bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Growth Medium and Inoculum Size on Pharmacodynamics Activity of Marbofloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Caprine Clinical Mastitis
Authors: Lorenzutti Augusto Matías , San Andrés-Larrea Manuel Ignacio , Fernández-Varón Emilio , Zarazaga María del Pilar , Molina-López Ana María , Serrano-Rodríguez Juan Manuel
Published: October 2021

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an important pathogen that causes clinical mastitis in goats and produces infections difficult to cure. Different antimicrobials as fluoroquinolones have been used against S. aureus. However, the studies developed to evaluate the bacterial drug interaction only have used the MIC as a single reference point with artificial growth media. The aims of this study were to describe the effect of marbofloxacin on S. aureus isolated from mastitis goats’ milk by different approaches as the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) in cation adjusted Mueller–Hinton broth (CAMHB), serum and milk of goats at two inoculum sizes of 105 and 108 CFU/mL, the determination and analysis of the time kill curves (TKC) by non-linear mixed effect models in each growth medium and inoculum size, as well as the estimation of their pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) cutoff values. The results obtained indicate that MIC values were higher and increases 2,4-fold in serum and 3,6-fold in milk at high inoculum, as well as the EC50 values determined by each pharmacodynamics model. Finally, the PK/PD cutoff values defined as fAUC24/MIC ratios to achieve clinical efficacy were highly dependent on inoculum and growth medium, with median values of 60–180, especially at high inoculum in milk, suggesting that further studies are necessary to evaluate and optimize the best therapeutic strategies for treating S. aureus in lactating goats.
Prevalence, Phylogroups and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Escherichia coli Isolates from Food Products
Authors: Pakbin Babak , Allahyari Samaneh , Amani Zahra , Brück Wolfram Manuel , Mahmoudi Razzagh , Peymani Amir
Published: October 2021

The emergence of multi-drug resistant E. coli is an important matter of increasing considerable concern to global public health. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, antibiotic resistance pattern and phylogroups of E. coli isolates obtained from raw milk, vegetable salad and ground meat samples collected from Qazvin Province (Iran). Culture-based techniques, Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility testing and PCR assays were used to determine the incidence rate, antimicrobial resistance pattern and phylogenetic groups of the E. coli isolates. The E. coli isolates were highly resistant to amoxicillin (79.1%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (70.8%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (62.5%), tetracycline (54.1%), chloramphenicol (54.1%), nitrofurantoin (54.1%), ampicillin (45.8%), streptomycin (45.8%), and kanamycin (33.3%); and completely susceptible to norfloxacin and azithromycin and 70.8% of the isolates were multi-drug resistant. Most E. coli isolates (46%) belonged to phylogroup A. Novel, practical, efficient food safety control and surveillance systems of multi-drug resistant foodborne pathogens are required to control the foodborne pathogen contamination.
Nox2 Deficiency Reduces Cartilage Damage and Ectopic Bone Formation in an Experimental Model for Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kruisbergen Nik N. L. , Di Ceglie Irene , van Gemert Yvonne , Walgreen Birgitte , Helsen Monique M. A. , Slöetjes Annet W. , Koenders Marije I. , van de Loo Fons A. J. , Roth Johannes , Vogl Thomas , van der Kraan Peter M. , Blom Arjen B. , van Lent Peter L. E. M. , van den Bosch Martijn H. J.
Published: October 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a destructive disease of the joint with age and obesity being its most important risk factors. Around 50% of OA patients suffer from inflammation of the synovial joint capsule, which is characterized by increased abundance and activation of synovial macrophages that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) via NADPH-oxidase 2 (NOX2). Both ROS and high blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are implicated in OA pathophysiology, which may interact to form oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and thereby promote disease. Therefore, targeting NOX2 could be a viable treatment strategy for OA. Collagenase-induced OA (CiOA) was used to compare pathology between wild-type (WT) and Nox2 knockout (Nox2−/−) C57Bl/6 mice. Mice were either fed a standard diet or Western diet (WD) to study a possible interaction between NOX2-derived ROS and LDL. Synovial inflammation, cartilage damage and ectopic bone size were assessed on histology. Extracellular ROS production by macrophages was measured in vitro using the Amplex Red assay. Nox2−/− macrophages produced basal levels of ROS but were unable to increase ROS production in response to the alarmin S100A8 or the phorbol ester PMA. Interestingly, Nox2 deficiency reduced cartilage damage, synovial lining thickness and ectopic bone size, whereas these disease parameters were not affected by WD-feeding. These results suggest that NOX2-derived ROS are involved in CiOA development.
Method Validation and Characterization of the Associated Uncertainty for Malondialdehyde Quantification in Exhaled Breath Condensate
Authors: Hemmendinger Maud , Sauvain Jean-Jacques , Hopf Nancy B. , Wild Pascal , Suárez Guillaume , Guseva Canu Irina
Published: October 2021

There are several methods for quantifying malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative stress biomarker, in exhaled breath condensate (EBC). However, due to the very diluted nature of this biological matrix, a high variability is observed at low concentrations. We aimed to optimize a 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-based method using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry and characterize the uncertainty associated with this method. We investigated the following parameters for the method validation: calibration linearity, limit of detection (LOD), precision, recovery, and matrix effect. The results were used to identify the main sources of uncertainty and calculating the combined uncertainty. The applicability of this method was evaluated in an ongoing epidemiological study by analyzing 164 EBC samples collected from different professional groups in subway environments. The optimized method was sensitive (LOD: 70 pg/mL), precise (inter-day variation < 19%) and accurate (recovery range: 92–106.5%). The calculated analytical uncertainty was the highest at the LOQ level and reached 23%. Although the analytical uncertainty was high at low MDA concentrations, it was significantly lower than that the observed inter-individual variability. Hence, this method performs sufficiently well and can be recommended for future use in epidemiological researches relying on between-subject differences.
Assessment of Screening Approach in Early and Differential Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Ferré-González Laura , Peña-Bautista Carmen , Álvarez-Sánchez Lourdes , Ferrer-Cairols Inés , Baquero Miguel , Cháfer-Pericás Consuelo
Published: October 2021

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly population. Currently, diagnosis is based on invasive and expensive techniques, so there is a growing need to look for other possible tests, as well as carry out clinical validation. Studies from the literature showed potential diagnosis models, including some AD risk factors (age, gender, ApoE-ε4 genotype) and other variables (biomarkers levels, neuroimaging). Specifically, a recent model was performed from lipid peroxidation compounds in plasma samples to identify patients with early AD. However, there is a lack of studies about clinical validation of these preliminary diagnosis models. Methods: Plasma samples from participants classified into AD (n = 61), non-AD (n = 17), and healthy (n = 44) were analyzed. In fact, lipid peroxidation compounds were determined by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Then, a previously developed diagnosis model was clinically validated, evaluating some diagnosis indexes. Results: The validation of the preliminary diagnosis model showed satisfactory diagnosis indexes (accuracy 77%, sensitivity 89%, specificity 61%, diagnostic odds ratio 12.5, positive predictive value 76%). Next, a useful screening tool, including the ApoE genotype, was developed, identifying patients with a higher risk of developing AD and improving the corresponding diagnosis indexes (accuracy 82%, sensitivity 81%, specificity 85%, diagnostic odds ratio 23.2, positive predictive value 90.5%). Conclusion: A new screening approach could improve the early, minimally invasive, and differential AD diagnosis in the general population.
Oral Administration of Rosa gallica Prevents UVB−Induced Skin Aging through Targeting the c−Raf Signaling Axis
Authors: Jo Seongin , Jung Young-Sung , Cho Ye-Ryeong , Seo Ji-Won , Lim Won-Chul , Nam Tae-Gyu , Lim Tae-Gyu , Byun Sanguine
Published: October 2021

Rosa gallica is a widely used Rosa species for medicinal and culinary purposes. Rosa gallica has been reported to display antioxidant, anti−inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. However, the effect of Rosa gallica against skin aging in vivo is unknown and its active components have not been fully understood. Oral administration of Rosa gallica prevented UVB−mediated skin wrinkle formation and loss of collagen/keratin fibers in the dorsal skin of mice. Examination of biomarkers at the molecular level showed that Rosa gallica downregulates UVB−induced COX−2 and MMP−1 expression in the skin. Through a direct comparison of major compounds identified using the UHPLC−MS/MS system, we discovered gallic acid as the primary component contributing to the anti-skin aging effect exhibited by Rosa gallica. Examination of the molecular mechanism revealed that gallic acid can potently and selectively target the c−Raf/MEK/ERK/c−Fos signaling axis. In addition, both gallic acid and MEK inhibitor blocked UVB−induced MMP−1 expression and restored collagen levels in a reconstructed 3D human skin model. Collectively, Rosa gallica could be used as a functional ingredient in the development of nutraceuticals against skin aging.
Key Mechanisms and Potential Implications of Hericium erinaceus in NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation by Reactive Oxygen Species during Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Cordaro Marika , Salinaro Angela Trovato , Siracusa Rosalba , D’Amico Ramona , Impellizzeri Daniela , Scuto Maria , Ontario Maria Laura , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Di Paola Rosanna , Fusco Roberta , Calabrese Vittorio
Published: October 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the principal cause of dementia, and its incidence increases with age. Altered antioxidant systems and inflammation have an important role in the etiology of neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Hericium erinaceus, a nutritional mushroom with important antioxidant effects, in a rat model of AD. Animals were injected with 70 mg/Kg of AlCl3 daily for 6 weeks, and Hericium erinaceus was administered daily by gavage. Before the experiment’s end date, behavioral test training was performed. At the end of the study, behavioral changes were assessed, and the animals were euthanized. Brain tissues were harvested for further analysis. AlCl3 mainly accumulates in the hippocampus, the principal region of the brain involved in memory functions and learning. Hericium erinaceus administration reduced behavioral changes and hippocampal neuronal degeneration. Additionally, it reduced phosphorylated Tau levels, aberrant APP overexpression, and β-amyloid accumulation. Moreover, Hericium erinaceus decreased the pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory hippocampal alterations induced by AD. In particular, it reduced the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome components, usually activated by increased oxidative stress during AD. Collectively, our results showed that Hericium erinaceus has protective effects on behavioral alteration and histological modification associated with AD due to the modulation of the oxidative and inflammatory pathways, as well as regulating cellular brain stress.
Two Benzene Rings with a Boron Atom Comprise the Core Structure of 2-APB Responsible for the Anti-Oxidative and Protective Effect on the Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Rat Heart Injury
Authors: Shen Yan-Cheng , Shen Yan-Jhih , Lee Wen-Sen , Chen Michael Yu-Chih , Tu Wei-Chia , Yang Kun-Ta
Published: October 2021

To identify the core structure of 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) responsible for the anti-oxidative and protective effect on the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced heart injury, various 2-APB analogues were analyzed, and several antioxidant assays were performed. Cell viability was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Myocardial infarct size was quantified using triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and cleaved-caspase-3 protein were evaluated as an indicator for the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effect, respectively. Our data show that 2-APB, diphenylborinic anhydride (DPBA) and 3-(diphenylphosphino)-1-propylamine (DP3A) all exerted the anti-oxidative activity, but only 2-APB and DPBA can scavenge H2O2. 2-APB and DPBA can potently inhibit hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)- and hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase (HX/XOD)-induced increases in intracellular H2O2 and H9c2 cell death. 2-APB and DPBA were able to decrease the I/R-induced adult rat cardiomyocytes death, myocardial infarct size, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB). Our results suggest that the two benzene rings with a boron atom comprise the core structure of 2-APB responsible for the anti-oxidative effect mediated through the reaction with H2O2 and generation of phenolic compounds, which in turn reduced the I/R-induced oxidative stress and injury in the rat heart.
Accuracy of Implant Level Intraoral Scanning and Photogrammetry Impression Techniques in a Complete Arch with Angled and Parallel Implants: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Tohme Hani , Lawand Ghida , Eid Rita , Ahmed Khaled E. , Salameh Ziad , Makzoume Joseph
Published: October 2021

(1) Background: Stereophotogrammetry has recently been investigated showing high accuracy in complete implant supported cases but has scarcely been investigated in cases of tilted implants. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the accuracy of digital impression techniques (intraoral scanning and photogrammetry) at the level of intraoral scan bodies in terms of angular deviations and 3D discrepancies. (2) Methods: A stone master cast representing an edentulous maxilla using four implant analogs was fabricated. The two anterior implants were parallel to each other, and the two posterior implants were at an angulation of 17 degrees. Digital intraoral scanning (DIOS) impressions were taken after connecting implant level scan bodies to the master cast and STL files were exported (n = 15). Digital photogrammetry (DPG) impressions were captured using a PiC Camera after tightening implant level PiC optical markers and STL files were exported (n = 15). Superimposition was carried out by a software for determining the accuracy of both. (3) Results: Significant angular discrepancies (ΔA) and 3D deviations of scan bodies were found among the groups in trueness with lower deviations for the DPG (p value < 0.001). However, trueness within ISBs varied between angular and 3D deviations and outcomes were not specific to determine the effect of implant angulation. In precision, no significant differences were detected within ISBs and among both groups in terms of angular deviation. However, DPG had less deviations than DIOS group in terms of 3D deviations (p value < 0.001). (4) Conclusion: Digital photogrammetry technique conveyed the utmost accuracy in both trueness and precision for the intraoral scan bodies among both impression methods assessed. In addition, implant angulation did not influence the precision of the impression techniques but affected their trueness without explicit conclusions.
Effects of Piper sarmentosum on Metabolic Syndrome and Its Related Complications: A Review of Preclinical Evidence
Authors: Ekeuku Sophia Ogechi , Nur Azlina Mohd Fahami , Chin Kok-Yong
Published: October 2021

Piper sarmentosum (PS) is a traditional medicinal herb used by South East Asians. It demonstrates promising properties against various non-communicable diseases and infectious agents due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Given that oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in developing and exacerbating metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its principal components (central obesity, hyperglycaemia, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia), PS could manage MetS and its complications. This review summarises the available literature on the effects of PS on principal components of MetS and their complications. The accumulated evidence suggests that PS prevented adiposity, hyperglycaemia, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia in preclinical studies mainly through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also protected against MetS-associated cardiovascular complications. This review has identified research gaps in this field and suggested future studies to guide interested researchers to explore further or affirm the therapeutic potential of PS. One of the most significant challenges to the medical use of PS is the absence of randomised controlled trials in humans. This study gap must be bridged before PS supplementation could be used to manage MetS in humans.
Evaluation of Non-Encapsulated and Microencapsulated Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Dumitru Mihaela , Vodnar Dan Cristian , Elemer Simon , Ciurescu Georgeta , Habeanu Mihaela , Sorescu Ionut , Georgescu Sergiu Emil , Dudu Andreea
Published: October 2021

A total of 15 strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from the broiler chicken’s gastrointestinal tract. All isolates were phenotypical and genetically identified. Among these isolates, only six were biochemical (API 50 CHL and ABIS soft) and genetically (16S rRNA sequencing) confirmed as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Levilactobacillus brevis, and Ligilactobacillus salivarius. Probiotic properties, including tolerance to pH (pH 2.0 and 3.0), bile salts (0.3% oxgall), hemolysis activity, and antibiotic susceptibility, were evaluated. Three isolates of the latter isolates showed high resistance at low pH values (73.74% to 98.20%) and bile salt concentrations (77.89% to 99.49%). The antibiotic test presented 100% resistance of LAB to gentamicin, lincomycin, enrofloxacin, and streptomycin lower than the 0.5 mm inhibition zone diameter. Selected strains (L. acidophilus IBNA 64, L. salivarius IBNA 33, and L. salivarius IBNA 41) were exposed to the spray-drying process based on observable probiotic potential. A maltodextrin-glucose solution was used as a thermoprotectant. After spray drying, a reduction in strain viability was noted (108 to 104 CFU/g). In conclusion, only L. salivarius (IBNA 33 and IBNA 41) could be used as a possible probiotic, and further studies are needed to ensure their safe application in the animal nutrition field with beneficial effects for improving performance and pathogen microorganism control from intestines equilibrating the microbiota composition.
Anomaly Detection in Automotive Industry Using Clustering Methods—A Case Study
Authors: Guerreiro Marcio Trindade , Guerreiro Eliana Maria Andriani , Barchi Tathiana Mikamura , Biluca Juliana , Alves Thiago Antonini , de Souza Tadano Yara , Trojan Flávio , Siqueira Hugo Valadares
Published: October 2021

In automotive industries, pricing anomalies may occur for components of different products, despite their similar physical characteristics, which raises the total production cost of the company. However, detecting such discrepancies is often neglected since it is necessary to find the problems considering the observation of thousands of pieces, which often present inconsistencies when specified by the product engineering team. In this investigation, we propose a solution for a real case study. We use as strategy a set of clustering algorithms to group components by similarity: K-Means, K-Medoids, Fuzzy C-Means (FCM), Hierarchical, Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN), Self-Organizing Maps (SOM), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Differential Evolution (DE). We observed that the methods could automatically perform the grouping of parts considering physical characteristics present in the material master data, allowing anomaly detection and identification, which can consequently lead to cost reduction. The computational results indicate that the Hierarchical approach presented the best performance on 1 of 6 evaluation metrics and was the second place on four others indexes, considering the Borda count method. The K-Medoids win for most metrics, but it was the second best positioned due to its bad performance regarding SI-index. By the end, this proposal allowed identify mistakes in the specification and pricing of some items in the company.
Experimental Study of a Piezoelectric De-Icing System Implemented to Rotorcraft Blades
Authors: Villeneuve Eric , Ghinet Sebastian , Volat Christophe
Published: October 2021

A four-year project investigating the use of piezoelectric actuators as a vibration-based low power de-icing system has been initiated at the Anti-Icing Materials Laboratory. The work done preceding this investigation consisted of studying, numerically and experimentally, the system integration to a flat plate structure, the optimal excitation of the system, the resonant structural modes and the shear stress amplitudes to achieve de-icing for that structure. In this new investigation, the concepts and conclusions obtained on the flat plate structure were used to design and integrate the system into a rotating blade structure. An experimental setup was built for de-icing tests in rotation within an icing wind tunnel, and a finite-element numerical model adapted to the new geometry of the blade was developed based on the expertise accumulated using previous flat plate structure analysis. Complete de-icing of the structure was obtained in the wind tunnel using the developed de-icing system, and its power consumption was estimated. The power consumption was observed to be lower than the currently used electrothermal systems. The finite-elements numerical model was therefore used to study the case of a full-scale tail rotor blade and showed that the power reduction of the system could be significantly higher for a longer blade, confirming, therefore, the relevance of further de-icing investigations on a full-scale tail rotor.
Speckle Noise Detection and Removal for Laser Speech Measurement Systems
Authors: Wang Yahui , Zhang Wenxi , Wu Zhou , Kong Xinxin , Zhang Hongxin
Published: October 2021

Laser speech measurement is a new sound capture technology based on Laser Doppler Vibrometry (LDV). It avoids the need for contact, is easily concealed and is ideal for remote speech acquisition, which has led to its wide-scale adoption for military and security applications. However, lasers are easily affected by complex detection environments. Thus, speckle noise often appears in the measured speech, seriously affecting its quality and intelligibility. This paper examines all of the characteristics of impulsive noise in laser measured speech and proposes a novel automatic impulsive noise detection and removal method. This method first foregrounds noise using decorrelation based on a linear prediction (LP) model that improves the noise-to-signal ratio (NSR) of the measured signal. This makes it possible to detect the position of noise through a combination of the average short-time energy and kurtosis. The method not only precisely locates small clicks (with a duration of just a few samples), but also finds the location of longer bursts and scratches (with a duration of up to a hundred samples). The located samples can then be replaced by more appropriate samples whose coding is based on the LP model. This strategy avoids unnecessary processing and obviates the need to compromise the quality of the relatively large fraction of samples that are unaffected by speckle noise. Experimental results show that the proposed automatic speckle noise detection and removal method outperforms other related methods across a wide range of degraded audio signals.
Dual-Frequency Microwave Plasma Source Based on Microwave Coaxial Transmission Line
Authors: Chen Chi , Fu Wenjie , Zhang Chaoyang , Lu Dun , Han Meng , Yan Yang
Published: October 2021

A dual-frequency plasma source has many advantages in applications. In this paper, a dual-frequency microwave plasma source is presented. This microwave plasma source is based on a coaxial transmission line without the resonator, and it can be operated in a wide band frequency region. Two microwaves are inputted from two ports into the plasma reactor: one is used firstly to excite the plasma and the other one is used to adjust plasma characteristics. Based on the COMSOL Multiphysics simulation, the experiment is carried out. In the experimental investigation, the plasma electron density and electron temperature can be controlled, respectively, by feeding in different frequencies from the second port, causing the particles at different energy levels to present different frequencies. This exploratory research improves the operation frequency of dual-frequency microwave plasma sources from RF to microwave.
Synergistic Effects and Toxic Mechanism of Phosphine with Ethyl Formate against Citrus Mealybug (Planococcus citri)
Authors: Kim Kyeongnam , Park Min-Goo , Lee Yong Ho , Jeon Hwang-Ju , Kwon Tae Hyung , Kim Chaeeun , Park Jungeun , Lee Byung-Ho , Yang Jeong Oh , Lee Sung-Eun
Published: October 2021

Methyl bromide (MB) has been used in a wide range of applications, but since it was determined to be an ozone-depleting compound, it has only been used for pre-shipment and quarantine purposes in trade. Phosphine (PH3) is currently the ideal fumigant as an MB alternative worldwide. However, the development of PH3 resistance in the target insect pest and longer PH3 fumigation treatment times raise questions about the continued use of PH3. This study attempted to shorten treatment time via combination treatment with ethyl formate (EF). Planococcus citri was used as the main quarantine pest in Korea, and the acute toxicity of EF, PH3, and EF + PH3 was determined at every developmental stage. EF treatment at 4 h showed LCT99 values of 45.85~65.43 mg∙h/L, and PH3 treatment at 20 h showed that of 0.13~0.83 mg∙h/L depending on the developmental stage. The efficacy of PH3 decreased after reducing the treatment time, but synergistic effects were observed at all stages of development of P. citri when both fumigants were used simultaneously for 4 h. After combined treatment, dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase expression and the production of two phospholipids, PI(O-16:0) and PC(18:2), were significantly reduced in treated P. citri adults compared with the control. Therefore, combined treatments might be key to reducing the treatment time and resistance of PH3 in the field.
Study of Novel Punched-Bionic Impellers for High Efficiency and Homogeneity in PCM Mixing and Other Solid-Liquid Stirs
Authors: Zhang Weitao , Gao Zengliang , Yang Qizhi , Zhou Shuiqing , Xia Ding
Published: October 2021

Improvement of stirring performance is one of the primary objectives in solid–liquid mixing processes, such as the preparation of phase change materials (PCMs) for energy saving in refrigeration and heat pump systems. In this paper, three novel impellers are proposed: pitched-blade punched turbine (PBPT), bionic cut blade turbine (BCBT) and bionic cut punched blade turbine (BCPBT). An experimental test was conducted to validate the stirring system model based on the Eulerian–Eulerian method with the kinetic theory of granular flow. Then the performance of the novel impellers was predicted, studied, and compared. The outcomes indicate that a novel impeller, specifically BCPBT, can effectively suspend particles and dramatically reduce power consumption. A better solid–liquid suspension quality was obtained with an aperture diameter of 8 mm and aperture ratio of 13%. Within the range of impeller speeds and liquid viscosity studied in this this paper, higher impeller speeds and more viscous liquids are more conducive to particle dispersion. One of the most important contributions of this work lies in the design of novel impellers, an extent of energy conservation to 17% and efficient mixing was achieved. These results have reference significance for improving the energy efficiency of temperature regulation systems.
FONDUE: A Framework for Node Disambiguation and Deduplication Using Network Embeddings
Authors: Mel Ahmad , Kang Bo , Lijffijt Jefrey , De Bie Tijl
Published: October 2021

Data often have a relational nature that is most easily expressed in a network form, with its main components consisting of nodes that represent real objects and links that signify the relations between these objects. Modeling networks is useful for many purposes, but the efficacy of downstream tasks is often hampered by data quality issues related to their construction. In many constructed networks, ambiguity may arise when a node corresponds to multiple concepts. Similarly, a single entity can be mistakenly represented by several different nodes. In this paper, we formalize both the node disambiguation (NDA) and node deduplication (NDD) tasks to resolve these data quality issues. We then introduce FONDUE, a framework for utilizing network embedding methods for data-driven disambiguation and deduplication of nodes. Given an undirected and unweighted network, FONDUE-NDA identifies nodes that appear to correspond to multiple entities for subsequent splitting and suggests how to split them (node disambiguation), whereas FONDUE-NDD identifies nodes that appear to correspond to same entity for merging (node deduplication), using only the network topology. From controlled experiments on benchmark networks, we find that FONDUE-NDA is substantially and consistently more accurate with lower computational cost in identifying ambiguous nodes, and that FONDUE-NDD is a competitive alternative for node deduplication, when compared to state-of-the-art alternatives.
A Simplified Vehicle Dynamics Model for Motion Planner Designed by Nonlinear Model Predictive Control
Authors: Gao Feng , Hu Qiuxia , Ma Jie , Han Xiangyu
Published: October 2021

Motion planning by considering it as an optimal problem is an effective and widely applicable method. Its comprehensive performance greatly depends on the vehicle dynamics model, which is highly coupled and nonlinear, especially under the dynamical scenarios and causes much more consumption of computation resources for the numerical optimization. To increase the real time performance of the motion planner designed by nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC), a unified and simplified vehicle dynamics model (SDM) is presented to make a balance between the accuracy and complexity for dynamical driving scenarios. Based on the statistical analysis results of naturalistic driving conditions, a unified nonlinear vehicle dynamics model is set up, which considers the tyre cornering characteristic and is also applicable to conditions with large turning angle. After the validation of this coupled dynamics model (CDM) by comparisons with other widely used models under a variety of conditions, the coupling effect is analyzed according to the transfer functions, which are obtained by linearizing CDM at equilibrium points. Furthermore, SDM is derived by ignoring the weak part of the coupling effect. The accuracy of SDM is validated by several comparative studies with other models and it is further applied to design a motion planner by NMPC to validate its contribution on the performance improvement under dynamical driving conditions.
Spatial-Temporal Changes of Methane Content in the Atmosphere for Selected Countries and Regions with High Methane Emission from Rice Cultivation
Authors: Kozicka Katarzyna , Gozdowski Dariusz , Wójcik-Gront Elżbieta
Published: October 2021

Irrigated and flooded rice is associated with methane (CH4) emissions. CH4 is one of the most important anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere. Nowadays, mapping CH4 content at a global scale is possible using satellite sensors. Sample of such a sensor is TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) placed on the Sentinel-5 Precursor (Sentinel-5P) satellite board. In this study, the evaluation of spatial-temporal changes in CH4 content in the atmosphere for selected countries and regions with high CH4 emissions from rice cultivation in 2019–2021 was performed. Visual evaluation of the spatial variability on CH4 content for the total study period indicates higher CH4 content for almost all areas with high rice concentration. This was confirmed by positive correlations between CH4 content in the atmosphere and estimated GHG emissions from croplands analyzed separately for each studied country/region. In addition, seasonal changes in CH4 content in the atmosphere were observed. The lowest CH4 content was observed at the beginning of the year (for the first quarter of the year) and the highest for the third quarter of the year. Moreover, a long-term increase in CH4 was noticed. Regression analysis revealed that the mean increase in CH4 content in most of the studied regions/countries was about 15 ppb per year. CH4 content evaluated with the use of satellite data from Sentinel-5P is a reliable data source and can be used for the analysis of temporal changes at various spatial scales, including regions and countries.
Polarizabilities and Rydberg States in the Presence of a Debye Potential
Authors: Bhatia Anand , Drachman Richard
Published: October 2021

Polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities, α1, β1, γ1, α2, β2, γ2, α3, β3, γ3, δ and ε of hydrogenic systems have been calculated in the presence of a Debye–Huckel potential, using pseudostates for the S, P, D and F states. All of these converge very quickly as the number of terms in the pseudostates is increased and are essentially independent of the nonlinear parameters. All the results are in good agreement with the results obtained for hydrogenic systems obtained by Drachman. The effective potential seen by the outer electron is −α1/x4 + (6β1 − α2)/x6 + higher-order terms, where x is the distance from the outer electron to the nucleus. The exchange and electron–electron correlations are unimportant because the outer electron is far away from the nucleus. This implies that the conventional variational calculations are not necessary. The results agree well with the results of Drachman for the screening parameter equal to zero in the Debye–Huckel potential. We can calculate the energies of Rydberg states by using the polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities in the presence of Debye potential seen by the outer electron when the atoms are embedded in a plasma. Most calculations are carried out in the absence of the Debye–Huckel potential. However, it is not possible to carry out experiments when there is a complete absence of plasma at a particular electron temperature and density. The present calculations of polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities will provide accurate results for Rydberg states when the measurements for such states are carried out.
Degenerated and Competing Dirichlet Problems with Weights and Convection
Authors: Motreanu Dumitru
Published: October 2021

This paper focuses on two Dirichlet boundary value problems whose differential operators in the principal part exhibit a lack of ellipticity and contain a convection term (depending on the solution and its gradient). They are driven by a degenerated (p,q)-Laplacian with weights and a competing (p,q)-Laplacian with weights, respectively. The notion of competing (p,q)-Laplacians with weights is considered for the first time. We present existence and approximation results that hold under the same set of hypotheses on the convection term for both problems. The proofs are based on weighted Sobolev spaces, Nemytskij operators, a fixed point argument and finite dimensional approximation. A detailed example illustrates the effective applicability of our results.
Machine Learning Evaluation of Biliary Atresia Patients to Predict Long-Term Outcome after the Kasai Procedure
Authors: Caruso Martina , Ricciardi Carlo , Delli Paoli Gregorio , Di Dato Fabiola , Donisi Leandro , Romeo Valeria , Petretta Mario , Iorio Raffaele , Cesarelli Giuseppe , Brunetti Arturo , Maurea Simone
Published: October 2021

Kasai portoenterostomy (KP) represents the first-line treatment for biliary atresia (BA). The purpose was to compare the accuracy of quantitative parameters extracted from laboratory tests, US imaging, and MR imaging studies using machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict the long-term medical outcome in native liver survivor BA patients after KP. Twenty-four patients were evaluated according to clinical and laboratory data at initial evaluation (median follow-up = 9.7 years) after KP as having ideal (n = 15) or non-ideal (n = 9) medical outcomes. Patients were re-evaluated after an additional 4 years and classified in group 1 (n = 12) as stable and group 2 (n = 12) as non-stable in the disease course. Laboratory and quantitative imaging parameters were merged to test ML algorithms. Total and direct bilirubin (TB and DB), as laboratory parameters, and US stiffness, as an imaging parameter, were the only statistically significant parameters between the groups. The best algorithm in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and AUCROC was naive Bayes algorithm, selecting only laboratory parameters (TB and DB). This preliminary ML analysis confirms the fundamental role of TB and DB values in predicting the long-term medical outcome for BA patients after KP, even though their values may be within the normal range. Physicians should be alert when TB and DB values change slightly.
MiRNAs Expression Profiling in Raw264.7 Macrophages after Nfatc1-Knockdown Elucidates Potential Pathways Involved in Osteoclasts Differentiation
Authors: Russo Roberta , Zito Francesca , Lampiasi Nadia
Published: October 2021

Differentiation of macrophages toward osteoclasts is crucial for bone homeostasis but can be detrimental in disease states, including osteoporosis and cancer. Therefore, understanding the osteoclast differentiation process and the underlying regulatory mechanisms may facilitate the identification of new therapeutic targets. Hereby, we tried to reveal new miRNAs potentially involved in the regulation of early steps of osteoclastogenesis, with a particular focus on those possibly correlated with NFATc1 expression, by studying miRNAs profiling. During the first 24 h of osteoclastogenesis, 38 miRNAs were differentially expressed between undifferentiated and RANKL-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, while 10 miRNAs were differentially expressed between RANKL-stimulated cells transfected with negative control or NFATc1-siRNAs. Among others, the expression levels of miR-411, miR-144 and members of miR-29, miR-30, and miR-23 families changed after RANKL stimulation. Moreover, the potential role of miR-124 during osteoclastogenesis was explored by transient cell transfection with anti-miR-124 or miR-124-mimic. Two relatively unknown miRNAs, miR-880-3p and miR-295-3p, were differentially expressed between RANKL-stimulated/wild-type and RANKL-stimulated/NFATc1-silenced cells, suggesting their possible correlation with NFATc1. KEGG enrichment analyses showed that kinase and phosphatase enzymes were among the predicted targets for many of the studied miRNAs. In conclusion, our study provides new data on the potential role and possible targets of new miRNAs during osteoclastogenesis.
Novel Structures of Type 1 Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase from Escherichia coli Provide New Insights into the Mechanism of Generation of 1,3-Bisphosphoglyceric Acid
Authors: Zhang Li , Liu Meiruo , Bao Luyao , Boström Kristina I. , Yao Yucheng , Li Jixi , Gu Shaohua , Ji Chaoneng
Published: October 2021

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a highly conserved enzyme involved in the ubiquitous process of glycolysis and presents a loop (residues 208–215 of Escherichia coli GAPDH) in two alternative conformations (I and II). It is uncertain what triggers this loop rearrangement, as well as which is the precise site from which phosphate attacks the thioacyl intermediate precursor of 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate (BPG). To clarify these uncertainties, we determined the crystal structures of complexes of wild-type GAPDH (WT) with NAD and phosphate or G3P, and of essentially inactive GAPDH mutants (C150S, H177A), trapping crystal structures for the thioacyl intermediate or for ternary complexes with NAD and either phosphate, BPG, or G3P. Analysis of these structures reported here lead us to propose that phosphate is located in the “new Pi site” attacks the thioester bond of the thioacyl intermediate to generate 1,3-bisphosphoglyceric acid (BPG). In the structure of the thioacyl intermediate, the mobile loop is in conformation II in subunits O, P, and R, while both conformations coexist in subunit Q. Moreover, only the Q subunit hosts bound NADH. In the R subunit, only the pyrophosphate part of NADH is well defined, and NADH is totally absent from the O and P subunits. Thus, the change in loop conformation appears to occur after NADH is produced, before NADH is released. In addition, two new D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P) binding forms are observed in WT.NAD.G3P and C150A+H177A.NAD.G3P. In summary, this paper improves our understanding of the GAPDH catalytic mechanism, particularly regarding BPG formation.
Role of CD36 in Palmitic Acid Lipotoxicity in Neuro-2a Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Urso C. J. , Zhou Heping
Published: October 2021

Elevated level of palmitic acid (PA), a long-chain saturated fatty acid (SFA), is lipotoxic to many different types of cells including Neuro-2a (N2a) neuroblastoma cells. CD36 is a multifunctional membrane glycoprotein that acts as a fatty acid translocase (FAT) facilitating the transport of long-chain free fatty acids (FFAs) into cells, serves a fatty acid (FA) sensing function in areas including taste buds and the proximal gut, and acts as a scavenger receptor that binds to many ligands, including FAs, collagen, oxidized low-density lipoproteins, and anionic phospholipids. However, the involvement of CD36 in FA uptake and PA lipotoxicity in N2a cells remains unclear. In this study, we examined FA uptake in BSA- and PA-treated N2a cells and investigated the involvement of CD36 in FA uptake and PA lipotoxicity in N2a cells. Our data showed that PA treatment promoted FA uptake in N2a cells, and that treatment with sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate (SSO), a CD36 inhibitor, significantly decreased FA uptake in BSA- and PA-treated N2a cells, and ameliorated PA-induced decrease of cell viability, decrease of diploid cells, and increase of tetraploid cells. We also found that CD36 knockdown significantly decreased FA uptake in both BSA- and PA-treated cells as compared to their corresponding wild-type controls, and dramatically attenuated PA-induced cell cycle defects in N2a cells. Our data suggest that CD36 may play a critical role in FA uptake and PA lipotoxicity in N2a cells. CD36 may therefore represent a regulatory target against pathologies caused by excess FAs.
Evaluation of Accuracy and Precision of the Sound-Recorder-Based Point-Counts Applied in Forests and Open Areas in Two Locations Situated in a Temperate and Tropical Regions
Authors: Budka Michał , Kułaga Kinga , Osiejuk Tomasz Stanislaw
Published: October 2021

The point-count method is one of the most popular techniques for surveying birds. However, the accuracy and precision of this method may vary across various environments and geographical regions. We conducted sound-recorder-based point-counts to examine the accuracy and precision of the method for bird biodiversity estimation as a function of geographical region, habitat type and the time of day at which the survey began. In temperate (Poland) and tropical (Cameroon) regions, we recorded soundscapes on two successive mornings at 36 recording sites (18 in each location). At each site, we analyzed three 5-min surveys per day. We found no differences in the accuracy and precision of the method between regions and habitats. The accuracy was significantly greater at sunrise than during later surveys. The similarity of the bird assemblages detected by different surveys did not differ between regions or habitats. However, the bird communities described at the same time of day were significantly more similar to each other than those detected by surveys conducted at different times. The point-count method provided statistically indistinguishable estimates of bird biodiversity in different geographical regions and habitats. However, our results highlight two weaknesses of the method: low accuracy (41–54%), which limits the usefulness of a single survey in understanding bird–environment relationships, and changes in accuracy throughout the day, which may result in the misinterpretation of the status of bird populations.
Structural Fire Protection of Steel Structures in Arctic Conditions
Authors: Gravit Marina , Shabunina Daria
Published: October 2021

Most structures in the Arctic and Antarctic for oil and gas production are offshore stations, tankers, modules, steel supporting, and enclosing structures, which need to be protected against both cryogenic spills and fire exposure. Oil and gas industry facilities have products of high flammability and explosiveness, which in the case of ignition make it possible to develop a fire along the hydrocarbon curve, accompanied by a sharp jump in temperature and the formation of excessive pressure. This article discusses possible structural fire protection for metal structures in the Arctic region. Three different structural fireproofing materials are presented using super-thin basalt fiber (STBF) as an example. Tests of steel structures with fire protection are demonstrated, as a result of which the time from the beginning of cryogenic exposure to the limit state of samples is determined, and after the time from the beginning of thermal exposure to the limit state of samples under the hydrocarbon temperature regime is determined. An assessment of various flame retardants with values up to 120 min, which can be used in arctic climate conditions, was carried out. It was found that the most effective coatings are materials prepared on the basis of STBF.
Physical, Chemical and Geotechnical Characterization of Wet Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum and Its Potential Application as Building Materials
Authors: Sithole Thandiwe , Mashifana Tebogo , Mahlangu Dumisane , Tchadjie Leonel
Published: October 2021

In South Africa, coal represents the primary source of energy used for electricity generation. Coal power plants use the wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) process to remove sulfur dioxide (SO2) from their flue gas. However, this technology produces a large amount of synthetic gypsum, resulting in waste disposal and environmental pollution. This study investigated the physical, chemical and geotechnical properties of WFGD gypsum and its potential application to develop cement-free bricks. WFGD gypsum was collected from a coal power plant in South Africa. It was found that the principal oxides of WFGD gypsum were sulfur trioxide (SO3) and calcium oxide (CaO), which represented more than 90% of the total weight. Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) and calcium di aluminate (CA2) were the predominant minerals in the raw material. The density of the WFGD gypsum was 2.43 g/cm3. The maximum dry density and optimum moisture content values were 1425 kg/m3 and 18.5%, respectively. WFGD gypsum had a liquid limit of 51% but did not display any plasticity characteristics. The optimum curing temperature of gypsum bricks was 40 °C. WFGD gypsum-based bricks exhibited compressive strength of up to 2.3 MPa and a density of about 28% less than that of typical clay bricks. Additionally, there was no significant decrease in compressive strength after seven wet/dry cycles. These results show that WFGD gypsum could be used to produce lightweight building materials with low strength requirements.