bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Comparison of Two Novel Hybrid Neural Network Models for Hourly Solar Radiation Prediction
Authors: Mukhtar Mustapha , Oluwasanmi Ariyo , Yimen Nasser , Qinxiu Zhang , Ukwuoma Chiagoziem C. , Ezurike Benjamin , Bamisile Olusola
Published: January 2022

There are a lot of developing countries with inadequate meteorological stations to measure solar radiation. This has been a major drawback for solar power applications in these countries as the performance of the solar-powered system cannot be accurately forecasted. In this study, two novel hybrid neural networks namely; convolutional neural network/artificial neural network (CNN-ANN) and convolutional neural network/long short-term memory/artificial neural network (CNN-LSTM-ANN), have been developed for hourly global solar radiation prediction. ANN models are also developed and the performance of the hybrid neural network models is compared with it. This study contributes to the search for more accurate solar radiation estimation methods. The hybrid neural network models are trained/tested with data from ten different countries across Africa. Results from this study indicate that the performance of all the hybrid models developed in this study is superior to what has been presented in existing literature with their r values ranging from 0.9662 to 0.9930. CNN-ANN model is the best for solar radiation forecasting in Southern, Central, and West Africa. CNN-LSTM-ANN is better for East Africa while both CNN-ANN and CNN-LSTM-ANN are suitable for North Africa. CNN-ANN application for solar radiation prediction in Chad had the overall best performance with an r-value, MAE, RMSE, and MAPE of 0.9930, 15.70 W/m2, 46.84 W/m2, and 4.98% respectively. The integration of CNN and LSTM algorithms with an ANN model enhanced long-term computational dependency and reduce error terms for the model.
Diffusional Behavior of New Insulating Gas Mixtures as Alternatives to the SF6-Use in Medium Voltage Switchgear
Authors: Espinazo Ane , Lombraña José Ignacio , Asua Estibaliz , Pereda-Ayo Beñat , Alonso María Luz , Alonso Rosa María , Cayero Leire , Izcara Jesús , Izagirre Josu
Published: January 2022

Regarding the use of SF6 in medium voltage switchgear (MVS), a review of alternatives was encouraged by the European Parliament in Regulation No 517/2014. This is aimed at a new regulatory change, that is expected soon, which will include its prohibition, similar to what has happened with other fluorinated greenhouse gases in other fields, like refrigeration. Therefore, there is an urgent need to study the physical and chemical properties of alternative gas mixtures to determine if they are suitable to replace SF6. In this context, this work addresses the difusional analysis of new gases. Binary and ternary mixtures made of 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (C3F4H2) and heptafluoroisopropyl trifluoromethyl ketone (C5F10O), using dry air as a carrier gas, were studied. The mixtures were analyzed using original equipment, composed of UV-Vis spectroscopy technology in a sealed gas chamber, which is similar to MVS. Consequently, an experimental equipment that monitors the concentration of a gas mixture online and a model that predicts the mixing process were designed and tested. The concentration profiles were obtained concerning both the time and position in the gas chamber, and the diffusional and convectional parameters were numerically calculated and optimized in an algorithm created in Scilab.
Accurate Image Locating by Hologram Multiplexing in Off-Axis Digital Holography Display
Authors: Xu Xianfeng , Wang Xinwei , Wang Hao
Published: January 2022

An approach is suggested to recover and then locate the original object image in off-axis digital holography by the multiplexing of hologram (OADHM). The recording configuration is designed by introducing one more plane wave in the interference frame to carry the information for the tilt angle of the reference wave (TARW), which is crucial for the holography recovery and the accurate locating of the reconstructed image. The intensity distribution in a hologram plane and the corresponding spatial spectrum of two sets holograms in Fourier domain are analyzed theoretically. When the specific spectra that come from the interference of the two plane waves are detected, the TARW can be calculated by the coordinates of them and then the recovered image can be retrieved by spectrum operation and located at the original place. Series numerical simulations and optical experiments have been carried out to demonstrate the availability and efficiency of the proposed design.
Take-Over Requests after Waking in Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Kim Won , Jeon Eunki , Kim Gwangbin , Yeo Dohyeon , Kim SeungJun
Published: January 2022

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) enable drivers to devote their primary attention to non-driving-related tasks (NDRTs). Consequently, AVs must provide intelligibility services appropriate to drivers’ in-situ states and in-car activities to ensure driver safety, and accounting for the type of NDRT being performed can result in higher intelligibility. We discovered that sleeping is drivers’ most preferred NDRT, and this could also result in a critical scenario when a take-over request (TOR) occurs. In this study, we designed TOR situations where drivers are woken from sleep in a high-fidelity AV simulator with motion systems, aiming to examine how drivers react to a TOR provided with our experimental conditions. We investigated how driving performance, perceived task workload, AV acceptance, and physiological responses in a TOR vary according to two factors: (1) feedforward timings and (2) presentation modalities. The results showed that when awakened by a TOR alert delivered >10 s prior to an event, drivers were more focused on the driving context and were unlikely to be influenced by TOR modality, whereas TOR alerts delivered <5 s prior needed a visual accompaniment to quickly inform drivers of on-road situations. This study furthers understanding of how a driver’s cognitive and physical demands interact with TOR situations at the moment of waking from sleep and designs effective interventions for intelligibility services to best comply with safety and driver experience in AVs.
Lessons Learned from the Construction, Inspection, and Defect Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Foundations for Wind Turbines
Authors: Mathern Alexandre , Magnusson Jonas
Published: January 2022

Foundations of wind turbines are subject to challenging conditions during their service life as they support ever larger wind turbines under complex loading situations. There have been numerous reports of cracked concrete foundations of wind turbines. Cracking can impair the durability and serviceability of the foundations, thereby leading to very expensive repairs or even to premature failure of the structure. To avoid cracking-related problems and improve the quality of concrete foundations, it is important to gather information and experience from the production stage and its outcome. However, although problems and defects in the construction of wind turbine foundations are widespread, they have very seldom been documented and reported, in particular from a contractor’s perspective. This article analyses and critically reviews data collected during the production, inspection, diagnosis, and repair activities conducted in relation to the construction of foundations for a wind farm project in Sweden. The extent of defects observed on individual foundations is assessed and used to investigate the eventual relation between the observed deviations and different production aspects. Investigation methods to determine the importance of these defects and their consequences and possible remediation measures are also discussed. Finally, recommendations are proposed to improve the quality control of wind turbine foundations.
In-Target Proton–Boron Nuclear Fusion Using a PW-Class Laser
Authors: Margarone Daniele , Bonvalet Julien , Giuffrida Lorenzo , Morace Alessio , Kantarelou Vasiliki , Tosca Marco , Raffestin Didier , Nicolai Philippe , Picciotto Antonino , Abe Yuki , Arikawa Yasunobu , Fujioka Shinsuke , Fukuda Yuji , Kuramitsu Yasuhiro , Habara Hideaki , Batani Dimitri
Published: January 2022

Nuclear reactions between protons and boron-11 nuclei (p–B fusion) that were used to yield energetic α-particles were initiated in a plasma that was generated by the interaction between a PW-class laser operating at relativistic intensities (~3 × 1019 W/cm2) and a 0.2-mm thick boron nitride (BN) target. A high p–B fusion reaction rate and hence, a large α-particle flux was generated and measured, thanks to a proton stream accelerated at the target’s front surface. This was the first proof of principle experiment to demonstrate the efficient generation of α-particles (~1010/sr) through p–B fusion reactions using a PW-class laser in the “in-target” geometry.
Edge-AI-Based Real-Time Automated License Plate Recognition System
Authors: Lin Cheng-Jian , Chuang Chen-Chia , Lin Hsueh-Yi
Published: January 2022

The rapid development of urban intelligence has turned intelligent transport system (ITS) development into a primary goal of traffic management. Automated license plate recognition (ALPR) for moving vehicles is a core aspect of ITS. Most ALPR systems send images back to a server for license plate recognition. To reduce delays and bandwidth use during image transmission, this study proposes an edge-AI-based real-time ALPR (ER-ALPR) system, in which an AGX XAVIER embedded system is embedded on the edge of a camera to achieve real-time image input to an AGX edge device and to enable real-time automatic license plate character recognition. To assess license plate characters and styles in a realistic setting, the proposed ER-ALPR system applies the following approaches: (1) image preprocessing; (2) You Only Look Once v4-Tiny (YOLOv4-Tiny) for license plate frame detection; (3) virtual judgment line for determining whether a license plate frame has passed; (4) the proposed modified YOLOv4 (M-YOLOv4) for license plate character recognition; and (5) a logic auxiliary judgment system for improving license plate recognition accuracy. We tested the proposed ER-ALPR system in selected real-life test environments in Taiwan. In experiments, the proposed ER-ALPR system achieved license plate character recognition rates of 97% and 95% in the day and at night, respectively. Through the AGX system, the proposed ER-ALPR system achieves a high recognition rate at a low computational cost.
Application of Soft Computing Techniques to Estimate Cutter Life Index Using Mechanical Properties of Rocks
Authors: Massalov Timur , Yagiz Saffet , Adoko Amoussou Coffi
Published: January 2022

The wear of cutting tools is critical for any engineering applications dealing with mechanical rock excavations, as it directly affects the cost and time of project completion as well as the utilization rate of excavators in various rock masses. The cutting tool wear could be expressed in terms of the life of the tool used to excavate rocks in hours or cutter per unit volume of excavated materials. The aim of this study is to estimate disc cutter wear as a function of common mechanical rock properties including uniaxial compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, brittleness, and density. To achieve this goal, a database of cutter life was established by analyzing data from 80 tunneling projects. The data were then utilized for evaluating the relationship between rock properties and cutter consumption by means of cutter life index. The analysis was based on artificial intelligence techniques, namely artificial neural networks (ANN) and fuzzy logic (FL). Furthermore, linear and non-linear regression methods were also used to investigate the relationship between these parameters using a statistical software package. Several alternative models are introduced with different input variables for each model, to identify the best model with the highest accuracy. To develop these models, 70% of the dataset was used for training and the rest, for testing. The estimated cutter life by various models was compared with each other to identify the most reliable model. It appears that the ANN and FL techniques are superior to standard linear and non-linear multiple regression analysis, based on the higher correlation coefficient (R2) and lower Mean square error (MSE).
An Adapted Two-Steps Approach to Simulate Nonlinear Vibrations of Solid Undergoing Large Deformation in Contact with Rigid Plane—Application to a Grooved Cylinder
Authors: Knar Zakaria , Sinou Jean-Jacques , Besset Sébastien , Clauzon Vivien
Published: January 2022

Simulating the full dynamic response of a rolling sculpted tire requires not only taking into account various non-linearities but also considering the multi-scale nature of the dynamic response itself. On one hand, there is the macroscopic rolling dynamic behavior that operates around the rotating frequency with relatively high amplitudes. On the other hand, the vibratory response operates in a larger frequency window with relatively low amplitudes. In contrast to a straightforward strategy that consists of using an energy-conserving stable time integrator to predict the multi-scale dynamic response, the proposed strategy is based on a two-steps approach to separate the dynamics operating at different scales. This methodology is applied to simulate the nonlinear vibrations of a hyperelastic solid undergoing large deformations in contact with a rigid plane. In order to illustrate the potential of the proposed numerical method, the nonlinear vibrations response of a grooved cylinder rolling on a rigid plane is investigated.
Combined Shear-Tension Loading of Composite Dowels in Cracked Concrete—Experimental Investigations and Design
Authors: Christou Georgios , Wolters Kevin , Ungermann Jan , Classen Martin , Hegger Josef
Published: January 2022

The importance of slim decks has led engineers to the exploration of high-strength materials and also of innovative shallow shear connectors, such as composite dowels in the case of composite constructions. Minimizing the overall slab depth often leads to composite girders being weakened by means of web openings that are necessary for installations such as ventilation ducts. Depending on the geometrical and loading conditions, some of the shear connectors are subjected to a combination of tensile and shear forces. However, the load-bearing behaviour of these connectors has only been rudimentarily investigated in the case of shear-tensile interaction. In addition, the load-bearing capacity of composite dowels under combined tensile and shear forces has not been investigated in cracked concrete. Earlier investigations under pure shear and pure tensile loading indicate a dependence of the connectors’ load-bearing behaviour on the crack width, so that under combined loading, a similar influence is expected. In this paper, experimental investigations on composite dowels in transversely cracked concrete under systematically varied shear-tension loading combinations are presented. Hereby, predefined crack widths and patterns were considered using a special test rig. Finally, a design approach for concrete failure of composite dowels under shear-tension loading is proposed based on the test results.
Effects of Density Current, Diurnal Heating, and Local Terrain on the Mesoscale Environment Conducive to the Yarnell Hill Fire
Authors: Ising Jan , Kaplan Michael Lewis , Lin Yuh-Lang
Published: January 2022

The Yarnell Hill Fire, triggered by dry lightning on 28 June 2013, was initiated by hot and dry westerly winds, which rapidly shifted to north-northeast by convective-induced outflows. This sudden wind shift led to the demise of 19 firefighters. This study focuses on the environment and its predictive potential in terms of erratically changing the fire spread. Three numerical sensitivity tests are performed investigating the evolving synoptic-meso-β scale environmental wind flow: (1) deactivating the evaporative cooling, (2) deactivating surface-driven diurnal heating/cooling, and (3) removing the mountain. Results show the strong north-northeasterly wind induced by the density current(s) and the diurnal surface sensible heating played the most significant roles in enhancing the mesoscale environment conducive to the rapid change in the fire spread direction. While the mountain played a less significant role in weakening the magnitude of the airflow affecting the fire, it still had an impact. Additionally, the Hot-Dry-Windy (HDW) index is calculated to determine its predictor role with respect to the atmosphere affecting the fire. The focus is not on feedback from explicit fire heating on the larger environment but rather the role of the environmental physical processes in causing the convectively induced rapid wind shifts.
Investigating Neutral and Stable Atmospheric Surface Layers Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Gemmell Fraser
Published: January 2022

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is an effective technique for investigating atmospheric processes at a local scale. For example, in near-source atmospheric dispersion applications, the effects of meteorology, air-pollutant sources, and buildings can be included. A prerequisite is to establish realistic atmospheric conditions throughout the computational domain. This work investigates the modeling of the atmospheric surface layer under neutral and stable boundary-layer conditions, respectively. Steady-state numerical solutions of the Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations were used, including the k-ε turbulence model. Atmospheric profiles derived from the Cooperative Atmosphere–Surface Exchange Study-99 (Kansas, USA) were used as reference data. The results indicate that the observed profiles of velocity and potential temperature can be reproduced with CFD, while turbulent kinetic energy showed less agreement with the observations. For the stable boundary layer, reasonable agreement of the numerical results with the observations was also obtained for surface layer depth, shear stress, and heat-flux profiles, respectively. The results are discussed in relation to the boundary conditions and sources, and the observation data.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Atmosphere in 2021
Authors:   Atmosphere Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Objective Detection of the Speech Frequency Following Response (sFFR): A Comparison of Two Methods
Authors: Cheng Fan-Yin , Smith Spencer
Published: January 2022

Speech frequency following responses (sFFRs) are increasingly used in translational auditory research. Statistically-based automated sFFR detection could aid response identification and provide a basis for stopping rules when recording responses in clinical and/or research applications. In this brief report, sFFRs were measured from 18 normal hearing adult listeners in quiet and speech-shaped noise. Two statistically-based automated response detection methods, the F-test and Hotelling’s T2 (HT2) test, were compared based on detection accuracy and test time. Similar detection accuracy across statistical tests and conditions was observed, although the HT2 test time was less variable. These findings suggest that automated sFFR detection is robust for responses recorded in quiet and speech-shaped noise using either the F-test or HT2 test. Future studies evaluating test performance with different stimuli and maskers are warranted to determine if the interchangeability of test performance extends to these conditions.
Optimal Control Systems Using Evolutionary Algorithm-Control Input Range Estimation
Authors: Mînzu Viorel , Arama Iulian
Published: January 2022

The closed-loop optimal control systems using the receding horizon control (RHC) structure make predictions based on a process model (PM) to calculate the current control output. In many applications, the optimal prediction over the current prediction horizon is calculated using a metaheuristic algorithm, such as an evolutionary algorithm (EA). The EAs, as other population-based metaheuristics, have large computational complexity. When integrated into the controller, the EA is carried out at each sampling moment and subjected to a time constraint: the execution time should be smaller than the sampling period. This paper proposes a software module integrated into the controller, called at each sampling moment. The module estimates using the PM integration the future process states, over a short time horizon, for different control input values covering the given technological interval. Only a narrower interval is selected for a ‘good’ evolution of the process, based on the so-called ‘state quality criterion’. The controller will consider only a shrunk control output range for the current sampling period. EA will search for its best prediction inside a smaller domain that does not cause the convergence to be affected. Simulations prove that the computational complexity of the controller will decrease.
Neutral Differential Equations of Fourth-Order: New Asymptotic Properties of Solutions
Authors: Muhib Ali , Moaaz Osama , Cesarano Clemente , Askar Sameh , Elabbasy Elmetwally M.
Published: January 2022

In this work, we will derive new asymptotic properties of the positive solutions of the fourth-order neutral differential equation with the non-canonical factor. We follow an improved approach that enables us to create oscillation criteria of an iterative nature that can be applied more than once to test oscillation. In light of this, we will use these properties to obtain new criteria for the oscillation of the solutions of the studied equation. An example is given to show the applicability of the main results.
Mathematical Modeling of the Limiting Current Density from Diffusion-Reaction Systems
Authors: Schwoebel Stephan Daniel , Mueller Markus , Mehner Thomas , Lampke Thomas
Published: January 2022

The limiting current density is one of to the most important indicators in electroplating for the maximal current density from which a metal can be deposited effectively from an electrolyte. Hence, it is an indicator of the maximal deposition speed and the homogeneity of the thickness of the deposited metal layer. For these reasons, a major interest in the limiting current density is given in practical applications. Usually, the limiting current density is determined via measurements. In this article, a simple model to compute the limiting current density is presented, basing on a system of diffusion–reaction equations in one spatial dimension. Although the model formulations need many assumptions, it is of special interest for screenings, as well as for comparative work, and could easily be adjusted to measurements.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Batteries in 2021
Authors:   Batteries Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
A Pilot Study of Fluorescence-Guided Resection of Pituitary Adenomas with Chlorin e6 Photosensitizer
Authors: Kozlikina Elizaveta I. , Efendiev Kanamat T. , Grigoriev Andrey Yu. , Bogdanova Olesia Y. , Trifonov Igor S. , Krylov Vladimir V. , Loschenov Victor B.
Published: January 2022

Fluorescence diagnostics is one of the promising methods for intraoperative detection of brain tumor boundaries and helps in maximizing the extent of resection. This paper presents the results of a pilot study on the first use of the chlorin e6 photosensitizer and a two-channel video system for fluorescence-guided resection of pituitary adenomas. The study’s clinical part involved two patients diagnosed with hormonally inactive pituitary macroadenomas and one patient with a hormonally active one. All neoplasms had different sizes and growth patterns. The data showed accumulation of chlorin e6 in tumor tissues in high concentrations: Patient 1: 2 mg/kg, Patient 2: 5 mg/kg, and Patient 3: 4 mg/kg. For Patient 1, the residual part of the tumor was not resected since it was intimately attached to the anterior genu of the internal carotid artery. For Patients 2 and 3, no regions of increased Ce6 accumulation were detected in the tumor foci after resection. Therefore, the use of the Ce6 and a two-channel video system helped to achieve a high degree of tumor resection in each case.
Predicting the Effect of Localized ACL Damage on Neighbor Ligament Mechanics via Finite Element Modeling
Authors: Knapp Alexander , Williams Lakiesha N.
Published: January 2022

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a pivotal role in support of the knee under loading. When damaged, it is known that substantial changes in the mechanics of the neighboring ligaments can be observed. However, a localized damage approach to investigating how ACL deficiency influences the neighboring ligaments has not been carried out. To do this, a finite element model, incorporating a continuum damage material model of the ACL, was implemented. Localized ACL damage was induced using high quadriceps force loading. Once damaged, anterior shear forces or tibial torque loadings were applied to the knee joint. The relative changes in stress contour and average mid-substance stress were examined for each of the neighboring ligaments following localized ACL damage. It was observed that localized ACL damage could produce notable changes in the mechanics of the neighboring knee ligaments, with non-homogenous stress contour shape changes and average stress magnitude being observed to increase in most cases, with a notable exception occurring in the MCL for both loading modes. In addition, the ligament bearing the most loading also changed with ACL deficiency. These changes carry implications as to morphological effects that may be induced following localized ACL damage, indicating that early diagnosis of ACL injury may be helpful in mitigating other complications post injury.
Hydrological Season Can Have Unexpectedly Insignificant Influences on the Elevational Patterns of Functional Diversity of Riverine Macroinvertebrates
Authors: Luo Qingyi , Chiu Ming-Chih , Tan Lu , Cai Qinghua
Published: January 2022

Spatial biodiversity is a key issue in biogeography for the explorations of biological origin and diversification. However, seldom studies have addressed the temporal changes in spatial patterns of biodiversity. We explored the taxonomic and functional diversities of riverine macroinvertebrates in central China, with the elevational gradient, in different seasons in a normal climate year (i.e., no extreme anomalies in the annual precipitation or average annual temperature). The air temperature and streamflow discharge were decreased monotonically with the increase of elevation both in the dry and wet seasons. In addition, the total nitrogen had no significant change with the increase of elevational gradient in the dry season but showed a monotonically decreasing pattern in the wet season. The total phosphorus showed a monotonically decreasing pattern with the elevational gradient in the dry season but had no significant change in the wet season. The spatial pattern of taxonomic diversity of macroinvertebrates along the elevational gradient showed complex patterns, but the functional diversity had either the unimodal or monotonically decreasing pattern. In addition, the functional diversity with the elevational gradient had similar patterns between the dry and wet seasons. Further analysis of the elevational pattern in different seasons is an important basis for understanding the status quo of functional diversity and formulating countermeasures for biodiversity conservation.
Antioxidants in Alzheimer’s Disease: Current Therapeutic Significance and Future Prospects
Authors: Pritam Pingal , Deka Rahul , Bhardwaj Anuradha , Srivastava Rashi , Kumar Dhruv , Jha Abhimanyu Kumar , Jha Niraj Kumar , Villa Chiara , Jha Saurabh Kumar
Published: January 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) rate is accelerating with the increasing aging of the world’s population. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated AD as a global health priority. According to the WHO report, around 82 million people in 2030 and 152 million in 2050 will develop dementia (AD contributes 60% to 70% of cases), considering the current scenario. AD is the most common neurodegenerative disease, intensifying impairments in cognition, behavior, and memory. Histopathological AD variations include extracellular senile plaques’ formation, tangling of intracellular neurofibrils, and synaptic and neuronal loss in the brain. Multiple evidence directly indicates that oxidative stress participates in an early phase of AD before cytopathology. Moreover, oxidative stress is induced by almost all misfolded protein lumps like α-synuclein, amyloid-β, and others. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in activating and causing various cell signaling pathways that result in lesion formations of toxic substances, which foster the development of the disease. Antioxidants are widely preferred to combat oxidative stress, and those derived from natural sources, which are often incorporated into dietary habits, can play an important role in delaying the onset as well as reducing the progression of AD. However, this approach has not been extensively explored yet. Moreover, there has been growing evidence that a combination of antioxidants in conjugation with a nutrient-rich diet might be more effective in tackling AD pathogenesis. Thus, considering the above-stated fact, this comprehensive review aims to elaborate the basics of AD and antioxidants, including the vitality of antioxidants in AD. Moreover, this review may help researchers to develop effectively and potentially improved antioxidant therapeutic strategies for this disease as it also deals with the clinical trials in the stated field.
Evolutionary History of RNA Modifications at N6-Adenosine Originating from the R-M System in Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes
Authors: Liu Congshan , Cao Jianping , Zhang Haobing , Yin Jianhai
Published: January 2022

Methylation at the N6-position of adenosine (N6mA) on mRNA (m6A) is one of the most widespread, highly selective and dynamically regulated RNA modifications and plays an important role in transcription and translation. In the present study, a comprehensive analysis of phylogenetic relationships, conserved domain sequence characteristics and protein structure comparisons were employed to explore the distribution of RNA N6mA modification (m6A, m6,6A, m6Am, m6, 6Am and m6t6A)-associated proteins (writers, readers and erasers) in three kingdoms of life and reveal the evolutionary history of these modifications. These findings further confirmed that the restriction-modification (R-M) system is the origin of DNA and RNA N6mA modifications. Among them, the existing mRNA m6A modification system derived from the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA) is the evolutionary product of elements from the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) or driven by horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from bacterial elements. The subsequent massive gene gains and losses contribute to the development of unique and diverse functions in distinct species. Particularly, RNA methyltransferases (MTases) as the writer responsible for adding N6mA marks on mRNA and ncRNAs may have evolved from class α and β prokaryotic “orphan” MTases originating from the R-M system. The reader, YTH proteins that specifically recognize the m6A deposit, may be acquired by LECA from an individual prokaryotic YTH-domain protein that evolved from N-terminals of an R-M system endonuclease. The eraser, which emerged from the ALKB family (ALKBH5 and FTO) in eukaryotes, may be driven by independent HTG from bacterial ALKB proteins. The evolutionary history of RNA N6mA modifications was inferred in the present study, which will deepen our understanding of these modifications in different species.
The Problem of Effort Distribution in Heavy Glycolytic Trials with Special Reference to the 400 m Dash in Track and Field
Authors: Cicchella Antonio
Published: January 2022

Background. Biological factors are ultimately responsible for the cessation of effort in short, maximal glycolytic efforts. However, how these factors are sensed by the brain and act in a loop or feedforward way to regulate the distribution of effort is still unclear. Methods: A systematic review of existing literature on short term glycolytic exercise has been performed on publicly available databases (Google Scholar and Pudmed). Results: The problem of effort termination in fast maximal glycolytic activities after 100 years of research is still open. It is not clear if a central governor of effort exists, if the limitations are in the energy transport and utilization system, or in the psycho-social factors. Conclusions. The solution probably resides in a mixture of factors, but how the different components interact is still a mystery for science due to the philosophical grounding of the experimental approaches.
The Relationship between Stroke Metrics, Work Rate and Performance in Slalom Kayakers
Authors: Macdermid Paul William , Olazabal Telmo
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between work rate, stroke metrics, and performance in whitewater slalom. Twelve Spanish, nationally competitive whitewater slalom kayakers took part in a simulated competition while using an instrumented kayak paddle to record stroke metrics over a simulated race, total duration and sectional splits. Performance time was highly correlated to overall power output (r2 = 0.511, p < 0.001), where kayakers demonstrated a positive pacing strategy with power output significantly decreasing over successive sectional splits (158 ± 40, 112 ± 32 and 65 ± 33 W, p < 0.001). This resulted in an increased stroke duration (p < 0.001), time to peak force (p < 0.001), a decrease in stroke peak force (p < 0.001), and rate of peak force development (p < 0.001) over elapsed time. As such, work rate is deemed an objective metric to monitor performance, prescribe training, and ascertain optimal pacing strategies in canoe slalom.
Gene Therapy Developments for Pompe Disease
Authors: Unnisa Zeenath , Yoon John K. , Schindler Jeffrey W. , Mason Chris , van Til Niek P.
Published: January 2022

Pompe disease is an inherited neuromuscular disorder caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA). The most severe form is infantile-onset Pompe disease, presenting shortly after birth with symptoms of cardiomyopathy, respiratory failure and skeletal muscle weakness. Late-onset Pompe disease is characterized by a slower disease progression, primarily affecting skeletal muscles. Despite recent advancements in enzyme replacement therapy management several limitations remain using this therapeutic approach, including risks of immunogenicity complications, inability to penetrate CNS tissue, and the need for life-long therapy. The next wave of promising single therapy interventions involves gene therapies, which are entering into a clinical translational stage. Both adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors and lentiviral vector (LV)-mediated hematopoietic stem and progenitor (HSPC) gene therapy have the potential to provide effective therapy for this multisystemic disorder. Optimization of viral vector designs, providing tissue-specific expression and GAA protein modifications to enhance secretion and uptake has resulted in improved preclinical efficacy and safety data. In this review, we highlight gene therapy developments, in particular, AAV and LV HSPC-mediated gene therapy technologies, to potentially address all components of the neuromuscular associated Pompe disease pathology.
Relative Effect of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Alone or in Combination with Noninjective Treatments on Pain and Physical Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Liao Chun-De , Huang Yu-Yun , Chen Hung-Chou , Liou Tsan-Hon , Lin Che-Li , Huang Shih-Wei
Published: January 2022

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has been recommended for managing pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The difference in therapeutic effects between radial shockwave characteristics (RaSW) and focused shockwave characteristics (FoSW) with different energy levels for KOA remains controversial. The purpose of this network meta-analysis (NMA) was to identify the effects relative to the different ESWT regime and combination treatments on pain and functional outcomes in individuals with KOA. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which investigated the efficacy of RaSW, FoSW, and combination treatments in patients with KOA were identified by searches of electronic databases. The included RCTs were analyzed through NMA and risk-of-bias assessment. We analyzed 69 RCTs with a total of 21 treatment arms in the NMA. Medium-energy FoSW plus physical therapy, medium-energy acupoint RaSW plus Chinese medicine, and high-energy FoSW alone were the most effective treatments for reducing pain [standard mean difference (SMD) = −4.51], restoring function (SMD = 4.97), and decreasing joint inflammation (SMD = −5.01). Population area and study quality influenced the treatment outcomes, particularly pain. Our findings indicate that medium-energy ESWT combined with physical therapy or Chinese medicine is beneficial for treating pain and increasing function in adults with KOA.
Cell Technologies in the Stress Urinary Incontinence Correction
Authors: Maiborodin Igor , Yarin Gennadiy , Marchukov Sergey , Pichigina Aleksandra , Lapii Galina , Krasil’nikov Sergey , Senchukova Svetlana , Ryaguzov Maxim , Vilgelmi Inna , Bakarev Maksim , Maiborodina Vitalina
Published: January 2022

The scientific literature of recent years contains a lot of data about using multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) for urinary incontinence correction. Despite this, the ideal treatment method for urinary incontinence has not yet been created. The cell therapy results in patients and experimental animals with incontinence have shown promising results, but the procedures require further optimization, and more research is needed to focus on the clinical phase. The MSC use appears to be a feasible, safe, and effective method of treatment for patients with urinary incontinence. However, the best mode for application of cell technology is still under study. Most clinical investigations have been performed on only a few patients and during rather short follow-up periods, which, together with an incomplete knowledge of the mechanisms of MSC action, does not make it possible for their widespread implementation. The technical details regarding the MSC application remain to be identified in more rigorous preclinical and clinical trials.
Lung Fibroblasts from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients Harbor Short and Unstable Telomeres Leading to Chromosomal Instability
Authors: M’Kacher Radhia , Jaillet Madeleine , Colicchio Bruno , Vasarmidi Eirini , Mailleux Arnaud , Dieterlen Alain , Kannengiesser Caroline , Borie Claire , Oudrhiri Noufissa , Junker Steffen , Voisin Philippe , Jeandidier Eric , Carde Patrice , Fenech Michael , Bennaceur-Griscelli Annelise , Crestani Bruno , Borie Raphael
Published: January 2022

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is associated with several hallmarks of aging including telomere shortening, which can result from germline mutations in telomere related genes (TRGs). Here, we assessed the length and stability of telomeres as well as the integrity of chromosomes in primary lung fibroblasts from 13 IPF patients (including seven patients with pathogenic variants in TRGs) and seven controls. Automatized high-throughput detection of telomeric FISH signals highlighted lower signal intensity in lung fibroblasts from IPF patients, suggesting a telomere length defect in these cells. The increased detection of telomere loss and terminal deletion in IPF cells, particularly in TRG-mutated cells (IPF-TRG), supports the notion that these cells have unstable telomeres. Furthermore, fibroblasts from IPF patients with TRGs mutations exhibited dicentric chromosomes and anaphase bridges. Collectively, our study indicates that fibroblasts from IPF patients exhibit telomere and chromosome instability that likely contribute to the physiopathology.
Wedelolactone Attenuates N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-Induced Retinal Neurodegeneration through Suppression of the AIM2/CASP11 Pathway
Authors: Harkin Kevin , Augustine Josy , Stitt Alan W. , Xu Heping , Chen Mei
Published: January 2022

N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU) is widely used to model oxidative stress and inflammation mediated retinal neurodegeneration. Wedelolactone (WD) is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective roles. This study tested the therapeutic potential of WD in NMU-induced retinal neurodegeneration and investigated the underlying mechanisms in mice. NMU (40 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally into C57BL/6J mice with/without an intravitreal injection of WD (1 μL/eye, 200 μM). Seven days later, retinal function and structure were evaluated by electroretinography (ERG) and Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT). The expression of inflammasome components (Aim2, Caspase 1/11, and Il1b/Il18) in the total retina lysate was evaluated by RT-qPCR. In vitro, 661W photoreceptor cells were transfected with synthetic double-strand DNA (Poly(dA:dT)) with/without WD pre-incubation. The aim2-related inflammasome expression was evaluated by RT-qPCR and immunocytochemistry. The production of IL18 was measured by ELISA. NMU treatment significantly impaired A- and B-wave response (ERG) and reduced neuroretina thickness (OCT). This was significantly attenuated upon intravitreal injection of WD. The expression of Aim2, ACasp1, and Casp11 was increased in the retina from NMU-treated mice, and this was prevented by WD treatment. Transfection of Poly(dA:dT) upregulated Aim2, Casp11, and Il18 expression in 661W cells. WD prevented their upregulation and reduced IL18 production. Aim2 inflammasome activation is critically involved in NMU-induced retinal neurodegeneration and WD can protect the retina particularly through the suppression of this inflammasome-linked pathway.
Radiosensitization and Radioprotection by Curcumin in Glioblastoma and Other Cancers
Authors: Zoi Vasiliki , Galani Vasiliki , Tsekeris Pericles , Kyritsis Athanasios P. , Alexiou George A.
Published: January 2022

Radiation therapy plays an important role in almost every cancer treatment. However, radiation toxicity to normal tissues, mainly due to the generation of reactive free radicals, has limited the efficacy of radiotherapy in clinical practice. Curcumin has been reported to possess significant antitumor properties. Although curcumin can sensitize cancer cells to irradiation, healthy cells are much less sensitive to this effect, and thus, curcumin is thought to be a potent, yet safe anti-cancer agent. In this review, a summary of the role of curcumin as both a radiosensitizer and radioprotector has been presented, based on the most recent data from the experimental and clinical evaluation of curcumin in different cancer cell lines, animal models, and human patients.
The Road to Personalized Medicine in Alzheimer’s Disease: The Use of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Silva-Spínola Anuschka , Baldeiras Inês , Arrais Joel P. , Santana Isabel
Published: January 2022

Dementia remains an extremely prevalent syndrome among older people and represents a major cause of disability and dependency. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounts for the majority of dementia cases and stands as the most common neurodegenerative disease. Since age is the major risk factor for AD, the increase in lifespan not only represents a rise in the prevalence but also adds complexity to the diagnosis. Moreover, the lack of disease-modifying therapies highlights another constraint. A shift from a curative to a preventive approach is imminent and we are moving towards the application of personalized medicine where we can shape the best clinical intervention for an individual patient at a given point. This new step in medicine requires the most recent tools and analysis of enormous amounts of data where the application of artificial intelligence (AI) plays a critical role on the depiction of disease–patient dynamics, crucial in reaching early/optimal diagnosis, monitoring and intervention. Predictive models and algorithms are the key elements in this innovative field. In this review, we present an overview of relevant topics regarding the application of AI in AD, detailing the algorithms and their applications in the fields of drug discovery, and biomarkers.
Behavioral Effect of Terahertz Waves in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Qi Miao , Liu Rong , Li Bing , Wang Shuai , Fan Runze , Zhao Xinyi , Xu Dehui
Published: January 2022

Terahertz is a new radiation source with many unique advantages. In recent years, its application has rapidly expanded to various fields, but there are few studies on the individual effects of terahertz. In this study, we investigated the behavioral effects of terahertz radiation on C57BL/6 mice, and we conducted an open field test, an elevated plus maze test, a light–dark box test, a three-chamber social test, and a forced swim test to explore the effects of terahertz radiation on mice from a behavioral perspective. The results show that terahertz wave may increase anti-anxiety, anti-depression, and social interaction in mice.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Brain Sciences in 2021
Authors:   Brain Sciences Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Analysis of the Thermal and Cooling Energy Performance of the Perimeter Zones in an Office Building
Authors: Lim Taesub , Yim Woong-Seog , Kim Daeung-Danny
Published: January 2022

Indoor thermal conditions can be highly influenced through building envelopes by outdoor conditions, especially climatic parameters. While a lot of attention has been paid to the thermal performance in core zones in buildings, other zones, such as perimeters, experience significant heat loss and gain through building envelopes. Focusing on the energy and thermal performance in perimeter zones, the present study performed an energy simulation to find the most susceptible building orientation in an office building in South Korea regarding the cooling loads during the summer. Through field measurements, the solar radiation impact on the thermal performance in the perimeter zones was practically investigated. To reduce the cooling loads in the perimeter zones, an air barrier system was utilized. As a result, the biggest amount of heat was observed in the perimeter zones facing the west façade in the winter, according to the measurements. While the highest temperature was observed at the internal surface of the windows, the temperature in the perimeter and core zones was stably maintained. The heat that occurred through the west façade was reduced by the air barrier system by removing the vertical thermal stratification using the fan-powered unit in the system.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Buildings in 2021
Authors:   Buildings Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Regulated Utility Negotiated Agreements: A Utah Case Study
Authors: Peterson Ted C.
Published: January 2022

Previous scholars have noted the increase in negotiated agreements as a means of resolving utility regulatory disputes in the United States. These agreements allow policy actors to make their own decisions instead of receiving orders from a regulatory agency. Through a natural gas utility case study in the state of Utah, this paper examines the Advocacy Coalition Framework’s (ACF) novel explanation of the conditions contributing to a negotiated agreement with the emergence of new energy efficiency programs. Using the ACF, coalition groupings are divided out as either those in favor of energy efficiency programs or those against that change. A content analysis explores the presence of the conditions leading to a negotiated agreement. This article finds that the ACF model provides a theoretical lens to understand negotiated agreements in utility regulation. While utility agreements resolving regulatory proceedings seem to only grow, more research opportunities exist for further study on the ACF and these outcomes in utility regulation.