bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Cell Operation Algorithm for 3D NAND Flash Memory
Authors: Park Jong Kyung , Kim Sarah Eunkyung
Published: October 2022

The size of the memory market is expected to continue to expand due to the digital transformation triggered by the fourth industrial revolution. Among various types of memory, NAND flash memory has established itself as a major data storage medium based on excellent cell characteristics and manufacturability; as such, the demand for increasing the bit density and the performance has been rapidly increasing. In this paper, we will review the device operation algorithm and techniques to improve the cell characteristics and reliability in terms of optimization of individual program, read and erase operation, and system level performance.
The Impact of Agile Methodology on Project Success, with a Moderating Role of Person’s Job Fit in the IT Industry of Pakistan
Authors: Wafa Rubab , Khan Muhammad Qasim , Malik Fazal , Abdusalomov Akmalbek Bobomirzaevich , Cho Young Im , Odarchenko Roman
Published: October 2022

Computing software plays an essential role in almost every sector of the digital age, but the process of efficient software development still faces several challenges. Effective software development methodology can be the difference between the success and failure of a software project. This research aims to evaluate the overall impact of Agile Software Development (ASD) on the individual, organizational, software development, and project management dimensions. For this purpose, we surveyed several software development professionals from a variety of backgrounds (experience, location, and job ranks) to explore the impact of ASD on the IT industry of Pakistan. Our analysis of the collected information is two folds. First, we summarized the findings from our surveys graphically clearly show the opinions of our survey respondents regarding the effectiveness of the Agile methodology for software development. Secondly, we utilized quantitative measures to analyze the same data statistically. A comparison is drawn between the graphical and statistical analysis to verify the reliability of our findings. Our findings suggest the existence of a strong relationship between effective software development and the use of Agile processes. Our analysis shows that the job fit of software development professionals and ASD are critical factors for software development project success in terms of cost, quality, stakeholders satisfaction, and time. Although the study focuses on the IT industry of Pakistan, the findings can be generalized easily to other developing IT industries worldwide.
A Study on Finding Partners through Patent Network Analysis of UAM (Urban Air Mobility)
Authors: Ryu ChangHan , Kim SeongKi , Do SungRyong
Published: October 2022

This paper presents an open innovation strategy by identifying the patent impact index and cooperation network through patent analysis for leading companies developing technology in the UAM field. Among companies developing UAM technology, patent analysis was conducted on the leading companies with active patent activities, technology classification was used to match companies by parts, and a technical capability index was utilized to identify the companies. When developing UAM technology in the future, this can help companies seek effective partners to improve competitiveness in technology development. To the best of our knowledge, the work done in this paper is unprecedented, as it suggests methods for patent analysis and verifies them by analyzing the UAM patents with the proposed method.
Unified Simplified Capacity Model for Beam-Column Joints into RC Moment Resisting Frame
Authors: Ramaglia Giancarlo , Lignola Gian Piero , Fabbrocino Francesco , Prota Andrea
Published: October 2022

Seismic vulnerability of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings is strongly influenced by beam-column joints. Horizontal and vertical structural members converge in beam-column joints, as extremely delimited areas where the internal forces in concrete core and reinforcing bars have elevated stress gradients. In order to fully understand the seismic behavior of RC buildings and the related failures of T- and X-shaped beam-column joints (external corner and internal-positioned), an analytical model of RC joint behavior is proposed in a unified and simplified way. The equilibrium equations of cracked joint portions allow the assessment of internal stresses’ evolution at increasing values of column shear forces. In this way, the strength hierarchy is evaluated in terms of capacity for the different potential failure modes. This can drive, as a useful tool for designers, the design of new efficient structures or the assessment of existing ones to occur, with subsequent interventions to move an initial undesired failure mode to a more suitable one. Nearly 500 experimental results of tests available in the literature are compared with the analytical predictions of the proposed model.
Variation Mechanism and Prediction of Soil–Water Characteristic Curve Parameters of Low-Liquid-Limit Silty Clay under Freeze–Thaw Cycles
Authors: Luan Xiaohan , Han Leilei
Published: October 2022

The soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC) is a key input for the numerical simulation of geotechnical engineering. It contains the basic information needed to describe the mechanical behavior of unsaturated soil. In order to study the variation of the SWCC characteristics and its mechanism after the freeze–thaw (F–T) process of low-liquid-limit silty clay in seasonally frozen regions, the SWCC of the soil samples subjected to zero, one, three, five, and seven F–T cycles at three dry densities were measured; then the microstructure was scanned by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze the relationship between the characteristic parameters of the SWCC and the microstructure after F–T cycles. Finally, according to the mathematical law of characteristic parameters, the prediction equation for the parameters of the SWCC considering the F–T cycles was established, which has a suitable fitting effect with the experimental data. The result shows that with the increase in F–T cycles, the air-entry value (AEV) and residual saturation (RS) decrease gradually, while the saturated water content and the moisture-losing rate of the transition section slightly increased. According to the microstructure analysis, it is due to the F–T process that the compacted soil sample has cracks, the entire plate structure is destroyed, and thus the arrangement between the soil particles becomes looser, and the porosity and average pore size increase. This study can provide data support and references for the design of low-liquid-limit silty clay foundation engineering in seasonally freezing regions.
Modelling of Failure Behaviour of 3D-Printed Composite Parts
Authors: Somireddy Madhukar , Czekanski Aleksander , Atre Sundar V.
Published: October 2022

Failure in 3D-printed composite parts is complex due to anisotropic properties, which are mainly governed by printing parameters, printing strategy, and materials. Understanding the failure behaviour of materials is crucial for the design calculations of parts. Effective computational methodologies are yet not available for accurately capturing the failure behaviour of 3D-printed parts. Therefore, we proposed two different computational methodologies for modelling the failure behaviour of 3D-printed parts. 3D-printed parts subjected to uniaxial tensile loading were considered for modelling. In the first method, the computational model employed nonlinear properties of virgin material, and the model predicted higher values than the experimental results. This method provided idealistic nonlinear behaviour of 3D-printed parts. The difference in the results of experimental and computational is significant, especially in the case of 3D-printed composites. In the second method, the computational model utilized nonlinear material data from mechanical testing results and the model predicted accurate nonlinear behaviour of 3D-printed parts. This method provided realistic material behaviour of 3D-printed parts. Therefore, for effective design and analysis, it is suggested to use the latter computational methodology to capture the failure behaviour of 3D-printed parts accurately.
An Optimization Model for a Desert Railway Route Scheme Based on Interval Number and TOPSIS
Authors: Gao Yuxiang , Dong Xiaofeng , Han Feng , Li Zeyu
Published: October 2022

The construction of desert railways inevitably destructs the environment and aggravates the wind–sand damage along the line. A reasonable railway route is an effective measure to avoid blown sand hazards, save construction costs, and reduce environmental damage. Currently, the selection methods for the railway route scheme are to analyze the qualitative indicators and quantitative indicators separately, and there are few decision-making models for the desert railway scheme. Therefore, this study aims to propose a comprehensive quantitative optimization model of the route scheme for the desert railway. Based on the design principles of hazard reduction, the evaluation index system of the desert railway route is first constructed, including railway design factors, wind-blown sand hazard factors, environmental impact factors, and operation condition factors. Subsequently, the subjective weights and objective weights are combined to obtain the comprehensive weights of the index by utilizing the principle of minimum discrimination information. Finally, the interval number is employed to quantify the linguistic fuzzy number of qualitative indicators, and the optimization model of the route scheme for the desert railway is constructed based on the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS). The model is verified using the Minfeng-Yuhu section in the Hotan–Ruoqiang railway as the case study. The achieved results reveal that this model enhances the accuracy and efficiency of the railway scheme decision-making and provides a theoretical basis for the optimal design and sand damage control of the desert railway.
T-Type Vertical Wall for Decoupling and Pattern Correction of Patch Antenna
Authors: Wang Yiying , Zhang Shengfei , Wang Bo , Lan Dun , Yu Xinhua , Mo Jinjun , Kishk Ahmed A.
Published: October 2022

The requirements of 5G/6G promote progress in the miniaturization of the antenna array, which promotes the development of a closely spaced decoupling technique. However, the present techniques face the common problem of beam tilt if the spacing is close. Thus, a pattern-corrected, closely-spaced technique is proposed in this paper for the two patch antennas with the λ0/20 edge-to-edge distance of the H-plane. The corresponding structure, which is inserted at the center of the spacing, consists of a vertical wall with a single substrate and two symmetrical T-type metals, and a slot at the center is reserved to adequately accommodate the vertical wall. The vertical strip at the other end of the T-type metal is connected to the ground of the patch antenna, while the parallel strip is placed exactly above the patch substrate. After an exact analysis, a prototype was fabricated and measured, and the results showed that the measurements agreed well with those of the simulations, the decoupling coefficients in the 5.8 GHz band were below −20 dB, and the measured radiation pattern at 5.81 GHz was corrected to the broadside from 28° and the maximum realized gain was 5.30 dB.
Numerical Simulation of Heat Production and Dissipation of Ventilated Brake Disc for High-Speed Trains under the Action of the Flow Field
Authors: Sha Zhihua , Lu Jiacheng , Hao Qiang , Yin Jian , Liu Yu , Zhang Shengfang
Published: October 2022

For the unique structural characteristics of ventilated brake discs and the complex problem of energy conversion during braking, a calculation method for energy conversion of the ventilated brake disc based on simultaneous heat generation and heat dissipation is proposed. The transient heat transfer model of the ventilated brake disc for high-speed trains is established. Considering the control equations of heat generation–heat dissipation and plate–cylinder convection heat transfer, the virtual simulation of the energy change of the ventilated brake disc during the braking process is carried out. The temperature and stress distribution of contact friction surface and clearance structure of the ventilated brake disc are analysed from the perspective of function conversion. The results show that the heat generated by the ventilated brake disc increases nonlinearly, and the heat dissipated increases linearly. The heat of ventilated brake disc increases with the increase of braking time, but its growth rate decreases continuously. The maximum temperature of the ventilated brake disc is 268 °C, which appears on the friction surface. After braking, its heat is 6.636 × 106 J. The analysis results and methods provide a basis for optimizing the structure of ventilated brake discs.
An Aeromagnetic Compensation Algorithm Based on a Residual Neural Network
Authors: Yu Ping , Bi Fengyi , Jiao Jian , Zhao Xiao , Zhou Shuai , Su Zhenning
Published: October 2022

Aeromagnetic compensation is a crucial step in the processing of aeromagnetic data. The aeromagnetic compensation method based on the linear regression model has poorer fitting capacity than the neural network aeromagnetic compensation algorithm. The existing gradient updating neural network-based aeromagnetic compensation algorithm is subject to the problem that the gradient disappears during the backpropagation process, resulting in poor fitting ability and affecting aeromagnetic compensation accuracy. In this paper, we propose a neural network compensation algorithm with strong fitting ability: residual backpropagation neural network (Res-bp). The algorithm realizes the cross-layer propagation of the gradient through a residual connection so that the network not only preserves the original information but also acquires additional information during training, successfully solving the problem of gradient disappearance and boosting the network’s fitting capacity. The algorithm is applied to the data collected by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to verify its effectiveness. The results show that the improvement ratio is improved compared with the traditional neural network, demonstrating that the algorithm has a significant compensation effect on aeromagnetic interference and improves the quality of aeromagnetic data.
Malicious File Detection Method Using Machine Learning and Interworking with MITRE ATT&CK Framework
Authors: Ahn Gwanghyun , Kim Kookjin , Park Wonhyung , Shin Dongkyoo
Published: October 2022

With advances in cyber threats and increased intelligence, incidents continue to occur related to new ways of using new technologies. In addition, as intelligent and advanced cyberattack technologies gradually increase, the limit of inefficient malicious code detection and analysis has been reached, and inaccurate detection rates for unknown malicious codes are increasing. Thus, this study used a machine learning algorithm to achieve a malicious file detection accuracy of more than 99%, along with a method for visualizing data for the detection of malicious files using the dynamic-analysis-based MITRE ATT&CK framework. The PE malware dataset was classified into Random Forest, Adaboost, and Gradient Boosting models. These models achieved accuracies of 99.3%, 98.4%, and 98.8%, respectively, and malicious file analysis results were derived through visualization by applying the MITRE ATT&CK matrix.
Appropriating Canaanism: Ruth Patir’s Reanimation of Judean Pillar Figurines
Authors: Aldouby Hava
Published: October 2022

This article addresses a body of works by the video artist Ruth Patir, in which Israeli womanhood in the 2020s is interrogated through Iron Age female statuettes, known as Judean Pillar Figurines. By means of motion capture technology and 3D animation, Patir features contemporary Israeli women uncannily moving and speaking through the bodies of millennium-old female figurines, whose history and function are still under debate. In Petah Tikva (2020), Patir situates these hybrid figures in a modern IVF clinic, offering a biopolitical perspective on Israeli society’s compelling maternal impulse. Marry Fuck Kill (2019), in turn, ponders Israeli women’s legitimation of their femininity, across the generational gap between the artist and her mother, here cast in the role of an imposing Iron Age figurine. The paper addresses Patir’s work in both biopolitical and phenomenological terms, arguing that the sensual appeal of the archaeological objects often undermines the videos’ political critique.
Impact of Illegal Application of Urea Regulator on Real-World Exhaust Nitrogen Oxygen and Particle Number Emissions
Authors: Li Jingyuan , Fang Maodong , Yang Zhiwen , Lv Zongyan , Wei Ning , Yan Fuwu , Mao Hongjun
Published: October 2022

Urea regulators (UR) have generally been employed against diesel trucks to save urea usage and thus contribute to the reduction in excessive emissions, while their usage is generally difficult to supervise and enforce. By conducting real driving emission measurements on a China IV heavy-duty diesel truck, a “trade-off” effect caused by UR was found between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particle number (PN) emissions. The usage of UR contributes to 1.04 times higher NOx but 0.28 times lower PN emissions for the whole trip. In particular, the increasing effects on NOx are most efficient on the highway and least effectual on the urban road, while the decreasing effects on PN exhibit an opposite trend under different road types. From low- and medium- to the high-speed bin, the peak average vehicle-specific power NOx emission rates exhibit markedly increasing but slightly decreasing trends for the truck with and without UR, respectively. Furthermore, the NOx emissions in units of CO2 and the linear correlational relationship between CO2 and NOx instantaneous mass emission rates, especially those on the highway, are significantly enhanced. This study directly clarifies the effects of UR on real-world emissions, providing a scientific basis for the real-time identification of the malfunction of the selective catalytic reduction system.
Study on Surface Characteristic Parameters and Surface Energy Exchange in Eastern Edge of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chang Na , Li Maoshan , Gong Ming , Xu Pei , Ma Yaoming , Sun Fanglin , Yang Yaoxian
Published: October 2022

Mount Emei is located on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, on the transition zone between the main body of the Tibetan Plateau and the Sichuan Basin in China. It is not only the necessary place for the eastward movement of the plateau system but also the place where the southwest vortex begins to develop. Its special geographical location makes it particularly important to understand the turbulence characteristics and surface energy balance of this place. Based on the Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) tower data, radiation observation data and surface flux data of Mount Emei station on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau from December 2019 to February 2022, the components of surface equilibrium are estimated by the eddy correlation method and Thermal Diffusion Equation and Correction (TDEC) method, the characteristics of surface energy exchange in the Mount Emei area are analyzed, and the aerodynamic and thermodynamic parameters are estimated. The results show that the annual average value of zero-plane displacement d is 10.45 m, the annual average values of aerodynamic roughness Z0m and aerothermal roughness Z0h are 1.61 and 1.67 m, respectively, and the annual average values of momentum flux transport coefficient CD and sensible heat flux transport coefficient CH are 1.58×10−2 and 3.79×10−3, respectively. The dimensionless vertical wind fluctuation variance in the Mount Emei area under unstable conditions can better conform to the 1/3rd power law of the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory, while the dimensionless horizontal wind fluctuation variance under unstable lamination and the dimensionless 3D wind fluctuation variance under stable condition does not conform to this law. In the near-neutral case, the dimensionless velocity variance in the vertical direction in this area is 1.314. The daytime dominance of sensible and latent heat fluxes varied seasonally, with latent heat fluxes dominating in summer and sensible heat transport dominating in winter. he surface albedo of Mount Emei in four seasons is between 0.04 and 0.08. The surface albedo in summer and autumn is higher than that in Mount Emei. The influence of the underlying surface on surface reflectance is much greater than other factors, such as altitude, longitude and latitude. The non-closure phenomenon is significant in the Mount Emei area. The energy closure rates before and after considering canopy thermal storage are 46% and 48%, respectively. The possible reason for the energy non-closure in this area is that the influence of horizontal advection and vertical advection on the energy closure is not considered.
Diagnostics of Argon Plasma Using Reliable Electron-Impact Excitation Cross Sections of Ar and Ar+
Authors: Shukla Neelam , Gangwar Reetesh Kumar , Srivastava Rajesh
Published: October 2022

Comprehensive collisional radiative (CR) models have been developed for the diagnostic of argon plasma using Ar and Ar+ emission lines. The present CR models consist of 42 and 114 fine-structure levels of Ar and Ar+, respectively. Various populating and depopulating mechanisms are incorporated in the model. A complete set of electron-impact fine-structure resolved excitation cross-sections for different excited levels in Ar and Ar+ are used, which are obtained by employing relativistic distorted wave theory. Along with this, the electron-impact ionization, radiation trapping, diffusion, and three-body recombination are also considered. Further, to demonstrate the applicability of the present CR model, we applied it to characterize the Helicon-plasma utilizing the optical emission spectroscopy measurements. The key plasma parameters, such as electron density and electron temperature, are obtained using their measured Ar and Ar+ emission line intensities. Our results are in reasonable agreement with their anticipated estimates. The matching of our calculated intensities of the different Ar and Ar+ lines shows excellent agreement with the measured intensities at various powers.
In Memoriam: David Mark Baguley
Authors: McFerran Don , McKenna Laurence
Published: October 2022

Reverend Professor David (Dave) Mark Baguley, audiologist, hearing scientist, tinnitus clinician, educator, and Church of England priest, died suddenly and unexpectedly in Nottingham, UK on 11 June 2022, at the age of 61 (Figure 1) [...]
Exploration of Data Fusion Strategies Using Principal Component Analysis and Multiple Factor Analysis
Authors: Mafata Mpho , Brand Jeanne , Kidd Martin , Medvedovici Andrei , Buica Astrid
Published: October 2022

In oenology, statistical analyses are used for descriptive purposes, mostly with separate sensory and chemistry data sets. Cases that combine them are mostly supervised, usually seeking to optimize discrimination, classification, or prediction power. Unsupervised methods are used as preliminary steps to achieving success in supervised models. However, there is potential for unsupervised methods to combine different data sets into comprehensive, information-rich models. This study detailed stepwise strategies for creating data fusion models using unsupervised techniques at different levels. Principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple factor analysis (MFA) were used to combine five data blocks (four chemistry and one sensory). The model efficiency and configurational similarity were evaluated using eigenvalues and regression vector (RV) coefficients, respectively. The MFA models were less efficient than PCA, having gradual distributions of eigenvalues across model dimensions. The MFA models were more representative than PCA, as indicated by high RV coefficients between MFA and each individual block. Therefore, MFA approaches were better suited for multi-modal data than PCA. This work approached data fusion systematically and showed the type of decisions that must be made and how to evaluate their consequences. Proper integration of data sets, instead of concatenation, is an important aspect to consider in multi-modal data fusion.
Effect of Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin with a Nano-Hydroxyapatite Bone Graft on the Treatment of a Grade II Furcation Defect
Authors: Nair Uma P. , Shivamurthy Ravindra , Nagate Raghavendra Reddy , Chaturvedi Saurabh , Al-Qahtani Saad M. , Magbol Mohammad Al , Gokhale Shankar T. , Tikare Shreyas , Chaturvedi Mudita
Published: October 2022

Background: Periodontal diseases lead to bone loss, crestal defects and even loss of the tooth, which also further makes it difficult to replace the tooth. Autogenous bone grafts are considered the gold standard in bone regenerative procedures. This study aimed to compare and evaluate the bone regenerative effects of i-PRF (Injectable- Platelet-rich fibrin) with a bone graft and a bone graft alone in mandibular grade II furcation defects over a period of 9 months. Method: This was a comparative study of 12 participants, who were randomly selected and grouped into two groups: test and control. Following phase I therapy, both groups were subjected to open flap debridement. In the test group, after debridement, a nano-hydroxyapatite bone graft mixed with i-PRF was inserted, whereas in the control group only a nano-hydroxyapatite bone graft was inserted. The clinical parameters such as plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), pocket probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), horizontal probing depth (HPD) and vertical probing depth (VPD) were recorded at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 9 months following the surgery. The bone area fill (BAF) was assessed using intraoral periapical radiographs (IOPARs) taken at baseline and 9 months after surgery. Results: At the baseline, there was no statistically significant difference between the tested parameters. After 9 months all the clinical parameters, PI, GI, PPD, CAL, HPD and VPD as well as radiographic bone fill showed a significant increase in both the groups (p < 0.05) (PI-TGr; CGr–VPD—3.5 ± 0.54 to 0.66 ± 0.51; 3.3 ± 0.81 to 2 ± 0.63/BAF—2.9 ± 0.88 to 5.6 ± 1.10; 3.4 ± 1.39 to 3.9 ± 1.4). On comparison the test group showed better results for each clinical parameter. Conclusion: The results showed increased improvement in clinical conditions in both groups, although better results were seen in the group where i-PRF with a nano-HA bone graft was used in the furcation defect.
Factors Affecting Shark Detection from Drone Patrols in Southeast Queensland, Eastern Australia
Authors: Mitchell Jonathan D. , Scott-Holland Tracey B. , Butcher Paul A.
Published: October 2022

Drones enable the monitoring for sharks in real-time, enhancing the safety of ocean users with minimal impact on marine life. Yet, the effectiveness of drones for detecting sharks (especially potentially dangerous sharks; i.e., white shark, tiger shark, bull shark) has not yet been tested at Queensland beaches. To determine effectiveness, it is necessary to understand how environmental and operational factors affect the ability of drones to detect sharks. To assess this, we utilised data from the Queensland SharkSmart drone trial, which operated at five southeast Queensland beaches for 12 months in 2020–2021. The trial conducted 3369 flights, covering 1348 km and sighting 174 sharks (48 of which were >2 m in length). Of these, eight bull sharks and one white shark were detected, leading to four beach evacuations. The shark sighting rate was 3% when averaged across all beaches, with North Stradbroke Island (NSI) having the highest sighting rate (17.9%) and Coolum North the lowest (0%). Drone pilots were able to differentiate between key shark species, including white, bull and whaler sharks, and estimate total length of the sharks. Statistical analysis indicated that location, the sighting of other fauna, season and flight number (proxy for time of day) influenced the probability of sighting sharks.
Automatic Cell Type Annotation Using Marker Genes for Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Data
Authors: Chen Yu , Zhang Shuqin
Published: October 2022

Recent advancement in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology is gaining more and more attention. Cell type annotation plays an essential role in scRNA-seq data analysis. Several computational methods have been proposed for automatic annotation. Traditional cell type annotation is to first cluster the cells using unsupervised learning methods based on the gene expression profiles, then to label the clusters using the aggregated cluster-level expression profiles and the marker genes’ information. Such procedure relies heavily on the clustering results. As the purity of clusters cannot be guaranteed, false detection of cluster features may lead to wrong annotations. In this paper, we improve this procedure and propose an Automatic Cell type Annotation Method (ACAM). ACAM delineates a clear framework to conduct automatic cell annotation through representative cluster identification, representative cluster annotation using marker genes, and the remaining cells’ classification. Experiments on seven real datasets show the better performance of ACAM compared to six well-known cell type annotation methods.
Type I Interferon Receptor Subunit 1 Deletion Attenuates Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation
Authors: Shoji Takahiro , Guo Jia , Ge Yingbin , Li Yankui , Li Gang , Ikezoe Toru , Wang Wei , Zheng Xiaoya , Zhao Sihai , Fujimura Naoki , Huang Jianhua , Xu Baohui , Dalman Ronald L.
Published: October 2022

Objective: Type I interferon receptor signaling contributes to several autoimmune and vascular diseases such as lupus, atherosclerosis and stroke. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of type I interferon receptor deficiency on the formation and progression of experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Methods: AAAs were induced in type I interferon receptor subunit 1 (IFNAR1)-deficient and wild type control male mice via intra-infrarenal aortic infusion of porcine pancreatic elastase. Immunostaining for IFNAR1 was evaluated in experimental and clinical aneurysmal abdominal aortae. The initiation and progression of experimental AAAs were assessed via ultrasound imaging prior to (day 0) and days 3, 7 and 14 following elastase infusion. Aneurysmal histopathology was analyzed at sacrifice. Results: Increased aortic medial and adventitial IFNAR1 expression was present in both clinical AAAs harvested at surgery and experimental AAAs. Following AAA induction, wild type mice experienced progressive, time-dependent infrarenal aortic enlargement. This progression was substantially attenuated in IFNAR1-deficient mice. On histological analyses, medial elastin degradation, smooth muscle cell depletion, leukocyte accumulation and neoangiogenesis were markedly diminished in IFNAR1-deficient mice in comparison to wild type mice. Conclusion: IFNAR1 deficiency limited experimental AAA progression in response to intra-aortic elastase infusion. Combined with clinical observations, these results suggest an important role for IFNAR1 activity in AAA pathogenesis.
Micro RNAs—The Small Big Players in Hepatitis E Virus Infection: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Golkocheva-Markova Elitsa
Published: October 2022

The molecular mechanism of hepatitis E virus (HEV) pathology is still unclear. The micro RNAs (miRNAs), of host or viral origin, interfere with virus replication and host environment in order to create an appropriate condition for the production of mature HEV progeny. Understanding the biogenesis and the interference of miRNAs with HEV will help to revile the mechanism of viral pathogenesis.
Redox Impact on Bacterial Macromolecule: A Promising Avenue for Discovery and Development of Novel Antibacterials
Authors: Aribisala Jamiu Olaseni , Sabiu Saheed
Published: October 2022

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria has remained a serious public health concern, resulting in substantial deaths and morbidity each year. Factors such as mutation and abuse of currently available antibiotics have contributed to the bulk of the menace. Hence, the introduction and implementation of new therapeutic strategies are imperative. Of these strategies, data supporting the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in bacterial lethality are intriguing, with several antimicrobials, including antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones, β-lactams, and aminoglycosides, as well as natural plant compounds, being remarkably implicated. Following treatment with ROS-inducing antimicrobials, ROS such as O2•−, •OH, and H2O2 generated in bacteria, which the organism is unable to detoxify, damage cellular macromolecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids and results in cell death. Despite the unique mechanism of action of ROS-inducing antibacterials and significant studies on ROS-mediated means of bacterial killing, the field remains a topical one, with contradicting viewpoints that require frequent review. Here, we appraised the antibacterial agents (antibiotics, natural and synthetic compounds) implicated in ROS generation and the safety concerns associated with their usage. Further, background information on the sources and types of ROS in bacteria, the mechanism of bacterial lethality via oxidative stress, as well as viewpoints on the ROS hypothesis undermining and solidifying this concept are discussed.
Cardioprotective Effect of Taxifolin against Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiac Injury through Decreasing Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Cell Death, and Activating Nrf2/HO-1 in Mice
Authors: Obeidat Heba M. , Althunibat Osama Y. , Alfwuaires Manal A. , Aladaileh Saleem H. , Algefare Abdulmohsen I. , Almuqati Afaf F. , Alasmari Fawaz , Aldal’in Hammad Khalifeh , Alanezi Abdulkareem A. , Alsuwayt Bader , Abukhalil Mohammad H.
Published: October 2022

Oxidative stress and inflammation are key components in cardiovascular diseases and heart dysfunction. Herein, we evaluated the protective effects of (+)-taxifolin (TAX), a potent flavonoid with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, on myocardial oxidative tissue injury, inflammation, and cell death, using a mouse model of isoproterenol (ISO)-induced acute myocardial injury. Mice were given TAX (25 and 50 mg/kg, orally) for 14 days before receiving two subsequent injections of ISO (100 mg/kg, s.c.) at an interval of 24 h on the 15th and 16th days. The ISO-induced cardiac tissue injury was evidenced by increased serum creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), along with several histopathological changes. The ISO also induced increased malondialdehyde (MDA) with concomitant declined myocardial glutathione level and antioxidant enzymes activities. Moreover, ISO-induced heart injury was accompained with elevated cardiac NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β, Bax, and caspase-3, as well as decreased Bcl-2, Nrf2, and HO-1. Remarkably, TAX reduced the severity of cardiac injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death, while enhancing antioxidants, Bcl-2, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in ISO-injected mice. In conclusion, TAX protects against ISO-induced acute myocardial injury via activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and attenuating the oxidative tissue injury and key regulators of inflammatory response and apoptosis. Thus, our findings imply that TAX may constitute a new cardioprotective therapy against acute MI, which undoubtedly deserves further exploration in upcoming human trials.
Optimization of Ultrahigh-Throughput Screening Assay for Protein Engineering of d-Allulose 3-Epimerase
Authors: Liu Zhanzhi , Liu Shuhan , Jia Jingyi , Wang Liuxin , Wang Feng , Pan Xiaoyue , Wu Jing , Chen Sheng
Published: October 2022

d-Allulose is the corresponding epimer of d-fructose at the C-3 position, which exhibits a similar taste and sweetness to sucrose. As a low-calorie sweetener, d-allulose has broad application prospects in the fields of medicine, food, and so on. Currently, the production method of d-allulose is mainly the enzymatic conversion of d-fructose by d-allulose 3-epimerase (DAEase). However, the limited specific activity and thermal stability of DAEase restrict its industrial application. Herein, an ultrahigh-throughput screening assay based on the transcription factor PsiR was extensively optimized from the aspects of culture medium components, screening plasmid, and expression host, which enhanced the correction between the fluorescent readout and the enzyme activity. Then, the error-prone PCR (epPCR) library of Clostridium cellulolyticum H10 DAEase (CcDAEase) was screened through the above optimized method, and the variant I228V with improved specific activity and thermal stability was obtained. Moreover, after combining two beneficial substitutions, D281G and C289R, which were previously obtained by this optimized assay, the specific activity of the triple-mutation variant I228V/D281G/C289R reached up to 1.42-fold of the wild type (WT), while its half-life (T1/2) at 60 °C was prolonged by 62.97-fold. The results confirmed the feasibility of the optimized screening assay as a powerful tool for the directed evolution of DAEase.
Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model for the Effects of Phytochemicals on Mitochondria and Aging
Authors: Schmitt Fabian , Eckert Gunter P.
Published: October 2022

The study of aging is an important topic in contemporary research. Considering the demographic changes and the resulting shifts towards an older population, it is of great interest to preserve youthful physiology in old age. For this endeavor, it is necessary to choose an appropriate model. One such model is the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), which has a long tradition in aging research. In this review article, we explore the advantages of using the nematode model in aging research, focusing on bioenergetics and the study of secondary plant metabolites that have interesting implications during this process. In the first section, we review the situation of aging research today. Conventional theories and hypotheses about the ongoing aging process will be presented and briefly explained. The second section focuses on the nematode C. elegans and its utility in aging and nutrition research. Two useful genome editing methods for monitoring genetic interactions (RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9) are presented. Due to the mitochondria’s influence on aging, we also introduce the possibility of observing bioenergetics and respiratory phenomena in C. elegans. We then report on mitochondrial conservation between vertebrates and invertebrates. Here, we explain why the nematode is a suitable model for the study of mitochondrial aging. In the fourth section, we focus on phytochemicals and their applications in contemporary nutritional science, with an emphasis on aging research. As an emerging field of science, we conclude this review in the fifth section with several studies focusing on mitochondrial research and the effects of phytochemicals such as polyphenols. In summary, the nematode C. elegans is a suitable model for aging research that incorporates the mitochondrial theory of aging. Its living conditions in the laboratory are optimal for feeding studies, thus enabling bioenergetics to be observed during the aging process.
Use of an Acellular Assay to Study Interactions between Actinides and Biological or Synthetic Ligands
Authors: Van der Meeren Anne , Berthomieu Catherine , Moureau Agnès , Defrance Martine , Griffiths Nina M.
Published: October 2022

Speciation of actinides, and more particularly bioligand-binding ability, influences in vivo behavior. Understanding these interactions is essential for estimation of radiological dose and improvement of decorporation strategies for accidentally contaminated victims. Because the handling of actinides imposes overwhelming difficulties, in vitro assays carried out in physiological conditions are lacking and data regarding such interactions are scarce. In this study, we used a bi-compartmental and dynamic assay, providing physiological conditions (presence of inorganic ions, pH, temperature) to explore interactions between the actinides plutonium (Pu) and americium (Am) and endogenous (proteins transferrin and ferritin) or exogenous ligands (the chelating agent diethylenetriaminpentaacetic acid, DTPA). In this assay, an agarose gel represents the retention compartment of actinides and a dynamic fluid phase, the transfer compartment. The proportion of actinides transferred from static to dynamic phase reflects interactions between Pu/Am and various ligands. The results show differences in the formation of actinide-protein or actinide-DTPA complexes in physiologically relevant media depending on which ligand is present and where. We observed differential behavior for Pu and Am similar to in vivo studies. Thus, our assay may be used to determine the ability of various actinides to interact with specific proteins or with drug candidates for decorporation in complex physiologically relevant environments.
Amniotic Suspension Allograft for Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Gupta Ashim
Published: October 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an immensely pervasive joint disorder—typically concerning large weight-bearing joints—affecting over 30 million people in the United States, with this number predicted to reach 67 million by 2030 [...]
Sleep Bruxism Contributes to Motor Activity Increase during Sleep in Apneic and Nonapneic Patients—A Polysomnographic Study
Authors: Wieczorek Tomasz , Michałek-Zrąbkowska Monika , Więckiewicz Mieszko , Mazur Grzegorz , Rymaszewska Joanna , Smardz Joanna , Wojakowska Anna , Martynowicz Helena
Published: October 2022

Background: Jaw motor activity (MA) in sleep bruxism (SB) has been demonstrated to accompany lower limb movements. However, it remains unknown whether SB activity coexists with other types of movements and what the possible underlying mechanisms of such temporal coexistence are. In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), increased movement activity is also reported, including SB activity; however, no studies have compared MA in apneic and nonapneic SB patients. Aim: This cross-sectional study focused on the phenomenon of “big body movements” in patients with either SB or OSA (or both) and intended to identify the primary factors contributing to their appearance, using polysomnography (PSG) recording. Methods: A whole-night videoPSG was carried out in 287 participants, and 124 apneic and 146 nonapneic participants were selected for the study. In both groups, participants were further divided into no SB, moderate SB, and severe SB (SSB) subgroups based on their bruxism episode index (BEI). MA was recorded using a built-in sensor of the central PSG unit located on the participant’s chest during the examination. Results: The presence of SB was related to the higher intensity of MA in both apneic and nonapneic participants, though in general the MA level was higher in apneic participants, with the highest level observed in SSB apneic participants. Conclusions: SB might contribute to MA. The prevalence of SB might be higher in nonapneic patients due to phasic and mixed SB activity, whereas the SB phenotype seems to be less relevant in apneic patients. SB activity is likely to increase MA in non-REM 1 sleep.
Open Source Repository and Online Calculator of Prediction Models for Diagnosis and Prognosis in Oncology
Authors: Halilaj Iva , Oberije Cary , Chatterjee Avishek , van Wijk Yvonka , Rad Nastaran Mohammadian , Galganebanduge Prabash , Lavrova Elizaveta , Primakov Sergey , Widaatalla Yousif , Wind Anke , Lambin Philippe
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: The main aim was to develop a prototype application that would serve as an open-source repository for a curated subset of predictive and prognostic models regarding oncology, and provide a user-friendly interface for the included models to allow online calculation. The focus of the application is on providing physicians and health professionals with patient-specific information regarding treatment plans, survival rates, and side effects for different expected treatments. (2) Methods: The primarily used models were the ones developed by our research group in the past. This selection was completed by a number of models, addressing the same cancer types but focusing on other outcomes that were selected based on a literature search in PubMed and Medline databases. All selected models were publicly available and had been validated TRIPOD (Transparent Reporting of studies on prediction models for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis) type 3 or 2b. (3) Results: The open source repository currently incorporates 18 models from different research groups, evaluated on datasets from different countries. Model types included logistic regression, Cox regression, and recursive partition analysis (decision trees). (4) Conclusions: An application was developed to enable physicians to complement their clinical judgment with user-friendly patient-specific predictions using models that have received internal/external validation. Additionally, this platform enables researchers to display their work, enhancing the use and exposure of their models.
Prior Cancer Is Associated with Lower Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk at First Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Koo Chieh Yang , Zheng Huili , Tan Li Ling , Foo Ling-Li , Hausenloy Derek J. , Chng Wee-Joo , Lee Soo Chin , Richards Arthur Mark , Ling Lieng-Hsi , Lim Shir Lynn , Lee Chi-Hang , Chan Mark Y.
Published: October 2022

Background: Patients with cancer are at increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It is unclear if the Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) risk score at incident AMI is reflective of this higher risk in patients with prior cancer than those without. Methods: We linked nationwide AMI and cancer registries from 2008 to 2019. A total of 18,200 eligible patients with ASCVD risk score calculated at incident AMI were identified (1086 prior cancer; 17,114 no cancer). Results: At incident AMI, age-standardized mean ASCVD risk was lower in the prior cancer group (18.6%) than no cancer group (20.9%) (p < 0.001). Prior to incident AMI, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus were better controlled in the prior cancer group. However post-AMI, prior cancer was associated with lower guideline-directed medical therapy usage and higher all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.85, 95% confidence interval 1.66–2.07). Conclusions: AMI occurred despite better control of cardiovascular risk factors and lower age-standardized estimated mean 10-year ASCVD risk among patients with prior cancer than no cancer. Prior cancer was associated with lower guideline-directed medical therapy post-AMI and higher mortality.
A Paper-Based Electrochemical Sensor Based on PtNP/COFTFPB−DHzDS@rGO for Sensitive Detection of Furazolidone
Authors: Chen Rongfang , Peng Xia , Song Yonghai , Du Yan
Published: October 2022

Herein, a paper-based electrochemical sensor based on PtNP/COFTFPB−DHzDS@rGO was developed for the sensitive detection of furazolidone. A cluster-like covalent organic framework (COFTFPB−DHzDS) was successfully grown on the surface of amino-functional reduced graphene oxide (rGO-NH2) to avoid serious self-aggregation, which was further loaded with platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) with high catalytic activity as nanozyme to obtain PtNP/COFTFPB−DHzDS@rGO nanocomposites. The morphology of PtNP/COFTFPB−DHzDS@rGO nanocomposites was characterized, and the results showed that the smooth rGO surface became extremely rough after the modification of COFTFPB−DHzDS. Meanwhile, ultra-small PtNPs with sizes of around 1 nm were precisely anchored on COFTFPB−DHzDS to maintain their excellent catalytic activity. The conventional electrodes were used to detect furazolidone and showed a detection limit as low as 5 nM and a linear range from 15 nM to 110 μM. In contrast, the detection limit for the paper-based electrode was 0.23 μM, and the linear range was 0.69–110 μM. The results showed that the paper-based electrode can be used to detect furazolidone. This sensor is a potential candidate for the detection of furazolidone residue in human serum and fish samples.