bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced Mass Spectrometry-Based Biomarker Identification for Metabolomics of Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications
Authors: Zhang Feixue , Shan Shan , Fu Chenlu , Guo Shuang , Liu Chao , Wang Shuanglong
Published: May 2024

Over the years, there has been notable progress in understanding the pathogenesis and treatment modalities of diabetes and its complications, including the application of metabolomics in the study of diabetes, capturing attention from researchers worldwide. Advanced mass spectrometry, including gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS), etc., has significantly broadened the spectrum of detectable metabolites, even at lower concentrations. Advanced mass spectrometry has emerged as a powerful tool in diabetes research, particularly in the context of metabolomics. By leveraging the precision and sensitivity of advanced mass spectrometry techniques, researchers have unlocked a wealth of information within the metabolome. This technology has enabled the identification and quantification of potential biomarkers associated with diabetes and its complications, providing new ideas and methods for clinical diagnostics and metabolic studies. Moreover, it offers a less invasive, or even non-invasive, means of tracking disease progression, evaluating treatment efficacy, and understanding the underlying metabolic alterations in diabetes. This paper summarizes advanced mass spectrometry for the application of metabolomics in diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes mellitus, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic encephalopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and diabetic foot ulcers and organizes some of the potential biomarkers of the different complications with the aim of providing ideas and methods for subsequent in-depth metabolic research and searching for new ways of treating the disease.
Carbohydrate-Binding Properties and Antimicrobial and Anticancer Potential of a New Lectin from the Phloem Sap of Cucurbita pepo
Authors: Islam Md. Aminul , Hossain Md. Mikail , Khanam Alima , Asaduzzaman A. K. M. , Kabir Syed Rashel , Ozeki Yasuhiro , Fujii Yuki , Hasan Imtiaj
Published: May 2024

A Cucurbita phloem exudate lectin (CPL) from summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) fruits was isolated and its sugar-binding properties and biological activities were studied. The lectin was purified by affinity chromatography and the hemagglutination assay method was used to determine its pH, heat stability, metal-dependency and sugar specificity. Antimicrobial and anticancer activities were also studied by disc diffusion assays and in vivo and in vitro methods. The molecular weight of CPL was 30 ± 1 KDa and it was stable at different pH (5.0 to 9.0) and temperatures (30 to 60 °C). CPL recovered its hemagglutination activity in the presence of Ca2+. 4-nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside, lactose, rhamnose and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine strongly inhibited the activity. With an LC50 value of 265 µg/mL, CPL was moderately toxic and exhibited bacteriostatic, bactericidal and antibiofilm activities against different pathogenic bacteria. It also exhibited marked antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and agglutinated A. flavus spores. In vivo antiproliferative activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells in Swiss albino mice was observed when CPL exerted 36.44% and 66.66% growth inhibition at doses of 3.0 mg/kg/day and 6.0 mg/kg/day, respectively. A 12-day treatment by CPL could reverse their RBC and WBC counts as well as restore the hemoglobin percentage to normal levels. The MTT assay of CPL performed against human breast (MCF-7) and lung (A-549) cancer cell lines showed 29.53% and 18.30% of inhibitory activity at concentrations of 128 and 256 µg/mL, respectively.
Synthesis of Thionated Perylenediimides: State of the Art and First Investigations of an Alternative to Lawesson’s Reagent
Authors: Kharchenko Oksana , Hryniuk Anna , Krupka Oksana , Hudhomme Piétrick
Published: May 2024

Perylenediimides (PDIs) are composed of a central perylene ring, on which are grafted two imide groups at the peri positions. Thionated PDIs are characterized by the substitution of one or more oxygen atoms of these imide functions with sulfur atoms. This structural modification alters the electronic properties with a redshift of the optical absorption accompanied by modification of the charge transport characteristics compared to their non-thionated counterparts. These properties make them suitable candidates for applications in optoelectronic devices, such as organic light-emitting diodes and organic photovoltaics. Moreover, the presence of sulfur atom(s) can favor the promotion of reactive oxygen species production for photodynamic and photothermal therapies. These thionated PDIs can be synthesized through the post-functionalization of PDIs by using a sulfurizing reagent. Nevertheless, the main drawbacks remain the difficulties in adjusting the degree of thionation and obtaining tri- and tetrathionated PDIs. Up to now, this thionation reaction has been described almost exclusively using Lawesson’s reagent. In the current study, we present our first investigations into an alternative reagent to enhance selectivity and achieve a greater degree of thionation. The association of phosphorus pentasulfide with hexamethyldisiloxane (Curphey’s reagent) clearly demonstrated higher reactivity compared with Lawesson’s reagent to attain multi-thionated PDIs.
Fabrication of a Molybdenum Dioxide/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposite as an Anodic Modification Material for High-Performance Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Ma Jianchun , Wang Lifang , Zhang Yezhen , Jia Jianfeng
Published: May 2024

A nanocomposite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) decorated with molybdenum dioxide (MoO2) nanoparticles is fabricated through the reduction of phosphomolybdic acid hydrate on functionalized MWCNTs in a hydrogen–argon (10%) atmosphere in a tube furnace. The MoO2/MWCNTs composite is proposed as an anodic modification material for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). MWCNTs have outstanding physical and chemical peculiarities, with functionalized MWCNTs having substantially large electroactive areas. In addition, combined with the exceptional properties of MoO2 nanoparticles, the synergistic advantages of functionalized MWCNTs and MoO2 nanoparticles give a MoO2/MWCNTs anode a large electroactive area, excellent electronic conductivity, enhanced extracellular electron transfer capacity, and improved nutrient transfer capability. Finally, the power harvesting of an MFC with the MoO2/MWCNTs anode is improved, with the MFC showing long-term repeatability of voltage and current density outputs. This exploratory research advances the fundamental application of anodic modification to MFCs, simultaneously providing valuable guidance for the use of carbon-based transition metal oxide nanomaterials in high-performance MFCs.
The Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Biosurfactants: A Review
Authors: Dini Salome , Bekhit Alaa El-Din A. , Roohinejad Shahin , Vale Jim M. , Agyei Dominic
Published: May 2024

Surfactants, also known as surface-active agents, have emerged as an important class of compounds with a wide range of applications. However, the use of chemical-derived surfactants must be restricted due to their potential adverse impact on the ecosystem and the health of human and other living organisms. In the past few years, there has been a growing inclination towards natural-derived alternatives, particularly microbial surfactants, as substitutes for synthetic or chemical-based counterparts. Microbial biosurfactants are abundantly found in bacterial species, predominantly Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. The chemical structures of biosurfactants involve the complexation of lipids with carbohydrates (glycolipoproteins and glycolipids), peptides (lipopeptides), and phosphates (phospholipids). Lipopeptides, in particular, have been the subject of extensive research due to their versatile properties, including emulsifying, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. This review provides an update on research progress in the classification of surfactants. Furthermore, it explores various bacterial biosurfactants and their functionalities, along with their advantages over synthetic surfactants. Finally, the potential applications of these biosurfactants in many industries and insights into future research directions are discussed.
What the Mind Can Comprehend from a Single Touch
Authors: Coe Patrick , Evreinov Grigori , Ziat Mounia , Raisamo Roope
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates the versatility of force feedback (FF) technology in enhancing user interfaces across a spectrum of applications. We delve into the human finger pad’s sensitivity to FF stimuli, which is critical to the development of intuitive and responsive controls in sectors such as medicine, where precision is paramount, and entertainment, where immersive experiences are sought. The study presents a case study in the automotive domain, where FF technology was implemented to simulate mechanical button presses, reducing the JND FF levels that were between 0.04 N and 0.054 N to the JND levels of 0.254 and 0.298 when using a linear force feedback scale and those that were 0.028 N and 0.033 N to the JND levels of 0.074 and 0.164 when using a logarithmic force scale. The results demonstrate the technology’s efficacy and potential for widespread adoption in various industries, underscoring its significance in the evolution of haptic feedback systems.
The Potential of Plant-Produced Virus-like Particle Vaccines for African Horse Sickness and Other Equine Orbiviruses
Authors: Pitchers Kieran G. , Boakye Oliver D. , Campeotto Ivan , Daly Janet M.
Published: May 2024

African horse sickness is a devastating viral disease of equids. It is transmitted by biting midges of the genus Culicoides with mortalities reaching over 90% in naïve horses. It is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and is seasonally endemic in many parts of southern Africa. However, outbreaks in Europe and Asia have occurred that caused significant economic issues. There are attenuated vaccines available for control of the virus but concerns regarding the safety and efficacy means that alternatives are sought. One promising alternative is the use of virus-like particles in vaccine preparations, which have the potential to be safer and more efficacious as vaccines against African horse sickness. These particles are best made in a complex, eukaryotic system, but due to technical challenges, this may cause significant economic strain on the developing countries most affected by the disease. Therefore, this review also summarises the success so far, and potential, of recombinant protein expression in plants to reduce the economic strain of production.
Forty Years of HIV Research in French Guiana: Comprehend to Combat
Authors: Nacher Mathieu , Lucarelli Aude , Van-Melle Astrid , Basurko Célia , Rabier Sébastien , Chroum Malorie , Santana Thiago , Verin Karine , Bienvenu Ketty , El Guedj Myriam , Vaz Tania , Cisse Hawa , Epelboin Loïc , Le Turnier Paul , Abboud Philippe , Djossou Félix , Pradinaud Roger , Adenis Antoine , Couppié Pierre
Published: May 2024

The drivers of the HIV epidemic, the viruses, the opportunistic infections, the attitudes and the resources allocated to the fight against HIV/AIDS, vary substantially across countries. French Guiana, at the crossroads between Amazonian South America and the Caribbean, constitutes a singular context with poor populations and rich country health funding, which has allowed researchers to gather lots of information on the particulars of our epidemic. We aimed to focus on the little known story of forty years of HIV research in French Guiana and emphasize how local research intertwined with public health action has yielded continuous progress, despite the difficult social conditions of the affected population. We searched Web of Science and associated local experts who worked through much of the epidemic in selecting the most meaningful products of local research for clinical and public health outcomes in French Guiana. Research tools and facilities included, from 1991 onwards, the HIV hospital cohort and the HIV-histoplasmosis cohort. Ad hoc studies funded by the ANRS or the European Regional Development fund shed light on vulnerable groups. The cumulative impact of prospective routine collection and focused efforts has yielded a breadth of knowledge, allowing for informed decisions and the adaptation of prevention, testing and care in French Guiana. After this overview, we emphasize that the close integration of research and public health was crucial in adapting interventions to the singular context of French Guiana.
Unraveling the Impact of Six Pentacyclic Triterpenes Regulating Metabolic Pathways on Lung Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Torres-Sanchez Anamaris , Torres Grace , Estrada Sthephanie , Perez Daraishka , Garcia Carlos , Milian Melissa , Velazquez Eddian , Molina Valerie , Delgado Yamixa
Published: May 2024

Recently, there has been great interest in plant-derived compounds known as phytochemicals. The pentacyclic oleanane-, ursane-, and lupane-type triterpenes are phytochemicals that exert significant activity against diseases like cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although chemotherapy is the treatment of choice for lung cancer, its effectiveness is hampered by the dose-limiting toxic effects and chemoresistance. Herein, we investigated six pentacyclic triterpenes, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, asiatic acid, betulinic acid, betulin, and lupeol, on NSCLC A549 cells. These triterpenes have several structural variations that can influence the activation/inactivation of key cellular pathways. From our results, we determined that most of these triterpenes induced apoptosis, S-phase and G2/M-phase cycle arrest, the downregulation of ribonucleotide reductase (RR), reactive oxygen species, and caspase 3 activation. For chemoresistance markers, we found that most triterpenes downregulated the expression of MAPK/PI3K, STAT3, and PDL1. In contrast, UrA and AsA also induced DNA damage and autophagy. Then, we theoretically determined other possible molecular targets of these triterpenes using the online database ChEMBL. The results showed that even slight structural changes in these triterpenes can influence the cellular response. This study opens up promising perspectives for further research on the pharmaceutical role of phytochemical triterpenoids.
The Role of a Clinical Pharmacist in the Identification of Potentially Inadequate Drugs Prescribed to the Geriatric Population in Low-Resource Settings Using the Beers Criteria: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kovačević Tijana , Savić Davidović Maja , Barišić Vedrana , Fazlić Emir , Miljković Siniša , Djajić Vlado , Miljković Branislava , Kovačević Peđa
Published: May 2024

Population aging is a global phenomenon. Each country in the world faces an increased number of older persons in the total population. With aging, a high prevalence of multiple chronic diseases occurs, leading to the use of complex therapeutic regimens and often to polypharmacy. Potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) is a medicine prescribed to a patient for whom the risks outweigh the benefits. Today, several tools are used to evaluate the use of pharmacotherapy in older adults, one of them is the 2019 AGS Beers Criteria. In this prospective, pilot study, we aimed to investigate if the number of PIMs in elderly patients would be significantly reduced if a clinical pharmacist performed a pharmacotherapy review. The study included 66 patients over 65 years of age who were hospitalized at the 1200-bed university hospital. The intervention was conducted by a clinical pharmacist who reviewed the patients’ pharmacotherapy and provided written suggestions to physicians. The pharmacotherapy was again reviewed at the patients’ discharge from the hospital. A total number of 204 PIMs were identified in the pharmacotherapy of the study population. At discharge, the number of PIMs decreased to 67. A total of 67% of the pharmacist’s suggestions were accepted by the physicians. The pharmacist’s intervention led to significant decrease in the number of PIMs on patients’ discharge letters.
Validation of a White Light and Fluorescence Augmented Panoramic Endoscopic Imaging System on a Bimodal Bladder Wall Experimental Model
Authors: Moskalev Arkadii , Kalyagina Nina , Kozlikina Elizaveta , Kustov Daniil , Loshchenov Maxim , Amouroux Marine , Daul Christian , Blondel Walter
Published: May 2024

Background: Fluorescence visualization of pathologies, primarily neoplasms in human internal cavities, is one of the most popular forms of diagnostics during endoscopic examination in medical practice. Currently, visualization can be performed in the augmented reality mode, which allows to observe areas of increased fluorescence directly on top of a usual color image. Another no less informative form of endoscopic visualization in the future can be mapping (creating a mosaic) of the acquired image sequence into a single map covering the area under study. The originality of the present contribution lies in the development of a new 3D bimodal experimental bladder model and its validation as an appropriate phantom for testing the combination of bimodal cystoscopy and image mosaicking. Methods: An original 3D real bladder-based phantom (physical model) including cancer-like fluorescent foci was developed and used to validate the combination of (i) a simultaneous white light and fluorescence cystoscopy imager with augmented reality mode and (ii) an image mosaicking algorithm superimposing both information. Results: Simultaneous registration and real-time visualization of a color image as a reference and a black-and-white fluorescence image with an overlay of the two images was made possible. The panoramic image build allowed to precisely visualize the relative location of the five fluorescent foci along the trajectory of the endoscope tip. Conclusions: The method has broad prospects and opportunities for further developments in bimodal endoscopy instrumentation and automatic image mosaicking.
Optimisation of the Transmitter Layout in a VLP System Using an Aperture-Based Receiver
Authors: Menéndez José Miguel , Steendam Heidi
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we consider a visible light positioning (VLP) system, where an array of photo diodes combined with apertures is used as a directional receiver and a set of inexpensive and energy-efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is used as transmitters. The paper focuses on the optimisation of the layout of the transmitter, i.e., the number and placement of the LEDs, to meet the wanted position estimation accuracy levels. To this end, we evaluate the Cramer–Rao bound (CRB), which is a lower bound on the mean-squared error (MSE) of the position estimate, to analyse the influence of the LEDs’ placement. In contrast to other works, where only the location of the LEDs was considered and/or the optimisation was carried out through simulations, in this work, the optimisation is carried out analytically and considers all the parameters involved in the VLP system as well as the illumination. Based on our results, we formulate simple rules of thumb with which we can determine the spacing between LEDs and the minimum number of LEDs, as well as their position on the ceiling, while also taking into account the requirements for the illumination.
Compact Single-Shot Dual-Wavelength Interferometry for Large Object Measurement with Rough Surfaces
Authors: Yan Yizhang , Veetil Suhas P. , Zhu Pengfei , Gao Feng , Kong Yan , He Xiaoliang , Sun Aihui , Jiang Zhilong , Liu Cheng
Published: May 2024

Single-shot dual-wavelength interferometry offers a promising avenue for surface profile measurement of dynamic objects. However, current techniques employing pixel multiplexing or color cameras encounter challenges such as complex optical alignment, limited measurement range, and difficulty in measuring rough surfaces. To address these issues, this study presents a novel approach to single-shot dual-wavelength interferometry. By utilizing separated polarization illumination and detection, along with a monochromatic polarization camera and two slightly different wavelengths, this method enables the simultaneous recording of two frames of separated interferometric patterns. This approach facilitates straightforward optical alignment, expands measurement ranges, accelerates data acquisition, and simplifies data processing for dual-wavelength interferometry. Consequently, it enables online shape measurement of large dynamic samples with rough surfaces.
Four-Fold, Cross-Phase Modulation Driven UV Pulse Compression in a Thin Bulk Medium
Authors: Susnjar Peter , Demidovich Alexander , Kurdi Gabor , Cinquegrana Paolo , Nikolov Ivaylo , Sigalotti Paolo , Danailov Miltcho B.
Published: May 2024

Generation of high energy few-fs pulses in the ultraviolet (UV) still represents challenges due to compression and phase control difficulties in this spectral range. Presented here is a pulse compression approach utilizing cross-phase modulation within a thin solid-state medium induced by a strong, spatially and temporally controllable near-infrared (NIR) pulse acting on a weaker, 400 nm UV pulse. Through this method, four-fold compression is attained within a single fused silica plate, resulting in a 13 fs UV pulse with preserved beam quality. With some further technical adjustments, this method’s applicability could be extended to deep or even vacuum UV, where direct compression is difficult.
Decoding Arabidopsis thaliana CPK/SnRK Superfamily Kinase Client Signaling Networks Using Peptide Library and Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ahsan Nagib , Kataya Amr R. A. , Rao R. Shyama Prasad , Swatek Kirby N. , Wilson Rashaun S. , Meyer Louis J. , Tovar-Mendez Alejandro , Stevenson Severin , Maszkowska Justyna , Dobrowolska Grazyna , Yao Qiuming , Xu Dong , Thelen Jay J.
Published: May 2024

Members of the calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK/CPK) and SNF-related protein kinase (SnRK) superfamilies are commonly found in plants and some protists. Our knowledge of client specificity of the members of this superfamily is fragmentary. As this family is represented by over 30 members in Arabidopsis thaliana, the identification of kinase-specific and overlapping client relationships is crucial to our understanding the nuances of this large family of kinases as directed towards signal transduction pathways. Herein, we used the kinase client (KiC) assay—a relative, quantitative, high-throughput mass spectrometry-based in vitro phosphorylation assay—to identify and characterize potential CPK/SnRK targets of Arabidopsis. Eight CPKs (1, 3, 6, 8, 17, 24, 28, and 32), four SnRKs (subclass 1 and 2), and PPCK1 and PPCK2 were screened against a synthetic peptide library that contains 2095 peptides and 2661 known phosphorylation sites. A total of 625 in vitro phosphorylation sites corresponding to 203 non-redundant proteins were identified. The most promiscuous kinase, CPK17, had 105 candidate target proteins, many of which had already been discovered. Sequence analysis of the identified phosphopeptides revealed four motifs: LxRxxS, RxxSxxR, RxxS, and LxxxxS, that were significantly enriched among CPK/SnRK clients. The results provide insight into both CPK- and SnRK-specific and overlapping signaling network architectures and recapitulate many known in vivo relationships validating this large-scale approach towards discovering kinase targets.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Revealed Candidate Gene Modules Involved in Salt Stress Response in Sweet Basil and Overexpression of ObWRKY16 and ObPAL2 Enhanced Salt Tolerance of Transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Yukun , Ye Hong , Ren Fei , Ren Xiaoqiang , Zhu Yunna , Xiao Yanhui , He Jinming , Wang Bin
Published: May 2024

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an important aromatic plant with high edibility and economic value, widely distributed in many regions of the tropics including the south of China. In recent years, environmental problems, especially soil salinization, have seriously restricted the planting and spread of sweet basil. However, the molecular mechanism of the salt stress response in sweet basil is still largely unknown. In this study, seed germination, seedling growth, and chlorophyll synthesis in sweet basil were inhibited under salt stress conditions. Through comparative transcriptome analysis, the gene modules involved in the metabolic processes, oxidative response, phytohormone signaling, cytoskeleton, and photosynthesis were screened out. In addition, the landscape of transcription factors during salt treatment in sweet basil was displayed as well. Moreover, the overexpression of the WRKY transcription factor-encoding gene, ObWRKY16, and the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase-encoding gene, ObPAL2, enhanced the seed germination, seedling growth, and survival rate, respectively, of transgenic Arabidopsis, suggesting that they might be important candidates for the creation of salt-tolerant sweet basil cultivars. Our data enrich the study on salt responses in sweet basil and provide essential gene resources for genetic improvements in sweet basil in the future.
Study on the Cross-Scale Effects of Microscopic Interactions and Mechanical Properties of Rigid Polyurethane Foam Driven by Negative-Temperature Environments
Authors: Wei Wei , Bi Yusui , Bi Gehua
Published: May 2024

In order to investigate the cross-scale effects of the interaction between the hard and soft segments of stiff polyurethane foam on the material’s mesoscopic pore structure and macroscopic compression characteristics in various negative-temperature environments, this paper used molecular dynamics to calculate the interaction differences between hard and soft segments in different negative-temperature environments. The effects of various negative-temperature settings on the cell structure of stiff polyurethane foam were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and Image J software. Finally, macro experiments were used to determine the influence of a negative-temperature environment on the characteristics of stiff polyurethane foam (such as compressibility). The molecular simulation calculation results show that in a negative-temperature environment, decreasing temperature gradually increases the interaction between hard segment molecules and soft segment molecules, resulting in an increase in the molecules’ modulus and cohesive energy density. The scanning electron microscope results reveal that a negative-temperature environment gradually increases the pore diameter of stiff polyurethane foam. The compression experiment findings demonstrate that, for the same service duration, the compressive strength in the −20 °C environment is 27.53% higher than that in the 0 °C environment. The study’s findings reveal a microscopic mechanism for the following receiving alterations and toughness enhancement of rigid polyurethane foam throughout service in negative-temperature conditions.
Study on the Evolution of Physicochemical Properties of Carbon Black at Different Regeneration Stages of Diesel Particulate Filters Regenerated by Non-Thermal Plasma
Authors: Luo Yong , Shi Yunxi , Zhuang Kaiqi , Ji Ruirui , Chen Xulong , Huang Yankang , Wang Zhe , Cai Yixi , Li Xiaohua
Published: May 2024

As a new type of aftertreatment technology, non-thermal plasma (NTP) can effectively decompose the particulate matter (PM) deposited in diesel particulate filters (DPFs). In this paper, a regeneration test of a DPF loaded with carbon black was carried out using an NTP injection system, and the changes of oxidative activity, elemental content, and occurrence state, microstructure and graphitization degree of carbon black were analyzed to reveal the evolution of the physicochemical properties of carbon black at different regeneration stages of the DPF regenerated by NTP. As the regeneration stage of the DPF advanced, Ti, Tmax, and Te of the carbon black at the bottom of the DPF decreased, which were higher than those at the regeneration interface. After the NTP reaction, the proportion of C element decreased to less than 80%, while the proportion of O element increased to more than 20%; C-O was converted to C=O and the relative content of C=O increased. The average microcrystalline length and average spacing decreased, while the average microcrystalline curvature increased. The ID1/IG (relative peak intensities) of carbon black samples decreased from 3.31 to 3.10, and the R3 (relative peak intensities, R3 = ID3/(IG + ID2 + ID3)) increased from 0.41 to 0.58. The content of carbon clusters had a great influence on the disorder of the microcrystalline structure, so the graphitization degree of carbon black decreased and the oxidation activity increased.
Design of a Spherical Rover Driven by Pendulum and Control Moment Gyroscope for Planetary Exploration
Authors: Melchiorre Matteo , Colamartino Tommaso , Ferrauto Martina , Troise Mario , Salamina Laura , Mauro Stefano
Published: May 2024

The spherical shape is an interesting approach to develop exploration robots, or rovers, thanks to its capability of ensuring omnidirectional motion and of being basically unsensitive to possible rollovers. This works intends to propose a novel detailed design for such a kind of robot and to discuss the performance that can be reached by adopting this solution. The work hence introduces the requirements assumed for the design of the robot and discloses the general layout that was selected, which includes a pendulum for motion transmission and two coupled gyroscopes to overcome high, steep obstacles, such as steps. The paper then summarizes the functional design computation carried out to size and selects the components of the system. Eventually, a control algorithm is described and tested on a complete multibody model of the robot. The results in the execution of standard maneuvers such as motion on a horizontal plane, as well as in the overcome of a step, are shown. The energetic balance of the rover is described, and some preliminary consideration about mission planning are reported in the final discussion.
Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface Assisted Target Three-Dimensional Localization with 2-D Radar
Authors: Liu Ziwei , Zhao Shanshan , Xie Biao , An Jirui
Published: May 2024

Battlefield surveillance radar is usually 2-D radar, which cannot realize target three-dimensional localization, leading to poor resolution for the air target in the elevation dimension. Previous researchers have used the Traditional Height Finder Radar (HFR) or multiple 2-D radar networking to estimate the target three-dimensional location. However, all of them face the problems of high cost, poor real-time performance and high requirement of space–time registration. In this paper, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RISs) with low cost are introduced into the 2-D radar to realize the target three-dimensional localization. Taking advantage of the wide beam of 2-D radar in the elevation dimension, several Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) carrying RISs are set in the receiving beam to form multiple auxiliary measurement channels. In addition, the traditional 2-D radar measurements combined with the auxiliary channel measurements are used to realize the target three-dimensional localization by solving a nonlinear least square problem with a convex optimization method. For the proposed RIS-assisted target three-dimensional localization problem, the Cramer–Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) is derived to measure the target localization accuracy. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed 3-D localization method, and the influences of the number, the positions and the site errors of the RISs on the localization accuracy are covered.
Prediction Method for Dynamic Subsidence Basin in Mining Area Based on SBAS-InSAR and Time Function
Authors: Hu Jibiao , Yan Yueguan , Dai Huayang , He Xun , Lv Biao , Han Meng , Zhu Yuanhao , Zhang Yanjun
Published: May 2024

Dynamic predictions of surface subsidence are crucial for assessing ground damage and protecting surface buildings. Based on Small Baseline Subset Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (SBAS-InSAR) technology, a method for making dynamic predictions of large-scale surface subsidence in mining areas can be established; however, the problem of phase coherence loss in InSAR data makes it impossible to predict the complete dynamic subsidence basin. In this study, a method combining the WeiBull time function and the improved probabilistic integral method (IPIM) model was established based on the PIM model, and a method for predicting the dynamic subsidence basin in the mining area was proposed by integrating the IPIM and the combined WeiBull time function. Time-series subsidence data, obtained using SBAS-InSAR, were used as fitting data, and the parameters of the combined WeiBull function were inverted, pixel by pixel, to predict the dynamic subsidence of the working face in the study area. Based on the predicted surface subsidence results of a certain moment in the working face, the parameters of the IPIM model were inverted to predict the subsidence value in the incoherent region. The subsidence predictions of the combined WeiBull time function and the IPIM model were fused using inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation to restore the complete subsidence basin in the mining area. This method was tested at the Wannian Mine in Hebei, and the obtained complete subsidence basin was compared with the measured data, with an absolute error range of 0 to 10 mm. The results show that the dynamic subsidence basin prediction method for the SBAS-InSAR mining area, involving the combination of the IPIM model and the combined WeiBull model, can not only accurately fit the time series of surface observation points affected by mining but also accurately restore the subsidence data in the incoherent region to obtain complete subsidence basin information in the mining area.
A Bayesian Framework to Quantify Uncertainty in Aerosol Optical Model Selection Applied to TROPOMI Measurements
Authors: Kauppi Anu , Kukkurainen Antti , Lipponen Antti , Laine Marko , Arola Antti , Lindqvist Hannakaisa , Tamminen Johanna
Published: May 2024

This article presents a method within a Bayesian framework for quantifying uncertainty in satellite aerosol remote sensing when retrieving aerosol optical depth (AOD). By using a Bayesian model averaging technique, we take into account uncertainty in aerosol optical model selection and also obtain a shared inference about AOD based on the best-fitting optical models. In particular, uncertainty caused by forward-model approximations has been taken into account in the AOD retrieval process to obtain a more realistic uncertainty estimate. We evaluated a model discrepancy, i.e., forward-model uncertainty, empirically by exploiting the residuals of model fits and using a Gaussian process to characterise the discrepancy. We illustrate the method with examples using observations from the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite. We evaluated the results against ground-based remote sensing aerosol data from the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET).
Monitoring Land Use Changes in the Yellow River Delta Using Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing Data and Machine Learning from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Zhu Yunyang , Lu Linlin , Li Zilu , Wang Shiqing , Yao Yu , Wu Wenjin , Pandey Rajiv , Tariq Aqil , Luo Ke , Li Qingting
Published: May 2024

The Yellow River Delta (YRD), known for its vast and diverse wetland ecosystem, is the largest estuarine delta in China. However, human activities and climate change have significantly degraded the wetland ecosystem in recent decades in the YRD. Therefore, an understanding of the land use modifications is essential for the efficient management and preservation of ecosystems in this region. This study utilized time series of remote sensing data and the extreme gradient boosting method to generate land use maps of the YRD from 2000 to 2020. Several methods, including transition matrix, land use dynamic degree, and standard deviation ellipse, were employed to explore the characteristics of land use transitions. The results underscore significant spatial variations in land use over the past two decades. The most rapid increase was observed in built-up area, followed by terrestrial water and tidal flats, while unutilized land experienced the fastest decrease, followed by forest–grassland. The spatial distribution patterns of agricultural land, built-up area, terrestrial water, and forest–grassland demonstrated stronger directionality compared to other land use types. The wetlands have expanded in size and improved in structure. Unutilized land has been converted into artificial wetlands comprising ponds, reservoirs, salt ponds, shrimp and crab ponds, and natural wetlands featuring mudflats and forest–grassland. The wetland conservation efforts after 2008 have proven very effective, playing a positive role in ecological and environmental preservation, as well as in regional sustainable development.
Precipitation Characteristics at Different Developmental Stages of the Tibetan Plateau Vortex in July 2021 Based on GPM-DPR Data
Authors: Yang Bingyun , Ren Suling , Wang Xi , Niu Ning
Published: May 2024

The Tibetan Plateau vortex (TPV), as an α-scale mesoscale weather system, often brings severe weather conditions like torrential rain and severe convective storms. Based on the detections from the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory’s Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and the FY-4A satellite’s Advanced Geostationary Radiation Imager (AGRI), combined with ERA5 reanalysis data, the precipitation characteristics of a TPV moving eastward during 8–13 July 2021 at different developmental stages are explored in this study. It was clear that the near-surface precipitation rate of the TPV during the initial stage at the eastern Tibetan Plateau (TP) was below 1 mm·h−1, implying overall weak precipitation dominated by stratiform clouds. After moving out of the TP, the radar reflectivity factor (Ze), precipitation rate, and normalized intercept parameter (dBNw) significantly increased, while the proportion of convective clouds gradually rose. Following the TPV movement, the distribution range and vertical thickness of Ze, mass-weighted mean diameter (Dm), and dBNw tended to increase. The high-frequency region of Ze appeared at 15–20 dBZ, while Dm and dBNw occurred at around 1 mm and 33 mm−1·m−3, respectively. Near the melting layer, Ze was characterized by a significant increase due to the aggregation and melting of ice crystals. The precipitation rate of convective clouds was generally greater than that of stratiform clouds, whilst both of them increased during the movement of the TPV. Particularly, at 01:00 on 12 July, there was a significant increase in the precipitation rate and Dm of convective clouds, while dBNw noticeably decreased. These findings could provide valuable insights into the three-dimensional structure and microphysical characteristics of the precipitation during the movement of the TPV, contributing to a better understanding of cloud precipitation mechanisms.
Gait Variability as a Potential Motor Marker of Cerebellar Disease—Relationship between Variability of Stride, Arm Swing and Trunk Movements, and Walking Speed
Authors: Kroneberg Daniel , Nümann Astrid , Minnerop Martina , Rönnefarth Maria , Endres Matthias , Kühn Andrea A. , Paul Friedemann , Doss Sarah , Solbrig Susanne , Elshehabi Morad , Maetzler Walter , Schmitz-Hübsch Tanja
Published: May 2024

Excessive stride variability is a characteristic feature of cerebellar ataxias, even in pre-ataxic or prodromal disease stages. This study explores the relation of variability of arm swing and trunk deflection in relationship to stride length and gait speed in previously described cohorts of cerebellar disease and healthy elderly: we examined 10 patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 14 (SCA), 12 patients with essential tremor (ET), and 67 healthy elderly (HE). Using inertial sensors, recordings of gait performance were conducted at different subjective walking speeds to delineate gait parameters and respective coefficients of variability (CoV). Comparisons across cohorts and walking speed categories revealed slower stride velocities in SCA and ET patients compared to HE, which was paralleled by reduced arm swing range of motion (RoM), peak velocity, and increased CoV of stride length, while no group differences were found for trunk deflections and their variability. Larger arm swing RoM, peak velocity, and stride length were predicted by higher gait velocity in all cohorts. Lower gait velocity predicted higher CoV values of trunk sagittal and horizontal deflections, as well as arm swing and stride length in ET and SCA patients, but not in HE. These findings highlight the role of arm movements in ataxic gait and the impact of gait velocity on variability, which are essential for defining disease manifestation and disease-related changes in longitudinal observations.
Experimental Research on Shipborne SINS Rapid Mooring Alignment with Variance-Constraint Kalman Filter and GNSS Position Updates
Authors: Fan Zhipeng , Chai Hua , Liang Xinghui , Wang Hubiao
Published: May 2024

Analytical coarse alignment and Kalman filter fine alignment based on zero-velocity are typically used to obtain initial attitude for inertial navigation systems (SINS) on a static base. However, in the shipboard mooring state, the static observation condition is corrupted. This paper presents a rapid alignment method for SINS on swaying bases. The proposed method begins with a coarse alignment technique in the inertial frame to obtain an initial rough attitude. Subsequently, a Kalman filter with position updates is employed to estimate the remaining misalignment error. To enhance the filter estimation performance, an appropriate lower boundary is set to the target states’ variances according to a carefully designed relative convergence index. The variance-constraint Kalman filter (VCKF) approach is proposed in this paper, and the shipborne experiments validate its effectiveness. The results demonstrate that the VCKF approach significantly reduces the time requirement for fine alignment to achieve the same accuracy on a swaying base, from 90 min in the classic Kalman filter to 30 min. Additionally, the parameter estimation performance in the Kalman filter is also improved, particularly in situations where unpredicted external interference is involved during fine alignment.
Liability of Health Professionals Using Sensors, Telemedicine and Artificial Intelligence for Remote Healthcare
Authors: Geny Marie , Andres Emmanuel , Talha Samy , Geny Bernard
Published: May 2024

In the last few decades, there has been an ongoing transformation of our healthcare system with larger use of sensors for remote care and artificial intelligence (AI) tools. In particular, sensors improved by new algorithms with learning capabilities have proven their value for better patient care. Sensors and AI systems are no longer only non-autonomous devices such as the ones used in radiology or surgical robots; there are novel tools with a certain degree of autonomy aiming to largely modulate the medical decision. Thus, there will be situations in which the doctor is the one making the decision and has the final say and other cases in which the doctor might only apply the decision presented by the autonomous device. As those are two hugely different situations, they should not be treated the same way, and different liability rules should apply. Despite a real interest in the promise of sensors and AI in medicine, doctors and patients are reluctant to use it. One important reason is a lack clear definition of liability. Nobody wants to be at fault, or even prosecuted, because they followed the advice from an AI system, notably when it has not been perfectly adapted to a specific patient. Fears are present even with simple sensors and AI use, such as during telemedicine visits based on very useful, clinically pertinent sensors; with the risk of missing an important parameter; and, of course, when AI appears “intelligent”, potentially replacing the doctors’ judgment. This paper aims to provide an overview of the liability of the health professional in the context of the use of sensors and AI tools in remote healthcare, analyzing four regimes: the contract-based approach, the approach based on breach of duty to inform, the fault-based approach, and the approach related to the good itself. We will also discuss future challenges and opportunities in the promising domain of sensors and AI use in medicine.
Determining Drought and Salinity Stress Response Function for Garlic
Authors: Nana Jean Bosco , Abd El Baki Hassan M. , Fujimaki Haruyuki
Published: May 2024

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is an important crop cultivated in arid and semi-arid climates. To quantify the tolerance of garlic to drought and salinity stresses in terms of parameter values of the stress response function, we conducted pot experiments in a greenhouse for two years. Nine 1/5000a Wagner pots were used for three treatments, namely drought-treated, salinity-treated, and control pots, for estimating the relative transpiration. Daily transpiration rates were observed by weighing pots, and the soil surface of each pot was covered. The soil water contents were measured hourly using two soil moisture probes for drought-treated pots, and two salinity probes for both soil water content and bulk electrical conductivity were monitored for salinity-treated pots. When the ratio of actual to potential transpiration fell below 50%, the root length distributions were obtained by dismantling the pots. The parameter values for both drought-stress and salinity-stress functions were estimated using inverse-analysis and bulk-analysis methods. The parameter values of drought-stress and salinity-stress functions obtained by the simpler and cheaper bulk method gave similar results to the inverse method when the root length distributions were relatively uniform.
Loading or Unloading? This Is the Question! A Multi-Season Study in Professional Football Players
Authors: Mandorino Mauro , Tessitore Antonio , Lacome Mathieu
Published: May 2024

This study examined the impact of training load periodization on neuromuscular readiness in elite football players using the Locomotor Efficiency Index (LEI) as a measure of performance optimization. Throughout the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, 106 elite male players (age: 19.5 ± 3.9 years) from an Italian professional football club were monitored using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) external load data. The LEI was derived from a machine learning model, specifically random forest regression, which compared predicted and actual PlayerLoad™ values to evaluate neuromuscular efficiency. Players were categorized by weekly LEI into three readiness states: bad, normal, and good. Analysis focused on the variation in weekly LEI relative to weekly load percentage variation (large decrease, moderate decrease, no variation, moderate increase, large increase), which included total distance, high-speed distance (above 25.2 km/h), and mechanical load, defined as the sum of accelerations and decelerations. Statistical analysis showed significant differences only with variations in total distance and mechanical load. Specifically, reducing weekly loads improved LEI in players in lower readiness states, while maintaining or slightly increasing loads promoted optimal readiness. This approach enables coaches to tailor training prescriptions more effectively, optimizing workload and recovery to sustain player performance throughout a demanding season.