bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An inhibitor of RORγ for chronic pulmonary obstructive disease treatment
Authors: Desai Harshada , Marathe Megha , Potdar Varada , Tiwari Prabhakar , Joshi Ashwini , Kadam Sheetal R. , Joshi Arti Rajesh , Kulkarni Abhay , Bhosale Vikram , Hadambar Avinash , Lodhiya Bhavik , Udupa Venkatesha , Behera Dayanidhi , Chaudhari Sachin S. , Das Sanjib , Bajpai Malini , Gowda Nagaraj , Iyer Pravin S.
Published: May 2022

The role of RORγ as a transcription factor for Th17 cell differentiation and thereby regulation of IL-17 levels is well known. Increased RORγ expression along with IL-17A levels was observed in animal models, immune cells and BAL fluid of COPD patients. Increased IL-17A levels in severe COPD patients are positively correlated with decreased lung functions and increased severity symptoms and emphysema, supporting an urgency to develop novel therapies modulating IL-17 or RORγ for COPD treatment. We identified a potent RORγ inhibitor, PCCR-1 using hit to lead identification followed by extensive lead optimization by structure–activity relationship. PCCR-1 resulted in RORγ inhibition with a high degree of specificity in a biochemical assay, with > 300-fold selectivity over other isoforms of ROR. Our data suggest promising potency for IL-17A inhibition in human and canine PBMCs and mouse splenocytes with no significant impact on Th1 and Th2 cytokines. In vivo, PCCR-1 exhibited significant efficacy in the acute CS model with dose-dependent inhibition of the PD biomarkers that correlated well with the drug concentration in lung and BAL fluid, demonstrating an acceptable safety profile. This inhibitor effectively inhibited IL-17A release in whole blood and BALf samples from COPD patients. Overall, we identified a selective inhibitor of RORγ to pursue further development of novel scaffolds for COPD treatment.
Resolving complex cartilage structures in developmental biology via deep learning-based automatic segmentation of X-ray computed microtomography images
Authors: Matula Jan , Polakova Veronika , Salplachta Jakub , Tesarova Marketa , Zikmund Tomas , Kaucka Marketa , Adameyko Igor , Kaiser Jozef
Published: May 2022

The complex shape of embryonic cartilage represents a true challenge for phenotyping and basic understanding of skeletal development. X-ray computed microtomography (μCT) enables inspecting relevant tissues in all three dimensions; however, most 3D models are still created by manual segmentation, which is a time-consuming and tedious task. In this work, we utilised a convolutional neural network (CNN) to automatically segment the most complex cartilaginous system represented by the developing nasal capsule. The main challenges of this task stem from the large size of the image data (over a thousand pixels in each dimension) and a relatively small training database, including genetically modified mouse embryos, where the phenotype of the analysed structures differs from the norm. We propose a CNN-based segmentation model optimised for the large image size that we trained using a unique manually annotated database. The segmentation model was able to segment the cartilaginous nasal capsule with a median accuracy of 84.44% (Dice coefficient). The time necessary for segmentation of new samples shortened from approximately 8 h needed for manual segmentation to mere 130 s per sample. This will greatly accelerate the throughput of μCT analysis of cartilaginous skeletal elements in animal models of developmental diseases.
Thermal cooling performance of convective non-Newtonian nanofluid flowing with variant power-index across moving extending surface
Authors: Ferdows M. , Shamshuddin MD. , Salawu S. O. , Sun Shuyu
Published: May 2022

This communication focuses on assessing the effectiveness of nanoparticles, and a power-law variation fluid on a moving stretching surface is analyzed. Newtonian fluids for different nanomaterials are considered due to its industrial demand. The partial differential equations describing the flow are transformed to ordinary differential equations by employing local similarity transformations and then solved numerically by an effective numerical approach, namely, the local nonsimilarity method (LNS). The numerical solution is computed for different parameters by using the computational software MATLAB. Different types of nanoparticles are considered, and the impact of those nanoparticles as well as the impact of different pertaining parameters on velocity, temperature, missing velocity slope, and missing temperature slope are presented graphically. Comparisons are made with the available results in the open literature. Our investigation conveys a better impact on $${\text{Ag}}$$
Ag
nanoparticles due to their higher thermal conductivity. Furthermore, an increase in the free stream velocity, missing temperature slope and velocity slope is enhanced, but after a point of separation, the missing temperature slope decays.
Evening light environments can be designed to consolidate and increase the duration of REM-sleep
Authors: Vethe Daniel , Drews H. J. , Scott J. , Engstrøm M. , Heglum H. S. A. , Grønli J. , Wisor J. P. , Sand T. , Lydersen S. , Kjørstad K. , Faaland P. M. P. , Vestergaard C. L. , Langsrud K. , Kallestad H.
Published: May 2022

Evening exposure to short-wavelength light has disruptive effects on circadian rhythms and sleep. These effects can be mitigated by blocking short-wavelength (blue) frequencies, which has led to the development of evening blue-depleted light environments (BDLEs). We have previously reported that residing 5 days in an evening BDLE, compared with residing in a normal indoor light environment of similar photopic lux, advances circadian rhythms and increases the duration of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in a randomized cross-over trial with twelve healthy participants. The current study extends these findings by testing whether residing in the evening BDLE affects the consolidation and microstructure of REM sleep in the same sample. Evening BDLE significantly reduces the fragmentation of REM sleep (p = 0.0003), and REM sleep microarousals in (p = 0.0493) without significantly changing REM density or the latency to first REM sleep episode. Moreover, the increased accumulation of REM sleep is not at the expense of NREM stage 3 sleep. BDLE further has a unique effect on REM sleep fragmentation (p = 0.0479) over and above that of circadian rhythms phase-shift, indicating a non-circadian effect of BDLE. If these effects can be replicated in clinical populations, this may have a therapeutic potential in disorders characterized by fragmented REM sleep.
Comprehensive spatial distribution of tropical fish assemblages from multifrequency acoustics and video fulfils the island mass effect framework
Authors: Salvetat Julie , Bez Nicolas , Habasque Jeremie , Lebourges-Dhaussy Anne , Lopes Cristiano , Roudaut Gildas , Simier Monique , Travassos Paulo , Vargas Gary , Bertrand Arnaud
Published: May 2022

Tropical marine ecosystems are highly biodiverse and provide resources for small-scale fisheries and tourism. However, precise information on fish spatial distribution is lacking, which limits our ability to reconcile exploitation and conservation. We combined acoustics to video observations to provide a comprehensive description of fish distribution in a typical tropical environment, the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (FNA) off Northeast Brazil. We identified and classified all acoustic echoes into ten fish assemblage and two triggerfish species. This opened up the possibility to relate the different spatial patterns to a series of environmental factors and the level of protection. We provide the first biomass estimation of the black triggerfishMelichthys niger, a key tropical player. By comparing the effects of euphotic and mesophotic reefs we show that more than the depth, the most important feature is the topography with the shelf-break as the most important hotspot. We also complete the portrait of the island mass effect revealing a clear spatial dissymmetry regarding fish distribution. Indeed, while primary productivity is higher downstream, fish concentrate upstream. The comprehensive fish distribution provided by our approach is directly usable to implement scientific-grounded Marine Spatial Planning.
Transcriptomic profiling of Escherichia coli K-12 in response to a compendium of stressors
Authors: Bhatia Rama P. , Kirit Hande A. , Predeus Alexander V. , Bollback Jonathan P.
Published: May 2022

Environmental perturbations impact multiple cellular traits, including gene expression. Bacteria respond to these stressful situations through complex gene interaction networks, thereby inducing stress tolerance and survival of cells. In this paper, we study the response mechanisms of E. coli when exposed to different environmental stressors via differential expression and co-expression analysis. Gene co-expression networks were generated and analyzed via Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). Based on the gene co-expression networks, genes with similar expression profiles were clustered into modules. The modules were analysed for identification of hub genes, enrichment of biological processes and transcription factors. In addition, we also studied the link between transcription factors and their differentially regulated targets to understand the regulatory mechanisms involved. These networks validate known gene interactions and provide new insights into genes mediating transcriptional regulation in specific stress environments, thus allowing for in silico hypothesis generation.
Smokers show increased fear responses towards safety signals during fear generalization, independent from acute smoking
Authors: Mueller Madeleine , Weisser Smilla , Rauh Jonas , Haaker Jan
Published: May 2022

Smoking is highly prevalent among patients with anxiety disorders. Previous studies suggest that smokers show altered fear learning as compared to non-smokers. To test the effect of acute smoking on fear learning and generalization, we conducted a fear learning experiment online. 202 healthy subjects learned to differentiate a danger and a safe cue on day 1 and were tested for generalization of threat responses 24 h later. To see if the timing of smoking impacts fear learning, we formed three smoker groups with manipulations of acute smoking and withdrawal at different time-points (each group: n = 46) and one non-smoker control group (n = 64). Smoking manipulations contained a 6 h withdrawal after fear learning, smoking directly before or after fear learning. We found no group differences between smoker manipulation groups for fear learning or generalization. However, we found differences in fear generalization between smokers and non-smokers. Smokers showed increased fear ratings towards the stimulus that has been learned as safe and higher US expectancy to stimuli similar to the safe stimulus, when compared to non-smokers. Smoking might constitute a risk factor for impaired discrimination between danger and safety and smoking restrictions could be an effective way to reduce the risks of development or maintenance of anxiety disorders.
Lab-on-chip assay of tumour markers and human papilloma virus for cervical cancer detection at the point-of-care
Authors: Wormald Benjamin W. , Moser Nicolas , deSouza Nandita M. , Mantikas Katerina-Theresa , Malpartida-Cardenas Kenny , Pennisi Ivana , Ind Thomas E. J. , Vroobel Katherine , Kalofonou Melpomeni , Rodriguez-Manzano Jesus , Georgiou Pantelis
Published: May 2022

Cervical cancer affects over half a million people worldwide each year, the majority of whom are in resource-limited settings where cytology screening is not available. As persistent human papilloma virus (HPV) infections are a key causative factor, detection of HPV strains now complements cytology where screening services exist. This work demonstrates the efficacy of a handheld Lab-on-Chip (LoC) device, with an external sample extraction process, in detecting cervical cancer from biopsy samples. The device is based on Ion-Sensitive Field-Effect Transistor (ISFET) sensors used in combination with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays, to amplify HPV DNA and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA. These markers were selected because of their high levels of expression in cervical cancer cells, but low to nil expression in normal cervical tissue. The achieved analytical sensitivity for the molecular targets resolved down to a single copy per reaction for the mRNA markers, achieving a limit of detection of 102 for hTERT. In the tissue samples, HPV-16 DNA was present in 4/5 malignant and 2/5 benign tissues, with HPV-18 DNA being present in 1/5 malignant and 1/5 benign tissues. hTERT mRNA was detected in all malignant and no benign tissues, with the demonstrated pilot data to indicate the potential for using the LoC in cervical cancer screening in resource-limited settings on a large scale.
Effects of temperature and magnetization on the Mott–Anderson physics in one-dimensional disordered systems
Authors: Canella G. A. , Zawadzki K. , França V. V.
Published: May 2022

We investigate the Mott–Anderson physics in interacting disordered one-dimensional chains through the average single-site entanglement quantified by the linear entropy, which is obtained via density-functional theory calculations. We show that the minimum disorder strength required to the so-called full Anderson localization—characterized by the real-space localization of pairs—is strongly dependent on the interaction regime. The degree of localization is found to be intrinsically related to the interplay between the correlations and the disorder potential. In magnetized systems, the minimum entanglement characteristic of the full Anderson localization is split into two, one for each of the spin species. We show that although all types of localization eventually disappear with increasing temperature, the full Anderson localization persists for higher temperatures than the Mott-like localization.
Surrogate vascular input function measurements from the superior sagittal sinus are repeatable and provide tissue-validated kinetic parameters in brain DCE-MRI
Authors: Lewis Daniel , Zhu Xiaoping , Coope David J. , Zhao Sha , King Andrew T. , Cootes Timothy , Jackson Alan , Li Ka-loh
Published: May 2022

Accurate vascular input function (VIF) derivation is essential in brain dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI. The optimum site for VIF estimation is, however, debated. This study sought to compare VIFs extracted from the internal carotid artery (ICA) and its branches with an arrival-corrected vascular output function (VOF) derived from the superior sagittal sinus (VOFSSS). DCE-MRI datasets from sixty-six patients with different brain tumours were retrospectively analysed and plasma gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) concentration-time curves used to extract VOF/VIFs from the SSS, the ICA, and the middle cerebral artery. Semi-quantitative parameters across each first-pass VOF/VIF were compared and the relationship between these parameters and GBCA dose was evaluated. Through a test–retest study in 12 patients, the repeatability of each semiquantitative VOF/VIF parameter was evaluated; and through comparison with histopathological data the accuracy of kinetic parameter estimates derived using each VOF/VIF and the extended Tofts model was also assessed. VOFSSS provided a superior surrogate global input function compared to arteries, with greater contrast-to-noise (p < 0.001), higher peak (p < 0.001, repeated-measures ANOVA), and a greater sensitivity to interindividual plasma GBCA concentration. The repeatability of VOFSSS derived semi-quantitative parameters was good to excellent (ICC = 0.717–0.888) outperforming arterial based approaches. In contrast to arterial VIFs, kinetic parameters obtained using a SSS derived VOF permitted detection of intertumoural differences in both microvessel surface area and cell density within resected tissue specimens. These results support the usage of an arrival-corrected VOFSSS as a surrogate vascular input function for kinetic parameter mapping in brain DCE-MRI.
The emergence of a new sex-system (XX/XY1Y2) suggests a species complex in the “monotypic” rodent Oecomys auyantepui (Rodentia, Sigmodontinae)
Authors: Oliveira da Silva Willam , Rosa Celina Coelho , Ferguson-Smith Malcolm Andrew , O’Brien Patricia Caroline Mary , Saldanha Juliane , Rossi Rogério Vieira , Pieczarka Julio Cesar , Nagamachi Cleusa Yoshiko
Published: May 2022

X-autosome translocation (XY1Y2) has been reported in distinct groups of vertebrates suggesting that the rise of a multiple sex system within a species may act as a reproductive barrier and lead to speciation. The viability of this system has been linked with repetitive sequences located between sex and autosomal portions of the translocation. Herein, we investigate Oecomys auyantepui, using chromosome banding and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization with telomeric and Hylaeamys megacephalus whole-chromosome probes, and phylogenetic reconstruction using mtDNA and nuDNA sequences. We describe an amended karyotype for O. auyantepui (2n = 64♀65♂/FNa = 84) and report for the first time a multiple sex system (XX/XY1Y2) in Oryzomyini rodents. Molecular data recovered O. auyantepui as a monophyletic taxon with high support and cytogenetic data indicate that O. auyantepui may exist in two lineages recognized by distinct sex systems. The Neo-X exhibits repetitive sequences located between sex and autosomal portions, which would act as a boundary between these two segments. The G-banding comparisons of the Neo-X chromosomes of other Sigmodontinae taxa revealed a similar banding pattern, suggesting that the autosomal segment in the Neo-X can be shared among the Sigmodontinae lineages with a XY1Y2 sex system.
Growth differentiation factor 15 as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic marker for autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Arinaga-Hino Teruko , Ide Tatsuya , Akiba Jun , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Kuwahara Reiichiro , Amano Keisuke , Kawaguchi Toshihiro , Sano Tomoya , Inoue Eisuke , Koga Hironori , Mitsuyama Keiichi , Koga Yasutoshi , Torimura Takuji
Published: May 2022

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) has been reported to be associated with fibrosis and cancer in liver disease. Diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is often difficult because of the lack of specific markers. We investigated whether GDF15 is useful for diagnosing AIH and determined its therapeutic effects. We enrolled 171 Japanese patients as follows: AIH (n = 45), hepatitis B (HB) (n = 17), hepatitis C (HC) (n = 15), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) (n = 20), and 74 healthy controls. Serum GDF15 levels were measured, and immunohistological analyses of GDF15 were performed using liver tissue of AIH patients. (1) GDF15 levels (pg/ml) were higher in AIH (1994.3 ± 1258.0) and HC (1568.0 ± 822.3) than in HB (953.2 ± 871.4), PBC (643.9 ± 247.0), and controls (475.3 ± 145.3) (p < 0.0001), as well as in cirrhosis patients (n = 31) than in non-cirrhosis patients (n = 66) (1926.6 ± 1026.0 vs. 1249.1 ± 1124.1, p < 0.0001). In non-cirrhosis patients, GDF15 levels were higher in AIH (1914.0 ± 1327.2) than in HC (955.7 ± 502.7), HB (519.3 ± 197.5), and PBC (643.9 ± 247.0) (p < 0.0001). (2) GDF15 was positively correlated with M2BPGi (r = 0.7728), total bilirubin (r = 0.6231), and PT-INR (r = 0.6332). (3) GDF15 levels could be used to distinguish AIH from other liver diseases in non-cirrhosis patients, with an area under the curve of 0.9373 (sensitivity 93.6%, specificity 79.3%, cut-off value 931.3). (4) GDF15 in AIH decreased after treatment. (5) Immunohistological analyses in AIH liver tissues revealed that GDF15 was strongly expressed in inflammatory cells, hepatic cytoplasm, and sinusoidal endothelial cells, but decreased after treatment. GDF15 is a novel diagnostic marker for AIH and is also expected to be a therapeutic marker for AIH.

Clinical Trials Registration: The study protocol was approved by the institutional review board of Kurume University (Approval No.: 19049).
Intra- and interspecies competition of blackgrass and wheat in the context of herbicidal resistance and environmental conditions in Poland
Authors: Wenda-Piesik Anna , Synowiec Agnieszka , Marcinkowska Katarzyna , Wrzesińska Barbara , Podsiadło Cezary , Domaradzki Krzysztof , Kuc Piotr , Kwiecińska-Poppe Ewa
Published: May 2022

Blackgrass (Alopecurus myosuroides Huds.), one of the most aggressive grass weeds in Europe, is also a strong competitor of crops. This study aimed to assess the impact of environmental conditions on the competition between (1) ACC-ase and ALS herbicide-resistant (BR) and herbicide-susceptible (BS) blackgrass biotypes, (2) BR and winter wheat cv. Arkadia (W), and (3) BS and W. In the replacement series model, the experiment was conducted at seven sites across Poland during two seasons (2018/19 and 2019/20). In the BR-BS experiment, the BS biotype was in majority more competitive toward the BR biotype. However, in the regime of optimal hydrothermal conditions and at a higher sand content in the soil we observed a higher competitiveness of BR towards BS. The combined interactions between W and BR or BS were also affected by environmental conditions, i.e., soil texture and hydrothermal coefficient, as explained by PCA and k-means cluster analysis. At most sites, W was more competitive toward both BS and BR, which could result from earlier emergence of W in relation to B in majority of sites. Except for two cases, located on heavy, clay soils, during humid seasons, where B was more competitive toward W. We summarize that blackgrass competitiveness towards other biotypes and wheat depends to some extent on environmental conditions; however, the phenomenon should be explored in more detail.
Pyruvate kinase M1 regulates butyrate metabolism in cancerous colonocytes
Authors: Park Bohye , Kim Ji Yeon , Riffey Olivia F. , Dowker-Key Presley , Bruckbauer Antje , McLoughlin James , Bettaieb Ahmed , Donohoe Dallas R.
Published: May 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) cells shift metabolism toward aerobic glycolysis and away from using oxidative substrates such as butyrate. Pyruvate kinase M1/2 (PKM) is an enzyme that catalyzes the last step in glycolysis, which converts phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate. M1 and M2 are alternatively spliced isoforms of the Pkm gene. The PKM1 isoform promotes oxidative metabolism, whereas PKM2 enhances aerobic glycolysis. We hypothesize that the PKM isoforms are involved in the shift away from butyrate oxidation towards glycolysis in CRC cells. Here, we find that PKM2 is increased and PKM1 is decreased in human colorectal carcinomas as compared to non-cancerous tissue. To test whether PKM1/2 alter colonocyte metabolism, we created a knockdown of PKM2 and PKM1 in CRC cells to analyze how butyrate oxidation and glycolysis would be impacted. We report that butyrate oxidation in CRC cells is regulated by PKM1 levels, not PKM2. Decreased butyrate oxidation observed through knockdown of PKM1 and PKM2 is rescued through re-addition of PKM1. Diminished PKM1 lowered mitochondrial basal respiration and decreased mitochondrial spare capacity. We demonstrate that PKM1 suppresses glycolysis and inhibits hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha. These data suggest that reduced PKM1 is, in part, responsible for increased glycolysis and diminished butyrate oxidation in CRC cells.
Titanium matrix composites reinforced with biogenic filler
Authors: Zglobicka Izabela , Zybala Rafal , Kaszyca Kamil , Molak Rafal , Wieczorek Monika , Recko Katarzyna , Fiedoruk Barbara , Kurzydlowski Krzysztof J.
Published: May 2022

Novel metal matrix composites (MMCs) have been fabricated with Ti6Al4V matrix and a biogenic ceramic filler in the form of diatomaceous earth (DE). Mixtures of DE and Ti6Al4V powders were consolidated by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) method. Microstructure of the consolidated samples has been investigated with microscopic techniques and XRD. Thermomechanical characteristics have been obtained using small-sample techniques. The results obtained indicate that the fabricated composites show outstanding mechanical and thermal properties due to synergic effects between the filler and the matrix (beyond the rule of mixtures).
Myelin characteristics of the corpus callosum in capuchin monkeys (Sapajus [Cebus] apella) across the lifespan
Authors: Watson Chase M. , Sherwood Chet C. , Phillips Kimberley A.
Published: May 2022

The midsagittal area of the corpus callosum (CC) is frequently studied in relation to brain development, connectivity, and function. Here we quantify myelin characteristics from electron microscopy to understand more fully differential patterns of white matter development occurring within the CC. We subdivided midsagittal regions of the CC into: I—rostrum and genu, II—rostral body, III—anterior midbody, IV—posterior midbody, and V—isthmus and splenium. The sample represented capuchin monkeys ranging in age from 2 weeks to 35 years (Sapajus[Cebus]apella,n = 8). Measurements of myelin thickness, myelin fraction, and g-ratio were obtained in a systematic random fashion. We hypothesized there would be a period of rapid myelin growth within the CC in early development. Using a locally weighted regression analysis (LOESS), we found regional differences in myelin characteristics, with posterior regions showing more rapid increases in myelin thickness and sharper decreases in g-ratio in early development. The most anterior region showed the most sustained growth in myelin thickness. For all regions over the lifespan, myelin fraction increased, plateaued, and decreased. These results suggest differential patterns of nonlinear myelin growth occur early in development and well into adulthood in the CC of capuchin monkeys.
Soliton linear-wave scattering in a Kerr microresonator
Authors: Qureshi Pierce C. , Ng Vincent , Azeem Farhan , Trainor Luke S. , Schwefel Harald G. L. , Coen Stéphane , Erkintalo Miro , Murdoch Stuart G.
Published: May 2022

The nonlinear scattering of a linear optical wave from a conservative soliton has been widely studied in optical fibers as a mechanism for nonlinear frequency conversion. Here we extend this analysis to consider the scattering of an externally injected probe wave from a dissipative cavity soliton circulating in a Kerr microresonator. We demonstrate, both theoretically and experimentally, that this nonlinear interaction can be harnessed for useful expansion of the soliton frequency comb via the formation of a secondary idler comb. We explore the physics of the process, showing that the phase detuning of the injected probe from a cavity resonance plays a key role in setting the central frequency of the idler comb, thus providing a convenient parameter through which to control the spectral envelope of that comb. Our results elucidate the dynamics that govern the interactions between dissipative Kerr cavity solitons and externally injected probe waves, and could prove useful in the design of future Kerr frequency comb systems by enabling the possibility to provide high-power comb lines in a specified spectral region simply through the injection of a suitably chosen probe.
Enhanced stability of a fused iron catalyst under realistic Fischer–Tropsch synthesis conditions: insights into the role of iron phases (χ-Fe5C2, θ-Fe3C and α-Fe)
Authors: Zhang Juan , Abbas Mohamed , Zhao Wentao , Chen Jiangang
Published: May 2022

The performance and stability of fused-Fe catalyst in FTS reaction are enhanced through the control synthesis of iron phases (χ-Fe5C2, θ-Fe3C and α-Fe).
Mechanism of a cobalt-catalyzed hydroarylation reaction and origin of stereoselectivity
Authors: Wang Yang , Gong Kaili , Zhang Han , Liu Yue , Wei Donghui
Published: May 2022

In the present study, the mechanism of a cobalt-catalyzed hydroarylation reaction between N-pyridylindole and 1,6-enynes and the origin of its stereoselectivity have been systematically investigated using the DFT calculation method.
Constructing porous intramolecular donor–acceptor integrated carbon nitride doped with m-aminophenol for boosting photocatalytic degradation and hydrogen evolution activity
Authors: Li Tiantian , Shi Jingmin , Liu Zhixue , Xie Wei , Cui Keyu , Hu Bo , Che Guangbo , Wang Liang , Zhou Tianyu , Liu Chunbo
Published: May 2022

A porous intramolecular D–A integrated carbon nitride with boosted photocatalytic activity was constructed via thermal melting followed by thermal copolymerization of m-aminophenol with urea.
Magnetic interactions controlled by light in the family of Fe(ii)–M(iv) (M = Mo, W, Nb) hybrid organic–inorganic frameworks
Authors: Magott Michał , Ceglarska Magdalena , Rams Michał , Sieklucka Barbara , Pinkowicz Dawid
Published: May 2022

Three isomorphous coordination frameworks demonstrate paramagnetic, antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetically-coupled behaviour, which is controlled by light and temperature.
Influence of the ecological environment on the structural characteristics and bioactivities of polysaccharides from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
Authors: Zhang Chongyu , Kim Eunyoung , Cui Jiamei , Wang Yunpeng , Lee Yunkyoung , Zhang Guiguo
Published: May 2022

Polysaccharides from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) (APS) exhibit a variety of bioactivities; however, little information is available on the effects of the ecological environment on the structural characteristics and bioactivities of APS.
Theoretical investigation of the mechanism of phospholipid extraction from the cell membrane using functionalized graphene quantum dots
Authors: Zhang Peng-Zhen , Jiao Fang-Fang , Xie Zhe-Xing , Kong Zhe , Hu Wei , Shen Jia-Wei , Liang Li-Jun
Published: May 2022

GQDs can rapidly extract phospholipid molecules from cell membrane in molecular dynamics simulation. Due to the presence of hydrophilic hydroxyl groups on the surface of GOQDs, the ability to extract phospholipid molecules from the cell membrane is weak.
Unveiling the detection kinetics and quantitative analysis of colorimetric sensing for sodium salts using surface-modified Au-nanoparticle probes
Authors: Hsiao Min , Chen Shih-Hsiu , Li Jheng-Yi , Hsiao Po-Hsuan , Chen Chia-Yun
Published: May 2022

Ascorbic-acid-treated AuNP probes enabled pronounced colour change for quantitative visual detection of Na+ ions.
Intrinsic anomalous Hall effect in thin films of topological kagome ferromagnet Fe3Sn2
Authors: Khan Kacho Imtiyaz Ali , Yadav Ram Singh , Bangar Himanshu , Kumar Akash , Chowdhury Niru , Muduli Prasanta Kumar , Muduli Pranaba Kishor
Published: May 2022

Schematic of kagome Fe3Sn lattice and anomalous Hall resistivity (ρAHExy) vs. temperature (T) for the Pt and Ta seed layered Fe3Sn2 thin films.
Synthesizing ordered mesoporous Ni spheres with uniform and adjustable size through a one-step Pd2+-assisted soft-templating strategy
Authors: Dong Jing , Mi Xueqin , Sun Tingting , Zhang Yixin , Jiang Wenqian , Li Fulin , Chen Jianfeng , Xu Lianbin
Published: May 2022

This work presents a facile one-step Pd2+-assisted soft-templating strategy to prepare a series of ordered mesoporous Ni spheres (OMNiS) with highly uniform and tunable diameters.
On direct synthesis of high quality APbX3 (A = Cs+, MA+ and FA+; X = Cl−, Br− and I−) nanocrystals following a generic approach
Authors: Das Somnath , Samanta Anunay
Published: May 2022

A generic method of obtaining APbX3 (A = Cs+, MA+ and FA+; X = Cl−, Br− and I−) perovskite NCs, emitting throughout the entire visible region (395–760 nm), has been developed employing 1,3-dihalo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DXDMH) as a halide precursor.
Direct observation of contact resistivity for monolayer TMD based junctions via PL spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Linglong , Tang Yilin , Yan Han , Yildirim Tanju , Yang Shunshun , Song Haizeng , Zhang Xiaowei , Tian Fuguo , Luo Zhongzhong , Pei Jiajie , Yang Qi , Xu Yixin , Song Xiaoying , Khan Ahmed Raza , Xia Sihao , Sun Xueqian , Wen Bo , Zhou Fei , Li Weiwei , Liu Youwen , Zhang Han
Published: May 2022

We report a simple, rapid and low-cost method to study the tunnel barrier dominated contact resistance of mTMD based junctions through PL spectroscopy.
Bio-derived and biocompatible poly(lactic acid)/silk sericin nanogels and their incorporation within poly(lactide-co-glycolide) electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Kongprayoon Arisa , Ross Gareth , Limpeanchob Nanteetip , Mahasaranon Sararat , Punyodom Winita , Topham Paul D. , Ross Sukunya
Published: May 2022

Bio-derived and biocompatible nanogels based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and silk sericin (SS) have been synthesized for the first time.
Luminescence properties of Gd(CO3)OH spherical particles with prospects for CL microscopic analysis and multi-color displays
Authors: Li Junyi , Li Mimi , Zhang Zihan , Zheng Zhicheng , Chen Gen , Wan Hao , Zhang Ying , Liu Xiaohe , Ma Renzhi
Published: May 2022

Rare earth energy transfer induced luminescence of Gd(CO3)OH spherical particles for CL microscopic analysis and multicolor displays.
Experimental and molecular dynamics studies on aggregation behaviour of salicylaldehyde azine ester
Authors: Kagatikar Sneha , Vatti Anoop Kishore , Sunil Dhanya
Published: May 2022

Nanoaggregates of salicylaldehyde azine ester.
Kinetic stabilization of a topotactically transformed texture morphology via doping in Ni-rich lithium layered oxides
Authors: Jung Chul-Ho , Jung Chanwon , Lee Jongwon , Oh Juhyun , Shim Hun , Kim Won-Sik , Lee Eungjae , Kim Miyoung , Choi Pyuck-Pa , Hong Seong-Hyeon
Published: May 2022

Textured microstructure of B- and P- doped Ni-rich lithium layered oxide is inherited from the hydroxide precursor morphology and the mechanism is related to the formation of a lithium-containing amorphous layer on the surface of primary particles.
Wearable Eu@HOF luminescent fabric as a highly selective and sensitive optical synapse sensor for identification of six laboratory volatile compounds by neuromorphic computing
Authors: Xu Xin , Yan Bing
Published: May 2022

An artificial optical synapse sensor that integrates the Eu@IsoMe fabric based optical sensor and artificial synaptic system was constructed for the sensing of six laboratory volatile compounds.
Dynamic pricing of differentiated products with incomplete information based on reinforcement learning
Authors: Wang Cheng , Cui Senbing , Wu Runhua , Wang Ziteng
Published: May 2022

With the rapid development of the social economy, consumer demand is evolving towards diversification. To satisfy market demand, enterprises tend to improve competitiveness by providing differentiated products. How to price differentiated products becomes a hot topic. Traditionally, customers' preferences are assumed to be independent and identically distributed. With a known distribution, companies can easily make pricing decisions for differentiated products. However, such an assumption may be invalid in practice, especially for rapidly updating products. In this paper, a dynamic pricing policy for differentiated products with incomplete information is developed. An adaptive multi‐armed bandit algorithm based on reinforcement learning is proposed to balance exploration and exploitation. Numerical examples show that the frequency of price adjustment affects the total profit significantly. Specifically, the more chances to adjust the price, the higher the total profit. Furthermore, experiments show that the dynamic pricing policy proposed in this paper outperforms other algorithms, such as Softmax and UCB1.
Safety Integrity Level of Shut-Off Valve in a Burner Management System
Authors: Bsiss Mohammed , Nadir Fatima Ezzahra , Amami Benaissa
Published: May 2022

The safety control and command system, such as the burner manage-ment system, requires that the system must be reliable, available and safe. The reliability is based on choosing equipment, with a high level of safety and which is suitable for the safety system. The availability and security are provided, among others, by redundancy. It is presented by M-Canal out of N-Canal (MooN) architecture, the (N-M) indicates how many dangerous faults are possible, with-out the performance of the systems being impeded. An essential quantitative analysis based on the evaluation of the PFDavg is part to give high trust in the BMS. This paper will discuss how a quantitative method can be used to select the appropriate SIL according to shutdown system for Burner Management System (BMS). This system is a part of a safety solution that manages a combustion sys-tem; it allows the safe start-up operation, and the shutdown of multiple burner furnace section of a boiler, and main flame detection.
Advanced IoT Network Topologies to Optimize Medical Monitoring Platforms based on a Constrained and Secured IOT Application Protocol CoAP
Authors: Hamza Fatima Zahra , El Aidi Sanaa , Bajit Abderrahim , Beloualid Siham , Chaoui Habiba , Tamtaoui Ahmed
Published: May 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) became, and still an important and critical element during the covid-19 pandemic, and this paper was written within that framework, as it proposes a synchronized medical IoT platform that is used to monitor citizens’ access to public areas, and where the access is only authorized if one of the three following conditions is fulfilled: Be vaccinated (which is verified via a QR code), having a negative PCR test (valid for only 48 hours), undergoing a body temperature measurement. Of course, a confirmation of identity with a facial recognition test is mandatory. This automatic process will allow us to reduce the possibility of spreading the disease due to the congestion of the checkpoints, as well as to detect citizens who could be potential patients of the covid-19 virus.
QoS based task scheduling algorithm in cloud computing
Authors: Malti Arslan Nedhir , Benmammar Badr , Hakem Mourad
Published: May 2022

Task scheduling is a critical topic that has a significant impact on the performance of the Cloud computing environment where cloud service providers and users have conflicting objectives and requirements. A good scheduler must provide an acceptable trade-off between these goals. Thus, cloud task scheduling becomes a multi-objective optimization problem. In this paper, our contribution is to address the problem of task scheduling in the Cloud computing environments in order to orchestrate the suitable assignment of the submitted tasks to the set of virtual machines. For this purpose, we have adapted the Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA) metaheuristic by evaluating its objective function in term of three metrics which are makespan, cost and reliability. The simulation results achieved using CloudSim framework are very satisfactory and clearly show the interest of our FPA-based approach.
Real-time aTmega microcontroller-based simulator enabled hardware-in-the-Loop for fuzzy control dual-sources HESS
Authors: Jbari Hatim , Askour Rachid , Idrissi Badr Bououlid
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a real-time simulation of a hybrid energy storage system (HESS), using a hardwarein- the-loop (HIL) platform is proposed. The HESS is in a semi-active configuration including Supercapacitors (SC) controlled by a chopper and a Li-ion battery. The model organization was performed using Energetic Macroscopic Representation (EMR). The energy flow management is provided by an energy management strategy (EMS) based on fuzzy logic controller (FLC), developed in C language for ARDUINO and uploaded into the aTmega microcontroller. The main objective of this work, is to evaluate, on the one hand the performances of the proposed architecture, by reducing the factors that impact the battery performances. On the other hand, the program and the platform (HIL) developed, through the comparison of results with those of the simulation, performed on MATLAB/SIMULINK under ECE-15 cycle.
Data science for modeling disease interactions: a baseline algorithm
Authors: Marzouki Faouzi , Bouattane Omar
Published: May 2022

Multimorbidity is one of the major problems in recent health care systems, the more conditions the patients suffer from, the worst psychological pressures are put upon these patients. We formulate Multimorbidity detection as a hypergraph learning problem. Then we propose an implementation of a multimorbidity pattern detection using Multimorbidity coefficient score. This pairwise based algorithm can be considered as a baseline to which other data-driven and machine learning techniques for multimorbidity pattern detection can be evaluated. We illustrate this algorithm by building a co-occurrence model for comorbid diseases over psycho-social profiles present in a real dataset. Based on the comorbidity network of diseases, we conducted mesoscopic analysis using centrality analysis of network disease/nodes and determined potential components of the network using community detection algorithms. The patterns detected in this work by the used algorithms reveal first, that the proposed algorithm can be used as a baseline to other approaches. Second, that aging does not influence the risk of developing Multimorbidity diseases just in quantity, but also in complexity.
Using biological networks to integrate, visualize and analyze gene-disease interactions
Authors: Hanafi Hamza , Hassani Badr Dine Rossi , Kbir M'hamed Aït
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, data integration methods have been widely used to build models and to represent interactions between the data. They are showing high efficiency. Recent technologies permitted the research community to perform complex analysis on cell structures and it’s functioning system. The tremendous amount of data collected from a biological system encouraged the exploration of new hypothesis. However, the manipulation of heterogenous data require additional efforts to find the model that handles perfectly data of different type. In this paper we present our method to create a unified model and to integrate gene-disease interactions. We will talk about stat of the art methods in data integration, and how we built our network based on omics layers. Moreover, we will present the overall framework we followed to extract important interactions by visually interpreting the generated graph, and the betweenness centrality of nodes. We compared our findings to the medical literature to explain the topology of our generated network. Some genes revealed as important nodes due to the fact holding many interactions and being connected to several syndromes.
Multi-criteria analysis of diagnostic and prognostic models for predictive maintenance
Authors: Mohammed Bouaicha , Nadia Machkour , Mourad Zegrarri
Published: May 2022

Predictive maintenance has made considerable progress within the framework of Industry 4.0, making this strategy an effective means of monitoring the proper functioning of industrial systems, which helps to make maintenance operations more environmentally friendly, for example reduction of any kind of failure that causes loss of production and energy. This strategy is implemented through a process of collecting data in online or offline mode of the industrial system whose purpose is to monitor and predict its future state. This article first presents the different single-model and multi-model approaches used for diagnostic and prognostic tasks. An analysis of these models is then carried out, based on a multi-criteria comparison, and highlights the performance of machine learning (ML) models in this context of current digitalization. These ML models can be more efficient by combining with the physicsbased models in multi-model approaches. The relevance of the comparative study is argued by criteria impacting performance, effectiveness, efficiency, the possibility of processing heterogeneous data and mutual cooperation between models. Conclusions are then drawn, in order to give a clear vision for the choice of the diagnostic and prognosis approach of predictive maintenance adapted to the industrial system.
Compact 2*1 Reader Array Antenna Operating in ISM Band for RFID Applications
Authors: El Ouadi Zakaria , Amadid Jamal , Khabba Asma , El Yassini Abdessalam , Ibnyaich Saida , Zeroual Abdelouhab
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes a compact 2*1 reader array antenna for RFID system having high directivity, good gain, and good reflection coefficient. The structure consists of two main radiating rectangular patch antennas connected in parallel with a common impedance of (50 Ω). These patches are printed on an RT/duroid 5880 substrate possessing a dielectric constant εr equal to 2.2 and 0.0009 as a loss tangent. It operates in ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band with a resonant frequency of 5.8 GHz. The structure is implemented on a compact size of 38.77× 59.44× 1.6 mm3 equivalent to an electrical size of 0.74λ0× 1.14λ0× 0.03λ0, where λ0 is the free-space wavelength at the resonant frequency. The gain achieved by the final design of the proposed antenna is equal to 9.83 dB, the directivity is around 9.99 dB and the coefficient of reflection (S11) is equal to -49.48 dB. The proposed antenna design is optimized and simulated using Computer Simulation Technology software (CST Microwave Studio).
Channel Estimation Evaluation For a Massive MIMO System Considering Spatially Correlated Channels in an Urban Network
Authors: Amadid Jamal , Belhabib Abdelfettah , Khabba Asma , El Ouadi Zakaria , Zeroual Abdelouhab
Published: May 2022

Channel estimation (CE) is an important process that is done during the pilot transmission phase in each base station. This work addresses this process for the massive multiple-input multiple-output systems by studying the scenario where the channels are spatially correlated. Throughout this work, the spatial correlation between channels is modeled using the exponential correlation model. The minimum mean square error (MMSE) estimator’s performance for uncorrelated and correlated channels is compared and examined using the normalized mean square error (NMSE) metric, where the correlated scenario is presented through two array designs, namely proposed uniform planar array (UPA) and uniform linear array (ULA). In comparison to the uncorrelated situation, the correlated channels scenario is a more practical scenario that represents the real- world environment and provides superior channel estimate quality since the spatial correlation is advantageous for CE. Hence, we proposed a proposed UPA arrangement for correlated channels based on the Kronecker product of the ULA arrangement that outperforms the ULA arrangement and offers superior performance comparedto ULA. Numerical results are offered in order to support our analytical study.
Analysis of the Characteristics of a Biharmonic Oscillator with Two Synchronous Modes
Authors: Frolov Daniil A. , Safin Ansar R. , Udalov Nikolay N. , Tsyrulnikova Ludmila A. , Volkov Dmitry A. , Sotskov Valery A.
Published: May 2022

The paper investigates the influence of the coupling coefficient of the double-loop filter forming a biharmonic oscillator on the quality factor and resonant impedance of the input impedance at the resonant frequencies of the double-loop filter. The resonant frequencies of the filter are exactly multiples of 2. In this paper show numerical results that simplify the choice of filter parameters to provide conditions for selfexcitation of two oscillations at exactly multiples of frequencies. Two synchronous modes allow to create a generator with compensation for fluctuations in the reactive component of the output impedance of the active element, which increase the phase noise of the oscillator.
Optimal design of inductive coupled coils for biomedical implants using metaheuristic techniques
Authors: Brahim Ouacha , Hamid Bouyghf , Mohammed Nahid
Published: May 2022

Powering implanted biomedical devices (IMDs) and sensors is a major obstacle for researchers in the microelectronics field. Such as the problem of miniaturization, increasing the distance between the external part (TX) and the internal part (RX), and the improvement of the power transfer efficiency (PTE), … The purpose of this article is to compare two strategies for optimizing component characteristics for a wireless energy transfer system (coupling of two coils), based on the new Figure-of-Merit (FoM) or iterative procedure (IP), and genetic algorithm (GA), in order to have a power transfer efficiency equal to 15% and 94.18 % respectively for a separation distance d = 12cm.