bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Agro-Livestock Wastes for Composting in Rural Zones in Ecuador: The Case of the Parish of San Andrés
Authors: Valverde-Orozco Víctor , Gavilanes-Terán Irene , Idrovo-Novillo Julio , Carrera-Beltrán Lourdes , Buri-Tanguila Sofía , Salazar-García Kimberly , Paredes Concepción
Published: October 2022

In Ecuador, the agriculture and livestock sectors are very important within the economy of rural areas. These activities generate a large amount of waste whose management is not optimized. Thus, the aim of this work was to characterize different agro-livestock wastes generated in a rural area, the parish of San Andrés (Chimborazo-Ecuador), in order to know their composition to design suitable composting processes for their treatment. To this end, different physicochemical and chemical parameters were determined in 24 crop residue samples and 18 manure samples, and two piles were elaborated with the same proportion of wastes (51% vegetable residue + 35% cow manure + 14% sawdust) and composted by turning or passive aeration. Throughout the composting process, the temperature and oxygen concentration were recorded and the evolution of different physicochemical, chemical, and biological parameters and the quality of the final composts were studied. The results indicated that the agro-livestock residues presented notable macro and micronutrient and organic matter contents and low levels of heavy metals, these properties being positive for their subsequent treatment in a co-composting experiment. This experiment demonstrated that the composting processes are a feasible strategy for the treatment of these residues and yield compost with an adequate agricultural quality (notable nitrogen content, low heavy metal and soluble mineral salt contents and 92–94% in germination index). Moreover, the passive aeration system can be recommended because this aeration method reduced composting times and the work associated with the process. However, more studies are required on this composting system and other agro-livestock wastes to establish a management protocol for all the waste generated, which will contribute to the sustainability of the agro-livestock sector in the area studied.
Signal “Off-On” Biosensor Based on Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) for Detection of Sorghum Mosaic Virus
Authors: Han Zhenlong , Du Pengfei , Wen Ronghui , Chen Baoshan , He Xipu
Published: October 2022

A fluorescence off-on method for the detection of Sorghum mosaic virus (SrMV) based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was developed in this study. The biosensor was realized by the adsorption of SrMV coat protein (CP) on gold nanoparticle (AuNP) and conjugation of anti-SrMV antibody (Ab) on cadmium telluride quantum dot (CdTe QD). The optimum quenching efficiency was about 50% obtained at a CdTe QD-Ab/AuNP-CP ratio of 1:7. Moreover, the feasibility of the developed biosensor was verified by the detection of purified CP and the limit of detection was estimated as 0.02 μg/mL. This strategy was also successfully applied to monitor SrMV CP in plant sap with a recovery rate between 97.7 and 107.4%. The developed biosensor is a simple, rapid, and efficient technique which does not need excessive washing and separation steps.
Integrating Single Domain Antibodies into Field-Deployable Rapid Assays
Authors: Anderson George P. , Shriver-Lake Lisa C. , Liu Jinny L. , Goldman Ellen R.
Published: October 2022

Single domain antibodies (sdAb) are the recombinant variable heavy domains derived from camelid heavy-chain antibodies. While they have binding affinities equivalent to conventional antibodies, sdAb are only one-tenth the size and possess numerous advantages such as excellent thermal stability with the ability to refold following denaturation, and inexpensive production in Escherichia coli or yeast. However, their small size does have drawbacks, one being that they can lose activity upon attachment or adsorption to surfaces, or may fail to adsorb efficiently, as they are highly soluble. This can make the transition from using conventional antibodies to sdAb nontrivial for assay development. Specifically, it is often necessary to re-optimize the protocols and tailor the recombinant sdAb through protein engineering to function efficiently in handheld assays, which currently are utilized for point of care testing and field applications. This work focuses on optimizing the integration of sdAb into rapid vertical flow assays. To achieve this goal, we engineered sdAb-based constructs and developed general protocols for the attachment of the sdAb to both gold nanoparticles and a support membrane. We achieved a limit of detection of 0.11 µg/mL for toxins staphylococcal enterotoxin B and ricin, both potential biothreat agents. Additionally, we demonstrated the ability to detect the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2, a common target of antigen tests for COVID-19.
Numerical and Experimental Study on the Member Performance and Stability Bearing Capacity of Wheel Coupler Formwork Supports
Authors: Chu Qi , Liu Haiqing , Xia Shengyong , Dong Jinfeng , Lei Ming , Tse Tim K. T. , Teng Lingxiao , Li Cruz Y. , Fu Yunfei
Published: October 2022

To evaluate the performance of wheel coupler formwork support components, the bearing capacity of the horizontal bar, the shear capacity of the wheel, the shear capacity of the sleeve, and the stability bearing capacity of the single- and double-layer vertical poles were investigated through systematic full-scale tests. The feasibility and correctness of the experiment were verified by comparing the results with those of a finite element analysis. The results demonstrated that the weak point of the horizontal bar was the bearing capacity of the weld at the connection between the socket and the horizontal bar. Preventing buckling failure of the weld at the connection between the horizontal bar and the socket was critical to ensure the bearing capacity of the horizontal bar. Under the action of a shearing force, the wheel underwent buckling failure of the welding seam at the connection between the wheel and the vertical pole. With a decreasing number of connecting horizontal bars on the wheel, the shear capacity of the wheel decreased significantly. The shear failure mode of the sleeve was buckling failure. The connection weld did not undergo buckling failure during the load-bearing process, which was basically meeting the serviceability state. The failure of a single-layer vertical pole was typical with lateral displacement buckling, while the double-layer vertical pole did not undergo buckling with lateral displacement.
X-ray Image Enhancement Based on Adaptive Gradient Domain Guided Image Filtering
Authors: Li Liangliang , Lv Ming , Ma Hongbing , Jia Zhenhong , Yang Xinghua , Yang Weiyi
Published: October 2022

Due to the contrast of X-ray images being low, significant elements including organs, bones, and nodules are very difficult to identify, so contrast enhancement is necessary. In this paper, an X-ray image enhancement algorithm based on adaptive gradient domain guided image filtering is proposed. The amplification factor in the gradient domain guided image filtering needs to be set manually; it needs to constantly adjust the parameters to achieve the best enhancement effect, and this also increases the computational complexity. In order to solve this problem, an adaptive amplification factor is defined in this paper, and the proposed algorithm is applied to the X-ray image enhancement. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is superior to state-of-the art algorithms in terms of detail enhancement and edge-preserving.
Development and Validation of a Novel Microwell-Based Fluorimetric Method Assisted with Fluorescence Plate Reader for High-Throughput Determination of Duvelisib: Application to the Analysis of Capsules and Plasma Samples
Authors: Al-Hossaini Abdullah M. , Darwish Hany W. , Sayed Ahmed Y. , Khalil Nasr Y. , Al-Salahi Rashad , Darwish Ibrahim A.
Published: October 2022

Duvelisib (DUV) is a novel drug with a small molecular weight and characterized by dual phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)- and PI3K-inhibitory activity. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved DUV for the management of small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) and relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in adult patients. In the current study, a microwell-based fluorimetric (MW-FLR) method was established for the quantitation of DUV in copiktra® capsules as well as plasma samples. The proposed MW-FLR method was carried out in a 96-microwell plate and involved measuring the native fluorescence of DUV by using a fluorescence plate reader at 405 nm after excitation at 340 nm. The preparation of plasma samples involved simple one-step protein precipitation prior to the analysis. The optimum conditions for the proposed method were established. Under these conditions, the fluorescence signals showed an excellent linear relationship with DUV concentrations in the sample solutions (r = 0.9995) in a concentration range of 25–800 ng/mL. The detection and quantification limits were 20.5 and 62.1 ng/mL, respectively. The method's accuracy and precision were acceptable as the recovery values were not less than 98.5% with low relative standard deviations (less than 6%). The presented MW-FLR method was adopted with truly good accuracy and precision to analyze copiktra capsules and DUV-spiked plasma samples. The method's results were found to be superior to those of reference methods. The MW-FLR method combined the advantages of the inherent high sensitivity of the fluorimetric measurement and the high analytical throughput of microwell-based methods. In addition, the method is characterized by the simplicity of the procedures and the green chemistry approach as it uses water as a solvent and low volumes of sample solutions. These advantages gave the method great value for the determination of DUV in quality control and/or clinical laboratories.
Optimization of Bituminous Road Surfacing Rehabilitations Based on Optimization of Road Asset Value
Authors: Mikolaj Ján , Remek Ľuboš , Kozel Matúš
Published: October 2022

The article presents a complex pavement management system method that utilizes a novel optimization method of rehabilitation plans for individual road sections based on asset value optimization. This method is being implemented and tested by the Slovak Road Administration. The performance-based asset value optimization objectives are Socio-Economic Value and Technical Value of Assets, which breaks down into the Value of Structural Condition and Operational Capacity Value. Life cycle cost analysis is used to find the optimal rehabilitation year of individual road sections to optimize the asset value and minimize financial and economic costs while considering the life cycle extension provided by the rehabilitation in a given year. For the method to be reliable, two main preconditions need to be met. First, the residual bearing capacity calculation method needs to be based on rheological parameters of surfacing materials. This is significant because the residual bearing capacity is used for both choosing the correct rehabilitation technology and calculating the life cycle extension by the rehabilitation action. The second precondition is a reliable pavement performance model. This is significant because pavement deterioration is used to calculate road user costs, which serve as a key input to calculate assets’ Socio-Economic and Operational Capacity value.
Research on Improving Optical Field Distribution of TOSA Based on 3D Defocusing Coupling
Authors: Ding Xinhui , Dong Shi , Jiang Jing
Published: October 2022

The four-direction performance of a TOSA and power tested with different jumpers are affected by the optical field distribution of the TOSA. In order to improve the optical field distribution of a TOSA, this paper analyzes the factors affecting optical field distribution in the core and cladding of fiber and establishes a 3D defocusing coupling model to improve the uniform distribution of the optical field. The verification between the 2D coupling model and 3D defocusing coupling model shows that four-direction performance with 3D defocusing coupling is less than 1.0 dB, and the difference of power tested with different jumpers is not more than 0.5 dB. The results are better than that of a TOSA with a conventional coupling model, and the reliability and yield of the TOSA are higher. The 3D defocusing coupling model has practical guiding significance and economic value in TOSA production.
Assessment of Persistence of Gunshot Residues Produced by Firearms from Criminal Cases in the Republic of Kosovo
Authors: Tahirukaj Milazim , Surleva Andriana , Vizureanu Petrica , Olluri Blerim , Sandu Andrei Victor
Published: October 2022

Gunshot residue (GSR) is a material formed during firearm discharge with a specific spheroidal/noncrystalline morphology and chemical composition. The examination of gunshot residue by SEM/EDS is an important tool in forensic studies and presents supporting evidence in criminal investigations. This study is aimed at exploring the number of particles characteristic of GSR identified by SEM/EDS as a function of time, gun caliber, the number of shots, and weather conditions. Firearms typically used in criminal cases in Kosovo were studied, and the experiments were conducted outdoors in the summer and winter seasons. Nine people made different numbers of shots from one to nine and followed a common office routine. An optimized and validated SEM/EDS protocol was applied with a sensitivity of 95%, a bias of −5%, a repeatability of 2% (RSD), a within-lab reproducibility of 2% (RSD), and an expanded uncertainty of the number of GSR particles of 6% at coverage factor k = 2. The results showed that GSR particles could be identified by SEM/EDS five to seven hours after shooting, depending on the weapon used and number of produced shots. The results will benefit forensic scientists by providing a supportive tool for hypothesizing the time interval between firearm discharge and GSR sampling.
Inactivation of Contaminated Fungi in Rice Grains by Dielectric Heating
Authors: Sutacha Chalermkiat , Santalunai Samran , Thongsopa Chanchai , Thosdeekoraphat Thanaset , Penkhrue Watsana
Published: October 2022

The quality of rice is decreased when contaminated with fungi. Aspergillus species are the most frequently found in rice. This research proposes using a dielectric heating method for fungal inactivation in rice grains by radio frequency (RF) energy. In order to understand the interaction between the fungi contaminating rice and electrical energy, dielectric properties comparison between Aspergillus sp. BP17 and rice powder were measured using an open-ended coaxial probe with a vector network analyzer (VNA) to develop dielectric heating equipment. The effect of RF energy on the dielectric heating system (9 kW, 40.68 MHz) is investigated based on different electric field intensities (150, 190, 225, 300, and 450 kV/m) with different temperatures (70, 80, 90, 100, and 110 °C). The growth of fungi contaminating rice was determined using a direct count method and reported as a percentage of inactivation. The result showed that the fungal inactivation of 100% was obtained at the electric field intensity value ≥ 225 kV/m at the lowest temperature of 90 °C. The combination of temperature and electric field intensity significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the percentage of fungal inactivation in rice grains. The optimal conditions of dielectric heating are suitable for fungal inactivation in rice industries. These results indicate that the proposed dielectric heating system is useful for inactivation of Aspergillus species.
Lipreading Using Liquid State Machine with STDP-Tuning
Authors: Yu Xuhu , Wan Zhong , Shi Zehao , Wang Lei
Published: October 2022

Lipreading refers to the task of decoding the text content of a speaker based on visual information about the movement of the speaker’s lips. With the development of deep learning in recent years, lipreading has attracted extensive research. However, the deep learning method requires a lot of computing resources, which is not conducive to the migration of the system to edge devices. Inspired by the work of Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) in recognizing human actions and gestures, we propose a lipreading system based on SNNs. Specifically, we construct the front-end feature extractor of the system using Liquid State Machine (LSM). On the other hand, a heuristic algorithm is used to select appropriate parameters for the classifier in the backend. On small-scale lipreading datasets, our recognition accuracy achieves good results. We claim that our network performs better in terms of accuracy and ratio of learned parameters compared to other networks, and has superior advantages in terms of network complexity and training cost. On the AVLetters dataset, our model achieves a 5% improvement in accuracy over traditional methods and a 90% reduction in parameters over the state-of-the-art.
Making Architecture Relevant to Underserved Communities: Mapping Reconsidered
Authors: Kim Joongsub
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and the death of George Floyd shed new light on longstanding disparities that exist in low-income communities of color and impact their overall well-being. Architectural educators and practitioners across the United States are engaging in public discourse to debate the role that architecture should play in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and the architectural profession. This trend has motivated us to ask: How can architecture be made more relevant to underserved communities? This article investigated that question via the construct of mapping. Mapping is a mechanism for reflection, rediscovery, and reexamination of the familiar and self-discovery of the less familiar. To further explore how mapping can help make architecture more relevant to disadvantaged populations, we used a mobile mapping station (MMS)—a practical, hands-on, community-based project conducted in Detroit. This article focused on MMSs, exploring how, when coupled with social justice values and equitable development principles, architecture can be made more accessible to broader populations.
Heparan Sulfate Glycosaminoglycan Is Predicted to Stabilize Inflammatory Infiltrate Formation and RANKL/OPG Ratio in Severe Periodontitis in Humans
Authors: Duplancic Roko , Roguljic Marija , Bozic Darko , Kero Darko
Published: October 2022

Since chronically inflamed periodontal tissue exhibits extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, the possible alternative to standard periodontitis treatment is to restore ECM by supplementing its components, including heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan (HS GAG). Supplementation of the degraded ECM with synthetic derivatives of HS GAGs has been shown to be effective for periodontal tissue regeneration in experimental animal models of periodontitis. However, the potential of HS GAG supplementation for the treatment of periodontal disease in humans is still unknown. Here, we used a statistical model to investigate the role of HS GAG on inflammatory infiltrate formation and alveolar bone resorption in humans with severe periodontitis. The model was based on data from immunofluorescence staining (IF) of human gingiva samples, and reconstruction of a subset of HS GAG -related proteins from STRING reactome database. According to predictions, increased expression of native HS GAG might stabilize the accumulation of gingival inflammatory infiltrate (represented by the general inflammatory cell marker CD45) and alveolar bone resorption (represented by Receptor Activator of Nuclear ΚΒ ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio) but could not restore them to healthy tissue levels. Therefore, supplementation of native HS GAG may be of limited benefits for the treatment of sever periodontitis in humans.
Adhesion Forces of Oral Bacteria to Titanium and the Correlation with Biophysical Cellular Characteristics
Authors: Doll-Nikutta Katharina , Winkel Andreas , Yang Ines , Grote Anna Josefine , Meier Nils , Habib Mosaieb , Menzel Henning , Behrens Peter , Stiesch Meike
Published: October 2022

Bacterial adhesion to dental implants is the onset for the development of pathological biofilms. Reliable characterization of this initial process is the basis towards the development of anti-biofilm strategies. In the present study, single-cell force spectroscopy (SCFS), by means of an atomic force microscope connected to a microfluidic pressure control system (FluidFM), was used to comparably measure adhesion forces of different oral bacteria within a similar experimental setup to the common implant material titanium. The bacteria selected belong to different ecological niches in oral biofilms: the commensal pioneers Streptococcus oralis and Actinomyces naeslundii; secondary colonizer Veillonella dispar; and the late colonizing pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis as well as fimbriated and non-fimbriated Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. The results showed highest values for early colonizing pioneer species, strengthening the link between adhesion forces and bacteria’s role in oral biofilm development. Additionally, the correlation between biophysical cellular characteristics and SCFS results across species was analyzed. Here, distinct correlations between electrostatically driven maximum adhesion force, bacterial surface elasticity and surface charge as well as single-molecule attachment points, stretching capability and metabolic activity, could be identified. Therefore, this study provides a step towards the detailed understanding of oral bacteria initial adhesion and could support the development of infection-resistant implant materials in future.
Na,K-ATPase Kinetics and Oxidative Stress in Kidneys of Zucker Diabetic Fatty (fa/fa) Rats Depending on the Diabetes Severity—Comparison with Lean (fa/+) and Wistar Rats
Authors: Vrbjar Norbert , Jasenovec Tomas , Kollarova Marta , Snurikova Denisa , Chomova Maria , Radosinska Dominika , Shawkatova Ivana , Tothova Lubomira , Radosinska Jana
Published: October 2022

For a better insight into relations between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Na,K-ATPase properties in kidneys, we aimed to characterize two subgroups of ZDF obese (fa/fa) rats, with more and less developed T2DM, and compare them with two controls: lean (fa/+) and Wistar. Na,K-ATPase enzyme kinetics were estimated by measuring the ATP hydrolysis in the range of NaCl and ATP levels. As Na,K-ATPase is sensitive to oxidative stress, we evaluated selected oxidative stress parameters in kidney homogenates. Our results suggest that thiol–disulfide redox balance in the renal medulla and Na,K-ATPase properties in the renal cortex differ between both controls, while observed measurements in lean (fa/+) rats showed deviation towards the values observed in ZDF (fa/fa) rats. In comparison with both controls, Na,K-ATPase enzyme activity was higher in the renal cortex of ZDF rats independent of diabetes severity. This might be a consequence of increased glucose load in tubular fluid. The increase in lipid peroxidation observed in the renal cortex of ZDF rats was not associated with Na,K-ATPase activity impairment. Regarding the differences between subgroups of ZDF animals, well-developed T2DM (glycemia higher than 10 mmol/L) was associated with a higher ability of Na,K-ATPase to utilize the ATP energy substrate.
Prognostic Value of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin in Women
Authors: Bisaccia Giandomenico , Ricci Fabrizio , Khanji Mohammed Y. , Gaggi Giulia , Di Credico Andrea , Gallina Sabina , Di Baldassarre Angela , Ghinassi Barbara
Published: October 2022

High-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays have become the gold standard for diagnosing acute and chronic myocardial injury. The detection of troponin levels beyond the 99th percentile is included in the fourth universal definition of myocardial infarction, specifically recommending the use of sex-specific thresholds. Measurable concentrations below the proposed diagnostic thresholds have been shown to inform prognosis in different categories of inpatients and outpatients. However, clinical investigations from the last twenty years have yielded conflicting results regarding the incremental value of using different cut-offs for men and women. While advocates of a sex-specific approach claim it may help reduce gender bias in cardiovascular medicine, particularly in acute coronary syndromes, other groups question the alleged incremental diagnostic and prognostic value of sex-specific thresholds, ultimately asserting that less is more. In the present review, we aimed to synthesize our current understanding of sex-based differences in cardiac troponin levels and to reappraise the available evidence with regard to (i) the prognostic significance of sex-specific diagnostic thresholds of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays compared to common cut-offs in both men and women undergoing cardiovascular disease risk assessment, and (ii) the clinical utility of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays for cardiovascular disease prevention in women.
High-Intensity Exercise Training Improves Basal Platelet Prostacyclin Sensitivity and Potentiates the Response to Dual Anti-Platelet Therapy in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Wickham Kate A. , Nørregaard Line B. , Lundberg Slingsby Martina H. , Cheung Stephen S. , Hellsten Ylva
Published: October 2022

The risk of thrombotic events dramatically increases with age and may be accelerated in women by the cessation of endogenous estrogen production at menopause. Patients at risk of thrombosis are prescribed dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT; aspirin and a P2Y12 antagonist) and are encouraged to participate in regular physical activity, as these modalities improve nitric oxide and prostacyclin-mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation. Methods: We assessed prostacyclin sensitivity as well as basal platelet reactivity with and without in vitro DAPT before and after an 8-week high-intensity exercise training program in 13 healthy, sedentary postmenopausal women. The training intervention consisted of three 1 h sessions per week. Isolated platelets were analyzed for thromboxane A2 receptor, thromboxane A2 synthase, cyclooxygenase-1, and prostacyclin receptor protein expression. Additionally, plasma 6-keto prostaglandin F1α and thromboxane B2 levels were determined. Results: Exercise training made platelets more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of prostacyclin on thromboxane-, collagen-, and adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP)-induced aggregation, as well as thrombin-receptor activator peptide 6- and ADP-induced aggregation with DAPT. However, there was no change in protein expression from isolated platelets or plasma thromboxane B2 and prostacyclin levels following training. Conclusion: Together, these findings emphasize the importance of promoting physical activity as a tool for reducing thrombotic risk in postmenopausal women and suggest that training status should be considered when prescribing DAPT in this cohort.
Implication of Adipogenesis-Coupled CRMP2 Functional Profile in Metabolic Homeostasis and Imbalance
Authors: Chang Yih-Hsin , Chang Shu-Wen , Hsu Wei-Ting , Yang Ching-Ping , Lo Yu-Li , Chen Chun-Jung , Tsai Hui-Fang , Shiau Ming-Yuh
Published: October 2022

Our previous studies demonstrated that collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) is associated with obesity and, in addition, that hyperglycemia-suppressed CRMP2 augments malignant traits of colorectal cancer and is associated with advanced tumor stage. Regulation of CRMP2 profile was further explored in this study using 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte adipogenesis as a study model for illustrating the roles of CRMP2 in metabolic homeostasis. Hyperglycemia inhibited expression of CRMP2, adipogenic machinery and adipocyte markers. CRMP2 displayed f-CRMP2 (62~66 kDa) and s-CMRP2 (58 kDa) isoforms at the growth arrest phase. Expression of s-CRMP2 was coupled with the mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) phase to direct cell proliferation and rapidly down-regulated in post-mitotic cells. In the late differentiation phase, f-CRMP2 was co-localized with tubulin in the cortical area. Insulin-enhanced CRMP2-glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) co-localization and CRMP2 puncta on lipid droplets (LDs) suggested participation of CRMP2 in GLUT4 translocation and LD fusion. Collectively, the CRMP2 functional profile must be finely controlled to adjust cytoskeletal stability for meeting dynamic cellular needs. Manipulating the s-CRMP2/f-CRMP2 ratio and thus the cytoskeleton dynamics is anticipated to improve glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity. In summary, our data provide molecular evidence explaining the functions of CRMP2 in physiological, pathological and disease progression in metabolic homeostasis and disorders related to metabolic abnormalities, including cancer.
Load Balancing Based on Firefly and Ant Colony Optimization Algorithms for Parallel Computing
Authors: Li Yong , Li Jinxing , Sun Yu , Li Haisheng
Published: October 2022

With the wide application of computational fluid dynamics in various fields and the continuous growth of the complexity of the problem and the scale of the computational grid, large-scale parallel computing came into being and became an indispensable means to solve this problem. In the numerical simulation of multi-block grids, the mapping strategy from grid block to processor is an important factor affecting the efficiency of load balancing and communication overhead. The multi-level graph partitioning algorithm is an important algorithm that introduces graph network dynamic programming to solve the load-balancing problem. This paper proposed a firefly-ant compound optimization (FaCO) algorithm for the weighted fusion of two optimization rules of the firefly and ant colony algorithm. For the graph, results after multi-level graph partitioning are transformed into a traveling salesman problem (TSP). This algorithm is used to optimize the load distribution of the solution, and finally, the rough graph segmentation is projected to obtain the most original segmentation optimization results. Although firefly algorithm (FA) and ant colony optimization (ACO), as swarm intelligence algorithms, are widely used to solve TSP problems, for the problems for which swarm intelligence algorithms easily fall into local optimization and low search accuracy, the improvement of the FaCO algorithm adjusts the weight of iterative location selection and updates the location. Experimental results on publicly available datasets such as the Oliver30 dataset and the eil51 dataset demonstrated the effectiveness of the FaCO algorithm. It is also significantly better than the commonly used firefly algorithm and other algorithms in terms of the search results and efficiency and achieves better results in optimizing the load-balancing problem of parallel computing.
Detecting the PEX Like Domain of Matrix Metalloproteinase-14 (MMP-14) with Therapeutic Conjugated CNTs
Authors: Vieira D. , Barralet J. , Harvey E. J. , Merle G.
Published: October 2022

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are essential proteins acting directly in the breakdown of the extra cellular matrix and so in cancer invasion and metastasis. Given its impact on tumor angiogenesis, monitoring MMP-14 provides strategic insights on cancer severity and treatment. In this work, we report a new approach to improve the electrochemical interaction of the MMP-14 with the electrode surface while preserving high specificity. This is based on the detection of the hemopexin (PEX) domain of MMP-14, which has a greater availability with a stable and low-cost commercial molecule, as a recognition element. This molecule, called NSC-405020, is specific of the PEX domain of MMP-14 within the binding pocket. Through the covalent grafting of the NSC-405020 molecule on carbon nanotubes (CNTs), we were able to detect and quantify MMP-14 using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with a linear range of detection of 10 ng⋅mL−1 to 100 ng⋅mL−1, and LOD of 7.5 ng⋅mL−1. The specificity of the inhibitory small molecule was validated against the PEX domain of MMP-1. The inhibitor loaded CNTs system showed as a desirable candidate to become an alternative to the conventional recognition bioelements for the detection of MMP-14.
Experimental Study of the Seismic Performance of a Prefabricated Frame Rocking Wall Structure
Authors: Zhang Fuwen , Li Xiangmin , Wang Zhuolin , Tian Kun , Harries Kent A. , Xu Qingfeng
Published: October 2022

This paper proposes a prefabricated frame rocking wall (PFRW) structure system in which beams, columns, and rocking walls are all prefabricated components. The rocking wall and the frame are connected by energy-dissipating connectors, and three prestressed tendons are arranged inside the rocking wall. A quasi-static test for the PFRW structure and a conventional frame (CF) structure was conducted. The research results show that the seismic load-resisting capacity of the PFRW structure is increased by about 190% relative to the CF structure, and the energy dissipation coefficient of the PFRW structure is increased to twice that of the CF structure.
Experimental Investigation of Metal-Based Calixarenes as Dispersed Catalyst Precursors for Heavy Oil Hydrocracking
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed , Al-Zahrani Fahad A. , Diaz Francisco J. , Al-Attas Tareq , Zahir Hasan , Ali Syed A. , Siddiqui Mohammed Abdul Bari , Hossain Mohammad M.
Published: October 2022

Slurry-phase hydrocracking utilizing metal-containing oil-soluble compounds as precursors of dispersed catalysts is an effective approach for heavy oil upgrading. We propose applying metal-based p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene (TBC[6]s) organic species as dispersed catalyst precursors to enhance catalytic hydrogenation reactions involved in the upgrading of vacuum gas oil (VGO). Co- and Ni-based TBC[6]s were synthesized and characterized by SEM-EDX, ICP, XRD, and FT-IR. The thermogravimetric and calorimetric behaviors of the synthesized complexes, which are key properties of dispersed hydrocracking catalysts, were also explored. The experimental evaluation of the synthesized catalyst precursors show that the synthesized metal-based TBC[6] catalyst precursors improved the catalytic hydrogenation reactions. A co-catalytic system was also investigated by adding a commercial, first-stage hydrocracking supported catalyst in addition to the dispersed catalysts. The naphtha yields increased from 10.7 wt.% for the supported catalyst to 11.7 wt.% and 12 wt.% after adding it along with Ni-TBC[6] and Co-TBC[6], respectively. Mixing the metal-based precursors resulted in elevated yields of liquid products due to the in situ generation of highly active Co–Ni bimetallic dispersed catalysts.
Umbelliferone-Based Fluorescent Probe for Selective Recognition of Hydrogen Sulfide and Its Bioimaging in Living Cells and Zebrafish
Authors: Fang Yuyu , Luo Fan , Cao Zhixing , Peng Cheng , Dehaen Wim
Published: October 2022

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays a crucial role in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, similar to other gaseous signaling molecules. The significant pathophysiological functions of H2S have sparked a great deal of interest in the creation of fluorescent probes for H2S monitoring and imaging. Using 3-cyanoumbelliferone as the push–pull fluorophore and a dinitrophenyl substituent as the response site, herein we developed a umbelliferone-based fluorescent probe 1 for H2S, which exhibited a remarkable turn-on fluorescence response with a low detection limit (79.8 nM), high sensitivity and selectivity. The H2S-sensing mechanism could be attributed to the cleavage of the ether bond between the dinitrophenyl group and the umbelliferone, leading to the recovery of an intermolecular charge transfer (ICT) process. Moreover, the probe had negligible cytotoxicity and good cell membrane permeability, which was successfully applied to image H2S in MCF-7 cells and zebrafish.
Growth until Peak Height Velocity Occurs Rapidly in Early Maturing Adolescent Boys
Authors: Tsutsui Toshiharu , Iizuka Satoshi , Sakamaki Wataru , Maemichi Toshihiro , Torii Suguru
Published: October 2022

The timing and tempo of growth rate varies inter-individually during adolescence and can have an impact on athletic performance. This study aimed to determine the difference in growth rate for each maturity status. We combined data collected both retrospectively and prospectively from 78 adolescent boys aged 12 years old; growth charts were collected from their elementary school records, and the height of each participant was subsequently measured every six months over a period of two years. Take Off Age (TOA), Peak Height Velocity Age (PHVA), and Final Height Age (FHA) were estimated using the AUXAL 3.1 program. Growth Tempo 1 and 2 were calculated by dividing the height increase by the time difference between TOA and PHVA, and FHA, respectively. Our results showed three group differences based on the maturation status of PHVA: Growth Tempo 1 and 2 were both higher in the early than during middle and late maturation. Additionally, entering the height at each event as a covariate, the group differences for Growth Tempo 1 did not change; however, for Growth Tempo 2, group differences were eliminated. Therefore, we conclude that during early maturation, growth from TOA to PHVA occurs rapidly and in a shorter period.
Ovarian Teratomas in Children and Adolescents: Our Own Experience and Review of Literature
Authors: Gkrozou Fani , Tsonis Orestis , Vatopoulou Anastasia , Galaziou Georgia , Paschopoulos Minas
Published: October 2022

Background: Ovarian teratomas are the most common type of ovarian mass during childhood and adolescence. There is no clear guidance for the management of the ovarian teratomas in children and adolescents. It is necessary, however, to understand the feature of these tumours and the indications for operating on them, and to put subjective criteria for the management in elective or emergency presentations. Methods: Medical records of patients between the age of 12 and 20 years old that underwent surgery for ovarian teratomas at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in University Hospital of Ioannina, between January 2000 and August 2022, were reviewed. A medical database was searched between January 2000 and August 2022 with the following keywords: ovarian teratoma, paediatrics and adolescents. Results: We present the results of forty patients, with a mean age of 11.8 years of age. All patients had surgery, where three out of four underwent oophorectomy and only one out of four underwent ovary-sparing operation; similar results were found in the literature. Conclusion: Ovary-sparing treatment is more common recently compared with the past, such as MIS compared with laparotomy. Better-organised and -planned prospective multi-centre studies are necessary to gain a deeper knowledge of the physiology and prognostic factors of teratomas in children.
NREM Sleep Parasomnias Commencing in Childhood: Trauma and Atopy as Perpetuating Factors
Authors: Walsh Cara , Mitchell Lee , Hrozanova Maria , Kotoulas Serafeim-Chrysovalantis , Derry Christopher , Morrison Ian , Riha Renata L.
Published: October 2022

Objective/Background: Phenotyping of non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) parasomnias is currently poorly undertaken. This study aimed to determine whether there are differences phenotypically among childhood-, adolescent-, and adult-onset NREM parasomnias continuing into and presenting in adulthood. Patients/Methods: A retrospective, cohort study of patients presenting with NREM parasomnia between 2008 and 2019 (n = 307) was conducted. Disorders included sleepwalking (n = 231), night terrors (n = 150), sexualised behaviour in sleep (n = 50), and sleep-related eating disorder (n = 28). Results: Compared to the adult-onset NREM behaviours group, the childhood- and adolescent-onset groups were more likely to have a family history of NREM behaviours (p < 0.001), experience a greater spectrum of NREM disorders (p = 0.001), and report a history of sleep-talking significantly more frequently (p = 0.014). Atopy was most prevalent in the childhood-onset group (p = 0.001). Those with childhood-onset NREM parasomnias were significantly more likely to arouse from N3 sleep on video polysomnography (p = 0.0003). Psychiatric disorders were more likely to be comorbid in the adult-onset group (p = 0.012). A history of trauma coinciding with onset of NREM behaviours was significantly more common in the childhood- and adolescent-onset groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Significant differences exist across childhood-, adolescent-, and adult-onset NREM parasomnia presenting in adulthood. This study suggests that adult-onset slow-wave sleep disorders may be confounded by psychiatric disorders resulting in nocturnal sleep disruption and that unresolved traumatic life experiences perpetuate NREM disorders arising in childhood and comprise one of the strongest external risk factors for triggering and perpetuating these disorders in adolescence.
Study on the Influence of Grain Size and Microstructure on the Mechanical Properties of Fe-6.5 wt%Si High Silicon Steel Prepared by CVD Method
Authors: Ye Dongdong , Xu Zhou , Yin Changdong , Wu Yiwen , Chen Jianjun , Chen Rui , Pan Jiabao , Chen Yajuan , Li Rui
Published: October 2022

As a soft magnetic material with excellent performance, silicon steel is widely used in motors and transformers, but its mechanical properties drop sharply when the silicon content is too high. Therefore, it is of great significance to study its influence on mechanisms to improve the product quality of silicon steel. In this paper, Fe-6.5 wt%Si silicon steel was prepared by vacuum tube furnace, combined with a metallographic experiment, and scanning electron microscope analysis to explore the influence of silicon infiltration temperature and time on grain and grain boundary size, and the tensile test of silicon infiltration 120 s at 1200 °C was obtained by the tensile test’s extension parameter. Given the difficulty in adjusting the size and structure of grains and grain boundaries in the test, this paper discusses the influence of different microstructures on the mechanical properties of silicon steel through tensile simulation. The tensile results show that grain refinement helps to improve the strength and elongation of silicon steel, and columnar grains can slightly increase their strength but greatly reduce the strain rate of silicon steel. This method can greatly reduce the research and development time of Fe-6.5 wt%Si silicon steel and can be used to improve the comprehensive performance of silicon steel.
Dynamic Ultrasonography for Imaging Pediatric Fat Pad Herniation through the Lateral Patellar Retinaculum
Authors: Wu Wei-Ting , Chang Ke-Vin , Wu Kuan-Wen , Mezian Kamal , Ricci Vincenzo , Özçakar Levent
Published: October 2022

A 3-year-old boy was found to have a painless mass over his right anterior lateral knee for the previous 6 months. The mass was hardly identified during knee extension and became visible upon squatting. There was no specific finding on ultrasound imaging over his right knee at the supine extended position. During squatting, ultrasound imaging showed an ill-demarcated hyperechoic mass protruding next to the cartilage overlying the distal femur towards the subcutaneous layer through a slit over the lateral patellar retinaculum. Herniation of the fat pad through a defect in the lateral patellar retinaculum was diagnosed. Our case highlights the usefulness of ultrasound examination as regards the lateral patellar retinaculum defect in pediatric knees, as well as its capability for dynamic scanning to capture the exact “pathological moment”.
Parameter Optimization and Impacts on Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus) Seeds Aerial Seeding Based on Unmanned Agricultural Aerial System
Authors: Zhang Songchao , Huang Meng , Cai Chen , Sun Hua , Cheng Xiaohui , Fu Jian , Xing Qingsong , Xue Xinyu
Published: October 2022

Aerial seeding based on the unmanned agricultural aerial system (UAAS) improves the seeding efficiency of oilseed rape (OSR) seeds, and solves the problem of OSR planting in mountainous areas where it is inconvenient to use ground seeding machines. Therefore, the UAAS has been applied in aerial seeding to a certain degree in China. The effective broadcast seeding width (EBSW), broadcast seeding density (BSD) and broadcast seeding uniformity (BSU) are the important indexes that affect the aerial seeding efficiency and quality of OSR seeds. In order to investigate the effects of flight speed (FS) and flight height (FH) on EBSW, BSD and BSU, and to achieve the optimized parameter combinations of UAAS T30 on aerial seeding application, three levels of FS (4.0 m/s, 5.0 m/s and 6.0 m/s) and three levels of FH (2.0 m, 3.0 m and 4.0 m) experiments were carried out in the field with 6.0 kg seeds per ha. The results demonstrated that the EBSW was not constant as the FS and FH changed. In general, the EBSW showed a change trend of first increasing and then decreasing as the FH increased under the same FS, and showed a trend of decreasing as FS increased under the same FH. The EBSWs were over 3.0 m in the nine treatments, in which the maximum was 5.44 m (T1, 4.0 m/s, 2.0 m) while the minimum was 3.2 m (T9, 6.0 m/s, 4.0 m). The BSD showed a negative change correlation as the FS changed under the same FH, and the BSD decreased as the FH increased under 4.0 m/s FS, while it first increased and then decreased under the FS of 5.0 m/s and 6.0 m/s. The maximum BSD value was 140.12 seeds/m2 (T1, 4.0 m/s, 2.0 m), while the minimum was 40.17 seeds/m2 (T9, 6.0 m/s, 4.0 m). There was no obvious change in the trend of the BSU evaluated by the coefficients of variation (CV): the minimum CV was 13.01% (T6, 6.0 m/s, 3.0 m) and the maximum was 64.48% (T3, 6.0 m/s, 2.0 m). The statistical analyses showed that the FH had significant impacts on the EBSWs (0.01 < p-value < 0.05), the FS and the interaction between FH and FS both had extremely significant impacts on EBSWs (p-value < 0.01). The FH had extremely significant impacts on BSD (p-value < 0.01), the FS had no impacts on BSD (p-value > 0.05), and the interaction between FH and FS had significant impacts on BSD (0.01 < p-value < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the broadcast sowing uniformity (BSU) among the treatments. Taking the EBSW, BSD and BSU into consideration, the parameter combination of T5 (T9, 5.0 m/s, 3.0 m) was selected for aerial seeding. The OSR seed germination rate was over 36 plants/m2 (33 days) on average, which satisfied the requirements of OSR planting agronomy. This study provided some technical support for UAAS application in aerial seeding.
Fault Detection of an Actuator with Dual Type Motors and One Common Motion Sensor
Authors: Jin Jaehyun
Published: October 2022

In urban aerial mobility (UAM), the blade pitch angle is adjusted for flight control. Electro-mechanical actuators based on redundant motors have been used for controlling the blade pitch angle. This study addresses the problem of detecting faults in such redundant motors. In particular, the system is composed of two redundant motors using one common sensor for acquiring rotation-related information. In this study, the authors do not use current signals that have been widely used for fault detection in previous studies. Instead, we propose a method of modulating control signals with time-varying weights for determining a faulty motor. The proposed method is verified through simulation examples and experiments.