bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Deep Learning-Based Model for Tree Species Identification Using Pollen Grain Images
Authors: Minowa Yasushi , Shigematsu Koharu , Takahara Hikaru
Published: December 2022

The objective of this study was to develop a deep learning-based tree species identification model using pollen grain images taken with a camera mounted on an optical microscope. From five focal points, we took photographs of pollen collected from tree species widely distributed in the Japanese archipelago, and we used these to produce pollen images. We used Caffe as the deep learning framework and AlexNet and GoogLeNet as the deep learning algorithms. We constructed four learning models that combined two learning patterns, one for focal point images with data augmentation, for which the training and test data were the same, and the other without data augmentation, for which they were not the same. The performance of the proposed model was evaluated according to the MCC and F score. The most accurate classification model was based on the GoogLeNet algorithm, with data augmentation after 200 epochs. Tree species identification accuracy varied depending on the focal point, even for the same pollen grain, and images focusing on the pollen surface tended to be more accurately classified than those focusing on the pollen outline and membrane structure. Castanea crenata, Fraxinus sieboldiana, and Quercus crispula pollen grains were classified with the highest accuracy, whereas Gamblea innovans, Carpinus tschonoskii, Cornus controversa, Fagus japonica, Quercus serrata, and Quercus sessilifolia showed the lowest classification accuracy. Future studies should consider application to fossil pollen in sediments and state-of-the-art deep learning algorithms.
The Influence of the Menstrual Cycle and Oral Contraceptives on Knee Laxity or Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk: A Systematic Review
Authors: Moriceau Juliette , Fevre Amandine , Domínguez-Balmaseda Diego , González-de-la-Flor Ángel , Simón-Areces Julia , García-Pérez-de-Sevilla Guillermo
Published: December 2022

Women are two to four times more prone to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries than men. This raises questions about the role of the hormonal cycle in knee laxity, which may lead to increased tibial displacement and thus ACL tears. The objective was to update scientific knowledge on the influence of the menstrual cycle on knee laxity and the risk of ACL injury, with a focus on anterior tibial displacement, and on hormonal levels influenced or not by oral contraceptive use. Observational studies obtained from Pubmed, Web of Sciences and Scopus and published between 2015 and 2022 were included in this review. Studies were required to include data on menstrual cycle with/without oral contraceptives (OC) and knee laxity and/or ACL injury. A total of ten studies were selected for this systematic review. Three studies about hormone concentration and knee laxity showed an increase in estradiol during the ovulatory phase compared to the follicular phase. Of the five studies on OC, four showed a decrease in ACL laxity. Finally, four studies assessed ACL injury. The menstrual cycle appears to influence knee laxity in women. An increase in certain hormone levels was observed in the ovulatory and luteal phases when the anterior tibial translation was greater in the knee. However, based on the literature, we cannot conclude that there is a correlation between the menstrual cycle and the risk of ACL injury.
High-Efficiency Adsorption of SARS-CoV-2 Spike 1 Protein by Plasma-Modified Porous Polymers
Authors: Aikeremu Nigala , Li Sisi , Xu Qingnan , Yuan Hao , Lu Ke , Si Junqiang , Yang Dezheng
Published: December 2022

Under the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study reports an affordable and easily prepared porous material modified by nanosecond-pulsed discharge plasma, which can adsorb SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein efficiently. Both Western blotting and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect the adsorption efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein. The physical and chemical properties of the modified porous polymer were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We found that the new type of porous polymer material presented an excellent performance on SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein adsorption, whose adsorption efficiency reached 99.99% in 1 min. Both the physical and chemical characterizations showed that the material has many fresh pores on the material surface and that the surface is implanted with polar functional groups (C−O, C=O, O−C=O and −NH), which gives the material a high chemisorption performance along with an enhanced physical adsorption performance. Notably, the material can be prepared at prices ranging in the tens of dollars per kilogram, which shows that it could have great applications for respiratory virus protection in global epidemic states.
Effects of Surface Roughness on Windage Loss and Flow Characteristics in Shaft-Type Gap with Critical CO2
Authors: Hu Lehao , Deng Qinghua , Liu Zhouyang , Li Jun , Feng Zhenping
Published: December 2022

To investigate the effects of surface roughness on windage loss and flow characteristics in a shaft-type gap, the skin friction coefficient (Cf) and flow versus Reynolds number (Re) at different surface roughness (Ra) and radius ratio (η) values were investigated. The results showed that Cf decreased as Re increased, and the rate of decrease was constant at low Re but reduced at high Re. The growing relative deviations between the coefficients of smooth and rough walls with Ra indicated that Cf was influenced by rough walls when Re > 102. Moreover, Cf and the variation rate increased with η and were easily influenced by Ra for larger η at low Re, since the interaction between wall roughness and fluid influences windage loss. In addition, the flow field implied the flow had transitioned to Taylor-Couette flow, Taylor vortexes occurred when Re > 102, and the number of vortexes increased with increasing Ra and were reduced with increasing η. The velocity was divided into three regions and the pressure rose from the rotational to stationary walls, but decreased with growing η as a whole. This paper improves the research exploring windage loss and will help design smaller supercritical CO2 power devices.
Evaluation of Criteria for Out-of-Plane Stability of Steel Arch Bridges in Major Design Codes by FE Analysis
Authors: Wang Wenping , Lin Yanyu , Chen Kangming
Published: December 2022

The provisions for out-of-plane stability of steel arch bridges in three major design codes are presented in this paper. By employing an existing steel arch bridge as a model, the influence of bridge type, arch rib to lateral bracing stiffness ratio, rise-to-span ratio, arch rib spacing, and range of lateral bracing arrangements on the out-of-plane critical axial force of the arch rib is studied using FE analysis. The accuracy of the critical axial force provisions is then evaluated against the FE analysis. The results show that the influence of the rise-to-span ratio on critical axial force is generally small. The critical axial force decreases with increasing arch rib spacing when the stiffness ratio is relatively large. A smaller ratio of arch rib length provided with lateral bracing (γ-value) significantly reduces the critical axial force and normalized critical axial force decreases with increasing stiffness ratio. The critical axial force of half-through type arch bridges is lowest when the stiffness ratio is relatively small. A deck-type bridge has a larger critical axial force than a through-type bridge when the stiffness ratio is relatively large, while the results are the opposite when the ratio is small. The different assumptions made in the provisions result in the various parameters having different impacts on the out-of-plane critical axial force in each code, thus affecting code accuracy. Considering the influence of the rise-to-span ratio, ratio of lateral bracing, and arch rib spacing with different stiffness ratios, factors to improve the accuracy of the critical axial force obtained by the three codes are proposed for a practical design process.
The Influence of Thiol Addition on Selenium Stability and Antioxidant Activity of Beetroot Juice
Authors: Sentkowska Aleksandra , Pyrzynska Krystyna
Published: December 2022

Determination of selenium species in food samples causes problems due to their possible oxidation and degradation. In this study, the stability of selenium compounds present in beetroot juices after addition of recommended thiols, such as ditiotreitol (DDT) or β-mercaptoethanol (βME), was evaluated. More total selenium was found in homemade freshly squeezed beetroot juice than in that sold as an organic juice. Furthermore, Se(IV) and selenomethionine oxide (SeMetO) were the main Se species found in both juices. During storage at different temperatures, the concentrations of selenomethionine (SeMet) and Se-methylselenocysteine (MetSeCys) decreased, while Se(IV) and SeMetO contents increased. The addition of DDT or βME, regardless their concentration, did not increase the concentration of SeMet at the expense of SeMetO decrease, as it was expected based on the literature data. Moreover, the used thiols affected the quantification of other selenium species, particularly Se(IV). The purchased organic beetroot juice showed higher ability to scavenge free radicals when it was stored at 4 °C.
Human Exposure to Dioxins and Other Contaminants Following an Accidental Fire at the Fiumicino Airport (Italy): A Public Health Response
Authors: De Filippis Stefania Paola , Abate Vittorio , De Luca Silvia , Fulgenzi Anna Rita , Iacovella Nicola , Iamiceli Anna Laura , Ingelido Anna Maria , Settimo Gaetano , Soggiu Maria Eleonora , De Felip Elena
Published: December 2022

In May 2015, a fire occurred at Terminal 3 of the Rome–Fiumicino International Airport. To respond to the health concern associated with the resulting emissions of combustion products, Pier D of Terminal 3 underwent a pre-emptive sequestration. The Italian National Institute of Health was asked to carry out environmental monitoring of the affected areas, and to evaluate the related risk for health. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in air samples in the pre- and post-remediation phases. Results showed a decrease of 44% of the cumulative concentrations at Pier D after the remediation operations compared to those detected before. The human exposure assessment carried out after the remediation operations confirmed that there were no risks for people in the Terminal which was then reopened. Due to the lack of quality limit values or Italian national guidelines for indoor air, WHO air quality guidelines or legislative/guidance documents of other European countries were considered for the air quality assessment.
Decoupling of the Municipal Thermal Environment Using a Spatial Autoregressive Model
Authors: Jiang Qingrui , Liu Xiaochang , Wu Zhiqiang , Wang Yuankai , Dong Jiahua
Published: December 2022

In the rapid urbanization process, climate change has a huge impact on the urban thermal environment, and the urban heat island has attracted widespread attention from society. How to better detect, analyze, and evaluate the urban heat island effect has become a hot issue in current urban environmental research. However, the correlation analysis of heat island factors mostly adopts the conventional least square method, without considering the correlation of and the interaction between spatial elements. At the same time, the single analysis method makes it difficult to analyze environmental problems scientifically, which leads to great bias. Therefore, in this paper, the spatial autoregressive confusion model was used to analyze the satellite data of Beijing, and a preliminary temperature model of Beijing for all seasons was established. The regression results show that the surface temperature of Beijing has a strong spatial autocorrelation, and that the modified normalized difference water index and the normalized differential vegetation index have a strong negative effect on the land surface temperature. The prediction models established in this study can provide accurate and sustainable data support in the urbanization process and aid in the creation of a sustainable and effective urban environment.
Beam Quality Factor of Partially Coherent Airy Beam in Non-Kolmogorov Turbulence
Authors: Wen Wei , Mi Xianwu , Chen Sirui
Published: December 2022

A universal formula of the beam quality factor for a partially coherent Airy (PCA) beam in non-Kolmogorov turbulence has been investigated. Results of numerical simulation display that expanding the internal scales of non-Kolmogorov turbulence is good for decreasing the beam quality factor of a PCA beam. Another benefit of reducing the beam quality factor is decreasing the generalized structure constant and the outer scales of non-Kolmogorov turbulence. Similarly, the quality factor decreases with increasing transverse scale of a PCA beam. In the meantime, decreasing a laser beam’s coherence length also leads to the quality factor’s degeneration. What is more, the beam quality factor reaches the maximum value as the generalized exponent parameter of the turbulence is 3.1.
Health Risk Appraisal Associated with Air Quality over Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plants and Coalmine Complex Belts of Urban–Rural Agglomeration in the Eastern Coastal State of Odisha, India
Authors: Choudhary Arti , Kumar Pradeep , Sahu Saroj Kumar , Pradhan Chinmay , Joshi Pawan Kumar , Singh Sudhir Kumar , Kumar Pankaj , Mezoue Cyrille A. , Singh Abhay Kumar , Tyagi Bhishma
Published: December 2022

Manufacturing and mining sectors are serious pollution sources and risk factors that threaten air quality and human health. We analyzed pollutants at two study sites (Talcher and Brajrajnagar) in Odisha, an area exposed to industrial emissions, in the pre-COVID-19 year (2019) and consecutive pandemic years, including lockdowns (2020 and 2021). We observed that the annual data for pollutant concentration increased at Talcher: PM2.5 (7–10%), CO (29–35%), NO2 and NOx (8–57% at Talcher and 14–19% at Brajrajnagar); while there was slight to substantial increase in PM10 (up to 11%) and a significant increase in O3 (41–88%) at both sites. At Brajrajnagar, there was a decrease in PM2.5 (up to 15%) and CO (around half of pre-lockdown), and a decrease in SO2 concentration was observed (30–86%) at both sites. Substantial premature mortality was recorded, which can be attributed to PM2.5 (16–26%), PM10 (31–43%), NO2 (15–21%), SO2 (4–7%), and O3 (3–6%). This premature mortality caused an economic loss between 86–36 million USD to society. We found that although lockdown periods mitigated the losses, the balance of rest of the year was worse than in 2019. These findings are benchmarks to manage air quality over Asia’s largest coalmine fields and similar landscapes.
Active Air Monitoring for Understanding the Ventilation and Infection Risks of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission in Public Indoor Spaces
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Kalaiarasan Gopinath , Bhagat Rajesh K. , Mumby Sharon , Adcock Ian M. , Porter Alexandra E. , Ransome Emma , Abubakar-Waziri Hisham , Bhavsar Pankaj , Shishodia Swasti , Dilliway Claire , Fang Fangxin , Pain Christopher C. , Chung Kian Fan
Published: December 2022

Indoor, airborne, transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is a key infection route. We monitored fourteen different indoor spaces in order to assess the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. PM2.5 and CO2 concentrations were simultaneously monitored in order to understand aerosol exposure and ventilation conditions. Average PM2.5 concentrations were highest in the underground station (261 ± 62.8 μgm−3), followed by outpatient and emergency rooms in hospitals located near major arterial roads (38.6 ± 20.4 μgm−3), the respiratory wards, medical day units and intensive care units recorded concentrations in the range of 5.9 to 1.1 μgm−3. Mean CO2 levels across all sites did not exceed 1000 ppm, the respiratory ward (788 ± 61 ppm) and the pub (bar) (744 ± 136 ppm) due to high occupancy. The estimated air change rates implied that there is sufficient ventilation in these spaces to manage increased levels of occupancy. The infection probability in the medical day unit of hospital 3, was 1.6-times and 2.2-times higher than the emergency and outpatient waiting rooms in hospitals 4 and 5, respectively. The temperature and relative humidity recorded at most sites was below 27 °C, and 40% and, in sites with high footfall and limited air exchange, such as the hospital medical day unit, indicate a high risk of airborne SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
Statistical Study of Equatorial Ionospheric Anomaly after Midnight Based on FY-3(D) Ionospheric Photometer
Authors: Zhang Bin , Fu Liping , Mao Tian , Hu Xiuqing , Jiang Fang , Jia Nan , Wang Tianfang , Peng Ruyi , Wang Jinsong
Published: December 2022

The OI135.6 nm radiation intensity and the associated change with solar activity are very complex, and this is particularly the case during November 2020. In this paper, we investigated the OI135.6 nm radiation intensity in the low-latitude ionosphere during a quiet geomagnetic period. The Ionospheric Photometer (IPM) instrument onboard the FY-3(D) meteorological satellite was employed to measure the OI135.6 nm night airglow at 02:00 LT (local time) and its response to the solar activity. The results showed there is a statistically significant correlation between the intensity of the equatorial ionospheric anomaly (EIA) and solar activity after midnight. The EIA at 02:00 LT and before midnight shared the same climatological characteristics—strong in equinoxes and weak in solstices. In November 2020, when the F10.7 flux significantly increased, the OI135.6 nm radiation intensity in the EIA region recorded a 100–200% increase compared to the previous month, which was much higher than in the same period in the preceding two years. A similar phenomenon was observed at the same time by the Global-scale Observations of Limb and Disk (GOLD), which makes continuous observations of ionospheric structure variation in global patterns. Data analysis suggests that the EIA at 02:00 LT was due to the attenuation of the EIA before midnight after the disappearance of the eastward electric field. The magnetic latitude of the EIA crest (hereafter denoted by θmlF2) indicates a range-and-seasonal rule of hemispherical asymmetry: closer to the geomagnetic equator in equinoxes and farther away from the geomagnetic equator in solstices. Further studies are needed.
Effect of SST in the Northwest Indian Ocean on Synoptic Eddies over the South China Sea-Philippine Sea in June
Authors: Lan Ming , Leung Marco Y.-T. , Wang Dongxiao , Feng Weijie , Yang Wei
Published: December 2022

Synoptic eddies (with a period of two to eight days) are active in the South China Sea-Philippine Sea (SCS-PS) and control weather variations. In addition, the intensity and frequency of synoptic eddies may change along with variations in sea surface temperatures (SST). This paper presented the influence of SST in the northwest Indian Ocean on synoptic eddies in the lower troposphere over the SCS-PS in June. Our statistical analysis showed a significant negative correlation between the SST in the northwest Indian Ocean and the synoptic scale eddy kinetic energy (EKE) in the SCS-PS. By analyzing the EKE budget of synoptic eddies, we found that the variation in the synoptic scale EKE over the SCS-PS is mainly due to the change in the monthly zonal wind gradient, which affects the barotropic energy conversion between the monthly mean flow and the synoptic eddies. Additionally, the northwest Indian Ocean SST modulates the monthly flow over the SCS-PS by alternating the strength of the Walker circulation in the west Pacific and Indian Ocean. Finally, the influence of SST in the northwest Indian Ocean on EKE in the SCS-PS was reproduced using the simplified atmospheric general circulation model, SPEEDY.
Technology Opportunity Analysis Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Lee Junseok , Park Sangsung , Lee Juhyun
Published: December 2022

The sustainable growth of a company requires a differentiated research and development strategy through the discovery of technology opportunities. However, previous studies fell short of the need for utilizing outlier keywords, based on approaches from various perspectives, to discover technology opportunities. In this study, a technology opportunity discovery method utilizing outlier keywords is proposed. First, the collected patent data are divided into several subsets, and outlier keywords are derived using the W2V and LOF. The derived keywords are clustered through the K-means algorithm. Finally, the similarity between the clusters is evaluated to determine the cluster with the most similarity as a potential technology. In this study, 5679 cases of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) patent data were utilized, from which three technology opportunities were derived: UAV defense technology, UAV charging station technology, and UAV measurement precision improvement technology. The proposed method will contribute to discovering differentiated technology fields in advance using technologies with semantic differences and outlier keywords, in which the meaning of words is considered through W2V application.
Assessing Green Approaches and Digital Marketing Strategies for Twin Transition via Fermatean Fuzzy SWARA-COPRAS
Authors: Korucuk Selçuk , Aytekin Ahmet , Ecer Fatih , Karamaşa Çağlar , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras
Published: December 2022

Integrating green approaches and digital marketing strategies for Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), which reduce environmental risks to desired levels by eliminating emissions and pollution, is considered one of the most promising solutions for logistics companies. The study strives to bring a practical and applicable solution to the decision problem involving the selection of indicators for green approaches and digital marketing strategies for ICTs in the logistics sector. An integrated Fermatean Fuzzy Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (FF–SWARA) and Fermatean Fuzzy Complex Proportional Assessment (FF–COPRAS) methodology is applied to evaluate green approaches and digital marketing strategies. Concerning the findings, the foremost criterion is “data management,” whereas the best strategy is “programmatic advertising.” To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no other study that both offers a strategy selection for the logistics industry and considers environmental protection, sustainability, digital transformation, energy costs, and social and economic factors. The study is a part of ongoing research on productivity, sustainability, the environment, digitization, recycling and estimating levels of waste reduction, as well as business practices, competitiveness and ensuring employee satisfaction and resource efficiency. Also, it investigates the similarities and dissimilarities in the green approach practices of business in logistics and determines the extent to which these practices could be reflected. It is expected to ensure a roadmap for green approach practices and to support sustainable and ecological awareness efforts for ICTs in the logistics sector. Logistics companies can select an integrated digital strategy based on green informatics that suits them using the decision model employed in this study, which can handle uncertainties effectively. In this regard, the study’s findings, which focus on reaching customers and the most precise target audience in digital applications for businesses, are critical for developing strategy, plan and process.
Representative Points Based on Power Exponential Kernel Discrepancy
Authors: Xiong Zikang , Xiao Yao , Ning Jianhui , Qin Hong
Published: December 2022

Representative points (rep-points) are a set of points that are optimally chosen for representing a big original data set or a target distribution in terms of a statistical criterion, such as mean square error and discrepancy. Most of the existing criteria can only assure the representing properties in the whole variable space. In this paper, a new kernel discrepancy, named power exponential kernel discrepancy (PEKD), is proposed to measure the representativeness of the point set with respect to the general multivariate distribution. Different from the commonly used criteria, PEKD can improve the projection properties of the point set, which is important in high-dimensional circumstances. Some theoretical results are presented for understanding the new discrepancy better and guiding the hyperparameter setting. An efficient algorithm for searching rep-points under the PEKD criterion is presented and its convergence has also been proven. Examples are given to illustrate its potential applications in the numerical integration, uncertainty propagation, and reduction of Markov Chain Monte Carlo chains.
From Herbal Teabag to Infusion—Impact of Brewing on Polyphenols and Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Vuong Quan V. , Pham Hong Ngoc Thuy , Negus Christopher
Published: December 2022

Herbal teas, which are a rich and diverse source of polyphenols, have been widely consumed due to their association with various health benefits. Preparation techniques can significantly affect the level of polyphenols in a cup of tea. Thus, this study investigated the impact of different preparation techniques, including brewing time in hot water, microwave-assisted extraction with cold and hot water (cold and hot MAE) for both radiation time and power, and laboratory testing condition on extractability of polyphenols in infusion from a teabag. The results showed that brewing time using hot water significantly affected the extractability of polyphenols and antioxidant activity. Cold and hot MAE conditions also significantly affected the extractability of polyphenols and antioxidant activity from a teabag infusion. Hot brewing at 7 min and cold MAE at full power with second boiled (1.93 min on and 1 min off radiation) are recommended for the preparation of herbal tea from a teabag, as these conditions had comparable extractability of polyphenols and antioxidant activity in comparison with other preparation techniques. There are over 20 major chromatogram peaks, of which 7 were identified as gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, epicatechin gallate, quercetin, and kaempferol, revealing potential health benefits of this herbal tea.
Insights into Bacterial Communities and Diversity of Mangrove Forest Soils along the Upper Gulf of Thailand in Response to Environmental Factors
Authors: Nimnoi Pongrawee , Pongsilp Neelawan
Published: December 2022

The comprehensive data for the dynamic adaptation of bacterial community structure in response to environmental factors is important for the maintenance of the mangrove ecosystem. This aspect was investigated with soils and surface water from six mangrove forests in six provinces along the Upper Gulf of Thailand shoreline. Mangrove soils were variable with respect to pH (acidic to slightly alkaline) and had low amounts of organic matter (OM). Illumina next-generation sequencing attested that the number of observed species as well as the bacterial diversity and richness among all sites were not significantly different. The gamma-, alpha-Proteobacteria, Desulfobacteria, Bacteroidia, Anaerolineae, Bathyarchaeia, Acidobacteriae, Nitrososphaeria, Clostridia, and Thermoplasmata were more abundant bacterial classes present in all sites. Soil OM was the major factor that mostly modulated the bacterial community structure, while salinity influenced the number of observed species and bacterial richness. These results provide informative data on the bacterial community, in response to both environmental factors and heavy metal pollutants, that is prominent for sustainable development and management of mangrove forests.
Comparisons of Baseline Obesity Prevalence and Its Association with Perceived Health and Physical Performance in Military Officers
Authors: Hollerbach Brittany S. , Haddock Christopher K. , Kukić Filip , Poston Walker S. C. , Jitnarin Nattinee , Jahnke Sara A. , DeBlauw Justin A. , Heinrich Katie M.
Published: December 2022

Increasing obesity rates among USA military members vary by age, pay grade, and measurement methods and threaten force fitness and readiness. Limited research has directly measured obesity among officers; those enrolled in graduate school at the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) face additional demands and increased obesity risk. This study compared obesity measurements and performance on the Army Physical Fitness test and self-rated health for a sample of mostly CGSC officers. Participants (n = 136, 75.7% male, 79.6% officers) completed body composition measures; BMI, body fat percentage (BF%), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) estimated obesity rates and were compared for discordance. Army Physical Fitness Test pass/fail rates and self-reported perceived health were compared with each obesity classification. Obesity prevalence was 18.5–39.7%, differing by sex and measure. BMI, WC, and WHtR underestimated obesity compared to BF% at least 21% of the time. WHtR had the lowest discordance with BF%. Soldiers categorized as obese were significantly more likely to fail the fitness test and report lower self-rated health than non-obese soldiers. Overall, obesity rates among our primarily officer sample were higher than previous studies, particularly for women. Interventions to address obesity are necessary among military officers to optimize human performance.
Endophytic Pseudomonas sp. from Agave palmeri Participate in the Rhizophagy Cycle and Act as Biostimulants in Crop Plants
Authors: Zhang Qiuwei , Kingsley Kathryn L. , White James F.
Published: December 2022

Plant growth-promoting bacteria are generating increasing interest in the agricultural industry as a promising alternative to traditional chemical fertilizers; however, much of the focus has been on rhizosphere bacteria. Bacterial endophytes are another promising source of plant growth-promoting bacteria, and though many plants have already been prospected for beneficial microbes, desert plants have been underrepresented in such studies. In this study, we show the growth-promoting potential of five strains of endophytic Pseudomonas sp. isolated from Agave palmeri, an agave from the Sonoran Desert. When inoculated onto Kentucky bluegrass, clover, carrot, coriander, and wheat, endophytic Pseudomonas sp. increased seedling root lengths in all hosts and seedling shoot lengths in Kentucky bluegrass, carrot, and wheat. Transformation of the Pseudomonas sp. strain P3AW to express the fluorescent protein mCherry revealed that Pseudomonas sp. becomes endophytic in non-native hosts and participates in parts of the rhizophagy cycle, a process by which endophytic bacteria cycle between the soil and roots, bringing in nutrients from the soil which are then extracted through reactive oxygen-mediated bacterial degradation in the roots. Tracking of the Pseudomonas sp. strain P3AW also provided evidence for a system of endophyte, or endophyte cell content, transport via the vascular bundle. These results provide further evidence of the rhizophagy cycle in plants and how it relates to growth promotion in plants by biostimulant bacteria.
Ldha-Dependent Metabolic Programs in Sertoli Cells Regulate Spermiogenesis in Mouse Testis
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Na , Tao Hai-Ping , Li Shuang , Wang Yu-Jun , Wu Shi-Xin , Pan Bo , Yang Qi-En
Published: December 2022

Sertoli cells play indispensable roles in spermatogenesis by providing the advanced germ cells with structural, nutritional, and regulatory support. Lactate is regarded as an essential Sertoli-cell-derived energy metabolite that nurses various types of spermatogenic cells; however, this assumption has not been tested using genetic approaches. Here, we have reported that the depletion of lactate production in Sertoli cells by conditionally deleting lactate dehydrogenase A (Ldha) greatly affected spermatogenesis. Ldha deletion in Sertoli cells significantly reduced the lactate production and resulted in severe defects in spermatogenesis. Spermatogonia and spermatocytes did not show even mild impairments, but the spermiogenesis of Ldha conditional knockout males was severely disrupted. Further analysis revealed that 2456 metabolites were altered in the sperm of the knockout animals, and specifically, lipid metabolism was dysregulated, including choline, oleic acid, and myristic acid. Surprisingly, choline supplementation completely rescued the spermiogenesis disorder that was caused by the loss of Ldha activities. Collectively, these data have demonstrated that the interruption of Sertoli-cell-derived lactate impacted sperm development through a choline-mediated mechanism. The outcomes of these findings have revealed a novel function of lactate in spermatogenesis and have therapeutic applications in treating human infertility.
Systems Biology Analysis of Temporal Dynamics That Govern Endothelial Response to Cyclic Stretch
Authors: Lai Michael W. , Chow Nathan , Checco Antonio , Kunar Balvir , Redmond David , Rafii Shahin , Rabbany Sina Y.
Published: December 2022

Endothelial cells in vivo are subjected to a wide array of mechanical stimuli, such as cyclic stretch. Notably, a 10% stretch is associated with an atheroprotective endothelial phenotype, while a 20% stretch is associated with an atheroprone endothelial phenotype. Here, a systems biology-based approach is used to present a comprehensive overview of the functional responses and molecular regulatory networks that characterize the transition from an atheroprotective to an atheroprone phenotype in response to cyclic stretch. Using primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we determined the role of the equibiaxial cyclic stretch in vitro, with changes to the radius of the magnitudes of 10% and 20%, which are representative of physiological and pathological strain, respectively. Following the transcriptome analysis of next-generation sequencing data, we identified four key endothelial responses to pathological cyclic stretch: cell cycle regulation, inflammatory response, fatty acid metabolism, and mTOR signaling, driven by a regulatory network of eight transcription factors. Our study highlights the dynamic regulation of several key stretch-sensitive endothelial functions relevant to the induction of an atheroprone versus an atheroprotective phenotype and lays the foundation for further investigation into the mechanisms governing vascular pathology. This study has significant implications for the development of treatment modalities for vascular disease.
Comprehensive Analyses of Coagulation Parameters in Patients with Vascular Anomalies
Authors: Kapp Friedrich G. , Schneider Cedric , Holm Annegret , Glonnegger Hannah , Niemeyer Charlotte M. , Rößler Jochen , Zieger Barbara
Published: December 2022

Background: Vascular anomalies comprise a diverse group of rare diseases with altered blood flow and are often associated with coagulation disorders. The most common example is a localized intravascular coagulopathy in venous malformations leading to elevated D-dimers. In severe cases, this may progress to a disseminated intravascular coagulopathy with subsequent consumption of fibrinogen and thrombocytes predisposing to serious bleeding. A separate coagulopathy is the Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon in kaposiform hemangioendothelioma characterized by platelet trapping leading to thrombocytopenia and eventually consumptive coagulopathy. Our previous work showed impaired von Willebrand factor and platelet aggregometry due to abnormal blood flow, i.e., in ventricular assist devices or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. With altered blood flow also present in vascular anomalies, we hypothesized that, in particular, the von Willebrand factor parameters and the platelet function may be similarly impacted. Methods: We prospectively recruited 73 patients with different vascular anomaly entities and analyzed their coagulation parameters. Results: Acquired von Willebrand syndrome was observed in both of our patients with Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon. In six out of nine patients with complex lymphatic anomalies, both the vWF antigen and activity were upregulated. Platelet aggregometry was impaired in both patients with Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon and in seven out of eight patients with an arteriovenous malformation. Conclusions: The analysis of coagulation parameters in our patients with vascular anomalies advanced our understanding of the underlying pathophysiologies of the observed coagulopathies. This may lead to new treatment options for the, in part, life-threatening bleeding risks in these patients in the future.
Halogenation of Peptides and Proteins Using Engineered Tryptophan Halogenase Enzymes
Authors: Sana Barindra , Ke Ding , Li Eunice Hui Yen , Ho Timothy , Seayad Jayasree , Duong Hung A. , Ghadessy Farid J.
Published: December 2022

Halogenation of bioactive peptides via incorporation of non-natural amino acid derivatives during chemical synthesis is a common strategy to enhance functionality. Bacterial tyrptophan halogenases efficiently catalyze regiospecific halogenation of the free amino acid tryptophan, both in vitro and in vivo. Expansion of their substrate scope to peptides and proteins would facilitate highly-regulated post-synthesis/expression halogenation. Here, we demonstrate novel in vitro halogenation (chlorination and bromination) of peptides by select halogenase enzymes and identify the C-terminal (G/S)GW motif as a preferred substrate. In a first proof-of-principle experiment, we also demonstrate chemo-catalyzed derivatization of an enzymatically chlorinated peptide, albeit with low efficiency. We further rationally derive PyrH halogenase mutants showing improved halogenation of the (G/S)GW motif, both as a free peptide and when genetically fused to model proteins with efficiencies up to 90%.
A New Glutathione-Cleavable Theranostic for Photodynamic Therapy Based on Bacteriochlorin e and Styrylnaphthalimide Derivatives
Authors: Pavlova Marina A. , Panchenko Pavel A. , Alekhina Ekaterina A. , Ignatova Anastasia A. , Plyutinskaya Anna D. , Pankratov Andrey A. , Pritmov Dmitriy A. , Grin Mikhail A. , Feofanov Alexey V. , Fedorova Olga A.
Published: December 2022

Herein, we report a new conjugate BChl–S–S–NI based on the second-generation photosensitizer bacteriochlorin e6 (BChl) and a 4-styrylnaphthalimide fluorophore (NI), which is cleaved into individual functional fragments in the intracellular medium. The chromophores in the conjugate were cross-linked by click chemistry via a bis(azidoethyl)disulfide bridge which is reductively cleaved by the intracellular enzyme glutathione (GSH). A photophysical investigation of the conjugate in solution by using optical spectroscopy revealed that the energy transfer process is realized with high efficiency in the conjugated system, leading to the quenching of the emission of the fluorophore fragment. It was shown that the conjugate is cleaved by GSH in solution, which eliminates the possibility of energy transfer and restores the fluorescence of 4-styrylnaphthalimide. The photoinduced activity of the conjugate and its imaging properties were investigated on the mouse soft tissue sarcoma cell line S37. Phototoxicity studies in vitro show that the BChl–S–S–NI conjugate has insignificant dark cytotoxicity in the concentration range from 15 to 20,000 nM. At the same time, upon photoexcitation, it exhibits high photoinduced activity.
Googling Insomnia, Light, Metabolism, and Circadian: A Population Interest Simple Report
Authors: Di Simone Emanuele , Panattoni Nicolò , De Giorgi Alfredo , Rodríguez-Muñoz Pedro , Bondanelli Marta , Rodríguez-Cortés Francisco , López-Soto Pablo , Giannetta Noemi , Dionisi Sara , Di Muzio Marco , Fabbian Fabio
Published: December 2022

Exposure to light at night, insomnia, and disrupted circadian patterns could be considered risk factors for developing noncommunicable diseases. Understanding the awareness of the general population about the abovementioned factors could be essential to predict noncommunicable diseases. This report aimed to investigate the general community’s interest in circadian, insomnia, metabolism, and light using Google Trends, and to evaluate results from different geographic areas. Relative search volumes (RSVs) for the factors mentioned, filtered by the “Health” category, were collected between 2007 and 2021. Moreover, RSVs were analysed in five different European languages. Worldwide mean RSVs for “Circadian”, “Insomnia”, “Light”, and “Metabolism” during the study period were 2%, 13.4%, 62.2%, and 10%, respectively. In different developed countries, searching for light, insomnia, and metabolism were different, suggesting a variable level of awareness. Limited knowledge about the circadian pattern of human activities was detected. The highest correlation coefficient was calculated. Our results suggest the potential role of extensive data analysis in understanding the public interest and awareness about these risk factors. Moreover, it should be interpreted as the onset of stimulus for researchers to use comprehensible language for reaching comprehensive media coverage to prevent sleep and circadian system disturbances.
Sleep Deprivation-Induced Changes in Baseline Brain Activity and Vigilant Attention Performance
Authors: Tramonti Fantozzi Maria Paola , Banfi Tommaso , Di Galante Marco , Ciuti Gastone , Faraguna Ugo
Published: December 2022

Sleep deprivation (SD) negatively affects several aspects of cognitive performance, and one of the most widely-used tools to evaluate these effects is the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT). The present study investigated the possibility of predicting changes induced by SD in vigilant attention performance by evaluating the baseline electroencephalographic (EEG) activity immediately preceding the PVT stimuli onset. All participants (n = 10) underwent EEG recordings during 10 min of PVT before and after a night of SD. For each participant, the root mean square (RMS) of the baseline EEG signal was evaluated for each 1 s time window, and the respective average value was computed. After SD, participants showed slower (and less accurate) performance in the PVT task. Moreover, a close relationship between the changes in the baseline activity with those in cognitive performance was identified at several electrodes (Fp2, F7, F8, P3, T6, O1, Oz, O2), with the highest predictive power at the occipital derivations. These results indicate that vigilant attention impairments induced by SD can be predicted by the pre-stimulus baseline activity changes.
Production of Low-Cost, High-Strength Concrete with Waste Glass as Fine Aggregates Replacement
Authors: Jahami Ali , Khatib Jamal , Raydan Rabab
Published: December 2022

The world of building materials is constantly and rapidly developing. New technologies are needed to reduce the cost of producing these materials and to ensure better efficiency when the materials are used in various engineering projects. One of these materials is high-strength concrete. This paper investigates the production of low-cost, high-strength concrete by partially replacing fine aggregates (FA) with waste glass sand (WGS). Four concrete mixes were considered in this study with varying percentages of WGS (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%). For each mix, cubic, cylindrical, and beam specimens were cast to study the workability and different mechanical properties of concrete-like density, elasticity modulus, compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), split tensile strength, and flexural strength. In addition, the cost of each mix was calculated to evaluate the cost reduction efficiency of concrete with WGS compared to normal concrete. Results showed that the workability of concrete enhanced as the percentage of WGS increased. In terms of concrete mechanical properties, it was shown that the elasticity modulus, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexure strength for a concrete mix with 50% WGS as FA replacement was increased by 7%, 27%, 9%, and 50%, respectively. Also, it was concluded that the presence of WGS in concrete mixes reduced the production cost by up to 30% for a 75% replacement level. The authors recommended the usage of 50% WGS as the optimum replacement percentage for low-cost, high-strength concrete.
Framework for the Use of Extended Reality Modalities in AEC Education
Authors: Spitzer Barbara Oliveira , Ma Jae Hoon , Erdogmus Ece , Kreimer Ben , Ryherd Erica , Diefes-Dux Heidi
Published: December 2022

The educational applications of extended reality (XR) modalities, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), have increased significantly over the last ten years. Many educators within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) related degree programs see student benefits that could be derived from bringing these modalities into classrooms, which include but are not limited to: a better understanding of each of the subdisciplines and the coordination necessary between them, visualizing oneself as a professional in AEC, and visualization of difficult concepts to increase engagement, self-efficacy, and learning. These benefits, in turn, help recruitment and retention efforts for these degree programs. However, given the number of technologies available and the fact that they quickly become outdated, there is confusion about the definitions of the different XR modalities and their unique capabilities. This lack of knowledge, combined with limited faculty time and lack of financial resources, can make it overwhelming for educators to choose the right XR modality to accomplish particular educational objectives. There is a lack of guidance in the literature for AEC educators to consider various factors that affect the success of an XR intervention. Grounded in a comprehensive literature review and the educational framework of the Model of Domain Learning, this paper proposes a decision-making framework to help AEC educators select the appropriate technologies, platforms, and devices to use for various educational outcomes (e.g., learning, interest generation, engagement) considering factors such as budget, scalability, space/equipment needs, and the potential benefits and limitations of each XR modality. To this end, a comprehensive review of the literature was performed to decipher various definitions of XR modalities and how they have been previously utilized in AEC Education. The framework was then successfully validated at a summer camp in the School of Building Construction at Georgia Institute of Technology, highlighting the importance of using appropriate XR technologies depending on the educational context.