bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ELECTROCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF TI45NB COATED WITH 63S BIOGLASS BY ELECTROPHORETIC DEPOSITION
Authors: UZUN YAKUP
Published: July 2023

In this study, analyses were carried out to investigate the structural, mechanical and electrochemical behaviors of untreated and bioglass (BG)-coated Ti45Nb materials. The samples were coated with a mixture of 63s BG powder and phosphate ester (PE) at concentrations of 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1 g using the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method. Then, the structural, mechanical, and electrochemical properties of the untreated and coated samples were determined and characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) devices. It was concluded that the 0.2 g coating provided resistance to corrosion for the Ti45Nb material more effectively than the others did.
On (distance) Laplacian characteristic polynomials of power graphs
Authors: Rather Bilal Ahmad , Bovdi Victor A. , Aouchiche Mustapha
Published: July 2023

The characteristic polynomials of the Laplacian and the distance Laplacian matrices of power graphs of groups of order [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are primes, are obtained. Further, the characteristic polynomials of these matrices for proper power graphs of cyclic and dicyclic groups are given. The important inequalities for the zeros of the distance Laplacian characteristic polynomials of power graphs of finite groups are presented in comments.
Analysis of Thin-Walled Beams via a One-Dimensional Unified Formulation Through a Navier-Type Solution
Authors: Giunta Gaetano , Biscani Fabio , Carrera Erasmo , Belouettar Salim
Published: July 2023

A unifying approach to formulate several axiomatic theories for beam structures is addressed in this paper. A [Formula: see text]-order polynomials approximation is assumed on the beam cross-section for the displacement unknown variables, being [Formula: see text] a free parameter of the formulation. Classical beam theories, such as Euler–Bernoulli’s and Timoshenko’s, are obtained as particular cases. According to the proposed unified formulation, the governing differential equations and the boundary conditions are derived in terms of a fundamental nucleo that does not depend upon the approximation order. The linear static analysis of thin-walled beams is carried out through a closed form, Navier-type solution. Simply supported beams are, therefore, presented. Box, C- and I-shaped cross-sections are accounted for. Slender and deep beams are investigated. Bending and torsional loadings are considered. Results are assessed toward three-dimensional finite element solutions. The numerical investigation has shown that the proposed unified formulation yields the complete three-dimensional displacement and stress fields for each cross-section as long as the appropriate approximation order is considered. The accuracy of the solution depends upon the geometrical parameters of the beam and the loading conditions.
Nanoarchitectonics of Oxygen-Vacancy BiOCl@Bi4O5Br2 Z-Type Heterojunctions with Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation Performance
Authors: Chen Piao , Zhang Xiaoyan , Li Xiongjian , Yang Yun , Yang Shuijin
Published: July 2023

Searching for a stable and efficient photocatalyst still presents a variety of challenges, when photocatalytic technology is widely used today. In this paper, oxygen-vacancy BiOCl with different masses was loaded on Bi4O5Br2 nanosheets by a simple two-step method. The UV–Dis spectrum showed that the absorption range of the complex to visible light was larger than that of the two pure substances. In addition, the PL, [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] and EIS characterization prove that the formation of heterogeneous interface between the two materials accelerated the charge transfer in the semiconductor, eventually making photocatalytic efficiency significantly increased. The results showed that the 1 wt.% Ov-BOC@BOB has the best degradation performance, which was seven and four times than that of Ov-BOC and BOB within 120 min, respectively. Free radical capture experiment further confirmed that the charge transfer between oxygen-vacancy BiOCl and Bi4O5Br2 conforms to the Z-type transfer mechanism, such a charge-transfer mechanism would leave behind strongly reducing electrons and strongly oxidizing holes, respectively. The degradation rate of ciprofloxacin (CIP) was not significantly reduced after five cycles of experiments, indicating that the compound had good stability. This study provides a feasible idea for exploring stable and efficient photocatalysts.
Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the effect of soil liquefaction on the seismic response of a single pile
Authors: Al-Jeznawi Duaa , Mohamed Jais I. B. , Albusoda Bushra S. , Alzabeebee Saif , Keawsawasvong Suraparb , Forcellini Davide
Published: July 2023

Soil liquefaction is considered as one of the most significant issues that leads to failure of shallow and deep foundations. However, the effect of liquefaction on the seismic response of piles still poorly understood. Therefore, this research examines the seismic response of a pile embedded in soil stratum of saturated fine-grained soils. Midas GTS/NX is used to carry out the number assessment. In addition, the modified UBCSAND soil constitutive model is used to depict the nonlinear features of saturated sand during earthquake waves. The developed three-dimensional model is first validated using the results of a shaking table test of a pile embedded in coarse-grained soil, where good agreement is obtained between the finite element model and the experimental results for the displacement, acceleration, and liquefaction ratio demonstrated good agreement. Furthermore, the orientations of the vectors produced by the numerical study, that matched a global circular flow characteristic, reflected the movement of the liquefied soil all around pile. The findings showed a considerable decrease in the pile frictional resistance during the seismic events as a consequence of increasing the pore water pressure and subsequent liquefaction. Regarding this, before the soil was entirely softened, resistance due to friction was observed near the ground, in correspondence with the loose sand layer. In addition, the pile showed excessive settling, which is due to the decrease of the soil stiffness caused by the increase of the pore water pressure. The results of this research provide an insight into the mechanism of the behavior of pile in saturated coarse-grained soils and thus, it helps to improve future research on the topic and also achieve better design of piles embedded in saturated coarse-grained soils.
Statistical Prediction of [CII] Observations by Constructing Probability Density Functions Using SOFIA, Herschel, and Spitzer Observations
Authors: Seo Young Min , Willacy Karen , Rebbapragada Umaa
Published: July 2023

We present a statistical algorithm for predicting the [CII] emission from Herschel and Spitzer continuum images using probability density functions (PDFs) between the [CII] emission and continuum emission. The [CII] emission at 158[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m is a critical tracer in studying the life cycle of interstellar medium and galaxy evolution. Unfortunately, its frequency is in the far-infrared (FIR), which is opaque through the troposphere and cannot be observed from the ground except for highly red-shifted sources ([Formula: see text]). Typically [CII] observations of closer regions have been carried out using suborbital or space observatories. Given the high cost of these facilities and limited time availability, it is important to have highly efficient observations/operations in terms of maximizing science returns. This requires accurate prediction of the strength of emission lines and, therefore, the time required for their observation. However, [CII] emission has been hard to predict due to a lack of strong correlations with other observables. Here we adopt a new approach to making accurate predictions of [CII] emission by relating this emission simultaneously to several tracers of dust emission in the same region. This is done using a statistical methodology utilizing PDFs among [CII] emission and Spitzer IRAC and Herschel PACS/SPIRE images. Our test result toward a star-forming region, RCW 120, demonstrates that our methodology delivers high-quality predictions with less than 30% uncertainties over 80% of the entire observation area, which is more than sufficient to test observation feasibility and maximize science return. The pickle dump files storing the PDFs and trained neural network module are accessible upon request and will support future FIR missions, for example, GUSTO and FIR Probe.
Low-Cost, Low-Loss, Ultra-Wideband Compact Feed for Interferometric Radio Telescopes
Authors: MacKay Vincent , Lai Mark , Shmerko Peter , Wulf Dallas , Belostotski Leonid , Vanderlinde Keith
Published: July 2023

We have developed, manufactured, and tested a new feed design for interferometric radio telescopes with “large-N, small-D” designs. Such arrays require low-cost and low-complexity feeds for mass production on reasonable timescales and budgets, and also require those feeds to be compact to minimize obstruction of the dishes, along with having ultra-wide frequency bands of operation for most current and future science goals. The feed presented in this paper modifies the exponentially tapered slot antenna (Vivaldi) and quad-ridged flared horn antenna designs by having an oversized backshort, a novel method of maintaining a small size that is well-suited for deeper dishes ([Formula: see text]). It is made of laser cut aluminum and printed circuit boards, such that it is inexpensive ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]USD per feed in large-scale production) and quick to build; it has a 5:1 frequency ratio, and its size is approximately a third of its longest operating wavelength. We present the science and engineering constraints that went into design decisions, the development and optimization process, and the simulated performance. A version of this feed design was optimized and fabricated for the Canadian Hydrogen Observatory and Radio-transient Detector (CHORD) prototypes. When simulated on CHORD’s very deep dishes ([Formula: see text]) and with CHORD’s custom first-stage amplifiers, the on-sky system temperature [Formula: see text] of the complete receiving system from dish to digitizer remains below 30[Formula: see text]K over most of the 0.3–1.5[Formula: see text]GHz band, and maintains an aperture efficiency [Formula: see text] between 0.4 and 0.6. The entire receiving chain operates at ambient temperature. The feed is designed to slightly under-illuminate the CHORD dishes, in order to minimize coupling between array elements and spillover.
Does the Value of Water-Related Ecosystem Services Capture Water Scarcity? Application to Rice Farming in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam?
Authors: My Nguyen H. D. , Kien Nguyen Duc , Hung Pham Xuan , Quynh Anh Le Thi
Published: July 2023

This study utilized the contingent valuation method to estimate the value of water-related ecosystem services (ES) in Vietnam, focusing on provisioning and regulating services for addressing water scarcity (WS) in rice farming. By incorporating gender and climate change perceptions, it expanded the existing literature on valuing river ecosystem services. The findings showed a significant number of households experiencing severe water scarcity in the past five years, with over 70% facing occasional or regular WS in the last 12 months. Rice farmers were willing to adopt coping measures and preventive practices to preserve water-related ES, recognizing their importance for sustaining rice cultivation. Farmers demonstrated willingness to contribute financially to restore and maintain water-related ES in rivers and canals. The median willingness to pay for restoration was VND188,300/ha, with estimated values of US$2,898,133 for a 10% affected area and US$23,185,068 for an 80% affected area over five years. Perception of WS severity and associated risk positively influenced households’ decisions to contribute financially. These findings have policy implications and provide insights for effective coping strategies against WS, enhancing water-resilient agriculture in the Lower Mekong Basin.
Urban Knowledge Graph Aided Mobile User Profiling
Authors: Liu Yu , Zhou Zhilun , Li Yong , Jin Depeng
Published: July 2023

Nowadays, the explosive growth of personalized web applications and the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology have flourished the recent research on mobile user profiling, i.e., inferring the user profile from mobile behavioral data. Particularly, existing studies mainly follow the data-driven paradigm to develop feature engineering and representation learning on such data, which however suffer from the robustness issue, i.e., generalizing poorly across datasets and profiles without considering semantic knowledge therein. In comparison, the rising knowledge-driven paradigm built upon the knowledge graph (KG) offers a potential solution to mitigate such weakness. Therefore, in this article, we propose a Knowledge Graph aided framework for Mobile User Profiling (KG-MUP). Specifically, to distil semantic knowledge among data, we firstly construct an urban knowledge graph (UrbanKG) with domain entities like users, regions, point of interests (POIs), and so on. identified, as well as semantic relations for home, workplace, spatiality, and so on. extracted. Moreover, we leverage tensor decomposition and graph neural network to obtain knowledgeable user representations from UrbanKG. In addition, we introduce several customized features to quantify individual mobility characteristics for mobile user profiling. Extensive experiments on three real-world mobility datasets demonstrate that KG-MUP achieves state-of-the-art performance on user profile inference tasks. Moreover, further results also reveal the importance of various semantic knowledge to user profile inference, which provides meaningful insights on user modeling with mobile behavioral data.
A Study on Corpus-based Stopword Lists in Indian Language IR
Authors: Sahu Siba Sankar , Pal Sukomal
Published: July 2023

We explore and evaluate the effect of different stopword lists (non-corpus-based and corpus-based) in the information retrieval (IR) tasks with different Indian languages such as Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Hindi, and English. The issue was investigated from three viewpoints. Is there any performance difference between non-corpus-based and corpus-based stopword removal in chosen Indian languages? Can corpus-based stopword lists improve performance in Indian languages IR? If yes, to what extent? Among the different corpus-based stopword lists, which stopword list provides the best IR performance? Does the length of a corpus-based stopword list affect the retrieval performance in Indian languages? If yes, to what extent? It was observed that a corpus-based stopword list provides better retrieval performance than a non-corpus-based stopword list in different Indian languages. Among the different corpus-based stopword lists generated and experimented with, Zipf’s law-based stopword list (idf-based one) provides the best retrieval performance in various Indian languages. The aggregation1-based stopword list provides better retrieval than the aggregation2-based list in Indian languages, but in English, the aggregation2-based stopword list performs better than the aggregation1-based list. The best performing idf-based stopword list improves MAP score by 5.43% in Bengali, 1.91% in Marathi, 5.4% in Gujarati, 1.5% in Hindi, and 2.12% in English, respectively, over their baseline counterparts. The probabilistic retrieval models (BM25 and TF-IDF) perform best in different Indian languages. A smaller length of corpus-based stopword lists performs better than a larger length of non-corpus-based stopword lists for all the Indian languages considered. The proposed schemes demonstrate that a stopword list can be heuristically generated in a language-independent statistical method and effectively used for IR tasks with performance comparable, to or even better than non-corpus-based stopword lists.
Syncretic Space Learning Network for NIR-VIS Face Recognition
Authors: Yang Yiming , Hu Weipeng , Hu Haifeng
Published: July 2023

To overcome the technical bottleneck of face recognition in low-light scenarios, Near-InfraRed and VISible (NIR-VIS) heterogeneous face recognition is proposed for matching well-lit VIS faces with poorly lit NIR faces. Current cross-modal synthesis methods visually convert the NIR modality to the VIS modality and then perform face matching in the VIS modality. However, using a heavyweight GAN network on unpaired NIR-VIS faces may lead to high synthesis difficulty, low inference efficiency, and other problems. To alleviate the above problems, we simultaneously synthesize NIR and VIS images into modality-independent syncretic images and propose a novel syncretic space learning (SSL) model to eliminate the modal gap. First, Syncretic Modality Generator (SMG) synthesizes NIR and VIS images into syncretic images using channel-level convolution with a shallow CNN. In particular, the discriminative structural information is well preserved and the face quality can be further improved with small modal variations in a self-supervised learning manner. Second, Modality-adversarial Syncretic space Learning (MSL) projects NIR and VIS images into the syncretic space by a syncretic-modality adversarial learning strategy with syncretic pattern guided objective, so the modal gap of NIR-VIS faces can be effectively reduced. Finally, the Syncretic Distribution Consistency (SDC) constructed by NIR-syncretic, syncretic-syncretic, and VIS-syncretic consistency can enhance the intra-class compactness and learn discriminative representations. Extensive experiments on three challenging datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the SSL method.
Role of early growth response 1 in inflammation-associated lung diseases
Authors: Zou Kang , Zeng Zhenguo
Published: July 2023

Early growth response 1 (EGR1), which is involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, adhesion, migration, and immune and inflammatory responses, is a zinc finger transcription factor. EGR1 is a member of the EGR family of early response genes and can be activated by external stimuli such as neurotransmitters, cytokines, hormones, endotoxins, hypoxia, and oxidative stress. EGR1 expression is upregulated during several common respiratory diseases, such as acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, pneumonia, and novel coronavirus disease 2019. Inflammatory response is the common pathophysiological basis of these common respiratory diseases. EGR1 is highly expressed early in the disease, amplifying pathological signals from the extracellular environment and driving disease progression. Thus, EGR1 may be a target for early and effective intervention in these inflammation-associated lung diseases.
Association of IGF-1 Level with Low Bone Mass in Young Patients with Cushing’s Disease
Authors: Sun Wanwan , Sun Quanya , Cui Qiaoli , He Min , Wu Wei , Li Yiming , Ye Hongying , Zhang Shuo
Published: July 2023

Purpose. Few related factors of low bone mass in Cushing’s disease (CD) have been identified so far, and relevant sufficient powered studies in CD patients are rare. On account of the scarcity of data, we performed a well-powered study to identify related factors associated with low bone mass in young CD patients. Methods. This retrospective study included 153 CD patients (33 males and 120 females, under the age of 50 for men and premenopausal women). Bone mineral density (BMD) of the left hip and lumbar spine was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). In this study, low bone mass was defined when the Z score was −2.0 or lower. Results. Among those CD patients, low bone mass occurred in 74 patients (48.37%). Compared to patients with normal BMD, those patients with low bone mass had a higher level of serum cortisol at midnight (22.31 (17.95-29.62) vs. 17.80 (13.75-22.77),

p
=
0.0006

), testosterone in women (2.10 (1.33–2.89) vs. 1.54 (0.97–2.05),

p
=
0.0012

), higher portion of male (32.43% vs. 11.54%,

p
=
0.0016

) as well as hypertension (76.12% vs. 51.67%,

p
=
0.0075

), and lower IGF-1 index (0.59 (0.43–0.76) vs. 0.79 (0.60–1.02),

p
=
0.0001

). The Z score was positively associated with the IGF-1 index in both the lumbar spine (r = 0.35153,

p
<
0.0001

) and the femoral neck (r = 0.24418,

p
=
0.0057

). The Z score in the femoral neck was negatively associated with osteocalcin (r = −0.22744,

p
=
0.0229

). Compared to the lowest tertile of the IGF-1 index (<0.5563), the patients with the highest tertile of the IGF-1 index (≥0.7993) had a lower prevalence of low bone mass (95% CI 0.02 (0.001–0.50),

p
=
0.0002

), even after adjusting for confounders such as age, gender, duration, BMI, hypertension, serum cortisol at midnight, PTH, and osteocalcin. Conclusions. The higher IGF-1 index was independently associated with lower prevalence of low bone mass in young CD patients, and IGF-1 might play an important role in the pathogenesis of CD-caused low bone mass.
Antimalarial and Antioxidant Activities of Ethanolic Stem Bark Extract of Terminalia macroptera in Swiss Albino Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei
Authors: Sidiki Ngouyamsa Nsapkain Aboubakar , Nadia Noumedem Anangmo Christelle , Cedric Yamssi , Guy-Armand Gamago Nkadeu , Sandra Tientcheu Noutong Jemimah , Kevin Tako Djimefo Alex , Azizi Mounvera Abdel , Payne Vincent Khan
Published: July 2023

Background. Reduction of oxidative stress during malaria infection is considered as being of great benefit so long as treatment and drug development approaches are concerned. This study had the aim of evaluating the antimalarial and antioxidant activities of the ethanolic extract of Terminalia macroptera in Swiss albino mice infected with the Plasmodium berghei NK65 strain. Methods. In vivo, the antiplasmodial activity of the plant ethanolic extract was tested in a four-day suppressive and curative assay using P. berghei in Swiss albino mice. The extract was administered to the mice at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg per day. Then, parameters, such as parasite suppression and survival time of the mice, were evaluated. Furthermore, the effect of plant extract on liver damage, oxidative stress indicators, and lipid profile changes in P. berghei-infected mice were studied. Results. Administration of T. macroptera significantly suppressed P. berghei infection by 55.17%, 70.69%, and 71.10% at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg, respectively, whereas chloroquine had 84.64% suppression relative to the untreated group 1% Dimethyl sulfoxide (1% DMSO) at day 4 (post-infection) in the four-day suppressive test. This suppression activity rate was dose-dependent. The curative test also presented a significant reduction in parasitemia and an extension of the survival time of the treated groups. Treatment of infected parasitized mice with the extract of T. macroptera had a significant (

p
<
0.05

) reduction in parameters, such as total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase. Infection may also lead to a significant increase in the enzymatic activity of liver catalase and superoxide dismutase compared with the normal control group. The non-enzymatic antioxidant activity in parasitized mice was significantly reduced in malondialdehyde and increased in glutathione and nitric oxide when compared with the normal control group. Conclusions. These findings support the ethnobotanical use of T. macroptera stem bark as an antimalarial remedy coupled with antioxidant activity. However, further in vivo toxicity tests are required to ascertain its safety.
Fabrication of Visible Light Sensitive Electrospun TiO2 Nanofibers Using Squaric Acid for Photocatalytic Application
Authors: Maldaye Eba Mala , Subramaniam Sathiesh Kumar
Published: July 2023

Degradation of organic pollutants using photocatalysts has gained utmost importance, due to the increasing environmental pollution. Despite various attempts to improve the photocatalytic efficiency of well-known photocatalysts such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), by making them visible light active, various issues need to be resolved. In this work, attempts have been made to improve the visible light absorption capacities of the electrospun TiO2 nanofibers by modification using squaric acid (SqA). An interfacial charge transfer complex is formed by the condensation reaction between the hydroxyl groups on the surface of the TiO2 nanofibers and the SqA ligand. Various characterizations confirmed that the modification using SqA had led to the formation of the interfacial charge transfer layer, without affecting the crystallinity or morphology of the TiO2 nanofibers. The modified TiO2 nanofibers showed sensitivity to visible light with red shift in the optical absorption. It exhibited an improved photocatalytic efficiency of 85% against the degradation of tetracycline, compared with 60% for unmodified TiO2 nanofibers. It also showed an increased rate of degradation of 0.21 mg/L/min, when compared with the 0.13 mg/L/min of unmodified TiO2 nanofibers.
Crash Frequency Minimization with Severity Mitigation in Road Geometric Design Using Chance Constraint Programming Optimization
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Minjiao , Sharma Anuj
Published: July 2023

Crash frequency and crash severity are two major aspects of transportation safety. In this paper, we propose a decision-making scheme combining statistical analysis and optimization modeling to be used in transportation safety study. We conduct a safety analysis, a travel speed analysis, and an optimization analysis to develop a two-stage decision scheme to minimize crash frequency while mitigating crash severity, using data collected in urban environments in Lincoln, Nebraska. In the safety analysis and the travel speed analysis, we study the impact of lane width and other related road geometric design parameters on annual crash frequency and vehicle travel speed using count models and linear regression models, respectively. In the optimization analysis, the proposed two-stage stochastic programming model determines the lane width and other road geometric design parameters in the first stage, and then the posted road speed limit in the second stage for each scenario. To mitigate crash severity, we use a chance constraint to restrict a certain percentile of the vehicle travel speed to comply with the posted road speed limit. This two-stage decision scheme is shown to be effective for the data collected in Lincoln, Nebraska, when restricting the vehicle travel speed of up to two positive standard deviations from the mean travel speed to be under the posted speed limit. The application of a stochastic programming model that utilizes regression analysis results serves as an innovative decision scheme that effectively connects statistical analysis and optimization studies in road geometric design for transportation safety. Its objective is to minimize crash frequency while simultaneously mitigating crash severity. This methodology has extensive potential for application in various environments to assist in the reduction of both crash frequency and crash severity.
Prediction of Mechanical Properties of Aluminium Alloy Strip Using the Extreme Learning Machine Model Optimized by the Gray Wolf Algorithm
Authors: Xiong Zhenqiang , Li Jiadong , Zhao Peng , Li Yong
Published: July 2023

Mechanical properties are important indicators for evaluating the quality of strips. This paper proposes a mechanical performance prediction model based on the Gray Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithm and the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) algorithm. In the modeling process, GWO is used to determine the optimal weights and deviations of ELM and experiments are used to determine the model’s key parameters. The model effectively avoids manual intervention and significantly improves aluminum alloy strips’ mechanical property prediction accuracy. This paper uses processed data from the aluminum alloy production plant of Shandong Nanshan Aluminum Co., Ltd. as experimental data. When the prediction deviation is controlled within ±10%, the GWO-ELM model can achieve a correct rate of 100% for tensile strength, 97.5% for yield strength, and 77.5% for elongation on the test set. The RMSE of the tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of the GWO-ELM model was 5.365, 11.881, and 1.268, respectively. The experimental results show that the GWO-ELM model has higher accuracy and stability in predicting aluminum alloy strips’ tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation. The GWO-ELM model effectively avoids the defects of the traditional model. It has a special guiding significance for producing aluminum alloy strips.
Design Analysis of a Helium Xenon-Printed Circuit Heat Exchanger for a Closed Brayton Cycle Microtransport Reactor
Authors: Yin Hui , Ma Yuwen , Jia Guobin , Chen Jingen
Published: July 2023

Microtransport with small size and a wide range of applications is very attractive for the utilization of future reactor modularization. A microreactor uses a closed Brayton cycle (CBC) to achieve high conversion efficiencies at low specific mass. The recuperator is one of the key components of CBC system which recovers heat exhausted from the turbine. A printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) is currently the preferred type of recuperator for the closed Brayton cycle due to its high heat transfer efficiency, high compactness, and high pressure and temperature resistance. This work intends to analyze different geometry configurations of a zigzag PCHE to increase its heat transfer efficiency while reducing its weight and size. The effect of geometric structure parameters such as channel diameter, zigzag pitch length, and zigzag angle on the Nusselt number and Fanning friction factor is investigated using a zigzag PCHE unit model. Based on the numerical simulation, the principle of least squares is employed to carry out a nonlinear fitting of the flow and heat transfer criterion correlation equations. Besides, the maximum value of the Nusselt number and minimum value of the Fanning friction factor are optimized as two conflicting objective functions using the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II), with which a set of optimal solutions is obtained. Meanwhile, the shortest normalized distance is used to determine the compromised solution on the Pareto optimal points, and the independent variable’s sensitivity analysis is performed. Finally, a multiobjective optimization analysis is conducted for the PCHE to achieve lightweight and the high heat transfer efficiency design requirements of SIMONS.
Research on Target Tracking Algorithm of Micro-UAV Based on Monocular Vision
Authors: Feng Yingbin , Wang Dian , Yang Kun
Published: July 2023

Aiming at the problem of limited payload and endurance of micro-UAV, the target tracking algorithm based on monocular vision is proposed. Since monocular vision cannot directly measure distance between the UAV and the target, triangulation and triangle similarity are used to calculate the distance information. Then, a target tracking method based on Kalman filter and KCF is designed. The tracking result of KCF is modified by Kalman filter to solve the problem of target occlusion. Finally, the position of the target in the world coordinate system is calculated through the coordinate transformation matrix, which is used to control the UAV for tracking the moving target. In order to verify the feasibility of the algorithm, target size estimation and target tracking algorithms are carried out. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can track the moving target effectively under the condition of short-term occlusion.
Risk Probabilistic Characteristics for Contaminated Porcelain Insulator in the Egyptian Sinai Desert
Authors: El-Shahat Mohammed , Al-Naimi Ibrahim , Tag-Eldin Elsayed
Published: July 2023

Transmission lines in the desert are exposed to the desert environment, which includes sandstorms as one of its hallmarks. A conductive layer develops with prolonged sand deposition and the presence of moisture, ambient humidity, and dew. The ensuing leakage current causes surface discharge, which limits the life of the insulator and interrupting the power supply. The locations of power lines in the Egyptian Sinai desert, where sandstorms are known to occur frequently, are exposed to such a risk. In order to estimate the danger of insulator failure, this paper studies the flow of leakage current on porcelain insulators that have been contaminated with sand. This work relies on accurate data collected and published in a prior study regarding Sinai, which mainly focused on contaminating sand’s grain sizes. Porcelain insulator is simulated using finite element method to determine the leakage current that results on its contaminated surface. The probabilistic characteristics of the insulator’s leakage current are derived using Monte Carlo technique, allowing for the risk assessment of insulator failure. This assessment can be used to justify the suitability of using this kind of insulator in Sinai.
The Effects of Laurencia caspica Algae Extract on Hemato-Immunological Parameters, Antioxidant Defense, and Resistance against Streptococcus agalactiae in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Khanzadeh Majid , Beikzadeh Babak , Hoseinifar Seyed Hossein
Published: July 2023

Natural immune stimulants are among the most effective chemicals for boosting immunity and fish welfare. This study aims to investigate the effects of red macroalgae extract (Laurencia caspica) on hematological, immunological, antioxidant, biochemical, and disease resistance against S. agalactiae in Nile tilapia for 50 days. For this purpose, fishes were assigned to four dietary treatments group in which the base meal was supplemented with 0.5%, 1%, and 2% of L. caspica extract. On days 25 and 50 of the experiment, samples were taken to investigate the hematological, immunological, biochemical, and antioxidant parameters. The white blood cells (WBCs), hemoglobin, and neutrophils significantly increased after 50 days of feeding with the L. caspica extract, but until the 25th day, no significant difference was observed among the treatments except for hemoglobin. Immunological parameters (including Immunoglobulin M [IgM] and complement 3 [C3]) were significantly higher in treated groups compared to control both 25 days and 50 days posttreatment. However, on the 25th day, no significant difference was noticed between treatments and control in the case of lysozyme activity. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) considerably increased in comparison to the control group on the 50th day, but no significant difference was observed on the 25th day. In addition, feeding with L. caspica significantly increased the antioxidant enzyme activities on the 25th day (L. caspica 1% and 2% in peroxidase [POD] and superoxide dismutase [SOD] in all groups) and 50th day (catalase [CAT], SOD and L. caspica 1% and 2% in POD) in the spleen. The survival rate of fish challenged with Streptococcus agalactiae was considerably greater than the control group. Finally, it can be concluded that L. caspica extract is an immunological stimulant that induces fish resistance to S. agalactiae.
Modelling Skeletal Muscle Ageing and Repair In Vitro
Authors: Tarum Janelle , Degens Hans , Turner Mark D. , Stewart Claire , Sale Craig , Santos Lívia
Published: July 2023

Healthy skeletal muscle can regenerate after ischaemic, mechanical, or toxin-induced injury, but ageing impairs that regeneration potential. This has been largely attributed to dysfunctional satellite cells and reduced myogenic capacity. Understanding which signalling pathways are associated with reduced myogenesis and impaired muscle regeneration can provide valuable information about the mechanisms driving muscle ageing and prompt the development of new therapies. To investigate this, we developed a high-throughput in vitro model to assess muscle regeneration in chemically injured C2C12 and human myotube-derived young and aged myoblast cultures. We observed a reduced regeneration capacity of aged cells, as indicated by an attenuated recovery towards preinjury myotube size and myogenic fusion index at the end of the regeneration period, in comparison with younger muscle cells that were fully recovered. RNA-sequencing data showed significant enrichment of KEGG signalling pathways, PI3K-Akt, and downregulation of GO processes associated with muscle development, differentiation, and contraction in aged but not in young muscle cells. Data presented here suggest that repair in response to in vitro injury is impaired in aged vs. young muscle cells. Our study establishes a framework that enables further understanding of the factors underlying impaired muscle regeneration in older age.
Supplementary Figure S2 from Targeting the Clear Cell Sarcoma Oncogenic Driver Fusion Gene EWSR1::ATF1 by HDAC Inhibition
Authors: Mae Hirokazu , Outani Hidetatsu , Imura Yoshinori , Chijimatsu Ryota , Inoue Akitomo , Kotani Yuki , Yasuda Naohiro , Nakai Sho , Nakai Takaaki , Takenaka Satoshi , Okada Seiji
Published: July 2023

Fig. S2 The gene-silencing efficiency and its effect on cell proliferation.
Supplementary Table S2 from Validation of Immunotherapy Response Score as predictive of pan-solid tumor anti-PD-1/PD-L1 benefit
Authors: Bulen Benjamin J , Khazanov Nickolay A , Hovelson Daniel H. , Lamb Laura E , Matrana Marc , Burkard Mark E , Yang Eddy Shih-Hsin , Edenfield William J. , Claire Dees Elizabeth , Onitilo Adedayo A. , Buchschacher Gary L , Miller Alan M , Parsons Benjamin M. , Wassenaar Timothy R. , Suga Jennifer M. , Siegel Robert D , Irvin William , Nair Suresh , Slim Jennifer N. , Misleh Jamal , Khatri Jamil , Masters Gregory A , Thomas Sachdev , Safa Malek M. , Anderson Daniel M. , Mowers Jonathan , Dusenbery Anna C , Drewery Stephanie , Plouffe Komal , Reeder Travis , Vakil Hana , Patrias Lynnae , Falzetta Amanda , Hamilton Ryan , Kwiatkowski Kat , Johnson D. Bryan , Rhodes Daniel R , Tomlins Scott A.
Published: July 2023

Supplementary Table S2 shows the adjusted Cox proportional hazards models for real-world progression free survival and overall survival in the monotherapy validation cohort
FIGURE 1 from Targeting the Clear Cell Sarcoma Oncogenic Driver Fusion Gene EWSR1::ATF1 by HDAC Inhibition
Authors: Mae Hirokazu , Outani Hidetatsu , Imura Yoshinori , Chijimatsu Ryota , Inoue Akitomo , Kotani Yuki , Yasuda Naohiro , Nakai Sho , Nakai Takaaki , Takenaka Satoshi , Okada Seiji
Published: July 2023

Vorinostat treatment inhibits CCS cell growth in vitro and in vivo. A, MP-CCS-SY, SU-CCS1, Hewga-CCS, KAS, and NHDF cells were incubated with 0–30 μmol/L vorinostat for 48 hours, and the viable number of cells were estimated via a WST-8 assay (n = 3). The calculated IC50 values are shown in Table 1. B, Four CCS cell lines were treated with 0.3 and 3 μmol/L vorinostat or vehicle for 48 hours, stained with PI, and analyzed for cell-cycle stage using flow cytometry. C, Four CCS cell lines were treated with 0.3 to 10 μmol/L vorinostat or vehicle for 24 hours, and the protein expression levels of the apoptosis markers cleaved caspase-3 was detected using Western blotting. D and E, SU-CCS1 and Hewga-CCS cells were engrafted in nude mice, which were treated with 50 mg/kg vorinostat or vehicle via intraperitoneal administration (5 mice/group). Volume (D) and weight (E) of SU-CCS1 and Hewga-CCS tumors during treatment are shown (n = 5). Data in A, D, and E are means ± SDs. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01 (Student t test).
Cybernetic Epistemology
Authors: Lindholm Juho
Published: July 2023

Mainstream analytic epistemology conceives knowledge as representation: as true justified (un-Gettiered) belief. Such representation is conceived as independent of practice, its justification to consist in experience, and experience as mere observation. Such notion of experience is too narrow to take the epistemic value of experimentation into account. But science is emphatically experimental. On the other hand, John Dewey defined experience as organism–environment interaction. Such interaction is bidirectional and hence experimental by nature. It involves feedback. Cybernetics studies feedback systems. Hence, cybernetic epistemology is a consequence of Dewey’s definition. Cybernetic epistemology maintains that knowledge is practice, that is, an (approximately and relatively) invariant pattern of potential organism–environment interaction, rather than something independent of practice. In this article, I will make a case for cybernetic epistemology. It seems to dispense with the representational notion of knowledge and to provide an original justification for process ontology.
180 nm NMOS voltage-controlled oscillator for phase-locked loop applications
Authors: Hassan Aboadla Ezzidin , Hassan Ali
Published: July 2023

The voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) is the primary device in the phase-locked loop (PLL) to produce the local oscillator frequency. The excessive phase noise of VCOs is the primary cause of PLL performance loss. This paper proposes the design and optimization of low phase noise and low power consumption for a 180 nm N-channel metal-oxide semiconductor NMOS VCO for PLL applications with P-channel metal-oxide semiconductor PMOS varactors and spiral inductors. At 2 V supply voltage, the optimized NMOS VCO has a power consumption of 21 mW, a phase noise of -130 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset and a total harmonic distortion (THD) of 3.9%. The proposed design is verified by PSpice simulations. A new criterion is proposed for optimizing NMOS LC oscillators.
Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on the monetary crisis by machine learning
Authors: Mohseni Milad
Published: July 2023

In this study, machine learning is examined in relation to commercial machine learning's resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic-related crisis. Two approaches are used to assess the pandemic's impact on machine learning risk, as well as a method to prioritize sectors according to the crisis's potential negative consequences. I conducted the study to determine Santander machine learning's resilience. The data mining area offers prospects for COVID-19's future. A total of 13 machine learning demos were selected for its organization. The Hellweg strategy and the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) technique were utilized as direct request strategies. Parametric assessment of machine learning versatility in business was based on capital sufficiency, liquidity proportion, market benefits, and share in an arrangement of openings with a perceived disability, and affectability of machine learning's credit portfolio to monetary hazard. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these enterprises were ranked according to their threat. Based on the findings of the research, machine learning worked the best for the pandemic. Meanwhile, machine learning suffered the most during the downturn. It can be seen, for example, in conversations about the impact of the pandemic on developing business sector soundness and managing financial framework solidity risk.
Efficient Agrobacterium mediated genetic transformation of CRISPR/Cas9 construct using cotyledonary node explants of greengram
Authors: Talakayala Ashwini , Dokka Narasimham , Baloji Gugulothu , Ankanagari Srinivas , Garladinne Mallikarjuna
Published: July 2023

An efficient protocol for generating transformed greengram plants by choosing prominent explant which is used to generate transformed plantlets for their survivability and also with high transformation efficiency. However, the crop production is reduced due to factors. In current work, we employed transgenic free approach using CRISPR/Cas9 tool for establishing transformation protocol. The CRISPR/Cas9 is getting momentum widely for developing transgene free crops. In this approach, guide RNA encoding for ~18-23 bp sequence that contains a PAM (protospacer adjacent motif) on either strand of DNA, where CRISPR incepts with a single guide RNA (sgRNA) to target genes and initiate excision of a complimentary strands through the Cas9 endonuclease. Explants’ effects on CRISPR/Cas9 construct transformation were studied. For transformation, three distinct explants cotyledonary node (CN- MSB5 +3% sucrose+ 0.5 mg/L BAP for CN), shoot tip (ST- MSB5 + 3% sucrose+ + 0.5 mg/L BAP + 0.01 mg/L NAA), and immature cotyledon (IMC-3% sucrose + 0.5 mg/L BAP + 0.1 mg/L NAA) were used. The prepared explants were infected with EHA105 strain of Agrobacterium tumefaciens harboring a binary vector of pMDC100 containing npt II gene as screenable marker and Cas9. The explants were selected on 50 mg/L kanamycin medium. The transformed plants were confirmed by PCR using npt II and Cas9 specific primers. Cotyledonary node explant was found to be more efficient for CRISPR/Cas9 transformation and also it promisingly showed transgene integration through PCR analysis having more transformation efficiency and can be used for the production of transgenic free greengram crop using CRISPR/Cas9 approach.
Autoimmune Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Maguy Ange , Mahendran Yuvaraj , Tardif Jean-Claude , Busseuil David , Li Jin
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is by far the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In about 3% of individuals, AF develops as a primary disorder without any identifiable trigger (idiopathic or historically termed lone AF). In line with the emerging field of autoantibody-related cardiac arrhythmias, the objective of this study was to explore whether autoantibodies targeting cardiac ion channels can underlie unexplained AF.

METHODS:

Peptide microarray was used to screen patient samples for autoantibodies. We compared patients with unexplained AF (n=37 pre-existent AF; n=14 incident AF on follow-up) to age- and sex-matched controls (n=37). Electrophysiological properties of the identified autoantibody were then tested in vitro with the patch clamp technique and in vivo with an experimental mouse model of immunization.

RESULTS:

A common autoantibody response against K
ir
3.4 protein was detected in patients with AF and even before the development of clinically apparent AF. K
ir
3.4 protein forms a heterotetramer that underlies the cardiac acetylcholine-activated inwardly rectifying K
+
current,
I
KACh
. Functional studies on human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived atrial cardiomyocytes showed that anti-K
ir
3.4 IgG purified from patients with AF shortened action potentials and enhanced the constitutive form of
I
KACh
, both key mediators of AF. To establish a causal relationship, we developed a mouse model of K
ir
3.4 autoimmunity. Electrophysiological study in K
ir
3.4-immunized mice showed that K
ir
3.4 autoantibodies significantly reduced atrial effective refractory period and predisposed animals to a 2.8-fold increased susceptibility to AF.

CONCLUSIONS:

To our knowledge, this is the first report of an autoimmune pathogenesis of AF with direct evidence of K
ir
3.4 autoantibody-mediated AF.