bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on the Impact Dynamics of Cylindrical Baffles with a Rigid Barrier against Debris Flows
Authors: Kim Beom-Jun , Kim Dolla , Yune Chan-Young
Published: August 2022

The use of baffle arrays behind a rigid barrier is an effective method to reduce impact force by dissipating flow energy with filtering boulders from debris flows. To prevent structural damage of the rigid barrier, appropriate configurations of the baffle arrays are needed; however, design guidelines for the geometric construction of baffle arrays have not yet been proposed. One of the major challenges in designing multiple structures (baffles and a rigid barrier, etc.) is to set up a framework for a safe and economical design. The flow–structure interaction and impact force of debris flows on a rigid barrier are affected by the configuration of baffles installed behind the rigid barrier. In this study, to evaluate the flow behavior and the dynamic impact force on the terminal barrier after the flow has passed through the baffle arrays, we conducted a series of small-scale flume tests under various baffle heights and a number of rows. The test results revealed that the installation of baffles reduced the run-up height and the impact force on the terminal rigid barrier. The flow impedance induced by baffles had a significant influence on the dissipation of the kinetic energy of debris flows. Moreover, additional baffle rows produced a greater reduction in the run-up and impact force by decreasing debris flow and boulder mobility.
Electromagnetic Control and Dynamics of Generalized Burgers’ Nanoliquid Flow Containing Motile Microorganisms with Cattaneo–Christov Relations: Galerkin Finite Element Mechanism
Authors: Shahzad Faisal , Jamshed Wasim , Sajid Tanveer , Shamshuddin MD. , Safdar Rabia , Salawu S. O. , Eid Mohamed R. , Hafeez Muhammad Bilal , Krawczuk Marek
Published: August 2022

In our research work, we have developed a model describing the characteristics of the bio-convection and moving microorganisms in the flows of a magnetized generalized Burgers’ nanoliquid with Fourier’s and Fick’s laws in a stretchable sheet. Considerations have been made to Cattaneo–Christov mass and heat diffusion theory. According to the Cattaneo–Christov relation, the Buongiorno phenomenon for the motion of a nanoliquid in the generalized Burgers’ fluid has also been applied. Similarity transformations have been used to convert the control system of the regulating partial differential equations (PDEs) into ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The COMSOL software has been applied to obtain mathematical results of non-linear equations via the Galerkin finite element method (G-FEM). Logical and graphical measurements for temperature, velocity, and microorganisms analysis have also been examined. Moreover, nanoparticle concentrations have been achieved by examining different approximations of obvious physical parameters. Computations of this model show that there is a direct relationship among the temperature field and thermal Biot number and parameter of the generalized Burgers’ fluid. The temperature field is increased to grow the approximations of the thermal Biot number and parameter of generalized Burgers’ fluid. It is reasonable to deduce that raising the chemical reaction parameter and concentricity relaxation parameter or decreasing the Prandtl number, concentricity Biot quantity, and active energy parameter can significantly increase the nanoparticles concentration dispersion.
Double Deep Q-Network with Dynamic Bootstrapping for Real-Time Isolated Signal Control: A Traffic Engineering Perspective
Authors: Zheng Qiming , Xu Hongfeng , Chen Jingyun , Zhang Dong , Zhang Kun , Tang Guolei
Published: August 2022

Real-time isolated signal control (RISC) at an intersection is of interest in the field of traffic engineering. Energizing RISC with reinforcement learning (RL) is feasible and necessary. Previous studies paid less attention to traffic engineering considerations and under-utilized traffic expertise to construct RL tasks. This study profiles the single-ring RISC problem from the perspective of traffic engineers, and improves a prevailing RL method for solving it. By qualitative applicability analysis, we choose double deep Q-network (DDQN) as the basic method. A single agent is deployed for an intersection. Reward is defined with vehicle departures to properly encourage and punish the agent’s behavior. The action is to determine the remaining green time for the current vehicle phase. State is represented in a grid-based mode. To update action values in time-varying environments, we present a temporal-difference algorithm TD(Dyn) to perform dynamic bootstrapping with the variable interval between actions selected. To accelerate training, we propose a data augmentation based on intersection symmetry. Our improved DDQN, termed D3ynQN, is subject to the signal timing constraints in engineering. The experiments at a close-to-reality intersection indicate that, by means of D3ynQN and non-delay-based reward, the agent acquires useful knowledge to significantly outperform a fully-actuated control technique in reducing average vehicle delay.
Research on Influence of Tank Sloshing on Ship Motion Response under Different Wavelengths
Authors: Fan Xinsheng , Hu Zhenhong , Zheng Xing
Published: August 2022

The motion of the liquid-carrying ship under waves is simultaneously affected by the external wave moment and the sloshing moment of the internal tank, which makes the motion of the ship more complicated. In order to explore the influence of tank sloshing on the ship motion response, the motion of the ship model with tanks at different wavelengths were simulated based on the CFD software. This paper is based on the finite volume method (FVM) to solve the RANS (Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes) equation for numerical simulation, and the VOF (volume of fluid) method was used to capture the free surface. Using the VOF method, it is necessary to ensure that the mesh at the free surface is sufficiently fine. Based on the above conditions, the pitching motion and rolling motion of the liquid carrier in the head sea condition and the transverse wave condition were simulated, respectively. The results showed that the sloshing of the tank has little influence on the pitching motion but has a greater influence on the rolling motion. When the liquid loading rates were 0, 0.8, 0.9, and 0.98, the pitch angle changes of the ship under different wavelengths were basically the same. However, when the liquid loading rates were 0, 0.4, and 0.8, the roll angle of the ship varied greatly under different wavelengths. By simulating the roll free decay motion of the liquid carrier (the loading rates were 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 0.98), it was found that the essence of the sloshing effect of the tank is to change the amplitude of the ship’s rolling motion by changing the natural frequency of the ship’s rolling motion. The closer the incident wave frequency is to the natural frequency of the roll of the liquid carrier, the greater the roll amplitude of the ship.
Building Better Digital Twins for Production Systems by Incorporating Environmental Related Functions—Literature Analysis and Determining Alternatives
Authors: Popescu Daniela , Dragomir Mihai , Popescu Sorin , Dragomir Diana
Published: August 2022

The digital twin solution is an industry 4.0 specific tool that has grown in the past decade, stemming from the modelling and simulation approaches that existed before, complemented by new sensor capabilities, cloud processing, big data analytics, and implementation mechanisms. As it is being used mostly in the present by manufacturing companies, the primary focus of the solution is to enhance productivity and reduce costs by optimizing processes and enabling real-time problem-solving, sometimes based on decision-making systems and artificial intelligence. However, as companies are being faced with an increasingly steep list of environmental requirements and regulations, ranging from the classical pollution control and waste recycling to full-scale economic models based on circular economy and transformative carbon dioxide elimination programs, the features of the manufacturing digital twins must also evolve to provide an appropriate answer to these challenges. In this paper, the authors propose a framework for building better digital twins for production systems by incorporating environmental-related functions. The demarches start from analysing existing solutions presented in literature from the point of view of environmental suitability, based on the use of the MoSCoW method for differentiating attributes (into Must have, Should have, Could have, Will not have elements) and determining development alternatives based on the employment of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) for feature selection, and the TRIZ method (Theory of Inventive Problem-Solving) for application guidelines. The MCDA was performed within a focus group of nine production specialists from regionally successful sectors. We arrive at the conclusion that environmental-related functions are poorly implemented in the digital twins of the present (although more so in integrated solutions and custom-built applications) and that the development of the proper tools, databases, and interpretation keys should proceed immediately in the fields of production engineering, industrial ecology, and software development to support them.
Variability in the Statistical Properties of Continuous Seismic Records on a Network of Stations and Strong Earthquakes: A Case Study from the Kamchatka Peninsula, 2011–2021
Authors: Kopylova Galina , Kasimova Victoriya , Lyubushin Alexey , Boldina Svetlana
Published: August 2022

A study of spatiotemporal variability and synchronization effects in continuous seismic records (seismic noise) on a network of 21 broadband seismic stations on the Kamchatka Peninsula was carried out in connection with the occurrence of strong earthquakes, M = 7.2–8.3. Data of 1-min registrations of the vertical movements velocity Earth’s surface were used for constructing time series of daily values of the generalized Hurst exponent α*, singularity spectrum support width ∆α, wavelet-based spectral exponent β, and minimum normalized entropy of squared orthogonal wavelet coefficients En for all stations during the observation period 2011–2021. Averaged maps and time-frequency diagrams of the spectral measure of four noise parameters’ coherent behavior were constructed using data from the entire network of stations and by groups of stations taking into account network configuration, volcanic activity and coastal sea waves. Based on the distribution maps of noise parameters, it was found that strong earthquakes arose near extensive areas of the minimum values of α*, ∆α, β, and the En maximum values advance manifestation during several years. The time-frequency diagrams revealed increased amplitudes of the spectral measure of the coherent behavior of the 4-dimensional time series (synchronization effects) before three earthquakes with Mw = 7.5–8.3 over months to about one year according to observations from the entire network of stations, as well as according to data obtained at groups of continental and non-volcanic stations. A less-pronounced manifestation of coherence effects diagrams plotted from data obtained at coastal and volcanic groups of stations and is apparently associated with the noisiness in seismic records caused by coastal waves and signals of modern volcanic activity. The considered synchronization effects correspond to the author’s conceptual model of seismic noise behavior in preparation of strong earthquakes and data from other regions and can also be useful for medium-term estimates of the place and time of seismic events with Mw ≥ 7.5 in the Kamchatka.
Performative Structural Design Optimization: Generative Algorithm for a Preliminary Study of a Voided Beam
Authors: Sardone Laura , Fiore Alessandra , Manuello Amedeo , Greco Rita
Published: August 2022

In the world of structural design, in most cases, there is a need to control the shape of structural elements and—at the same time—the performance that each one can achieve. With the evolution of structural analysis tools, nowadays it is possible not only to have an immediate investigation of the structure’s performance, but also to search for the best shape by imposing geometric constraints. The aim of this paper is to present an innovative methodology called the performative structural design optimization (PSDO) method, based on the use of algorithm-aided design (AAD). The proposed approach deals with an emptied voided beam; starting from the parameterization of a large-span beam, the search method for the most performing shape is accomplished by multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs). The obtained results are characterized by a double optimization: the structure achieved by the hypervolume estimation algorithm for multi-objective optimization (HypE Reduction) (OCTOPUS) represents the starting shape for the application of form-finding, giving so the possibility to obtain different feasible solutions from a single study and to choose the best one in terms of structural behavior.
Research on Map-SLAM Fusion Localization Algorithm for Unmanned Vehicle
Authors: Li Shuguang , Li Zhenxu , Liu Xinxin , Shan Chunxiang , Zhao Yang , Cheng Hong
Published: August 2022

Vision-based localization techniques and detection technologies are key algorithms for the localization and navigation of unmanned vehicles. Especially in scenarios where GPS signals are missing, Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) techniques that rely on vision, inertial navigation system (INS) and other sensors have important applications. Among them, vision combined with the IMU SLAM system has the advantage of realistic scale, which is lacking in monocular vision and computational power compared to multi-visual vision, so it is suitable for application in an unmanned vehicle system. In this paper, we propose a fusion localization algorithm that combines a visual-inertial SLAM system and map road information, processing road information in a map under structured roads, and detecting lane lines and locating its local position by a monocular camera, applying a strategy of position prediction and update for map-SLAM fusion localization. It solves the problem of accumulating errors in a pure SLAM system without loopback and provides accurate global-local positioning results for unmanned vehicle positioning and navigation.
Preventive Effect of Epigallocatechin Gallate, the Main Component of Green Tea, on Acute Lung Injury Caused by Air Pollutants
Authors: Tanaka Ken-Ichiro , Nakaguchi Shunsuke , Shiota Sachie , Nakada Yuka , Oyama Kaho , Sakakibara Okina , Shimoda Mikako , Sugimoto Akio , Ichitani Masaki , Takihara Takanobu , Kinugasa Hitoshi , Kawahara Masahiro
Published: August 2022

Reducing the health hazards caused by air pollution is a global challenge and is included in the Sustainable Development Goals. Air pollutants, such as PM2.5, induce respiratory and cardiovascular disorders by causing various inflammatory responses via oxidative stress. Catechins and polyphenols, which are components of green tea, have various protective effects, owing to their antioxidant ability. The main catechin in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is potentially effective against respiratory diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and asthma, but its effectiveness against air-pollution-dependent lung injury has not yet been investigated. In this study, we examined the effect of EGCG on urban aerosol-induced acute lung injury in mice. Urban aerosol treatment caused increases in inflammatory cell counts, protein levels, and inflammatory cytokine expression in the lungs of ICR mice, but pretreatment with EGCG markedly suppressed these responses. Analyses of oxidative stress revealed that urban aerosol exposure enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the formation of ROS-activated neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the lungs of mice. However, ROS production and NETs formation were markedly suppressed by pretreating the mice with EGCG. Gallocatechin gallate (GCG), a heat-epimerized form of EGCG, also markedly suppressed urban aerosol-dependent inflammatory responses and ROS production in vivo and in vitro. These findings suggest that EGCG and GCG prevent acute lung injury caused by urban aerosols through their inhibitory effects on ROS production. Thus, we believe that foods and medications containing EGCG or GCG may be candidates to prevent the onset and progression of acute lung injury caused by air pollutants.
Network Dynamics Caused by Genomic Alteration Determine the Therapeutic Response to FGFR Inhibitors for Lung Cancer
Authors: Lee Jonghoon , Choi Sea Rom , Cho Kwang-Hyun
Published: August 2022

Recently, FGFR inhibitors have been highlighted as promising targeted drugs due to the high prevalence of FGFR1 amplification in cancer patients. Although various potential biomarkers for FGFR inhibitors have been suggested, their functional effects have been shown to be limited due to the complexity of the cancer signaling network and the heterogenous genomic conditions of patients. To overcome such limitations, we have reconstructed a lung cancer network model by integrating a cell line genomic database and analyzing the model in order to understand the underlying mechanism of heterogeneous drug responses. Here, we identify novel genomic context-specific candidates that can increase the efficacy of FGFR inhibitors. Furthermore, we suggest optimal targets that can induce more effective therapeutic responses than that of FGFR inhibitors in each of the FGFR-resistant lung cancer cells through computational simulations at a system level. Our findings provide new insights into the regulatory mechanism of differential responses to FGFR inhibitors for optimal therapeutic strategies in lung cancer.
New Statement about NRF2 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Lastres-Becker Isabel , de Lago Eva , Martínez Ana , Fernández-Ruiz Javier
Published: August 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are related neurodegenerative disorders displaying substantial overlay, although there are substantial differences at the molecular level. Currently, there is no effective treatment for these diseases. The transcription factor NRF2 has been postulated as a promising therapeutic target as it is capable of modulating key pathogenic events affecting cellular homeostasis. However, there is little experimental evidence on the status of this pathway in both ALS and FTD. Therefore, in this work, we wanted to carry out an exhaustive analysis of this signaling pathway in both transgenic mouse models (ALS and FTD) and human samples from patients with sporadic ALS (sALS) versus controls. In samples from patients with sALS and in the transgenic model with overexpression of TDP-43A315T, we observed a significant increase in the NRF2/ARE pathway in the motor cortex and the spinal cord, indicating that NRF2 antioxidant signaling was being induced, but it was not enough to reach cellular homeostasis. On the other hand, in the transgenic FTD model with overexpression of the TDP-43WT protein in forebrain neurons, a significantly decreased expression of NQO1 in the prefrontal cortex was seen, which cannot be attributed to alterations in the NRF2 pathway. Our results show that NRF2 signature is differently affected for ALS and FTD.
Rational Design of Oxazolidine-Based Red Fluorescent pH Probe for Simultaneous Imaging Two Subcellular Organelles
Authors: Wang Chunfei , Fu Hengyi , Tan Jingyun , Zhang Xuanjun
Published: August 2022

A reversible pH-responsive fluorescent probe, BP, was rationally designed and synthesized, based on protonation and deprotonation gave rise to oxazolidine ring open and close. The fluorescence response of BP against pH ranges from 3.78 to 7.54, which is suitable for labeling intracellular pH-dependent organelles. BP displayed strong red emission at a relatively high pH in living HeLa cells and U87 cells. More importantly, this probe exhibited good colocalization with both mitochondria and lysosomes in these two cell lines, attributing to pH-induced structure tautomerism resulting in an oxazolidine ring open and close that triggered effective targeting of these two organelles. As organelle interactions are critical for cellular processes, this strategy of targeting dual organelles through the structure tautomerism is conducive to further developing more effective and advanced probes for real-time imaging of the interaction between mitochondria and lysosomes.
Inhibition of Autophagy Promotes the Anti-Tumor Effect of Metformin in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Wei , Chen Chen , Zhou Jianjun , Chen Xiaoqing , Cai Kuan , Shen Miaomiao , Chen Xuan , Jiang Lei , Wang Guodong
Published: August 2022

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignant tumor in the head and neck. Due to its high malignancy and easy recurrence, the five-year survival rate is only 50–60%. Currently, commonly used chemotherapy drugs for OSCC include cisplatin, paclitaxel, and fluorouracil, which are highly cytotoxic and cause drug resistance in patients. Therefore, a safe and effective treatment strategy for OSCC is urgent. To address this issue, our study investigated the anti-tumor activity of metformin (the first-line diabetes drug) in OSCC. We found that metformin could inhibit OSCC cell proliferation by promoting apoptosis and blocking the cell cycle in G1 phase. Additionally, we also found that metformin could induce protective autophagy of OSCC cells. After inhibiting autophagy with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), the metformin-induced apoptosis was enhanced. In vitro, metformin inhibited the growth of subcutaneous xenograft tumor in nude mice and HCQ enhanced this effect of metformin. Therefore, metformin combined with HCQ may become a safe and effective treatment strategy for OSCC.
Integrative Analysis of Angiogenesis-Related Long Non-Coding RNA and Identification of a Six-DEARlncRNA Signature Associated with Prognosis and Therapeutic Response in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cao Shasha , Wang Xiaomin , Liu Xiaohui , Li Junkuo , Duan Lijuan , Gao Zhaowei , Lun Shumin , Zhu Yanju , Yang Haijun , Zhang Hao , Zhou Fuyou
Published: August 2022

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a lethal gastrointestinal malignancy worldwide. We aimed to identify an angiogenesis-related lncRNAs (ARlncRNAs) signature that could predict the prognosis in ESCC. The GSE53624 and GSE53622 datasets were derived from the GEO database. The differently expressed ARlncRNAs (DEARlncRNAs) were retrieved by the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), differential expression analysis, and correlation analysis. Optimal lncRNA biomarkers were screened from the training set and the six-DEARlncRNA signature comprising AP000696.2, LINC01711, RP11-70C1.3, AP000487.5, AC011997.1, and RP11-225N10.1 could separate patients into high- and low-risk groups with markedly different survival. The validation of the reliability of the risk model was performed by the Kaplan-Meier test, ROC curves, and risk curves in the test set and validation set. Predictive independence analysis indicated that risk score is an independent prognostic biomarker for predicting the prognosis of ESCC patients. Subsequently, a ceRNA regulatory network and functional enrichment analysis were performed. The IC50 test revealed that patients in the high-risk group were resistant to Gefitinib and Lapatinib. Finally, the six DEARlncRNAs were detected by qRT-PCR. In conclusion, we demonstrated a novel ARlncRNA signature as an independent prognostic factor to distinguish the risk of ESCC patients and benefit the personalized clinical applications.
Recent Advances in Lipases and Their Applications in the Food and Nutraceutical Industry
Authors: Reyes-Reyes Ana Laura , Valero Barranco Francisco , Sandoval Georgina
Published: August 2022

Lipases are efficient enzymes with promising applications in the nutraceutical and food industry, as they can offer high yields, pure products under achievable reaction conditions, and are an environmentally friendly option. This review addresses the production of high-value-added compounds such as fatty acid esters, with the potential to be used as flavoring agents or antioxidant and antimicrobial agents, as well as structured lipids that offer specific functional properties that do not exist in nature, with important applications in different food products, and pharmaceuticals. In addition, the most recent successful cases of reactions with lipases to produce modified compounds for food and nutraceuticals are reported.
Hydride Generation on the Cu-Doped CeO2(111) Surface and Its Role in CO2 Hydrogenation Reactions
Authors: Wang Zhi-Qiang , Liu Hui-Hui , Wu Xin-Ping , Hu Peijun , Gong Xue-Qing
Published: August 2022

Ceria-based catalysts exhibit great activity in catalyzing selective hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol. However, the underlying mechanism of this reaction, especially the generation of active H species, remains unclear. In this work, we performed extensive density functional theory calculations corrected by on-site Coulomb interaction (DFT + U) to investigate the H2 dissociation and the reaction between the active H species and CO2 on the pristine and Cu-doped CeO2(111) (denoted as Cu/CeO2(111)) surfaces. Our calculations evidenced that the heterolytic H2 dissociation for hydride generation can more readily occur on the Cu/CeO2(111) surface than on the pristine CeO2(111) surface. We also found that the Cu dopant can facilitate the formation of surface oxygen vacancies, further promoting the generation of hydride species. Moreover, the adsorption of CO2 and the hydrogenation of CO2 to HCOO* can be greatly promoted on the Cu/CeO2(111) surface with hydride species, which can lead to the high activity and selectivity toward CO2 hydrogenation to methanol.
Chitosan Capped Copper Oxide Nanocomposite: Efficient, Recyclable, Heterogeneous Base Catalyst for Synthesis of Nitroolefins
Authors: El-Atawy Mohamed A. , Khalil Khaled D. , Bashal Ali H.
Published: August 2022

In this article, chitosan copper oxide nanocomposite was synthesized by the solution casting method under microwave irradiation. The nanocomposite solution was microwave irradiated at 300 watt for 3 min under optimal irradiation conditions. By suppressing particle agglomeration, the chitosan matrix was successfully used as a metal oxide stabilizer. The goal of this research was to create, characterize, and test the catalytic potency of these hybrid nanocomposites in a number of well-known organic processes. The prepared CS-CuO nanocomposites were analyzed by different techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Moreover, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used to measure the copper content in the prepared nanocomposite film. The finger-print peaks in the FTIR spectrum at around 632–502 cm−1 confirmed the existence of the CuO phase. The CS-CuO nanocomposite has been shown to be an efficient base promoter for nitroolefin synthesis via the nitroaldol reaction (Henry reaction) in high yields. The reaction variables were studied to improve the catalytic approach. Higher reaction yields, shorter reaction times, and milder reaction conditions are all advantages of the technique, as is the catalyst’s reusability for several uses.
A Dual-Bed Strategy for Direct Conversion of Syngas to Light Paraffins
Authors: Wang Lina , Meng Fanhui , Li Baozhen , Zhang Jinghao , Li Zhong
Published: August 2022

The authors studied the direct conversion of syngas to light paraffins in a dual-bed fixed-bed reactor. A dual-bed catalyst composed of three catalysts, a physically mixed methanol synthesis catalyst (CZA), and a methanol dehydration to dimethyl ether (DME) catalyst (Al2O3(C)) were put in the upper bed for direct conversion of syngas to DME, while the SAPO-34 (SP34-C) zeolite was put in the lower bed for methanol and DME conversion. The effects of the mass ratio of CZA to Al2O3(C), the H2/CO molar ratio, and the space velocity on catalytic performance of syngas to DME were studied in the upper bed. Moreover, a feed gas with a CO/CO2/DME/N2/H2 molar ratio of 9/6/4/5 balanced with H2 was simulated and studied in the lower bed over SP34-C; after optimizing the reaction conditions, the selectivity of light paraffins reached 90.8%, and the selectivity of propane was as high as 76.7%. For the direct conversion of syngas to light paraffins in a dual bed, 88.9% light paraffins selectivity in hydrocarbons was obtained at a CO conversion of 33.4%. This dual-bed strategy offers a potential route for the direct conversion of syngas to valuable chemicals.
Perfluoroaryl Zinc Catalysts Active in Cyclohexene Oxide Homopolymerization and Alternating Copolymerization with Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Sokolovicz Yuri C. A. , Buonerba Antonio , Capacchione Carmine , Dagorne Samuel , Grassi Alfonso
Published: August 2022

The zinc complex Zn(C6F5)2(toluene) (1) behaves as a very active and selective catalyst in cyclohexene oxide (CHO) polymerization to produce poly(cyclohexene oxide) (PCHO) by the trans-ring-opening of CHO with remarkable TOF values at room temperature. The ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP) of CO2 with CHO catalysed by 1 yields poly(cyclohexene carbonate) (PCHC) when using benzyl alcohol (BnOH) as an initiator at 120 °C. The 1H NMR monitoring of the in situ reaction of 1 with BnOH highlighted the formation of the dinuclear species [(C6F5)2Zn2(BnO)2 (2) that was isolated and found an active catalyst in the ROCOP of CO2 with CHO in the absence of initiators. Interestingly, PCHCs by 2 in solventless conditions show polydispersity index (Mw/Mn) values close to 2, corresponding to those expected for a single-site catalyst; on the contrary, a broader polydispersity index of the polymer products was found in toluene solution, suggesting the formation of new zinc catalysts during the polymerization reaction.
Microglial Dynamics Modulate Vestibular Compensation in a Rodent Model of Vestibulopathy and Condition the Expression of Plasticity Mechanisms in the Deafferented Vestibular Nuclei
Authors: El Mahmoudi Nada , Marouane Emna , Rastoldo Guillaume , Pericat David , Watabe Isabelle , Lapotre Agnes , Tonetto Alain , Chabbert Christian , Tighilet Brahim
Published: August 2022

Unilateral vestibular loss (UVL) induces a vestibular syndrome composed of posturo-locomotor, oculomotor, vegetative, and perceptivo-cognitive symptoms. With time, these functional deficits progressively disappear due to a phenomenon called vestibular compensation, known to be supported by the expression in the deafferented vestibular nuclei (VNs) of various adaptative plasticity mechanisms. UVL is known to induce a neuroinflammatory response within the VNs, thought to be caused by the structural alteration of primary vestibular afferents. The acute inflammatory response, expressed in the deafferented VNs was recently proven to be crucial for the expression of the endogenous plasticity supporting functional recovery. Neuroinflammation is supported by reactive microglial cells, known to have various phenotypes with adverse effects on brain tissue. Here, we used markers of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory phenotypes of reactive microglia to study microglial dynamics following a unilateral vestibular neurectomy (UVN) in the adult rat. In addition, to highlight the role of acute inflammation in vestibular compensation and its underlying mechanisms, we enhanced the inflammatory state of the deafferented VNs using systemic injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) during the acute phase after a UVN. We observed that the UVN induced the expression of both M1 proinflammatory and M2 anti-inflammatory microglial phenotypes in the deafferented VNs. The acute LPS treatment exacerbated the inflammatory reaction and increased the M1 phenotype while decreasing M2 expression. These effects were associated with impaired postlesional plasticity in the deafferented VNs and exacerbated functional deficits. These results highlight the importance of a homeostatic inflammatory level in the expression of the adaptative plasticity mechanisms underlying vestibular compensation. Understanding the rules that govern neuroinflammation would provide therapeutic leads in neuropathologies associated with these processes.
auts2 Features and Expression Are Highly Conserved during Evolution Despite Different Evolutionary Fates Following Whole Genome Duplication
Authors: Merdrignac Constance , Clément Antoine Emile , Montfort Jérôme , Murat Florent , Bobe Julien
Published: August 2022

The AUTS2 gene plays major roles during brain development and is associated with various neuropathologies including autism. Data in non-mammalian species are scarce, and the aim of our study was to provide a comprehensive analysis of auts2 evolution in teleost fish, which are widely used for in vivo functional analysis and biomedical purposes. Comparative genomics in 78 species showed that auts2a and auts2b originate from the teleost-specific whole genome duplication (TGD). auts2a, which is highly similar to human AUTS2, was almost systematically retained following TGD. In contrast, auts2b, which encodes for a shorter protein similar to a short human AUTS2 isoform, was lost more frequently and independently during evolution. RNA-seq analysis in 10 species revealed a highly conserved profile with predominant expression of both genes in the embryo, brain, and gonads. Based on protein length, conserved domains, and expression profiles, we speculate that the long human isoform functions were retained by auts2a, while the short isoform functions were retained by auts2a and/or auts2b, depending on the lineage/species. auts2a showed a burst in expression during medaka brain formation, where it was expressed in areas of the brain associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Together, our data suggest a strong conservation of auts2 functions in vertebrates despite different evolutionary scenarios in teleosts.
Biopolymers for Food Packaging and Biomedical Applications: Options or Obligations?
Authors: Priyadarshi Ruchir , Roy Swarup , Purohit Shiv Dutt , Ghosh Tabli
Published: August 2022

Since the invention of synthetic plastics in the 1950s, they have inevitably dominated all other materials such as metals, glass, wood, etc [...]
Human Perception as a Phenomenon of Quantization
Authors: Aerts Diederik , Arguëlles Jonito Aerts
Published: August 2022

For two decades, the formalism of quantum mechanics has been successfully used to describe human decision processes, situations of heuristic reasoning, and the contextuality of concepts and their combinations. The phenomenon of ‘categorical perception’ has put us on track to find a possible deeper cause of the presence of this quantum structure in human cognition. Thus, we show that in an archetype of human perception consisting of the reconciliation of a bottom up stimulus with a top down cognitive expectation pattern, there arises the typical warping of categorical perception, where groups of stimuli clump together to form quanta, which move away from each other and lead to a discretization of a dimension. The individual concepts, which are these quanta, can be modeled by a quantum prototype theory with the square of the absolute value of a corresponding Schrödinger wave function as the fuzzy prototype structure, and the superposition of two such wave functions accounts for the interference pattern that occurs when these concepts are combined. Using a simple quantum measurement model, we analyze this archetype of human perception, provide an overview of the experimental evidence base for categorical perception with the phenomenon of warping leading to quantization, and illustrate our analyses with two examples worked out in detail.
SC List-Flip Decoding of Polar Codes by Shifted Pruning: A General Approach
Authors: Rowshan Mohammad , Viterbo Emanuele
Published: August 2022

In the successive cancellation (SC) list decoding, the tree pruning operation retains the L best paths with respect to a metric at every decoding step. However, the correct path might be among the L worst paths due to the imposed penalties. In this case, the correct path is pruned and the decoding process fails. shifted pruning (SP) scheme can recover the correct path by additional decoding attempts when decoding fails, in which the pruning window is shifted by κ≤L paths over certain bit positions. A special case of the shifted pruning scheme where κ=L is known as SCL-flip decoding, which was independently proposed in 2019. In this work, a new metric that performs better in particular for medium and long codes is proposed, and nested shift-pruning schemes are suggested for improving the average complexity.
Development of an Automatic Water Exchange System for Smart Freshwater Aquarium
Authors: Stachowiak Dorota , Hemmerling Pawel
Published: August 2022

This paper presents an automatic water exchange system designed for a freshwater aquarium. The automatic water exchange system (AWES) was developed to improve the aquarist’s work. Replacement of water in an aquarium is one of the basic maintenance activities and should be performed regularly. In case the process of pouring in and out of the water itself requires a lot of time and strength from the aquarist, the automation of this operation is proposed. The automatic water exchange system consists of a water discharge system, a water filling system, and a security system. Additionally, to simplify user operation, a dedicated mobile application for the Android system has been created. The developed AWES system allows for regular changing of water in aquariums as well as enables effective and simple control of water flow and temperature.
Heat Reflective Thin-Film Polymer Insulation with Polymer Nanospheres—Determination of Thermal Conductivity Coefficient
Authors: Król Danuta , Motyl Przemysław , Piotrowska-Woroniak Joanna , Patej Mirosław , Poskrobko Sławomir
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a method to determine the thermal conductivity coefficient λ in a 200 μm thick heat reflective paint layer, filled with polymer nanospheres with a Total Solar Reflectance (TSR) of 86.95%, is proposed and presented. For this purpose, a “hot box”-type (cube-shaped) test rig was built to carry out experimental tests to measure the temperature distribution on the surface of a double-layer wall containing the material under investigation. Together with the experimental studies, a CFD numerical model was prepared to understand the nature of flow and heat transfer inside the cube—the test chamber. Based on the proposed measurement and analysis method, the thermal conductivity coefficient of the heat reflective coating layer was λ = 0.0007941 W/m∙K.
The Heat-Storing Micro Gas Turbine—Process Analysis and Experimental Investigation of Effects on Combustion
Authors: Agelidou Eleni , Seliger-Ost Hannah , Henke Martin , Dreißigacker Volker , Krummrein Thomas , Kutne Peter
Published: August 2022

Renewable energy sources such as wind turbines and photovoltaics are the key to an environmentally friendly energy supply. However, their volatile power output is challenging in regard to supply security. Therefore, flexible energy systems with storage capabilities are crucial for the expansion of renewable energy sources since they allow storing off-demand produced power and reconverting and supplying it on-demand. For this purpose, a novel power plant concept is presented where high-temperature energy storage (HTES) is integrated between the recuperator and the combustor of a conventional micro gas turbine (MGT). It is used to store renewable energy in times of oversupply, which is later used to reduce fuel demand during MGT operation. Hereby, pollutant emissions are reduced significantly, while the power grid is stabilized. This paper presents a numerical process simulation study, aiming to examine the influence of different storage temperatures and load profiles of HTES on the MGT performance (e.g., fuel consumption, efficiency). Furthermore, relevant operating points and their process parameters such as pressures, temperatures, and mass-flow rates are derived. As operation conditions for the combustor are strongly influenced by the HTES, the paper contains a detailed theoretical analysis of the impact on combustor operability and includes an experimental investigation of the first combustor design adapted for the compound and tested under higher inlet temperatures conditions.
Transmutation and Breeding Performance Analysis of Molten Chloride Salt Fast Reactor Using a Fuel Management Code with Nodal Expansion Method
Authors: Yu Kaicheng , Cheng Maosong , Zuo Xiandi , Dai Zhimin
Published: August 2022

The transmutation of transuranic (TRU) elements produced by pressurized water reactors (PWRs) can effectively reduce their radioactive hazards. The molten chloride salt fast reactor (MCSFR) is a type of liquid-fueled molten salt reactor (MSR) using fuel in the form of molten chloride salts. The MCSFR utilizing a fast neutron spectrum and high actinide fraction is considered to be a potential reactor type for TRU transmutation. An online refueling and reprocessing scenario is the unique feature of liquid-fueled MSRs. On account of this characteristic, a new fuel management code named ThorNEMFM with a nodal expansion method (NEM) was developed and validated with the molten salt breeder reactor (MSBR) and the molten salt fast reactor (MSFR) benchmarks. Then, the transmutation and breeding performances of the MCSFR were simulated and analyzed with the ThorNEMFM code. The MCSFR adopts TRU elements as initial fissile loads and online feeding fissile materials. The results show that the transmutation ratio of TRU elements in the MCSFR can reach 50%, and the breeding ratio can reach 1.359. Moreover, the MCSFR has low radiotoxicity due to lower buildup of fission products (FPs).
A Novel Model of Counter-Current Imbibition in Interacting Capillaries with Different Size Distribution
Authors: Zhang Zhenjie , Zhao Tianyi , Meng Qingbang
Published: August 2022

The imbibition phenomenon widely exists in nature and industrial applications. It is of great significance to study the mechanism of imbibition and the influence laws of related factors. In this paper, based on the assumption of interacting capillaries, a capillary bundle model of counter-current imbibition is established. In addition, the characteristics of imbibition and the influences of capillary size and fluid viscosity are analyzed. The results show that water is imbibed into the smaller capillaries and expelled from the larger capillaries. The rate of the meniscus in water-imbibition capillaries is proportional to the square root of time. In the interacting capillaries, oil production by counter-current imbibition decreases and then increases gradually with the increase of the capillary diameter difference. When the total cross-sectional area of the capillary remains unchanged, the cross-sectional area of the total water-imbibition capillaries is affected by the size distribution of the capillaries. The larger the viscosity of the non-wetting phase, the more uneven the imbibition front, the lower the imbibition efficiency. The higher the viscosity of the wetting phase, the more uniform the imbibition front, and the higher the imbibition efficiency.
Hybrid Propulsion in SI Engines for New Generation Motorcycles: A Numerical-Experimental Approach to Assess Power Requirements and Emission Performance
Authors: Iodice Paolo , Fornaro Enrico , Cardone Massimo
Published: August 2022

Worldwide mopeds and motorcycles are taking on a growing main role in private mobility with a direct impact on air pollution, particularly in urban contexts of many Asian and European countries. In a preceding experimental investigation, HC and CO emissions were measured in the exhaust of a last-generation motorcycle belonging to the Euro-3 legislative category. Since exhaust emissions and fuel consumption are very sensitive to variations in vehicles instantaneous speed and acceleration, in this research new experimental results are used to recognize the kinematic parameters that cause higher engine-out emissions. In this paper, the hybrid electric propulsion is proposed for motorcycle application to reduce exhaust emissions in particular driving conditions which include high levels of acceleration with resultant rapid steep increase in engine speed. In such operating conditions, an enrichment of the air/fuel mixture is required, which affects the catalyst conversion efficiency. Subsequently, the power requirements and the grade of electrical assistance in such driving situations are calculated by a procedure based on both the measured exhaust emissions and the kinematic parameters of the driving dynamics collected during the experimental tests. Lastly, the share of CO and HC emissions that could be saved utilizing a hybrid motorcycle instead of a conventional thermal motorcycle is estimated through a specific environmental analysis.
Association of LBX1 Gene Methylation Level with Disease Severity in Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis: Study on Deep Paravertebral Muscles
Authors: Janusz Piotr , Tokłowicz Małgorzata , Andrusiewicz Mirosław , Kotwicka Małgorzata , Kotwicki Tomasz
Published: August 2022

Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a multifactorial disease with a genetic background. The association of Ladybird Homeobox 1 (LBX1) polymorphisms with IS has been proven in multiple studies. However, the epigenetic mechanisms have not been evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the LBX1 methylation level in deep paravertebral muscles in order to analyze its association with IS occurrence and/or IS severity. Fifty-seven IS patients and twenty non-IS patients were examined for the paravertebral muscles’ methylation level of the LBX1 promoter region. There was no significant difference in methylation level within paravertebral muscles between patients vs. controls, except for one CpG site. The comparison of the paravertebral muscles’ LBX1 promoter region methylation level between patients with a major curve angle of ≤70° vs. >70° revealed significantly higher methylation levels in 17 of 23 analyzed CpG sequences at the convex side of the curvature in patients with a major curve angle of >70° for the reverse strand promoter region. The association between LBX1 promoter methylation and IS severity was demonstrated. In patients with severe IS, the deep paravertebral muscles show an asymmetric LBX1 promoter region methylation level, higher at the convex scoliosis side, which reveals the role of locally acting factors in IS progression.