bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on an ID-PCA Early Fault Detection Method for Rolling Bearings
Authors: Guo Jin , Liu Yefeng , Li Kangju , Liu Qiang
Published: April 2022

Since the rolling bearing is complex during the signal acquisition process, there is a certain loss during the process of collecting the vibration signal. This has led to the weakness of the early fault characteristics of the rolling bearing, affecting the accuracy of the rolling bearing fault feature extraction. In response to the above problems, an early fault detection method based on the Improved Deep Principal Component Analysis (ID-PCA) is proposed. The proposed method uses the time-series characteristic information of the vibration signal to establish a model, which solves the problem that the principal component analysis method cannot detect the vibration signal directly. Through the deep decomposition theorem, a multi-layer data processing model is established to fully mine the weak fault features in the vibration signal. It can solve the problem of inaccurate early fault detection results due to weak fault feature information. The reliability of this method is proved theoretically through sensitivity analysis. Finally, through experimental simulation, the accuracy and feasibility of this method are proved from the perspective of practice.
Forecasting Fine-Grained Air Quality for Locations without Monitoring Stations Based on a Hybrid Predictor with Spatial-Temporal Attention Based Network
Authors: Hsieh Hsun-Ping , Wu Su , Ko Ching-Chung , Shei Chris , Yao Zheng-Ting , Chen Yu-Wen
Published: April 2022

Air pollution in cities is a severe and worrying problem because it causes threats to economic development and health. Furthermore, with the development of industry and technology, rapid population growth, and the massive expansion of cities, the total amount of pollution emissions continue to increase. Hence, observing and predicting the air quality index (AQI), which measures fatal pollutants to humans, has become more and more critical in recent years. However, there are insufficient air quality monitoring stations for AQI observation because the construction and maintenance costs are too high. In addition, finding an available and suitable place for monitoring stations in cities with high population density is difficult. This study proposes a spatial-temporal model to predict the long-term AQI in a city without monitoring stations. Our model calculates the spatial-temporal correlation between station and region using an attention mechanism and leverages the distance information between all existing monitoring stations and target regions to enhance the effectiveness of the attention structure. Furthermore, we design a hybrid predictor that can effectively combine the time-dependent and time-independent predictors using the dynamic weighted sum. Finally, the experimental results show that the proposed model outperforms all the baseline models. In addition, the ablation study confirms the effectiveness of the proposed structures.
Aerodynamic Efficiency Improvement on a NACA-8412 Airfoil via Active Flow Control Implementation
Authors: Couto Nil , Bergada Josep M.
Published: April 2022

The present paper introduces a parametric optimization of several Active Flow Control (AFC) parameters applied to a NACA-8412 airfoil at a single post-stall Angle of Attack (AoA) of 15∘ and Reynolds number Re = 68.5×103. The aim is to enhance the airfoil efficiency and to maximize its lift. The boundary layer separation point was modified using Synthetic Jet Actuators (SJA), and the airfoil optimization was carried on by systematically changing the pulsating frequency, momentum coefficient and jet inclination angle. Each case has been evaluated using Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations, being the Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes equations (RANS) turbulence model employed the Spalart Allmaras (SA) one. The results clarify which are the optimum AFC parameters to maximize the airfoil efficiency. It also clarifies which improvement in efficiency is to be expected under the operating working conditions. An energy balance is presented at the end of the paper, showing that for the optimum conditions studied the energy saved is higher than the one needed for the actuation. The paper clarifies how a parametric analysis has to be performed and which AFC parameters can be initially set as constant providing sufficient previous knowledge of the flow field is already known. A maximum efficiency increase versus the baseline case of around 275% is obtained from the present simulations.
The Effect of Individual Combination Therapy on Children with Motor Deficits from the Perspective of Comprehensive Rehabilitation
Authors: Vostrý Michal , Lanková Barbora , Zilcher Ladislav , Jelinková Jaroslava
Published: April 2022

Objective: The paper presents the results of a research survey focused on individual combination therapy in individuals with motor deficits during childhood. The research was carried out in 2020/2021. Two patients were selected based on predetermined relevant criteria and participated in the research survey. Intervention approaches within the research survey were focused on the development of the motor skills of the chosen patients suffering from cerebral palsy or dyspraxia. Furthermore, the patients’ social adaptability was supported together with their independence and self-sufficiency in coping with everyday tasks. Sample: Two patients (N = 2) participated in the research survey based on intended sampling (i.e., motor deficit, age 7–9 years, participation in rehabilitation interventions max. 4 times a month). Based on the predetermined criteria, the two patients were contacted, one of which (N = 1) was diagnosed with cerebral palsy diparesis (ICD-10; G80.1: spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, 8.8 years of age), and the other patient (N = 1) suffered from developmental dyspraxia (ICD-10; F82: a specific developmental disorder of motor functions, 7.4 years of age). The single-case research design method was applied to process the results. This type of qualitative research enabled us to study in detail a small number of participants, specifically in our research (N = 2), one individual patient who suffered from cerebral palsy and the other individual patient diagnosed with developmental dyspraxia. The choice of two individual patients would help us to obtain a better idea of the effect of the chosen combination therapy. A standardized modified FIM test (Functional Independence Measure) was used to present the results. Results: The presented results of the research survey using the single-case research design method point to the following findings. The chosen intervention method using combination therapy demonstrably improved the patients’ conditions within the monitored indicators. When the intervention was omitted and only the usual rehabilitation procedures were conducted, the patients’ conditions deteriorated and decreased to the initial values. Conclusion: Based on the presented results, combination therapy appears to be an effective approach for individuals with motor deficits at a younger school age. The combination of selected rehabilitation approaches using classical procedures as well as robotically assisted therapy is desirable in practice as it meets the requirements for rehabilitation in the 21st century. The survey results offer conclusions and recommendations for practice regarding the research topic.
The Influence of Peripheral Blood Eosinophil Counts in Asthma Comorbidities in Adults: A Real Life Study
Authors: Esteban-Gorgojo Ignacio , Rial Manuel Jorge , Sastre Joaquín
Published: April 2022

Asthma and eosinophilia are two closely related pathologies whose interaction is key in the era of precision medicine. However, this relationship is rarely taken into account without the influence of therapeutic prescriptions. In this study involving 1296 subjects, the relationship between eosinophilia and asthma was analyzed without taking into account other biases. We observed that rhinitis only appears in non-asthmatic patients with elevated blood eosinophil levels, while atopy was elevated in parallel to eosinophilia regardless of whether the patients were asthmatic or not. In terms of lung function, a decrease was observed for higher blood eosinophil levels, which is especially relevant in the FEV1/FVC ratio. FENO is elevated in relation to higher eosinophilia, but total IgE is only elevated in patients with high peripheral blood eosinophil levels and asthma. Finally, the only feature of asthma that is altered by increased peripheral eosinophilia is persistent asthma, with all other features remaining unchanged.
A New Observation in Spiral and Curl Antenna Configurations above the Ground Plane
Authors: Hirose Kazuhide , Hirukawa Masayuki , Nakano Hisamatsu
Published: April 2022

We report here that spiral and curl antennas are essentially the same when using the moment method. This aids in the understanding and design of the two antennas, and serves as the groundwork for new ideas regarding antennas. First, the spiral antenna height above the ground plane was gradually reduced, and at each height, the spiral configuration parameters were optimized for an axial ratio of less than 0.1 dB. It was found that the spiral antenna had configuration parameters almost the same as those for a curl antenna at a height of 0.15 wavelengths. Next, the curl antenna was analyzed with a reduced height. The antenna, at a height of 0.10 wavelengths, showed a 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of 3%, with a VSWR of less than two. The analysis results are verified with experimental results.
The Art of Southern Arabian Daggers: An Emblem of Pride Masculinity and Identity
Authors: Althagafi Khadeeja
Published: April 2022

The long-held tradition of wearing daggers in southern Arabia is in decline. This research examines the rich history of the southern Arabian dagger, outlining its story over time, craftsmanship, and changing use, from a weapon to a ceremonial piece. A significant contribution in the field of visual art is offered, firstly by demonstrating the beauty of this metal artwork form, and secondly by examining the notions of pride, masculinity and identity with regard to southern Arabian dagger wearing. It is argued here that men in this region continue to attach meaning to the dagger. Additionally, existing critical studies, including the various efforts being made to respect and preserve the dagger’s cultural significance, are highlighted. It is contended here that for these reasons, the southern Arabian dagger will not be lost to history.
Forecasts of MJO during DYNAMO in a Coupled Tropical Channel Model: Impact of Planetary Boundary Layer Schemes
Authors: Hu Yun , Wang Xiaochun , Luo Jing-Jia , Wang Dongxiao , Yan Huiping , Yuan Chaoxia , Lin Xia
Published: April 2022

It is challenging to predict the eastward-propagating Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) events across the Maritime Continent (MC) in models. We constructed an air–sea coupled numerical weather prediction model—a tropical channel model—to investigate the role of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) scheme on eastward-propagating and non-propagating MJO precipitation events during the Dynamics of the MJO (DYNAMO) campaign period. Analysis of three hindcast experiments with different PBL schemes illustrates that the PBL scheme is crucial to simulating the eastward-propagating MJO events. The experiment with the University of Washington (UW) PBL scheme can predict the convection activity over the MC due to a good representation of moist static energy (MSE) tendency relatively well. The horizontal advection and the upward transport of moisture from the PBL to the free atmosphere play a major role in the MSE tendency ahead of MJO convection. The difference in the meridional component of MSE advection accounts for the different MSE budgets in the three hindcast experiments. A well-simulated meridional advection can transport the meridional water vapor to moisten the MC. Our results suggest that a proper PBL scheme with better simulated meridional water vapor distribution is crucial to predicting the eastward propagation of MJO events across the MC in the tropical channel model.
Impact of Different Double-Moment Microphysical Schemes on Simulations of a Bow-Shaped Squall Line in East China
Authors: Cao Qian , Zhang Shuwen , Lei Guilian , Zhang Yizhi
Published: April 2022

Four typical double-moment cloud microphysical schemes (Milbrandt, Morrison, NSSL and WDM6) in WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting) are used to investigate the impact of the different schemes on the simulation of a straight squall line evolving into a bow-shaped one in East China on 15 April 2016. Although simulations with Milbrandt, Morrison and WDM6 schemes can produce bow-shaped squall lines, only the WDM6 scheme can simulate the evolution process of the straight squall line to a bow-shaped one well. The simulation results with the NSSL scheme produce a broken straight squall line. The possible reason is that the range and intensity of cold pools and the rear inflows are different among the four schemes when the observed squall line evolves into a standard bow-shaped squall line. The mixing ratio and number concentration of rain water with the WDM6 scheme is largest in strong convective areas, and the cold pool and rear inflow are also strongest among the four schemes. Compared with the WDM6 scheme, the mixing ratio and number concentration of rain water are less with the Milbrandt and Morrison schemes. Also, the cold pool and rear inflow with the Milbrandt scheme are weaker than for the WDM6 scheme but stronger than those with the Morrison scheme. The rainwater mixing ratio is very low and no obvious cold pool and rear inflow exist with the NSSL scheme.
Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Variability of Lightning Activity and Wildfires in Western Siberia during 2016–2021
Authors: Kharyutkina Elena , Pustovalov Konstantin , Moraru Evgeniia , Nechepurenko Olga
Published: April 2022

This research compares the spatial and temporal variability of lightning activity associated with wildfires in several natural geographical zones of Western Siberia from 2016–2021. The study was based on the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) and The Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) for the warm (April–October) season. It was revealed that areas of hotspots and lightning activity most often coincide in the southwestern part of the territory (near Khanty-Mansiysk and Tyumen), in the mountain regions (Kuznetsk Alatau, Altai), and in the northern part of Kazakhstan. Maximum values of lightning occur in July for the whole territory of Western Siberia, and maximum values of hotspots occur in April in the central and southern regions of Western Siberia. Despite the largest number of fires in the south of the territory, the probability of ignition from lightning over the whole warm season is higher in the northern parts of Western Siberia; it reaches up to 30%. Thus, the revealed lightning–fire association allows us to better understand this process in the region that will be useful in the prediction of the potential fire danger in different natural zones.
Research on the Spatial Heterogeneity and Influencing Factors of Air Pollution: A Case Study in Shijiazhuang, China
Authors: Sun Yuan , Zeng Jian , Namaiti Aihemaiti
Published: April 2022

Rapid urbanization causes serious air pollution and constrains the sustainable development of society. The influencing factors of urban air pollution are complex and diverse. Multiple factors act together to interact in influencing air pollution. However, most of the existing studies on the influencing factors of air pollution lack consideration of the interaction mechanisms between the factors. Using multisource data and geographical detectors, this study analyzed the spatial heterogeneity characteristics of air pollution in Shijiazhuang City, identified its main influencing factors, and analyzed the interaction effects among these factors. The results of spatial heterogeneity analysis indicate that the distribution of aerosol optical depth (AOD) has obvious agglomeration characteristics. High agglomeration areas are concentrated in the eastern plain areas, and low agglomeration areas are concentrated in the western mountainous areas. Forests (q = 0.620), slopes (q = 0.616), elevation (q = 0.579), grasslands (q = 0.534), and artificial surfaces (q = 0.506) are the main individual factors affecting AOD distribution. Among them, natural factors such as topography, ecological space, and wind speed are negatively correlated with AOD values, whereas the opposite is true for human factors such as roads, artificial surfaces, and population. Each factor can barely affect the air pollution status significantly alone, and the explanatory power of all influencing factors showed an improvement through the two-factor enhanced interaction. The associations of elevation ∩ artificial surface (q = 0.625), elevation ∩ NDVI (q = 0.622), and elevation ∩ grassland (q = 0.620) exhibited a high explanatory power on AOD value distribution, suggesting that the combination of multiple factors such as low altitude, high building density, and sparse vegetation can lead to higher AOD values. These results are conducive to the understanding of the air pollution status and its influencing factors, and in future, decision makers should adopt different strategies, as follows: (1) high-density built-up areas should be considered as the key areas of pollution control, and (2) a single-factor pollution control strategy should be avoided, and a multi-factor synergistic optimization strategy should be adopted to take full advantage of the interaction among the factors to address the air pollution problem more effectively.
Evaluation of Warm-Season Rainfall Diurnal Variation over the Qilian Mountains in Northwest China in ERA5 Reanalysis
Authors: He Mu , Chen Haoming , Yu Rucong
Published: April 2022

On the basis of hourly rain-gauge data from 735 stations over the Qilian Mountains in Northwest China, the rainfall diurnal variation represented in ERA5 reanalysis data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) was evaluated from May to October during 2012–2019. Results show that rainfall with intensities below 4 mm h−1 was mostly overestimated, while intensities above 4 mm h−1 were underestimated in ERA5. The most severe overestimation of weak precipitation occurs in the late afternoon, while heavy precipitation is mostly underestimated at night. Deviation in both heavy and weak precipitation is more evident in mountainous areas. The diurnal peak was reasonably reproduced for the rainfall events with durations shorter than 4 h, while the peak hour of events with longer duration showed evident bias. The positive (negative) deviations of short (long) duration rainfall events mainly appear in the late afternoon (night). Around the Qilian Mountains, where deviation is pronounced, the bias of afternoon short-duration events is influenced by higher-frequency precipitation, while the bias of long-duration events is related to the lower frequency of precipitation at night. In terms of the spatial distribution of precipitation with varied elevation, ERA5 fails to represent variation in weak and heavy precipitation with increasing elevation, which may be related to the deviation of surface-specific humidity in reanalysis. The results of this study imply the uncertainty of rainfall products by ERA5 over regions with complex topographic effects and provide metrics to evaluate rainfall products or forecasts over complex terrain area.
Update of Atomic Data for the First Three Spectra of Actinium
Authors: Kramida Alexander
Published: April 2022

The present article describes a complete reanalysis of all published data on observed spectral lines and energy levels of the first three spectra of actinium (Ac I–III). In Ac I, three previously determined energy levels have been rejected, 12 new energy levels have been found; for six previously known levels, either the J values or the energies have been revised, and the ionization energy has been redetermined with an improved accuracy. In the line list of Ac I, three previous classifications have been discarded, 16 new ones have been found, and three have been revised. In Ac II, 16 new energy levels have been established, and 36 new identifications have been found for previously observed but unclassified lines. In both Ac I and Ac II, new sets of transition probabilities have been calculated. For all three spectra, complete datasets of critically evaluated energy levels, observed lines, and transition probabilities have been constructed to serve as recommended data on these spectra.
The Effect of Semen Cryopreservation Process on Metabolomic Profiles of Turkey Sperm as Assessed by NMR Analysis
Authors: Paventi Gianluca , Di Iorio Michele , Rusco Giusy , Sobolev Anatoly P. , Cerolini Silvia , Antenucci Emanuele , Spano Mattia , Mannina Luisa , Iaffaldano Nicolaia
Published: April 2022

Semen cryopreservation represents the main tool for preservation of biodiversity; however, in avian species, the freezing–thawing process results in a sharp reduction in sperm quality and consequently fertility. Thus, to gain a first insight into the molecular basis of the cryopreservation of turkey sperm, the NMR-assessed metabolite profiles of fresh and frozen–thawed samples were herein investigated and compared with sperm qualitative parameters. Cryopreservation decreased the sperm viability, mobility, and osmotic tolerance of frozen–thawed samples. This decrease in sperm quality was associated with the variation in the levels of some metabolites in both aqueous and lipid sperm extracts, as investigated by NMR analysis. Higher amounts of the amino acids Ala, Ile, Leu, Phe, Tyr, and Val were found in fresh than in frozen–thawed sperm; on the contrary, Gly content increased after cryopreservation. A positive correlation (p < 0.01) between the amino acid levels and all qualitative parameters was found, except in the case of Gly, the levels of which were negatively correlated (p < 0.01) with sperm quality. Other water-soluble compounds, namely formate, lactate, AMP, creatine, and carnitine, turned out to be present at higher concentrations in fresh sperm, whereas cryopreserved samples showed increased levels of citrate and acetyl-carnitine. Frozen–thawed sperm also showed decreases in cholesterol and polyunsaturated fatty acids, whereas saturated fatty acids were found to be higher in cryopreserved than in fresh sperm. Interestingly, lactate, carnitine (p < 0.01), AMP, creatine, cholesterol, and phosphatidylcholine (p < 0.05) levels were positively correlated with all sperm quality parameters, whereas citrate (p < 0.01), fumarate, acetyl-carnitine, and saturated fatty acids (p < 0.05) showed negative correlations. A detailed discussion aimed at explaining these correlations in the sperm cell context is provided, returning a clearer scenario of metabolic changes occurring in turkey sperm cryopreservation.
Acute Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Responses to Incremental Cycling Exercise in Endurance- and Strength-Trained Athletes
Authors: Jurasz Maciej , Boraczyński Michał , Laskin James J. , Kamelska-Sadowska Anna M. , Podstawski Robert , Jaszczur-Nowicki Jarosław , Nowakowski Jacek J. , Gronek Piotr
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of a progressive submaximal cycling exercise on selected cardiorespiratory and metabolic variables in endurance and strength trained athletes. The sample comprised 32 participants aged 22.0 ± 0.54 years who were assigned into three groups: an endurance trained group (END, triathletes, n = 10), a strength trained group (STR, bodybuilders, n = 10), and a control group (CON, recreationally active students, n = 12). The incremental cycling exercise was performed using a progressive protocol starting with a 3 min resting measurement and then a 50 W workload with subsequent constant increments of 50 W every 3 min until 200 W. The following cardiometabolic variables were evaluated: heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and blood lactate (BLa−). We found the between-group differences in metabolic variables (the average RER and BLa−) were statistically significant (Tukey’s HSD test: CON vs. STR, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively; CON vs. END, p < 0.001; END vs. STR, p < 0.001). RER and BLa– differences in all groups depended on the workload level (G-G-epsilon = 0.438; p < 0.004 and G-G-epsilon = 0.400; p < 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in cardiorespiratory variables between endurance- and strength-trained groups. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that acute cardiorespiratory responses at each of the four submaximal workloads were comparable in endurance- compared to strength-trained athletes, but significantly different compared to recreationally active men. However, there were significant differences in the metabolic responses of RER and BLa−. Based on our findings we recommend that endurance-trained athletes follow a concurrent training program, combined strength and endurance training, to improve neuromuscular parameters and thus optimize their economy of movement and endurance-specific muscle power capacity.
Dysregulation in the Expression of Platelet Surface Receptors in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients—Emphasis on P2Y12
Authors: Szelenberger Rafał , Karbownik Michał Seweryn , Kacprzak Michał , Synowiec Ewelina , Michlewska Sylwia , Bijak Michał , Zielińska Marzenna , Olender Alina , Saluk-Bijak Joanna
Published: April 2022

The pathological conditions caused by blood platelet activation constitute a fundamental core in the pathogenesis of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). The hyperactivity of platelets in ACS is well-documented, but there is still little research into the molecular basis of phenotypic changes in platelet functionality. To expand the knowledge of this phenomenon, we analyzed the disturbances in the expression of several key platelet receptors and the aspect of regulating potential abnormalities. Platelet surface receptors are responsible for maintaining the hemostatic balance, platelet interaction with immune cells, and support of the coagulation cascade leading to occlusion of the vessel lumen. Due to their prominent role, platelet receptors constitute a major target in pharmacological treatment. Our work aimed to identify the molecular alteration of platelet surface receptors, which showed augmented mRNA expression of P2Y12, GP1BB, ITGA2B, and ITGB3 and increased protein concentrations of P2Y12 and GP IIb/IIIa in ACS. The upregulation of the P2Y12 level was also confirmed by confocal and cytometric visualization. Furthermore, we evaluated the expression of two microRNAs: miR-223-3p and miR-126-3p, which were suggested to regulate platelet P2Y12 expression. Results of our study present new insight into the molecular background of ACS.
New Psychoactive Substances Consumption in Opioid-Use Disorder Patients
Authors: Alías-Ferri Maria , Pellegrini Manuela , Marchei Emilia , Pacifici Roberta , Rotolo Maria Concetta , Pichini Simona , Pérez-Mañá Clara , Papaseit Esther , Muga Robert , Fonseca Francina , Torrens Marta , Farré Magí
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Since the beginning of the 21st century, the large number and wide chemical variety of new psychoactive substances (NPS) that enter the market every year has become a public health problem. Given the rapidity with which the drug market is changing, many NPS are not clinically investigated and their effects and health risks are unknown. Drug testing is a very useful tool for this purpose, but, unfortunately, it is not very widespread in individuals with opioid-use disorder under detoxification treatment. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of illicit drugs and NPS in opioid-use disorder (OUD) patients on opioid agonist treatment. (2) Methods: A multicenter, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at two addiction care services in Barcelona and Badalona, Spain. Urine samples were collected from OUD individuals attending these two centers, who anonymously donated a urine sample at the time of a periodical visit. Samples were analyzed by high-sensitivity gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high –resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). (3) Results: Out of the 187 collected and analyzed urine samples, 27.3% were positive for any type of NPS and 8.6% were positive for new synthetic opioids, including fentanyl and its derivatives (NSO). Other frequently detected substances were benzodiazepines in 46.0% of samples, antipsychotics in 27.8% of samples, or cocaine and cannabis in 23.5% of samples. (4) Conclusion: A wide number of NPS, including NSO, have been detected in urine samples from an OUD population. A lack of NPS detection in standard drug screening among drug users can hide the identification of a potential public health problem.
Zinc Metalloprotease ProA from Legionella pneumophila Inhibits the Pro-Inflammatory Host Response by Degradation of Bacterial Flagellin
Authors: Scheithauer Lina , Thiem Stefanie , Ünal Can M. , Dellmann Ansgar , Steinert Michael
Published: April 2022

The environmental bacterium Legionella pneumophila is an intracellular pathogen of various protozoan hosts and able to cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe pneumonia in humans. By encoding a wide selection of virulence factors, the infectious agent possesses several strategies to manipulate its host cells and evade immune detection. In the present study, we demonstrate that the L. pneumophila zinc metalloprotease ProA functions as a modulator of flagellin-mediated TLR5 stimulation and subsequent activation of the pro-inflammatory NF-κB pathway. We found ProA to be capable of directly degrading immunogenic FlaA monomers but not the polymeric form of bacterial flagella. These results indicate a role of the protease in antagonizing immune stimulation, which was further substantiated in HEK-BlueTM hTLR5 Detection assays. Addition of purified proteins, bacterial suspensions of L. pneumophila mutant strains as well as supernatants of human lung tissue explant infection to this reporter cell line demonstrated that ProA specifically decreases the TLR5 response via FlaA degradation. Conclusively, the zinc metalloprotease ProA serves as a powerful regulator of exogenous flagellin and presumably creates an important advantage for L. pneumophila proliferation in mammalian hosts by promoting immune evasion.
Nuclear and Cytoplasmatic Players in Mitochondria-Related CNS Disorders: Chromatin Modifications and Subcellular Trafficking
Authors: Gasparotto Matteo , Lee Yi-Shin , Palazzi Alessandra , Vacca Marcella , Filippini Francesco
Published: April 2022

Aberrant mitochondrial phenotypes are common to many central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. Mitochondrial function and homeostasis depend on proper control of several biological processes such as chromatin remodeling and transcriptional control, post-transcriptional events, vesicle and organelle subcellular trafficking, fusion, and morphogenesis. Mutation or impaired regulation of major players that orchestrate such processes can disrupt cellular and mitochondrial dynamics, contributing to neurological disorders. The first part of this review provides an overview of a functional relationship between chromatin players and mitochondria. Specifically, we relied on specific monogenic CNS disorders which share features with mitochondrial diseases. On the other hand, subcellular trafficking is coordinated directly or indirectly through evolutionarily conserved domains and proteins that regulate the dynamics of membrane compartments and organelles, including mitochondria. Among these “building blocks”, longin domains and small GTPases are involved in autophagy and mitophagy, cell reshaping, and organelle fusion. Impairments in those processes significantly impact CNS as well and are discussed in the second part of the review. Hopefully, in filling the functional gap between the nucleus and cytoplasmic organelles new routes for therapy could be disclosed.
Overcoming Chemotherapy Resistance in Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Országhová Zuzana , Kalavska Katarina , Mego Michal , Chovanec Michal
Published: April 2022

Testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) are highly curable malignancies. Excellent survival rates in patients with metastatic disease can be attributed to the exceptional sensitivity of GCTs to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. This hypersensitivity is probably related to alterations in the DNA repair of cisplatin-induced DNA damage, and an excessive apoptotic response. However, chemotherapy fails due to the development of cisplatin resistance in a proportion of patients. The molecular basis of this resistance appears to be multifactorial. Tracking the mechanisms of cisplatin resistance in GCTs, multiple molecules have been identified as potential therapeutic targets. A variety of therapeutic agents have been evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies. These include different chemotherapeutics, targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, CDK inhibitors, and anti-CD30 therapy, as well as immune-checkpoint inhibitors, epigenetic therapy, and others. These therapeutics have been used as single agents or in combination with cisplatin. Some of them have shown promising in vitro activity in overcoming cisplatin resistance, but have not been effective in clinical trials in refractory GCT patients. This review provides a summary of current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of cisplatin sensitivity and resistance in GCTs and outlines possible therapeutic approaches that seek to overcome this chemoresistance.
Impact of Behavioral Assessment and Re-Test as Functional Trainings That Modify Survival, Anxiety and Functional Profile (Physical Endurance and Motor Learning) of Old Male and Female 3xTg-AD Mice and NTg Mice with Normal Aging
Authors: Castillo-Mariqueo Lidia , Giménez-Llort Lydia
Published: April 2022

Longitudinal approaches for disease-monitoring in old animals face survival and frailty limitations, but also assessment and re-test bias on genotype and sex effects. The present work investigated these effects on 56 variables for behavior, functional profile, and biological status of male and female 3xTg-AD mice and NTg counterparts using two designs: (1) a longitudinal design: naïve 12-month-old mice re-tested four months later; and (2) a cross-sectional design: naïve 16-month-old mice compared to those re-tested. The results confirmed the impact as (1) improvement of survival (NTg rested females), variability of gait (3xTg-AD 16-month-old re-tested and naïve females), physical endurance (3xTg-AD re-tested females), motor learning (3xTg-AD and NTg 16-month-old re-tested females), and geotaxis (3xTg-AD naïve 16-month-old males); but (2) worse anxiety (3xTg-AD 16-month-old re-tested males), HPA axis (3xTg-AD 16-month-old re-tested and naïve females) and sarcopenia (3xTg-AD 16-month-old naïve females). Males showed more functional correlations than females. The functional profile, biological status, and their correlation are discussed as relevant elements for AD-pathology. Therefore, repetition of behavioral batteries could be considered training by itself, with some variables sensitive to genotype, sex, and re-test. In the AD-genotype, females achieved the best performance in physical endurance and motor learning, while males showed a deterioration in most studied variables.
Long-Term Reduction of Bacterial Adhesion on Polyurethane by an Ultra-Thin Surface Modifier
Authors: De La Franier Brian , Asker Dalal , Hatton Benjamin , Thompson Michael
Published: April 2022

Indwelling urinary catheters are employed widely to relieve urinary retention in patients. A common side effect of the use of these catheters is the formation of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can lead not only to severe medical complications, but even to death. A number of approaches have been used to attempt reduction in the rate of UTI development in catheterized patients, which include the application of antibiotics and modification of the device surface by coatings. Many of these coatings have not seen use on catheters in medical settings due to either the high cost of their implementation, their long-term stability, or their safety. In previous work, it has been established that the simple, stable, and easily applicable sterilization surface coating 2-(3-trichlorosilylpropyloxy)-ethyl hydroxide (MEG-OH) can be applied to polyurethane plastic, where it greatly reduces microbial fouling from a variety of species for a 1-day time period. In the present work, we establish that this coating is able to remain stable and provide a similarly large reduction in fouling against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus for time periods in an excess of 30 days. This non-specific coating functioned against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, providing a log 1.1 to log 1.9 reduction, depending on the species and day. This stability and continued efficacy greatly suggest that MEG-OH may be capable of providing a solution to the UTI issue which occurs with urinary catheters.
Analysis of Mitochondrial Function in Cell Membranes as Indicator of Tissue Vulnerability to Drugs in Humans
Authors: Elexpe Ane , Sánchez-Sánchez Laura , Tolentino-Cortez Tarson , Astigarraga Egoitz , Torrecilla María , Barreda-Gómez Gabriel
Published: April 2022

Drug side effects are one of the main reasons for treatment withdrawal during clinical trials. Reactive oxygen species formation is involved in many of the drug side effects, mainly by interacting with the components of the cellular respiration. Thus, the early detection of these effects in the drug discovery process is a key aspect for the optimization of pharmacological research. To this end, the superoxide formation of a series of drugs and compounds with antidepressant, antipsychotic, anticholinergic, narcotic, and analgesic properties was evaluated in isolated bovine heart membranes and on cell membrane microarrays from a collection of human tissues, together with specific inhibitors of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Fluphenazine and PB28 promoted similar effects to those of rotenone, but with lower potency, indicating a direct action on mitochondrial complex I. Moreover, nefazodone, a drug withdrawn from the market due to its mitochondrial hepatotoxic effects, evoked the highest superoxide formation in human liver cell membranes, suggesting the potential of this technology to anticipate adverse effects in preclinical phases.
Epithelial Sodium Channel Alpha Subunit (αENaC) Is Associated with Inverse Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure
Authors: Xu Peng , Sudarikova Anastasia V. , Ilatovskaya Daria V. , Gildea John J. , Akhter Mahabuba , Carey Robert M. , Yue Wei , Jose Pedro A. , Felder Robin A.
Published: April 2022

Salt sensitivity of blood pressure (BP) refers to an increase in BP following an increase in dietary salt, which is associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and early death. However, decreased sodium intake also increases mortality and morbidity. Inverse salt sensitivity (ISS), defined as a paradoxical increase in BP on a low-salt diet, about 11% of the population, may be the cause of this phenomenon. The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is a major regulator of sodium reabsorption in the kidney. In this study, human renal tubular epithelial cells (hRTC) were cultured from the urine of phenotyped salt study participants. αENaC expression was significantly lower in ISS than salt resistant (SR) hRTC, while ENaC-like channel activity was dramatically increased by trypsin treatment in ISS cells analyzed by patch clamp. αENaC expression was also decreased under high-salt treatment and increased by aldosterone treatment in ISS cells. Moreover, the αENaC variant, rs4764586, was more prevalent in ISS. In summary, αENaC may be associated with ISS hypertension on low salt. These findings may contribute to understanding the mechanisms of ISS and low salt effect on morbidity and mortality.
MicroRNA-26b Attenuates Platelet Adhesion and Aggregation in Mice
Authors: Peters Linsey J. F. , Baaten Constance C. F. M. J. , Maas Sanne L. , Lu Chang , Nagy Magdolna , Jooss Natalie J. , Bidzhekov Kiril , Santovito Donato , Moreno-Andrés Daniel , Jankowski Joachim , Biessen Erik A. L. , Döring Yvonne , Heemskerk Johan W. M. , Weber Christian , Kuijpers Marijke J. E. , van der Vorst Emiel P. C.
Published: April 2022

Platelets are key regulators of haemostasis, making platelet dysfunction a major driver of thrombosis. Numerous processes that determine platelet function are influenced by microRNAs (miRs). MiR-26b is one of the highest-expressed miRs in healthy platelets, and its expression in platelets is changed in a diseased state. However, the exact effect of this miR on platelet function has not been studied yet. In this study, we made use of a whole-body knockout of miR-26b in ApoE-deficient mice in order to determine its impact on platelet function, thrombus formation and platelet signalling both ex vivo and in vivo. We show that a whole-body deficiency of miR-26b exacerbated platelet adhesion and aggregation ex vivo. Additionally, in vivo, platelets adhered faster, and larger thrombi were formed in mice lacking miR-26b. Moreover, isolated platelets from miR-26b-deficient mice showed a hyperactivated Src and EGFR signalling. Taken together, we show here for the first time that miR-26b attenuates platelet adhesion and aggregation, possibly through Src and EGFR signalling.
Aerodynamic Analysis of Camber Morphing Airfoils in Transition via Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Jo Bruce W. , Majid Tuba
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the authors analyze an important but overlooked area, the aerodynamics of the variable camber morphing wing in transition, where 6% camber changes from 2% to 8% using the two airfoil configurations: NACA2410 and NACA8410. Many morphing works focus on analyzing the aerodynamics of a particular airfoil geometry or already morphed case. The authors mainly address "transitional" or "in-between" aerodynamics to understand the semantics of morphing in-flight and explore the linearity in the relationship when the camber rate is gradually changed. In general, morphing technologies are considered a new paradigm for next-generation aircraft designs with highly agile flight and control and a multidisciplinary optimal design process that enables aircraft to perform substantially better than current ones. Morphing aircraft adjust wing shapes conformally, promoting an enlarged flight envelope, enhanced performance, and higher energy sustainability. Whereas the recent advancement in manufacturing and material processing, composite and Smart materials has enabled the implementation of morphing wings, designing a morphing wing aircraft is more challenging than modern aircraft in terms of reliable numerical modeling and aerodynamic analysis. Hence, it is interesting to investigate modeling the transitional aerodynamics of morphing airfoils using a numerical analysis such as computational fluid dynamics. The result shows that the SST k-ω model with transition/curvature correction computes a reasonably accurate value than an analytical solution. Additionally, the CL is less sensitive to transition near the leading edge in airfoils. Therefore, as the camber rate changes or gradually increases, the aerodynamic behavior correspondingly changes linearly.
Paper-Based Substrate for a Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Biosensing Platform—A Silver/Chitosan Nanocomposite Approach
Authors: Kang Yuri , Kim Hyeok Jung , Lee Sung Hoon , Noh Hyeran
Published: April 2022

Paper is a popular platform material in all areas of sensor research due to its porosity, large surface area, and biodegradability, to name but a few. Many paper-based nanocomposites have been reported in the last decade as novel substrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). However, there are still limiting factors, like the low density of hot spots or loss of wettability. Herein, we designed a process to fabricate a silver–chitosan nanocomposite layer on paper celluloses by a layer-by-layer method and pH-triggered chitosan assembly. Under microscopic observation, the resulting material showed a nanoporous structure, and silver nanoparticles were anchored evenly over the nanocomposite layer. In SERS measurement, the detection limit of 4-aminothiophenol was 5.13 ppb. Furthermore, its mechanical property and a strategy toward further biosensing approaches were investigated.
Plasmonic Azobenzene Chemoreporter for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Detection of Biothiols
Authors: Turino Mariacristina , Alvarez-Puebla Ramon A. , Guerrini Luca
Published: April 2022

Low molecular weight thiols (biothiols) are highly active compounds extensively involved in human physiology. Their abnormal levels have been associated with multiple diseases. In recent years, major efforts have been devoted to developing new nanosensing methods for the low cost and fast quantification of this class of analytes in minimally pre-treated samples. Herein, we present a novel strategy for engineering a highly efficient surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy platform for the dynamic sensing of biothiols. Colloidally stable silver nanoparticles clusters equipped with a specifically designed azobenzene derivative (AzoProbe) were generated as highly SERS active substrates. In the presence of small biothiols (e.g., glutathione, GSH), breakage of the AzoProbe diazo bond causes drastic spectral changes that can be quantitatively correlated with the biothiol content with a limit of detection of ca. 5 nM for GSH. An identical response was observed for other low molecular weight thiols, while larger macromolecules with free thiol groups (e.g., bovine serum albumin) do not produce distinguishable spectral alterations. This indicates the suitability of the SERS sensing platform for the selective quantification of small biothiols.
Transfer Learning-Based Model for Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis Using Retinal Images
Authors: Jabbar Muhammad Kashif , Yan Jianzhuo , Xu Hongxia , Ur Rehman Zaka , Jabbar Ayesha
Published: April 2022

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a visual obstacle caused by diabetic disease, which forms because of long-standing diabetes mellitus, which damages the retinal blood vessels. This disease is considered one of the principal causes of sightlessness and accounts for more than 158 million cases all over the world. Since early detection and classification could diminish the visual impairment, it is significant to develop an automated DR diagnosis method. Although deep learning models provide automatic feature extraction and classification, training such models from scratch requires a larger annotated dataset. The availability of annotated training datasets is considered a core issue for implementing deep learning in the classification of medical images. The models based on transfer learning are widely adopted by the researchers to overcome annotated data insufficiency problems and computational overhead. In the proposed study, features are extracted from fundus images using the pre-trained network VGGNet and combined with the concept of transfer learning to improve classification performance. To deal with data insufficiency and unbalancing problems, we employed various data augmentation operations differently on each grade of DR. The results of the experiment indicate that the proposed framework (which is evaluated on the benchmark dataset) outperformed advanced methods in terms of accurateness. Our technique, in combination with handcrafted features, could be used to improve classification accuracy.