bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidative stress alleviating potential of galactan exopolysaccharide from Weissella confusa KR780676 in yeast model system
Authors: Kavitake Digambar , Veerabhadrappa Bhavana , Sudharshan S. J. , Kandasamy Sujatha , Devi Palanisamy Bruntha , Dyavaiah Madhu , Shetty Prathapkumar Halady
Published: January 2022

In the present study, galactan exopolysaccharide (EPS) from Weissella confusa KR780676 was evaluated for its potential to alleviate oxidative stress using in vitro assays and in vivo studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (wild type) and its antioxidant (sod1∆, sod2∆, tsa1∆, cta2∆ and ctt1∆), anti-apoptotic (pep4∆ and fis1∆) and anti-aging (sod2∆, tsa1∆ and ctt1∆)) isogenic gene deletion mutants. Galactan exhibited strong DPPH and nitric oxide scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 450 and 138 µg/mL respectively. In the yeast mutant model, oxidative stress generated by H2O2 was extensively scavenged by galactan in the medium as confirmed using spot assays followed by fluorescencent DCF-DA staining and microscopic studies. Galactan treatment resulted in reduction in the ROS generated in the yeast mutant cells as demonstrated by decreased fluorescence intensity. Furthermore, galactan exhibited protection against oxidative damage through H2O2 -induced apoptosis inhibition in the yeast mutant strains (pep4∆ and fis1∆) leading to increased survival rate by neutralizing the oxidative stress. In the chronological life span assay, WT cells treated with galactan EPS showed 8% increase in viability whereas sod2∆ mutant showed 10–15% increase indicating pronounced anti-aging effects. Galactan from W. confusa KR780676 has immense potential to be used as a natural antioxidant for nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and food technological applications. As per our knowledge, this is the first report on in-depth assessment of in vivo antioxidant properties of a bacterial EPS in a yeast deletion model system.
An integrated framework for identifying clinical-laboratory indicators for novel pandemics: COVID-19 and MIS-C
Authors: Nahari Adam D. , Son Mary Beth F. , Newburger Jane W. , Reis Ben Y.
Published: January 2022

During the critical early stages of an emerging pandemic, limited availability of pathogen-specific testing can severely inhibit individualized risk screening and pandemic tracking. Standard clinical laboratory tests offer a widely available complementary data source for first-line risk screening and pandemic surveillance. Here, we propose an integrated framework for developing clinical-laboratory indicators for novel pandemics that combines population-level and individual-level analyses. We apply this framework to 7,520,834 clinical laboratory tests recorded over five years and find clinical-lab-test combinations that are strongly associated with SARS-CoV-2 PCR test results and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) diagnoses: Interleukin-related tests (e.g. IL4, IL10) were most strongly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and MIS-C, while other more widely available tests (ferritin, D-dimer, fibrinogen, alanine transaminase, and C-reactive protein) also had strong associations. When novel pandemics emerge, this framework can be used to identify specific combinations of clinical laboratory tests for public health tracking and first-line individualized risk screening.
Citrin mediated metabolic rewiring in response to altered basal subcellular Ca2+ homeostasis
Authors: Koshenov Zhanat , Oflaz Furkan E. , Hirtl Martin , Gottschalk Benjamin , Rost Rene , Malli Roland , Graier Wolfgang F.
Published: January 2022

In contrast to long-term metabolic reprogramming, metabolic rewiring represents an instant and reversible cellular adaptation to physiological or pathological stress. Ca2+ signals of distinct spatio-temporal patterns control a plethora of signaling processes and can determine basal cellular metabolic setting, however, Ca2+ signals that define metabolic rewiring have not been conclusively identified and characterized. Here, we reveal the existence of a basal Ca2+ flux originating from extracellular space and delivered to mitochondria by Ca2+ leakage from inositol triphosphate receptors in mitochondria-associated membranes. This Ca2+ flux primes mitochondrial metabolism by maintaining glycolysis and keeping mitochondria energized for ATP production. We identified citrin, a well-defined Ca2+-binding component of malate-aspartate shuttle in the mitochondrial intermembrane space, as predominant target of this basal Ca2+ regulation. Our data emphasize that any manipulation of this ubiquitous Ca2+ system has the potency to initiate metabolic rewiring as an instant and reversible cellular adaptation to physiological or pathological stress.
Transfected plasmid DNA is incorporated into the nucleus via nuclear envelope reformation at telophase
Authors: Haraguchi Tokuko , Koujin Takako , Shindo Tomoko , Bilir Şükriye , Osakada Hiroko , Nishimura Kohei , Hirano Yasuhiro , Asakawa Haruhiko , Mori Chie , Kobayashi Shouhei , Okada Yasushi , Chikashige Yuji , Fukagawa Tatsuo , Shibata Shinsuke , Hiraoka Yasushi
Published: January 2022

DNA transfection is an important technology in life sciences, wherein nuclear entry of DNA is necessary to express exogenous DNA. Non-viral vectors and their transfection reagents are useful as safe transfection tools. However, they have no effect on the transfection of non-proliferating cells, the reason for which is not well understood. This study elucidates the mechanism through which transfected DNA enters the nucleus for gene expression. To monitor the behavior of transfected DNA, we introduce plasmid bearing lacO repeats and RFP-coding sequences into cells expressing GFP-LacI and observe plasmid behavior and RFP expression in living cells. RFP expression appears only after mitosis. Electron microscopy reveals that plasmids are wrapped with nuclear envelope (NE)‒like membranes or associated with chromosomes at telophase. The depletion of BAF, which is involved in NE reformation, delays plasmid RFP expression. These results suggest that transfected DNA is incorporated into the nucleus during NE reformation at telophase.
Vespakinin-M, a natural peptide from Vespa magnifica, promotes functional recovery in stroke mice
Authors: Zhao Hairong , Wang Mei , Gao Yuan , Wu Xiumei , Xiao Huai , Yang Dasong , He Furong , Lv Jiaming , Xie De , Wang Qiang , Liu Weidong , Luo Jingang , Yang Zizhong , Zhang Chenggui , Cheng Jidong , Zhao Yu
Published: January 2022

Acute ischemic stroke triggers complex systemic pathological responses for which the exploration of drug resources remains a challenge. Wasp venom extracted from Vespa magnifica (Smith, 1852) is most commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis as well as neurological disorders. Vespakinin-M (VK), a natural peptide from wasp venom, has remained largely unexplored for stroke. Herein, we first confirmed the structure, stability, toxicity and distribution of VK as well as its penetration into the blood–brain barrier. VK (150 and 300 µg/kg, i.p.) was administered to improve stroke constructed by middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice. Our results indicate that VK promote functional recovery in mice after ischemia stroke, including an improvement of neurological impairment, reduction of infarct volume, maintenance of blood-brain barrier integrity, and an obstruction of the inflammatory response and oxidative stress. In addition, VK treatment led to reduced neuroinflammation and apoptosis associated with the activation of PI3K–AKT and inhibition of IκBα–NF-κB signaling pathways. Simultaneously, we confirmed that VK can combine with bradykinin receptor 2 (B2R) as detected by molecular docking, the B2R antagonist HOE140 could counteract the neuro-protective effects of VK on stroke in mice. Overall, targeting the VK–B2R interaction can be considered as a practical strategy for stroke therapy.
Anomalous elasticity and damping in covalently cross-linked graphene aerogels
Authors: Šilhavík Martin , Kumar Prabhat , Zafar Zahid Ali , Míšek Martin , Čičala Martin , Piliarik Marek , Červenka Jiří
Published: January 2022

Elasticity in materials is a phenomenon that provides a basis for widespread practical applications in engineering, medicine, and electronics. Most of the conventional materials can withstand only small deformations within the elastic limit, typically below 5% of their original size. Here, we report a graphene aerogel made of covalently cross-linked graphene sheets that exhibits anomalous superelastic behavior up to 92% of compressive and 68% tensile strain. We show that the graphene aerogel has a nonlinear stress-strain characteristic with the compressive and tensile yield strength of 4.5 GPa and 0.6 MPa, respectively. By considering the elastic bending of graphene sheets and buckle folding of pore walls, we develop a quantitative origami model that describes the stress-strain behavior of the aerogel. In addition, we analyze the mechanical oscillations of the graphene aerogel, observing superfast vibration damping within a time scale of 50–250 ns. Our study demonstrates the unusual coexistence of superelasticity and superfast damping within a cellular material with atomically thin pore walls, a phenomenon that does not occur in bulk elastic materials described by Hook’s law.
Coexisting Z-type charge and bond order in metallic NaRu2O4
Authors: Yogi Arvind Kumar , Yaresko Alexander , Sathish C. I. , Sim Hasung , Morikawa Daisuke , Nuss Juergen , Tsuda Kenji , Noda Yukio. , Khomskii Daniel I. , Park Je-Geun
Published: January 2022

How particular bonds form in quantum materials has been a long-standing puzzle. Two key concepts dealing with charge degrees of freedom are dimerization (forming metal-metal bonds) and charge ordering. Since the 1930s, these two concepts have been frequently invoked to explain numerous exciting quantum materials, typically insulators. Here we report dimerization and charge ordering within the dimers coexisting in metallic NaRu2O4. By combining high-resolution x-ray diffraction studies and theoretical calculations, we demonstrate that this unique phenomenon occurs through a new type of bonding, which we call Z-type ordering. The low-temperature superstructure has strong dimerization in legs of zigzag ladders, with short dimers in legs connected by short zigzag bonds, forming Z-shape clusters: simultaneously, site-centered charge ordering also appears. Our results demonstrate the yet unknown flexibility of quantum materials with the intricate interplay among orbital, charge, and lattice degrees of freedom.
A theranostic microneedle array patch for integrated glycemia sensing and self-regulated release of insulin
Authors: Sun Xuetong , Ji Wenwen , Zhang Bei , Ma Lijuan , Fu Wenjuan , Qian Wenhui , Zhang Xiangying , Li Jianting , Sheng Enze , Tao Yi , Zhu Dong
Published: January 2022

We have designed a dual-function microneedle patch that integrates treatment and diagnosis.
Litchi chinensis seed prevents obesity and modulates the gut microbiota and mycobiota compositions in high-fat diet-induced obese zebrafish
Authors: Xiang Jun-Yan , Chi Yan-Yu , Han Jin-Xin , Kong Ping , Liang Zehua , Wang Deli , Xiang Hongyu , Xie Qiuhong
Published: January 2022

Litchi chinensis seeds improve obesity in high-fat diet-induced obese zebrafish and mice. Litchi chinensis seeds regulate the intestinal microbiota and mycobiota in zebrafish.
Engineering Schottky-like and heterojunction materials for enhanced photocatalysis performance – a review
Authors: Kumari Priyanka , Bahadur Nupur , Kong Lingxue , O’Dell Luke A. , Merenda Andrea , Dumée Ludovic F.
Published: January 2022

Photocatalysis with nanostructured semiconductors is emerging for environmental remediation.
Vaccine adjuvant platform and fluorescence imaging of amphiphilic γ-PGA-IMQ-LA-FL conjugates
Authors: Yin Wenzhu , Xuan Dechun , Deng Bihua , Zhou Mingxu , Ma Fang , Zhang Jinqiu , Lu Yu
Published: January 2022

A new amphiphilic polymer FIP provided a novel protein-based vaccine delivery platform, which was capable of inducing strong humoral and cellular immunity for effective vaccine prevention with acceptable safety.
Hollow carbon nanospheres embedded with stoichiometric γ-Fe2O3 and GdPO4: tuning the nanospheres for in vitro and in vivo size effect evaluation
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhang Jianping , Chen Yi , Wu Tianze , Lu Mingzhu , Chen Zhenxia , Jia Yu , Yang Yongtai , Ling Yun , Zhou Yaming
Published: January 2022

A series of hollow carbon nanospheres embedded with MRI agents γ-Fe2O3 and GdPO4 nanoparticles (Fe–Gd/HCS), were prepared and applied to in vitro/vivo evaluation with well defined sizes of ∼100 nm, ∼200 nm, ∼300 nm, respectively.
Copper-catalyzed three-component N-alkylation of quinazolinones and azoles
Authors: Wang Chunlian , Ji Xiaochen , Deng Guo-Jun , Huang Huawen
Published: January 2022

A Cu-catalyzed three-component N-alkylation coupling reaction of N-heteroarenes with ketones and DMPA as a carbon source has been developed.
Highly dispersed Ru nanoclusters anchored on B,N co-doped carbon nanotubes for water splitting
Authors: Fan Meihong , Chen Xinran , Zhang Mingcheng , Cui Lili , He Xingquan , Zou Xiaoxin
Published: January 2022

Ultrafine dispersed ruthenium nanoparticles on B,N-co-doped carbon nanotubes with simultaneously optimized nanostructures and electronic property were developed to achieve a high catalytic activity for both HER and OER.
A succinonitrile-infiltrated silica aerogel synergistically-reinforced hybrid solid electrolyte for durable solid-state lithium metal batteries
Authors: Liu Ling , Cai Yinghui , Zhao Zhikun , Ma Chengwei , Li Chunli , Mu Daobin
Published: January 2022

New fast Li+ ion transport pathways were available in the developed SSP material, enabling high ionic conductivity.
Selective electrophilic di- and monofluorinations for the synthesis of 4-difluoromethyl and 4-fluoromethyl quinazolin(thi)ones by a Selectfluor-triggered multi-component reaction
Authors: Zhang Ruiqin , Ma Renchao , Fu Qinjiao , Chen Rener , Wang Zhiming , Wang Lei , Ma Yongmin
Published: January 2022

A simple and efficient domino protocol for the selective synthesis of gem-difluoro-oxylated and monofluoro-oxylated quinazolin(thi)ones from readily available starting materials mediated by Selectfluor was established.
Phenylalanyl tRNA synthetase (PheRS) substrate mimics: design, synthesis, molecular dynamics and antimicrobial evaluation
Authors: Noureldin Nada A. , Richards Jennifer , Kothayer Hend , Baraka Mohammed M. , Eladl Sobhy M. , Wootton Mandy , Simons Claire
Published: January 2022

Nineteen novel compounds were designed to mimic Phe-AMP, as a new hope to find novel antibacterial agents and combat the antibiotic resistance. E. faecalis PheS homology model was constructed to study the mimics–enzyme interactions in more detail.
Synthesis and cationic polymerization of halogen bonding vinyl ether monomers
Authors: Morota Yudai , Suzuki Takanaga , Landenberger Kira B.
Published: January 2022

Three novel vinyl ether monomers containing halogen bonding moieties were synthesized, polymerizedviacationic polymerization and exhibited clear halogen bonding.
Electrochemically driven optical and SERS immunosensor for the detection of a therapeutic cardiac drug
Authors: Chaudhry Madeeha , Lim Dong-Kwon , Kang Jeon Woong , Yaqoob Zahid , So Peter , Bhopal Muhammad Fahad , Wang Minqiang , Qamar Raheel , Bhatti Arshad Saleem
Published: January 2022

Cardiovascular diseases pose a serious health risk and have a high mortality rate of 31% worldwide.
The effect of particle size and mass ratio on the mechanical response of Al/PTFE/SiC composite with a 23 factorial design
Authors: Wang Ruiqi , Huang Junyi , Liu Qiang , Wu Shuangzhang , Wu Jiaxiang , Ren Xinxin , Li Yuchun
Published: January 2022

To study the effects of different SiC mass ratios, SiC particle sizes and Al particle sizes on the mechanical response of Al/PTFE/SiC, an experiment was conducted through the full 23 factorial design.
CoAl-LDHs@Fe3O4 decorated with cobalt nanowires and cobalt nanoparticles for a heterogeneous electro-Fenton process to degrade 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid and glyphosate
Authors: Zhou Kexin , Liu Xing-peng , Guo Hongyun , Li Hui-qiang , Yang Ping
Published: January 2022

Cobalt nanowires and cobalt particles are introduced into CoAl-LDHs@Fe3O4, and the effect of the former is better in the application of electro-Fenton process.
Macro and micro thermal investigation of nanoarchitectonics-based coatings on cotton fabric using new quaternized starch
Authors: Ur Rehman Zeeshan , Kaseem Mosab , Churchill David G. , Pan Ye-Tang , Heun Koo Bon
Published: January 2022

Schematic diagram of the cationization of starch, LBL layering and resistance against flame.
Investigation of the adsorption properties of gemcitabine anticancer drug with metal-doped boron nitride fullerenes as a drug-delivery carrier: a DFT study
Authors: Bibi Shamsa , Ur-rehman Shafiq , Khalid Laryeb , Bhatti Ijaz Ahmad , Bhatti Haq Nawaz , Iqbal Javed , Bai Fu Quan , Zhang Hong-Xing
Published: January 2022

Anticancer-drug delivery is now becoming a challenging approach for researchers as it allows controlled drug delivery near cancerous cells with minimized generic collection and the avoidance of secondary side effects.
Plasma activated 1-hexene oligomerization in a gas–liquid microreactor
Authors: Royoux Pierre-Alexandre , Ognier Stéphanie , Zhang Mengxue , Thomas Christophe M. , Tatoulian Michaël
Published: January 2022

The oligomerization of 1-hexene under argon plasma was investigated in a gas–liquid, continuous flow microreactor.
Concentration of stimulant regulates initial exocytotic molecular plasticity at single cells
Authors: He Xiulan , Ewing Andrew G.
Published: January 2022

Amperometric measurement of exocytosis (SCA) and vesicle content (IVIEC) over 15 s intervals reveals plasticity (none, potentiation, or depression), that is regulated by the concentration of stimulant solution (e.g., 30 s 10, 30, 50, and 100 mM K+).
Electrocatalytic water oxidation by copper(ii) complexes with a pentadentate amine-pyridine ligand
Authors: Lin Junqi , Wang Nini , Chen Xin , Yang Xueli , Hong Li , Ruan Zhijun , Ye Hui , Chen Yanmei , Liang Xiangming
Published: January 2022

Two Cu complexes are capable of catalyzing water oxidation. Oxygen evolution mediated by the Cu complex with a three –NH coordination environment occurs at low onset overpotential, while one –NCH3 group on the ligand would lead to lower activity.
Dealloying layered PdBi2 nanoflakes to palladium hydride leads to enhanced electrocatalytic N2 reduction
Authors: Antonatos Nikolas , Elliott Joshua D. , Mazánek Vlastimil , Marvan Petr , Carbone Paola , Geng Weixiang , Jing Yu , Sofer Zdeněk
Published: January 2022

The catalytic performance of palladium bismuth toward NRR was enhanced through electrochemically etching the bismuth atoms from the crystal lattice.
Triazine derivatives as organic phase change materials with inherently low flammability
Authors: Png Zhuang Mao , Soo Xiang Yun Debbie , Chua Ming Hui , Ong Pin Jin , Xu Jianwei , Zhu Qiang
Published: January 2022

A series of triazine-based compounds (M1–M7) have been prepared from 1,3,5-triazine, 2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-dichloro-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triazine and 2-chloro-4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazine, and their thermal phase change properties.
Organic solvent mixture separation using fluorine-incorporated thin film composite reverse osmosis membrane
Authors: Kushida Wataru , Gonzales Ralph Rolly , Shintani Takuji , Matsuoka Atsushi , Nakagawa Keizo , Yoshioka Tomohisa , Matsuyama Hideto
Published: January 2022

Organic solvent reverse osmosis (OSRO) is currently considered as an energy-efficient membrane technology for separation of organic liquid mixtures.
CO2 electrochemical reduction on metal–organic framework catalysts: current status and future directions
Authors: Narváez-Celada Denise , Varela Ana Sofia
Published: January 2022

The versatility of MOFs is ideal for designing efficient CO2RR electrocatalysts, yet their poor stability and conductivity needs to be improved.
Enhanced crystallization in the CsPbBr3 all-inorganic perovskite via an advanced nucleation method
Authors: Ren Yingke , Li Delong , Chen Jing , Guo Xinge , He Chao , Li Zhaoqian , An Xingtao
Published: January 2022

Organic–inorganic hybrid halide perovskites are unstable under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation.
Surface adhesion engineering for robust organic semiconductor devices
Authors: Wang Zhao , Wang Wenbo , Wang Shutao
Published: January 2022

Strategies for enhancing interfacial adhesion of organic semiconductors by adhesive layer introduction, adhesive group functionalization, adhesive integrated agent, and physical mixing, have shown promising applications in various fields.
Nicotinamide riboside kinase-2 inhibits JNK pathway and limits dilated cardiomyopathy in mice with chronic pressure overload
Authors: Shahzadi Syeda Kiran , Marzook Hezlin , Qaisar Rizwan , Ahmad Firdos
Published: January 2022

Nicotinamide riboside kinase-2 (NRK-2) has recently emerged as a critical regulator of cardiac remodeling however, underlying molecular mechanisms is largely unknown. To explore the same, NRK2 knockout (KO) and littermate control mice were subjected to trans-aortic constriction (TAC) or sham surgeries and cardiac function was assessed by serial M-mode echocardiography. A mild cardiac contractile dysfunction was observed in the KOs at the early adaptive phase of remodeling followed by a significant deterioration during the maladaptive cardiac remodeling phase. Consistently, NRK2 KO hearts displayed increased cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure (HF) reflected by morphometric parameters as well as increased fetal genes, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) expressions. Histological assessment revealed an extensive left ventricular (LV) chamber dilatation accompanied by elevated cardiomyopathy (CM) and fibrosis in the KO hearts post-TAC. In a gain-of-function model, NRK-2 overexpressing in AC16 cardiomyocytes displayed significantly attenuated fetal genes ANP and BNP expression. Consistently, NRK-2 overexpression attenuated angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiomyocyte death. Mechanistically, we identified NRK-2 as a regulator of c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) MAP kinase and mitochondrial function where NRK-2 overexpression in human cardiomyocytes markedly suppressed the Ang II-induced JNK activation and mitochondrial depolarization. Thus, our results demonstrate that NRK-2 plays protective roles in pressure overload (PO)-induced dilatative cardiac remodeling and, genetic ablation exacerbates dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), interstitial collagen deposition, and cardiac dysfunction post-TAC due, in part, to increased JNK activation and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Signal preservation of exomoon transits during light curve folding
Authors: Heller René , Hippke Michael
Published: January 2022

In the search for moons around extrasolar planets (exomoons), astronomers are confronted with a stunning observation. Although 3400 of the 4500 exoplanets were discovered with the transit method and although there are well over 25 times as many moons than planets known in the Solar System (two of which are larger than Mercury), no exomoon has been discovered to date. In the search for exoplanet transits, stellar light curves are usually phase-folded over a range of trial epochs and periods. This approach, however, is not applicable in a straightforward manner to exomoons. Planet-moon transits either have to be modeled in great detail (including their orbital dynamics, mutual eclipses, etc.), which is computationally expensive, or key simplifications have to be assumed in the modeling. One such simplification is to search for moon transits outside of the planetary transits. The question we address in this report is how much in-transit data of an exomoon remains uncontaminated by the near-simultaneous transits of its host planet. We develop an analytical framework based on the probability density of the sky-projected apparent position of an exomoon relative to its planet and test our results with a numerical planet-moon transit simulator. For exomoons with planet-moon orbital separations similar to the Galilean moons, we find that only a small fraction of their in-transit data is uncontaminated by planetary transits: 14% for Io, 20% for Europa, 42% for Ganymede, and 73% for Callisto. The signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of an out-of-planetary-transit folding technique is reduced compared to a full photodynamical model to about 38% (Io), 45% (Europa), 65% (Ganymede), and 85% (Callisto), respectively. For the Earth’s Moon, we find an uncontaminated data fraction of typically just 18% and a resulting S/N reduction to 42%. These values are astonishingly small and suggest that the gain in speed for any exomoon transit search algorithm that ignores the planetary in-transit data comes at the heavy price of losing a substantial fraction of what is supposedly a tiny signal in the first place. We conclude that photodynamical modeling of the entire light curve has substantial, and possibly essential, advantages over folding techniques of exomoon transits outside the planetary transits, in particular for small exomoons comparable to those of the Solar System.
A consistent approximation of the total perimeter functional for topology optimization algorithms
Authors: Amstutz Samuel , Dapogny Charles , Ferrer Alex
Published: January 2022

This article revolves around the total perimeter functional, one particular version of the perimeter of a shape Ω contained in a fixed computational domainDmeasuring the total area of its boundary∂Ω, as opposed to its relative perimeter, which only takes into account the regions of∂Ω strictly insideD. We construct and analyze approximate versions of the total perimeter which make sense for general “density functions”u, as generalized characteristic functions of shapes. Their use in the context of density-based topology optimization is particularly convenient insofar as they do not involve the gradient of the optimized functionu. Two different constructions are proposed: while the first one involves the convolution of the functionuwith a smooth mollifier, the second one is based on the resolution of an elliptic boundary-value problem featuring Robin boundary conditions. The “consistency” of these approximations with the original notion of total perimeter is appraised from various points of view. At first, we prove the pointwise convergence of our approximate functionals, then the convergence of their derivatives, as the level of smoothing tends to 0, when the considered density functionuis the characteristic function of a “regular enough” shape Ω ⊂D. Then, we focus on the Γ-convergence of the second type of approximate total perimeter functional, that based on elliptic regularization. Several numerical examples are eventually presented in two and three space dimensions to validate our theoretical findings and demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed functionals in the context of structural optimization.
Towards sustainable food productions in Morocco: Aquaponics
Authors: Rharrhour Haytam , Wariaghli Fatima , Goddek Simon , Sadik Mohamed , El Moujtahid Aziz , Nhhala Hassan , Yahyaoui Ahmed
Published: January 2022

This article reviews the development potential of Aquaponics in Morocco, an emergent approach which integrates aquaculture with Hydroponics, whereby aquaculture effluent is used to fertilise plants in the hydroponic system. Aquaponics is the subject of an alternative solution to earth modern problems, linked to climate change, such as drought, soil degradation, food and water availabilities, negative impact of aquaculture on the environment, the use of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. This food production system has gained interest in the past five years, however, there is yet to be successful experiences or scientific publications in Morocco, although the economy of this country is based on two main sectors: agriculture and fisheries. The current paper was developed using a systematic, strategic and comprehensive literature review on peer reviewed publications on several themes, including aquaponics, aquaculture, hydroponics and horticulture, from 1960 to 2020. Over 59publications were reviewed and analysed. The review found that aquaponics has gained interest in the past five years, over 500 scientific articles have been published, since 2015, with the term “Aquaponics” as title, abstract or keyword, highlighting its many advantages and major drawbacks, but unfortunately none of these publications were of Moroccan origin, which consolidates the need for a review which will scale up the importance of this technique and its development potential in Morocco.
Effects of irrigation systems on yield and physical characteristics of date (Phoenix dactylifera .L) cv. ‘Medjool’
Authors: Alla Fouzia , Jdaini Kawtar , Mimouni Jamal , Elhoumaizi Mohammed Aziz
Published: January 2022

The shortage of irrigation water pooled with the effect of climate change and inadequate management in oases; affects the sustainability of the oasis ecosystem. Irrigation, as practiced in these oases, is not conducted according to the real water requirements of the crops, this management can induce water stress which affects the physical characteristics of the dates cultivated and consequently yield production, or on the contrary a significant water intake and a waste of the resource. This study investigated two irrigation systems; drip-irrigation, which is currently applied under date palms in the Moroccan oases, and the newly introduced underground irrigation (Micro-porous irrigation) .The aim of this work, was to assess the effects of different types of irrigation system on yield and physical quality parameters of ‘Medjool’ dates. Fruit quality assessment including fruit weight, length, breadth, pulp thickness, stone weight, length, breadth, number and average weight of bunches fruit per tree were evaluated, to identify the most effective irrigation system for date palm.
Aqueous Enzymatic Extraction of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seed oil: A preliminary study
Authors: Benkirane Chaymae , Allay Aymane , Ben Moumen Abdessamad , Belhaj Kamal , Melhaoui Reda , Mansouri Farid , Abid Malika , Serghini-Caid Hana , Elamrani Ahmed
Published: January 2022

Reducing the pollution is a serious environmental challenge facing the oil producing industry worldwide. Conventionally, oil from oleaginous is extracted in large scale by mechanical expression or organic solvent extraction. In spite of its high yield, organic solvent extraction is time-consuming and very harmful to health and environment. Aqueous Enzymatic Extraction (AEE) is an eco-friendly extraction method using water as an extraction medium. Its application is a feasible alternative to traditional processing technologies without using organic solvents. However, its efficiency depends on many factors. This study aims to investigate the potential of AEE method to extract oil from safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds using hemicellulase. Four extraction parameters with different levels that are incubation temperature, incubation time, initial pH, and enzyme concentration were evaluated. The optimum extraction conditions recorded were 65°C, pH 5, 4% w/w of enzyme and 3 hours of incubation. The obtained results showed that AEE reach a maximum of 70.45 % oil recovery. Therefore, Aqueous Enzymatic Extraction can be suggested as an environmentally cleaner alternative method to efficiently extract oil from safflower seeds.
Electric supplementary heating technology of municipal heating for city heat exchange station
Authors: Zhang Sirui , Li Hao , Zhang Qing , Zhang Haidong , Jiang Limin , Guo Bingqing
Published: January 2022

Municipal heating in northern areas generally suffers from heat sources, heat grid gaps, and high dependence on fossil fuels. It is difficult to guarantee the heating effect of incremental buildings at the end of the building, and relying on traditional capacity expansion methods has caused a waste of social resources to a certain extent. A “no capacity increase” municipal heating electric supplementary heating technology for urban heat exchange stations is proposed. First, the design concept of the electric supplementary heating system is explained. Then, the investment calculation model of the electric supplementary heating system is established. Finally, an office building in Shijingshan, Beijing is used as a research example to perform simulation calculations.
Synthesis and Characterization of Hydroxyl-Pinacolone Retinoate
Authors: Zhang Hexing , Feng Baicheng , Jin Yan
Published: January 2022

All-trans retinoic acid (10) was synthesized by β-ionone (5) through knoevenagel condensation, reduction and hydrolysis reaction. Then, hydroxyl-pinacolone retinoate (11) was prepared by the esterification with 1-hydroxy- 3, 3-dimethylbutan-2-ketone. This route not only reduces the synthesis steps but also helps to increase the yield. The structure of the product was characterized by 1H NMR and 13C NMR.
Research on Application and Benefits of Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Li Nana , Wu Jing , Li Qionghui , Hu Jing , Fan Hao , Huang Bibin
Published: January 2022

At present, Energy storage systems are widely used in power supply, power grid and end-users system. There have been extensive application explorations in most application scenarios in China, such as smoothing power fluctuation and output tracking of new energy sources, assisting conventional units to participate in frequency modulation, peak-shaving frequency modulation of the power grid, system standby, peak-valley arbitrage of the load side, as well as demand reduction. This paper firstly investigates the typical operation modes of energy storage applied to new energy consumption scenarios, and analyzes three important technical approaches in order to promote new energy consumption, such as energy storage to stabilize fluctuation, tracking output and peak load balancing. Secondly, to evaluate the economic benefits of energy storage allocation in new energy projects in different regions of China by using the self-developed software for economic analysis of new energy and comprehensive energy system; thereafter the strategic suggestions for energy storage allocation in different regions are proposed. The results show that it is economical for wind power owners to build Pumped Thermal Energy Storage (PTES) and it is even cheaper to purchase PTES by wind power owners than to build electrochemical energy storage (EES) batteries by users when the same conditions of energy storage applies. Owner-built and owner-allocated Photovoltaic (PV) power station is poor in economy. Under the same energy storage condition, when the allocated energy of 1MW PV power generation is less than 200 kW, EES is relatively more economical than PTES.
Valorization of spent coffee grounds by 2-methyloxolane as bio-based solvent extraction. Viable pathway towards bioeconomy for lipids and biomaterials
Authors: Chemat Aziadé , Ravi Harish Karthikeyan , Hostequin Anne Claire , Burney Henna , Tomao Valérie , Fabiano-Tixier Anne-Sylvie
Published: January 2022

This study attempts to shed light on the efficacy of the solvent 2-methyloxolane (2-MeOx) as an alternative for hexane in defatting spent coffee grounds (SCG). Higher lipid yields were obtained with the bio-based solvent dry 2-MeOx (13.67%) and water-saturated 2-MeOx (15.84%) compared to hexane oil yield, which is of petroleum origin and is a known neurotoxin. Palmitic acid and linoleic acid were the principal fatty acids identified. The fatty acid profile of coffee oils obtained with hexane, dry 2-MeOx and aqueous 2-MeOx were similar. Lipid hydrolysis was observed in oils extracted with 2-MeOx, which warrants further investigation. The residual caffeine content in the defatted SCG was highest when hexane was used highlighting better solubility of methylxanthine compounds in the solvent 2-MeOx.
Surface profile-tailored magneto-optics in magnetoplasmonic crystals
Authors: Kiryanov Maxim A. , Frolov Aleksandr Yu. , Novikov Ilya A. , Kipp Polina A. , Nurgalieva Polina K. , Popov Vladimir V. , Ezhov Aleksandr A. , Dolgova Tatyana V. , Fedyanin Andrey A.
Published: January 2022

The control of transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect (TMOKE) enhancement is realized by balancing the radiative and absorption losses in one-dimensional all-nickel magnetoplasmonic crystals. The modulation of the surface shape tunes the plasmonic radiative losses and coupling of the incident light with surface plasmons. The maximal magneto-optical response corresponds to the optimal coupling implemented with the equality of radiative and absorption losses. A slight deviation from the optimal corrugation depth results in a significant reduction of the TMOKE value.
Ion transmission probability through quadrupole mass filter depending on initial ion condition and rod misalignment
Authors: Jang Kyu-Ha , Bae Sangyoon , Woo Ju , Kang Sung-Won , Lee Nam-Seok , Jeong Young Uk
Published: January 2022

A quadrupole mass filter consists of four equidistant parallel rods. Each opposing rod pair is connected electrically, and direct current (DC) and radio frequency alternating current (AC) potentials are applied between one pair of rods and the other. For specific combinations of AC and DC potentials, only ions with a particular mass-to-charge ratio will have a stable trajectory and pass through the quadrupole. Other ions collide with the rods and are not transmitted. The mass filtering is entirely based on the stability of the trajectory of the ions inside the quadrupole. Despite its simple physical geometry and obvious mass separating principle, it is very difficult to analyze the ion behavior in the device even if there is a small deviation from ideal operating conditions. In this paper, the ion transmission probabilities through a quadrupole were calculated using computer simulation at various initial ion conditions and quadrupole mechanical misalignment. The results of this study mainly show the allowable error for quadrupole design, which can be used in improving the performance of the quadrupole mass filter.
Auditory temporal processinzg in children with history of recurrent otitis media with effusion
Authors: Khavarghazalani Bahareh , Hosseini Dastgerdi Zahra , Gohari Nasrin , Khakzand Soheila
Published: January 2022

Objective

Several studies report that a history of recurrent otitis media with effusion (OME) can affect the development of the central auditory system and its processing. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of recurrent OME on the auditory temporal processing using the Gap-In-Noise (GIN) test in children with a positive history in their first five years.

Materials and methods

In this study, 12 children between 8 and 10 years old were selected. The control group was matched according to the age of study cohort. The GIN test was conducted to assess temporal processing and the approximate threshold and percentage of correct responses were calculated for all participants. Nonparametric test was used to analyze the data.

Result

Results of the GIN test showed significant differences between the OME and control group (p < .001). Children with recurrent OME performed worse than the control group in this test. No significant difference was observed between the right and left ear performance in both groups (p > .05).

Conclusion

The study results indicate that, children with recurrent OME suffer from auditory temporal processing to some degree.
Strangeness content of the pion in the U(3) Nambu–Jona–Lasinio model
Authors: Braghin Fábio L
Published: January 2022

The Nambu–Jona–Lasinio model is considered with flavor-dependent coupling constants

G

i
j

(

ψ

¯

λ

i

ψ

)

(

ψ

¯

λ

j

ψ

)

+

(

ψ

¯

i

γ

5

λ

i

ψ

)

(

ψ

¯

i

γ

5

λ

j

ψ

)

for

i
,
j
=
0
,
1
…

N

f

2

−
1

, and N

f
= 3. A self-consistent calculation of quark effective masses and coupling constants is performed, making the strange quark effective mass vary considerably. Quantum mechanical mixings between up, down and strange constituent quarks yield a strangeness content (s-content) of the light u and d quark constituent and of the pion. Different types of estimates for the strangeness contribution for the pion mass are provided. Mixing-type interactions, G

i≠j
, induce light meson mixings, and estimates for the π
0 − η and η − η′ mixings are provided. The η − π
0 mixing is argued to be an indication of the s-content of the pion.
Inverse seesaw in

A5′

modular symmetry
Authors: Behera Mitesh Kumar , Mohanta Rukmani
Published: January 2022

We make an investigation of modular

Γ

5

′

≃

A

5

′

group in inverse seesaw framework. Modular symmetry is advantageous because it reduces the usage of extra scalar fields significantly. Moreover, the Yukawa couplings are expressed in terms of Dedekind eta functions, which also have a q expansion form, generally utilized to achieve numerical simplicity. Our proposed model includes six heavy fermion superfields i.e.,

N

R

i

,

S

L

i

and a weighton. The study of neutrino phenomenology becomes simplified and effective by the usage of

A

5

′

modular symmetry, which provides us a well defined mass structure for the lepton sector. Here, we observe that all the neutrino oscillation parameters, as well as the effective electron neutrino mass in neutrinoless double beta decay can be successfully accommodated in this model. We also briefly discuss the lepton flavor violating decays ℓ

i
→ ℓ

j

γ, the collider bound on Z′ mass and comment on non-unitarity of lepton mixing matrix.
Development and decay of vortex flows in viscoelastic fluids between concentric cylinders
Authors: Guido Renzo , Rinderknecht Felipe , Cabeza Cecilia , Martí Arturo C , Sarasúa Gustavo
Published: January 2022

We study the development and decay of vortex in viscoelastic fluids between coaxial cylinders by means of experiments with solutions of polyacrylamide and glycerin and numerical simulations. The transient process is triggered when the inner cylinder is either abruptly started or stopped while the outer is kept fixed. The azimuthal velocity, obtained by means of digital particle velocimetry, exhibits oscillations before reaching the stationary state. The development of the vortex is characterized by means of the overshoot, i.e. the difference between the maximum and the stationary velocity. Analogously, in the decay of the vortex, the azimuthal velocity changes its direction and the relevant parameter is the undershoot defined as the maximum reversed transient velocity. To get a deeper insight into this phenomenon, the experimental results are supplemented with numerical simulations of rheological models as the Oldroyd-B and White–Metzer. The results obtained with the first model reveal the dependence of the overshoot and undershoot with the elasticity number of the fluid. Using the White–Metzer model we explain the increase of the overshoot produced by the reduction of the solvent viscosity in terms of the shear-thinning effects.
Multi-channel recurrent attention network for building extraction from high resolution remote sensing images
Authors: Wang Zhen , Xu Nan , Wang Buhong , Guo Jianxin , Zhang Shanwen
Published: January 2022

Building extraction from high-resolution remote sensing images is of great importance for urban planning, disaster assessment, and geography mapping. In recent years, convolutional neural networks have made outstanding achievements in improving the precision of building extraction. However, most existing approaches have some problems, such as insufficient detailed feature extraction and ignorance of the relationship between different features. In this study, we propose a novel multi-channel recurrent attention network (MCANet) for building extraction. Firstly, the multi-scale channel attention mechanism is used to expand the convolution kernel receptive field, making the model can extract rich building region feature information. Secondly, we use the spatial pyramid recurrent block to establish long-range dependencies over space, channel, and layer of different convolutions. Finally, the multi-channel feature fusion block is used to fuse the multi-scale channel features information, and improve the building extraction precision. Experimental results show that the proposed MCANet achieves better results (recall, precision, intersection-over-union, and F1_score on the Inria Aerial Image Labeling Dataset are 89.82%, 94.38%, 87.42%, and 88.25%, respectively), and outperforms the other state-of-the-art approaches.
Atomistic simulation and interatomic potential comparison in α-Al2O3: lattice, surface and extended-defects properties
Authors: Xu Qinqin , Salles Nicolas , Chevalier Jérome , Amodeo Jonathan
Published: January 2022

Aluminum oxide (α-Al2O3) is known as one of the major ceramic oxide and is currently used for its advanced mechanical properties. Nowadays, it requires a more in-depth description at small-scales especially for applications in the fields of nanocrystalline ceramic fabrication and nanomechanics. In this study, we investigate the transferability of several types of interatomic potentials including rigid ion, 2/3-body and many-body variable charge models. In particular, a special attention is paid to the material properties that are the most relevant for nanomechanical applications such as lattice properties, surface and stacking fault energies as well as dislocation modeling. Simulation outcomes are compared to reliable DFT simulations and most up-to-date experiments available from the literature.
Investigation and optimization of polarization properties of self-assembled carbon nanotube films
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Yibin , Zhang Peng , Hou Huwang , Zhao Yang
Published: January 2022

Super-aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) film has strong anisotropy to light propagation. In order to better integrate the self-assembled CNTs into microelectromechanical system (MEMS) for polarization applications, some inherent impacts on polarization properties of CNT film were investigated. We described the polarization effects of the film thickness variation in detail, giving an optimum thickness range which is around 700–800 nm. The amorphous carbon content of CNT film was reduced by oxidation process where the transmittance increased by almost 4 folds. The alignment of CNT arrangement was optimized from 0.41 (Chebyshev orientation parameter) to 0.54 by manipulating the C2H4 flow rate from 54 to 80 sccm. More specifically, a sample possessing a degree of polarization up to 99% and transmittance over 45% was obtained through proper regulations. The validated optimization makes the aligned CNT films more feasible and valuable for the integration of the CNT polarimeters with MEMS technology.
Addressing the cognitive and noncognitive needs of struggling students through an E7 approach in a virtual laboratory environment to improve their motivation and learning achievement
Authors: Hachmi A , El Moussaouy A , Ouariach A , Essaadaoui R , El Hadi M , Mommadi O , Kerkour-El Miad A
Published: January 2022

In this study that aims to motivate struggling students and helping them to improve their learning achievement, we designed and tested an E7-based approach in a virtual laboratory environment. We rely on cognitive load theory and self-determination theory to enable our approach to meet the cognitive and noncognitive needs of struggling students. This study adopts the pre-experimental method with the design of the pre and post-test, an experimental group and a control group. We evaluated the effect of the intervention on motivation and learning achievements by using a motivation test and the students’ assessment by their teachers. One of the results of this study is the success of our approach in motivating struggling students and helping them to improve their learning achievements.