bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Definition Extraction from Generic and Mathematical Domains with Deep Ensemble Learning
Authors: Vanetik Natalia , Litvak Marina
Published: October 2021

Definitions are extremely important for efficient learning of new materials. In particular, mathematical definitions are necessary for understanding mathematics-related areas. Automated extraction of definitions could be very useful for automated indexing educational materials, building taxonomies of relevant concepts, and more. For definitions that are contained within a single sentence, this problem can be viewed as a binary classification of sentences into definitions and non-definitions. In this paper, we focus on automatic detection of one-sentence definitions in mathematical and general texts. We experiment with different classification models arranged in an ensemble and applied to a sentence representation containing syntactic and semantic information, to classify sentences. Our ensemble model is applied to the data adjusted with oversampling. Our experiments demonstrate the superiority of our approach over state-of-the-art methods in both general and mathematical domains.
Pointwise k-Pseudo Metric Space
Authors: Zhong Yu , Šostak Alexander , Shi Fu-Gui
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the concept of a k-(quasi) pseudo metric is generalized to the L-fuzzy case, called a pointwise k-(quasi) pseudo metric, which is considered to be a map d:J(LX)×J(LX)⟶[0,∞) satisfying some conditions. What is more, it is proved that the category of pointwise k-pseudo metric spaces is isomorphic to the category of symmetric pointwise k-remote neighborhood ball spaces. Besides, some L-topological structures induced by a pointwise k-quasi-pseudo metric are obtained, including an L-quasi neighborhood system, an L-topology, an L-closure operator, an L-interior operator, and a pointwise quasi-uniformity.
Formulas, Algorithms and Examples for Binomial Distributed Data Confidence Interval Calculation: Excess Risk, Relative Risk and Odds Ratio
Authors: Jäntschi Lorentz
Published: October 2021

Medical studies often involve a comparison between two outcomes, each collected from a sample. The probability associated with, and confidence in the result of the study is of most importance, since one may argue that having been wrong with a percent could be what killed a patient. Sampling is usually done from a finite and discrete population and it follows a Bernoulli trial, leading to a contingency of two binomially distributed samples (better known as 2×2 contingency table). Current guidelines recommend reporting relative measures of association (such as the relative risk and odds ratio) in conjunction with absolute measures of association (which include risk difference or excess risk). Because the distribution is discrete, the evaluation of the exact confidence interval for either of those measures of association is a mathematical challenge. Some alternate scenarios were analyzed (continuous vs. discrete; hypergeometric vs. binomial), and in the main case—bivariate binomial experiment—a strategy for providing exact p-values and confidence intervals is proposed. Algorithms implementing the strategy are given.
The Fear of Covid-19 Scale (FCV-19S) in Spain: Adaptation and Confirmatory Evidence of Construct and Concurrent Validity
Authors: Espejo Begoña , Checa Irene
Published: October 2021

Fear of the coronavirus has important implications on mental health. In western countries, a significant degree of vaccination has been achieved, but in Spain, less than 75% of the population has received both doses. The current situation is still seen as a threat by many people. Therefore, it is important to have reliable and valid measurement instruments to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the population. In this study, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale has been adapted to Spain, and its psychometric properties have been studied in a Spanish sample using Structural Equation Modeling. This methodology allows obtaining more reliable estimates, regardless of the measurement scale of the variables. The unifactorial structure was confirmed. The correlations with Neuroticism were statistically significant, and the concurrent validity structural equation model yielded good fit indices. However, neither age nor belonging to a risk group directly predict fear of the coronavirus in this sample, but gender and neuroticism are direct predictors. Likewise, neuroticism mediates the relationship between age and fear of COVID-19, and between gender and fear of COVID-19. So being young and being a woman show high scores on neuroticism, leading to their most intense fear of COVID-19. With this reliable and valid measurement instrument, it will be possible to assess the degree of fear of the coronavirus in the Spanish population and improve psychological interventions.
A Fuzzy Evaluation Model Aimed at Smaller-the-Better-Type Quality Characteristics
Authors: Chen Kuen-Suan , Huang Tsun-Hung
Published: October 2021

Numerous key components of tool machines possess critical smaller-the-better-type quality characteristics. Under the assumption of normality, a one-to-one mathematical relationship exists between the process quality index and the process yield. Therefore, this paper utilized the index to produce a quality fuzzy evaluation model aimed at the small-the-better-type quality characteristics and adopted the model as a decision-making basis for improvement. First, we derived the 100(1 −α)% confidence region of the process mean and process standard deviation. Next, we obtained the 100(1 −α)% confidence interval of the quality index using the mathematical programming method. Furthermore, a one-tailed fuzzy testing method based on this confidence interval was proposed, aiming to assess the process quality. In addition, enterprises’ pursuit of rapid response often results in small sample sizes. Since the evaluation model is built on the basis of the confidence interval, not only can it diminish the risk of wrong judgment due to sampling errors, but it also can enhance the accuracy of evaluations for small sample sizes.
Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer Model for Nano-Bioconvection Stratified MHD Flow through an Elastic Surface: A Successive Relaxation Approach
Authors: Shahid Anwar , Mohamed Mohamed S. , Bhatti Muhammad Mubashir , Doranehgard Mohammad Hossein
Published: October 2021

The present study deals with the Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer model for bioconvection-stratified nanofluid flow through a porous elastic surface. The mathematical modeling for MHD nanofluid flow with motile gyrotactic microorganisms is formulated under the influence of an inclined magnetic field, Brownian motion, thermophoresis, viscous dissipation, Joule heating, and stratifi-cation. In addition, the momentum equation is formulated using the Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer model. Using similarity transforms, governing partial differential equations are reconstructed into ordinary differential equations. The spectral relaxation method (SRM) is used to solve the nonlinear coupled differential equations. The SRM is a straightforward technique to develop, because it is based on decoupling the system of equations and then integrating the coupled system using the Chebyshev pseudo-spectral method to obtain the required results. The numerical interpretation of SRM is admirable because it establishes a system of equations that sequentially solve by providing the results of the first equation into the next equation. The numerical results of temperature, velocity, concentration, and motile microorganism density profiles are presented with graphical curves and tables for all the governing parametric quantities. A numerical comparison of the SRM with the previously investigated work is also shown in tables, which demonstrate excellent agreement.
Stochastic Analysis of the RT-PCR Process in Single-Cell RNA-Seq
Authors: Vázquez-Jiménez Aarón , Resendis-Antonio Osbaldo
Published: October 2021

The single-cell RNA-seq allows exploring the transcriptome for one cell at a time. By doing so, cellular regulation is pictured. One limitation is the dropout events phenomenon, where a gene is observed at a low or moderate expression level in one cell but not detected in another. Dropouts obscure legitimate biological heterogeneity leading to the description of a small fraction of the meaningful relations. We used a stochastic approach to model the Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) kinetic, in which we contemplated the temperature profile, RT-PCR duration, and reaction rates. By studying the underlying biochemical processes of RT-PCR, using a computational and analytical framework, we show a minimal amount of RNA to avoid dropout events. We further use this fact to characterize the limits in the dispersion reduction. Dispersion asymptotically decreases as the RNA initial value increases. Despite always being a basal dispersion, their decreasing speed is modulated mainly by the degradation rates, particularly for the RNA. We concluded that the critical step into the RT-PCR is the RT phase due to the fragile nature of the RNA. We propose that limiting RNA degradation might ensure that the portraited transcriptional landscape is unbiased by technical error.
Experiments with Fuzzy Methods for Forecasting Time Series as Alternatives to Classical Methods
Authors: Oancea Bogdan , Pospíšil Richard , Jula Marius Nicolae , Imbrișcă Cosmin-Ionuț
Published: October 2021

Even though forecasting methods have advanced in the last few decades, economists still face a simple question: which prediction method gives the most accurate results? Econometric forecasting methods can deal with different types of time series and have good results, but in specific cases, they may fail to provide accurate predictions. Recently, new techniques borrowed from the soft computing area were adopted for economic forecasting. Starting from the importance of economic forecasts, we present an experimental study where we compared the accuracy of some of the most used econometric forecasting methods, namely the simple exponential smoothing, Holt and ARIMA methods, with that of two new methods based on the concept of fuzzy time series. We used a set of time series extracted from the Eurostat database and the R software for all data processing. The results of the experiments show that despite not being fully superior to the econometric techniques, the fuzzy time series forecasting methods could be considered as an alternative for specific time series.
Potential Biomedical Applications of Collagen Filaments derived from the Marine Demosponges Ircinia oros (Schmidt, 1864) and Sarcotragus foetidus (Schmidt, 1862)
Authors: Pozzolini Marina , Tassara Eleonora , Dodero Andrea , Castellano Maila , Vicini Silvia , Ferrando Sara , Aicardi Stefano , Cavallo Dario , Bertolino Marco , Petrenko Iaroslav , Ehrlich Hermann , Giovine Marco
Published: October 2021

Collagen filaments derived from the two marine demosponges Ircinia oros and Sarcotragus foetidus were for the first time isolated, biochemically characterised and tested for their potential use in regenerative medicine. SDS-PAGE of isolated filaments revealed a main collagen subunit band of 130 kDa in both of the samples under study. DSC analysis on 2D membranes produced with collagenous sponge filaments showed higher thermal stability than commercial mammalian-derived collagen membranes. Dynamic mechanical and thermal analysis attested that the membranes obtained from filaments of S. foetidus were more resistant and stable at the rising temperature, compared to the ones derived from filaments of I. oros. Moreover, the former has higher stability in saline and in collagenase solutions and evident antioxidant activity. Conversely, their water binding capacity results were lower than that of membranes obtained from I. oros. Adhesion and proliferation tests using L929 fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes resulted in a remarkable biocompatibility of both developed membrane models, and gene expression analysis showed an evident up-regulation of ECM-related genes. Finally, membranes from I. oros significantly increased type I collagen gene expression and its release in the culture medium. The findings here reported strongly suggest the biotechnological potential of these collagenous structures of poriferan origin as scaffolds for wound healing.
ARTP Mutagenesis of Schizochytrium sp. PKU#Mn4 and Clethodim-Based Mutant Screening for Enhanced Docosahexaenoic Acid Accumulation
Authors: Liu Lu , Bai Mohan , Zhang Sai , Li Jiantao , Liu Xianhua , Sen Biswarup , Wang Guangyi
Published: October 2021

Schizochytrium species are one of the best oleaginous thraustochytrids for high-yield production of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6). However, the DHA yields from most wild-type (WT) strains of Schizochytrium are unsatisfactory for large-scale production. In this study, we applied the atmospheric and room-temperature plasma (ARTP) tool to obtain the mutant library of a previously isolated strain of Schizochytrium (i.e., PKU#Mn4). Two rounds of ARTP mutagenesis coupled with the acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor (clethodim)-based screening yielded the mutant A78 that not only displayed better growth, glucose uptake and ACCase activity, but also increased (54.1%) DHA content than that of the WT strain. Subsequent optimization of medium components and supplementation improved the DHA content by 75.5 and 37.2%, respectively, compared with that of mutant A78 cultivated in the unoptimized medium. Interestingly, the ACCase activity of mutant A78 in a medium supplemented with biotin, citric acid or sodium citrate was significantly greater than that in a medium without supplementation. This study provides an effective bioengineering approach for improving the DHA accumulation in oleaginous microbes.
Effects of Post Heat Treatments on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Selective Laser Melted Ti6Al4V Alloy
Authors: Liu Jianwen , Liu Jie , Li Yixin , Zhang Ruifeng , Zeng Zhuoran , Zhu Yuman , Zhang Kai , Huang Aijun
Published: October 2021

The unique thermal history of selective laser melting (SLM) can lead to high residual stress and a non-equilibrium state in as-fabricated titanium alloy components and hinders their extensive use. Post heat treatment, as a classical and effective way, could transform non-equilibrium α’ martensite and achieves desirable mechanical performance in SLMed Ti alloys. In this study, we aimed to establish the correlation between the microstructure and mechanical performances of SLMed Ti6Al4V (Ti-64) by using different heat treatment processes. The columnar prior β grain morphology and grain boundary α phase (GB-α) after different heat treatment processes were characterized, with their influences on the tensile property anisotropy fully investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation of the fracture surface and its cross-sectional analysis found that the tensile properties, especially the ductility, were affected by the GB-α along the β grain boundary. Furthermore, the discontinuous ratio of GB-α was firstly proposed to quantitatively predict the anisotropic ductility in SLMed Ti-64. This study provides a step forward for achieving the mechanical property manipulation of SLMed Ti-64 parts.
Defining Acute Coronary Syndrome through Metabolomics
Authors: Surendran Arun , Atefi Negar , Zhang Hannah , Aliani Michel , Ravandi Amir
Published: October 2021

As an emerging platform technology, metabolomics offers new insights into the pathomechanisms associated with complex disease conditions, including cardiovascular diseases. It also facilitates assessing the risk of developing the disease before its clinical manifestation. For this reason, metabolomics is of growing interest for understanding the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), finding new biomarkers of ACS, and its associated risk management. Metabolomics-based studies in ACS have already demonstrated immense potential for biomarker discovery and mechanistic insights by identifying metabolomic signatures (e.g., branched-chain amino acids, acylcarnitines, lysophosphatidylcholines) associated with disease progression. Herein, we discuss the various metabolomics approaches and the challenges involved in metabolic profiling, focusing on ACS. Special attention has been paid to the clinical studies of metabolomics and lipidomics in ACS, with an emphasis on ischemia/reperfusion injury.
A Systematic Review of Metabolite-to-Drug Ratios of Pharmaceuticals in Hair for Forensic Investigations
Authors: Rygaard Karen , Linnet Kristian , Johansen Sys Stybe
Published: October 2021

After ingestion, consumed drugs and their metabolites are incorporated into hair, which has a long detection window, ranging up to months. Therefore, in addition to conventional blood and urine analyses, hair analysis can provide useful information on long-term drug exposure. Meta-bolite-to-drug (MD) ratios are helpful in interpreting hair results, as they provide useful information on drug metabolism and can be used to distinguish drug use from external contamination, which is otherwise a limitation in hair analysis. Despite this, the MD ratios of a wide range of pharmaceuticals have scarcely been explored. This review aims to provide an overview of MD ratios in hair in a range of pharmaceuticals of interest to forensic toxicology, such as antipsychotic drugs, antidepressant drugs, benzodiazepines, common opiates/opioids, etc. The factors influencing the ratio were evaluated. MD ratios of 41 pharmaceuticals were reported from almost 100 studies. MD ratios below 1 were frequently reported, indicating higher concentrations of the parent pharmaceutical than of its metabolite in hair, but wide-ranging MD ratios of the majority of pharmaceuticals were found. Intra- and interindividual differences and compound properties were variables possibly contributing to this. This overview presents guidance for future comparison and evaluation of MD ratios of pharmaceuticals.
Mechanical Synchronization of MEMS Electrostatically Driven Coupled Beam Filters
Authors: Syms Richard , Bouchaala Adam
Published: October 2021

Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) bandpass filters based on arrays of electrostatically driven coupled beams have been demonstrated at MHz frequencies. High performance follows from the high Q-factor of mechanical resonators, and electrostatic transduction allows tuning, matching and actuation. For high-order filters, there is a conflict between the transduction mechanism and the coupling arrangement needed for dynamic synchronization: it is not possible to achieve synchronization and tuning simultaneously using a single voltage. Here we propose a general solution, based on the addition of mass-loaded beams at the ends of the array. These beams deflect for direct current (DC) voltages, and therefore allow electrostatic tuning, but do not respond to in-band alternating current (AC) voltages and hence do not interfere with synchronization. Spurious modes generated by these beams may be damped, leaving a good approximation to the desired response. The approach is introduced using a lumped element model and verified using stiffness matrix and finite element models for in-plane arrays with parallel plate drives and shown to be tolerant of the exact mass value. The principle may allow compensation of fabrication-induced variations in complex filters.
Improvement in Hydriding and Dehydriding Features of Mg–TaF5–VCl3 Alloy by Adding Ni and x wt% MgH2 (x = 1, 5, and 10) Together with TaF5 and VCl3
Authors: Kwak Young-Jun , Song Myoung-Youp
Published: October 2021

In our previous work, TaF5 and VCl3 were added to Mg, leading to the preparation of samples with good hydriding and dehydriding properties. In this work, Ni was added together with TaF5 and VCl3 to increase the reaction rates with hydrogen and the hydrogen-storage capacity of Mg. The addition of Ni together with TaF5 and VCl3 improved the hydriding and dehydriding properties of the TaF5 and VCl3-added Mg. MgH2 was also added with Ni, TaF5, and VCl3 and Mg-x wt% MgH2-1.25 wt% Ni-1.25 wt% TaF5-1.25 wt% VCl3 (x = 0, 1, 5, and 10) were prepared by reactive mechanical milling. The addition of MgH2 decreased the particle size, lowered the temperature at which hydrogen begins to release rapidly, and increased the hydriding and dehydriding rates for the first 5 min. Adding 1 and 5 wt% MgH2 increased the quantity of hydrogen absorbed for 60 min, Ha (60 min), and the quantity of hydrogen released for 60 min, Hd (60 min). The addition of MgH2 improved the hydriding–dehydriding cycling performance. Among the samples, the sample with x = 5 had the highest hydriding and dehydriding rates for the first 5 min and the best cycling performance, with an effective hydrogen-storage capacity of 6.65 wt%.
Network-on-Chip Irregular Topology Optimization for Real-Time and Non-Real-Time Applications
Authors: Oliveira Samuel da Silva , Carvalho Bruno Motta de , Kreutz Márcio Eduardo
Published: October 2021

Network-on-Chip is a good approach to working on intra-chip communication. Networks with irregular topologies may be better suited for specific applications because of their architectural nature. A good design space exploration can help the design of the network to obtain more optimized topologies. This paper proposes a way of optimizing networks with irregular topologies through the use of a genetic algorithm. The network proposed here has heterogeneous routers that aim to optimize the network and support applications with real-time tasks. The goal is to find networks that are optimized for average latency and percentage of real-time packets delivered within the deadline. The results show that we have been able to find networks that can deliver all the real-time packets, obtain acceptable latency values, and shrink the chip area.
Solution for Mass Production of High-Throughput Digital Microfluidic Chip Based on a-Si TFT with In-Pixel Boost Circuit
Authors: Qin Feng , Zhang Kaidi , Lin Baiquan , Su Ping , Jia Zhenyu , Xi Kerui , Ye Jiandong , Gu Shulin
Published: October 2021

As one of the most popular research hotspot of lab-on-chip, digital microfluidic (DMF) technology based on the principle of electrowetting has unique advantages of high-precision, low cost and programmable control. However, due to the limitation of electrodes number, the throughput is hard to further upgrade. Therefore, active matrix electrowetting-on-dielectric (AM-EWOD) technology is a solution to acquire larger scale of driving electrodes. However, the process of manufacturing of AM-EWOD based on thin-film-transistor (TFT) is complex and expensive. Besides, the driving voltage of DMF chip is usually much higher than that of common display products.In this paper, a solution for mass production of AM-EWOD based on amorphous silicon (a-Si) is provided. Samples of 32 × 32 matrix AM-EWOD chips was designed and manufactured. A boost circuit was integrated into the pixel, which can raise the pixel voltage up by about 50%. Customized designed Printed Circuit Board (PCB) was used to supply the timing signals and driving voltage to make the motion of droplets programmable. The process of moving, mixing and generation of droplets was demonstrated.The minimum voltage in need was about 20 V and a velocity of up to 96 mm/s was achieved. Such an DMF device with large-scale matrix and low driving voltage will be very suitable for POCT applications.
Development of an Automated, Non-Enzymatic Nucleic Acid Amplification Test
Authors: Zimmers Zackary A. , Boyd Alexander D. , Stepp Hannah E. , Adams Nicholas M. , Haselton Frederick R.
Published: October 2021

Among nucleic acid diagnostic strategies, non-enzymatic tests are the most promising for application at the point of care in low-resource settings. They remain relatively under-utilized, however, due to inadequate sensitivity. Inspired by a recent demonstration of a highly-sensitive dumbbell DNA amplification strategy, we developed an automated, self-contained assay for detection of target DNA. In this new diagnostic platform, called the automated Pi-powered looping oligonucleotide transporter, magnetic beads capture the target DNA and are then loaded into a microfluidic reaction cassette along with the other reaction solutions. A stepper motor controls the motion of the cassette relative to an external magnetic field, which moves the magnetic beads through the reaction solutions automatically. Real-time fluorescence is used to measure the accumulation of dumbbells on the magnetic bead surface. Left-handed DNA dumbbells produce a distinct signal which reflects the level of non-specific amplification, acting as an internal control. The autoPiLOT assay detected as little as 5 fM target DNA, and was also successfully applied to the detection of S. mansoni DNA. The autoPiLOT design is a novel step forward in the development of a sensitive, user-friendly, low-resource, non-enzymatic diagnostic test.
Performance Evaluation of a Magnetically Driven Microrobot for Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Cai Zhuocong , Fu Qiang , Zhang Songyuan , Fan Chunliu , Zhang Xi , Guo Jian , Guo Shuxiang
Published: October 2021

Given that the current microrobot cannot achieve fixed-point and quantitative drug application in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, a targeted drug delivery microrobot is proposed, and its principle and characteristics are studied. Through the control of an external magnetic field, it can actively move to the affected area to realize the targeted drug delivery function. The microrobot has a cam structure connected with a radially magnetized permanent magnet, which can realize two movement modes: movement and targeted drug delivery. Firstly, the magnetic actuated capsule microrobotic system (MACMS) is analyzed. Secondly, the dynamic model and quantitative drug delivery model of the targeted drug delivery microrobot driven by the spiral jet structure are established, and the motion characteristics of the targeted drug delivery microrobot are simulated and analyzed by the method of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Finally, the whole process of the targeted drug delivery task of the microrobot is simulated. The results show that the targeted drug delivery microrobot can realize basic movements such as forward, backward, fixed-point parking and drug delivery through external magnetic field control, which lays the foundation for gastrointestinal diagnosis and treatment.
Simultaneous Droplet Generation with In-Series Droplet T-Junctions Induced by Gravity-Induced Flow
Authors: Bajgiran Khashayar R. , Cordova Alejandro S. , Elkhanoufi Riad , Dorman James A. , Melvin Adam T.
Published: October 2021

Droplet microfluidics offers a wide range of applications, including high-throughput drug screening and single-cell DNA amplification. However, these platforms are often limited to single-input conditions that prevent them from analyzing multiple input parameters (e.g., combined cellular treatments) in a single experiment. Droplet multiplexing will result in higher overall throughput, lowering cost of fabrication, and cutting down the hands-on time in number of applications such as single-cell analysis. Additionally, while lab-on-a-chip fabrication costs have decreased in recent years, the syringe pumps required for generating droplets of uniform shape and size remain cost-prohibitive for researchers interested in utilizing droplet microfluidics. This work investigates the potential of simultaneously generating droplets from a series of three in-line T-junctions utilizing gravity-driven flow to produce consistent, well-defined droplets. Implementing reservoirs with equal heights produced inconsistent flow rates that increased as a function of the distance between the aqueous inlets and the oil inlet. Optimizing the three reservoir heights identified that taller reservoirs were needed for aqueous inlets closer to the oil inlet. Studying the relationship between the ratio of oil-to-water flow rates (Φ) found that increasing Φ resulted in smaller droplets and an enhanced droplet generation rate. An ANOVA was performed on droplet diameter to confirm no significant difference in droplet size from the three different aqueous inlets. The work described here offers an alternative approach to multiplexed droplet microfluidic devices allowing for the high-throughput interrogation of three sample conditions in a single device. It also has provided an alternative method to induce droplet formation that does not require multiple syringe pumps.
Full Assignment of Ab-Initio Raman Spectra at Finite Temperatures Using Wannier Polarizabilities: Application to Cyclohexane Molecule in Gas Phase
Authors: Partovi-Azar Pouya , Kühne Thomas D.
Published: October 2021

We demonstrate how to fully ascribe Raman peaks simulated using ab initio molecular dynamics to specific vibrations in the structure at finite temperatures by means of Wannier functions. Here, we adopt our newly introduced method for the simulation of the Raman spectra in which the total polarizability of the system is expressed as a sum over Wannier polarizabilities. The assignment is then based on the calculation of partial Raman activities arising from self- and/or cross-correlations between different types of Wannier functions in the system. Different types of Wannier functions can be distinguished based on their spatial spread. To demonstrate the predictive power of this approach, we applied it to the case of a cyclohexane molecule in the gas phase and were able to fully assign the simulated Raman peaks.
Improvement and Optimization of Electromagnetic Integrated Scanning Micromirror
Authors: Chen Liang , Gu Wenwen
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the effect of driving system on working performance of electromagnetic integrated scanning micromirror (ISM) is studied. To further improve the optimization design of the electromagnetic ISM, the detailed theoretical analysis, simulation analysis, and experimental test are carried out, respectively. By changing the force form and external magnetic field of the device, the mechanical scanning angle, driving voltage, and resonant frequency of the electromagnetic ISM will be changed accordingly, and then the change of the working performance of the ISM is explored. Through the optimization analysis and comparative test, the optimal design scheme of driving system is obtained, and the effect of driving system on the working performance of the electromagnetic ISM is verified. The experimental results show that by optimizing the structure of the driving system, the mechanical scanning angle of the electromagnetic ISM is increased by about 20%, and the driving voltage is decreased about 10% observably, and the working performance of the electromagnetic ISM is significantly improved. The research results have important significance and practical application value for the extended application of the electromagnetic ISM in the field of optical detection.
Low-Temperature Flexible Micro Hydrogen Sensor Embedded in a Proton Battery for Real-Time Microscopic Diagnosis
Authors: Lee Chi-Yuan , Chen Chia-Hung , Yang Chin-Yuan , Cheong John-Shong , Chien Yun-Hsiu , Lin Yi-Chuan
Published: October 2021

The proton battery is a very novel emerging research area with practicability. The proton battery has charging and discharging functions. It not only electrolyzes water: the electrolyzed protons can be stored but also released, which are combined with oxygen to generate electricity, and the hydrogen is not required; the hydrogen ions will be released from the battery. According to the latest document, the multiple important physical parameters (e.g., hydrogen, voltage, current, temperature, humidity, and flow) inside the proton battery are unlikely to be obtained accurately and the multiple important physical parameters mutually influence the data; they have critical effects on the performance, life, and health status of the proton battery. At present, the proton battery is measured only from the outside to indirectly diagnose the health status of battery; the actual situation inside the proton battery cannot be obtained instantly and accurately. This study uses micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology to develop a low-temperature micro hydrogen sensor, which is used for monitoring the internal condition of the proton battery and judging whether or not there is hydrogen leakage, so as to enhance the safety.
3D NoC Low-Power Mapping Optimization Based on Improved Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Gan Yu , Guo Hong , Zhou Ziheng
Published: October 2021

Power optimization is an important part of network-on-chip(NoC) design. This paper proposes an improved algorithm based on genetic algorithm on how to properly map IP (Intellectual Property) cores to 3D NoC. First, in view of the randomness of the traditional genetic algorithm in individual selection, an improved greedy algorithm is used in the initial population generation stage to make the generated individuals reach the optimal. Secondly, in view of the weak local optimization ability of the traditional genetic algorithm and prone to premature problems, the simulated annealing algorithm is added in the crossover operation stage to make the offspring reach the global optimum. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional genetic algorithm, the algorithm has better convergence and low power consumption performance, which can quickly search for a better solution, in the case of a large number of cores (124 IP cores), the average power consumption can be reduced by 42.2%.
Research and Development of Parameter Extraction Approaches for Memristor Models
Authors: Zhevnenko Dmitry Alexeevich , Meshchaninov Fedor Pavlovich , Kozhevnikov Vladislav Sergeevich , Shamin Evgeniy Sergeevich , Telminov Oleg Alexandrovich , Gornev Evgeniy Sergeevich
Published: October 2021

Memristors are among the most promising devices for building neural processors and non-volatile memory. One circuit design stage involves modeling, which includes the option of memristor models. The most common approach is the use of compact models, the accuracy of which is often determined by the accuracy of their parameter extraction from experiment results. In this paper, a review of existing extraction methods was performed and new parameter extraction algorithms for an adaptive compact model were proposed. The effectiveness of the developed methods was confirmed for the volt-ampere characteristic of a memristor with a vertical structure: TiN/HfxAl1−xOy/HfO2/TiN.
An Anisotropic Equivalent Thermal Model for Shield Differential Through-Silicon Vias
Authors: Shan Guangbao , Li Guoliang , Chen Dongdong , Yang Zifeng , Li Di , Yang Yintang
Published: October 2021

An accurate equivalent thermal model is proposed to calculate the equivalent thermal conductivity (ETC) of shield differential through-silicon via (SDTSV). The mathematical expressions of ETC in both horizontal and vertical directions are deduced by considering the anisotropy of SDTSV. The accuracy of the proposed model is verified by the finite element method (FEM), and the average errors of temperature along the X-axis, Y-axis, diagonal line, and vertical directions are 1.37%, 3.42%, 1.76%, and 0.40%, respectively. Compared with COMSOL, the proposed model greatly improves the computational efficiency. Moreover, the effects of different parameters on the thermal distribution of SDTSV are also investigated. The thermal conductivity is decreased with the increase in thickness of SiO2. With the increase in pitch, the maximum temperature of SDTSV increases very slowly when β = 0° , and decreases very slowly when β = 90°. The proposed model can be used to accurately and quickly describe the thermal distribution of SDTSV, which has a great prospect in the design of 3D IC.
Analysis of Bacteriohopanoids from Thermophilic Bacteria by Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kolouchová Irena , Timkina Elizaveta , Maťátková Olga , Kyselová Lucie , Řezanka Tomáš
Published: October 2021

Background: Hopanoids modify plasma membrane properties in bacteria and are often compared to sterols that modulate membrane fluidity in eukaryotes. In some microorganisms, they can also allow adaptations to extreme environments. Methods: Hopanoids were identified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry in fourteen strains of thermophilic bacteria belonging to five genera, i.e., Alicyclobacillus, Brevibacillus, Geobacillus, Meiothermus, and Thermus. The bacteria were cultivated at temperatures from 42 to 70 °C. Results: Regardless of the source of origin, the strains have the same tendency to adapt the hopanoid content depending on the cultivation temperature. In the case of aminopentol, its content increases; aminotetrol does not show a significant change; and in the case of aminotriol the content decreases by almost a third. The content of bacteriohopanetetrol and bacteriohopanetetrol glycoside decreases with increasing temperature, while in the case of adenosylhopane the opposite trend was found. Conclusions: Changes in hopanoid content can be explained by increased biosynthesis, where adenosylhopane is the first intermediate in the biosynthesis of the hopanoid side chain.
Dietary Microencapsulated Blend of Organic Acids and Plant Essential Oils Affects Intestinal Morphology and Microbiome of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Huyben David , Chiasson Marcia , Lumsden John S. , Pham Phuc H. , Chowdhury Mohiuddin A. Kabir
Published: October 2021

A study was conducted on 500 juvenile rainbow trout (122 ± 4 g) fed either a control diet or a treatment diet containing 300 mg/kg of a microencapsulated blend of organic acids and essential oils to elucidate effects on intestinal morphology and microbiome. Proximal intestinal villi length was significantly increased in fish fed the treatment diet. Despite no differences in gut inflammation scores, edema, lamina propria inflammation and apoptosis were completely absent in the distal intestine of fish fed the treatment diet. Next-generation sequencing of the 16S rDNA showed no differences in alpha and beta diversity, and gut bacteria were mainly composed of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. On the genus level, LefSe analysis of indicator OTUs showed Bacteroides, Sporosarcina, Veillonella, Aeromonas and Acinetobacter were associated with the control diet whereas Streptococcus, Fusobacterium and Escherichia were associated with the treatment diet. Aeromonas hydrophila and Acinetobacter spp. are opportunistic pathogens and several strains have been found to be resistant to antibiotics. The increase in villi length and reduction of specific pathogens indicates that feeding a microencapsulated blend of organic acids and essential oils improves gut health and may serve as a part of an effective strategy to reduce antibiotic use in aquaculture.
Risk Factors for Gut Dysbiosis in Early Life
Authors: Parkin Kimberley , Christophersen Claus T. , Verhasselt Valerie , Cooper Matthew N. , Martino David
Published: October 2021

Dysbiosis refers to a reduction in microbial diversity, combined with a loss of beneficial taxa, and an increase in pathogenic microorganisms. Dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota can have a substantial effect on the nervous and immune systems, contributing to the onset of several inflammatory diseases. Epidemiological studies provided insight in how changes in the living environment have contributed to an overall loss of diversity and key taxa in the gut microbiome, coinciding with increased reports of atopy and allergic diseases. The gut microbiome begins development at birth, with major transition periods occurring around the commencement of breastfeeding, and the introduction of solid foods. As such, the development of the gut microbiome remains highly plastic and easily influenced by environmental factors until around three years of age. Developing a diverse and rich gut microbiome during this sensitive period is crucial to setting up a stable gut microbiome into adulthood and to prevent gut dysbiosis. Currently, the delivery route, antibiotic exposure, and diet are the best studied drivers of gut microbiome development, as well as risk factors of gut dysbiosis during infancy. This review focuses on recent evidence regarding key environmental factors that contribute to promoting gut dysbiosis.
Development and Application of a gp60-Based Subtyping Tool for Cryptosporidium bovis
Authors: Wang Weijian , Wan Muchun , Yang Fang , Li Na , Xiao Lihua , Feng Yaoyu , Guo Yaqiong
Published: October 2021

Cryptosporidium bovis is a common enteric pathogen in bovine animals. The research on transmission characteristics of the pathogen is hampered by the lack of subtyping tools. In this study, we retrieve the nucleotide sequence of the 60 kDa glycoprotein (GP60) from the whole genome sequences of C. bovis we obtained previously and analyze its sequence characteristics. Despite a typical structure of the GP60 protein, the GP60 of C. bovis had only 19.3–45.3% sequence identity to those of other Cryptosporidium species. On the basis of the gene sequence, a subtype typing tool was developed for C. bovis and used in the analysis of 486 C. bovis samples from dairy cattle, yaks, beef cattle, and water buffalos from China. Sixty-eight sequence types were identified from 260 subtyped samples, forming six subtype families, namely XXVIa to XXVIf. The mosaic sequence patterns among subtype families and the 121 potential recombination events identified among the sequences both suggest the occurrence of genetic recombination at the locus. No obvious host adaptation and geographic differences in the distribution of subtype families were observed. Most farms with more extensive sampling had more than one subtype family, and the dominant subtype families on a farm appeared to differ between pre- and post-weaned calves, indicating the likely occurrence of multiple episodes of C. bovis infections. There was an association between XXVId infection and occurrence of moderate diarrhea in dairy cattle. The subtyping tool developed and the data generated in the study might improve our knowledge of the genetic diversity and transmission of C. bovis.
Fermentation Supernatants of Pleurotus eryngii Mushroom Ameliorate Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Caco-2 Cells via Upregulation of Tight Junctions
Authors: Saxami Georgia , Kerezoudi Evangelia N. , Mitsou Evdokia K. , Koutrotsios Georgios , Zervakis Georgios I. , Pletsa Vasiliki , Kyriacou Adamantini
Published: October 2021

In recent years, modulation of gut microbiota through prebiotics has garnered interest as a potential to ameliorate intestinal barrier dysfunction. The aim of the study was to examine the in vitro effect of fermentation supernatants (FSs) from rich in β-glucan Pleurotus eryngii mushrooms on the expression levels of tight junctions (TJs) genes in Caco-2 cells stimulated by bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Mushrooms were fermented using fecal inocula in an in vitro batch culture model. Caco-2 cells were subjected to LPS and FS treatment under three different conditions: pre-incubation with FS, co- and post-incubation. Reverse transcription PCR was applied to measure the expression levels of zonulin-1, occludin and claudin-1 genes. FSs from P. eryngii mushrooms led to a significant upregulation of the TJs gene expression in pre-incubation state, indicating potential preventive action. Down-regulation of all TJs gene expression levels was observed when the cells were challenged with LPS. The FS negative control (gut microbiota of each donor with no carbohydrate source) exhibited a significant upregulation of TJs expression levels compared to the cells that were challenged with LPS, for all three conditions. Overall, our data highlighted the positive and potential protective effects of P. eryngii mushrooms in upregulation of TJs’ genes.
Diversity and Activity of Sulfate-Reducing Prokaryotes in Kamchatka Hot Springs
Authors: Frolov Evgenii N. , Gololobova Alexandra V. , Klyukina Alexandra A. , Bonch-Osmolovskaya Elizaveta A. , Pimenov Nikolay V. , Chernyh Nikolay A. , Merkel Alexander Y.
Published: October 2021

Microbial communities of the Kamchatka Peninsula terrestrial hot springs were studied using radioisotopic and cultural approaches, as well as by the amplification and sequencing of dsrB and 16S rRNA genes fragments. Radioisotopic experiments with 35S-labeled sulfate showed that microbial communities of the Kamchatka hot springs are actively reducing sulfate. Both the cultivation experiments and the results of dsrB and 16S rRNA genes fragments analyses indicated the presence of microorganisms participating in the reductive part of the sulfur cycle. It was found that sulfate-reducing prokaryotes (SRP) belonging to Desulfobacterota, Nitrospirota and Firmicutes phyla inhabited neutral and slightly acidic hot springs, while bacteria of phylum Thermodesulofobiota preferred moderately acidic hot springs. In high-temperature acidic springs sulfate reduction was mediated by archaea of the phylum Crenarchaeota, chemoorganoheterotrophic representatives of genus Vulcanisaeta being the most probable candidates. The 16S rRNA taxonomic profiling showed that in most of the studied communities SRP was present only as a minor component. Only in one microbial community, the representatives of genus Vulcanisaeta comprised a significant group. Thus, in spite of comparatively low sulfate concentrations in terrestrial hot springs of the Kamchatka, phylogenetically and metabolically diverse groups of sulfate-reducing prokaryotes are operating there coupling carbon and sulfur cycles in these habitats.
The Influence of Above-Ground Herbivory on the Response of Arctic Soil Methanotrophs to Increasing CH4 Concentrations and Temperatures
Authors: Rainer Edda M. , Seppey Christophe V. W. , Hammer Caroline , Svenning Mette M. , Tveit Alexander T.
Published: October 2021

Rising temperatures in the Arctic affect soil microorganisms, herbivores, and peatland vegetation, thus directly and indirectly influencing microbial CH4 production. It is not currently known how methanotrophs in Arctic peat respond to combined changes in temperature, CH4 concentration, and vegetation. We studied methanotroph responses to temperature and CH4 concentration in peat exposed to herbivory and protected by exclosures. The methanotroph activity was assessed by CH4 oxidation rate measurements using peat soil microcosms and a pure culture of Methylobacter tundripaludum SV96, qPCR, and sequencing of pmoA transcripts. Elevated CH4 concentrations led to higher CH4 oxidation rates both in grazed and exclosed peat soils, but the strongest response was observed in grazed peat soils. Furthermore, the relative transcriptional activities of different methanotroph community members were affected by the CH4 concentrations. While transcriptional responses to low CH4 concentrations were more prevalent in grazed peat soils, responses to high CH4 concentrations were more prevalent in exclosed peat soils. We observed no significant methanotroph responses to increasing temperatures. We conclude that methanotroph communities in these peat soils respond to changes in the CH4 concentration depending on their previous exposure to grazing. This “conditioning” influences which strains will thrive and, therefore, determines the function of the methanotroph community.