bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flutter of Rectangular Plate at Non-Zero Flow Yaw Angle
Authors: Abdukhakimov Farrukh , Vedeneev Vasily
Published: October 2021

Panel flutter is a phenomenon of self-exciting vibrations of skin panels of flight vehicles moving at high speeds. There are two types of panel flutter. The first one is the coupled-mode flutter, which is caused by the interaction of two panel eigenmodes. The second type is the single-mode flutter, in this case the coalescence of eigenfrequencies and a significant change in the oscillation mode shape does not take place. The stability of the infinite series of thin elastic rectangular plates simply supported along all edges is investigated in this study. The non-zero flow yaw angle with supersonic leading edge is considered. We use potential flow theory to derive expression for the unsteady aerodynamic pressure distribution over the oscillating plate. The plate motion equation, after the substitution of expression for unsteady aerodynamic pressure, with simply supported boundary conditions, is an integro-differential eigenvalue problem for finding complex eigenvalues. We use the Bubnov–Galerkin procedure for finding eigenvalues. Thus, the flutter criterion is the sign of imaginary part of eigenvalue. Flutter boundaries for the first eigenfrequencies were computed for non-zero yaw angles We show how the single-mode and coupled-mode flutter boundaries are changed with the change of the yaw angle.
Using an Innovative Seismic Resilient Anchorage System for Industrial Tanks and Vessels
Authors: Sahami Kaveh , Zarnani Pouyan , Quenneville Pierre
Published: October 2021

The conventional storage tanks are either fully restrained by hold-down connections or unanchored which are free for rocking motion during an earthquake. This generally creates a high level of seismic force due to lack of ductility or large displacement demand due to uplift, resulting in damage to tanks. However, a more efficient approach could be using partially restrained connections to control both the deflection and force at the desired levels.

In this paper, an innovative generation of anchorage system has been introduced by employing the Resilient Slip Friction Damper (RSFD) as a ductile self-centring hold-down system. This new tension-only damage-free anchorage mechanism mitigates the transmitted earthquake force to storage tanks by dissipating the input energy through friction without experiencing any damage, contrary to other common ductile yielding hold-downs.

In this study, based on the numerical modelling of the tanks and the hold-downs performance (validated experimentally), a comparison has been conducted between the RSFD anchorage system with other ductile concepts (eg., necked-rod and buckling-restrained systems), considering three case studies with different tank aspect ratios. The proposed system is capable of considerably decreasing the transmitted force which leads to less seismic demand for designing the tank barrel as well as the foundation.
Effect of Thickness on the Shape Memory Properties of Bisphenol A Epoxy Based Shape Memory Polymer Composites
Authors: Emmanuel K. D. C. , Jeewantha J. , Herath M. , Epaarachchi J. , Aravinthan T.
Published: October 2021

Shape memory polymer (SMP) is one of the most highly researched branches of polymer materials in the recent past. It is often called as a smart material due to its unique capability to memorize original shape. Up to now, shape memory polymer composites (SMPCs) are widely being used for developing light weight and low thickness components for space missions. Increasing thickness and fibre layers will improve mechanical properties, but can adversely affect shape memory effect (SME) and increase the possibility of delamination when programming.

To study this phenomenon, a 3 × 3 Taguchi array for material thicknesses of 3, 4 and 5 mm was developed. Carbon, glass and basalt fibres were used to reinforce SMPs in various mass fractions. Shape programming was carried out at the onset of storage modulus (TS) and peak of Tan (δ) (Tδ). SME was analysed in terms of fixity ratio (Rf), recovery ratio (Rr) and areal damage percentage (ADP) due to programming. Samples deformed at Tδ showed high ADP (> 16%) while at TS minimal ADP was 0.7 %. Moreover, addition of a unidirectional fibre layer in the compressing side of the specimen (with fibres parallel to the width) has minimized local fibre buckling when programming.
Generative Design of a Quad-Copter Frame
Authors: Abhinava Bharat Gavireddi , Nandini Alluri Sai , Prasad Malladi Jogendra
Published: October 2021

A quad-copter is a simple form of UAV with four rotors. It can be either autonomous or controlled remotely by a human on the ground. In the recent past, it has been extensively used in various fields like military, surveillance, medical, etc. The current research related to quad-copters focuses on providing an efficient design for the different components used to build them. In the present work, a quad-copter frame structure is designed with an optimized mass of the frame, using the generative design technique. The resulting mass-optimized frame structure is numerically simulated for the varying magnitudes of transverse loads at different frame locations. The maximum stress developed and deformation resulting from the application of transverse loads on the frame is numerically studied. It is found that the frame designed using PA6 material weighs 11.7% lesser as compared to the frame earlier considered by Singh et al. [1]. Also, the deformation is found to be minimum when a maximum load of 35N is applied to the frame.
Collocated Actuation and Feedback Control of a Piezoelectric Bandage for Producing Low-Intensity Vibrations
Authors: Shan Xin , Koh Timothy J. , Kineman Rhonda D. , Bilgen Onur
Published: October 2021

A large number of people living with type two diabetes suffer from a slow rate of wound healing. Also, some injuries, such as burns, can cause chronic wounds. Low-intensity vibrations have been investigated to promote wound healing. In authors’ previous research, a piezoelectric disc was bonded near the wound site to deliver low intensity vibration. It has been demonstrated that low intensity vibration promotes tissue perfusion, granulation tissue formation, and wound healing in diabetic mice. In this paper, a self-sensing feedback control system is designed to ensure vibration consistency. Such consistency is critical to the proposed treatment. The piezoelectric disc acts as an actuator and a sensor synchronously, i.e., a single piezoelectric disk bonded on the skin can produce vibrations and measure strain or stress simultaneously. No separate sensors are needed to deploy in the feedback control systems. Such integrated design eliminates sensors, which saves space and reduces complexity, and it is important to wearable devices. A bridge circuit is adopted in this work to enable the collocated control. The bridge circuit, piezoelectric disk, and tissue are modeled separately. Finally, a single-input single-output system model is established for the whole system, and a corresponding controller is designed. Responses based on the SISO model are simulated and analyzed. The important system parameters are investigated and discussed.
Fractional Drift-Diffusion Model of Organic Field Effect Transistors Including Effects of Bending Stress for Smart Materials
Authors: Yang Yi , Bai Huiwen , Nawrocki Robert , Voyles Richard , Zhang Haiyan
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a fractional drift-diffusion (Fr-DD) model to characterize the transconductance characteristics of a 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)pentacene TIPS-pentacene based organic field effect transistor (OFET) when bending effects are taken into account. The Fr-DD model is proposed by fractionalizing the diffusive current density in the carrier continuity equations of the conventional drift-diffusion (DD) model. Gummel’s iteration is utilized to decouple the governing equations of the Fr-DD model. The solved hole concentration and electrostatic potentials on the metal-semiconductor interface are employed to approximate the terminal current flow and generate the transconductance characteristics of the OFET. Compared to the conventional DD model, the Fr-DD model does not need to consider the density of trap states (DoS) since its fractional derivative order in relation to material type, boundary conditions and bending radius can be obtained directly by fitting limited experimental data. In addition, a comparison with experimental data reveals that the Fr-DD model can result in much more accurate predictions on transconductance characteristics than the conventional DD model, especially in the subthreshold and low gate-source voltage regions of the OFET.
A crew of listeners with no more than “slight” hearing loss who exhibit binaural deficits also exhibit reduced amounts of binaural interference
Authors: Bernstein Leslie R. , Trahiotis Constantine
Published: October 2021

Listeners having, at most, “slight” hearing loss, specifically those having absolute thresholds at 4 kHz exceeding 7.5 dB HL, have been shown to exhibit deficits in binaural detection that appear to stem from increased levels of stimulus-dependent, additive internal noise [Bernstein and Trahiotis (2016). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 140, 3540–3548; Bernstein and Trahiotis (2018). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 144, 292–307]. This study assessed whether such listeners exhibit greater susceptibility to “binaural interference.” NoSo and NoSπ tone-in-noise detection thresholds were measured for stimuli centered at 4 kHz in the absence of any interfering stimuli and in the presence of simultaneously gated diotic or interaurally uncorrelated noise centered at 500 Hz. Results indicated that listeners exhibiting elevated NoSπ thresholds (typical of those in “>7.5 dB groups”), actually exhibit less binaural interference than do those exhibiting lower NoSπ thresholds typical of those in “≤7.5 dB HL” groups. That outcome cannot be explained by a “ceiling effect” stemming from interferer-induced loss of the ability to utilize binaural cues to detect the signal. The relatively smaller amounts of binaural interference exhibited by listeners with relatively elevated NoSπ thresholds notwithstanding, it is argued that the interference they do exhibit may place them at a distinct disadvantage in everyday listening environments.
Two TonB-Dependent Transporters in Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b Are Responsible for Uptake of Different Forms of Methanobactin and Are Involved in the Canonical “Copper Switch”
Authors: Peng Peng , Kang-Yun Christina S. , Chang Jin , Gu Wenyu , DiSpirito Alan A. , Semrau Jeremy D.
Published: October 2021

In this study, we demonstrate that different TBDTs in the model methanotroph
Methylosinus trichosporium
OB3b are responsible for uptake of either endogenous MB or exogenous MB. Interestingly, the presence of exogenous MB induces expression of its specific TBDT in
M. trichosporium
OB3b, suggesting that this methanotroph is able to actively take up MB produced by others.
Viral Culture Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Subgenomic RNA Value as a Good Surrogate Marker of Infectivity
Authors: Santos Bravo Marta , Berengua Carla , Marín Pilar , Esteban Montserrat , Rodriguez Cristina , del Cuerpo Margarita , Miró Elisenda , Cuesta Genoveva , Mosquera Mar , Sánchez-Palomino Sonsoles , Vila Jordi , Rabella Núria , Marcos María Ángeles
Published: October 2021

Determining SARS-CoV-2 viral infectivity is crucial for patient clinical assessment and isolation decisions. We assessed subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) as a surrogate marker of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in SARS-CoV-2-positive reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) respiratory samples (
n
 = 105) in comparison with viral culture as the reference standard for virus replication. sgRNA and viral isolation results were concordant in 99/105 cases (94%), indicating highly significant agreement between the two techniques (Cohen’s kappa coefficient 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78 to 0.97,
P
 < 0.001). sgRNA RT-PCR showed a sensitivity of 97% and a positive predictive value of 94% to detect replication-competent virus, further supporting sgRNA as a surrogate marker of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. sgRNA RT-PCR is an accurate, rapid, and affordable technique that can overcome culture and cycle threshold (

C
T

) value limitations and be routinely implemented in hospital laboratories to detect viral infectivity, which is essential for optimizing patient monitoring, the efficacy of treatments/vaccines, and work reincorporation policies, as well as for safely shortening isolation precautions.
Use of Molecular Methods To Detect
Shigella
and Infer Phenotypic Resistance in a
Shigella
Treatment Study
Authors: Pholwat Suporn , Liu Jie , Taniuchi Mami , Haque Rashidul , Alam Mohammed Masud , Faruque Abu Syed Golam , Ferdous Tahsin , Ara Rifat , Platts-Mills James A. , Houpt Eric R.
Published: October 2021

Molecular diagnostic methods improve the detection of
Shigella
, yet their ability to detect
Shigella
drug resistance on direct stool specimens is less clear. We tested 673 stool specimens from a
Shigella
treatment study in Bangladesh, including 154 culture-positive stool specimens and their paired
Shigella
isolates.
Key Substitutions in the Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Variants Can Predict Resistance to Monoclonal Antibodies, but Other Substitutions Can Modify the Effects
Authors: Lusvarghi Sabrina , Wang Wei , Herrup Rachel , Neerukonda Sabari Nath , Vassell Russell , Bentley Lisa , Eakin Ann E. , Erlandson Karl J. , Weiss Carol D.
Published: October 2021

Therapeutic antibodies are effective in preventing severe disease from SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19), but their effectiveness may be reduced by virus variants with mutations affecting the spike protein. To help predict resistance to therapeutic antibodies in emerging variants, we profiled resistance patterns of 25 antibody products in late stages of clinical development against a large panel of variants that include single and multiple substitutions found in the spike protein.
High-Throughput Screening Identifies Inhibitors for Parvovirus B19 Infection of Human Erythroid Progenitors
Authors: Ning Kang , Roy Anuradha , Cheng Fang , Xu Peng , Kleiboeker Steve , Escalante Carlos R. , Wang Jingxin , Qiu Jianming
Published: October 2021

B19V encodes a large nonstructural protein, NS1. Its N-terminal domain (NS1N) consisting of amino acids 1 to 176 binds to viral DNA and serves as an endonuclease to nick the viral DNA replication origins, which is a pivotal step in rolling-hairpin-dependent B19V DNA replication.
Drosophila
Model for Gut-Mediated Horizontal Transfer of Narrow- and Broad-Host-Range Plasmids
Authors: Ott Logan C. , Engelken Mark , Scott Sara M. , McNeill Elizabeth M. , Mellata Melha
Published: October 2021

Microbial evolution in the gut of animals due to horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is of significant interest for microbial evolution as well as within the context of human and animal health. Microbial populations evolve within the host, and factors from the bacteria and host interact to regulate this evolution.
Characterization of the First Cultured Psychrotolerant Representative of
Legionella
from Antarctica Reveals Its Unique Genome Structure
Authors: Shimada Sho , Nakai Ryosuke , Aoki Kotaro , Kudoh Sakae , Imura Satoshi , Shimoeda Norifumi , Ohno Giichiro , Watanabe Kentaro , Miyazaki Yasunari , Ishii Yoshikazu , Tateda Kazuhiro
Published: October 2021

This study characterized a unique cultivated representative of the genus
Legionella
isolated from an Antarctic lake. This psychrotolerant strain had some common properties of known
Legionella
species but also displayed other characteristics, such as plasticity in fatty acid composition and an enrichment of mobile genes in the genome.
Risk Factors for Being Seronegative following SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Large Cohort of Health Care Workers in Denmark
Authors: Johannesen Caroline Klint , Rezahosseini Omid , Gybel-Brask Mikkel , Kristensen Jonas Henrik , Hasselbalch Rasmus Bo , Pries-Heje Mia Marie , Nielsen Pernille Brok , Knudsen Andreas Dehlbæk , Fogh Kamille , Norsk Jakob Boesgaard , Andersen Ove , Jensen Claus Antonio Juul , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Rungby Jørgen , Ditlev Sisse Bolm , Hageman Ida , Møgelvang Rasmus , Dessau Ram B. , Sørensen Erik , Harritshøj Lene Holm , Folke Fredrik , Sten Curt , Møller Maria Elizabeth Engel , Engsig Frederik Neess , Ullum Henrik , Jørgensen Charlotte Sværke , Ostrowski Sisse R. , Bundgaard Henning , Iversen Kasper Karmark , Fischer Thea Kølsen , Nielsen Susanne Dam
Published: October 2021

Most individuals seroconvert after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but negative serology is observed in 1 to 9%. We found that asymptomatic or mild infection as well as a BMI above 30 were associated with being seronegative. Since the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 reduces the risk of reinfection, efforts to protect HCW with risk factors for being seronegative may be needed in future COVID-19 surges.
A fragile record of fleeting water on Mars
Authors: Koeppel Ari H.D. , Edwards Christopher S. , Annex Andrew M. , Lewis Kevin W. , Carrillo Gabriel J.
Published: October 2021

The light-toned sedimentary layers that outcrop widely throughout Mars’ Southern Highlands have long been an enigma in uncovering the climatic history of Mars. Although these units seem to contain unique records of fluctuating surface conditions, the role of water in their formation is debated. A distinctive property of many such deposits is their elevated thermal inertia relative to that of surrounding materials. This temperature-controlling trait is often interpreted to indicate induration resulting from aqueous processes. However, prevalent erosional landforms suggest that the deposits host much weaker materials than neighboring units. We address this apparent contradiction by disentangling the relationships between thermal inertia, mineralogy, and erosion susceptibility and by quantifying the cohesion of layered deposits in the Arabia Terra region. We demonstrate that variations in dust cover associated with relative erodibility and eolian abrasion can be inconspicuous controls on apparent thermal inertia. We ultimately find that these deposits are not as cohesive as would be expected from a high water-to-rock ratio setting either during or after deposition. If water-rich surface conditions existed in the region after the Noachian, these deposits suggest they may have only been intermittent and fleeting.
Putative fossils of chemotrophic microbes preserved in seep carbonates from Vestnesa Ridge, off northwest Svalbard, Norway
Authors: Himmler Tobias , Crémière Antoine , Birgel Daniel , Wirth Richard , Orphan Victoria J. , Kirsimäe Kalle , Knies Jochen , Peckmann Jörn , Lepland Aivo
Published: October 2021

The microbial key players at methane seeps are methanotrophic archaea and sulfate-reducing bacteria. They form spherical aggregates and jointly mediate the sulfate-dependent anaerobic oxidation of methane (SD–AOM: CH4 + SO42− → HCO3− + HS− + H2O), thereby inducing the precipitation of authigenic seep carbonates. While seep carbonates constitute valuable archives for molecular fossils of SD–AOM-mediating microbes, no microfossils have been identified as AOM aggregates to date. We report clustered spherical microstructures engulfed in 13C-depleted aragonite cement (δ13C values as low as −33‰) of Pleistocene seep carbonates. The clusters comprise Mg-calcite spheres between ∼5 µm (single spheres) and ∼30 µm (clusters) in diameter. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed a porous nanocrystalline fabric in the core area of the spheres surrounded by one or two concentric layers of Mg-calcite crystals. In situ measured sphere δ13C values as low as −42‰ indicate that methane-derived carbon is the dominant carbon source. The size and concentric layering of the spheres resembles mineralized aggregates of natural anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME) of the ANME-2 group surrounded by one or two layers of sulfate-reducing bacteria. Abundant carbonate-bound 13C-depleted lipid biomarkers of archaea and bacteria indicative of the ANME-2-Desulfosarcina/Desulfococcus consortium agree with SD–AOM-mediating microbes as critical agents of carbonate precipitation. Given the morphological resemblance, in concert with negative in situ δ13C values and abundant SD–AOM-diagnostic biomarkers, the clustered spheres likely represent fossils of SD–AOM-mediating microbes.
Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the larynx: an extremely rare tumour in a patient of Chinese descent
Authors: Yap Jiawei Alexander , Bundele Manish M , Lim Ming Yann , Goh Julian Park Nam
Published: October 2021

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC) of the larynx is an extremely rare tumour which, unlike its nasopharyngeal counterpart, has shown a propensity to affect elderly Caucasian men and is not commonly associated with Epstein-Barr virus. We present a 70-year-old Chinese man who complained of hoarseness and dysphagia. Nasoendoscopy revealed a left supraglottic tumour. Preoperative MRI (in particular Diffusion Weighted Imaging) showed the possibility of two distinct components within a tumour. The patient underwent total pharyngolaryngectomy and bilateral selective neck dissection. The final histology report confirmed the presence of a tumour with two distinct components: predominant LEC with a smaller conventional (keratinising) squamous cell carcinoma component. The patient recovered well after surgery and subsequently underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. Final staging was pT3 N2c M0 (AJCC stage IVA). Follow-up over 2 years revealed no tumour recurrence.
Psychological burden of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder traits on medical workers under the COVID-19 outbreak: a cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey
Authors: Matsui Kentaro , Yoshiike Takuya , Tsuru Ayumi , Otsuki Rei , Nagao Kentaro , Ayabe Naoko , Hazumi Megumi , Utsumi Tomohiro , Yamamoto Kentaro , Fukumizu Michio , Kuriyama Kenichi
Published: October 2021

Objectives

There are numerous reports on the psychological burden of medical workers after the COVID-19 outbreak; however, no study has examined the influence of developmental characteristics on the mental health of medical workers. The objective of this study was to examine whether the developmental characteristics of medical workers are associated with anxiety and depression after the COVID-19 outbreak.

Design

We conducted an online cross-sectional questionnaire survey in October 2020.

Participants and setting

The data of 640 medical workers were analysed. The questionnaire included items on sociodemographic data, changes in their life after the COVID-19 outbreak and symptoms of depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits and autism spectrum disorder traits.

Main outcomes

Depression symptoms were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and anxiety symptoms were assessed by the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7. A series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed to test the effects of developmental characteristics on depression and anxiety symptoms after controlling for sociodemographic factors and changes in participants’ lives after the COVID-19 outbreak.

Results

Increases in physical and psychological burden were observed in 49.1% and 78.3% of the subjects, respectively. The results of a multiple regression analysis showed that ADHD traits were significantly associated with both depression (β=0.390, p<0.001) and anxiety (β=0.426, p<0.001). Autistic traits were significantly associated with depression (β=0.069, p<0.05) but not anxiety. Increased physical and psychological burden, being female, medical workers other than physicians and nurses, fear of COVID-19 and experience of discrimination were also significantly associated with both depression and anxiety.

Conclusion

Globally, the burden on medical workers increased. This study suggested that medical workers with higher ADHD traits may need special attention during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Multiple-region grey matter atrophy as a predictor for the development of dementia in a community: the Hisayama Study
Authors: Nakazawa Taro , Ohara Tomoyuki , Hirabayashi Naoki , Furuta Yoshihiko , Hata Jun , Shibata Mao , Honda Takanori , Kitazono Takanari , Nakao Tomohiro , Ninomiya Toshiharu
Published: October 2021

Objective

To assess the association of regional grey matter atrophy with dementia risk in a general older Japanese population.

Methods

We followed 1158 dementia-free Japanese residents aged ≥65 years for 5.0 years. Regional grey matter volume (GMV) at baseline was estimated by applying voxel-based morphometry methods. The GMV-to-total brain volume ratio (GMV/TBV) was calculated, and its association with dementia risk was estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. We assessed whether the predictive ability of a model based on known dementia risk factors could be improved by adding the total number of regions with grey matter atrophy among dementia-related brain regions, where the cut-off value for grey matter atrophy in each region was determined by receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

During the follow-up, 113 participants developed all-cause dementia, including 83 with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Lower GMV/TBV of the medial temporal lobe, insula, hippocampus and amygdala were significantly/marginally associated with higher risk of all-cause dementia and AD (all p for trend ≤0.08). The risks of all-cause dementia and AD increased significantly with increasing total number of brain regions exhibiting grey matter atrophy (both p for trend <0.01). Adding the total number of regions with grey matter atrophy into a model consisting of known risk factors significantly improved the predictive ability for AD (Harrell’s c-statistics: 0.765–0.802; p=0.02).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the total number of regions with grey matter atrophy among the medial temporal lobe, insula, hippocampus and amygdala is a significant predictor for developing dementia, especially AD, in the general older population.
A Nietzschean critique of liberal eugenics
Authors: Miyasaki Donovan Tateshi
Published: October 2021

Ethical debates about liberal eugenics frequently focus on the supposed unnaturalness of its means and possible harm to autonomy. I present a Nietzsche-inspired critique focusing on intention rather than means and harm to abilities rather than to autonomy. I first critique subjective eugenics, the selection of extrinsically valuable traits, drawing on Nietzsche’s notion of ‘slavish’ values reducible to the negation of another’s good. Subjective eugenics slavishly evaluates traits relative to a negatively evaluated norm (eg, above-average intelligence), disguising a harmful intention to diminish the relative value of that norm. I then argue there is no objective form of eugenics on the Nietzschean ground that abilities are not valuable intrinsically; they are valuable only if one possesses the relative power to exercise them. Abilities frustrated by conflict with other abilities or environment are harmful, while disabilities that empower one’s other abilities are beneficial. Consequently, all forms of eugenics are subject to the prior ethical critique of subjective eugenics.
Automated framework for extracting sidewalk dimensions from images using deep learning
Authors: Halabya Ayman , El-Rayes Khaled
Published: October 2021

State and local governments are required by federal and state laws to provide and maintain accessibility on their sidewalks and pedestrian facilities. They need to conduct and frequently update self-evaluation to assess the compliance of their sidewalks and pedestrian facilities with accessibility requirements and identify any barriers that limit or deny access for people with disabilities to public programs, services, or activities. This paper presents the development of an automated framework that is capable of (1) providing a cost-effective and practical methodology for conducting self-evaluations using sidewalk images, (2) creating 3D models of existing sidewalks that can be used in analyzing their conditions, and (3) automatically extracting sidewalk dimensions and geometry from sidewalk input images. A case study of a small pedestrian network that includes 830 m of sidewalks was analyzed to test the framework performance and demonstrate its novel and practical capabilities.
Jeans instability from post-Newtonian Boltzmann equation
Authors: Kremer Gilberto M.
Published: October 2021

Jeans instability within the framework of post-Newtonian Boltzmann and Poisson equations are analyzed. The components of the energy–momentum tensor are calculated from a post-Newtonian Maxwell-Jüttner distribution function. The perturbations of the distribution function and gravitational potentials from their background states with the representation of the perturbations as plane waves lead to a dispersion relation with post-Newtonian corrections. The influence of the post-Newtonian approximation on the Jeans mass is determined and it was shown that the mass necessary for an overdensity to begin the gravitational collapse in the post-Newtonian theory is smaller than the one in the Newtonian theory.
A novel photoluminescence hyperspectral camera for the study of artworks
Authors: Ghirardello Marta , Manzoni Cristian , Gironda Michele , Alberti Roberto , Lenz Roland , Zöldföldi Judit , Behrendt Sonja , Paz Boaz , Valentini Gianluca , Comelli Daniela
Published: October 2021

We present the application of a novel hyperspectral camera, based on the Fourier-transform approach, to study the photoluminescence emission from artworks at different spatial scales and emission timescales. The hyperspectral system relies on an innovative wide-field, compact and ultra-stable interferometer coupled to different excitation and detection methods. Here, we describe and illustrate the potentialities and limitations of its use when coupled with excitation at variable fluence and with time-gated detection. The developed methods allow an in-depth characterization of the optical emission from luminescent materials in cultural heritage and provide information on the nature of the recombination pathways in crystalline pigments. Indeed, one of the main difficulties in the interpretation of the optical emission from artworks is the presence of multiple emitting compounds with spectra characterized by broad emission bands. The photoluminescence imaging methods here proposed allow to partially solve this issue, by separating emission from different materials on the basis of their different timescales and spectral emission properties, thus providing important information to support material identification. Furthermore, the high spectral accuracy achievable with a hyperspectral camera, such as the one proposed in this paper, allows the collection of highly resolved spectral datacubes, which can then be post-processed with computational and multivariate statistical analysis methods to better assess material identification and mapping.
Social Movements in Hong Kong
Authors: CAI YONGSHUN
Published: October 2021

Social movements occur not only because of political opportunities but also due to a perceived threat to citizens. Popular contention has remained an important mode of political participation in Hong Kong since 1997 when its sovereignty was handed over to China. Many influential collective actions in Hong Kong occurred when residents felt a threat had arisen from policies made by the city government or Beijing. By examining the Anti-Extradition-Bill movement in Hong Kong, this paper explores how threat triggers and sustains social movements. It finds that threat both facilitates the mobilization of social movements and sustains them. Threat strengthens solidarity among movement supporters because of their shared concerns and goals. It sustains a movement when government responses confirm participants’ belief in the continual existence of the threat. The Anti-Extradition-Bill movement deepened the distrust between local residents and Beijing, resulting in the promulgation of the National Security Law by Beijing in May 2020.
Finnmark Platform Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element, Barents Sea
Authors: Henriksen E. , Ktenas D. , Nielsen J. K.
Published: October 2021

The Finnmark Platform Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element (CTSE), located in the southern Barents Sea, is a northward-dipping monoclinal structural unit. It covers most of the southern Norwegian Barents Sea where it borders the Norwegian mainland. Except for the different age of basement, the CTSE extends eastwards into the Kola Monocline on the Russian part of the Barents Sea.

The general water depth varies between 200 and 350 m, and the sea bottom is influenced by Plio-Pleistocene glaciations. A high frequency of scour marks and deposition of moraine materials exists on the platform areas. Successively older strata sub-crop below the Upper Regional Unconformity (URU), which was formed by several glacial periods.

Basement rocks of Neoproterozoic age were heavily affected by the Caledonian Orogeny, and previously by the Timanide tectonic compression in the easternmost part of the Finnmark Platform CTSE.

Depth to crystalline basement varies considerably and is estimated to be from 4–5 to 10 km. Following the Caledonian orogenesis, the Finnmark Platform was affected by Lower–Middle Carboniferous rifting, sediment input from the Uralian Orogen in the east, the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous rift phase and the Late Plio-Pleistocene isostatic uplift.

A total of eight exploration wells drilled different targets on the platform. Two minor discoveries have been made proving the presence of both oil and gas, and potential sandstone reservoirs of good quality identified in the Visean, Induan, Anisian and Carnian intervals. In addition, thick sequences of Permo-Carboniferous carbonates and spiculitic chert are proven in the eastern Platform area. The deep reservoirs are believed to be charged from Paleozoic sources. A western extension of the Domanik source rocks well documented in the Timan–Pechora Basin may exist towards the eastern part of the Finnmark Platform. In the westernmost part, charge from juxtaposed downfaulted basins may be possible.
Lamprophyres, lamproites and related rocks as tracers to supercontinent cycles and metallogenesis
Authors: Krmíček Lukáš , Chalapathi Rao N. V.
Published: October 2021

Proterozoic to Cenozoic lamprophyres, lamproites and related rock types hold a unique potential for the investigation of processes affecting mantle reservoirs. They originated from primary mantle-derived melts that intruded both cratons and off-craton regions, which were parts of former supercontinents – Columbia, Rodinia and Gondwana–Pangaea. Well known for hosting economic minerals and elements such as diamonds, base metals, platinum-group elements and Au, they are also significant for our understanding of deep-mantle processes, such as mantle metasomatism and mantle plume–lithosphere interactions, as well as large-scale geodynamic processes, including subduction-related tectonics and supercontinent amalgamation and break-up. This Special Publication presents an overview of the state of the art and recent advances as achieved by individual research groups from different parts of the world, and outlines future research directions. Mineralogical, geochemical, geochronological and isotope analyses are used to decipher the complex petrogenetic and metallogenetic evolution of these extraordinary rocks and unravel a complete history of tectonic events related to individual supercontinent cycles. The Special Publication including this introductory chapter also deals with some issues related to the classification of these rocks.
Review—Recent Advances of Carbon-Based Nanocomposites as the Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Synthesis and Performance
Authors: Febrian Rizki , Septiani Ni Luh Wulan , Iqbal Muhammad , Yuliarto Brian
Published: October 2021

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries as an energy storage device have drawn significant attention due to increasing demand especially in transportation, mobile, and renewable energy applications. Despite their wide utilization, the improvement of Li-ion batteries’ performance, including the enhancement of energy density, stability, and safety, remains a big challenge to overcome. Carbon nanostructures (1D, 2D, 3D) show potential as the anode materials for Li-ion batteries which possess high stability and Li-ion conductivity, yet they offer low capacity. Contrarily, metalloids and transition metal oxides materials, which show high capacity, suffer low Li-ion conductivity and exhibit volume expansion during charge/discharge. Combining these materials with carbon nanostructures to create carbon-based nanocomposites as the anode materials for Li-ion batteries is considered one of the most lucrative strategies to achieve improved performance. These composites form high stability, high conductivity, and high-capacity anode materials. Furthermore, the addition of heteroatoms to carbon nanostructures also significantly increases capacity. Herein, we intensively discuss several categories of carbon-based nanocomposites and the effect on their properties as well as performance (initial charge/discharge capacity, cycling performance). In addition, several future prospects and challenges are addressed.
Si85Fe15Ox Alloy Anode Materials with High Thermal Stability for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Yijia , Charlton Michael , Wang Jun , Bennett J. Craig , Obrovac M. N.
Published: October 2021

The synthesis, microstructure and electrochemical properties of ball milled Si85Fe15Ox alloys with different oxygen contents are investigated. These materials combine the features of Si-M alloys (low irreversible capacity) and SiOx materials (high thermal stability). This makes Si85Fe15Ox alloys compatible with high temperature processing. As shown here, these properties allow Si85Fe15Ox alloys to be incorporated into carbon-coated graphite composite particles that can cycle well even without the use of advanced binders or electrolyte additives.
Cell physiology and molecular mechanism of anion transport by erythrocyte band 3/AE1
Authors: Jennings Michael L.
Published: October 2021

The major transmembrane protein of the red blood cell, known as band 3, AE1, and SLC4A1, has two main functions: 1) catalysis of Cl−/[Formula: see text] exchange, one of the steps in CO2 excretion, and 2) anchoring the membrane skeleton. This review summarizes the 150-year history of research on red cell anion transport and band 3 as an experimental system for studying membrane protein structure and ion transport mechanisms. Important early findings were that red cell Cl− transport is a tightly coupled 1:1 exchange and band 3 is labeled by stilbenesulfonate derivatives that inhibit anion transport. Biochemical studies showed that the protein is dimeric or tetrameric (paired dimers) and that there is one stilbenedisulfonate binding site per subunit of the dimer. Transport kinetics and inhibitor characteristics supported the idea that the transporter acts by an alternating access mechanism with intrinsic asymmetry. The sequence of band 3 cDNA provided a framework for detailed study of protein topology and amino acid residues important for transport. The identification of genetic variants produced insights into the roles of band 3 in red cell abnormalities and distal renal tubular acidosis. The publication of the membrane domain crystal structure made it possible to propose concrete molecular models of transport. Future research directions include improving our understanding of the transport mechanism at the molecular level and of the integrative relationships among band 3, hemoglobin, carbonic anhydrase, and gradients (both transmembrane and subcellular) of [Formula: see text], Cl−, O2, CO2, pH, and nitric oxide (NO) metabolites during pulmonary and systemic capillary gas exchange.
Mice carrying an epithelial deletion of the glucocorticoid receptor NR3C1 develop a higher tumor load in experimental colitis-associated cancer
Authors: Arredondo-Amador María , González Raquel , Aranda Carlos J. , Martínez-Augustin Olga , Sánchez de Medina Fermín
Published: October 2021

Mice carrying a tamoxifen-inducible deletion of the glucocorticoid receptor in intestinal epithelial cells (NR3C1ΔIEC mice) and their corresponding controls were subjected to the azoxymethane-dextran sulfate sodium model of colitis-associated cancer. KO mice exhibit a twofold higher tumor load, with a higher trend to extend close to the submucosal layer (36% vs. 0%), but with similar incidence and tumor size. Colonic tumors in NR3C1ΔIEC mice showed signs of increased neoplastic transformation and tumor-associated inflammation.
Lung proteomic biomarkers associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Zhang Yu-Hang , Hoopmann Michael R. , Castaldi Peter J. , Simonsen Kirsten A. , Midha Mukul K. , Cho Michael H. , Criner Gerard J. , Bueno Raphael , Liu Jiangyuan , Moritz Robert L. , Silverman Edwin K.
Published: October 2021

Identifying protein biomarkers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been challenging. Most previous studies have used individual proteins or preselected protein panels measured in blood samples. Mass spectrometry proteomic studies of lung tissue have been based on small sample sizes. We used mass spectrometry proteomic approaches to discover protein biomarkers from 150 lung tissue samples representing COPD cases and controls. Top COPD-associated proteins were identified based on multiple linear regression analysis with false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05. Correlations between pairs of COPD-associated proteins were examined. Machine learning models were also evaluated to identify potential combinations of protein biomarkers related to COPD. We identified 4,407 proteins passing quality controls. Twenty-five proteins were significantly associated with COPD at FDR < 0.05, including interleukin 33, ferritin (light chain and heavy chain), and two proteins related to caveolae (CAV1 and CAVIN1). Multiple previously reported plasma protein biomarkers for COPD were not significantly associated with proteomic analysis of COPD in lung tissue, although RAGE was borderline significant. Eleven pairs of top significant proteins were highly correlated ( r > 0.8), including several strongly correlated with RAGE (EHD2 and CAVIN1). Machine learning models using Random Forests with the top 5% of protein biomarkers demonstrated reasonable accuracy (0.707) and area under the curve (0.714) for COPD prediction. Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis of lung tissue is a promising approach for the identification of biomarkers for COPD.
OGR1-dependent regulation of the allergen-induced asthma phenotype
Authors: Nayak Ajay P. , Deshpande Deepak A. , Shah Sushrut D. , Villalba Dominic R. , Yi Roslyn , Wang Nadan , Penn Raymond B.
Published: October 2021

The proton-sensing receptor, ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor (OGR1), has been shown to be expressed in airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells and is capable of promoting ASM contraction in response to decreased extracellular pH. OGR1 knockout (OGR1KO) mice are reported to be resistant to the asthma features induced by inhaled allergen. We recently described certain benzodiazepines as OGR1 activators capable of mediating both procontractile and prorelaxant signaling in ASM cells. Here we assess the effect of treatment with the benzodiazepines lorazepam or sulazepam on the asthma phenotype in wild-type (WT) and OGR1KO mice subjected to inhaled house dust mite (HDM; Dermatophagoides pteronyssius) challenge for 3 wk. In contrast to previously published reports, both WT and OGR1KO mice developed significant allergen-induced lung inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). In WT mice, treatment with sulazepam (a Gs-biased OGR1 agonist), but not lorazepam (a balanced OGR1 agonist), prevented allergen-induced AHR, although neither drug inhibited lung inflammation. The protection from development of AHR conferred by sulazepam was absent in OGR1KO mice. Treatment of WT mice with sulazepam also resulted in significant inhibition of HDM-induced collagen accumulation in the lung tissue. These findings suggest that OGR1 expression is not a requirement for development of the allergen-induced asthma phenotype, but OGR1 can be targeted by the Gs-biased OGR1 agonist sulazepam (but not the balanced agonist lorazepam) to protect from allergen-induced AHR, possibly mediated via suppression of chronic bronchoconstriction and airway remodeling in the absence of effects on airway inflammation.
Metformin prevents airway hyperreactivity in rats with dietary obesity
Authors: Calco Gina N. , Proskocil Becky J. , Jacoby David B. , Fryer Allison D. , Nie Zhenying
Published: October 2021

Increased insulin is associated with obesity-related airway hyperreactivity and asthma. We tested whether the use of metformin, an antidiabetic drug used to reduce insulin resistance, can reduce circulating insulin, thereby preventing airway hyperreactivity in rats with dietary obesity. Male and female rats were fed a high- or low-fat diet for 5 wk. Some male rats were simultaneously treated with metformin (100 mg/kg orally). In separate experiments, after 5 wk of a high-fat diet, some rats were switched to a low-fat diet, whereas others continued a high-fat diet for an additional 5 wk. Bronchoconstriction and bradycardia in response to bilateral electrical vagus nerve stimulation or to inhaled methacholine were measured in anesthetized and vagotomized rats. Body weight, body fat, caloric intake, fasting glucose, and insulin were measured. Vagally induced bronchoconstriction was potentiated only in male rats on a high-fat diet. Males gained more body weight, body fat, and had increased levels of fasting insulin compared with females. Metformin prevented development of vagally induced airway hyperreactivity in male rats on high-fat diet, in addition to inhibiting weight gain, fat gain, and increased insulin. In contrast, switching rats to a low-fat diet for 5 wk reduced body weight and body fat, but it did not reverse fasting glucose, fasting insulin, or potentiation of vagally induced airway hyperreactivity. These data suggest that medications that target insulin may be effective treatment for obesity-related asthma.