bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of nitrogen molecules on the growth kinetics at the interface between a (111) plane of cubic ice and water
Authors: Nada Hiroki
Published: August 2022

The molecular-scale growth kinetics of ice from water in the presence of air molecules are still poorly understood, despite their importance for understanding ice particle formation in nature. In this study, a molecular dynamics simulation is conducted to elucidate the molecular-scale growth kinetics at the interface between a (111) plane of cubic ice and water in the presence of N2 molecules. Two potential models of N2 molecules with and without atomic charges are examined. For both models, N2 molecules bind stably to the interface for a period of 1 ns or longer, and the stability of the binding is higher for the charged model than for the noncharged model. Free-energy surfaces of an N2 molecule along the interface and along an ideal (111) plane surface of cubic ice suggest that for both models, the position where an N2 molecule binds stably is different at the interface and on the ideal plane surface, and the stability of the binding is much higher for the interface than for the ideal plane surface. For both models, stacking-disordered ice grows at the interface, and the formation probability of a hexagonal ice layer in the stacking-disordered ice is higher for the charged model than for the uncharged model. The formation probability for the hexagonal ice layer in the stacking-disordered ice depends not only on the stability of binding but also on the positions where N2 molecules bind to the underlying ice and the number of N2 molecules that bind stably to the underlying ice.
Assessment of kinetic theory for gas–solid flows using discrete particle method
Authors: He Mingming , Zhao Bidan , Xu Ji , Kong Lingkai , Wang Junwu
Published: August 2022

Kinetic theory is a common choice for closing the solid phase stress in the continuum theory for dilute and moderate dense gas–solid flows. In this article, methods are proposed for postprocessing the data obtained from discrete particle simulations, and the results are then used to critically assess the fundamental assumptions of kinetic theory. It is shown that (i) the fundamental assumptions and predictions of kinetic theory are, respectively, valid and accurate in homogeneous granular flows, as expected. Those results prove that the methods for data postprocessing are effective; (ii) in the case of nonequilibrium and heterogeneous gas–solid flows, nearly all fundamental assumptions get challenged, and the predictions of kinetic theory, in terms of collision frequency and particle pressure, deviate significantly from the statistical results of discrete particle simulation. Therefore, the standard kinetic theory is insufficient to provide the constitutive laws for continuum modeling of heterogeneous gas–solid flows.
Vale Beth Gott, AM, MSc (Melb), PhD (Lond.) Plant Physiologist, Ethnobotanist, Teacher (25 July 1922 to 8 July 2022)
Authors: Hallam Neil D. , Williams Richard J.
Published: August 2022

Dr Beth Gott, a legendary Australian botanist, passed away recently aged 99. Her contribution to botanical research and teaching was exceptional, at Universities in Australia, the UK, the USA and Hong Kong. Her pioneering studies in the use of native plants by Australian aboriginal peoples are classics of the ethnobotanical literature.
Effect of paternal smoking on pre-implantation embryonic development: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Frappier Jean , Martinaud Aurélie , Barberet Julie , Bruno Céline , Guilleman Magali , Amblot Céline , Guilloteau Adrien , Fauque Patricia
Published: August 2022

Context Recent studies have failed to demonstrate the negative impact of male tobacco smoking on embryo development, raising the question of its actual implication on natural fecundity and assisted reproductive techniques outcomes. Aims To assess the impact of paternal smoking on embryo development. Methods In this prospective cohort study, 252 men from couples undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) were included. Each patient was interviewed and took a carbon monoxide breath-test, creating three groups: non-smokers (n = 113), former smokers (n = 81) and active smokers (n = 58). The Top-grade embryo ratio (primary endpoint), embryo morphokinetic parameters and clinical outcomes were assessed. Key results In a multivariate analyses based on 1521 embryos, no significant difference was found in the top-grade embryo ratio between the groups. Tobacco smoking had no impact on clinical outcomes. Compared to non-smokers the time to the pronuclei fading (tPNf, P = 0.006) and the time to the first embryonic cleavage (t2, P = 0.002) were shorter in smokers, and the t2 was also slightly shorter in former smokers (P = 0.045). No other differences were found in the morphokinetic parameters. Conclusion Even if a few differences were observed in the first timing of embryonic events, this study did not highlight a major embryonic and clinical impact of the paternal smoking status. Implication The results obtained here are reassuring towards IVF outcomes. As maternal smoking is highly controlled in the IVF patients in this study, we speculate that the sperm selection process may limit the adverse effects of tobacco consumption on embryo development.
Auxin regulates source-sink carbohydrate partitioning and reproductive organ development in rice
Authors: Zhao Zhigang , Wang Chaolong , Yu Xiaowen , Tian Yunlu , Wang Wenxin , Zhang Yunhui , Bai Wenting , Yang Ning , Zhang Tao , Zheng Hai , Wang Qiming , Lu Jiayu , Lei Dekun , He Xiaodong , Chen Keyi , Gao Junwen , Liu Xi , Liu Shijia , Jiang Ling , Wang Haiyang , Wan Jianmin
Published: August 2022

Carbohydrate partitioning between the source and sink tissues plays an important role in regulating plant growth and development. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating this process remain poorly understood. In this study, we show that elevated auxin levels in the rice
dao
mutant cause increased accumulation of sucrose in the photosynthetic leaves but reduced sucrose content in the reproductive organs (particularly in the lodicules, anthers, and ovaries), leading to closed spikelets, indehiscent anthers, and parthenocarpic seeds. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the expression of
AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 18
(
OsARF18
) and
OsARF2
is significantly up- and down-regulated, respectively, in the lodicule of
dao
mutant. Overexpression of
OsARF18
or knocking out of
OsARF2
phenocopies the
dao
mutant. We demonstrate that OsARF2 regulates the expression of
OsSUT1
through direct binding to the sugar-responsive elements (SuREs) in the
OsSUT1
promoter and that OsARF18 represses the expression of
OsARF2
and
OsSUT1
via direct binding to the auxin-responsive element (AuxRE) or SuRE in their promoters, respectively. Furthermore, overexpression of
OsSUT1
in the
dao
and
Osarf2
mutant backgrounds could largely rescue the spikelets’ opening and seed-setting defects. Collectively, our results reveal an auxin signaling cascade regulating source-sink carbohydrate partitioning and reproductive organ development in rice.
A TNF receptor 2 agonist ameliorates neuropathology and improves cognition in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model
Authors: Ortí-Casañ Natalia , Zuhorn Inge S. , Naudé Petrus J. W. , De Deyn Peter P. , van Schaik Pauline E. M. , Wajant Harald , Eisel Ulrich L. M.
Published: August 2022

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a pleiotropic, proinflammatory cytokine related to different neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although the linkage between increased TNF-α levels and AD is widely recognized, TNF-α–neutralizing therapies have failed to treat AD. Previous research has associated this with the antithetic functions of the two TNF receptors, TNF receptor 1, associated with inflammation and apoptosis, and TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2), associated with neuroprotection. In our study, we investigated the effects of specifically stimulating TNFR2 with a TNFR2 agonist (NewStar2) in a transgenic Aβ-overexpressing mouse model of AD by administering NewStar2 in two different ways: centrally, via implantation of osmotic pumps, or systemically by intraperitoneal injections. We found that both centrally and systemically administered NewStar2 resulted in a drastic reduction in amyloid β deposition and β-secretase 1 expression levels. Moreover, activation of TNFR2 increased microglial and astrocytic activation and promoted the uptake and degradation of Aβ. Finally, cognitive functions were also improved after NewStar2 treatment. Our results demonstrate that activation of TNFR2 mitigates Aβ-induced cognitive deficits and neuropathology in an AD mouse model and indicates that TNFR2 stimulation might be a potential treatment for AD.
The dielectric function profile across the water interface through surface-specific vibrational spectroscopy and simulations
Authors: Chiang Kuo-Yang , Seki Takakazu , Yu Chun-Chieh , Ohto Tatsuhiko , Hunger Johannes , Bonn Mischa , Nagata Yuki
Published: August 2022

The dielectric properties of interfacial water on subnanometer length scales govern chemical reactions, carrier transfer, and ion transport at interfaces. Yet, the nature of the interfacial dielectric function has remained under debate as it is challenging to access the interfacial dielectric with subnanometer resolution. Here we use the vibrational response of interfacial water molecules probed using surface-specific sum-frequency generation (SFG) spectra to obtain exquisite depth resolution. Different responses originate from water molecules at different depths and report back on the local interfacial dielectric environment via their spectral amplitudes. From experimental and simulated SFG spectra at the air/water interface, we find that the interfacial dielectric constant changes drastically across an ∼1 Å thin interfacial water region. The strong gradient of the interfacial dielectric constant leads, at charged planar interfaces, to the formation of an electric triple layer that goes beyond the standard double-layer model.
Nucleation of the destruction complex on the centrosome accelerates degradation of β-catenin and regulates Wnt signal transmission
Authors: Lach Ryan S. , Qiu Chongxu , Kajbaf Erfan Zeyaei , Baxter Naomi , Han Dasol , Wang Alex , Lock Hannah , Chirikian Orlando , Pruitt Beth , Wilson Maxwell Z.
Published: August 2022

Wnt signal transduction is controlled by the destruction complex (DC), a condensate comprising scaffold proteins and kinases that regulate β-catenin stability. Overexpressed DC scaffolds undergo liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS), but DC mesoscale organization at endogenous expression levels and its role in β-catenin processing were previously unknown. Here, we find that DC LLPS is nucleated by the centrosome. Through a combination of CRISPR-engineered custom fluorescent tags, finite element simulations, and optogenetic tools that allow for manipulation of DC concentration and multivalency, we find that centrosomal nucleation drives processing of β-catenin by colocalizing DC components to a single reaction crucible. Enriching GSK3β partitioning on the centrosome controls β-catenin processing and prevents Wnt-driven embryonic stem cell differentiation to mesoderm. Our findings demonstrate the role of nucleators in controlling biomolecular condensates and suggest tight integration between Wnt signal transduction and the cell cycle.
Structural basis of lipoprotein recognition by the bacterial Lol trafficking chaperone LolA
Authors: Kaplan Elise , Greene Nicholas P. , Jepson Abigail E. , Koronakis Vassilis
Published: August 2022

In gram-negative bacteria, lipoproteins are vital structural components of the outer membrane (OM) and crucial elements of machineries central to the physiology of the cell envelope. A dedicated apparatus, the Lol system, is required for the correct localization of OM lipoproteins and is essential for viability. The periplasmic chaperone LolA is central to this trafficking pathway, accepting triacylated lipoproteins from the inner membrane transporter LolCDE, before carrying them across the periplasm to the OM receptor LolB. Here, we report a crystal structure of liganded LolA, generated in vivo, revealing the molecular details of lipoprotein association. The structure highlights how LolA, initially primed to receive lipoprotein by interaction with LolC, further opens to accommodate the three ligand acyl chains in a precise conformation within its cavity. LolA forms extensive interactions with the acyl chains but not with any residue of the cargo, explaining the chaperone’s ability to transport structurally diverse lipoproteins. Structural characterization of a ligandedLolA variant incapable of lipoprotein release reveals aberrant association, demonstrating the importance of the LolCDE-coordinated, sequential opening of LolA for inserting lipoprotein in a manner productive for subsequent trafficking. Comparison with existing structures of LolA in complex with LolC or LolCDE reveals substantial overlap of the lipoprotein and LolC binding sites within the LolA cavity, demonstrating that insertion of lipoprotein acyl chains physically disengages the chaperone protein from the transporter by perturbing interaction with LolC. Taken together, our data provide a key step toward a complete understanding of a fundamentally important trafficking pathway.
Dopamine facilitates Al2O3 film growth on polyethylene terephthalate by low-temperature plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Yan Chi , Liu Cui , Ye Xiaojun , Yuan Xiao , Li Hongbo
Published: August 2022

Polymeric materials, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), are widely used in various fields because of their beneficial properties. Functional films are deposited on these materials through different approaches, such as plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD), to enhance their performance and prolong their life span. However, the inert and thermally fragile nature of most polymers hinders deposition. We developed a strategy for the PEALD of nanoscale Al2O3 films on PET substrates. First, a PET substrate is subjected to alkali treatment, which gives it basic hydrophilicity for the subsequent dopamine modification. After 24 h of dopamine deposition, the substrate shows adequate active sites (phenolic hydroxyl groups), which can chemisorb large amounts of precursor during the initial deposition. The island growth mode was observed during the PEALD processes. We analyzed the detailed chemical components of Al2O3 on alkali-treated PET and dopamine-modified PET. After 100 cycles of deposition, the Al2O3 films on both samples contained much hydrogen. Benefitting from the more active sites, we observed more continuous Al2O3 film on dopamine-modified PET, which exhibited excellent water vapor blocking performance. Our findings suggest that dopamine could act as a ‘bridge’ between polymers and PEALD functional films.
Wiener Filtration Algorithm of an Ensemble Pulsar Timescale Based on a Power-law Model of Pulsar Power Spectrum
Authors: Yang Ting-Gao , Tong Ming-Lei , Gao Yu-Ping
Published: August 2022

An ensemble pulsar timescale derived from the traditional Wiener filtration still contains some high level noise. To improve this situation we developed a Wiener filtration algorithm of the ensemble pulsar timescale based on a power-law model of power spectrum for pulsars. Our algorithm has three strengths: (1) mitigating spectral leakage between frequency bins for Fourier techniques; (2) using a power-law model for power spectrum; (3) signal realization in original residuals of data set by the power-law model. According to improved algorithm we constructed an ensemble pulsar timescale EPT−TAI using timing data with respect to International Atomic Time (TAI) about 16 yr time span of ten pulsars from International Pulsar Timing Array second data release (version A). The results show that EPT−TAI detected correctly the differences TT(BIPM2015)−TAI between terrestrial time TT(BIPM2015) and TAI. Fractional frequency stability σ

z
analysis shows that EPT−TAI does not indicate red noise for 16 yr time interval, and fractional frequency stability for 8 yr and longer time intervals is slightly better than that of TT(BIPM2015)−TAI. Stability for short time intervals of TT(BIPM2015)−TAI is better than that of EPT−TAI, but TT(BIPM2015)−TAI shows red noise for longer time intervals. Using the same algorithm we also derived an ensemble pulsar timescale EPT−TT(BIPM2015) with respect to TT(BIPM2015). The fractional frequency stability curve of EPT−TT(BIPM2015) shows similar characteristics as that of EPT−TAI but with slightly lower values.
Numerical Simulation of Acoustic Scattering by a Rotating Cylinder Based on the Enhanced Optimized Scheme
Authors: Yuan Siqi , Ma Ruixuan , Wu Conghai , Zhang Shuhai
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we develop a new physical model which involves a Taylor vortex around a rotating cylinder. The scattering of sound waves from this new model is investigated by solving the linearized Euler equations under the polar coordinate system in the time domain. We use the enhanced optimized scheme for numerical simulations. Numerical results show that scattering causes a change in the spatial distribution of sound energy as the sound wave passes through a rotating cylinder. The directionality of the scattered field varies significantly with the length ratio of the acoustic wavelength to the radius of the rotating cylinder and the vortex intensity. The influences of the ratio and the strength on the directivities and intensities of scattered fields are analyzed. It is shown that the intensity of the scattering cross-section increases with the strength of the vortex. The pressure of the scattered sound fields has a phase shift induced by the couple scattering from the cylinder and the vortex.
Research on the Influence of Sliding Piece Gap on Dredging Performance and Installation Technology Improvement
Authors: Liu Mingming , Hu Jingzhao , Zhuang Haifei , Yang Chunlei
Published: August 2022

In order to ensure the gap between the sliding piece of trailing suction hopper dredger and the hull suction to meet the operation requirements, taking a 4500 m3 trailing suction hopper dredger and a 12888 m3 trailing suction hopper dredger as examples, the solid-liquid two-phase flow method was used to simulate and analyze the influence of different gap between sliding piece and the hull suction on the dredging performance. On this basis, the sliding piece installation procedure was improved and successfully applied to a 6500 m3 trailing suction hopper dredger. The results indicate that the gap has a great influence on the production. The larger the gap, the lower the production and the stronger the non-uniformity of flow field distribution; When the gap is less than 4 mm, the production reduction rate is slow, and the dredging production decreases by about 2% when the gap is 2 mm,. When the gap is more than 4 mm, the dredging production decreases linearly with the increase of the gap. The application effect of the improved sliding piece installation technology is better, and the maximum gap of the sliding piece of the 6500 m3 trailing suction hopper dredger is only 0.45 mm, which meets the needs of dredging engineering.
Study the Effect of SEN Depth on Jet Flow and Level Fluctuation under Permanent Magnet Controlling in Continuous Casting Mould by Numerical Simulation
Authors: Han Zefeng , Wang Engang , Xu Lin
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a new method named permanent magnet controlling mould to get majorization flow pattern and suppress fluctuation of free surface was proposed. The effect of permanent magnet controlling on the molten steel in the continuous casting process is simulated by using k-ε turbulence model. The features of permanent magnetic field and flow field inside a 1450 mm × 230 mm mould with combined permanent magnets have been calculated. The calculated results showed that the magnetic field generated by combined permanent magnets could take over both meniscus region and jet flow impingement region. Additionally, Lorentz force generated by the combined permanent magnets can effectively control the upper vortex and suppress the level fluctuation. With the SEN depth increasing, the fluctuation of free surface becomes more stable. However, the lower vortex core gets into the deeper of the slab.
Numerical Simulation of Solid-Liquid Two-Phase Flow in Non-Clog Pump
Authors: Gao Xiongfa , Wang Junhua , Lu Hongzhong , Shi Weidong , Duan Junli , Meng Wanli , Jin Jiamin
Published: August 2022

This paper mainly based on the CFD numerical simulation method to analyze the solid-liquid two-phase flow of the vortex pump. Three kinds of solid-phase volume concentration and three solid-phase particle diameters were given respectively to carry out the numerical simulation of solid-liquid two-phase flow in the internal flow field of the pump. The distribution of solid particles in the impeller and the lateral cavity were analyzed to study the influence of different solid-phase particle diameters and solid-phase particle concentrations on the pump performance. The results showed that there was no obvious concentration distribution at the junction area between blades and hub. The solid phase concentration on the back is lower than that on the working face. Due to the characteristics of circulating flow in the vortex pump, some particles enter the lateral cavity from the blade working face, and some particles enter the blade back face from the lateral cavity under the action of low pressure on the back and circulating flow. Solid particles are mainly distributed in the center of the cavity and are circularly distributed. The overall fluctuation of the solid phase slip velocity on the working face is not large, while the magnitude of the solid phase slip velocity on the back is relatively disordered.
Hydraulic Structure Design of Changzhou Fishway Based on Optimization Calculation of Hydrodynamic Model
Authors: Ji Rui , Li Jing , Chen Bingsen
Published: August 2022

The Changzhou Water Conservancy Project is the first large-scale water conservancy project above the Pearl River Estuary, and its location is extremely important. This section of the river has historically been the main channel for the migration and fattening of various fishes in the Pearl River system; in order to meet the requirements of fish in this section, protect these rare fishes and achieve sustainable development and ecological balance of biological diversity. Purpose, it was decided to build a fish building structure and fish channel in the Cheung Chau Water Conservancy Project. The Cheung Chau Fishway has a total length of 1423 m, and the water head difference between the upstream and downstream is 15 m. It is the first large-scale fishway designed in China. The water head difference of domestic fishways is generally below 5.0 m, and there is very little experience to learn from. Since there was not much successful experience in the domestic fishway at that time, and the domestic fishway construction has been out of gear for nearly 30 years, through the safety appraisal and evaluation of the Cheung Chau fishway during the operation period, valuable opinions were summarized, which will be an important reference for future projects. The experience can be used as a reference for similar projects and promotion.
Research on the Performance on Frost-Free Air Source Heat Pump with Waste Heat Desorption
Authors: Zhao Zhaorui , Yuan Hao , Gao Sen , Tian Yafen
Published: August 2022

For the novel frost-free air source heat pump system (FASHP), the compressor waste heat is used to assist desorption for the desiccant on the surface of the desiccant coated heat exchange (DCHE). It can promote the desorption efficiency of the DCHE in the FASHP and reduce the energy loss, which means the improvement of the stability and performance. In this paper, a DCHE model is established, and its accuracy is verified through experimental data. The model is then used to analyze the effect of working conditions and structural parameters on the adsorption rate, desorption rate, heat exchange and proportion of latent heat in the adsorption and desorption processes. The results show that the latent heat ratio is higher, the heat exchange of the DCHE is lower and the system performance is better when the temperature of the analytical circulating air increases and the velocity decreases to 25 °C/0.5 m/s. In addition, the performance is greatly affected by the fin length and width. With the increase of parameters, the heat exchange and proportion of latent heat can be increased to 115.9 J and 69.0%.
New Paper-based Microfluidic Analytical Devices for Kojic Acid Assay Based on Double-sided Adhesive Tape
Authors: Wang Jian , Hu Jing , Xiao Bo , Yang Tong , He Jingye , Yu Peng
Published: August 2022

Kojic acid is an antioxidant used by the cosmetics industry but the excessive usage of kojic acid may cause harm to human health. Therefore, it is important to detect the content of kojic acid in cosmetic products. In this work, the low-cost and simple paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) based on double-sided adhesive tape were developed for the colorimetric detection of kojic acid. The μPADs were fabricated by dissolving double-sided adhesive tape in toluene and then making the patterned adhesive tape penetrate into the filer paper. Ferric nitrate was used as the reagent to react with kojic acid, and the product of their chelating reaction caused the color change from colorless to orange-red. The ImageJ software was used to analyze the color intensity and the corresponding correction curve was determined. The μPADs for the detection of kojic acid exhibited a wide linear range (0.05 - 4 mM) and the detectable limit was 0.05 mM. The good selectivity and reproducibility were also demonstrated.
Discussion about the Relationship between Coating Life and Cathodic Protection Current Density of Offshore Pipeline
Authors: Li Xue , Wang Dan , Dong Changsuo , Jiang Weimin , Sun Jie
Published: August 2022

This article studies characteristics of 3LPE external coating material and cathodic protection technology for offshore pipeline firstly, analysis the mechanism of cathodic disbondment and specified properties, carries out cathodic disbonding tests base on different cathodic protection current density applied on coated samples at given temperature, and then analyses the relationship between coating failure life and index of cathodic protection using Arrhenius model and inverse power law model, puts forward a recommended maximal cathodic protection current density for offshore pipeline at a certain design life of coating.
Preparation and Characterization of Fluorine-free Superhydrophobic and UV-resistant Cotton Fabric
Authors: Liu Runlian , He Pingping , Xiao Zhongwei , Li Shiwei , Bi Shuguang
Published: August 2022

In this work, the superhydrophobic and UV-resistant cotton fabrics were fabricated via combining the nano titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silicone oil. The nano-TiO2 makes cotton fabrics possess outstanding ultraviolet (UV) resistance property, while increases the micro and nano size rough structure on the surface of cotton fabric. Then the cotton fabric was hydrophobically treated with silicone oil to make it superhydrophobic. The chemical constituents, structures, superhydrophobic and UV-resistant performance of cotton fabrics were analyzed. The cotton fabric treated with titanium dioxide and silicone oil not only showed excellent superhydrophobicity, but also displayed good UV-resistant ability. Water contact angle and UPF value can reach 161.32° and 55.17 respectively. Such multifunctional cotton fabric has broad commercial application prospects.
A Motion Control Simulation Based on Predictive Model
Authors: Li Chao , Huang Gang , Hao Zhongyang , Liu Cheng
Published: August 2022

How to improve target tracking efficiency, how to track targets with different motion forms, and establish target motion models are the main research directions. This paper expounds a motion control algorithm based on the prediction model. By establishing the motion equation and prediction model of the target, setting the estimated parameters, optimizing the initial value setting, and predicting the motion state of the target, the simulation analysis based on MATLAB is completed. The simulation results show that the motion control algorithm based on the prediction model has good robustness and real-time performance, realizes the feedback control closed-loop of “prediction-error-correction-prediction”, and can effectively reduce the real-time calculation amount of target tracking. Good target tracking accuracy.
Power Transformer Fault Detection Based on Improved Capsule Coverage Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhang Ying , Si Xinhua , Yu Zhibin
Published: August 2022

In the process of transformer fault detection, oil chromatographic analysis is usually used to observe the change of the dissolved gas content in the transformer oil, warn and judge the internal fault of the transformer. However, in the actual monitoring environment, there inevitably are the problems of missing data, redundancy, and uncertain dimensions. In order to solve the problem of low recognition efficiency or even incorrect recognition caused by the above problems in transformer fault detection, the idea of nuclear is introduced to the improved capsule coverage algorithm. The experimental results obtained by this improved algorithm indicate that the optimized capsule coverage algorithm can realize the accurate identification of transformer faults, it can not only improve the fault maintenance efficiency, but also ensure the transformer has a good power supply level, which is beneficial to improve the construction of national comprehensive power grid.
Research on Reservoir Operation Rules Extraction Based on Decision Tree and Its Ensemble Model
Authors: Dai Ling , Luo Guanglei
Published: August 2022

Reservoir operation rules, as an important tool to guide reservoir operation, are not only the decision-making reference in the period of reservoir planning and design, but also one of the key technologies affecting the comprehensive benefits of the reservoir in the stage of operation and management. Therefore, the reservoir operation rules extraction method based on decision tree and its ensemble model was proposed in this paper. The time index, early water level, inflow, outflow and current inflow were selected to form the input factor set with the reservoir scheduling principle. Comprehensively considering the characteristics of operation data and the principle of decision tree, reservoir water level at the end of period was determined as the model output and then the corresponding simulated water level evaluation index was proposed based on the reservoir regulation capacity. Furthermore, in view of the difficulties in selecting input factors and calibrating the hyperparameters of models, the F test method and mutual information were used as the correlation evaluation index of model input factors, and the Tree-structured Parzen Estimator was introduced. Finally, the proposed methods were applied in Ahai and Ertan Reservoirs, the results showed that the extracted operation rules have high precision, which demonstrated the proposed methods is practicable and effective in the reservoir operation rule extraction.
Kinematics and Dynamics Simulation of a Stewart Platform
Authors: Liang Fengchao , Tan Shuang , Zhao Xiaolin , Fan Jiankai , Lin Zhe , Shi Zhicheng , Kang Xiaojun
Published: August 2022

Position and orientation adjustment of the secondary mirror is one of the effective ways to improve the image quality of space camera. In order to optimize the structural design of a 6-DOF Stewart platform for secondary mirror, simulation method of kinematics and dynamics of parallel manipulator based on virtual prototyping technology was studied. Firstly, the ADAMS parametric model and inverse mathematical model are built. Secondly, theory analysis of inverse kinematics of Stewart platform was performed, and the analytical results of inverse kinematics were obtained by mathematical modeling. Thirdly, simulation of inverse kinematics run in ADAMS after the virtual prototype of parallel manipulator was established. The simulation results in ADAMS and analysis results are consistent, which proved the correctness of the virtual prototype model. Lastly, the kinematics and inverse dynamics simulation were realized by driving each strut using result of inverse kinematics. The analysis method of kinematics and dynamics of parallel manipulator provided a theoretical basis for optimizing design of a Stewart platform.
Understanding of IoT smart home environment based on the transformation of domestic interior spatial morphology: Case study of Beijing families
Authors: Yao Yanhua
Published: August 2022

There are two difficulties in designing a future home for urban dwellers. First is the uneven understanding between the physical built environment and everyday activities led by technological development. Second is the vague understanding between family living culture and the spatial arrangement of a dwelling. The invention of new digital technologies, such as big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and internet of things (IoT), has entirely transformed the lifestyle of urban dwellers. The gap between technology promotion in urban living environments and knowledge of living environment structures has raised the question of how smart homes could be designed in future cities. Therefore, in this paper, I examine the transformation of dwelling interior morphology for Beijing families. Five typical families are selected from 30 family samples according to the time of residence, original housing typology, family structure and occupations. The distinctiveness of family culture and spatio-temporal distribution of domestic activities could be found in the 1980s between five families, which tend to be influenced by the macro changes socially, economically, politically and technologically. The nature of IoT smart home environments and the communication between devices builds a context-awareness system based on technology. I argue that the smartness of homes could be achieved without a cultural perspective, which raises the question of design strategy for future IoT smart homes.
Upscaling of a reaction-diffusion-convection problem with exploding non-linear drift
Authors: Raveendran Vishnu , Cirillo Emilio , Muntean Adrian
Published: August 2022

We study a reaction-diffusion-convection problem with non-linear drift posed in a domain with periodically arranged obstacles. The non-linearity in the drift is linked to the hydrodynamic limit of a totally asymmetric simple exclusion process (TASEP) governing a population of interacting particles crossing a domain with obstacle. Because of the imposed large drift scaling, this non-linearity is expected to explode in the limit of a vanishing scaling parameter. As main working techniques, we employ two-scale formal homogenization asymptotics with drift to derive the corresponding upscaled model equations as well as the structure of the effective transport tensors. Finally, we use Schauder’s fixed point theorem as well as monotonicity arguments to study the weak solvability of the upscaled model posed in an unbounded domain. This study wants to contribute with theoretical understanding needed when designing thin composite materials that are resistant to high velocity impacts.
On stability for semilinear generalized Rayleigh-Stokes equation involving delays
Authors: Lan Do , Tuan Pham
Published: August 2022

We consider a functional semilinear Rayleigh-Stokes equation involving fractional derivative. Our aim is to analyze some circumstances, in those the global solvability, and asymptotic behavior of solutions are addressed. By establishing a Halanay type inequality, we show the dissipativity and asymptotic stability of solutions to our problem. In addition, we prove the existence of a compact set of decay solutions by using local estimates and fixed point arguments.
Tangent normalization for somatic copy-number inference in cancer genome analysis
Authors: Gao Galen F , Oh Coyin , Saksena Gordon , Deng Davy , Westlake Lindsay C , Hill Barbara A , Reich Michael , Schumacher Steven E , Berger Ashton C , Carter Scott L , Cherniack Andrew D , Meyerson Matthew , Tabak Barbara , Beroukhim Rameen , Getz Gad
Published: August 2022

Motivation

Somatic copy-number alterations (SCNAs) play an important role in cancer development. Systematic noise in sequencing and array data present a significant challenge to the inference of SCNAs for cancer genome analyses. As part of The Cancer Genome Atlas, the Broad Institute Genome Characterization Center developed the Tangent normalization method to generate copy-number profiles using data from single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays and whole-exome sequencing (WES) technologies for over 10 000 pairs of tumors and matched normal samples. Here, we describe the Tangent method, which uses a unique linear combination of normal samples as a reference for each tumor sample, to subtract systematic errors that vary across samples. We also describe a modification of Tangent, called Pseudo-Tangent, which enables denoising through comparisons between tumor profiles when few normal samples are available.

Results

Tangent normalization substantially increases signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) compared to conventional normalization methods in both SNP array and WES analyses. Tangent and Pseudo-Tangent normalizations improve the SNR by reducing noise with minimal effect on signal and exceed the contribution of other steps in the analysis such as choice of segmentation algorithm. Tangent and Pseudo-Tangent are broadly applicable and enable more accurate inference of SCNAs from DNA sequencing and array data.

Availability and implementation

Tangent is available at https://github.com/broadinstitute/tangent and as a Docker image (https://hub.docker.com/r/broadinstitute/tangent). Tangent is also the normalization method for the copy-number pipeline in Genome Analysis Toolkit 4 (GATK4).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The formation mechanism and homeostasis of extrachromosomal DNA
Authors: Tao Yifang , Ning Qian , Wang Zewei , Tang Nanyang , Zhao Xuhong , Tang Shengsong
Published: August 2022

Extrachromosomal DNA, referred to as extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA), was found in most cancers and nearly absent in normal cells. The properties of ecDNA enable tumor cells to be more responsive to various environments. The non-Mendelian genetic mechanism of ecDNA could arouse increasing tumor heterogeneity. Besides, ecDNA would promote tumor invasiveness and provide resistance mechanisms associated with poorer survival consequences. Furthermore, ecDNA could profoundly impact oncogene activation, genome instability, tumor heterogeneity, etc. Consequently, they may offer potential possibilities for tumor diagnosis and therapeutics. We primarily reviewed the classification, several primary formation mechanisms, homeostasis maintenance and frontier progress of ecDNA and late emphasized its fundamental roles in tumorigenesis and put forward some new insights.
Effect of Repeat Vaccination on Immunogenicity of Quadrivalent Cell-Culture and Recombinant Influenza Vaccines Among Healthcare Personnel Aged 18–64 Years: A Randomized, Open-Label Trial
Authors: Gaglani Manjusha , Kim Sara S , Naleway Allison L , Levine Min Z , Edwards Laura , Murthy Kempapura , Dunnigan Kayan , Zunie Tnelda , Groom Holly , Ball Sarah , Jeddy Zuha , Hunt Danielle , Wesley Meredith G , Sambhara Suryaprakash , Gangappa Shivaprakash , Grant Lauren , Cao Weiping , Gross F Liaini , Mishina Margarita , Fry Alicia M , Thompson Mark G , Dawood Fatimah S , Flannery Brendan
Published: August 2022

Background

Antibody responses to non–egg-based standard-dose cell-culture influenza vaccine (containing 15 µg hemagglutinin [HA]/component) and recombinant vaccine (containing 45 µg HA/component) during consecutive seasons have not been studied in the United States.

Methods

In a randomized trial of immunogenicity of quadrivalent influenza vaccines among healthcare personnel (HCP) aged 18–64 years over 2 consecutive seasons, HCP who received recombinant-HA influenza vaccine (RIV) or cell culture–based inactivated influenza vaccine (ccIIV) during the first season (year 1) were re-randomized the second season of 2019–2020 (year 2 [Y2]) to receive ccIIV or RIV, resulting in 4 ccIIV/RIV combinations. In Y2, hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers against reference cell–grown vaccine viruses were compared in each ccIIV/RIV group with titers among HCP randomized both seasons to receive egg-based, standard-dose inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) using geometric mean titer (GMT) ratios of Y2 post-vaccination titers.

Results

Y2 data from 414 HCP were analyzed per protocol. Compared with 60 IIV/IIV recipients, 74 RIV/RIV and 106 ccIIV/RIV recipients showed significantly elevated GMT ratios (Bonferroni corrected P < .007) against all components except A(H3N2). Post-vaccination GMT ratios for ccIIV/ccIIV and RIV/ccIIV were not significantly elevated compared with IIV/IIV except for RIV/ccIIV against A(H1N1)pdm09.

Conclusions

In adult HCP, receipt of RIV in 2 consecutive seasons or the second season was more immunogenic than consecutive egg-based IIV for 3 of the 4 components of quadrivalent vaccine. Immunogenicity of ccIIV/ccIIV was similar to that of IIV/IIV. Differences in HA antigen content may play a role in immunogenicity of influenza vaccination in consecutive seasons.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT03722589.
Infants Receiving Very Early Antiretroviral Therapy Have High CD4 Counts in the First Year of Life
Authors: Nelson Bryan S , Tierney Camlin , Persaud Deborah , Jao Jennifer , Cotton Mark F , Bryson Yvonne , Coletti Anne , Ruel Theodore D , Spector Stephen A , Reding Christina , Bacon Kira , Costello Diane , Perlowski Charlotte , Santos Cruz Maria Leticia , Kosgei Josphat , Majji Sai , Yin Dwight E , Jean-Philippe Patrick , Chadwick Ellen G ,   for the IMPAACT P1115 Team
Published: August 2022

We followed 54 infants with in utero HIV after initiating very early antiretroviral treatment. At weeks 24 and 48, ≥80% had CD4 ≥1500 cells/mm3 and CD4% ≥25%. Routine Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis in the first year of life may not be necessary for all very early treated infants.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02140255.
UMIErrorCorrect and UMIAnalyzer: Software for Consensus Read Generation, Error Correction, and Visualization Using Unique Molecular Identifiers
Authors: Österlund Tobias , Filges Stefan , Johansson Gustav , Ståhlberg Anders
Published: August 2022

Background

Targeted sequencing using unique molecular identifiers (UMIs) enables detection of rare variant alleles in challenging applications, such as cell-free DNA analysis from liquid biopsies. Standard bioinformatics pipelines for data processing and variant calling are not adapted for deep-sequencing data containing UMIs, are inflexible, and require multistep workflows or dedicated computing resources.

Methods

We developed a bioinformatics pipeline using Python and an R package for data analysis and visualization. To validate our pipeline, we analyzed cell-free DNA reference material with known mutant allele frequencies (0%, 0.125%, 0.25%, and 1%) and public data sets.

Results

We developed UMIErrorCorrect, a bioinformatics pipeline for analyzing sequencing data containing UMIs. UMIErrorCorrect only requires fastq files as inputs and performs alignment, UMI clustering, error correction, and variant calling. We also provide UMIAnalyzer, a graphical user interface, for data mining, visualization, variant interpretation, and report generation. UMIAnalyzer allows the user to adjust analysis parameters and study their effect on variant calling. We demonstrated the flexibility of UMIErrorCorrect by analyzing data from 4 different targeted sequencing protocols. We also show its ability to detect different mutant allele frequencies in standardized cell-free DNA reference material. UMIErrorCorrect outperformed existing pipelines for targeted UMI sequencing data in terms of variant detection sensitivity.

Conclusions

UMIErrorCorrect and UMIAnalyzer are comprehensive and customizable bioinformatics tools that can be applied to any type of library preparation protocol and enrichment chemistry using UMIs. Access to simple, generic, and open-source bioinformatics tools will facilitate the implementation of UMI-based sequencing approaches in basic research and clinical applications.
Unusual interventional treatment of a complex calcified coronary artery lesion in a child with Kawasaki disease: a case report
Authors: Mézier Anthony , Dauphin Claire , Souteyrand Géraud , Motreff Pascal
Published: August 2022

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a medium vessel vasculitis occurring in children, as yet of undetermined aetiology. KD can lead to severe complications such as coronary artery aneurysms, thrombosis, and sudden death. Monitoring of coronary anomalies is an important issue in the early phase of the disease, and their follow-up is based on different imaging methods. The interventional treatment of these coronary anomalies, which is often complex, is a therapeutic challenge.

Case summary

We are reporting the case of a four-year-old child who presented KD which was complicated by coronary aneurysm of the proximal left anterior descending artery and ectasia of the right coronary artery (RCA). These lesions progressively calcified and resulted at the age of 13 in chronic occlusion of the RCA. After confirmation of myocardial viability and myocardial ischaemia, a complex angioplasty guided by intracoronary imaging was performed using rotational atherectomy, a cutting balloon, and a high pressure balloon. The control coronary angiography performed 1 year later revealed two false aneurysm on the RCA at the angioplasty site, which were successfully treated with a covered stent.

Discussion

This case report describes the challenges of treating coronary artery abnormalities such as calcified coronary lesions in children with KD. The coronary intervention of these lesions remains complex and may lead to coronary rupture. We highlight the advantage of using intracoronary imaging in the management of these calcified lesions for successful revascularization, and to assess the complications of percutaneous coronary intervention.
Foreign investments and tariff protection revisited: correcting the trade balance of the Russian Empire, 1880–1913
Authors: Chuchko Marina
Published: August 2022

This article examines the accuracy of Russian foreign trade statistics between 1880 and 1913 and provides empirical evidence that prior to the introduction of the gold standard in 1897, Russia’s trade surplus was systematically understated. My novel trade data suggest a higher degree of protectionism with an increase of an ad valorem equivalent tariff up to 4 percentage points. Moreover, my corrections of the current account balance reduce the annual average deficit of the balance for 1885–1897 by 67 percent, supporting the idea that there was a substantial increase of foreign investments in the post-gold standard period in Russia.