bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vessel Routing Robust Optimization Model with Multi-Time-Window for Floating Marine Debris Collection
Authors: Yu Zhaoyang , Duan Gang
Published: November 2024

Marine debris is increasingly damaging the environment and impacting the fishing economy, making it essential to dispatch vessels for debris collection. This paper studies how to plan the routes for marine debris collection vessel. By introducing the concept of multiple time windows, allowing the vessel to select any time window to arrive at the floating location, the model considers the uncertainty of debris weight and uses robust optimization to establish a vessel routing robust model optimization with multi-time-window. This method does not increase the complexity of the problem, the operation is simple, and the control parameters are few. In addition, the proposed solution is robust and can meet the constraints with a high probability. Finally, the correctness of the model is verified using the Lingo solver.
Exploration of Factors Affecting Resonance in Photovoltaic Cluster Grid Integration System
Authors: Gao Jing , Zhao Yuan , Lu Yi , Gao Yanfeng , Zhang Xu
Published: November 2024

A significant number of distributed photovoltaics being connected to the grid leads to a more complex harmonic content in the photovoltaic cluster grid integration system. When a specific harmonic frequency approaches the system resonance frequency of the system, a resonance phenomenon occurs. This paper conducts an analysis of the complex resonance coupling relationship. Subsequently, it separately examines the impact of grid impedance, filter capacitor parameters, and the number of parallel inverters on the resonant frequency. It is verified through simulation that the aforementioned factors will bring about a change in the resonant frequency.
Local Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for the Two-component μ-Camassa-Holm Equations
Authors: Zhao Jianli , Hu Qingjie , Xie Xinxin , Zhang Chao
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we have developed two local discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) methods for the two-component μ-Camassa-Holm equations: a conservative scheme and a dissipative scheme. Exploiting the bi-Hamiltonian structure of the two-component μ-Camassa-Holm system, we introduce two significant Hamiltonian invariants and demonstrate that both schemes preserve discrete versions of these invariants. Additionally, we provide and prove a priori error estimates for both LDG schemes. Numerical experiments are conducted to validate the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Response and Reliability of Composite Post Insulators Under Random Earthquake
Authors: Wang Haibo , Cheng Yongfeng , Lu Zhicheng , Huan Ronghua , Lü Qiangfeng , Liu Zhen-lin
Published: November 2024

This article examines the stochastic response and seismic reliability of composite post-insulators under random seismic excitation. A random seismic motion model, tailored for power facility seismic research in China and compliant with the “Seismic Design Specification for Power Facilities” (GB50260-2013), is developed. This model accounts for both amplitude and frequency non-stationary. A nonlinear dynamic model for composite post insulators is then established, incorporating the nonlinearity at the multi-section insulator and flange connections. Numerical methods are employed for random seismic response analysis to address the non-stationary nature of seismic motion. The proposed model’s validity is confirmed by comparing it with the vibration table test results. Finally, the seismic reliability of composite post insulators, with root stress as the control criterion, is assessed using the probability density evolution method.
Research on Optimal Path Planning for Automatic Parking Systems
Authors: Yang Jian , Deng Hua
Published: November 2024

The issue of autonomous parking for self-driving vehicles is a critical problem in autonomous driving. With the rapid development of the automotive industry and the increasing number of vehicles, the issues of traffic congestion and parking space shortage have become more prominent, further exacerbating the difficulty of parking. Therefore, there is a growing demand for automatic parking functions. This paper focuses on the problem of self-driving vehicles automatically parking in complex conditions without colliding with other self-driving vehicles and obstacles. The main content includes establishing a vehicle parking kinematic model and solving the minimum turning radius based on the Ackermann vehicle model data. When the self-driving vehicle travels in a straight line, a route from the initial position to the parking space is designed, and an automatic parking model is established. The mathematical model is used to solve the self-driving vehicle’s starting position and end position, as well as the trajectory of the self-driving vehicle, and MATLAB is used to simulate and visualize the parking trajectory. The aim is to solve the problem of parking difficulties caused by factors such as insufficient parking spaces and congested parking scenes. To ensure the safe completion of automatic parking, the path planning algorithm in this paper can plan the optimal parking path.
A Hybrid Algorithm of Ship Trajiectories based on Random Forest and K-Nearest Neighbor
Authors: Yang Fan , He Chunlin , Liu Yi , Zeng Anping , Hu Longhe
Published: November 2024

The technology for predicting ship trajectories is crucial in enhancing maritime efficiency, and ensuring maritime safety and environmental protection. This paper introduces a hybrid algorithm that combines Random Forest with the K-Nearest Neighbor method, and various machine learning techniques, such as Extreme Gradient Boosting, Support Vector Regression, and Random Forests, are explored and compared for ship trajectory prediction. On a public dataset, a Bayesian optimization-based training method was used and the model was evaluated by multiple evaluation metrics. The results show that a hybrid algorithm combining Random Forest and K-Nearest Neighbor performs well in predicting ship trajectories and significantly improves prediction accuracy and stability.
Research on the Prediction Model of Molten Steel Composition in Electric Arc Furnace
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Zhu Rong , Wei Guangsheng , Xue Botao , Yang Lingzhi , Wang Hongbin
Published: November 2024

The content of C and P elements in EAF steelmaking molten steel directly affects steel quality. The main task of EAF steelmaking is to provide qualified molten steel for the refining process. The real-time composition prediction of molten steel in the smelting process will be helpful for EAF charging and other process operations. To solve this problem, based on the actual production data of a 150 ton EAF in a steel plant, this paper constructs a real-time prediction model of molten steel composition in EAF steelmaking with the help of the development tool Visual Studio 2022. The model can predict the content of C and P elements in molten steel in real-time, which can guide the addition of auxiliary materials and other process operations in the smelting process. The average deviation of endpoint C is less than or equal to 0.05%, and the average deviation of endpoint P is less than or equal to 0.007%.
Automated Surface Defect Detection Based on CycleGAN Model
Authors: Xu Youzhi , Wu Hao , Liu Yulong , Liu Xiaoming
Published: November 2024

Defect detection occupies an increasingly important position in the manufacturing industry, and most of approaches for the traditional defect detection are based on manual extraction of defective region traits and labeling work. This paper presents a novel defect detection approach based on Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) to automatically detect and extract defects from the target dataset. The method extends the samples using GAN model to solve the problem of insufficient samples in reality, and also provides paired samples for the second stage of defective pixel accumulation, after which the defective pixel images are output as binarized defect maps using difference accumulation and threshold segmentation. The experimental results verify that the proposed method can very accurately highlight the defects at the defect locations, and can be generated without manual labeling of defect traits.
Heliostat Field Optical Efficiency Calculation
Authors: Wang Xiangyang , Mao Zisen
Published: November 2024

The solar power tower technology has the advantages of green pollution-free and stable power generation, which has gradually attracted extensive attention from researchers in recent years. The quick computation of the solar heliostat field’s optical efficiency carries substantial potential for refining the design of the heliostat field, thereby enhancing the efficiency of power generation. Based on the parallel light hypothesis, we propose a fast algorithm designed to compute the optical efficiency of heliostat field. The algorithm takes into account various optical loss terms such as mirror reflectivity, cosine efficiency, shadowing and blocking efficiency, atmospheric transmittance efficiency and truncation efficiency. When calculating the shadowing and blocking efficiency, the “judgment rectangle” is used to quickly screen the candidate heliostat that may produce shadowing and blocking to the target heliostat. When calculating the truncation efficiency of the receiver surface, the strip discrete method and geometric projection method are used to quickly judge whether the reflected light is intercepted by the receiver, thus improving the calculation speed of optical efficiency. Consider a surrounding heliostat field as a test case, the proposed algorithm is compared with the conventional ray tracing, and the effectiveness and efficiency of the new algorithm are verified. The algorithm proposed in this paper has the advantages of accurate results and high calculation efficiency, and provides valuable insights that can be utilized for optimizing the design of heliostat field and improving the efficiency of tower solar thermal power generation.
Simulation and Analysis of Diffusion Process for Ammonia Leakages
Authors: Zhu Y Y , He J , Zhu H
Published: November 2024

Ammonia is a chemical widely used in the industrial production, but the leakage during storage and transportation can lead to serious health and environmental risks. This paper investigates the ammonia leakage diffusion process as represented by the Gaussian plume model using MATLAB. The spatial distribution, plane figure and iso-concentration line are analyzed to examine the effects of the height, wind speed and atmospheric stability on diffusion. The conclusion shows that the ammonia concentration and the hazard range steadily decrease with an increase in the effective height of the leaking source. As the wind speed increases, the intensity of turbulence increases, the concentration of the highest point decreases, and the scope of the hazardous area decreases. As the degree of atmospheric stability improves, the affected area gradually grows larger and the hazardous threat rises.
Establishment of Pile-soil Interaction Model and Optimization Analysis of Distance Diameter Ratio
Authors: Zhou Dayong , Du Chengze , Shang Jiaxin , Zhao Yi , Liu Mingdong , Yu Peng
Published: November 2024

The anti-skid pile is s an effective method for slope treatment. Analyzing its stress law and designing reasonable schemes are urgent problems that must be solved to guide slope prevention and control, and in this paper, combined with the original anti-skid pile reinforcement scheme, 5 pile-soil interaction models with different distance diameter ratios D/d are established. The anti-skid pile and slope are discretized, and the slope displacement and safety factor, pile stress and deformation, and soil arching effect between piles are numerically analyzed so as to optimize the design parameters of spacing diameter ratio of anti-skid piles. The results show that (1) the distance diameter ratio of anti-skid piles negatively correlates with the safety factor. When D/d>2.8, the slope safety factor is 2.011>2.0. (2) The peak shear force and soil arching effect of anti-skid piles are positively and negatively correlated with the distance diameter ratio, respectively. The reaction force of the anti-skid pile suddenly changes at the soil-rock interface about 10 m away from the pile top, and local reinforcement should be carried out when the anti-skid pile is designed and optimized. (3) Based on the analog data of displacement and safety factor changes, pile body stress, and soil arch stress between piles, and considering economic factors, the optimal distance diameter ratio D/d is determined to be 2.8-3.0. Compared with other methods, the optimization method proposed in this paper has reasonable theory and sufficient data. The research results will provide theoretical reference and engineering technical guidance for similar slope reinforcement with anti-skid piles, and have specific application and promotion value.
Differential Fast Fourier Transform Based Recovery Algorithm for Electricity Metering Data
Authors: Kong Xiangyong , Shi Desheng , Xu Yukun , Duan Yuwei , Liu Chang , Xu Zihan
Published: November 2024

Accurate electricity data is the foundation for time-of-use pricing. However, for various reasons, some data may be incorrect or lost. To address this issue, this paper proposes a recovery algorithm based on differential Fourier transform to restore missing metering data. First, the total electricity consumption data is differentiated and up-sampled as the interpolation sequence. Next, a Fourier transform is performed on the interpolated sequence to convert it from the time domain to the frequency domain. Zero-padding is applied in the high-frequency regions to enhance time-domain resolution. Then, the sequence is converted back to the time domain through an inverse Fourier transform, yielding the missing power consumption sequence. Finally, a proportional scaling method is applied to satisfy the non-decreasing characteristic. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the method proposed in this paper exhibits high reliability and accuracy in restoring missing electricity data.
Research on Channel Modeling Technology for Three Core Cables Based on Q3D
Authors: Zhu Enguo , Chen Kuixi
Published: November 2024

The modeling and analysis of power line channels are key to ensuring efficient and reliable power line carrier communication. In the past, the modeling of power line channels mainly relied on analytical methods to obtain unit length power line parameters. This method has a complex calculation process and requires high mathematical skills. This article presents a fast channel modeling method for three core cables. Firstly, the transmission function of a two port network with parallel cables as transmission lines is established. Then, a detailed scheme for extracting RLGC using Q3D software is proposed. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed scheme is demonstrated through simulation analysis. This scheme is suitable for modeling complex shaped conductors and can reduce computational complexity, demonstrating significant advantages.
Improved Detuned Multiple-scales Method for the Forced Vibration of Strongly Nonlinear Oscillators
Authors: Du Hai-En , Zheng Jia-Xin , Ma Jian , Zhao Chen-Yang
Published: November 2024

A novel semi-analytical technique is introduced for examining the forced oscillations of systems with strong nonlinearity, by integrating the parameter-splitting technique with the detuned multiple-scales approach. This method leverages the benefits of parameter splitting, where system parameters are initially split using the parameter-splitting technique. Subsequently, the system with these splitting parameters is tackled using the detuned multiple-scales method. The analytical solution derived from the detuned multiple-scales method is then integrated into the equation of motion, with the aim of minimizing the cumulative error in the equation to ascertain the unknown parameters resulting from the splitting procedure. The efficacy of this proposed approach is demonstrated through the analysis of the forced vibrations of a Helmholtz-Duffing oscillator and a Duffing oscillator. The steady-state response is evaluated by comparing the frequency-response curves generated by the proposed method against those produced by numerical continuation and the traditional detuned multiple-scales method. Ultimately, through convergence checks, it is established that corrections are essential for erroneous solutions that are directly derived from the classical detuned multiple-scales method.
Rotor Airfoil Dynamic Stall Numerical Calculation in High Advance Ratio
Authors: Yuan Mingchuan , Niu Qingfeng , Chai Chunshuo , Fan Feng , Huang Shuilin
Published: November 2024

The characteristics of rotor airfoil dynamic stall in high advance ratio were investigated based on the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)method. The unsteady RANS(Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes) equation and overset mesh method were used in CFD calculation, and the variation of Mach and attack Angle were simulated by transitional and pitching motion of the airfoil. The airfoil dynamic lift coefficient, moment coefficient, and flow field of airfoils at different rotor blade positions were analyzed, and the influence of flight parameters and airfoil aerodynamic shape was investigated by comparison with baseline conditions. The results show that the dynamic stall of the rotor airfoil at the retreating blade in a high advance ratio is mainly caused by the extension of trailing edge separation; reducing rotor lift in a high advance ratio by a suitable flight strategy is an effect way to reduce dynamic stall; rotor airfoil leading edge droop can reduce dynamic moment, but will lead to dragging increase and drag divergence Mach decrease, the negative peak of the dynamic moment is reduced by about 60%, the drag coefficient is increased by about 0.01, and the drag divergence Mach is decreased by about 0.01 in present computation.
Aeroacoustic Analysis of Rotor in Forward Flight Considering Blade Elastic Deformation
Authors: Li Zhibin , Sun Wei , Zhang Yuni , Zhang Zihan , Jiang Lusheng
Published: November 2024

A rotor aeroacoustic calculation model of the rotor in forward flight based on CAMRAD II and FW-H equation was established, which can involve blade elastic deformation. CAMRAD II was used to calculate the actual motion of the blade and the rotor’s unsteady aerodynamic load based on the elastic blade model. The blade dynamics module in the noise calculation program was replaced to consider the blade elastic deformation in forward flight based on the FW-H equation. The forward flight noise characteristics of a full scale rotor were researched. The research shows that the rotor has obvious torsion and flap elastic deformation. The blade elastic deformation has little effect on the directivity of noise in forward flight. In the main noise propagation direction, blade deformation affects the loading noise, resulting in a maximum variation of 3.0dB or more in total noise. In noise calculation, the accuracy of noise prediction can be improved by matching the position of the real blade tip.
Modeling and Analysis of Explosion Hazards of 280Ah Lithium-ion Battery based on Thermal Runaway principle
Authors: Yang Zhen , Zhong Jiahao , Zhang Jie , Qu Xiaohua , Zeng Xin
Published: November 2024

Analyzing the explosion hazards of 280Ah lithium-ion battery is helpful to provide an important basis for the safety performance evaluation and protection measures design of batteries. This paper proposes an analysis method that combines the thermal runaway theory and mathematical model of batteries. Firstly, a quantitative mathematical model for quantifying explosion hazards is established, and a dedicated experimental platform for battery explosion is constructed. Secondly, explosion experiments are carried out on batteries with 20%, 70% and 100% SOC. Finally, a detailed explosion heat release analysis and explosion hazards numerical simulation are carried out on the monitoring data collected during the explosion experiments. we have arrived at the following significant conclusions: the hazards of lithium-ion battery explosion exhibit a positive correlation with the SOC.
State-of-charge Estimation of All-vanadium Flow Battery Based on AH-UKF-KF
Authors: Tang Liangxing , Li Hongjiang , Kong Xiangfei , Xie Yanyi , Song Lihong , Li Panpan
Published: November 2024

As an essential parameter for the management and control of energy storage systems, accurately estimating the state of charge (SOC) of vanadium redox flow batteries (VRBs) is of great significance. Nevertheless, substantial errors still exist in SOC estimation. In this paper, the working principle of VRB is thoroughly investigated, the equivalent loss circuit of VRB is established, the pros and cons of various SOC estimation algorithms for VRB are comprehensively compared, and the AH-UKF-KF algorithm is proposed by fusing the Kalman correlation derivation algorithm with the ampere-hour integration (AH) method. Firstly, the algorithm employs the AH and UKF to estimate the SOC, and then uses the two outcomes as the input of KF to obtain the final SOC results. Finally, the 5kW/30kWh all-vanadium flow battery platform is utilized to verify the accuracy and reliability of the algorithm.
A Spinning Magnetometer Based Approach to Solving the Roll Attitude of Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Peng Tongxing , Ming Chao , Yu Jiyan , Wang Xiaoming
Published: November 2024

The accurate attitude estimation is the foundation of autonomous flight control for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). However, the existing inertia/magnetic field-based roll attitude estimation presents challenges, including the significant computational burden and high cumulative error. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel roll attitude estimation approach for UAV based on spinning single-axis magnetometer. Firstly, a distinctive rotating measuring mechanism is structured by incorporating the encoder and geomagnetic sensor. Then, the rotating angle of the sensor in relation to the UAV is ascertained with the specific output signal of the geomagnetic sensor with the rotating mechanism. Based on the above, a roll attitude estimation model to be established with the relative angle relationship. Finally, comparative simulations are conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the presented method. The suggested design method provides a rapid and cost-effective way for roll attitude estimation.
Research on the development of recycling technology for magnesium refractory materials
Authors: Hao Chunlai , Yu Linhui , Chen Xuedong , Chen Yunzhu , Li Changsheng , Qi Pengyuan , Sun Jiani , Zhou Hongbing
Published: November 2024

Magnesium refractory materials are rich in substances such as alumina and magnesium oxide, and the recycling and reuse of their waste is an important way to achieve energy conservation, environmental protection, and sustainable development of mineral resources. This article analyzes and elucidates the current recycling and utilization technologies of refractory materials from the perspectives of refractory waste used in desulfurization mixing heads, recycled magnesia carbon brick refractory materials, magnesia calcium brick refractory materials, and blast furnace lining refractory materials. By analyzing the key issues in the recycling and utilization technology of Magnesium refractory waste, important references are provided for the development direction of deep processing of high-quality refractory recycled products.
Interpreting the Everyday
Authors: Bingham Adrian
Published: November 2024

The first chapter examines the development and proliferation across the twentieth century of attempts to map, measure, and record ordinary life and public opinion, from the rudimentary anecdotal methods of pioneering journalists and social investigators to the highly sophisticated survey techniques developed by pollsters and political scientists from the 1960s. It explains that despite the search for ever greater rigour and accuracy, it is not possible to study people in ways that are entirely objective, neutral or infallible and argues that we need to understand the nature, motivations, and methods of the various organizations and groups involved in gathering evidence about patterns of political behaviour before we draw on their data. It also highlights that attempts to scrutinize and record people’s attitudes and behaviour influenced what they sought to measure. The work of pollsters, social scientists, and journalists made citizens more self-reflexive, more attuned to how individual views relate to broader currents of opinion, and more aware of how others were trying to interpret their behaviour through different social classifications and concepts.
The Structures and Practices of Everyday Politics
Authors: Bingham Adrian
Published: November 2024

The second chapter fleshes out the idea of ‘everyday politics’ by investigating the various spaces and occasions where political interactions took place, and the codes and assumptions governing them. Of central importance is the home, and the chapter considers the varied dynamics between different family members, and especially between parents and children, and shows how long-lasting these influences could be. It examines other significant spaces including educational establishments, the workplace, religious environments, and places of sociability. It shows that while political discussion was often disliked or even actively marginalized, it inevitably burst into the open at particular moments.
Building Democracy, 1918 to Mid 1930s
Authors: Bingham Adrian
Published: November 2024

This chapter covers the period from the end of the First World War until the mid 1930s, and examines how ordinary voters responded to the new political environment created both by the extensions of the franchise in 1918 and 1928 and the emergence of the Labour Party as the main rival to the Conservatives. It shows that in a period of economic dislocation and strained industrial relations, class became more central to the way many people understood politics, especially in large urban areas. Although the Labour Party expanded its support sufficiently to form minority governments in 1924 and 1929, it was unable to make major breakthroughs outside areas of heavy unionization, and the media and social environments made challenging the Conservatives on equal terms difficult. Many working people continued to trust the Conservative Party’s management of the economy, and accepted the conventional frame that it was necessary for the government to tighten belts and control budgets in a depression.
Diversifying Democracy, Mid 1950s to Early 1970s
Authors: Bingham Adrian
Published: November 2024

This chapter shows that the electoral dynamics of the 1940s—often taken as the starting point for political science models of class alignment—did not last long. Class identities evolved significantly as prosperity increased from the mid 1950s, and the Conservative Party revived its fortunes by combining a broad acceptance of the welfare state and the mixed economy with a persuasive language of affluence and aspiration, which was particularly appealing to female voters. Labour, under the leadership of Harold Wilson, also updated its image to try to connect to voters, although both parties struggled to satisfy rising expectations at a time when people were becoming less inclined to defer to authorities and established ways of life. Britain was becoming more socially and culturally diverse, with youth subcultures challenging the status quo and immigration from the West Indies, South Asia, and Africa bringing new, and often critical, perspectives on British political thinking and practices. In Wales and Scotland, nationalist parties became more prominent. The Wilson government reduced the voting age to 18, but no party was especially successful in generating political enthusiasm among young people. Many ethnic minority voters remained alienated by the mainstream parties, particularly in the context of inflammatory rhetoric about the social ‘problems’ caused by immigration. Proposals to devolve some political power to assemblies in Scotland and Wales failed to gain approval. The British political system found it hard to integrate the new forces that were reshaping society.
Conclusion
Authors: Bingham Adrian
Published: November 2024

The conclusion argues that Britain did not have a thriving ‘culture for democracy’, at least in the sense of political action and debate percolating throughout society. Most people, across the period, felt remote from politics and sceptical of politicians. There was limited interest in policy detail, and many struggled to articulate a coherent and consistent political position across a range of issues. But if British democratic culture was shoddy and threadbare to external view, there was a beating heart underneath. When people said they were not interested in politics, this reflected the perception that the world of parliamentary debates and party intrigue was distant, insular, and rather impenetrable, not that they did not care about political issues or have a desire to improve their position. Britain was home to plenty of everyday political thinking and conversation, and the amount and quality of this activity tended to increase and improve over the period as people became better educated and had access to more information through the media. The power of the democratic ideal grew in strength over the period, not least because it was more strongly absorbed by women and young people: people did not necessarily want to throw themselves into the political arena, but they expected to be listened to, they became less patient with appeals to tradition and authority, and they were less inclined to defer to people, including politicians, once deemed their ‘superiors’.
Discursive Construction of Race and Racism in India
Authors: Dutta Debalina , Dutta Mohan Jyoti
Published: November 2024

This article examines the interplay between race and racism in the backdrop of the assemblages of ideologies, assumptions, imageries, and practices of the exclusion of the “other” in India. Attending to the workings of caste, one of the foundational forms of racism, it is argued that the precolonial contexts of racist marginalization worked alongside colonial and postcolonial threads of racism in India, forming an infrastructure of violence. This infrastructure of violence rooted in the ideology of race purity connects caste with White supremacy. The article draws on the culture-centered approach to map how race and racism have played out historically and how they are sustained discursively in present-day India and in the Indian diaspora globally. Centering and identifying the messages that shape the construction of the “other,” the article locates the ontologies of race and racism in India amid the rapidly transforming neoliberal landscape. In doing so, it is noted that race and racism in India are intertwined with regionalism, colorism, and xenophobia; anchored in the making and marking of borders; and deeply tied to the neoliberal project. Finally, the article draws on the culture-centered approach to outline strategies of resistance, anchored in the voices of the “margins of the margins.”
Association between metabolomics-based biomarker scores and 10-year cognitive decline in men and women. The Doetinchem Cohort Study
Authors: Smit Annelot P , Herber Gerrie-Cor M , Kuiper Lieke M , Rietman M Liset , Wesenhagen Kirsten E J , Picavet H Susan J , Slagboom P Eline , Verschuren W M Monique
Published: November 2024

Background

Metabolomic scores based on age (MetaboAge) and mortality (MetaboHealth) are considered indicators of overall health, but their association with cognition in the general population is unknown. Therefore, the association between MetaboAge/MetaboHealth and level and decline in cognition was studied, as were differences between men and women.

Methods

Data of 2821 participants (50% women, age range 45–75) from the Doetinchem Cohort Study was used. MetaboAge and MetaboHealth were calculated from 1H-NMR metabolomics data at baseline. Cognitive domain scores (memory, flexibility and processing speed) and global cognitive functioning were available over a 10-year period. The association between MetaboAge/MetaboHealth and level of cognitive functioning was studied using linear regressions while for the association between MetaboAge/MetaboHealth and cognitive decline longitudinal linear mixed models were used. Analyses were adjusted for demographics and lifestyle factors.

Results

Higher MetaboAge, indicating poorer metabolomic ageing, was only associated with lower levels of processing speed in men. Higher MetaboHealth, indicating poorer immune-metabolic health, was associated with lower levels of cognitive functioning for all three domains and global cognitive functioning in both men and women. Only in men, MetaboHealth was also associated with 10-year decline in flexibility, processing speed and global cognition. Metabolites that contributed to the observed associations were in men mainly markers of protein metabolism, and in women mainly markers of lipid metabolism and inflammatory metabolites.

Conclusions

MetaboHealth, not MetaboAge, was associated with cognitive functioning independent of conventional risk factors. Individual metabolites affect cognitive functioning differently in men and women, suggesting sex-specific pathophysiological pathways underlying cognitive functioning.
Risk assessment methods in occupational health and hygiene: a scoping review
Authors: Floeder Andrew , Jones Rachael M , Arnold Susan F
Published: November 2024

Background

There are a variety of risk assessment methods to evaluate occupational hazards in the field of industrial hygiene. With the development of emerging technologies in the workforce, the previously established risk assessment methods may need to be adapted or new methods developed to address the risk of new hazards.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted consistent with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data was extracted and analyzed using a matrix method before undergoing a narrative synthesis. Risk assessment methods were classified as traditional and nontraditional.

Results

Seventy-nine articles were included in this scoping review, with 81% using traditional risk assessment methods and 19% using nontraditional methods.

Discussion

Among the nontraditional methods was control banding, with the most recent applications focused on nanomaterials. This approach, which was borne out of the need for a systematic approach for identifying potential health risks that required the use of engineering controls to be used safely, may have an important role in the area of emerging technologies, where the pace of technological innovation outstrips the rate at which health risks can be assessed and characterized. Risk assessment methods with the capacity to look at groups of similar chemicals and chemical mixtures are needed to address emerging hazards associated with emerging technologies.
Relative protective activities of avenanthramide A, B, and C against H2O2-induced endothelial dysfunction in EA.hy926 cells
Authors: Baik Seungjoo , Hong Seonghwa , Kim Hyun Joo , Jeong Heon Sang , Lee Hana , Lee Junsoo
Published: November 2024

This study compared the antihypertensive effects of avenanthramides A, B, and C, with a focus on their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Treatment with avenanthramides A, B, and C (50 μm) significantly enhanced cell viability and nitric oxide production in H2O2-induced endothelial dysfunction in EA.hy926 cells. Avenanthramides notably increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione while reducing malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species. Moreover, avenanthramides promoted the Nrf2 translocation to nucleus, enhancing the expression of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, avenanthramides inhibited the protein levels of iNOS and COX-2, as well as the phosphorylation of IkBα and translocation of p65, thereby mitigating endothelial inflammation. Molecular docking analysis revealed that avenanthramide A exhibited the strongest binding affinity for HO-1 and iNOS, which was correlated with its superior biological activity. Overall, by upregulating Nrf2/HO-1 pathways and downregulating NF-kB pathways, avenanthramides show potential as therapeutic agents for the treatment of endothelial dysfunction.
Detecting transposable elements in long-read genomes using sTELLeR
Authors: Bilgrav Saether Kristine , Eisfeldt Jesper
Published: November 2024

Motivation

Repeat elements, such as transposable elements (TE), are highly repetitive DNA sequences that compose around 50% of the genome. TEs such as Alu, SVA, HERV, and L1 elements can cause disease through disrupting genes, causing frameshift mutations or altering splicing patters. These are elements challenging to characterize using short-read genome sequencing, due to its read length and TEs repetitive nature. Long-read genome sequencing (lrGS) enables bridging of TEs, allowing increased resolution across repetitive DNA sequences. lrGS therefore present an opportunity for improved TE detection and analysis not only from a research perspective but also for future clinical detection. When choosing an lrGS TE caller, parameters such as runtime, CPU hours, sensitivity, precision, and compatibility with inclusion into pipelines are crucial for efficient detection.

Results

We therefore developed sTELLeR, (s) Transposable ELement in Long (e) Read, for accurate, fast, and effective TE detection. Particularly, sTELLeR exhibit higher precision and sensitivity for calling of Alu elements than similar tools. The caller is 5–48× as fast and uses <2% of the CPU hours compared to competitive callers. The caller is haplotype aware and output results in a variant call format (VCF) file, enabling compatibility with other variant callers and downstream analysis.

Availability and implementation

sTELLeR is a python-based tool and is available at https://github.com/kristinebilgrav/sTELLeR. Altogether, we show that sTELLeR is a fast, sensitive, and precise caller for detection of TE elements, and can easily be implemented into variant calling workflows.
Visfatin exerts an anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effect in the human placenta cells
Authors: Dawid Monika , Pich Karolina , Respekta-Długosz Natalia , Gieras Wiktoria , Opydo Małgorzata , Milewicz Tomasz , Froment Pascal , Dupont Joëlle , Rak Agnieszka
Published: November 2024

Visfatin regulates energy homeostasis, metabolism, inflammation, and reproduction via the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis. Our previous study showed the visfatin gene and protein expression in the human placenta. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro effect of visfatin on the proliferation and apoptosis of placental JEG-3 and BeWo cells but also in villous explants collected from normal pregnancies and complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preeclampsia (PE), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We studied placenta cells viability, proliferation, cell cycle, proliferation/apoptotic factors and insulin receptor (INSR) expression, DNA fragmentation, CASP3/7 activity, and phosphorylation of ERK1/2, AKT, AMPKα, STAT3 with their involvement after pharmacological inhibition in visfatin action on proliferation and apoptosis. Visfatin (1, 10, 100 ng/mL) decreased the viability and proliferation of JEG-3 after 48 h, and a similar effect was observed via co-administration of visfatin (10 ng/mL) and insulin (10 ng/mL) in JEG-3 and BeWo after 48 h and 72 h, respectively. Visfatin reduced the transition from the G2/M phase, and expression of PCNA or cyclins D, E, A, and B in JEG-3 and PCNA in normal, IUGR, PE, and GDM placentas. It increased DNA fragmentation, CASP3/7 activity, P53, BAX/BCL2, CASP9, CASP 8, CASP3 levels in BeWo, and CASP3 expression in tested placentas. Furthermore, visfatin modulated INSR, ERK1/2, AKT, AMPKα, and STAT3 expression in JEG-3 and BeWo, and its anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects occurred via mentioned factors. In conclusion, visfatin, by affecting the proliferation and apoptosis of human placenta cells, may be an important factor in the development and function of the organ.
Brain age gap, dementia risk factors and cognition in middle age
Authors: Stefaniak James D , Mak Elijah , Su Li , Carter Stephen F , Dounavi Maria-Eleni , Muniz Terrera Graciela , Bridgeman Katie , Ritchie Karen , Lawlor Brian , Naci Lorina , Koychev Ivan , Malhotra Paresh , Ritchie Craig W , O’Brien John T
Published: November 2024

Brain Age Gap has been associated with dementia in old age. Less is known relating brain age gap to dementia risk-factors or cognitive performance in middle-age. Cognitively healthy, middle-aged subjects from PREVENT-Dementia had comprehensive neuropsychological, neuroimaging and genetic assessments. Brain Ages were predicted from T1-weighted 3T MRI scans. Cognition was assessed using the COGNITO computerized test battery. 552 middle-aged participants (median [interquartile range] age 52.8 [8.7] years, 60.0% female) had baseline data, of whom 95 had amyloid PET data. Brain age gap in middle-age was associated with hypertension (P = 0.007) and alcohol intake (P = 0.008) but not apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 allele (P = 0.14), amyloid centiloids (P = 0.39) or cognitive performance (P = 0.74). Brain age gap in middle-age is associated with modifiable dementia risk-factors, but not with genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease, amyloid deposition or cognitive performance. These results are important for understanding brain-age in middle-aged populations, which might be optimally targeted by future dementia-preventing therapies.
Corticotropin-releasing hormone as a candidate biomarker for parkinsonian disorders
Authors: Fernandes Gomes Bárbara , Kumar Atul , Ashton Nicholas J , Hall Sara , Stomrud Erik , Smith Ruben , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Mattsson-Carlgren Niklas , Hansson Oskar
Published: November 2024

Disease-specific fluid biomarkers are in demand for parkinsonian syndromes (PS). Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) was proposed as a biomarker for Lewy body disease. As such, this project aimed to confirm CRH as a potential biomarker for different PS. CRH and misfolded α-synuclein (αSyn) were measured in CSF. The primary cohort included Lewy body disease patients (i.e. Parkinson’s disease or dementia with Lewy bodies, n = 77), atypical PS (n = 37) and non-parkinsonian neurodegenerative diseases (n = 164), as well as controls (n = 354). A replication cohort included Lewy body disease (n = 27), atypical PS (n = 58) and controls (n = 58). CRH was downregulated in αSyn positive Lewy body disease, αSyn positive controls and in all atypical PS compared with αSyn negative controls (P = 3.3e−05, P = 3.1e−10, P = 2.9e−03). CRH was also decreased in αSyn positive Lewy body disease compared with αSyn negative non-PS (P = 2e−03) and correlated with cognitive impairment and inflammation in αSyn positive Lewy body disease. We show that CRH is a promising biomarker for Lewy body disease and atypical PS and its association with inflammation and cognitive decline. Reductions in CRH in Lewy body disease and other PS suggest this decrease may relate to dopaminergic degeneration instead of αSyn pathology.
Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) for monogenic nephropathy: a single-center retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Zhang Qian , Cao Kexin , Li Jie , Gao Yuan , Xu Peiwen , Niu Yuping , Zhou Wei , Ni Tianxiang , Sun Shuzhen , Yan Junhao
Published: November 2024

Background

Hereditary nephropathy is an important cause of renal insufficiency and end-stage renal disease. Therefore, for couples with monogenic nephropathy, preventing transmission of the disease to offspring is urgent. Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) is a means to prevent intergenerational inheritance by screening and transplanting normal embryos. We provide a clinical overview of patients with monogenic nephropathy who underwent PGT-M.

Methods

The single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University from January 2014 to December 2022. A total of 352 couples with nephropathy-related disease were included in the cohort totally.

Results

Of the 352 couples with nephropathy-related disease, 180 accepted genetic screening. A total of 104 couples with monogenic nephropathy indications underwent PGT-M, including 90 of autosomal dominant inheritance, 10 of autosomal recessive inheritance, 4 of X-linked inheritance. 498 blastocysts were biopsied prior to testing, and 394 embryos underwent genetic testing, of which 76 were transferable, 247 were non-transferable and 71 were recommended for genetic counseling. Finally, 80 vitrified-thawed single blastocyst transfer cycles were performed in the cohort. Live births occurred in 38 women, of which 37 transferred embryos with non-pathogenic genotypes. The invasive prenatal diagnosis results of 18 women with live birth were obtained through follow-up, consistent with the PGT-M results of transferred embryos.

Conclusions

PGT-M is an effective means of preventing intergenerational inheritance of monogenic nephropathy. The absence of genetic abnormalities detected by prenatal diagnosis in healthy newborns without monogenic nephropathy also underscore its validity.
4D computed tomography assessment of ruptured triple-lumen type B aortic dissection: a case report
Authors: Li Ying , Li Jia , Chen Jia , Zhao Pei qun
Published: November 2024

Background

Few studies have investigated the effect of the intimal morphology of type B aortic dissection (TBAD) on the blood flow after rupture. We report a case of a 30-year-old male with complicated TBAD, who underwent assessment with 4D computed tomography (4D-CT).

Case summary

Patient presented with chest tightness for 14 days, a heart rate of 67 b.p.m., regular rhythm, and 2 years of hypertension. Precisely 14 days prior, he had been diagnosed with aortic dissection by ultrasound at another hospital. 4D-CT showed thoracoabdominal aortic dissection (Stanford type B), left haemothorax, multiple dissection tears, an initial tear located at the large curvature side of the aortic arch, a proximal tear entrance >15 mm, and a descending aorta exit >5 mm. 4D-CT analysis and visualization of the intimal flap showed a parallel three-lumen spatial morphology of true–false–true, and the lumen showed partial thrombosis in the false lumen. Further quantitative analysis of the area of the initial and re-entry tear during the cardiac cycle revealed that the ratio of the initial tear to re-entry tear was consistent with the expansion ratio of the false lumen to the true lumen of the re-entry tear. The patient improved and was discharged 1 week after undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for descending aortic dissection.

Discussion

The complex triple-lumen TBAD, characterized by multiple tears and blood flow channels, poses challenges for TEVAR. 4D-CT facilitates the visualization of intimal flap spatial distribution and enables a thorough assessment of interlayer dilation risk within a realistic and complex haemodynamic context, thereby refining the risk stratification for the progression of complicated aortic dissection and its associated complex complications.