bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photonic Technology for Precision Metrology
Authors: Wojtas Jacek
Published: April 2022

Precision metrology is important for understanding and monitoring various phenomena, especially in special and scientific applications. The subject of the article covers selected aspects of the study of high-resolution measurements of the absorption spectra and their impact on practical issues. This research is crucial for the development of new systems based on laser absorption spectroscopy methods that can detect trace amounts of matter. Some of the most important parameters describing measuring instruments are also defined and illustrated. Specific examples of measurement results are presented, taking into account the need for the highest possible resolution, accuracy and precision.
Soil Classification from Piezocone Penetration Test Using Fuzzy Clustering and Neuro-Fuzzy Theory
Authors: Moon Joon-Shik , Kim Chan-Hong , Kim Young-Sang
Published: April 2022

The advantage of the piezocone penetration test is a guarantee of continuous data, which are a source of reliable interpretation of the target soil layer. Much research has been carried out for several decades, and several classification charts have been developed to classify in situ soil from the cone penetration test result. Even though most present classification charts or methods were developed on the basis of data which were compiled over many countries, they should be verified to be feasible for local country. However, unfortunately, revision of those charts is quite difficult or almost impossible even though a chart provides misclassified soil class. In this research, a new method for developing soil classification model is proposed by using soft computing theory—fuzzy C-mean clustering and neuro-fuzzy theory—as a function of 5173 piezocone penetration test (PCPT) results and soil boring logs compiled from 17 local sites around Korea. Feasibility of the proposed soil classification model was verified from the viewpoint of accuracy of the classification result by comparing the classification results not only for data which were used for developing the model but also new data, which were not included in developing the model with real boring logs, other fuzzy computing classification models, and Robertson’s charts. The biggest advantage of the proposed method is that it is easy to make the piezocone soil classification system more accurate by updating new data.
Structural Vibration Control Using Novel Adaptive Tuned Mass Inertance Damper (ATMID) with Adjustable Inertance
Authors: Sadeghian Mohammad Ali , Yang Jian , Wang Feiliang , Wang Xinger
Published: April 2022

In this paper, an inerter-based device for structural vibration control is proposed with which inertance can be altered relying on the frequency changes of the excitation. In this manner, a tuned mass damper is developed in such a way that it is assembled with a ball-screw inerter along with a new continuously variable transmission system. The device is termed an adaptive tuned mass inertance damper (ATMID). The ATMID is able to produce an alterable inertance, which gives rise to seamless variability in device frequency; consequently, the device frequency can be tuned to that of the excitation. To assess the efficiency of the device, the response amplitude of a single-degree-of-freedom harmonically induced structure controlled by the ATMID is compared with those of the passive-controlled and uncontrolled structures. Results show that in the frequency band where the effectiveness of the passive device with a mass ratio of 0.2 is degraded and even destructed, the adaptive device with a mass ratio of 0.1 and diverse inertance behaves impressively. As a result, notable oscillation suppression is obtained using the proposed adaptive device compared with passive-controlled (56%) and uncontrolled cases (21%). The presented extensive variability in the frequency of the device utilizing its transmission ratio of 0.45–2.2 leads the device to a superior level of oscillatory motion reduction in structural responses along an enlarged frequency band.
l-Fucose Synthesis Using a Halo- and Thermophilic l-Fucose Isomerase from Polyextremophilic Halothermothrix orenii
Authors: Kim In , Kim Kyoung
Published: April 2022

l-Fucose isomerase (l-FucI)-mediated isomerization is a promising biotechnological approach for synthesizing various rare sugars of industrial significance, including l-fucose. Extremozymes that can retain their functional conformation under extreme conditions, such as high temperature and salinity, offer favorable applications in bioprocesses that accompany harsh conditions. To date, only one thermophilic l-FucI has been characterized for l-fucose synthesis. Here, we report l-FucI from Halothermothrix orenii (HoFucI) which exhibits both halophilic and thermophilic properties. When evaluated under various biochemical conditions, HoFucI exhibited optimal activities at 50–60 °C and pH 7 with 0.5–1 M NaCl in the presence of 1 mM Mn2+ as a cofactor. The results obtained here show a unique feature of HoFucI as a polyextremozyme, which facilitates the biotechnological production of l-fucose using this enzyme.
Modal Identification of Structures with Interacting Diaphragms
Authors: Ceravolo Rosario , Lenticchia Erica , Miraglia Gaetano , Oliva Valerio , Scussolini Linda
Published: April 2022

System identification proves in general to be very efficient in the extraction of modal parameters of a structure under ambient vibrations. However, great difficulties can arise in the case of structures composed of many connected bodies, whose mutual interaction may lead to a multitude of coupled modes. In the present work, a methodology to approach the identification of interconnected diaphragmatic structures, exploiting a simplified analytical model, is proposed. Specifically, a parametric analysis has been carried out on a numerical basis on the simplified model, i.e., a multiple spring–mass model. The results were then exploited to aid the identification of a significant case study, represented by the Pavilion V, designed by Riccardo Morandi as a hypogeum hall of the Turin Exhibition Center. The structure is indeed composed of three blocks separated by expansion joints, whose characteristics are unknown. As the main result, light was shed on the contribution of the stiffness of the joints to the global dynamic behavior of structures composed of interacting diaphragms, and, in particular, on the effectiveness of the joints of Pavilion V.
Automotive Seat Comfort and Vibration Performance Evaluation in Dynamic Settings
Authors: Pan-Zagorski Wu , Johnson Peter W. , Pereny Missy , Kim Jeong Ho
Published: April 2022

An automotive seat is a key component which not only provides restraint and support for its occupant, but also mitigates vibration. Since an automotive seat is in constant contact with the vehicle occupant, its dynamic comfort is of great importance in automotive seat designs. In this study, three automotive seats with different foam firmnesses were evaluated to understand how the foam firmness, through different foam formulations, affected the seat vibration performance and perceived dynamic comfort in a laboratory (study 1) and field setting (study 2). In a repeated-measures laboratory based study, whole-body vibration (per ISO 2631-1), self-reported body discomfort, and seating comfort were measured and compared among the three automotive seats while participants were exposed to tri-axial, field-measured, automotive vibration and X-Y-Z axis 1–30 Hz sine sweeps. In a subsequent ride-and-drive field study, the two seats that received the highest comfort ratings from the laboratory study were installed in two identical vehicles and whole body vibration (WBV) and self-reported seating comfort were evaluated by the participants. The results showed that the foam firmness significantly affected WBV measures and self-reported comfort (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that altering foam formulation can be an effective way of further improving dynamic vibration and seat comfort performance.
Long-Term Trend of the Levels of Ambient Air Pollutants of a Megacity and a Background Area in Korea
Authors: Kim Na-Kyung , Kim Yong-Pyo , Shin Hye-Jung , Lee Ji-Yi
Published: April 2022

It is imperative to understand the changes of the levels of air pollutants in Northeast Asia with respect to the changes of the emissions of air pollutants. In this study, we analyzed long-term trends of both the chemical composition of fine particles and gaseous species in Seoul, a megacity, and Baengnyeong Island, a background area located in the Yellow Sea of Republic of Korea (South Korea) from 2012 to 2019. Long-term changes of the concentrations of air pollutants were analyzed using the Mann–Kendall trend test and Sen’s slope. Since the SO2 emissions in this region have been significantly reduced during last decade, NO3− has become the major species of fine particles instead of SO42−. Seoul and Baengnyeong Island are rich in NH4+ in the atmosphere, and due to the SO2 emission reduction, the balance of ammonia–nitric acid–sulfuric acid has been changed, and the concentration of NO3− has increased. This trend is more obvious in Baengnyeong Island than Seoul due to the lower local emissions in Baengnyeong Island. As a result of this study, it is possible to confirm that concentrations of air pollutants and the majority of aerosols affecting PM2.5 concentrations in Northeast Asia have changed according to the changes in emissions in this region.
The Effect of Incubation near an Inversely Oriented Square Pyramidal Structure on Adsorption Properties of Horseradish Peroxidase
Authors: Ivanov Yuri D. , Tatur Vadim Yu. , Pleshakova Tatyana O. , Shumov Ivan D. , Kozlov Andrey F. , Valueva Anastasia A. , Ivanova Irina A. , Ershova Maria O. , Ivanova Nina D. , Stepanov Igor N. , Lukyanitsa Andrei A. , Ziborov Vadim S.
Published: April 2022

The incubation of a solution of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme either below the apex or near the base of an inversely oriented square pyramid (inverted square pyramid; ISP) has been found to influence the enzyme’s aggregation and adsorption properties. The HRP enzyme is used herein as a model object due to its importance in analytical chemistry applications. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is employed to investigate the HRP’s adsorption on mica substrates at the single-molecule level. Conventional spectrophotometry is used in parallel as a reference method for the determination of the HRP’s enzymatic activity. Using AFM, we reveal a significant change in the adsorption properties of HRP on mica substrates after the incubation of the HRP solutions either above the base or below the apex of the ISP in comparison with the control HRP solution. The same situation is observed after the incubation of the enzyme solution above the center of the ISP’s base. Here, the enzymatic activity of HRP remained unaffected in both cases. Since pyramidal structures of positive and inverted orientation are employed in biosensor devices, it is important to take into account the results obtained herein in the development of highly sensitive biosensor systems, in which pyramidal structures are employed as sensor (such as AFM probes) or construction elements.
Characterization of the Different Oils Obtained through the Catalytic In Situ Pyrolysis of Polyethylene Film from Municipal Solid Waste
Authors: Quesada Lucía , Calero Mónica , Martín-Lara María Ángeles , Pérez Antonio , Paucar-Sánchez Marco F. , Blázquez Gabriel
Published: April 2022

Nowadays, the thermal and catalytic decomposition of plastic wastes by pyrolysis is one of the best alternatives to convert these wastes into quality fuel oils, thus replenishing some petroleum resources. This work studied the catalytic pyrolysis of polyethylene film waste from the remaining organic fraction on different catalysts under dynamic operating conditions in a batch reactor. These catalysts have been characterized through isotherms of adsorption-desorption with N2 and X-ray powder diffraction for structural characterization to see the differences in their use. The results obtained have been compared with the pyrolysis of the same material without a catalyst. Special attention has been paid to the similarities and differences with thermal pyrolysis. The characterization of the liquid fraction, including physical and chemical properties, has been carried out. The liquid yield varies from 37 to 43%; it has good calorific values of 46–48 MJ/kg, an average density of 0.82 g/cm3, and a fairly low viscosity compared to the product without the catalyst. Other properties like the American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity or pH were also determined and found to be similar to conventional fuels. Oils are mainly composed of paraffins, naphthenes, and aromatic hydrocarbons. The general distribution of carbons is C7 to C31. Finally, a detailed analysis of the composition of liquid products shows they present heavy naphtha, kerosene, and diesel fractions in different proportions in the function of the catalyst used.
Safety and Energy Implications of Setback Control in Operating Rooms during Unoccupied Periods
Authors: Tejero-González Ana , López-Pérez Héctor , Espí-García Fernando , Navas-Gracia Luis M. , SanJosé-Alonso Julio F.
Published: April 2022

Health care facilities are high energy-demanding buildings. The energy-saving potential is limited due to safety regulations, especially in critical care areas like operating rooms (ORs). Reducing the supply airflows during unoccupied periods, also called ventilation turndown or setback, is accepted as an energy efficiency measure as long as it does not compromise the pressure relationship. In addition, temperature and relative humidity setbacks can introduce further energy savings. This work aims at studying the effect that a setback has on the OR-positive pressure and the savings achievable in both the energy supply and CO2 emissions. Towards this target, five tests are performed in two ORs of a public hospital during the summer, winter, and midseason. A setback is applied on the basis of an occupancy sensor, and the pressure difference from the OR adjacent spaces is monitored. The outdoor and supply air conditions and airflows, as well as fan energy consumption, are measured. Punctual pressure relationship losses are observed during the occupied periods due to doors opening but not during ventilation setback operations. The energy savings achieved accounted for 75% of the natural gas consumption and 69% of the electricity in the ORs. The yearly estimations imply economic savings of near 20,000 EUR and more than 100 tons of CO2 emissions.
The Design of a Structural Hyper-Resisting Element for Life-Threatening Earthquake Risk (SHELTER) for Building Collapse Scenarios: The Safety Chairs
Authors: Guerreiro João , Guerreiro Luís , Hosseini Seyedsajjad , Moura Rita , Ferreira João Gomes
Published: April 2022

Project SHELTER, Structural Hyper-resisting Element for Life-Threatening Earthquake Risk, aims at developing a strong and stiff functional unit to protect its occupants in case of severe earthquakes that lead to structural collapse. In case of collapse, these units will suffer impacts, particularly if they are installed in upper floors. To avoid severe injuries or death of occupants caused by collapse, safety chairs were designed, provided with shock-absorber systems and auxiliary retaining devices, to keep the occupants properly seated and safe. Three downfall scenarios were evaluated, consisting of vertical and tilted positions. A comprehensive numerical model to represent the human body was developed, mainly focused on chest behaviour and considering the anatomic limits of the vertebral spine. The mechanical ability of the safety chair to ensure the occupants’ safety was evaluated under these harsh conditions. Experimental downfall-and-impact tests will later be performed on shelter units, with crash-test dummies seated on the safety chairs for final validation.
Study on the Correlation between Magnetic Field Structure and Cold Electron Transport in Negative Hydrogen Ion Sources
Authors: Xie Mengjun , Liu Dagang , Wang Huihui , Liu Laqun
Published: April 2022

In most negative hydrogen ion sources, an external magnet is installed near the extraction region to reduce the electron temperature. In this paper, the self-developed CHIPIC code is used to simulate the mechanism of a magnetic filter system, in the expansion region of the negative hydrogen ion source, on “hot” electrons. The reflection and the filtering processes of “hot” electrons are analyzed in depth and the energy distribution of electrons on the extraction surface is calculated. Moreover, the effects of different collision types on the density distribution of “cold” electrons along the X-axis and the spatial distribution of “cold” electrons on the X−Z plane are discussed. The numerical results show that the electron reflection is caused by the magnetic mirror effect. The filtering of “hot” electrons is due to the fact that the magnetic field constrains most of the electrons from reaching the vicinity of the extraction surface, being that collisions cause a decay in electron energy. Excitation collision is the main decay mechanism for electron energy in the chamber. The numerical results help to explain the formation process of “cold” electrons at the extraction surface, thus providing a reference for reducing the loss probability of H−.
Dose-Area Product Determination and Beam Monitor Calibration for the Fixed Beam of the Shanghai Advanced Proton Therapy Facility
Authors: Zhu Libing , Zhang Manzhou , Xiang Xincheng , Wang Xiangang
Published: April 2022

Research conducted to-date, makes use of the IBA-Lynx scintillating screen and radiochromic film to analyze the proton field uniformity for dose-area product (DAP) determination. In this paper, the machine log file based reconstruction is proposed to calculate the field uniformity to simplify the measurement. In order to calculate the field uniformity, the dose distribution is reconstructed based on the machine log file with matRad (an open source software for analytical dose calculation in MATLAB). After acquisition of the dose distribution, the field flatness and symmetry are calculated automatically for different proton energies. A comprehensive comparison of DAP determined with Bragg peak chamber (BPC) and Markus chamber (MC) is presented. The actual delivered dose is reconstructed with the log file to analyze the lateral dose distribution of the scanned field. DAP of different energies are calculated ranging from 70.6 MeV to 235 MeV. The percentage difference is calculated, illustrating the DAP discrepancy between the MC and BPC to the mean value. The percentage difference ranges from −0.19% to 1.26%. The variation between DAP measured with the BPC and MC peaks at −2.5%. The log file based reconstruction to calculate field uniformity can be an alternative for DAP determination. The direct method using a large-area Bragg peak chamber is investigated. The two methods to determine DAP and calibrate beam monitor illustrate consistent results.
Ultra-Low Electromagnetic Fields Application on In Vitro Cartilage Regeneration: A Pilot Study to Improve Treatment of Osteoarticular Diseases
Authors: Iorio Jessica , Bagni Giacomo , Devescovi Valentina , Duranti Roberto , De Biase Pietro , Arcangeli Annarosa , Duranti Claudia
Published: April 2022

Extremely low-frequency and low-intensity electromagnetic fields show positive effects on the treatment of several osteoarticular diseases, such as osteoarthritis, and are currently applied in the clinical setting with promising results on tissue regeneration. However, the biological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects triggered by this type of physical stimulation still need to be deciphered. We tested the hypothesis that ultra-low complex electromagnetic fields stimulation using an innovative medical device could enhance chondrogenesis in human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), and analyzed its biological effects. Chondrogenic lineage markers, like ACAN, SOX9, RUNX2, COL2A1, and COL10A1, were evaluated after 21 days of treatment. Thus far, we have provided preliminary evidence that a dedicated pattern of ultra-weak complex electromagnetic sequences emitted by a cutting-edge technology can promote cartilage regeneration, inducing the chondrogenic differentiation and maturity of ADSCs.
CZTSe-Based Solar Cell Performance Improvement Using the CSLO Technique
Authors: Rahimi Serveh , Shooshtari Mostafa
Published: April 2022

Here we investigated a novel layer-based optimization technique to improve the performance of a CZTSe solar cell. By using this technique, the optical behavior and electrical properties of the proposed solar cell improved significantly as a result of the changes in the layer specifications and the layer materials. The structure of the cell consisted of an absorber laid on a conducting layer and covered by Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), with ZnO on its top surface. Due to the employment of the CSLO technique, a p+pn junction was formed between the absorber and window layers, which provided a lower recombination rate by transmitting more electrons and holes to the contacts. In addition, the main important parameters affecting the solar cell’s performance such as layer thickness, carrier lifetime, and total effect density were investigated. According to the results, the proposed CZTSe solar cell achieved a 32.6% and 79.5% efficiency and fill factor, respectively—which in comparison to a conventional solar cell is remarkable. Moreover, hybrid structures made by utilizing CZTS-based, Ge-based Cu2ZnGeSe4, and Si-based Cu2ZnSiSe4 with the proposed CZTSe-based solar cell were implemented and better results were achieved, yielding an efficiency of about 42, 50, and 34% and a fill factor of 66, 55, and 42%, respectively, due to the materials’ properties.
Failure Pressure Prediction of Medium to High Toughness Pipe with Circumferential Interacting Corrosion Defects Subjected to Combined Loadings Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Vijaya Kumar Suria Devi , Lo Michael , Karuppanan Saravanan , Ovinis Mark
Published: April 2022

Assessment of a corroded pipe is crucial to determine when it must be repaired or replaced. However, the conventional corrosion assessment codes for the failure pressure predictions of corroded pipes with circumferentially aligned interacting defects are conservative (underestimations of more than 40%), resulting in premature repair or replacements of pipelines. Alternatively, numerical approaches may be used, but they are time consuming and computationally expensive. In this study, an analytical equation based on finite element analysis for the failure pressure prediction of API 5L X52, X65, and X80 corroded pipes with circumferentially aligned interacting corrosion defects subjected to combined loadings is proposed. An artificial neural network trained with failure pressure obtained from the finite element analysis of the three pipe grades for varied defect spacings, depths and lengths, and axial compressive stress were used to develop the equation. Subsequently, a parametric study on the effects of these parameters on the failure pressure of a corroded pipe with circumferential-interacting defects was conducted using the equation to determine the correlation between the defect geometries and failure pressure of the pipe. The new equations predicted failure pressures for these pipe grades with an R2 value of 0.99 and an error range of −9.92% to 0.98% for normalised defect spacings of 0.00 to 3.00, normalised effective defect lengths of 0.00 to 2.95, normalised effective defect depths of 0.00 to 0.80, and normalised axial compressive stress of 0.00 to 0.60.
Defining the Challenges—Identifying the Key Poisoning Elements to Be Separated in a Future Integrated Molten Salt Fast Reactor Clean-Up System for iMAGINE
Authors: Merk Bruno , Detkina Anna , Litskevich Dzianis , Drury Michael , Noori-kalkhoran Omid , Cartland-Glover Gregory , Petit Leon , Rolfo Stefano , Elliott Justin P. , Mount Andrew R.
Published: April 2022

Nuclear fission technologies have the potential to play a significant role in the energy mix of a net-zero and sustainable society. However, to achieve the sustainability goal two significant challenges remain: efficient and sustainable fuel usage and the minimization of long-term nuclear waste. Civil nuclear molten salt systems and technologies offer the opportunity to address both, delivering future reactors at scale for efficient and effective power production and nuclear waste burnup. Potentially, both objectives could be fulfilled in one reactor system, which could significantly improve sustainability indices. The key to this innovation is demand driven development of a significantly reduced fuel cycle with enhanced proliferation resistance which offers further potential for improvement. To achieve these goals, a transformative approach for salt clean-up during molten salt reactor operation is proposed, by concentrating on the detection and removal of key neutron poisoning elements which prevent the reactor from long-term operation. To enable this highly innovative development work, a novel analysis of the evolving elementary fuel composition, their concentrations, and their criticality influence is now provided in this work. This, combined with consideration of the oxidation states of each of these elements then provides the basis for the selection of these key poisons and the development of advanced separation processes and process monitoring. This work also discusses the importance of the effective integration of physics and chemistry when systems modelling in achieving these system development goals.
Early Detection of Phototrophic Biofilms in the Polychrome Panel, El Castillo Cave, Spain
Authors: Jurado Valme , Gonzalez-Pimentel Jose Luis , Fernandez-Cortes Angel , Martin-Pozas Tamara , Ontañon Roberto , Palacio Eduardo , Hermosin Bernardo , Sanchez-Moral Sergio , Saiz-Jimenez Cesareo
Published: April 2022

European caves contain some of the world’s greatest Paleolithic paintings, and their conservation is at risk due to the use of artificial lighting. Both lighting and high CO2 promotes the growth of phototrophic organisms on walls, speleothems and ground sediments. In addition, the combined effect of increases in CO2, vapor concentration and temperature variations induced by visitors can directly affect the development of corrosion processes on the cave rock surfaces. An early detection of the occurrence of phototrophic biofilms on Paleolithic paintings is of the utmost importance, as well as knowing the microorganisms involved in the colonization of rocks and walls. Knowledge of the colonizing species and their ecology will allow the adoption of control measures. However, this is not always possible due to the limited amount of biomass available for molecular analyses. Here, we present an alternative approach to study faint green biofilms of Chlorophyta in the initial stage of colonization on the Polychrome Panel in El Castillo Cave, Cantabria, Spain. The study of the biofilms collected on the rock art panel and in the ground sediments revealed that the lighting of the cave promoted the development of the green algae Jenufa and Coccomyxa, as well as of complex prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities, including amoebae, their endoparasites and associated bacteria and fungi. The enrichment method used is proposed as a tool to overcome technical constraints in characterizing biofilms in the early stages, allowing a preliminary characterization before deciding for direct or indirect interventions in the cave.
The Dynamical Role of the Chesapeake Bay on the Local Ozone Pollution Using Mesoscale Modeling—A Case Study
Authors: Yang Zhifeng , Demoz Belay , Delgado Rubén , Tangborn Andrew , Lee Pius , Sullivan John T.
Published: April 2022

This study investigated the dynamic influence of the Chesapeake Bay (CB) on local ozone (O3) concentration and distribution using a weather forecasting model. The Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF–Chem) was employed to simulate O3 production and transportation near the CB. Baseline (water) as well as sensitivity (nowater) model experiments of bay circulation were carried out with and without bay water by changing the water surface from water to land (loam). First, the model performance simulating O3 was evaluated using the baseline experiment results and AirNow surface wind and O3 observations. The results showed that the model overestimates surface O3 by up to 20–30%. Further, the comparisons of the baseline and sensitivity experiments revealed higher O3 mixing ratios, primarily due to the resulting bay breeze circulation. These increases, after considering model overestimation, represent a mean bay dynamics circulation-induced contribution of up to 10% at night and 5% during the day. Furthermore, the boundary layer over northern CB, where it is at its narrowest width, was higher (by 1.2 km on average) during daytime due to higher surface temperatures observed. The boundary layer depth difference between the northern, central, and southern regions of the bay leads to a differential in the role of bay circulation dynamics in the observed O3 increase. The relatively wider swath of water surface over southern CB resulted in a lower boundary layer depth and stronger breeze circulation and this circulation contributed to O3 concentrations. Moreover, since the case selected has a minimal bay breeze circulation, the associated surface ozone enhancements represent what is expected at least at a minimum.
An Advanced Artificial Intelligence System for Identifying the Near-Core Impact Features to Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification from the ERA-Interim Data
Authors: Wei Yijun , Yang Ruixin , Kinser Jason , Griva Igor , Gkountouna Olga
Published: April 2022

Prediction of tropical cyclone (TC) intensity is one of the ground challenges in weather forecasting, and rapid intensification (RI) is a key part of that prediction. Most of the current RI studies are based on a selected variable (feature) set, which is accumulated based on expert expertise in past studies of TC intensity changes and RI. Are there any more important variables in TC intensity predictions that were not identified in past studies? A systematic and comprehensive search for those variables from vast amounts of gridded data, satellite images, and other historically collected data could be helpful for answering the above question. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the capabilities to distill features in large array data, and it is helpful in identifying new features related to TC intensity changes in general and RI in particular. Here, we leverage the local linear embedding (LLE) dimension reduction techniques to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts ERA-Interim reanalysis data for identifying new variables related to RI. In addition to the well-known features in the SHIPS (statistical hurricane intensity prediction scheme) database, we identified other significant features, such as 400 and 450 hPa meridional wind, 1000 hPa potential vorticity, and vertical pressure speed, that could help the understanding and prediction of RI occurrences. Furthermore, our AI system outperforms our baseline model with SHIPS data only by 26.6% and 8.4% in kappa and PSS (Peirce’s skill score), respectively.
Weighted Generalized Fractional Integration by Parts and the Euler–Lagrange Equation
Authors: Zine Houssine , Lotfi El Mehdi , Torres Delfim F. M. , Yousfi Noura
Published: April 2022

Integration by parts plays a crucial role in mathematical analysis, e.g., during the proof of necessary optimality conditions in the calculus of variations and optimal control. Motivated by this fact, we construct a new, right-weighted generalized fractional derivative in the Riemann–Liouville sense with its associated integral for the recently introduced weighted generalized fractional derivative with Mittag–Leffler kernel. We rewrite these operators equivalently in effective series, proving some interesting properties relating to the left and the right fractional operators. These results permit us to obtain the corresponding integration by parts formula. With the new general formula, we obtain an appropriate weighted Euler–Lagrange equation for dynamic optimization, extending those existing in the literature. We end with the application of an optimization variational problem to the quantum mechanics framework.
Diversity and Metabolism of Microbial Communities in a Hypersaline Lake along a Geochemical Gradient
Authors: Bryanskaya Alla V. , Shipova Aleksandra A. , Rozanov Alexei S. , Kolpakova Oxana A. , Lazareva Elena V. , Uvarova Yulia E. , Efimov Vadim M. , Zhmodik Sergey M. , Taran Oxana P. , Goryachkovskaya Tatyana N. , Peltek Sergey E.
Published: April 2022

In the south of western Siberia (Russia), there are many unique and unexplored soda, saline, and freshwater lakes. In this study, the results are presented on microbial diversity, its metabolic potential, and their relation with a set of geochemical parameters for a hypersaline lake ecosystem in the Novosibirsk region (Oblast). The metagenomic approach used in this work allowed us to determine the composition and structure of a floating microbial community, the upper layer of silt, and the strata of bottom sediments in a natural saline lake via two bioinformatic approaches, whose results are in good agreement with each other. In the floating microbial community and in the upper layers of the bottom sediment, bacteria of the Proteobacteria (Gammaproteobacteria), Cyanobacteria, and Bacteroidetes phyla were found to predominate. The lower layers were dominated by Proteobacteria (mainly Deltaproteobacteria), Gemmatimonadetes, Firmicutes, and Archaea. Metabolic pathways were reconstructed to investigate the metabolic potential of the microbial communities and other hypothetical roles of the microbial communities in the biogeochemical cycle. Relations between different taxa of microorganisms were identified, as was their potential role in biogeochemical transformations of C, N, and S in a comparative structural analysis that included various ecological niches.
Detecting Blood Methylation Signatures in Response to Childhood Cancer Radiotherapy via Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Li Zhandong , Guo Wei , Ding Shijian , Feng Kaiyan , Lu Lin , Huang Tao , Cai Yudong
Published: April 2022

Radiotherapy is a helpful treatment for cancer, but it can also potentially cause changes in many molecules, resulting in adverse effects. Among these changes, the occurrence of abnormal DNA methylation patterns has alarmed scientists. To explore the influence of region-specific radiotherapy on blood DNA methylation, we designed a computational workflow by using machine learning methods that can identify crucial methylation alterations related to treatment exposure. Irrelevant methylation features from the DNA methylation profiles of 2052 childhood cancer survivors were excluded via the Boruta method, and the remaining features were ranked using the minimum redundancy maximum relevance method to generate feature lists. These feature lists were then fed into the incremental feature selection method, which uses a combination of deep forest, k-nearest neighbor, random forest, and decision tree to find the most important methylation signatures and build the best classifiers and classification rules. Several methylation signatures and rules have been discovered and confirmed, allowing for a better understanding of methylation patterns in response to different treatment exposures.
Plasmonic Biosensors: Review
Authors: Hamza Mohga E. , Othman Muhammad A. , Swillam Mohamed A.
Published: April 2022

Biosensors have globally been considered as biomedical diagnostic tools required in abundant areas including the development of diseases, detection of viruses, diagnosing ecological pollution, food monitoring, and a wide range of other diagnostic and therapeutic biomedical research. Recently, the broadly emerging and promising technique of plasmonic resonance has proven to provide label-free and highly sensitive real-time analysis when used in biosensing applications. In this review, a thorough discussion regarding the most recent techniques used in the design, fabrication, and characterization of plasmonic biosensors is conducted in addition to a comparison between those techniques with regard to their advantages and possible drawbacks when applied in different fields.
The BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism Does Not Increase Susceptibility to Activity-Based Anorexia in Rats
Authors: Pietrucci Carla L. , Milton Laura K. , Greaves Erika , Stefanidis Aneta , van den Buuse Maarten , Oldfield Brian J. , Foldi Claire J.
Published: April 2022

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is abundantly expressed in brain regions involved in both homeostatic and hedonic feeding, and it circulates at reduced levels in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). A single nucleotide polymorphism in the gene encoding for BDNF (Val66Met) has been associated with worse outcomes in patients with AN, and it is shown to promote anorectic behaviour in a mouse model of caloric restriction paired with social isolation stress. Previous animal models of the Val66Met polymorphism have been in mice because of the greater ease in modification of the mouse genome, however, the most widely-accepted animal model of AN, known as activity-based anorexia (ABA), is most commonly conducted in rats. Here, we examine ABA outcomes in a novel rat model of the BDNF Val66Met allelic variation (Val68Met), and we investigate the role of this polymorphism in feeding, food choice and sucrose preference, and energy expenditure. We demonstrate that the BDNF Val68Met polymorphism does not influence susceptibility to ABA or any aspect of feeding behaviour. The discrepancy between these results and previous reports in mice may relate to species–specific differences in stress reactivity.
Filamentous Thermosensitive Mutant Z: An Appealing Target for Emerging Pathogens and a Trek on Its Natural Inhibitors
Authors: Gurnani Manisha , Chauhan Abhishek , Ranjan Anuj , Tuli Hardeep Singh , Alkhanani Mustfa F. , Haque Shafiul , Dhama Kuldeep , Lal Rup , Jindal Tanu
Published: April 2022

Antibiotic resistance is a major emerging issue in the health care sector, as highlighted by the WHO. Filamentous Thermosensitive mutant Z (Fts-Z) is gaining significant attention in the scientific community as a potential anti-bacterial target for fighting antibiotic resistance among several pathogenic bacteria. The Fts-Z plays a key role in bacterial cell division by allowing Z ring formation. Several in vitro and in silico experiments have demonstrated that inhibition of Fts-Z can lead to filamentous growth of the cells, and finally, cell death occurs. Many natural compounds that have successfully inhibited Fts-Z are also studied. This review article intended to highlight the structural–functional aspect of Fts-Z that leads to Z-ring formation and its contribution to the biochemistry and physiology of cells. The current trend of natural inhibitors of Fts-Z protein is also covered.
Exacerbation of Elastase-Induced Emphysema via Increased Oxidative Stress in Metallothionein-Knockout Mice
Authors: Tanaka Ken Ichiro , Shiota Sachie , Sakakibara Okina , Shimoda Mikako , Takafuji Ayaka , Takabatake Misaki , Kadota Yoshito , Kawakami Takashige , Suzuki Shinya , Kawahara Masahiro
Published: April 2022

Although the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not yet fully understood, recent studies suggest that the disruption of the intracellular balance of oxidative (such as reactive oxygen species (ROS)) and antioxidant molecules plays an important role in COPD development and progression. Metallothionein is an endogenous metal-binding protein with reported ROS scavenging activity. Although there have been many publications on the protective effects of metallothionein in the kidney and liver, its role in COPD models such as elastase- or cigarette smoke (CS)-induced lung injury is unknown. Thus, in the present study, we analyzed the elastase-induced lung injury model using metallothionein-knockout (MT-KO; MT-1 and -2 gene deletion) mice. The expression of MT-1 and MT-2 in the lungs of MT-KO mice was markedly lower compared with that in the lungs of wildtype (WT) mice. Porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE)-induced lung injury (alveolar enlargement and respiratory impairment) was significantly exacerbated in MT-KO mice compared with WT mice. Additionally, PPE-induced increases in the number of inflammatory cells, inflammatory cytokines, and cell death in lung tissue were significantly more pronounced in MT-KO mice compared with WT mice. Finally, using an in vivo imaging system, we also found that PPE-induced ROS production in the lungs was enhanced in MT-KO mice compared with WT mice. These results suggest that metallothionein may act as an inhibitor against elastase-induced lung injury by suppressing ROS production. These results suggest that metallothionein protein, or compounds that can induce metallothionein, could be useful in the treatment of COPD.
Synthesis and Effect of Conformationally Locked Carbocyclic Guanine Nucleotides on Dynamin
Authors: Toti Kiran S. , Jimah John R. , Salmaso Veronica , Hinshaw Jenny E. , Jacobson Kenneth A.
Published: April 2022

Guanine nucleotides can flip between a North and South conformation in the ribose moiety. To test the enzymatic activity of GTPases bound to nucleotides in the two conformations, we generated methanocarba guanine nucleotides in the North or South envelope conformations, i.e., (N)-GTP and (S)-GTP, respectively. With dynamin as a model system, we examined the effects of (N)-GTP and (S)-GTP on dynamin-mediated membrane constriction, an activity essential for endocytosis. Dynamin membrane constriction and fission activity are dependent on GTP binding and hydrolysis, but the effect of the conformational state of the GTP nucleotide on dynamin activity is not known. After reconstituting dynamin-mediated lipid tubulation and membrane constriction in vitro, we observed via cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) that (N)-GTP, but not (S)-GTP, enables the constriction of dynamin-decorated lipid tubules. These findings suggest that the activity of dynamin is dependent on the conformational state of the GTP nucleotide. However, a survey of nucleotide ribose conformations associated with dynamin structures in nature shows almost exclusively the (S)-conformation. The explanation for this mismatch of (N) vs. (S) required for GTP analogues in a dynamin-mediated process will be addressed in future studies.
FOXA3 Polymorphisms Are Associated with Metabolic Parameters in Individuals with Subclinical Atherosclerosis and Healthy Controls—The GEA Mexican Study
Authors: Vargas-Alarcón Gilberto , Fragoso José Manuel , Ramírez-Bello Julian , Posadas-Sánchez Rosalinda
Published: April 2022

FOXA3 is a transcription factor involved in the macrophage cholesterol efflux and macrophage reverse cholesterol transport reducing the atherosclerotic lesions. Thus, the present study aimed to establish if the FOXA3 polymorphisms are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis (SA) and cardiometabolic parameters. Two FOXA3 polymorphisms (rs10410870 and rs10412574) were determined in 386 individuals with SA and 1070 controls. No association with SA was observed. The rs10410870 polymorphism was associated with a low risk of having total cholesterol >200 mg/dL, non-HDL-cholesterol > 160 mg/dL, and a high risk of having LDL pattern B and insulin resistance adipose tissue in individuals with SA, and with a high risk of having interleukin 10 p75 in individuals with SA, and with a low risk of LDL pattern B and a high risk of a magnesium deficiency in controls. Independent analysis in 846 individuals showed that the rs10410870 polymorphism was associated with a high risk of aortic valve calcification. In summary, FOXA3 polymorphisms were not associated with SA; however, they were associated with cardiometabolic parameters in individuals with and without SA.
Advances in Visualizing Microglial Cells in Human Central Nervous System Tissue
Authors: Uff Christopher E. G. , Patel Karishma , Yeung Charming , Yip Ping K.
Published: April 2022

Neuroinflammation has recently been identified as a fundamentally important pathological process in most, if not all, CNS diseases. The main contributor to neuroinflammation is the microglia, which constitute the innate immune response system. Accurate identification of microglia and their reactivity state is therefore essential to further our understanding of CNS pathophysiology. Many staining techniques have been used to visualise microglia in rodent and human tissue, and immunostaining is currently the most frequently used. Historically, identification of microglia was predominantly based on morphological structure, however, recently there has been a reliance on selective antigen expression, and microglia-specific markers have been identified providing increased certainty that the cells observed are in fact microglia, rather than the similar yet distinct macrophages. To date, the most microglia-specific markers are P2Y12 and TMEM119. However, other microglia-related markers can also be useful for demonstrating activation state, phagocytic state, and for neuroimaging purposes in longitudinal studies. Overall, it is important to be aware of the microglia-selectivity issues of the various stains and immunomarkers used by researchers to distinguish microglia in CNS tissue to avoid misinterpretation.
Matrix Metalloproteinases on Severe COVID-19 Lung Disease Pathogenesis: Cooperative Actions of MMP-8/MMP-2 Axis on Immune Response through HLA-G Shedding and Oxidative Stress
Authors: da Silva-Neto Pedro V. , do Valle Valéria B. , Fuzo Carlos A. , Fernandes Talita M. , Toro Diana M. , Fraga-Silva Thais F. C. , Basile Patrícia A. , de Carvalho Jonatan C. S. , Pimentel Vinícius E. , Pérez Malena M. , Oliveira Camilla N. S. , Rodrigues Lilian C. , Bastos Victor A. F. , Tella Sandra O. C. , Martins Ronaldo B. , Degiovani Augusto M. , Ostini Fátima M. , Feitosa Marley R. , Parra Rogerio S. , Vilar Fernando C. , Gaspar Gilberto G. , Rocha José J. R. da , Feres Omar , Arruda Eurico , Maruyama Sandra R. , Russo Elisa M. S. , Viana Angelina L. , Santos Isabel K. F. M. , Bonato Vânia L. D. , Cardoso Cristina R. B. , Tanus-Santos Jose E. , Donadi Eduardo A. , Faccioli Lucia H. , Dias-Baruffi Marcelo , Fernandes Ana P. M. , Gerlach Raquel F. , Sorgi Carlos A. ,   on behalf of the IMMUNOCOVID Study Group
Published: April 2022

Patients with COVID-19 predominantly have a respiratory tract infection and acute lung failure is the most severe complication. While the molecular basis of SARS-CoV-2 immunopathology is still unknown, it is well established that lung infection is associated with hyper-inflammation and tissue damage. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to tissue destruction in many pathological situations, and the activity of MMPs in the lung leads to the release of bioactive mediators with inflammatory properties. We sought to characterize a scenario in which MMPs could influence the lung pathogenesis of COVID-19. Although we observed high diversity of MMPs in lung tissue from COVID-19 patients by proteomics, we specified the expression and enzyme activity of MMP-2 in tracheal-aspirate fluid (TAF) samples from intubated COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. Moreover, the expression of MMP-8 was positively correlated with MMP-2 levels and possible shedding of the immunosuppression mediator sHLA-G and sTREM-1. Together, overexpression of the MMP-2/MMP-8 axis, in addition to neutrophil infiltration and products, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased lipid peroxidation that could promote intensive destruction of lung tissue in severe COVID-19. Thus, the inhibition of MMPs can be a novel target and promising treatment strategy in severe COVID-19.