bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transform margin source–sink clastic deposystems
Authors: Cronin Bryan T. , Nemčok M. , Doran H.
Published: February 2023

Shelf to basin floor clastic-sediment-routing models for individual structural parts of a transform margin are presented. Using 3D and 2D seismic, gravity and well data from the Guyana, Coromandal, Romanche, Saint Paul and Zenith–Wallaby Perth margins as examples, and drawing from a wide range of analogues, four discrete tectonic segments are recognized as characteristic of all transform margins: (1) the transform margin
sensu stricto
; (2) the local pull-apart segment on the transform margin; (3) the margin segment developed from the narrow horsetail splaying off from the transform; and (4) the margin segment developed from the extensional end of the horsetail structure, although there are other transitional variants specific to each margin. The routing of clastic sediments varies markedly across these segments. The shelfal staging area varies in width between the segments, increasing in width between segments 1 and 4, with wider shelves (10–25 km) characterized by significant sediment sorting through longshore drift, and narrower segments (0–10 km) often fed directly from focused fluvio-deltaic systems. The overall deep-water slope gradient decreases from segments (1) to (4), with sediment runout distance from shelf to basin floor increasing. The seafloor topography along the margin is highly variable, with significant sand sequestration on slopes with intra-slope ramps and terraces found in segments (2)–(4), with rapid downslope transitions from tributary slope gullies to slope channel complexes and then ponded intra-slope frontal splay complexes on the intra-slope terraces. Mass-transport deposits (MTDs) are ubiquitous and found as either regional slope MTDs or local collapses of slope channel complex margins. Stratigraphic and/or combination traps are associated with the ramp–terrace transitions. Local sectors show pinned long-lived intra-slope channel complex and canyon development, with prominent long-lived intra-slope stacking of intra-slope sandbodies. The outboard basin-floor- or trough-confined deep-water frontal splays (lobes), and their head area erosion by slope-originated MTDs, are directly controlled by the deposystems of the inboard slope systems. The lateral and vertical evolution of deep-water slope architecture is directly controlled by the inherited seafloor topography, set up by the underpinning crustal fabric across the four segments.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Truth and Trust Online
Authors: Wright Dustin , Papotti Paolo , Augenstein Isabelle
Published: February 2023

This editorial summarizes the content of the Special Issue on Truth and Trust Online of the Journal of Data and Information Quality. We thank the authors for their exceptional contributions to this special issue.
Electrospun Nanofiber Electrodes for High and Low Humidity PEMFC Operation
Authors: Waldrop Krysta , Slack John J. , Gumeci Cenk , Parrondo Javier , Dale Nilesh , Reeves Kimberly Shawn , Cullen David A. , More Karren L. , Pintauro Peter N.
Published: February 2023

MEAs with nanofiber mat electrodes containing Pt/C catalyst and Nafion binder were fabricated and evaluated. The electrodes were prepared by electrospinning a solution of catalyst powder, salt-form Nafion (with Na+, Li+, or Cs+ as the sulfonic acid counterion), and a carrier polymer of either polyethylene oxide or poly(acrylic acid). The carrier polymer was extracted prior to MEA testing by a hot water soaking step. The resulting fibers were 15%–17% porous, with a core–shell-like morphology (a coating of primarily Nafion on the fiber surface). MEAs with anode/cathode catalyst loadings of 0.1 mgPt cm−2 each and a Nafion 211 membrane produced high power at both high and low relative humidity (RH) conditions in H2/air fuel cell tests, e.g., a maximum power density of 919 mW cm−2 at 100% RH and 832 mW cm−2 at 40% RH for a test at 80 °C and 200 kPaabs. The presence of nm-size pores within the fibers trapped water via capillary condensation during low RH feed gas testing, thus maintaining a high proton conductivity of the Nafion binder in the anode and cathode while minimizing/eliminating ionic isolation of catalyst particles in low water content, poorly conductive binder.
Comparative Study on Charge–Discharge Behavior of Graphite Positive Electrode in FSA- and FTA-Based Ionic Liquid Electrolytes with Different Alkali Metal Cations
Authors: Nikaido Takafumi , Yadav Alisha , Yamamoto Takayuki , Nohira Toshiyuki
Published: February 2023

Dual-carbon batteries (DCBs), in which both the positive and negative electrodes are composed of carbon-based materials, are promising next-generation batteries owing to their limited usage of scarce metals and high operating voltages. In typical DCBs, metal cations and anions in the electrolytes are consumed simultaneously at the negative and positive electrodes, respectively, which can rapidly deplete the charge carrier ions in the electrolytes. In this study, to solve this challenge, we focused on ionic liquids (ILs) as DCB electrolytes because they are solely composed of ions and are therefore intrinsically highly concentrated electrolytes. Charge–discharge behavior of the graphite positive electrodes was investigated in several IL electrolytes containing alkali metal cations (Li+, Na+, and K+) and amide anions (FSA− and FTA−; FSA = bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide, FTA = (fluorosulfonyl)(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide). It was found that FTA-based ILs conferred superior cycling stability and higher capacities to graphite electrodes compared to FSA-based ILs, which was explained by the suppression of the corrosion of the aluminum current collector at high voltages. The highest reversible capacity of approximately 100 mAh g−1 was obtained for the K-ion system using FTA-based ILs at 20 mA g−1, which involved the formation of FTA–graphite intercalation compounds, as confirmed by ex situ X-ray diffraction.
Improved Cycling Performance Using a Poly-2-Acrylamido-2-Methylpropanesulfonic Acid (AMPS)-Based Crosslinked Gel Polymer on a Sulfur Cathode for Inhibiting the Dissolution of Polysulfide in a Li–S Battery
Authors: Togasaki Norihiro , Nakao Aiko , Nakai Akari , Osaka Tetsuya
Published: February 2023

In lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, the impregnation of sulfur into electrically conductive materials of porous carbon plays a significant role in preventing the dissolution of lithium polysulfide (LiPS) into an electrolyte solution and improving cycling performance. However, this strategy does not render high-energy density to Li–S cells because of the limited amount of sulfur in porous carbon. Once the sulfur overflows out of porous carbon because of the significant volume change occurring during charge–discharge cycling, the LiPS formed outside porous carbon probably diffuses toward the anode, leading to poor cycling performance. In this study, the poly-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS)-based polymer incorporated into the sulfur/porous carbon composite cathode in a Li–S cell effectively suppresses LiPS dissolution even when sulfur is present outside porous carbon, achieving good cycling performance with a capacity retention of 72% at the 100th cycle. Herein, the polymer used is poly-AMPS with a crosslinker of N-[tris(3-acrylamidopropoxymethyl)methyl]acrylamide, which is synthesized using 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone as the photoinitiator. The characteristics of the as-synthesized AMPS-based polymer and sulfur–carbon composite cathode are meticulously investigated by scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light-scattering analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction.
An Improved Capacity-Loss Diagnostic Model Based on Long Short-Term Memory Network
Authors: Zhou Weiqi , Zhu Jiahao , Xu Zheng , Xu Xing
Published: February 2023

Due to the capacity-loss of lithium-ion batteries is caused by the coupling effect of multiple mechanisms, the online capacity-loss diagnosis is still a challenge, and diagnosing the capacity-loss by using the theoretical model needs considerable time and cost. To solve the above problems, an improved model for online capacity-loss diagnosis based on long short-term memory neural networks (LSTM) is proposed. The network architecture of the model is designed based on the modeling process of the theoretical model. The powerful ability of feature extraction of LSTM network is utilized to solve the problem of model parameter identification, and the network architecture can reduce the dependence of the model on training data to some extent. The verification results show that, compared with the unidentified theoretical model, the proposed model improves the accuracy of capacity-loss diagnosis by 2% by training the model, and it has better adaptability to different batteries.
Novel 3D Lightweight Carbon Foam for Ultrasensitive Humidity Sensor Operated at Different Frequencies
Authors: Sharma Anushi , Chaudhary Priyanka , Verma Arpit , Tripathi Ravi Kant , Kumar Rajeev , Gupta Gaurav , Mondal D. P. , Yadav B. C. , Srivastava A. K.
Published: February 2023

In recent times, lightweight porous carbon materials have attracted significant attention from the scientific community in gas and humidity sensing performance due to their excellent properties including low density, high surface area, high electrical conductivity, and good mechanical strength. The lightweight carbon foam was synthesized from the phenolic resin using the polyurethane (PU) foam impregnation method followed by carbonization at 1000 °C. The prepared carbon foam was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Thermogravimetric analysis. The bulk density, porosity, compressive strength, electrical conductivity, and BET surface area of carbon foam are also investigated. The electrical conductivity of the carbon foam is 32 S cm−1, and it has a very low density of 0.28 g cm−3. Electrical humidity sensors are utilized with carbon foam as sensing element that has been manufactured for operating in various frequency regions. The electrical humidity sensing parameters were measured at various frequencies and the average sensitivity was determined to be 8.260 M/%RH at 40 Hz. Less recovery and response times were measured from the sensing curve and computed as 6 s and 49 s, respectively. The repeatability and aging curve shows the carbon foam-based humidity sensor is 94% reproducible and quite stable.
Endothelial cell-specific roles for tetrahydrobiopterin in myocardial function, cardiac hypertrophy, and response to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Chuaiphichai Surawee , Chu Sandy M. , Carnicer Ricardo , Kelly Matthew , Bendall Jenifer K. , Simon Jillian N. , Douglas Gillian , Crabtree Mark J. , Casadei Barbara , Channon Keith M.
Published: February 2023

We demonstrate a critical role for endothelial cell Gch1/BH4 biosynthesis in coronary vascular function and cardiac function. Loss of cardiac endothelial cell BH4 leads to coronary vascular dysfunction, reduced functional recovery, and increased myocardial infarct size following ischemia/reperfusion injury. Targeting endothelial cell Gch1 and BH4 biosynthesis may provide a novel therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of cardiac dysfunction, ischemia injury, and heart failure.
An objective tool for quantifying atrial fibrillation substrate in rats
Authors: Murninkas Michael , Gillis Roni , Elyagon Sigal , Levi Or , Mulla Wesam , Katz Amos , Etzion Yoram , Gradwohl Gideon
Published: February 2023

Rodents are increasingly used in AF research. However, because of technical difficulties including atrial waveform mixing by ventricular signals, most studies do not discriminate between irregular (i.e., AF) and regular atrial arrhythmias. Here, we develop an unbiased computerized tool to “pure” the atrial signals from ventricular mixing and thereafter analyze AF substrate based on the level of irregularity in an objective manner. This novel tool can facilitate standardized AF research in rodents.
In vivo potentiation of muscle torque is enhanced in female mice through estradiol-estrogen receptor signaling
Authors: Le Gengyun , Baumann Cory W. , Warren Gordon L. , Lowe Dawn A.
Published: February 2023

A novel in vivo approach was developed to measure potentiation of skeletal muscle torque in female mice and highlight another parameter of strength that is impacted by estradiol. The enhancement of PTP by estradiol is mediated distinctively through the G-protein estrogen receptor, GPER.
Two Decentralized Dynamic State Estimation Schemes for Multimachine Power Systems with Transmission Losses
Authors: Vieyra Natanael , Maya-Ortiz Paul , Angeles-Camacho César
Published: February 2023

This article addresses the problem of estimating the state of a multimachine power system (MPS). To work with power networks with lossy transmission lines, a variation of the classical third-order MPS is proposed by considering generators’ electrical power injected into the grid as a state variable. Based on a linear decentralized estimation model (tailored for a specific purpose), the state variables of generators (load angle, relative speed, and electrical power) together with terminal voltage magnitudes are estimated in a decentralized fashion through two new robustly convergent linear Luenberger estimators, one based on load angle measurement and the other based on relative speed measurement. The new MPS estimation model includes a set of robustly quick observable states, one per machine, which allows capturing the interaction with other generators, transmission line losses, unknown disturbances, and model errors. The result is a design superior to other related estimation techniques such as the extended Kalman filter (EKF) or Sliding Modes Perturbation Observer (SMPO) in terms of (i) a conventional-like simple pole placement-based tuning, (ii) low online computational load and disturbance rejection capability, and (iii) small gain-based convergence assessment. The performance of the proposed state estimation scheme is illustrated in a 3-machine power system under different operational conditions.
Lane Marker Detection Based on Multihead Self-Attention
Authors: Shengli Fan , Yuzhi Zhang , Xiaohui Bi
Published: February 2023

Lane mark detection is an important task for autonomous driving. Many researchers have proposed many models. But the driving environment is much more complex, especially for some challenging scenarios, such as vehicle occlusion, severe mark degradation, heavy shadow, and so on. It is difficult to detect lane mark in a limited local receptive field under the above scenarios. For that reason, we propose a lane mark detection network based on multihead self-attention. It can find spatial relationships among lane mark points in the global viewpoint and enlarge its feature map’s receptive field equally. For further extracting global and contextual features, it fuses global information and local information together to predict classification and location regression. Finally, it can promote accuracy of lane mark detection greatly especially in challenging scenarios. In the TuSimple benchmark, its accuracy is 95.76% overwhelming all other methods, and its FPS is 170.2, which is the second-highest one. In CULane benchmark its F1 achieves 75.55% and FPS reaches 170.5. Both of them are the highest compared to other methods. Our proposed model establishes a new state-of-the-art among real-time methods.
Trajectory Tracking Control of Intelligent Driving Vehicles Based on MPC and Fuzzy PID
Authors: Yang Can , Liu Jie
Published: February 2023

To improve the stability and accuracy of quintic polynomial trajectory tracking, an MPC (model predictive control) and fuzzy PID (proportional‐integral‐difference)‐ based control method are proposed. A lateral tracking controller is designed by using MPC with rule‐based horizon parameters. The lateral tracking controller controls the steering angle to reduce the lateral tracking errors. A longitudinal tracking controller is designed by using a fuzzy PID. The longitudinal controller controls the motor torque and brake pressure referring to a throttle/brake calibration table to reduce the longitudinal tracking errors. By combining the two controllers, we achieve satisfactory trajectory tracking control. Relative vehicle trajectory tracking simulation is carried out under common scenarios of quintic polynomial trajectory in the Simulink/Carsim platform. The result shows that the strategy can avoid excessive trajectory tracking errors which ensures a better performance for trajectory tracking with high safety, stability, and adaptability.
Study on the Density Wave Instability in Natural Circulation System under Rolling Conditions
Authors: Gong Houjun , Zhang Xiaoxi , Gui Nan , Huang Yanping , Yang Xingtuan , Jiang Shengyao
Published: February 2023

In the ocean environment, the thermal fluid system installed on the ship moves with the waves. This unsteady transient motion imposes additional body forces on the liquid. Thereby, the thermohydraulic properties of the thermal fluid system are changed, especially for natural circulation systems with a low driving force. Flow instability related to system security is a common two-phase flow system phenomenon. It is an essential subject in the study of thermal-hydraulic characteristics. In this paper, the density wave instability in a low-pressure natural circulation system with several parallel heating channels in the circumstances of rolling motion is studied by PNCMC (Program for Natural Circulation under Motion Condition). PNCMC is a newly developed program by adding extra body force induced by ship motions in two-phase’s momentum equations. The mechanism of rolling motion and its impact on flow oscillation and unstable boundary power are investigated. The supercooled boiling caused by the higher surface heat flux firstly promotes the occurrence of density wave oscillations between parallel heating channels. When enough steam enters the riser, the system density wave oscillation occurs under the gravity pressure drop-flow rate-vapor fraction feedback. A more complicated compound oscillation is created by superimposing the interchannel oscillation and the system density wave oscillation. If the rolling motion has little change to the natural circulation flow, when density wave instability arises, the flux oscillation rule and the instability boundary power are basically consistent with the vertical conditions. When the rolling angle is large, the fairly large amplitude flow oscillation generated by rolling will prevent density wave instability from occurring and force the flow oscillation to obey the law of rolling effects.
On the Seismic Performance of the Single-Layer Reticulated Shell with a Center-Hung Scoreboard under Multiple Seismic Excitations
Authors: Liu Renjie , Ji Ce , Li Xiongyan , Wang Chao , Wang Guangyong
Published: February 2023

Single-layer reticulated shells are widely used as roof structures of gymnasiums. However, the seismic performance of the single-layer reticulated shell with a center-hung scoreboard (CHS), which is a kind of large-scale display device suspended on the roof center of many gymnasiums, has not been fully studied. In this paper, the influence of the CHS on the seismic response of single-layer reticulated shells is investigated. Single-layer reticulated shells and the CHS-integrated models including flexibly suspended models and simplified models are established, respectively, using the Abaqus software. The responses of integrated models are calculated by an explicit dynamic method under 3D seismic action. The axial forces of the flexibly suspended case and the simplified case where the scoreboard is simplified as fixed masses on the roof structure are compared. Compared with those in the simplified model, the axial forces of some shell members and some nodal acceleration in the flexibly suspended model under multiple seismic excitations would increase by as high as 125% and 315%, respectively. It turns out that seismic responses of the single-layer reticulated shell would be underestimated if a simplified model was used for seismic response analysis. The region near the boundary and the region neighbouring the support platform members are the most affected regions due to the combination of the horizontal swing effect and the vertical impact effect of the CHS under multiple seismic excitations.
Lung Diseases Detection Using Various Deep Learning Algorithms
Authors: Jasmine Pemeena Priyadarsini M. , kotecha Ketan , Rajini G. K. , Hariharan K. , Utkarsh Raj K. , Bhargav Ram K. , Indragandhi V. , Subramaniyaswamy V. , Pandya Sharnil
Published: February 2023

The primary objective of this proposed framework work is to detect and classify various lung diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and lung cancer from standard X-ray images and Computerized Tomography (CT) scan images with the help of volume datasets. We implemented three deep learning models namely Sequential, Functional & Transfer models and trained them on open-source training datasets. To augment the patient’s treatment, deep learning techniques are promising and successful domains that extend the machine learning domain where CNNs are trained to extract features and offers great potential from datasets of images in biomedical application. Our primary aim is to validate our models as a new direction to address the problem on the datasets and then to compare their performance with other existing models. Our models were able to reach higher levels of accuracy for possible solutions and provide effectiveness to humankind for faster detection of diseases and serve as best performing models. The conventional networks have poor performance for tilted, rotated, and other abnormal orientation and have poor learning framework. The results demonstrated that the proposed framework with a sequential model outperforms other existing methods in terms of an F1 score of 98.55%, accuracy of 98.43%, recall of 96.33% for pneumonia and for tuberculosis F1 score of 97.99%, accuracy of 99.4%, and recall of 98.88%. In addition, the functional model for cancer outperformed with an accuracy of 99.9% and specificity of 99.89% and paves way to less number of trained parameters, leading to less computational overhead and less expensive than existing pretrained models. In our work, we implemented a state-of-the art CNN with various models to classify lung diseases accurately.
Simultaneous Segmentation and Classification of Pressure Injury Image Data Using Mask‐R‐CNN
Authors: Swerdlow Mark , Guler Ozgur , Yaakov Raphael , Armstrong David G.
Published: February 2023

Background. Pressure injuries (PIs) impose a substantial burden on patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems, affecting an estimated 3 million Americans and costing nearly $18 billion annually. Accurate pressure injury staging remains clinically challenging. Over the last decade, object detection and semantic segmentation have evolved quickly with new methods invented and new application areas emerging. Simultaneous object detection and segmentation paved the way to segment and classify anatomical structures. In this study, we utilize the Mask‐R‐CNN algorithm for segmentation and classification of stage 1‐4 pressure injuries. Methods. Images from the eKare Inc. pressure injury wound data repository were segmented and classified manually by two study authors with medical training. The Mask‐R‐CNN model was implemented using the Keras deep learning and TensorFlow libraries with Python. We split 969 pressure injury images into training (87.5%) and validation (12.5%) subsets for Mask‐R‐CNN training. Results. We included 121 random pressure injury images in our test set. The Mask‐R‐CNN model showed overall classification accuracy of 92.6%, and the segmentation demonstrated 93.0% accuracy. Our F1 scores for stages 1‐4 were 0.842, 0.947, 0.907, and 0.944, respectively. Our Dice coefficients for stages 1‐4 were 0.92, 0.85, 0.93, and 0.91, respectively. Conclusions. Our Mask‐R‐CNN model provides levels of accuracy considerably greater than the average healthcare professional who works with pressure injury patients. This tool can be easily incorporated into the clinician’s workflow to aid in the hospital setting.
Diabetes-Induced Autophagy Dysregulation Engenders Testicular Impairment via Oxidative Stress
Authors: Xu Renfeng , Wang Fan , Zhang Zhenghong , Zhang Yan , Tang Yedong , Bi Jingjing , Shi Congjian , Wang Defan , Yang Hongqin , Wang Zhengchao , Tang Zonghao
Published: February 2023

Testes produce sperms, and gamete generation relies on a proper niche environment. The disruption of hierarchical regulatory homeostasis in Leydig or Sertoli cells may evoke a sterile phenotype in humans. In this study, we recapitulated type 2 diabetes mellitus by using a high-fat diet- (HFD-) fed mouse model to identify the phenotype and potential mechanism of diabetes-induced testicular impairment. At the end of the study, blood glucose levels, testosterone structure, testicular antioxidant capacity, and testosterone level and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor- (HIF-) 1α, apoptosis-related protein cleaved-caspase3, and autophagy-related proteins such as LC3I/II, p62, and Beclin1 were evaluated. We found that long-term HFD treatment causes the development of diabetes mellitus, implicating increased serum glucose level, cell apoptosis, and testicular atrophy (

P
<
0.05

vs. Ctrl). Mechanistically, the results showed enhanced expression of HIF-1α in both Sertoli and Leydig cells (

P
<
0.05

vs. Ctrl). Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were demonstrated to be a potential factor leading to HIF-1α upregulation in both cell types. In Sertoli cells, high glucose treatment had minor effects on Sertoli cell autophagy. However, AGE treatment stagnated the autophagy flux and escalated cell apoptosis (

P
<
0.05

vs. Ctrl+Ctrl). In Leydig cells, high glucose treatment was adequate to encumber autophagy induction and enhance oxidative stress. Similarly, AGE treatment facilitated HIF-1α expression and hampered testosterone production (

P
<
0.05

vs. Ctrl+Ctrl). Overall, these findings highlight the dual effects of diabetes on autophagy regulation in Sertoli and Leydig cells while imposing oxidative stress in both cell types. Furthermore, the upregulation of HIF-1α, which could be triggered by AGE treatment, may negatively affect both cell types. Together, these findings will help us further understand the molecular mechanism of diabetes-induced autophagy dysregulation and testicular impairment, enriching the content of male reproductive biology in diabetic patients.
Protective Potentials of Alpha-Lipoic Acid against Ionizing Radiation-Induced Brain Damage in Rats
Authors: Xu Ji , Alameri Ameer A. , Zabibah Rahman S. , Gabr Gamal A. , Ramírez-Coronel Andrés Alexis , Bagheri Hamed , Abedi-Firouzjah Razzagh
Published: February 2023

Background. This study was aimed at determining the effects of alpha-lipoic acid on ionizing irradiation-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in the brain of rats. Methods. The animals were exposed to whole-brain X-radiation with a 15 Gy single dose in the absence or presence of alpha-lipoic acid (200 mg/kg body weight) pretreatment for one week. The rats were divided into four groups (5 rats in each group): vehicle control, alpha-lipoic acid alone (ALA), radiation alone (RAD), and radiation plus alpha-lipoic acid (RAD+ALA). In the next stage, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the brain tissue of the rats were measured. Furthermore, the Western blot analysis technique was performed to assess the NOX2, NOX4, and caspase-3 protein expression levels. Results. Twenty-four hours after the irradiation, MDA and nitric oxide levels in the irradiated rats were significantly higher than those in the control group (

p
<
0.001

); however, the pretreatment with alpha-lipoic acid resulted in a significant reduction in these stress oxidative markers (

p
<
0.05

). Moreover, a significant decrease in CAT, SOD, and GPx levels was observed in the radiation group alone compared to the control group (

p
<
0.01

); in contrast, the activities of these antioxidant enzymes significantly increased in the radiation plus alpha-lipoic acid group in comparison to the radiation group alone (

p
<
0.05

). The results of Western blot analysis revealed that NOX2, NOX4, and caspase-3 protein expressions significantly elevated in the irradiated rats compared to the control group (

p
<
0.001

). The pretreatment with alpha-lipoic acid could significantly decrease the expression levels of NOX2, NOX4, and caspase-3 in comparison with the radiation group alone (

p
<
0.05

). Conclusion. According to the obtained findings, it can be mentioned that the alpha-lipoic acid pretreatment could mitigate the ionizing irradiation-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in the brain of the rats.
The Practices of At-Source Segregation of Household Solid Waste by the Youths in Nepal
Authors: Khanal Ashish , Giri Suja , Mainali Prasuj
Published: February 2023

Source segregation, the first important step for effective solid waste management, is practised by a handful of organizations in limited areas in Nepal. The inadequacy of source segregation and ineffective collection system in Nepal have led to maximum waste reaching the landfill site. Though several researchers have studied the role of stakeholders and the importance of youths in the waste management sector, there is a paucity of studies on the role of youths, particularly in waste segregation in Nepal. In this regard, this study was conducted to understand the at-source household waste segregation practices by youths in Nepal. The study adopted the snowball sampling technique. A structured survey questionnaire which included information on the sociodemographic status of the respondents, placement of bins, segregation practices, and satisfaction with the waste collection provider was used to elicit information from 522 youths. It was found that almost half (49.2%) of the respondents had installed two dustbins in their kitchen with 80.3% of respondents claiming to practice source segregation in their houses. The majority (75.1%) of participants were ready to pay more for improved solid waste management in their area. Also, 75.8% of respondents declared that everyone is responsible for solid waste management with fewer than 14.8% and 9.4%, stating that waste management should be the responsibility of the government and waste management service provider, respectively. The gender and source segregation was statistically significant with a

p

value of 0.007 (<0.05). However, the likelihood ratio significance showed no association between the level of education and the practice of source segregation. Hence, the source segregation practice of household solid waste was found to be satisfactory among the youths of Nepal. Thus, there should be a proper monitoring mechanism to ensure that household waste gets collected in a segregated form causing less burden on landfills.
Techniques Based on Metaheuristics Combined with an Adaptive Neurofuzzy System and Seismic Sensors for the Prediction of Earthquakes
Authors: Rana Anurag , Gupta Gaurav , Vaidya Pankaj , Salehi Waleed , Basheer Shakila , Bhatia Madhulika
Published: February 2023

This research looked into the viability of using metaheuristic algorithms in conjunction with an adaptive neurofuzzy system to predict seismicity and earthquakes. Different metaheuristic algorithms have been combined with an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm. Subjected to seismicity is a promising factor. The new sensors have many advantages over the older, more impressive‐looking ones, including (a) a generally linear relationship between the measured values and real ground motion (described above), (b) the ability to measure three orthogonal components of ground movement in a single unit, (c) sensitivity to a very broad range of frequencies, and (d) high dynamic range, which allows for the detection of both very small and fairly large tremors. To accept the acquired results as a hybrid model of an adaptive neurofuzzy inference system with particle swarm optimization (PSO), genetic algorithm (GA), and extreme machine learning (ELM) (ANFIS‐PSO‐GA‐ELM) implemented. According to the dataset, all approaches produce excellent and realistic predictions of seismic loads; however, the method ANFIS‐PSO produces better results. All the strategies demonstrated a high level of predictability. Finally, this research urges researchers to investigate the performance of triple hybrid MT algorithms using a variety of hybrid metaheuristic methodologies, rather than the existing double hybrid MT algorithms.
ADRB2 Regulates the Proliferation and Metastasis of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Cells by Enhancing the ETV1-c-KIT Signaling
Authors: Chen Sijun , Wu Feijing , Zhang Jiaxuan , Zhu Jianwei , Zhou Xiaorong , Zhi Xiaofei
Published: February 2023

Background. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) originates from a pacemaker cell, the Cajal cell. However, little is known about the cancer neuroscience in GIST. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the clinical and biological roles of adrenoceptor beta 2 (ADRB2) in GIST. Methods. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of ADRB2 in GIST tissues. The biological effects of ADRB2 on GIST cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were explored using Cell Counting Kit −8, plate colony formation assay, transwell invasion assay, and flow cytometry. We also explored the growth and metastasis of xenograft tumors in nude mice. Western blotting was used to quantify protein expression and phosphorylation. Results. ADRB2 is generally highly expressed in GIST. High ADRB2 expression was significantly associated with risk level, tumor size, mitotic count, and metastasis. Overexpression of ADRB2 promoted GIST cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, while silencing ADRB2 expression showed the opposite effects. Furthermore, we found that silencing endogenous ADRB2 inhibited GIST progression and metastasis in nude mice. ADRB2-induced ETV1 upregulation enhanced the activation of c-KIT. Conclusion. ADRB2 plays an important role in the proliferation and metastasis of GIST and is expected to be a potential target for the treatment of GIST.
Tragacanth Gum and Linseed Gum as Adhesives Improved the Survival, Digestive Function, Antioxidant Enzyme Activities, and Immunity in Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea) Larvae
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Wang Yuntao , Zhang Jianmin , Zhang Chenxiang , Yao Chuanwei , Xu Wenxuan , Xu Xiang , Mai Kangsen , Ai Qinghui
Published: February 2023

A 30-day feeding experiment was designed to investigate the effects of different adhesives on survival, growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, antioxidant capacity, and inflammation response of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) larvae (initial weight 8.40 ± 0.18 mg). Four iso-nitrogenous (55% crude protein) and iso-lipidic (22% crude lipid) microbound diets (MBD) were formulated to contain 2% sodium alginate (SA), 2% tragacanth gum (TG), 2% linseed gum (LG), and 2% poloxamer (PX), respectively. Results showed that larvae fed with TG and LG diets had significantly higher survival rate than the larvae fed with SA and PX (

P
<
0.05

). Larvae fed with the PX diet had lower final weight and specific growth rate than the other groups (

P
<
0.05

). Larvae fed with TG diet had significant higher activities of lipase in pancreatic segments and trypsin in intestinal segments than the larvae fed with the PX (

P
<
0.05

). Meanwhile, the lipase activities of larvae fed with LG was significantly higher in intestinal segments than those fed with SA and PX diets (

P
<
0.05

). Larvae fed with TG and LG diets had significantly higher activities of AKP in brush border membranes than larvae fed with SA and PX diets (

P
<
0.05

). Moreover, the mRNA expression of pcna and zo-1 increased, respectively, in larvae fed TG and LG diets compared with the other groups (

P
<
0.05

). Larvae fed with LG and TG diets had significantly higher activities of SOD and T-AOC than those fed with PX diet (

P
<
0.05

). The content of GSH increased significantly in larvae fed with SA, TG, and LG diets compared with PX treatment (

P
<
0.05

). The activities of iNOS significantly increased in larvae fed with TG and LG diets compared to other groups (

P
<
0.05

). Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of il-10 significantly increased in TG and LG groups (

P
<
0.05

). In conclusion, results of the study demonstrated that TG and LG can be used as feed binders for microdiets with positive effects on survival, activities of digestive enzymes, antioxidant capacity, and inflammatory response. However, PX inhibited the survival and growth, and further study is needed to determine the suitable usage and dosage.
Na4P2O7-Modified Biochar Derived from Sewage Sludge: Effective Cu(II)-Adsorption Removal from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Fan Liangqian , Wang Xianda , Miao Jiaxin , Liu Qin , Cai Jie , An Xiaochan , Chen Fenghui , Cheng Lin , Chen Wei , Luo Hongbing , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Zhang Ke , Ma Dandan
Published: February 2023

With the rapid development of industrialization, the amount of copper-containing wastewater is increasing, thereby posing a threat to the aquatic ecological environment and human health. Sludge biochar has received extensive concern in recent years due to its advantages of low cost and sustainability for the treatment of heavy-metal-containing wastewater. However, the heavy-metal-adsorption capacity of sludge biochar is limited. This study prepared a sodium pyrophosphate- (Na4P2O7-) modified municipal sludge-based biochar (SP-SBC) and evaluated its adsorption performance for Cu(II). Results showed that SP-SBC had higher yield, ash content, pH, Na and P content, and surface roughness than original sewage sludge biochar (SBC). The Cu(II)-adsorption capacity of SP-SBC was 4.55 times than that of SBC at room temperature. For Cu(II) adsorption by SP-SBC, the kinetics and isotherms conformed to the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir–Freundlich model, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of SP-SBC was 38.49 mg·g−1 at 35°C. Cu(II) adsorption by SP-SBC primarily involved ion exchange, electrostatic attraction, and precipitation. The desired adsorption performance for Cu(II) in the fixed-bed column experiment indicated that SP-SBC can be reused and had good application potential to treat copper-containing wastewater. Overall, this study provided a desirable sorbent (SP-SBC) for Cu(II) removal, as well as a new simple chemical-modification method for SBC to enhance Cu(II)-adsorption capacity.
Hybrid MWCNT and TiO2 Nanoparticle-Suspended Waste Tyre Oil Biodiesel for CI Engines
Authors: Sathish T. , Mohanavel V. , Raja T. , Ravichandran M. , Murugan P. , Suresh Kumar S. , Alqahtani Sultan , Alshehery Sultan , Lalvani J. Isaac Joshua Ramesh
Published: February 2023

Nowadays, scarcity arises in almost all our basic needs, including water, fuel, and food. Recycling used and scrapped things for a valuable commodity is highly appreciable for compensating for the globally fast-growing demand. This paper aims to investigate waste tyre oil for preparing biodiesel for CI engines by enhancing their performance with hybrid nanoparticles for preparing nanofuel and hybrid nanofuel. The nanoparticles (30–40 nm) of MWCNT and TiO2 were utilized to prepare nanofuels with nanoparticle concentrations of MWCNT (300 ppm) and TiO2 (300 ppm), respectively. In the case of hybrid nanofuel, the nanoparticle concentration of MWCNT (150 ppm) and TiO2 (150 ppm) was preferred. The performance of the proposed nanofuel and hybrid nanofuel with pure diesel was evaluated. The proposed fuel performance outperforms the combustion performance, has higher engine efficiency, and has fewer emissions. The best performances were noticed in hybrid nanofuel that has 32% higher brake thermal efficiency than diesel and 24% and 4% lower BSFC and peak pressure than diesel, respectively. The emission performance is also 29%, 50%, and 13% lower in CO, HC, and CO2 emissions than that in pure diesel.
miR-141-3p Targeted SIRT1 to Inhibit Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhou Shuzuo , Zhang Gang , Wang Kun , Yang Zhong , Tan Yinghui
Published: February 2023

Purpose. To explore the expression of miR-141-3p during the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and its regulatory effect. Methods. Differentiation of BMSCs was induced by dexamethasone. The mRNA expression of miR-141-3p, ALP, RUNX2, and OCN was measured using RT-qPCR. The protein expression was detected via western blot. The target of miR-141-3p was predicted through the TargetScan website and confirmed using luciferase reporter assay. Results. miR-141-3p expression declined during osteogenic differentiation. The relative ALP activities and the mRNA expression of ALP, RUNX2, and OCN were markedly reduced in the miR-141-3p mimic group while increased in the inhibitor group. Cell viability was suppressed in the miR-141-3p mimic group and promoted in the inhibitor group. SIRT1 was predicted to be a downstream gene of miR-141-3p, and this prediction was confirmed via the luciferase reporter assay. The results of the western blot assay demonstrated that SIRT1 expression was decreased in the miR-141-3p mimic group. SIRT1 reversed the inhibitory influence of miR-141-3p on the osteogenic differentiation ability of BMSCs. Conclusion. miR-141-3p targeted SIRT1 to inhibit osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Hypoglycemic Effects of Inactivated Lactobacillus brevis YM 1301 on T2DM Mice
Authors: Wei Qianqian , Xue Nan , Gao Jingru , Dang Yuanjie , Zhou Rongcun , Song Yijia , Tian Yulin , Sun Jiao , Li Farong , Wan Juan
Published: February 2023

Lactobacillus brevis (L. brevis) is a widely used probiotic with health-promoting properties. Previous studies reported that L. brevis has beneficial impacts on T2DM mice. On the other hand, the differences in effects between live and inactivated L. brevis are still inconclusive. This study aims to evaluate the hypoglycemic effects of inactivated L. brevis YM1301 (YM1301) on T2DM mice induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) combined with streptozocin (STZ). T2DM mice were randomly stratified into four groups and administered either saline (model group), metformin (positive control group), live YM1301 (LB group), or inactivated YM1301 (ILB group). Results demonstrated that inactivated YM1301 reduced serum content of fasting blood glucose, insulin, and glycated hemoglobin, enhanced the level of glucose tolerance, and decreased insulin resistance in T2DM mice. Inactivated YM1301 also decreased fat accumulation in T2DM mice. In addition, inactivated YM1301 effectively promoted serum GLP-1 levels. These results showed that inactivated YM1301 can significantly improve symptoms of T2DM. This study provides theoretical feasibility for the development of low-cost, easy to store, safer, and more effective probiotic products related to L. brevis.
[18F]FDG and [18F]FES PET/CT Imaging as a Biomarker for Therapy Effect in Patients with Metastatic ER+ Breast Cancer Undergoing Treatment with Rintodestrant
Authors: Iqbal Ramsha , Yaqub Maqsood , Bektas Huseyyin O. , Oprea-Lager Daniela E. , de Vries Elisabeth G.E. , Glaudemans Andor W.J.M. , Aftimos Philippe , Gebhart Géraldine , Beelen Andrew P. , Schuit Robert C. , Windhorst Albert D. , Boellaard Ronald , Menke-van der Houven van Oordt C. Willemien
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

PET with 16α-[18F]-fluoro-17β-estradiol ([18F]FES) allows assessment of whole body estrogen receptor (ER) expression. The aim of this study was to investigate [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) and [18F]FES PET/CT imaging for response prediction and monitoring of drug activity in patients with metastatic ER-positive breast cancer undergoing treatment with the selective estrogen receptor downregulator (SERD) rintodestrant.

Experimental Design:

In this trial (NCT03455270), PET/CT imaging was performed at baseline ([18F]FDG and [18F]FES), during treatment and at time of progression (only [18F]FES). Visual, quantitative, and mutational analysis was performed to derive a heterogeneity score (HS) and assess tracer uptake in lesions, in relation to the mutation profile. The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS).

Results:

The HS and PFS in the entire group did not correlate (n = 16, Spearman's rho, P = 0.06), but patients with a low HS (< 25.0%, n = 4) had a PFS of > 5 months whereas patients with no [18F]FES uptake (HS 100.0%, n = 3) had a PFS of < 2 months. [18F]FES uptake was not affected by estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) mutations. On-treatment [18F]FES PET/CT scans showed no [18F]FES uptake in any of the baseline [18F]FES-positive lesions. At progression, [18F]FES uptake remained blocked in patients scanned ≤ 1–2 half-lives of rintodestrant whereas it restored in patients scanned ≥ 5 days after end of treatment.

Conclusions:

Absence of ER expression on [18F]FES PET is a predictor for no response to rintodestrant. [18F]FES uptake during treatment and at time of progression is useful to monitor the (reversible) effect of therapy and continued mode of action of SERDs.

See related commentary by Linden and Mankoff, p. 2015
Characterization of Cell-Free DNA Size Distribution in Osteosarcoma Patients
Authors: Udomruk Sasimol , Phanphaisarn Areerak , Kanthawang Thanat , Sangphukieo Apiwat , Sutthitthasakul Songphon , Tongjai Siripong , Teeyakasem Pimpisa , Thongkumkoon Patcharawadee , Orrapin Santhasiri , Moonmuang Sutpirat , Klangjorhor Jeerawan , Pasena Arnat , Suksakit Pathacha , Dissook Sivamoke , Puranachot Pitithat , Settakorn Jongkolnee , Pusadee Tonapha , Pruksakorn Dumnoensun , Chaiyawat Parunya
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis is a powerful tool for noninvasively predicting patient outcomes. We analyzed the size distribution of cfDNA and assessed its prognostic and diagnostic values in an osteosarcoma cohort.

Experimental Design:

The fragment size distribution and level of cfDNA were analyzed in 15 healthy donors and 50 patients with osteosarcoma using automated capillary electrophoresis. The prognostic performance of cfDNA size analysis was assessed using univariate and multivariable analyses. By performing whole-genome sequencing of matched cfDNA and osteosarcoma tissue samples, we investigated the correlation between the size and mutation profiles of cfDNA and the mutation concordance between cfDNA and paired tissue tumors.

Results:

The size of cfDNA fragments in patients with osteosarcoma was significantly shorter than in healthy donors, with the integrative analysis of size distribution and level of cfDNA achieving a high specificity and sensitivity of 100%. The short cfDNA fragment (150-bp cut-off) was an independent prognostic predictor in this osteosarcoma cohort [HR, 9.03; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13–72.20; P = 0.038]. Shortened cfDNA fragments were found to be a major source of mutations. Enrichment of cfDNA fragments with less than or equal to 150 bp by in silico size selection remarkedly improved the detection of copy-number variation signals up to 2.3-fold when compared with total cfDNA, with a higher concordance rate with matched osteosarcoma tissue.

Conclusions:

This finding demonstrated the potential of cfDNA size profiling in the stratification of poor prognostic patients with osteosarcoma. The short fragments of cfDNA are a promising source for boosting the detection of significant mutations in osteosarcoma.

See related commentary by Weiser et al., p. 2017