bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Antibacterial Peptide with High Resistance to Trypsin Obtained by Substituting d-Amino Acids for Trypsin Cleavage Sites
Authors: Zhao Xiaoou , Zhang Mengna , Muhammad Inam , Cui Qi , Zhang Haipeng , Jia Yu , Xu Qijun , Kong Lingcong , Ma Hongxia
Published: November 2021

The poor stability of antibacterial peptide to protease limits its clinical application. Among these limitations, trypsin mainly exists in digestive tract, which is an insurmountable obstacle to orally delivered peptides. OM19R is a random curly polyproline cationic antimicrobial peptide, which has high antibacterial activity against some gram-negative bacteria, but its stability against pancreatin is poor. According to the structure-activity relationship of OM19R, all cationic amino acid residues (l-arginine and l-lysine) at the trypsin cleavage sites were replaced with corresponding d-amino acid residues to obtain the designed peptide OM19D, which not only maintained its antibacterial activity but also enhanced the stability of trypsin. Proceeding high concentrations of trypsin and long-time (such as 10 mg/mL, 8 h) treatment, it still had high antibacterial activity (MIC = 16–32 µg/mL). In addition, OM19D also showed high stability to serum, plasma and other environmental factors. It is similar to its parent peptide in secondary structure and mechanism of action. Therefore, this strategy is beneficial to improve the protease stability of antibacterial peptides.
Radioprotective and Radiomitigative Effects of Melatonin in Tissues with Different Proliferative Activity
Authors: Abdullaev Serazhutdin A. , Glukhov Sergey I. , Gaziev Azhub I.
Published: November 2021

We used various markers to analyze damage to mouse tissues (spleen and cerebral cortex) which have different proliferative activity and sensitivity to ionizing radiation (IR). We also assessed the degree of modulation of damages that occurs when melatonin is administered to mice prior to and after their X-ray irradiation. The data from this study showed that lesions in nuclear DNA (nDNA) were repaired more actively in the spleen than in the cerebral cortex of mice irradiated and treated with melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine). Mitochondrial biogenesis involving mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) synthesis was activated in both tissues of irradiated mice. A significant proportion of the newly synthesized mtDNA molecules were mutant copies that increase oxidative stress. Melatonin reduced the number of mutant mtDNA copies and the level of H2O2 in both tissues of the irradiated mice. Melatonin promoted the restoration of ATP levels in the tissues of irradiated mice. In the mouse tissues after exposure to X-ray, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased and melatonin was able to reduce it. The MDA concentration was higher in the cerebral cortex tissue than that in the spleen tissue of the mouse. In mouse tissues following irradiation, the glutathione (GSH) level was low. The spleen GSH content was more than twice as low as that in the cerebral cortex. Melatonin helped restore the GSH levels in the mouse tissues. Although the spleen and cerebral cortex tissues of mice differ in the baseline values of the analyzed markers, the radioprotective and radiomitigative potential of melatonin was observed in both tissues.
The Role of Vitamin C in Cancer Prevention and Therapy: A Literature Review
Authors: Villagran Marcelo , Ferreira Jorge , Martorell Miquel , Mardones Lorena
Published: November 2021

Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant associated with the prevention of the common cold and is also a cofactor of hydrolases that participate in the synthesis of collagen and catecholamines, and in the regulation of gene expression. In cancer, vitamin C is associated with prevention, progression, and treatment, due to its general properties or its role as a pro-oxidant at high concentration. This review explores the role of vitamin C in cancer clinical trials and the aspects to consider in future studies, such as plasmatic vitamin C and metabolite excretion recording, and metabolism and transport of vitamin C into cancer cells. The reviewed studies show that vitamin C intake from natural sources can prevent the development of pulmonary and breast cancer, and that vitamin C synergizes with gemcitabine and erlotinib in pancreatic cancer. In vitro assays reveal that vitamin C synergizes with DNA-methyl transferase inhibitors. However, vitamin C was not associated with cancer prevention in a Mendelian randomized study. In conclusion, the role of vitamin C in the prevention and treatment of cancer is still an ongoing area of research. It is necessary that new phase II and III clinical trials be performed to collect stronger evidence of the therapeutic role of vitamin C in cancer.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Promotes iNOS/NO and Influences Inflammation in the Development of Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Bagchi Ashim K. , Malik Akshi , Akolkar Gauri , Jassal Davinder S. , Singal Pawan K.
Published: November 2021

Doxorubicin (Dox) is known to cause heart failure in some cancer patients. Despite extensive studies over the past half century, the subcellular basis of Dox-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC) is still elusive. Earlier, we suggested that Dox causes a delayed activation of unfolded protein response (UPR) which may promote mitochondrial Bax activity leading to cardiomyocyte death. As a follow up, using NO donor, S-Nitroso-N-acetyl-d,l-penicillamine (SNAP), and/or NOS inhibitor, N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), we now show that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress promotes inflammation through iNOS/NO-induced TLR2 activation. In vivo Dox treatment increased mitochondrial iNOS to promote ER stress as there was an increase in Bip (Grp78) response, proapoptotic CHOP (DDIT3) and ER-mediated Caspase 12 activation. Increased iNOS activity is associated with an increase in TLR2 and TNF-α receptor associated factor 2 (TRAF2). These two together with NF-κB p105/50 expression and a synergistic support through ER stress, promote inflammatory response in the myocardium leading to cell death and ultimately fostering DIC conditions. In the presence of NOS inhibitor, such detrimental effects of Dox were inhibited, suggesting iNOS/NO as key mediators of Dox-induced inflammatory as well as apoptotic responses.
Glucose Activates Lysine-Specific Demethylase 1 through the KEAP1/p62 Pathway
Authors: Lin Chiao-Yun , Chang Chen-Bin , Wu Ren-Chin , Chao Angel , Lee Yun-Shien , Tsai Chi-Neu , Chen Chih-Hao , Yen Chih-Feng , Tsai Chia-Lung
Published: November 2021

Endometrial cancer incidence increases annually. Several risk factors, including high glucose intake, are associated with endometrial cancer. We investigated whether glucose affects lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) expression and the responsible molecular mechanisms. A high concentration of glucose stimulated p62 phosphorylation and increased LSD1 protein expression. Knockdown of p62 or treatment with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), transforming growth factor-β activated kinase 1 (TAK1), casein kinase 1 (CK1), and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors abrogated glucose-regulated LSD1 expression. Unphosphorylated p62 and LSD1 formed a complex with Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) and were degraded by the KEAP1-dependent proteasome. Phosphorylated p62 increased LSD1 protein expression by escaping the KEAP1 proteasome complex. LSD1 and KEAP1 interaction was enhanced in the presence of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) protein. LSD1 also participated in antioxidant gene regulation with NRF2. In diabetic mice, increasing LSD1and phospho-p62 expression was observed in uterine epithelial cells. Our results indicate that glucose induces p62 phosphorylation through mTOR, TAK1, CK1, and PKC kinases. Subsequently, phospho-p62 competitively interacts with KEAP1 and releases NRF2–LSD1 from the KEAP1 proteasome complex. Our findings may have public health implications for the prevention of endometrial cancer.
Photoprotection and Photostability of a New Lignin-Gelatin-Baccharis antioquensis-Based Hybrid Biomaterial
Authors: Mejía-Giraldo Juan C. , Scaiano Juan C. , Gallardo-Cabrera Cecilia , Puertas-Mejía Miguel A.
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to develop a new hybrid biomaterial that could photo-stabilize and improve the photoprotective capacity of a Baccharis antioquensis extract. Different combinations of lignin/gelatin/natural extract were applied to prepare hybrid biomaterial nanoparticles (NPs), which were then incorporated into an emulsion. The in vitro photoprotection and photostability were evaluated. The methanolic extract showed high phenolic content (646.4 ± 9.5 mg GAE/g dry extract) and a DPPH radical assay revealed that the antiradical capacity of the extract (0.13 to 0.05 g extract/mmol DPPH) was even better than that of BHT. The particle size of the hybrid biomaterial ranged from 100 to 255 nm; a polydispersity index (PdI) between 0.416 and 0.788 is suitable for topical use in dermocosmetic products. The loading capacity of the extract ranged from 27.0 to 44.5%, and the nanoparticles (NPs) showed electrostatic stability in accordance with the zeta potential value. We found that the formulation based on lignin: extract (1:1 ratio) and gelatin: lignin: extract (0.5:0.5:1 ratio) demonstrated photoprotection qualities with a sun protection factor (SPF) ranging from 9.4 to 22.6. In addition, all the hybrid NP-formulations were time-stable with %SPFeff and %UVAPFeff greater than 80% after exposure to 2 h of radiation. These results suggest that the hybrid biopolymer-natural extract improved the photoprotection and photostability properties, as well as the antiradical capacity, of the B. antioquensis extract, and may be useful for trapping high polyphenol content from natural extracts, with potential application in cosmeceutical formulations.
Quercetin Alleviates the Immunotoxic Impact Mediated by Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Induced by Doxorubicin Exposure in Rats
Authors: Farag Mayada R. , Moselhy Attia A. A. , El-Mleeh Amany , Aljuaydi Samira H. , Ismail Tamer Ahmed , Di Cerbo Alessandro , Crescenzo Giuseppe , Abou-Zeid Shimaa M.
Published: November 2021

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic agent against hematogenous and solid tumors with undesirable side effects including immunosuppression. Quercetin (QUR), a natural flavonoid abundant in fruits and vegetables, has a potent antioxidant activity. The aim of the current study was to assess the impact of QUR on DOX-induced hematological and immunological dysfunctions in a rodent model. Randomly grouped rats were treated as follows: control, QUR alone (50 mg/kg for 15 days per os), DOX alone (2.5 mg/kg I/P, three times a week, for two weeks), and co-treated rats with QUR for 15 days prior to and concomitantly with DOX (for two weeks), at the doses intended for groups two and three. DOX alone significantly disrupted the erythrogram and leukogram variables. Serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, and IgE) levels and the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in spleen were declined. The DNA damage traits in spleen were elevated with an upregulation of the expression of the apoptotic markers (p53 and Caspase-3 genes) and the proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α genes), while the expression of CAT gene was downregulated. These biochemical changes were accompanied by morphological changes in the spleen of DOX-treated rats. Co-treatment with QUR abated most of the DOX-mediated alterations in hematological variables, serum immunoglobulins, and spleen antioxidant status, pro-inflammatory and apoptotic responses, and histopathological alterations. In essence, these data suggest that QUR alleviated DOX-induced toxicities on the bone marrow, spleen, and antibody-producing cells. Supplementation of chemotherapy patients with QUR could circumvent the DOX-induced inflammation and immunotoxicity, and thus prevent chemotherapy failure.
Phenolic Composition and Biological Properties of Cynara cardunculus L. var. altilis Petioles: Influence of the Maturity Stage
Authors: Mandim Filipa , Petropoulos Spyridon A. , Dias Maria Inês , Pinela José , Kostić Marina , Soković Marina , Santos-Buelga Celestino , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Barros Lillian
Published: November 2021

Hydroethanolic extracts of cardoon petioles collected at sixteen growth stages (P1–P16) were characterized in terms of their phenolic composition and bioactive potential (antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities). Fifteen phenolic compounds were tentatively identified (i.e., ten phenolic acids and five flavonoid glycosides); the main compounds were 5-O-caffeoylquinic and 1,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acids. Samples collected at early maturity (P1–P4) presented a weak positive correlation between the higher content in polyphenols (P3: 101-mg/g extract) and better inhibition capacity against thiobarbituric acid reactive substance formation (TBARS; P3: IC50 = 5.0 µg/mL). Samples at intermediate maturation stages (P9) presented higher cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory potential. Moreover, immature petioles showed greater antihemolytic (OxHLIA; P4: IC50 = 65 and 180 µg/mL for Δt of 60 and 120 min, respectively) and antibacterial activity. The antifungal activity varied depending on the maturation stage and the fungi strain. In conclusion, the maturation stage may greatly affect the polyphenols composition and content and the bioactive potential of cardoon petioles.
NADPH Oxidase and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Are Promising Targets of Phytochemicals for Ultraviolet-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis
Authors: Kim Min Jeong , Ha Su Jeong , So Bo Ram , Kim Chang-Kil , Kim Kyung-Min , Jung Sung Keun
Published: November 2021

The skin acts as the primary defense organ that protects the body from the external environment. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Skin carcinogenesis is usually caused by cell degeneration due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes changes in various signaling networks, disrupting the homeostasis of single skin cells. In this review, we summarize the roles of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in UV-induced skin carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we describe the crosstalk that exists between NOX, EGFR, and protein tyrosine phosphatase κ and its oncogenic downstream signaling pathways. Chemoprevention is the use of chemical compounds to recover the healthy status of the skin or delay cancer development. Current evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies on chemopreventive phytochemicals that target NOX, EGFR, or both, as major regulators of skin carcinogenesis will also be discussed.
Technique for Evaluating the Security of Relational Databases Based on the Enhanced Clements–Hoffman Model
Authors: Yesin Vitalii , Karpinski Mikolaj , Yesina Maryna , Vilihura Vladyslav , Rajba Stanislaw A.
Published: November 2021

Obtaining convincing evidence of database security, as the basic corporate resource, is extremely important. However, in order to verify the conclusions about the degree of security, it must be measured. To solve this challenge, the authors of the paper enhanced the Clements–Hoffman model, determined the integral security metric and, on this basis, developed a technique for evaluating the security of relational databases. The essence of improving the Clements–Hoffmann model is to expand it by including a set of object vulnerabilities. Vulnerability is considered as a separate objectively existing category. This makes it possible to evaluate both the likelihood of an unwanted incident and the database security as a whole more adequately. The technique for evaluating the main components of the security barriers and the database security as a whole, proposed by the authors, is based on the theory of fuzzy sets and risk. As an integral metric of database security, the reciprocal of the total residual risk is used, the constituent components of which are presented in the form of certain linguistic variables. In accordance with the developed technique, the authors presented the results of a quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of the protection of databases built on the basis of the schema with the universal basis of relations and designed in accordance with the traditional technology of relational databases.
Deep Link Entropy for Quantifying Edge Significance in Social Networks
Authors: Yurtcicek Ozaydin Seval , Ozaydin Fatih
Published: November 2021

Through online political communications, fragmented groups appear around ideological lines, which might form echo chambers if the communications within like-minded groups are dominant over the communications among different-minded groups, potentially contributing to political polarization and extremism. The antidote is the interactions between individuals who constitute social bridges between different minded groups. Hence, exploring the significance of connections between the individuals of a network is a center of attraction especially for the global connectivity and diffusion in networks. Based on the divergence of probability distributions of pairs of nodes, Link Entropy (LE) is a recently proposed method outperforming the others in quantifying edge significance. In this work, considering that the adjacent nodes of the two nodes of an edge are also in charge in determining its significance, we propose the Deep Link Entropy (DLE) method for a more precise quantification through taking into account the uncertainty distributions of the adjacent nodes as well. We show experimentally that DLE significantly outperforms LE especially in large-scale complex network with several groups or communities. We believe our method contributes to not only online political communications but a wide range of fields from biology to quantum networks, where edge significance has an operational meaning.
Reinforcement Learning with Dynamic Movement Primitives for Obstacle Avoidance
Authors: Li Ang , Liu Zhenze , Wang Wenrui , Zhu Mingchao , Li Yanhui , Huo Qi , Dai Ming
Published: November 2021

Dynamic movement primitives (DMPs) are a robust framework for movement generation from demonstrations. This framework can be extended by adding a perturbing term to achieve obstacle avoidance without sacrificing stability. The additional term is usually constructed based on potential functions. Although different potentials are adopted to improve the performance of obstacle avoidance, the profiles of potentials are rarely incorporated into reinforcement learning (RL) framework. In this contribution, we present a RL based method to learn not only the profiles of potentials but also the shape parameters of a motion. The algorithm employed is PI2 (Policy Improvement with Path Integrals), a model-free, sampling-based learning method. By using the PI2, the profiles of potentials and the parameters of the DMPs are learned simultaneously; therefore, we can optimize obstacle avoidance while completing specified tasks. We validate the presented method in simulations and with a redundant robot arm in experiments.
Stress Management as a Clinical Approach to the Complementary Treatment of Fibromyalgia
Authors: Zabala-Baños María del Carmen , Merchán-Pinto Jorge Luis , Astasio-Picado Álvaro
Published: November 2021

Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome that can have a devastating effect on the lives of those who suffer from it. These types of patients experience high levels of pain, as well as deficits in terms of positive affect and social relationships, which are not explicitly addressed in pharmacological treatments. Objectives: To know how pharmacological interventions combined with various stress management techniques reduce pain perception in adult patients clinically diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Data sources, study eligibility criteria: The search for the articles was carried out from January 2010 to July 2021, in six databases (Web Of Science (WOS), Scopus, Cochrane, Psycinfo, Psicodoc, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection and Pubpsych) based on the clinical question, using the keywords derived from the DeCS and MeSH thesauri, combined with the Boolean operators “AND”, “NOT” and “OR”. The search was limited to publications from the last 11 years, in English or Spanish, based on randomized controlled studies (RCTs), and covering patients with a clinical and medical diagnosis of fibromyalgia, between 18 and 65 years of age, and of both genders. Results: Thirteen RCTs were included with a total sample of 2218 participants, where the mean methodological quality obtained from the studies reviewed using the PEDro scale was 7.07. The combined data showed a marked improvement in the quality of life of the patient (p < 0.001). Regarding other units measured during the review, a significant reduction could be observed in perceived pain (p < 0.001), stress (p < 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001) and depression (p < 0.001). Conclusions and implications of key findings: Multidisciplinary treatment leads to notable improvements compared to conservative or pharmacological treatment, improving quality of life, social support, mental self-control and satisfaction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy favored therapeutic adherence, achieving in turn a decrease in anxiety, depression and vital exhaustion.
Framework for Assessing Ethical Aspects of Algorithms and Their Encompassing Socio-Technical System
Authors: van Bruxvoort Xadya , van Keulen Maurice
Published: November 2021

In the transition to a data-driven society, organizations have introduced data-driven algorithms that often apply artificial intelligence. In this research, an ethical framework was developed to ensure robustness and completeness and to avoid and mitigate potential public uproar. We take a socio-technical perspective, i.e., view the algorithm embedded in an organization with infrastructure, rules, and procedures as one to-be-designed system. The framework consists of five ethical principles: beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, justice, and explicability. It can be used during the design for identification of relevant concerns. The framework has been validated by applying it to real-world fraud detection cases: Systeem Risico Indicatie (SyRI) of the Dutch government and the algorithm of the municipality of Amersfoort. The former is a controversial country-wide algorithm that was ultimately prohibited by court. The latter is an algorithm in development. In both cases, it proved effective in identifying all ethical risks. For SyRI, all concerns found in the media were also identified by the framework, mainly focused on transparency of the entire socio-technical system. For the municipality of Amersfoort, the framework highlighted risks regarding the amount of sensitive data and communication to and with the public, presenting a more thorough overview compared to the risks the media raised.
Applying Machine Learning Models to First Responder Collisions Beside Roads: Insights from “Two Vehicles Hit a Parked Motor Vehicle” Data
Authors: Tofighi Mohammadali , Asgary Ali , Tofighi Ghassem , Podloski Brady , Cronemberger Felippe , Mukherjee Abir , Liu Xia
Published: November 2021

First responders including firefighters, paramedics, and police officers are among the first to respond to vehicle collisions on roads and highways. Police officers conduct regular roadside Please check if the country name is correct traffic controls and checks on urban and rural roads, and highways. Once first responders begin such operations, they are vulnerable to motor vehicle collisions by oncoming traffic, a circumstance that calls for a better understanding of contributing factors and the extent to which they affect tragic outcomes. In light of factors identified in the literature, this paper applies machine learning methods including decision tree and random forest to a subset of the National Collision Database (NCDB) of Canada that includes information on collisions between two vehicles (one in parked position) and the severity of these collisions as measured by having or not having injuries. Findings reveal that key measurable, predictable, and sensible factors such as time, location, and weather conditions, as well as the interconnections among them, can explain the severity of collisions that may happen between motor vehicles and first responders who are working alongside the roads. Analysis from longitudinal data is rich and the use of automated methods can be used to predict and assess the risk and vulnerability of first responders while responding to or operating on different roads and conditions.
Research on Alarm Reduction of Intrusion Detection System Based on Clustering and Whale Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Wang Leiting , Gu Lize , Tang Yifan
Published: November 2021

With the frequent occurrence of network security events, the intrusion detection system will generate alarm and log records when monitoring the network environment in which a large number of log and alarm records are redundant, which brings great burden to the server storage and security personnel. How to reduce the redundant alarm records in network intrusion detection has always been the focus of researchers. In this paper, we propose a method using the whale optimization algorithm to deal with massive redundant alarms. Based on the alarm hierarchical clustering, we integrate the whale optimization algorithm into the process of generating alarm hierarchical clustering and optimizing the cluster center and put forward two versions of local hierarchical clustering and global hierarchical clustering, respectively. To verify the feasibility of the algorithm, we conducted experiments on the UNSW-NB15 data set; compared with the previous alarm clustering algorithms, the alarm clustering algorithm based on the whale optimization algorithm can generate higher quality clustering in a shorter time. The results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively reduce redundant alarms and reduce the load of IDS and staff.
Examination of Viscosity Effect on Cavitating Flow inside Poppet Valves Based on a Numerical Study
Authors: Yuan Cong , Zhu Lisha , Liu Shiqi , Li He
Published: November 2021

The higher susceptibility to cavitation in poppet valves due to the lower viscosity of water than the traditionally used mineral oil poses a challenge in fluid transmission technology. To reveal the underlying mechanism of cavitating flow physics associated with the variation in viscosity effect, the current paper examines both the water and oil cavitating flow dynamics inside poppet valves with varied structures through a numerical study. The simulation results are validated with a comparison to previous experimental data in terms of cavitation morphology and pressure distribution. According to the predicted cavitation distribution, three kinds of cavitation occurred at separated positions in both water- and oil-flow cases. The vortex cavitation, which in the oil-flow case displays a remarkable paired structure with favorable coherence, is featured with a scattered dispersion in the water-flow case, while the profound attached cavitation at the poppet trailing edge in the water-flow case almost disappears in the oil-flow case. Furthermore, the attached cavitation within the chamfered groove has higher stability in the oil-flow case, compared to the thorough detachment behavior featured with profound 3-dimensionality in the water-flow case. According to the potential core and vortex evolution, the strong 3-dimensionality due to the violent laminar-turbulent transition in the water-flow case together with the produced puff pattern of the potential core, to a large extent, interrupts the periodic behavior of cavitation, which is essentially preserved in the oil-flow case featured with favorable coherence.
Microstructure-Based Lifetime Assessment of Austenitic Steel AISI 347 in View of Fatigue, Environmental Conditions and NDT
Authors: Acosta Ruth , Heckmann Klaus , Sievers Jürgen , Schopf Tim , Bill Tobias , Starke Peter , Donnerbauer Kai , Lücker Lukas , Walther Frank , Boller Christian
Published: November 2021

The assessment of metallic materials used in power plants’ piping represents a big challenge due to the thermal transients and the environmental conditions to which they are exposed. At present, a lack of information related to degradation mechanisms in structures and materials is covered by safety factors in its design, and in some cases, the replacement of components is prescribed after a determined period of time without knowledge of the true degree of degradation. In the collaborative project “Microstructure-based assessment of maximum service life of nuclear materials and components exposed to corrosion and fatigue (MibaLeb)”, a methodology for the assessment of materials’ degradation is being developed, which combines the use of NDT techniques for materials characterization, an optimized fatigue lifetime analysis using short time evaluation procedures (STEPs) and numerical simulations. In this investigation, the AISI 347 (X6CrNiNb18-10) is being analyzed at different conditions in order to validate the methodology. Besides microstructural analysis, tensile and fatigue tests, all to characterize the material, a pressurized hot water pipe exposed to a series of flow conditions will be evaluated in terms of full-scale testing as well as prognostic evaluation, where the latter will be based on the materials’ data generated, which should prognose changes in the material’s condition, specifically in a pre-cracked stage. This paper provides an overview of the program, while the more material’s related aspects are presented in the subsequent paper.
Numerical Simulation-Based Investigation of the Limits of Different Quasistatic Models
Authors: Taha Houssein , Tang Zuqi , Henneron Thomas , Le Menach Yvonnick , Salomez Florentin , Ducreux Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2021

The modeling of the capacitive phenomena, including the inductive effects becomes critical, especially in the case of a power converter with high switching frequencies, supplying an electrical device. At a low frequency, the electro-quasistatic (EQS) model is widely used to study the coupled resistive-capacitive effects, while the magneto-quasistatic (MQS) model is used to describe the coupled resistive-inductive effects. When the frequency increases, the Darwin model is preferred, which is able to capture the coupled resistive-capacitive-inductive effects by neglecting the radiation effects. In this work, we are interested in specifying the limits of these models, by investigating the influence of the frequency on the electromagnetic field distributions and the impedance of electromagnetic devices. Two different examples are carried out. For the first one, to validate the Darwin model, the measurement results are provided for comparison with the simulation results, which shows a good agreement. For the second one, the simulation results from three different models are compared, for both the local field distributions and the global impedances. It is shown that the EQS model can be used as an indicator to know at which frequency the Darwin model should be applied.
Intake of Free Sugars and Main Food Category Contributors among French Children, Adolescents and Adults
Authors: Deshayes Chloé , Seconda Louise , Reiser Philippe , Prinz Philip , Hebel Pascale
Published: November 2021

A high intake of free sugars (FS) is assumed to be associated with overweight and obesity as well as type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an intake of FS of less than 10% of daily total energy intake (TEI). The purpose of this study was to update the FS intake data for the French population, including children and adolescents as well as adults, based on the 2019 French Food Behavior and Consumption survey (CCAF). FS intakes were assessed at 67 g/day (15.3% of TEI) in children and adolescents as well as 57 g/day (10.5% of TEI) in adults. The main FS contributors were cakes/pastries, sugary drinks and fruit juices in children as well as sugary products, cakes/pastries and fruit juices in adults. The contribution of FS intakes to TEI fell with age, from 15.6% of TEI in 3–6 years children to around 8–9% for adults older than 50 years. On average, children were above the WHO recommendation of FS intake, but adults were close to or even below the threshold of 10% TEI. These observations are of great importance to prospective public health activities focusing on changes in FS intakes.
Effects of Various Extraction Factors on Protein Yield of Haliotis discus hannai (Abalone)
Authors: Yun Hyun-Jung , Jeong Seung-Jin , Lee Yoonmi , Kim Hyeung-Rak , Kim Bohkyung , Lee Sanggil
Published: November 2021

Abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) is a widely consumed seafood in Asian countries. Rich in protein, abalone is consumed for refreshment, pregnancy care, and vitality. Although many studies have found that abalone protein has beneficial effects, the efficiency of the protein extraction method for abalone has rarely been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of various factors of abalone protein extraction, including extraction buffer, sonication, salt (NaCl) concentration, surfactant, and heating. Phosphate buffer showed higher protein yield compared with Tris-HCl buffer. In addition, the highest protein yield for each factor was observed at 60 s of sonication (84.44 µg/mg dw), 0.6 M NaCl (141.9 µg/mg dw), and 16 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) (253.15 µg/mg dw). However, a combined effect was not observed. Lower protein extraction efficiency was observed for sous vide-cooked abalone. The electrophoresis assay revealed myofibrillar proteins, including paramyosin, actin, and tropomyosin. Overall, our results demonstrate that various extract conditions affect the protein extraction of abalone.
Compressive Behavior of Oil Shale with Calcareous Concretion: Parametric Study
Authors: Lyu Jinxing , Shu Jisen , Han Liu , Tovele Gerson S. V. , Chen Tao
Published: November 2021

The non-uniformly distributed calcareous concretion among the oil shale in the Junggar basin of China has led to the difficulty in achieving the slope stability. This paper presents the numerical simulation of the behavior of oil shale with calcareous concretion via the Particle Flow Code (PFC2D) program based on the trial experimental test results. The critical parameters investigated in this research covered the size, distribution, strength, and number of the calcareous concretion. The following conclusions can be drawn based on the discussions and analysis: (1) the hard concretion always results in the high compressive strength of the specimen compared with that without concretion; (2) when the radius of the concretion size raised from 2.5 mm to 20 mm, the peak strength of tested specimens is approximately 50 MPa, whereas, the specimen with large concretion is much more ductile under compression; (3) the compressive behavior of tested specimens is similar even when the position of the concretion is variable; and (4) different from the specimens with only one concretion, these specimens contained two concretions featured with the double “X” failure mode. Meanwhile, the peak strength of the specimens with two hard concretions is about 2.5 times that of its counterparts with two soft concretions. The numerical simulation results are meaningful in guiding the design and analysis of the oil shale slope with the concretion.
Investigation of X-ray Radiation Detectability Using Fabricated ZnO-PB Based Extended Gate Field-Effect Transistor as X-ray Dosimeters
Authors: Ahmed Ali Amal Mohamed , Ahmed Naser M. , Kabir Norlaili A. , Ali Mohammed Khalil Mohammed , Akhdar Hanan , Aldaghri Osamah A. , Ibnaouf Khalid Hassan , Sulieman Abdelmoneim
Published: November 2021

A new design of the MOSFET dosimeter is being developed in a different study to measure the dose delivered to the tissue layers. Development of zinc oxide-Lead (ZnO-Pb) of different thicknesses fabricated by chemical bath deposition were investigated to study their sensitivity following irradiation using a low absorbed dose that can be used in diagnostic and interventional radiology (9, 36.5, and 70 mGy) and high absorbed dose (1, 5, and 10 Gy) of X-ray. The morphology and structure of the as-prepared films were analysed using FESEM and XRD measurements. The device relies on sensing the changes in the local electric field arising from radiation interactions in the absorber, coupled with the semiconductor materials used in this work—ZnO-Pb as the EGFET. Then the sensitivity of all devices was examined. Generally, thin-film devices showed less sensitivity to X-ray than the disk type. The sensitivity of the thin film dropped from 6.66 mV/to 1.42 mV/Gy, while the sensitivity of the ZnO-Pb disk type was 23.3 mV/Gy, which then dropped to 6.30 6.42 mV/Gy. Furthermore, the disk type ZnO-Pb was exposed to a high absorbed dose and obtained a sensitivity value of 0.08 mV/Gy, while the ZnO-Pb thin film obtained 0.01 mV/Gy. This can be related to the influence of thickness on the sensitivity of the dosimeter. However, the device’s performance characteristics, like sensitivity to radiation exposure and operating dose area, were discovered to be strongly dependent on the materials employed, effective atomic number, and thickness of the materials. Based on the results shown above, these devices might be considered a low-cost candidate for real-time -radiation dosimetry at room temperature. Furthermore, the thickest sample of 1 mm showed better sensitivity to radiation, compared to the thinner samples.
Common-Ground Photovoltaic Inverters for Leakage Current Mitigation: Comparative Review
Authors: Gaafar Mahmoud A. , Orabi Mohamed , Ibrahim Ahmed , Kennel Ralph , Abdelrahem Mohamed
Published: November 2021

In photovoltaic systems, parasitic capacitance is often formed between PV panels and the ground. Because of the switching nature of PV converters, a high-frequency voltage is usually generated over these parasitic capacitances; this, in turn, can result in a common-mode current known as leakage current. This current can badly reach a high value if a resonance circuit is excited through the PV’s parasitic capacitance and the converter’s inductive components. Transformers are usually used for leakage current mitigation. However, this decreases the efficiency and increases the cost, size, and weight of the PV systems. Number of strategies have been introduced to mitigate the leakage current in transformer-less converters. Among these strategies, using common-ground converters is considered the most effective solution as it offers a solid connection between the negative terminal of PV modules and the neutral of the grid side; thus, complete mitigation of the leakage current is achieved. Number of common-ground inverters have been recently presented. These inverters are different in their size, cost, boosting capability, the possibility of producing DC currents, and their capability to offer multilevel shaping of output voltage. This work introduces a comprehensive review and classification for various common-ground PV inverters. Therefore, a clear picture of the advantages and disadvantages of these inverters is clarified. This provides a useful indication for a trade-off between gaining some of the advantages and losing others in PV systems. In addition, the potentials for optimization based on different performance indicators are identified.
A Comparative Study of Signal Processing Methods for Contactless Geodetic Monitoring
Authors: Lubej Samo , Kovačič Boštjan
Published: November 2021

Building structures are subject to various deformations caused by external and internal factors. Deformations are determined by various methods in the form of monitoring. It is very important to monitor the dynamic vibration response on bridge structures since these measurements allow us to identify any possible damage over time and take appropriate action. Our experiment, described in this article, is based on the use of non-contact methods, among which we used a geodetic instrument RTS (Robotic Total Station) and a seismograph to measure vibrations. The purpose and novelty of our work are reflected in the use of geodetic instruments to determine the dynamic response and synchronization of the obtained results. When using RTS technology, we increased data acquisition from 9 to 26 measurements per second. Comparative analysis of the measured signals was performed using FFT (Fast Fourier Transformation) and LSP (Lomb–Scargle Periodogram), based on LSSA (Least-Squares Spectral Analysis). The results showed us that when using the RTS geodetic instrument, it is possible to achieve frequency spectra comparable to those measured with a seismograph instrument. By increasing the number of measurements, the RTS method can be used to obtain more continuous data, which are essential for dynamic analyses.
Calibration of X-Band Radar for Extreme Events in a Spatially Complex Precipitation Region in North Peru: Machine Learning vs. Empirical Approach
Authors: Rollenbeck Rütger , Orellana-Alvear Johanna , Rodriguez Rodolfo , Macalupu Simon , Nolasco Pool
Published: November 2021

Cost-efficient single-polarized X-band radars are a feasible alternative due to their high sensitivity and resolution, which makes them well suited for complex precipitation patterns. The first horizontal scanning weather radar in Peru was installed in Piura in 2019, after the devastating impact of the 2017 coastal El Niño. To obtain a calibrated rain rate from radar reflectivity, we employ a modified empirical approach and draw a direct comparison to a well-established machine learning technique used for radar QPE. For both methods, preprocessing steps are required, such as clutter and noise elimination, atmospheric, geometric, and precipitation-induced attenuation correction, and hardware variations. For the new empirical approach, the corrected reflectivity is related to rain gauge observations, and a spatially and temporally variable parameter set is iteratively determined. The machine learning approach uses a set of features mainly derived from the radar data. The random forest (RF) algorithm employed here learns from the features and builds decision trees to obtain quantitative precipitation estimates for each bin of detected reflectivity. Both methods capture the spatial variability of rainfall quite well. Validating the empirical approach, it performed better with an overall linear regression slope of 0.65 and r of 0.82. The RF approach had limitations with the quantitative representation (slope = 0.44 and r = 0.65), but it more closely matches the reflectivity distribution, and it is independent of real-time rain-gauge data. Possibly, a weighted mean of both approaches can be used operationally on a daily basis.
Diurnal Variations in Physiological Characteristics, Photoassimilates, and Total Ascorbate in Early and Late Sown Indian Wheat Cultivars under Exposure to Elevated Ozone
Authors: Yadav Durgesh Singh , Jaiswal Bhavna , Agrawal Shashi Bhushan , Agrawal Madhoolika
Published: November 2021

Rising tropospheric ozone (O3) in the atmosphere is detrimental to crop’s productivity and is one of the reasons for a warmer climate. The present study describes diurnal changes in gaseous exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, ascorbic acid, and photoassimilate parameters in flag leaves of four Indian wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars (two early sown and two late sown cultivars) under ambient and elevated O3 treatments, using the open-top chambers (OTCs). Results showed that the diurnal pattern of photosynthetic rate (Ps), sucrose, and ascorbic acid content varied according to changes in photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and O3 concentrations during the daytime and were maximum between 10:00 to 12:00. The present study suggested that elevated O3 caused more negative effects on photosystem II in early sown compared to late sown cultivars. The greater loss of photosynthesis led to lower production of photoassimilates in early sown cultivars, which utilized more assimilates in ascorbic acid formation for detoxification of ROS formed due to elevated O3. This work will also help to identify the robustness of physiological machinery in different wheat cultivars under elevated levels of O3, and may be used for selection of suitable cultivars during future breeding programs.
Multi-Scale Atmospheric Emissions, Circulation and Meteorological Drivers of Ozone Episodes in El Paso-Juárez Airshed
Authors: Karle Nakul N. , Fitzgerald Rosa M. , Sakai Ricardo K. , Sullivan David W. , Stockwell William R.
Published: November 2021

Ozone pollution has been prevalent in the El Paso-Juárez Airshed (EPJA), especially in the past few decades, and it has been on the rise recently. The spatial and temporal distribution of the tropospheric ozone and several key meteorological factors that influence its concentration has not been adequately understood. Therefore, this investigation comprehensively examined 57 high and 48 low ozone episodes occurring in this region during 2013–2019. We found that the interannual ozone concentration in EPJA was strongly affected by anthropogenic emissions. On the other hand, seasonal ozone variations are due to meteorological variables (among them, solar radiation, planetary boundary layer, and winds) in addition to biogenic emission factors. High ozone events are characterized by calm winds, shallow planetary boundary layer (PBL), whereas low ozone events were marked with strong winds, precipitation, and deep PBL. Synoptic and mesoscale wind patterns for these ozone episodes were identified and characterized. Most of the high ozone episodes occurred when an anticyclonic circulation aloft was associated with a 500-mile middle and upper tropospheric high-pressure region over the EPJA. During these events, stable air masses with convective available potential energies (CAPE) values of less than 450 J/kg were found. The importance of surface topography is illustrated by the fact that stations close to the Rio Grande River show a bimodal distribution of wind direction according to the valley axis. High ozone episodes occur with a surface easterly wind that is decoupled from winds above the Franklin mountains.
On the Feasibility of Rovibrational Laser Cooling of Radioactive RaF+ and RaH+ Cations
Authors: Isaev Timur A. , Wilkins Shane G. , Athanasakis-Kaklamanakis Michail
Published: November 2021

Polar radioactive molecules have been suggested to be exceptionally sensitive systems in the search for signatures of symmetry-violating effects in their structure. Radium monofluoride (RaF) possesses an especially attractive electronic structure for such searches, as the diagonality of its Franck-Condon matrix enables the implementation of direct laser cooling for precision experiments. To maximize the sensitivity of experiments with short-lived RaF isotopologues, the molecular beam needs to be cooled to the rovibrational ground state. Due to the high kinetic energies and internal temperature of extracted beams at radioactive ion beam (RIB) facilities, in-flight rovibrational cooling would be restricted by a limited interaction timescale. Instead, cooling techniques implemented on ions trapped within a radiofrequency quadrupole cooler-buncher can be highly efficient due to the much longer interaction times (up to seconds). In this work, the feasibility of rovibrationally cooling trapped RaF+ and RaH+ cations with repeated laser excitation is investigated. Due to the highly diagonal nature between the ionic ground state and states in the neutral system, any reduction of the internal temperature of the molecular ions would largely persist through charge-exchange without requiring the use of cryogenic buffer gas cooling. Quasirelativistic X2C and scalar-relativistic ECP calculations were performed to calculate the transition energies to excited electronic states and to study the nature of chemical bonding for both RaF+ and RaH+. The results indicate that optical manipulation of the rovibrational distribution of trapped RaF+ and RaH+ is unfeasible due to the high electronic transition energies, which lie beyond the capabilities of modern laser technology. However, more detailed calculations of the structure of RaH+ might reveal possible laser-cooling pathways.