bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring of the Variation in Pore Sizes of Woven Geotextiles with Uniaxial Tensile Strain
Authors: Zhao Wenfang , Tang Xiaowu , Li Keyi , Liang Jiaxin , Lin Weikang , Chen Xiuliang
Published: January 2022

Characteristic pore-opening size O95 or O90 has been widely used in the filter design of woven geotextiles. These manufactured products have different pore size proportions of large pore diameters, medium pore diameters, and small pore diameters, respectively. Therefore, uncertainties still exist regarding the prediction of geotextile pore diameter variations under the uniaxial tensile strain. This paper investigates the variations in five characteristic pore-opening sizes O95, O80, O50, O30, and O10, with uniaxial tensile strain by using the image analysis method. The large pore diameters, medium pore diameters, and small pore diameters show different variation behaviors as the uniaxial tensile strain increases. Fifteen specific pores are selected and then their pore diameter variations are monitored under each tensile strain of 1%. The colorful pore size distribution diagram is a visual way to identify the variation of pores arranged in the tension direction (warp direction) and the direction perpendicular to tensile loads (weft direction). The various pore diameters are proved to agree well with the bell-shaped Gaussian distribution. The results exhibit an accurate prediction of the variation in large pore sizes, medium pore sizes, and small pore sizes, respectively, for all tested woven geotextiles with uniaxial tensile strain.
Development of an Autonomous Driving Smart Wheelchair for the Physically Weak
Authors: Ryu Hye-Yeon , Kwon Je-Seong , Lim Jeong-Hak , Kim A-Hyeon , Baek Su-Jin , Kim Jong-Wook
Published: January 2022

People who have difficulty moving owing to problems in walking spend their lives assisted by wheelchairs. In the past, research has been conducted regarding the application of various technologies to electric wheelchairs for user convenience. In this study, we evaluated a method of applying an autonomous driving function and developed an autonomous driving function using ROS. An electric wheelchair with a control unit designed to enable autonomous driving was used to test the basic performance of autonomous driving. The effectiveness of the technology was confirmed by comparing the results of autonomous driving with those of manual driving on the same route. It is expected that the evaluation and improvement of the usability and ride quality as well as additional studies will help improve the mobility convenience of physically disabled persons.
Effect of a Hypoxia-Controlled Atmosphere Box on Egg Respiration Intensity and Quality
Authors: Ma Yixiao , Wang Xianbo , Tian Yaning , Wang Qiaohua
Published: January 2022

Egg preservation is an important factor during storage and transportation. Fresh eggs were stored in boxes in a controlled atmosphere with an O2 concentration of 0% O2 + 100% nitrogen (N2), 5% O2 + 95% N2, 10% O2 + 90% N2, 15% O2 + 85% N2, and 20% O2 + 80% N2, and the effects of these storage conditions on large quantities of eggs were studied. The respiratory intensity and quality of eggs during storage were measured. We chose the weight loss rate of eggs, Haugh unit, pH, and the egg white total plate count as the characteristic indices of egg quality. We compared the changes in egg quality during and after storage at different O2 concentrations versus that at 25 °C. The stages were evaluated using the TOPSIS method to sort egg quality, and the optimal O2 concentration was selected. FLUENT was used to simulate and control the atmospheric requirements. Our findings showed that eggs stored in an air-conditioning chamber with O2 concentration ≤10% exhibited weak respiratory intensity (0–1 mg/(kg·h)). The rates of decrease in loss of egg weight and Haugh units were smaller. There were significant differences in the pH of egg white stored in different O2 concentrations (p < 0.05). Reducing the O2 concentration in the egg-storage environment reduced the number of colonies in eggs and had a positive effect on egg preservation. Simulations using FLUENT revealed that only 1200 s were required to achieve the low-oxygen environment in the controlled atmosphere box (1.5 m × 1 m × 1 m). The storage environment of 5% O2 + 95% N2 had the best preservation effect on eggs. This approach is associated with low costs in practical application and can potentially be used for egg storage and transport.
Open RAN—Radio Access Network Evolution, Benefits and Market Trends
Authors: Wypiór Dariusz , Klinkowski Mirosław , Michalski Igor
Published: January 2022

Open RAN (radio access network) movement is perceived as a game changer, having robust potential to introduce shifts in mobile radio access networks towards tailor-made solutions based on the architecture decomposition. It is widely assumed that those changes will affect the approach to network deployments and supply chains of network elements and their further integration and maintenance. First deployments of O-RAN-based networks have already delivered broadband services to end users. In parallel, many proof-of-concept feature evaluations and theoretical studies are being conducted by academia and the industry. In this review, the authors describe the RAN evolution towards open models and make an attempt to indicate potential open RAN benefits and market trends.
Active Learning Based on Crowdsourced Data
Authors: Boiński Tomasz Maria , Szymański Julian , Krauzewicz Agata
Published: January 2022

The paper proposes a crowdsourcing-based approach for annotated data acquisition and means to support Active Learning training approach. In the proposed solution, aimed at data engineers, the knowledge of the crowd serves as an oracle that is able to judge whether the given sample is informative or not. The proposed solution reduces the amount of work needed to annotate large sets of data. Furthermore, it allows a perpetual increase in the trained network quality by the inclusion of new samples, gathered after network deployment. The paper also discusses means of limiting network training times, especially in the post-deployment stage, where the size of the training set can increase dramatically. This is done by the introduction of the fourth set composed of samples gather during network actual usage.
Virtual Reality Training Application for the Condition-Based Maintenance of Induction Motors
Authors: Checa David , Saucedo-Dorantes Juan José , Osornio-Rios Roque Alfredo , Antonino-Daviu José Alfonso , Bustillo Andrés
Published: January 2022

The incorporation of new technologies as training methods, such as virtual reality (VR), facilitates instruction when compared to traditional approaches, which have shown strong limitations in their ability to engage young students who have grown up in the smartphone culture of continuous entertainment. Moreover, not all educational centers or organizations are able to incorporate specialized labs or equipment for training and instruction. Using VR applications, it is possible to reproduce training programs with a high rate of similarity to real programs, filling the gap in traditional training. In addition, it reduces unnecessary investment and prevents economic losses, avoiding unnecessary damage to laboratory equipment. The contribution of this work focuses on the development of a VR-based teaching and training application for the condition-based maintenance of induction motors. The novelty of this research relies mainly on the use of natural interactions with the VR environment and the design’s optimization of the VR application in terms of the proposed teaching topics. The application is comprised of two training modules. The first module is focused on the main components of induction motors, the assembly of workbenches and familiarization with induction motor components. The second module employs motor current signature analysis (MCSA) to detect induction motor failures, such as broken rotor bars, misalignments, unbalances, and gradual wear on gear case teeth. Finally, the usability of this VR tool has been validated with both graduate and undergraduate students, assuring the suitability of this tool for: (1) learning basic knowledge and (2) training in practical skills related to the condition-based maintenance of induction motors.
Analysis of Influence of Different Parameters on Numerical Simulation of NACA0012 Incompressible External Flow Field under High Reynolds Numbers
Authors: Yang Lu , Zhang Guangming
Published: January 2022

Currently, influence analysis of simulation parameters, especially the trailing edge shape and the corresponding modeling method on the force coefficients of NACA0012 under a high Reynolds number, is relatively sparse. In this paper, two trailing edge shapes are designed by three modeling methods and combined with three far-field distances to establish eighteen two-dimensional external flow fields. The same number of structured grids are generated by a unified grid strategy and the SST k-omega and the Spalart–Allmaras models are adopted to solve the NS equations to realize the numerical simulations. Unlike under low Reynolds numbers, the analysis results show that although the accuracy difference between the sharp trailing edge and the blunt trailing edge decreases as the attack angle range increases, the former is preferred in all studied ranges. As to the corresponding modeling methods, the NACA4 and the definition formula are preferred, the choice of which depends on the studied range. In particular, a greater number of data points adopted into the definition formula is not necessarily better. Considering the error ratios comprehensively, the simulation configurations of sharp trailing edge + 20 m far-field distance + SA/SST/SST/SST/SST/SA turbulence model obtains optimal simulation effects.
Mobile Robots and Cobots Integration: A Preliminary Design of a Mechatronic Interface by Using MBSE Approach
Authors: Vitolo Ferdinando , Rega Andrea , Di Marino Castrese , Pasquariello Agnese , Zanella Alessandro , Patalano Stanislao
Published: January 2022

Enabling technologies that drive Industry 4.0 and smart factories are pushing in new equipment and system development also to prevent human workers from repetitive and non-ergonomic tasks inside manufacturing plants. One of these tasks is the order-picking which consists in collecting parts from the warehouse and distributing them among the workstations and vice-versa. That task can be completely performed by a Mobile Manipulator that is composed by an industrial manipulator assembled on a Mobile Robot. Although the Mobile Manipulators implementation brings advantages to industrial applications, they are still not widely used due to the lack of dedicated standards on control and safety. Furthermore, there are few integrated solutions and no specific or reference point allowing the safe integration of mobile robots and cobots (already owned by company). This work faces the integration of a generic mobile robot and collaborative robot selected from an identified set of both systems. The paper presents a safe and flexible mechatronic interface developed by using MBSE principles, multi-domain modeling, and adopting preliminary assumptions on the hardware and software synchronization level of both involved systems. The interface enables the re-using of owned robot systems differently from their native tasks. Furthermore, it provides an additional and redundant safety level by enabling power and force limiting both during cobot positioning and control system faulting.
A Comprehensive Failure Risk Assessment Method of Machining Center Component Based on Topology Analysis
Authors: Mu Liming , Zhang Yingzhi , Guo Guiming
Published: January 2022

The risk assessment of the failure mode of the traditional machining center component rarely considers the topological characteristics of the system and the influence of propagation risks, which makes the failure risk assessment results biased. Therefore, this paper proposes a comprehensive failure risk assessment method of a machining center component based on topology analysis. On the basis of failure mode and cause analysis, considering the correlation of failure modes, Analytic Network Process (ANP) is used to calculate the influence degree of failure modes, and it is combined with component failure mode frequency ratio and failure rate function to calculate independent failure risk. The ANP model of the machining center is transformed into a topological model, and the centrality measurement of network theory is used to analyze the topology of the machining center. The weight of the topological structure index is measured by subjective and objective weighting methods, and then the importance degree of the machining center component is calculated. In this paper, the coupling degree function is introduced to calculate the importance of the connection edge, which is combined with the failure probability to calculate the failure propagation influence degree, and the component propagation failure risk is calculated based on this. Finally, the independent failure risk and the propagation failure risk of the component are integrated to realize the failure risk assessment of the component. Taking a certain type of machining center as an example to illustrate the application, compared with the traditional assessment method, the effectiveness and advancement of the method proposed in this paper have been verified.
An Overview of Reinforcement Learning Algorithms for Handover Management in 5G Ultra-Dense Small Cell Networks
Authors: Tanveer Jawad , Haider Amir , Ali Rashid , Kim Ajung
Published: January 2022

The fifth generation (5G) wireless technology emerged with marvelous effort to state, design, deployment and standardize the upcoming wireless network generation. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques are well capable to support 5G latest technologies that are expected to deliver high data rate to upcoming use cases and services such as massive machine type communications (mMTC), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), and ultra-reliable low latency communications (uRLLC). These services will surely help Gbps of data within the latency of few milliseconds in Internet of Things paradigm. This survey presented 5G mobility management in ultra-dense small cells networks using reinforcement learning techniques. First, we discussed existing surveys then we are focused on handover (HO) management in ultra-dense small cells (UDSC) scenario. Following, this study also discussed how machine learning algorithms can help in different HO scenarios. Nevertheless, future directions and challenges for 5G UDSC networks were concisely addressed.
Glucose Isomerase: Functions, Structures, and Applications
Authors: Nam Ki Hyun
Published: January 2022

Glucose isomerase (GI, also known as xylose isomerase) reversibly isomerizes D-glucose and D-xylose to D-fructose and D-xylulose, respectively. GI plays an important role in sugar metabolism, fulfilling nutritional requirements in bacteria. In addition, GI is an important industrial enzyme for the production of high-fructose corn syrup and bioethanol. This review introduces the functions, structure, and applications of GI, in addition to presenting updated information on the characteristics of newly discovered GIs and structural information regarding the metal-binding active site of GI and its interaction with the inhibitor xylitol. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in the characterization and engineering of GI, as well as its industrial applications, and will help to guide future research in this field.
Undrained Elastoplastic Solution for Cylindrical Cavity Expansion in Structured Cam Clay Soil Considering the Destructuration Effects
Authors: Zhai Zhanghui , Zhang Yaguo , Xiao Shuxiong , Li Tonglu
Published: January 2022

Soil structure has significant influences on the mechanical behaviors of natural soils, although it is rarely considered in previous cavity expansion analyses. This paper presents an undrained elastoplastic solution for cylindrical cavity expansion in structured soils, considering the destructuration effects. Firstly, a structural ratio was defined to denote the degree of the initial structure, and the Structured Cam Clay (SCC) model was employed to describe the subsequent stress-induced destructuration, including the structure degradation and crushing. Secondly, combined with the large strain theory, the considered problem was formulated as a system of first-order differential equations, which can be solved in a simplified procedure with the introduced auxiliary variable. Finally, the significance and efficiency of the present solution was demonstrated by comparing with the previous solutions, and parametric studies were also conducted to investigate the effects of soil structure and destructuration on the cavity expansion process. The results show that the soil structure has pronounced effects on the mechanical behavior of structured soils around the cavity. For structured soils, a cavity pressure that is larger than the corresponding reconstituted soils when the cavity expands to the same radius is required, and the effective stresses first increase to a peak value before decreasing rapidly with soil structure degradation and crushing. The same final critical state is reached for soils with different degrees of the initial structure, which indicates that the soil structure is completely destroyed during the cavity expansion. With the increase of the destructuring index, the soil structure was destroyed more rapidly, and the stress release during the plastic deformation became more significant. Moreover, the present solution was applied in the jacking of a casing during the sand compact pile installation and in situ self-boring pressuremeter (SBPM) tests, which indicates that the present solution provides an effective theoretical tool for predicting the behavior of natural structured soils around the cavity.
Effects of Reflectance of Backsheets and Spacing between Cells on Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Lim Hyunsoo , Cho Seong Hyeon , Moon Jiyeon , Jun Da Yeong , Kim Sung Hyun
Published: January 2022

In the photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing process, cell-to-module (CTM) loss is inevitably caused by the optical loss, and it generally leads to the output power loss of about 2~3%. It is known that the CTM loss rate can be reduced by increasing the reflectance of a backsheet and reflective area through widening spaces between the PV cell strings. In this study, multi-busbars (MBB) and shingled PV cells were connected in series, and a mini-module composed of four cells was fabricated with a white and black backsheet to investigate the effects of reflectance of backsheets and space between the PV cells. Moreover, the MBB modules with cell gap spaces of 0.5 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2.5 mm were demonstrated with fixed 3 mm spaces between the strings. The shingled modules with varying spaces from 2 mm to 6 mm were also tested, and our results show that spacing between PV cells and strings should be well-balanced to minimize the CTM loss to maximize the output power (efficiency).
Recto and Verso: The Pictorial Fronts and the Marbled Reverses of Two Flemish Panel Paintings
Authors: Borgers Kathrin
Published: January 2022

From the first third of the 15th century onwards, panel paintings with marbled reverses increasingly appeared in Flemish art. The fronts of these panels primarily depicted religious narrative scenes or portraits. The backs were decorated with an abstract pattern, referred to as marbling. These painted marble facsimiles often differed in terms of design from other examples of stone imitations such as those used on the frame decorations of other panels. Unlike these frames, which suggest a greater illusionistic intention, the marbled reverses appear to function as abstract ornamentation. However, this article proposes that the painted backs are thematically linked to the pictorial narratives of the fronts. The marbled backs of Rogier van der Weyden’s Crucifixion and the Portrait of Margareta van Eyck will be considered in the context of a profane and a theological iconography. Both panels feature a reverse that can be identified as both an imitation of red porphyry and a representation of liquid paint. Metaphysical, material–semantic, and theological references will be revealed in the pictorial examples.
Companion Animal Model in Translational Oncology; Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Canine Oral Melanoma
Authors: Giuliano Antonio
Published: January 2022

Companion animals with naturally occurring cancers can provide an advantageous model for cancer research and in particular anticancer drug development. Compared to commonly utilized mouse models, companion animals, specifically dogs and cats, share a closer phylogenetical distance, body size, and genome organization. Most importantly, pets develop spontaneous, rather than artificially induced, cancers. The incidence of cancer in people and companion animals is quite similar and cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over 10 years of age. Many cancer types in dogs and cats have similar pathological, molecular, and clinical features to their human counterparts. Drug toxicity and response to anti-cancer treatment in dogs and cats are also similar to those in people. Companion animals share their lives with their owners, including the environmental and socioeconomic cancer-risk factors. In contrast to humans, pets have a shorter life span and cancer progression is often more rapid. Clinical trials in companion animals are cheaper and less time consuming compared to human trials. Dogs and cats with naturally occurring cancers are an ideal and unique model for human cancer research. Model selection for the specific type of cancer is of pivotal importance. Although companion animal models for translational research have been reviewed previously, this review will try to summarize the most important advantages and disadvantages of this model. Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma as a model for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and canine oral melanoma as a model for mucosal melanoma and immunotherapy in people will be discussed as examples.
Immunohistochemical Characterization of the Nervous System of Culex pipiens (Diptera, Culicidae)
Authors: Gregor Katharina M. , Becker Stefanie C. , Hellhammer Fanny , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Puff Christina
Published: January 2022

Arthropod-borne diseases represent one of the greatest infection-related threats as a result of climate change and globalization. Repeatedly, arbovirus-infected mosquitoes show behavioral changes whose underlying mechanisms are still largely unknown, but might help to develop control strategies. However, in contrast to well-characterized insects such as fruit flies, little is known about neuroanatomy and neurotransmission in mosquitoes. To overcome this limitation, the study focuses on the immunohistochemical characterization of the nervous system of Culex pipiens biotype molestus in comparison to Drosophila melanogaster using 13 antibodies labeling nervous tissue, neurotransmitters or neurotransmitter-related enzymes. Antibodies directed against γ-aminobutyric acid, serotonin, tyrosine-hydroxylase and glutamine synthetase were suitable for investigations in Culex pipiens and Drosophila melanogaster, albeit species-specific spatial differences were observed. Likewise, similar staining results were achieved for neuronal glycoproteins, axons, dendrites and synaptic zones in both species. Interestingly, anti-phosphosynapsin and anti-gephyrin appear to represent novel markers for synapses and glial cells, respectively. In contrast, antibodies directed against acetylcholine, choline acetyltransferase, elav and repo failed to produce a signal in Culex pipiens comparable to that in Drosophila melanogaster. In summary, present results enable a detailed investigation of the nervous system of mosquitoes, facilitating further studies of behavioral mechanisms associated with arboviruses in the course of vector research.
Species-Specific Flash Patterns Track the Nocturnal Behavior of Sympatric Taiwanese Fireflies
Authors: Goh King-Siang , Lee Chia-Ming , Wang Tzi-Yuan
Published: January 2022

It is highly challenging to evaluate the species’ content and behavior changes in wild fireflies, especially for a sympatric population. Here, the flash interval (FI) and flash duration (FD) of flying males from three sympatric species (Abscondita cerata, Luciola kagiana, and Luciola curtithorax) were investigated for their potentials in assessing species composition and nocturnal behaviors during the A. cerata mating season. Both FI and FD were quantified from the continuous flashes of adult fireflies (lasting 5–30 s) via spatiotemporal analyses of video recorded along the Genliao hiking trail in Taipei, Taiwan. Compared to FD patterns and flash colors, FI patterns exhibited the highest species specificity, making them a suitable reference for differentiating firefly species. Through the case study of a massive occurrence of A. cerata (21 April 2018), the species contents (~85% of the flying population) and active periods of a sympatric population comprising A. cerata and L. kagiana were successfully evaluated by FI pattern matching, as well as field specimen collections. Our study suggests that FI patterns may be a reliable species-specific luminous marker for monitoring the behavioral changes in a sympatric firefly population in the field, and has implication values for firefly conservation.
Comparative and Phylogenetic Analysis of Complete Plastomes among Aristidoideae Species (Poaceae)
Authors: Guo Xiu-Xiu , Qu Xiao-Jian , Zhang Xue-Jie , Fan Shou-Jin
Published: January 2022

Aristidoideae is a subfamily in the PACMAD clade of family Poaceae, including three genera, Aristida, Stipagrostis, and Sartidia. In this study, the plastomes of Aristida adscensionis and Stipagrostis pennata were newly sequenced, and a total of 16 Aristidoideae plastomes were compared. All plastomes were conservative in genome size, gene number, structure, and IR boundary. Repeat sequence analysis showed that forward and palindrome repeats were the most common repeat types. The number of SSRs ranged from 30 (Sartidia isaloensis) to 54 (Aristida purpurea). Codon usage analysis showed that plastome genes preferred to use codons ending with A/T. A total of 12 highly variable regions were screened, including four protein coding sequences (matK, ndhF, infA, and rpl32) and eight non-coding sequences (rpl16-1-rpl16-2, ccsA-ndhD, trnY-GUA-trnD-GUC, ndhF-rpl32, petN-trnC-GCA, trnT-GGU-trnE-UUC, trnG-GCC-trnfM-CAU, and rpl32-trnL-UAG). Furthermore, the phylogenetic position of this subfamily and their intergeneric relationships need to be illuminated. All Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference trees strongly support the monophyly of Aristidoideae and each of three genera, and the clade of Aristidoideae and Panicoideae was a sister to other subfamilies in the PACMAD clade. Within Aristidoideae, Aristida is a sister to the clade composed of Stipagrostis and Sartidia. The divergence between C4 Stipagrostis and C3 Sartidia was estimated at 11.04 Ma, which may be associated with the drought event in the Miocene period. Finally, the differences in carbon fixation patterns, geographical distributions, and ploidy may be related to the difference of species numbers among these three genera. This study provides insights into the phylogeny and evolution of the subfamily Aristidoideae.
Expression Analysis Reveals That Sorghum Disease Resistance Protein SbSGT1 Is Regulated by Auxin
Authors: Jiang Junmei , Chen Jun , Luo Liting , Wang Lujie , Ouyang Hao , Ren Mingjian , Li Xiangyang , Xie Xin
Published: January 2022

SGT1 (suppressor of the skp1 G2 allele) is an important plant disease resistance-related protein, which plays an important role in plant resistance to pathogens and regulates signal transduction during the process of plant disease resistance. In this study, we analyzed the expression profile of SbSGT1 in sorghum under phytohormones treatment. Quantitative real-time PCR results showed that SbSGT1 was most expressed in sorghum leaves, and could respond to plant hormones such as auxin, abscisic acid, salicylic acid, and brassinolide. Subsequently, we determined the optimal soluble prokaryotic expression conditions for SbSGT1 and purified it using a protein purification system in order to evaluate its potential interactions with plant hormones. Microscale thermophoretic analysis showed that SbSGT1 exhibited significant interactions with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), with a Kd value of 1.5934. Furthermore, the transient expression of SbSGT1 in Nicotiana benthamiana indicated that treatment with exogenous auxin could inhibit SbSGT1 expression, both at the transcriptional and translational level, demonstrating that there exists an interaction between SbSGT1 and auxin.
Phylogeographic Relationships among Bombyx mandarina (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) Populations and Their Relationships to B. mori Inferred from Mitochondrial Genomes
Authors: Kim Min-Jee , Park Jeong-Sun , Kim Hyeongmin , Kim Seong-Ryul , Kim Seong-Wan , Kim Kee-Young , Kwak Woori , Kim Iksoo
Published: January 2022

We report 37 mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequences of Bombyx mori strains (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) and four of B. mandarina individuals, each preserved and collected, respectively, in South Korea. These mitogenome sequences combined with 45 public data showed a substantial genetic reduction in B. mori strains compared to the presumed ancestor B. mandarina, with the highest diversity detected in the Chinese origin B. mori. Chinese B. mandarina were divided into northern and southern groups, concordant to the Qinling–Huaihe line, and the northern group was placed as an immediate progenitor of monophyletic B. mori strains in phylogenetic analyses, as has previously been detected. However, one individual that was in close proximity to the south Qinling–Huaihe line was exceptional, belonging to the northern group. The enigmatic South Korean population of B. mandarina, which has often been regarded as a closer genetic group to Japan, was most similar to the northern Chinese group, evidencing substantial gene flow between the two regions. Although a substantial genetic divergence is present between B. mandarina in southern China and Japan, a highly supported sister relationship between the two regional populations may suggest the potential origin of Japanese B. mandarina from southern China instead of the Korean peninsula.
Adipose Triglyceride Lipase in Hepatic Physiology and Pathophysiology
Authors: Li Tianjiao , Guo Wei , Zhou Zhanxiang
Published: January 2022

The liver is extremely active in oxidizing triglycerides (TG) for energy production. An imbalance between TG synthesis and hydrolysis leads to metabolic disorders in the liver, including excessive lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and ultimately liver damage. Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is the rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the first step of TG breakdown to glycerol and fatty acids. Although its role in controlling lipid homeostasis has been relatively well-studied in the adipose tissue, heart, and skeletal muscle, it remains largely unknown how and to what extent ATGL is regulated in the liver, responds to stimuli and regulators, and mediates disease progression. Therefore, in this review, we describe the current understanding of the structure–function relationship of ATGL, the molecular mechanisms of ATGL regulation at translational and post-translational levels, and—most importantly—its role in lipid and glucose homeostasis in health and disease with a focus on the liver. Advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatic lipid accumulation are crucial to the development of targeted therapies for treating hepatic metabolic disorders.
Acetyltransferases GCN5 and PCAF Are Required for B Lymphocyte Maturation in Mice
Authors: Oksenych Valentyn , Su Dan , Daniel Jeremy
Published: January 2022

B lymphocyte development has two DNA recombination processes: V(D)J recombination of the immunoglobulin (Igh) gene variable region, and class switching of the Igh constant regions from IgM to IgG, IgA, or IgE. V(D)J recombination is required for the successful maturation of B cells from pro-B to pre-B to immature-B and then to mature B cells in the bone marrow. CSR occurs outside of the bone marrow when mature B cells migrate to peripheral lymphoid organs, such as spleen and lymph nodes. Both V(D)J recombination and CSR depend on an open chromatin state that makes DNA accessible to specific enzymes, recombination activating gene (RAG), and activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID). Acetyltransferases GCN5 and PCAF possess redundant functions acetylating histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9). Here, we generated a mouse model that lacked both GCN5 and PCAF in B cells. Double-deficient mice possessed low levels of mature B cells in the bone marrow and peripheral organs, an accumulation of pro-B cells in bone marrow, and reduced CSR levels. We concluded that both GCN5 and PCAF are required for B-cell development in vivo.
Solution of Bullet Proof Wooden Frame Construction Panel with a Built-In Air Duct
Authors: Borodinecs Anatolijs , Geikins Aleksandrs , Barone Elina , Jacnevs Vladislavs , Prozuments Aleksejs
Published: January 2022

The growing terrorism threats across the world play an important role in the design of civil buildings and living areas. The safety of personnel is a top priority in unclassified buildings, especially military buildings. However indoor air quality and thermal comfort has a direct impact on personal productivity and ability to concentrate on duties and affect the decision making in stress conditions. The use of wooden structures is becoming more common in the building construction, and application of wooden frame structures for the construction of new buildings as well as for retrofitting the existing buildings. Prefabricated wooded frame construction perfectly fits need of unclassified buildings, allowing significant reduction of construction time and integration of various active and passive elements, such as a fresh air supply duct. Within the scope of this paper a 12 mm thick ballistic panel made of aramid was tested. Ballistic panel, thermal conductivity, and fire resistance of wooded construction panel with embedded air duct were analyzed for the various modelled exterior wall solutions. The main advantage of the proposed technology is fast and qualitative modular construction of unclassified buildings, providing all modern requirements not only for safety, but also for the energy efficiency and indoor air quality. It was found that bullet proof aramid panels do not reduce overall fire safety in comparison to traditional construction materials. However embedded outdoor air supply ducts significantly reduces construction heat transfer coefficient.
Seismic Design of Bolted Connections in Steel Structures—A Critical Assessment of Practice and Research
Authors: Ribeiro Tiago , Bernardo Luís , Carrazedo Ricardo , De Domenico Dario
Published: January 2022

The importance of connections in steel structures is paramount, not only because it greatly influences the cost of construction and provides room for innovations, but also due to the connections’ impact on global structural behaviour. Therefore, research into innovative connections for seismic applications and related design criteria has significantly grown in recent years. However, it has been pursued mostly on local—connection or frame—levels, leaving the system analysis and code compliance levels with a meagre investigation. Moreover, less than 1% of published papers concerning steel connections and earthquake engineering are review articles. To overcome this gap, this systematic review of more than 240 references, including scientific contributions and design codes in the field aimed to cover both recent research and current shortcomings in practice and regulations. It has been found that European design rules updated to a fully performance-based design philosophy is imminent and is deemed to bring pre-qualified joints and increased complexity. Design rules have been systematized, and current hindrances have been highlighted. A deeper look into research needs and trends showed that investigations in connections for concentrically X braced frames are still a necessity, while developments in self-centring and replaceable connections as well as in simple solutions for increasing damping are expected to modify how joints are designed, as soon as semi-rigid and partial strength connections are more easily allowed by design codes.
Influence of Waste Tire Particles on Freeze–Thaw Resistance and Impermeability Performance of Waste Tires/Sand-Based Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Composites
Authors: Chen Chang , Zhang Ruyi , Zhou Li , Wang Yubin
Published: January 2022

Waste tires/sand-based autoclaved aerated concrete (SAAC) composites were prepared by mixing waste tires, which have different particle sizes and content. The physical performance, mechanical properties, freeze–thaw resistance, impermeability performance, phase composition, and microstructure of waste tires/sand-based autoclaved aerated concrete composite materials were examined. The results demonstrated that the 750-μm-sized waste tire particles on the surface of the SAAC composite did not agglomerate. Moreover, these particles did not damage the pore structure of the composites. The SAAC composites, with a relatively high compressive strength and low mass-loss rate, were obtained when the contents of waste tire particles ranged from 1.0 to 2.5 wt.%. For composites prepared with 2.0 wt.% of 750-μm-sized waste tire particles, the optimal compressive and flexural strength values were 3.20 and 0.95 MPa, respectively. The increase in the rate of water absorption on SAAC composites was lowest (i.e., 16.3%) when the soaking time was from 24 to 120 h.
HVAC Control System Using Predicted Mean Vote Index for Energy Savings in Buildings
Authors: Espejel-Blanco Daniel Fernando , Hoyo-Montaño José Antonio , Arau Jaime , Valencia-Palomo Guillermo , García-Barrientos Abel , Hernández-De-León Héctor Ricardo , Camas-Anzueto Jorge Luis
Published: January 2022

Nowadays, reducing energy consumption is the fastest way to reduce the use of fossil fuels and, therefore, greenhouse gas emissions. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are used to maintain an indoor environment in comfortable conditions for its occupants. The combination of these two factors, energy efficiency and comfort, is a considerable challenge for building operations. This paper introduces a design approach to control an HVAC, focused on an energy consumption reduction in the operation of the HVAC system of a building. The architecture was developed using a Raspberry Pi as a coordinator node and wireless connection with sensor nodes for environmental variables and electrical measurement nodes. The data received by the coordinator node is sent to the cloud for storage and further processing. The control system manages the setpoint of the HVAC equipment, as well as the turning on and off the HVAC compressor using an XBee-based solid state relay. The HVAC temperature control system is based on the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) index calculation, which is used by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to find the appropriate setpoint to meet the thermal comfort of 80% of users. This method combines the values of humidity and temperature to define comfort zones. The coordinator node makes the compressor control decisions depending on the value obtained in the PMV index. The proposed PMV-based temperature control system for the HVAC equipment achieves energy savings ranging from 33% to 44% against the built-in control of the HVAC equipment, when operating with the same setpoint of 26.5 grades centigrade.
Electrocatalytic Properties of a BaTiO3/MWCNT Composite for Citric Acid Detection
Authors: Pitiphattharabun Siraprapa , Sato Nicha , Panomsuwan Gasidit , Jongprateep Oratai
Published: January 2022

Although barium titanate (BaTiO3) shows prominent dielectric properties for fabricating electronic devices, its utilization in electrochemical applications is limited. Thus, this study examined the potential of a BaTiO3-based composite in the detection of a food additive, i.e., citric acid. First, a submicron-scale BaTiO3 powder was synthesized using the solution combustion method. Then, a BaTiO3/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite was hydrothermally synthesized at BaTiO3:MWCNT mass ratios of 1:1 and 2:1. This composite was used as a working electrode in a nonenzymatic sensor to evaluate its electrocatalytic activity. Cyclic voltammetric measurements revealed that the BaTiO3/MWCNT composite (2:1) exhibited the highest electrocatalytic activity. Reduction reactions were observed at applied voltages of approximately 0.02 and −0.67 V, whereas oxidation reactions were detected at −0.65 and 0.47 V. With acceptable sensitivity, decent selectivity, and fair stability, the BaTiO3/MWCNT composite (2:1) showed good potential for citric acid detection.
Regulation of TNF-Induced Osteoclast Differentiation
Authors: Yao Zhenqiang , Getting Stephen J. , Locke Ian C.
Published: January 2022

Increased osteoclast (OC) differentiation and activity is the critical event that results in bone loss and joint destruction in common pathological bone conditions, such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RANKL and its decoy receptor, osteoprotegerin (OPG), control OC differentiation and activity. However, there is a specific concern of a rebound effect of denosumab discontinuation in treating osteoporosis. TNFα can induce OC differentiation that is independent of the RANKL/RANK system. In this review, we discuss the factors that negatively and positively regulate TNFα induction of OC formation, and the mechanisms involved to inform the design of new anti-resorptive agents for the treatment of bone conditions with enhanced OC formation. Similar to, and being independent of, RANKL, TNFα recruits TNF receptor-associated factors (TRAFs) to sequentially activate transcriptional factors NF-κB p50 and p52, followed by c-Fos, and then NFATc1 to induce OC differentiation. However, induction of OC formation by TNFα alone is very limited, since it also induces many inhibitory proteins, such as TRAF3, p100, IRF8, and RBP-j. TNFα induction of OC differentiation is, however, versatile, and Interleukin-1 or TGFβ1 can enhance TNFα-induced OC formation through a mechanism which is independent of RANKL, TRAF6, and/or NF-κB. However, TNFα polarized macrophages also produce anabolic factors, including insulin such as 6 peptide and Jagged1, to slow down bone loss in the pathological conditions. Thus, the development of novel approaches targeting TNFα signaling should focus on its downstream molecules that do not affect its anabolic effect.
Impaired Generation of Transit-Amplifying Progenitors in the Adult Subventricular Zone of Cyclin D2 Knockout Mice
Authors: Płatek Rafał , Rogujski Piotr , Mazuryk Jarosław , Wiśniewska Marta B. , Kaczmarek Leszek , Czupryn Artur
Published: January 2022

In the adult brain, new neurons are constitutively derived from postnatal neural stem cells/progenitors located in two neurogenic regions: the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles (migrating and differentiating into different subtypes of the inhibitory interneurons of the olfactory bulbs), and the subgranular layer of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Cyclin D2 knockout (cD2-KO) mice exhibit reduced numbers of new hippocampal neurons; however, the proliferation deficiency and the dysregulation of adult neurogenesis in the SVZ required further investigation. In this report, we characterized the differentiation potential of each subpopulation of the SVZ neural precursors in cD2-KO mice. The number of newly generated cells in the SVZs was significantly decreased in cD2-KO mice compared to wild type mice (WT), and was not accompanied by elevated levels of apoptosis. Although the number of B1-type quiescent precursors (B1q) and the overall B1-type activated precursors (B1a) were not affected in the SVZ neurogenic niche, the number of transit-amplifying progenitors (TaPs) was significantly reduced. Additionally, the subpopulations of calbindin D28k and calretinin interneurons were diminished in the olfactory bulbs of cD2-KO mice. Our results suggest that cyclin D2 might be critical for the proliferation of neural precursors and progenitors in the SVZ—the transition of B1a into TaPs and, thereafter, the production of newly generated interneurons in the olfactory bulbs. Untangling regulators that functionally modulate adult neurogenesis provides a basis for the development of regenerative therapies for injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.
Differential Discontinuation Profiles between Pirfenidone and Nintedanib in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Takehara Kazutaka , Koga Yasuhiko , Hachisu Yoshimasa , Utsugi Mitsuyoshi , Sawada Yuri , Saito Yasuyuki , Yoshimi Seishi , Yatomi Masakiyo , Shin Yuki , Wakamatsu Ikuo , Umetsu Kazue , Kouno Shunichi , Nakagawa Junichi , Sunaga Noriaki , Maeno Toshitaka , Hisada Takeshi
Published: January 2022

Antifibrotic agents have been widely used in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Long-term continuation of antifibrotic therapy is required for IPF treatment to prevent disease progression. However, antifibrotic treatment has considerable adverse events, and the continuation of treatment is uncertain in many cases. Therefore, we examined and compared the continuity of treatment between pirfenidone and nintedanib in patients with IPF. We retrospectively enrolled 261 consecutive IPF patients who received antifibrotic treatment from six core facilities in Gunma Prefecture from 2009 to 2018. Among them, 77 patients were excluded if the antifibrotic agent was switched or if the observation period was less than a year. In this study, 134 patients treated with pirfenidone and 50 treated with nintedanib were analyzed. There was no significant difference in patient background, discontinuation rate of antifibrotic treatment over time, and survival rate between the two groups. However, the discontinuation rate due to adverse events within one year of antifibrotic treatment was significantly higher in the nintedanib group than in the pirfenidone group (76% vs. 37%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the discontinuation rate due to adverse events in nintedanib was higher than that of pirfenidone treatment throughout the observation period (70.6% vs. 31.2%, p = 0.016). The pirfenidone group tended to be discontinued due to acute exacerbation or transfer to another facility. The results of this study suggest that better management of adverse events with nintedanib leads to more continuous treatment that prevents disease progression and acute exacerbations, thus improving prognosis in patients with IPF.