evaluate the effectiveness of this approach. The results show that this method with the efficiently compact keypoint selection and description can achieve the best performance matching metrics and reach the highest success ratio of 99.88% registration in comparison with other state-of-the-art approaches.
Intra-Domain Transfer Learning for Fault Diagnosis with Small Samples
Authors: Zhang Liangwei , Zhang Junyan , Peng Yeping , Lin Jing
Published: July 2022

The concept of deep transfer learning has spawned broad research into fault diagnosis with small samples. A considerable covariate shift between the source and target domains, however, could result in negative transfer and lower fault diagnosis task accuracy. To alleviate the adverse impacts of negative transfer, this research proposes an intra-domain transfer learning strategy that makes use of knowledge from a data-abundant source domain that is akin to the target domain. Concretely, a pre-trained model in the source domain is built via a vanilla transfer from an off-the-shelf inter-domain deep neural network. The model is then transferred to the target domain using shallow-layer freezing and finetuning with those small samples. In a case study involving rotating machinery, where we tested the proposed strategy, we saw improved performance in both training efficiency and prediction accuracy. To demystify the learned neural network, we propose a heat map visualization method using a channel-wise average over the final convolutional layer and up-sampling with interpolation. The findings revealed that the most active neurons coincide with the corresponding fault characteristics.
Advanced Model of Spatiotemporal Mining-Induced Kinematic Excitation for Multiple-Support Bridges Based on the Regional Seismicity Characteristics
Authors: Boroń Paweł , Dulińska Joanna Maria , Jasińska Dorota
Published: July 2022

In the paper, an advanced model of spatiotemporal mining-induced kinematic excitation (SMIKE) for multiple-support bridges exposed to mining-induced seismicity is proposed. The uniqueness of this model results from the possibility of its application in any region of mining activity, as it is based on empirical regression functions characterizing such regions. In the model, the loss of coherency resulting from the scattering of waves in the heterogeneous ground, the wave-passage effect originating in different arrival times of waves to consecutive supports, and the site-response effect depending on the local soil conditions are taken into account. The loss of coherency of mining-induced seismic waves is obtained by applying a random field generator based on a spatial correlation function to produce time histories of accelerations on consecutive structure supports based on an originally recorded shock. The deterministic approach is used to account for temporal wave variability. The proposed SMIKE model is applied to assess the dynamic performance of a five-span bridge under a mining-induced shock recorded in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB), Poland. The first model’s parameter (space scale parameter) is identified on the basis of regression curves defined for the USCB region. The estimation of the second parameter (the mean apparent wave passage velocity) is based on discrete experimental data acquired via the vibroseis excitation registered in the in situ experiment. The impact of the model application on the dynamic performance of the bridge is assessed by comparing the dynamic response levels under SMIKE excitations, classic uniform excitations, and the “traveling wave” model—accounting only for the wave passage effect. The influence of wave velocity occurs to be crucial, modifying (either amplifying or reducing, depending on the location of the analyzed point) the dynamic response level up to a factor of two. The introduction of the space scale parameter changes the results by 20% in relation to the outcomes obtained for the “traveling” wave only.
Cost-Effective and Portable Instrumentation to Enable Accurate pH Measurements for Global Industry 4.0 and Vertical Farming Applications
Authors: Hinojosa-Meza Rolando , Olvera-Gonzalez Ernesto , Escalante-Garcia Nivia , Dena-Aguilar José Alonso , Montes Rivera Martín , Vacas-Jacques Paulino
Published: July 2022

Global Vertical Farming (VF) applications with characteristic Industry 4.0 connectivity will become more and more relevant as the challenges of food supply continue to increase worldwide. In this work, a cost-effective and portable instrument that enables accurate pH measurements for VF applications is presented. We demonstrate that by performing a well-designed calibration of the sensor, a near Nernstian response, 57.56 [mV/pH], ensues. The system is compared to a ten-fold more expensive laboratory gold standard, and is shown to be accurate in determining the pH of substances in the 2–14 range. The instrument yields precise pH results with an average absolute deviation of 0.06 pH units and a standard deviation of 0.03 pH units. The performance of the instrument is ADC-limited, with a minimum detectable value of 0.028 pH units, and a typical absolute accuracy of ±0.062 pH units. By meticulously designing bias and amplification circuitry of the signal conditioning stage, and by optimizing the signal acquisition section of the instrument, a (minimum) four-fold improvement in performance is expected.
Experimental Research on Reducing Flow-Induced Cavity Resonance with a Narrowband Active Noise Control System
Authors: An Fengyan , Li Hao , Zhang Xilong , Sun Chengpu , Liu Bilong
Published: July 2022

In this paper, active control of flow-induced cavity resonance noise is addressed. A hybrid numerical method is presented to predict the resonance frequency and, instead of traditional active flow control, a narrowband active noise control system is utilized to suppress the resonance. A duct system is built up at low Mach numbers and experiments are carried out to validate the proposed methods. The results have shown that the resonance frequency could be predicted with 1.5% errors and the flow-induced narrowband noise could be effectively suppressed at both the fundamental frequency and its first harmonic. More than 10 dB global attenuations could be achieved for the fundamental resonance frequency without noise enhancements at other frequencies. Further, it was also found that the optimal reference frequency of the narrowband active noise control system could be largely biased from the original resonance frequency, which indicates a nonlinear mechanism of the control system.
An α2-Adrenergic Agonist, Brimonidine, Beneficially Affects the TGF-β2-Treated Cellular Properties in an In Vitro Culture Model
Authors: Watanabe Megumi , Sato Tatsuya , Tsugeno Yuri , Higashide Megumi , Furuhashi Masato , Umetsu Araya , Suzuki Soma , Ida Yosuke , Hikage Fumihito , Ohguro Hiroshi
Published: July 2022

We report herein on the effects of brimonidine (BRI), an α2-adrenergic agonist, on two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cell-cultured TGF-β2-untreated and -treated human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. In the presence of TGF-β2 (5 ng/mL), (1) the effects of BRI on (1) the 2D HTM monolayers’ barrier function were investigated as estimated using trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurement and FITC dextran permeability; (2) real-time analyses of cellular metabolism using a Seahorse Bioanalyzer; (3) the largeness and hardness of 3D spheroids; and (4) the expression of genes that encode extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, including collagens (COL) 1, 4, and 6; fibronectin (FN) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA); ECM modulators, including a tissue inhibitor of matrix proteinase (TIMP) 1–4; matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, 9, and 14; and several endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related genes, including the X-box-binding protein 1 (XBP1), the spliced XBP1 (sXBP1), glucose-regulated protein (GRP)78, GRP94, and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP). BRI markedly inhibited the TGF-β2-induced increase in the values of TEER of the 2D cell monolayer and the hardness of the 3D spheroids, although it had no effect on their sizes. BRI also cancelled the TGF-β2-induced reduction in mitochondrial maximal respiration but had no effect on the glycolytic capacity. In addition, the gene expression of these molecules was quite different between the 2D and 3D cultures of HTM cells. The present observations found in this study indicate that BRI may beneficially affect TGF-β2-induced changes in both cultures, 2D and 3D, of HTM cells, although their structural and functional properties that were altered varied significantly between both cultures of HTM cells.
In-Silico Analysis of pH-Dependent Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
Authors: Pintado-Grima Carlos , Bárcenas Oriol , Ventura Salvador
Published: July 2022

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are essential players in the assembly of biomolecular condensates during liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS). Disordered regions (IDRs) are significantly exposed to the solvent and, therefore, highly influenced by fluctuations in the microenvironment. Extrinsic factors, such as pH, modify the solubility and disorder state of IDPs, which in turn may impact the formation of liquid condensates. However, little attention has been paid to how the solution pH influences LLPS, despite knowing that this process is context-dependent. Here, we have conducted a large-scale in-silico analysis of pH-dependent solubility and disorder in IDRs known to be involved in LLPS (LLPS-DRs). We found that LLPS-DRs present maximum solubility around physiological pH, where LLPS often occurs, and identified significant differences in solubility and disorder between proteins that can phase-separate by themselves or those that require a partner. We also analyzed the effect of mutations in the resulting solubility profiles of LLPS-DRs and discussed how, as a general trend, LLPS-DRs display physicochemical properties that permit their LLPS at physiologically relevant pHs.
Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis of the Response of Quinoa Seedlings to Low Temperatures
Authors: Xie Heng , Wang Qianchao , Zhang Ping , Zhang Xuesong , Huang Tingzhi , Guo Yirui , Liu Junna , Li Li , Li Hanxue , Qin Peng
Published: July 2022

Quinoa, a cool-weather high-altitude crop, is susceptible to low-temperature stress throughout its reproductive phase. Herein, we performed broadly targeted metabolic profiling of quinoa seedlings to explore the metabolites’ dynamics in response to low-temperature stress and transcriptome analysis to determine the underlying genetic mechanisms. Two variants, namely, Dian Quinoa 2324 and Dian Quinoa 281, were exposed to temperatures of −2, 5, and 22 °C. A total of 794 metabolites were detected; 52,845 genes, including 6628 novel genes, were annotated using UPLC-MS/MS analysis and the Illumina HiSeq system. Combined with morphological indicators to resolve the mechanism underlying quinoa seedling response to low-temperature stress, the molecular mechanisms of quinoa changed considerably based on temperature exposure. Soluble sugars heavily accumulated in plants with cold damage and changes in regulatory networks under freeze damage, such as the upregulation of α-linolenic acid metabolism and a reduction in energy substrates, may explain the spatial patterns of biosynthesis and accumulation of these metabolites. Genes that are actively expressed during cold responses, as revealed by co-expression analyses, may be involved in the regulation thereof. These results provide insights into the metabolic factors in quinoa under low-temperature stress and provide a reference for the screening of quinoa varieties resistant to low temperature.
Magnetoimpedance Biosensors and Real-Time Healthcare Monitors: Progress, Opportunities, and Challenges
Authors: Jimenez Valery Ortiz , Hwang Kee Young , Nguyen Dang , Rahman Yasif , Albrecht Claire , Senator Baylee , Thiabgoh Ongard , Devkota Jagannath , Bui Vinh Duc An , Lam Dao Son , Eggers Tatiana , Phan Manh-Huong
Published: July 2022

A small DC magnetic field can induce an enormous response in the impedance of a soft magnetic conductor in various forms of wire, ribbon, and thin film. Also known as the giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect, this phenomenon forms the basis for the development of high-performance magnetic biosensors with magnetic field sensitivity down to the picoTesla regime at room temperature. Over the past decade, some state-of-the-art prototypes have become available for trial tests due to continuous efforts to improve the sensitivity of GMI biosensors for the ultrasensitive detection of biological entities and biomagnetic field detection of human activities through the use of magnetic nanoparticles as biomarkers. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the development of GMI biosensors and review medical devices for applications in biomedical diagnostics and healthcare monitoring, including real-time monitoring of respiratory motion in COVID-19 patients at various stages. We also discuss exciting research opportunities and existing challenges that will stimulate further study into ultrasensitive magnetic biosensors and healthcare monitors based on the GMI effect.
Novel Amperometric Biosensor Based on Tyrosinase/Chitosan Nanoparticles for Sensitive and Interference-Free Detection of Total Catecholamine
Authors: Gigli Valeria , Tortolini Cristina , Capecchi Eliana , Angeloni Antonio , Lenzi Andrea , Antiochia Riccarda
Published: July 2022

The regulation of nervous and cardiovascular systems and some brain-related behaviors, such as stress, panic, anxiety, and depression, are strictly dependent on the levels of the main catecholamines of clinical interest, dopamine (DA), epinephrine (EP), and norepinephrine (NEP). Therefore, there is an urgent need for a reliable sensing device able to accurately monitor them in biological fluids for early diagnosis of the diseases related to their abnormal levels. In this paper, we present the first tyrosinase (Tyr)-based biosensor based on chitosan nanoparticles (ChitNPs) for total catecholamine (CA) detection in human urine samples. ChitNPs were synthetized according to an ionic gelation process and successively characterized by SEM and EDX techniques. The screen-printed graphene electrode was prepared by a two-step drop-casting method of: (i) ChitNPS; and (ii) Tyr enzyme. Optimization of the electrochemical platform was performed in terms of the loading method of Tyr on ChitNPs (nanoprecipitation and layer-by-layer), enzyme concentration, and enzyme immobilization with and without 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) as cross-linking agents. The Tyr/EDC-NHS/ChitNPs nanocomposite showed good conductivity and biocompatibility with Tyr enzyme, as evidenced by its high biocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of DA, EP, and NEP to the relative o-quinone derivatives electrochemically reduced at the modified electrode. The resulting Tyr/EDC-NHS/ChitNPs-based biosensor performs interference-free total catecholamine detection, expressed as a DA concentration, with a very low LOD of 0.17 μM, an excellent sensitivity of 0.583 μA μM−1 cm−2, good stability, and a fast response time (3 s). The performance of the biosensor was successively assessed in human urine samples, showing satisfactory results and, thus, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed biosensor for analyzing total CA in physiological samples.
Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing of Thymic Epithelial Tumours Revealed Pathogenic Variants in KIT, ERBB2, KRAS, and TP53 in 30% of Thymic Carcinomas
Authors: Szpechcinski Adam , Szolkowska Malgorzata , Winiarski Sebastian , Lechowicz Urszula , Wisniewski Piotr , Knetki-Wroblewska Magdalena
Published: July 2022

A better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of thymic epithelial tumours (TETs) could revolutionise their treatment. We evaluated thymomas and thymic carcinomas by next-generation sequencing (NGS) of somatic or germline single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in genes commonly mutated in solid tumours. In total, 19 thymomas and 34 thymic carcinomas were analysed for nonsynonymous SNVs in 15 genes by targeted NGS (reference genome: hg19/GRCh37). Ten SNVs in TP53 (G154V, R158P, L194H, R267fs, R273C, R306 *, Q317 *), ERBB2 (V773M), KIT (L576P), and KRAS (Q61L) considered somatic and pathogenic/likely pathogenic were detected in 10 of 34 (29.4%) thymic carcinomas. No somatic SNVs confirmed as pathogenic/likely pathogenic were found in thymomas. Rare SNVs of uncertain or unknown functional and clinical significance, to our knowledge not reported previously in TETs, were found in ERBB2 (S703R), KIT (I690V), and FOXL2 (P157S) in 3 of 19 (16%) thymomas. The most frequent germline SNVs were TP53 P72R (94% TETs), ERBB2 I655V (40% TETs), and KIT M541L (9% TETs). No significant difference in median disease-free survival (DFS) was found between thymic carcinoma patients with and without pathogenic SNVs (p = 0.190); however, a trend toward a longer DFS was observed in the latter (16.0 vs. 30.0 months, respectively). In summary, NGS analysis of TETs revealed several SNVs in genes related to the p53, AKT, MAPK, and K-Ras signalling pathways. Thymic carcinomas showed greater genetic dysregulation than thymomas. The germline and rare SNVs of uncertain clinical significance reported in this study add to the number of known genetic alterations in TETs, thus extending our molecular understanding of these neoplasms. Druggable KIT alterations in thymic carcinomas have potential as therapeutic targets.
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spin Trapping (EPR–ST) Technique in Photopolymerization Processes
Authors: Peyrot Fabienne , Lajnef Sonia , Versace Davy-Louis
Published: July 2022

To face economic issues of the last ten years, free-radical photopolymerization (FRP) has known an impressive enlightenment. Multiple performing photoinitiating systems have been designed to perform photopolymerizations in the visible or near infrared (NIR) range. To fully understand the photochemical mechanisms involved upon light activation and characterize the nature of radicals implied in FRP, electron paramagnetic resonance coupled to the spin trapping (EPR–ST) method represents one of the most valuable techniques. In this context, the principle of EPR–ST and its uses in free-radical photopolymerization are entirely described.
Designing the Microbes and Social Equity Symposium: A Novel Interdisciplinary Virtual Research Conference Based on Achieving Group-Directed Outputs
Authors: Ishaq Suzanne L. , Wissel Emily F. , Wolf Patricia G. , Grieneisen Laura , Eggleston Erin M. , Mhuireach Gwynne , Friedman Michael , Lichtenwalner Anne , Otero Machuca Jessica , Weatherford Darling Katherine , Pearson Amber L. , Wertheim Frank S. , Johnson Abigail J. , Hodges Leslie , Young Sabrina K. , Nielsen Charlene C. , Kozyrskyj Anita L. , MacRae Jean D. , Myers Elise McKenna , Kozik Ariangela J. , Tussing-Humphreys Lisa Marie , Trujillo Monica , Daniel Gaea A. , Kramer Michael R. , Donovan Sharon M. , Arshad Myra , Balkan Joe , Hosler Sarah
Published: July 2022

The Microbes and Social Equity working group was formed in 2020 to foster conversations on research, education, and policy related to how microorganisms connect to personal, societal, and environmental health, and to provide space and guidance for action. In 2021, we designed our first virtual symposium to convene researchers already working in these areas for more guided discussions. The symposium organizing team had never planned a research event of this scale or style, and this perspective piece details that process and our reflections. The goals were to (1) convene interdisciplinary audiences around topics involving microbiomes and health, (2) stimulate conversation around a selected list of paramount research topics, and (3) leverage the disciplinary and professional diversity of the group to create meaningful agendas and actionable items for attendees to continue to engage with after the meeting. Sixteen co-written documents were created during the symposium which contained ideas and resources, or identified barriers and solutions to creating equity in ways which would promote beneficial microbial interactions. The most remarked-upon aspect was the working time in the breakout rooms built into the schedule. MSE members agreed that in future symposia, providing interactive workshops, training, or collaborative working time would provide useful content, a novel conference activity, and allow attendees to accomplish other work-oriented goals simultaneously.
Outcome of Neonates Born to SARS-CoV-2-Infected Mothers: Tertiary Care Experience at US–Mexico Border
Authors: Everett Colleen , Kye Yae , Panda Sanjeet , Singh Ajay Pratap
Published: July 2022

Background: SARS-CoV-2 has affected millions of people around the world. There is a need for data on the effects of this infection on neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care (NICU) units born to infected mothers. Here, we decided to analyze neonates born to mothers who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and admitted to NICU compared with neonates who remained with their mothers. Methods: All pregnant mothers who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy between 1 June 2020 and 30 June 2021, along with all neonates born to infected pregnant women, were included in this study. We then compared the neonates admitted to NICU with the neonates who remained with their mothers. Results: Eighty-eight neonates were born to eighty-eight SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers. Fifteen of these neonates were admitted to the NICU. The mothers of the neonates admitted to the NICU were more likely to have received prenatal care outside of the USA. In addition, the neonates admitted to the NICU were more likely to have needed significant resuscitation at birth. Respiratory distress was the most common reason for NICU admission. None of the NICU-admitted neonates were SARS-CoV-2-positive. There were no differences between the values of the complete blood counts, morbidities at discharge, lengths of hospitalization, or rates of readmission to hospital in the first month of life observed between the two groups. Conclusions: The vertical transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 infection remains rare; there was no difference in the hospital outcomes in the neonates of infected mothers. Unlike other studies, which show an increased tendency toward preterm birth in SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers, our study indicates no such association.