bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PARM1 Drives Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension via AKT/FOXO3A Axis
Authors: He Zhen , Chang Teding , Chen Yu , Wang Hongjie , Dai Lei , Zeng Hesong
Published: March 2023

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a group of severe, progressive, and debilitating diseases with limited therapeutic options. This study aimed to explore novel therapeutic targets in PAH through bioinformatics and experiments. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to detect gene modules related to PAH, based on the GSE15197, GSE113439, and GSE117261. GSE53408 was applied as validation set. Subsequently, the validated most differentially regulated hub gene was selected for further ex vivo and in vitro assays. PARM1, TSHZ2, and CCDC80 were analyzed as potential intervention targets for PAH. Consistently with the bioinformatic results, our ex vivo and in vitro data indicated that PARM1 expression increased significantly in the lung tissue and/or pulmonary artery of the MCT-induced PAH rats and hypoxia-induced PAH mice in comparison with the respective controls. Besides, a similar expression pattern of PARM1 was found in the hypoxia- and PDGF--treated isolated rat primary pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). In addition, hypoxia/PDGF--induced PARM1 protein expression could promote the elevation of phosphorylation of AKT, phosphorylation of FOXO3A and PCNA, and finally the proliferation of PASMCs in vitro, whereas PARM1 siRNA treatment inhibited it. Mechanistically, PARM1 promoted PAH via AKT/FOXO3A/PCNA signaling pathway-induced PASMC proliferation.
Identification of Key Ferroptosis-Related Genes in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis and Its Diagnostic Value
Authors: Song Xi , Wang Zixuan , Tian Zixin , Wu Meihuan , Zhou Yitao , Zhang Jun
Published: March 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease with a complex pathogenesis. Re-lapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is the most common subset of MS, accounting for approximately 85% of cases. Recent studies have shown that ferroptosis may contribute to the progression of RRMS, but the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Herein, this study intended to explore the molecular network of ferroptosis associated with RRMS and establish a predictive model for efficacy diagnosis. Firstly, RRMS-related module genes were identified using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Secondly, the optimal machine learning model was selected from four options: the generalized linear model (GLM), random forest model (RF), support vector machine model (SVM), and extreme gradient boosting model (XGB). Subsequently, the predictive efficacy of the diagnostic model was evaluated using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis. Finally, a SVM diagnostic model based on five genes (JUN, TXNIP, NCOA4, EIF2AK4, PIK3CA) was established, and it demonstrated good predictive performance in the validation dataset. In summary, our study provides a systematic exploration of the complex relationship between ferroptosis and RRMS, which may contribute to a better understanding of the role of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of RRMS and provide promising diagnostic strategies for RRMS patients.
MRC-5 Human Lung Fibroblasts Alleviate the Genotoxic Effect of Fe-N Co-Doped Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles through an OGG1/2-Dependent Reparatory Mechanism
Authors: Miu Bogdan Andrei , Voinea Ionela Cristina , Diamandescu Lucian , Dinischiotu Anca
Published: March 2023

The current study was focused on the potential of pure P25 TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and Fe(1%)-N co-doped P25 TiO2 NPs to induce cyto- and genotoxic effects in MRC-5 human pulmonary fibroblasts. The oxidative lesions of P25 NPs were reflected in the amount of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine accumulated in DNA and the lysosomal damage produced, but iron-doping partially suppressed these effects. However, neither P25 nor Fe(1%)-N co-doped P25 NPs had such a serious effect of inducing DNA fragmentation or activating apoptosis signaling. Moreover, oxo-guanine glycosylase 1/2, a key enzyme of the base excision repair mechanism, was overexpressed in response to the oxidative DNA deterioration induced by P25 and P25-Fe(1%)-N NPs.
A Novel RT-LAMP for the Detection of Different Genotypes of Crimean–Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus in Patients from Spain
Authors: Febrer-Sendra Begoña , Fernández-Soto Pedro , García-Bernalt Diego Juan , Crego-Vicente Beatriz , Negredo Anabel , Muñor-Bellido Juan Luis , Belhassen-García Moncef , Sánchez-Seco María Paz , Muro Antonio
Published: March 2023

Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a potentially lethal tick-borne viral disease with a wide distribution. In Spain, 12 human cases of CCHF have been confirmed, with four deaths. The diagnosis of CCHF is hampered by the nonspecific symptoms, the high genetic diversity of CCHFV, and the biosafety requirements to manage the virus. RT-qPCR and serological tests are used for diagnosis with limitations. Reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) could be an effective alternative in the diagnosis of the disease. However, none of the few RT-LAMP assays developed to date has detected different CCHFV genotypes. Here, we designed a RT-LAMP using a degenerate primer set to compensate for the variability of the CCHFV target sequence. RT-LAMP was performed in colorimetric and real-time tests on RT-qPCR-confirmed CCHF patient samples notified in Spain in 2020 and 2021. Urine from an inpatient was analysed by RT-LAMP for the first time and compared with RT-qPCR. The amplicons obtained by RT-qPCR were sequenced and African III and European V genotypes were identified. RT-LAMP amplified both genotypes and was more sensitive than RT-qPCR in urine samples. We have developed a novel, rapid, specific, and sensitive RT-LAMP test that allows the detection of different CCHFV genotypes in clinical samples. This pan-CCHFV RT-LAMP detected viral RNA for the first time in urine samples. It can be easily performed as a single-tube isothermal colorimetric method on a portable platform in real time and without the need for expensive equipment, thus bringing molecular diagnostics closer to rural or resource-poor areas, where CCHF usually occurs.
The Landscape of Accessible Chromatin and Developmental Transcriptome Maps Reveal a Genetic Mechanism of Skeletal Muscle Development in Pigs
Authors: Feng Lingli , Si Jinglei , Yue Jingwei , Zhao Mingwei , Qi Wenjing , Zhu Siran , Mo Jiayuan , Wang Lixian , Lan Ganqiu , Liang Jing
Published: March 2023

The epigenetic regulation mechanism of porcine skeletal muscle development relies on the openness of chromatin and is also precisely regulated by transcriptional machinery. However, fewer studies have exploited the temporal changes in gene expression and the landscape of accessible chromatin to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms controlling muscle development. To address this, skeletal muscle biopsy samples were taken from Landrace pigs at days 0 (D0), 60 (D60), 120 (D120), and 180 (D180) after birth and were then analyzed using RNA-seq and ATAC-seq. The RNA-seq analysis identified 8554 effective differential genes, among which ACBD7, TMEM220, and ATP1A2 were identified as key genes related to the development of porcine skeletal muscle. Some potential cis-regulatory elements identified by ATAC-seq analysis contain binding sites for many transcription factors, including SP1 and EGR1, which are also the predicted transcription factors regulating the expression of ACBD7 genes. Moreover, the omics analyses revealed regulatory regions that become ectopically active after birth during porcine skeletal muscle development after birth and identified 151,245, 53,435, 30,494, and 40,911 peaks. The enriched functional elements are related to the cell cycle, muscle development, and lipid metabolism. In summary, comprehensive high-resolution gene expression maps were developed for the transcriptome and accessible chromatin during postnatal skeletal muscle development in pigs.
Microbial Synthesis of High-Molecular-Weight, Highly Repetitive Protein Polymers
Authors: Jeon Juya , Subramani Shri Venkatesh , Lee Kok Zhi , Jiang Bojing , Zhang Fuzhong
Published: March 2023

High molecular weight (MW), highly repetitive protein polymers are attractive candidates to replace petroleum-derived materials as these protein-based materials (PBMs) are renewable, biodegradable, and have outstanding mechanical properties. However, their high MW and highly repetitive sequence features make them difficult to synthesize in fast-growing microbial cells in sufficient amounts for real applications. To overcome this challenge, various methods were developed to synthesize repetitive PBMs. Here, we review recent strategies in the construction of repetitive genes, expression of repetitive proteins from circular mRNAs, and synthesis of repetitive proteins by ligation and protein polymerization. We discuss the advantages and limitations of each method and highlight future directions that will lead to scalable production of highly repetitive PBMs for a wide range of applications.
A Risk Assessment Technique for Energy-Efficient Drones to Support Pilots and Ensure Safe Flying
Authors: Kocsis Szürke Szabolcs , Perness Norbert , Földesi Péter , Kurhan Dmytro , Sysyn Mykola , Fischer Szabolcs
Published: March 2023

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, also known as UAVs, play an increasingly important part in daily life. However, the ever-increasing number of UAVs pose an ever-increasing threat to the transportation infrastructure. Despite their precision and general efficiency, infrastructural-scale Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) have a disadvantage regarding their capability of being implanted in the ecosystem. There are several reasons for this, but the primary bottleneck is that their systems are not transparent to society and have very complicated processes. As a result, the authors decided to investigate the functional properties of UASs and make improvements to those properties. Throughout the study, the authors’ primary focus was on analysis, which boosts productivity and ensures a significant level of safety for routine flights. The amount of power that a UAV uses depends on several variables, including the amount of power that its individual components require, the temperature of its surroundings, and the condition of the battery that it is powered by. Therefore, critical parameters and interdependencies are taken into account in the risk assessment strategy for energy-efficient Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). In the case of UAVs, the algorithm performs a risk calculation before take-off to estimate the amount of risk that can be associated with the given flight time when using the provided battery. On the one hand, several instances of the pre-take-off state and how its parameters interact are investigated. On the other hand, they demonstrate the calculation of the risk while in flight, which is based on actual flight data.
Deep Learning-Based Automated Quantification of Coronary Artery Calcification for Contrast-Enhanced Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography
Authors: Lee Jung Oh , Park Eun-Ah , Park Daebeom , Lee Whal
Published: March 2023

Background: We evaluated the accuracy of a deep learning-based automated quantification algorithm for coronary artery calcium (CAC) based on enhanced ECG-gated coronary CT angiography (CCTA) with dedicated coronary calcium scoring CT (CSCT) as the reference. Methods: This retrospective study included 315 patients who underwent CSCT and CCTA on the same day, with 200 in the internal and 115 in the external validation sets. The calcium volume and Agatston scores were calculated using both the automated algorithm in CCTA and the conventional method in CSCT. The time required for computing calcium scores using the automated algorithm was also evaluated. Results: Our automated algorithm extracted CACs in less than five minutes on average with a failure rate of 1.3%. The volume and Agatston scores by the model showed high agreement with those from CSCT with concordance correlation coefficients of 0.90–0.97 for the internal and 0.76–0.94 for the external. The accuracy for classification was 92% with a 0.94 weighted kappa for the internal and 86% with a 0.91 weighted kappa for the external set. Conclusions: The deep learning-based and fully automated algorithm efficiently extracted CACs from CCTA and reliably assigned categorical classification for Agatston scores without additional radiation exposure.
Inhalable Microparticles Embedding Biocompatible Magnetic Iron-Doped Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles
Authors: Quarta Eride , Chiappi Michele , Adamiano Alessio , Tampieri Anna , Wang Weijie , Tetley Teresa D. , Buttini Francesca , Sonvico Fabio , Catalucci Daniele , Colombo Paolo , Iafisco Michele , Degli Esposti Lorenzo
Published: March 2023

Recently, there has been increasing interest in developing biocompatible inhalable nanoparticle formulations, as they have enormous potential for treating and diagnosing lung disease. In this respect, here, we have studied superparamagnetic iron-doped calcium phosphate (in the form of hydroxyapatite) nanoparticles (FeCaP NPs) which were previously proved to be excellent materials for magnetic resonance imaging, drug delivery and hyperthermia-related applications. We have established that FeCaP NPs are not cytotoxic towards human lung alveolar epithelial type 1 (AT1) cells even at high doses, thus proving their safety for inhalation administration. Then, D-mannitol spray-dried microparticles embedding FeCaP NPs have been formulated, obtaining respirable dry powders. These microparticles were designed to achieve the best aerodynamic particle size distribution which is a critical condition for successful inhalation and deposition. The nanoparticle-in-microparticle approach resulted in the protection of FeCaP NPs, allowing their release upon microparticle dissolution, with dimensions and surface charge close to the original values. This work demonstrates the use of spray drying to provide an inhalable dry powder platform for the lung delivery of safe FeCaP NPs for magnetically driven applications.
Sticking to the Subject: Multifunctionality in Microbial Adhesins
Authors: Lipke Peter N. , Ragonis-Bachar Peleg
Published: March 2023

Bacterial and fungal adhesins mediate microbial aggregation, biofilm formation, and adhesion to host. We divide these proteins into two major classes: professional adhesins and moonlighting adhesins that have a non-adhesive activity that is evolutionarily conserved. A fundamental difference between the two classes is the dissociation rate. Whereas moonlighters, including cytoplasmic enzymes and chaperones, can bind with high affinity, they usually dissociate quickly. Professional adhesins often have unusually long dissociation rates: minutes or hours. Each adhesin has at least three activities: cell surface association, binding to a ligand or adhesive partner protein, and as a microbial surface pattern for host recognition. We briefly discuss Bacillus subtilis TasA, pilin adhesins, gram positive MSCRAMMs, and yeast mating adhesins, lectins and flocculins, and Candida Awp and Als families. For these professional adhesins, multiple activities include binding to diverse ligands and binding partners, assembly into molecular complexes, maintenance of cell wall integrity, signaling for cellular differentiation in biofilms and in mating, surface amyloid formation, and anchorage of moonlighting adhesins. We summarize the structural features that lead to these diverse activities. We conclude that adhesins resemble other proteins with multiple activities, but they have unique structural features to facilitate multifunctionality.
Padma Bridge in Global Media and Boost to SDGs in Bangladesh
Authors: Rashid Mamunor , Kabir Md. Ripul , Ibne Zaman Malik Mahdir
Published: March 2023

This study aims to determine how the global media covered the Padma Bridge inauguration news and its contribution to achieving the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) of Bangladesh. After overcoming several obstacles, Bengalis’ desire to use their own money is set to become a reality. In this study, both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. The first stage was using convenience the sampling method to gather information on the Padma Multipurpose Bridge’s opening, from 25 June to 25 July 2022, from the usual worldwide media and TV networks. The information coverage of several news sources from various countries was subsequently investigated utilizing the content analysis approach. In one way, newspaper stories, expert comments, research papers on the Padma Bridge, government reports, the Bangladesh Planning commission, and finance ministry records have all been analysed to collect the Padma Bridge’s role in fulfilling SDGs. The data show that the Padma Bridge, which showcases Bangladesh’s financial potential, is given significant weight in the international media. The Padma Bridge will contribute to a 29% increase in Bangladesh’s development industry, a 9.5% increase in agricultural output, an 8% increase in the industrial and transportation sectors, and a 0.84% annual decrease in poverty. By the year 2041, Bangladesh hopes to be a prosperous, ecologically friendly, and socially inclusive monarchy. The Padma Bridge will facilitate the development of new rail networks, improve connectivity, and expand global trade. Through this bridge, the enhancement of people’s lifestyles and subsistence abilities is made possible in a significant way.
Would Cutibacterium acnes Be the Villain for the Chronicity of Low Back Pain in Degenerative Disc Disease? Preliminary Results of an Analytical Cohort
Authors: da Rocha Vinícius Magno , Lima Carla Ormundo Gonçalves Ximenes , Candido Gustavo Baptista , Mara Cassiano Keila , Lewandrowski Kai-Uwe , de Oliveira Ferreira Eliane , Fiorelli Rossano Kepler Alvim
Published: March 2023

In the last decade, several studies have demonstrated Cutibacterium acnes colonization in intervertebral discs (IVDs) in patients with lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) and low back pain (LBP), but the meaning of these findings remains unclear. Being aware of this knowledge gap, we are currently conducting a prospective analytical cohort study with LBP and LDD patients undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy and posterior fusion. The IVDs samples collected during the surgeries are subjected to a stringent analytical protocol using microbiological, phenotypic, genotypic, and multiomic techniques. Additionally, pain-related scores and quality-of-life indexes are monitored during patient follow-up. Our preliminary results for 265 samples (53 discs from 23 patients) revealed a C. acnes prevalence of 34.8%, among which the phylotypes IB and II were the most commonly isolated. The incidence of neuropathic pain was significantly higher in the colonized patients, especially between the third and sixth postoperative months, which strongly suggests that the pathogen plays an important role in the chronicity of LBP. The future results of our protocol will help us to understand how C. acnes contributes to transforming inflammatory/nociceptive pain into neuropathic pain and, hopefully, will help us to find a biomarker capable of predicting the risk of chronic LBP in this scenario.
Space Accessibility and Equity of Urban Green Space
Authors: Huang Bo-Xun , Li Wen-Ying , Ma Wen-Juan , Xiao Hua
Published: March 2023

Urban green space is an essential form of infrastructure for cities, providing a significant spatial guarantee for sustainable urban development, an essential ecological, social, and cultural function, and an important symbol of urban modernisation and civilisation. However, with the development of cities, urban problems are becoming more serious, such as the increase in impervious surfaces and urban heat islands and the decrease in urban green space and liveability. Therefore, this study integrates the theories and methods of landscape ecology and spatial syntax with GIS technology to construct a comprehensive model for examining the spatial accessibility of green spaces based on remote images and landscape pattern indices, using Fuzhou City as the study area. The study then incorporates demographic variables to explore the characteristics of an equitable distribution of urban green space at the street scale. The results show that the accessibility of green space in the urban areas of Fuzhou decreases from the centre to the periphery. From north to south, there is a trend of ‘low-high-low’, with the northern region exhibiting the lowest accessibility, followed by the southeastern region, and then the western region. In terms of spatial equity in green space, Fuzhou has a more significant share of surplus green space provision, both in terms of the number of streets and area. This shows that the surplus of green space in Fuzhou is greater than the deficit and that the distribution of space is fair. We hope this study will not only help people gain a deeper understanding of green space but also provide a reference for their rational planning and management, thereby improving the accessibility and equity of urban green space as well as their quality and configuration. We also expect it to provide valuable theoretical and technical support for the planning of ecological functions and sustainable development.
The Effect of Gender, Urban/Rural Background, and Profession on Patterns of Use of Color Terms in Jordan
Authors: Alzoubi Abdulaziz , Hamouri Hanan , Al-Kadi Thaer , Hamdan Aseel
Published: March 2023

In this study, we examined the relationship between social factors and language by focusing on color terms. We investigated patterns of color terms’ use and the diversity of the color terms lexicon (CTL) among males and females belonging to different subcultures—city vs. small town or urban vs. rural—and different university majors—professionally color educated vs. others. Using an unconstrained color-naming task performed on a computer, three hundred and ninety-nine participants were asked to type in descriptions for fifteen color samples. The use of lexical items from Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) in the color descriptions was also investigated. Uni/multivariant analyses of the data were carried out in order to test the association between the patterns of color terms and the social independent variables. Females, participants with professional education in colors, and participants from the city were found to have a larger and more diversified CTL than males, participants with no professional color education, and participants from small towns.
Ulceration and a White Lesion of the Tongue in a Male HIV Positive Patient: A Journey on the Avenue of Differential Diagnoses in Search of a Solution
Authors: Arbune Manuela , Padurariu-Covit Monica-Daniela , Niculet Elena , Chiscop Iulia , Arbune Anca-Adriana , Tatu Alin-Laurențiu
Published: March 2023

Oral lesions are early indicator of immunosuppression, leading to HIV new diagnoses. The type of oral lesions can reveal opportunistic diseases that are correlated with the severity of immune depletion. Highly active antiretroviral therapy decreases the incidence of opportunistic oral infections, whereas a large variety of lesions are frequently experienced in people with HIV. Overlapping pathogenic mechanisms and multiple contributing etiologies are related to unusual, atypical oral lesions that are challenging in the clinical practice. We present a rare case of eosinophilic granuloma of the tongue in an older male HIV patient with severe immunosuppression due to the failure of antiretroviral treatment. Differential diagnoses considered squamous carcinoma, lymphoma, viral, fungal or bacterial infections and autoimmune disorders, as well as the influence of HIV immune disfunctions or the influence of cannabidiol use. The histopathologic and immunohistochemistry examination clarified the inflammatory reactive benign substrate of the lesion, although future survey of the oral lesions is essential.
Effect of Vibration Direction on Two-Dimensional Ultrasonic Assisted Grinding-Electrolysis-Discharge Generating Machining Mechanism of SiCp/Al
Authors: Li Jing , Chen Wanwan , Zhu Yongwei
Published: March 2023

This study proposes the mechanism of two-dimensional ultrasonic assisted grinding- electrolysis-discharge generating machining (2UG-E-DM). It analyzed the influence of vibration directions on grinding characteristics and surface morphology through the motion simulation of an abrasive. Comparative experiments with different vibration directions verified the effect of ultrasonic assistance on the weakening of the grinding force, the widening of the surface pits, and the leveling of the surface morphology of SiCp/Al composites. Simulation analysis of a single abrasive particle verified the test results. The results of machining tests at different amplitudes showed that as the workpiece and tool amplitude increased, the grinding force of the normal force decreased faster than that of the tangential force. The effect of surface electrolysis discharge machining was significant, and the number of exposed particles increased, but the residual height of the surface and the surface roughness were reduced by vibration grinding. When the two-dimensional amplitude was increased to 5 μm, the axial and tangential vibrations increased the grinding domain, and the dragging and rolling of the reinforced particles significantly reduced the surface roughness, which obtained good surface quality.
Effect of WC Content on Microstructure and Properties of CoCrFeNi HEA Composite Coating on 316L Surface via Laser Cladding
Authors: Huang Jiang , Zhu Zhikai , Wang Hao , Li Kaiyue , Shi Wenqing , Jiao Tianwen
Published: March 2023

Laser cladding technology is used to fabricate CoCrFeNi HEA/WC composite coatings with different mass fractions of WC on the surface of 316L stainless steel. The microstructures of HEA/WC composite coatings were analyzed by combining multiple characterization techniques. The results show that the HEA/WC composite coatings have good surface formation without pores and hot cracks, and the metallurgical bonding is well formed between the coating and the 316L SS substrate. Under the action of a laser beam and molten pool, WC particles partially or slightly melt and diffuse to the matrix, which hinders the orderly growth of grains and forms multiple strengthening. The phase structure of the HEA/WC composite coatings is composed of a main phase with FCC. The hardness and corrosion resistance of the HEA/WC composite coatings are clearly enhanced, and the HEA/WC composite coating with 5% WC has optimum properties.
Application of Nano-Crystalline Diamond in Tribology
Authors: Xia Yue , Lu Yunxiang , Yang Guoyong , Chen Chengke , Hu Xiaojun , Song Hui , Deng Lifen , Wang Yuezhong , Yi Jian , Wang Bo
Published: March 2023

Nano-crystalline diamond has been extensively researched and applied in the fields of tribology, optics, quantum information and biomedicine. In virtue of its hardness, the highest in natural materials, diamond outperforms the other materials in terms of wear resistance. Compared to traditional single-crystalline and poly-crystalline diamonds, nano-crystalline diamond consists of disordered grains and thus possesses good toughness and self-sharpening. These merits render nano-crystalline diamonds to have great potential in tribology. Moreover, the re-nucleation of nano-crystalline diamond during preparation is beneficial to decreasing surface roughness due to its ultrafine grain size. Nano-crystalline diamond coatings can have a friction coefficient as low as single-crystal diamonds. This article briefly introduces the approaches to preparing nano-crystalline diamond materials and summarizes their applications in the field of tribology. Firstly, nano-crystalline diamond powders can be used as additives in both oil- and water-based lubricants to significantly enhance their anti-wear property. Nano-crystalline diamond coatings can also act as self-lubricating films when they are deposited on different substrates, exhibiting excellent performance in friction reduction and wear resistance. In addition, the research works related to the tribological applications of nano-crystalline diamond composites have also been reviewed in this paper.
Effect of Beam Oscillation on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Electron Beam Welded EN25 Steel
Authors: Singh Vasundhara , Srirangam Prakash , Roy Gour Gopal
Published: March 2023

EN25 steels have been found to be applicable in shafts, gears, etc., but welding of EN25 steel was performed using electron beam welding with different oscillation beam diameters varying from 2 mm to 0.5 mm. The present study reports the effect of beam oscillation on the evolution of nonmetallic inclusions, microstructures, and mechanical properties of EN25 steel. Heat input calculations showed that the application of beam oscillations resulted in significantly lower heat inputs compared to their non-oscillating counterparts. The highest fraction of the retained austenite (9.35%) was observed in a weld prepared with beam oscillation at a 2-mm oscillation diameter, and it decreased to 3.27% at an oscillating diameter of 0.5 mm, and it further reduced to 0.36% for non-oscillating beam cases. Residual stresses were compressive in the fusion zone, irrespective of beam oscillation. Beam oscillation resulted in equiaxed grain in the recenter region of the fusion zone, attributed to heat mixing and the evolution of random texture. The application of beam oscillations resulted in a significant decrease in the size of the nonmetallic inclusions to 0.1–0.5 compared to 5–20 mm in base metal. All tensile samples failed in the base metal, indicating good strength of the weld. Fusion zone hardness (250–670 HNV) and wear properties (COF 0.7 to COF 0.45) improved irrespective of with and without beam oscillation.
Seismic Tests of Full Scale Reinforced Concrete T Joints with Light External Continuous Composite Rope Strengthening—Joint Deterioration and Failure Assessment
Authors: Karabini Martha , Rousakis Theodoros , Golias Emmanouil , Karayannis Chris
Published: March 2023

Beam–column connections (joints) are one of the most critical elements which govern the overall seismic behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Especially in buildings designed according to previous generation codes, joints are often encountered with insufficient transverse reinforcement detailing, or even with no stirrups, leading to brittle failure. Therefore, externally bonded composite materials may be applied, due to the ease of application, low specific weight and corrosion-free properties. The present work assesses the seismic performance of insufficiently reinforced large-scale T beam–column connections with large and heavily reinforced beams. The joints receive externally bonded NSM X-shaped composite ropes with improved versatile continuous detailing. The columns are subjected to low normalized axial load, while the free end of the beam is subjected to transverse displacement reversals. Different failure criteria are investigated, based on the beam free-end transverse load, as well as on the joint region shear deformations, to critically assess the structural performance of the subsystem. The experimental investigation concludes that cyclic loading has a detrimental effect on the performance of the joint. Absence of an internal steel stirrup leads to earlier deterioration of the joint. The unstrengthened specimens disintegrate at 2% drift, which corresponds to 34 mm beam-end displacement, and shear deformation of the joint equal to 30 × 10−4 rad. The composite strengthening, increases the structural performance of the joint up to 4% drift which corresponds to 68 mm of beam-end displacement and shear deformation of the joint equal to 10 × 10−4 rad. The investigated cases of inadequate existing transverse reinforcement in the joint and light external FRP strengthening provide a unique insight into the required retrofits to achieve different levels of post-yielding displacement ductility under seismic loading at 2%, 3% and 4% drift. It allows for future analytical refinements toward reliable redesign analytical models.
Crystallization Kinetics Analysis of the Binary Amorphous Mg72Zn28 Alloy
Authors: Opitek Bartosz , Gracz Beata , Lelito Janusz , Krajewski Witold K. , Łucarz Mariusz , Bała Piotr , Kozieł Tomasz , Gondek Łukasz , Szucki Michał
Published: March 2023

The aim of the study was to analyze the crystallization kinetics of the Mg72Zn28 metallic glass alloy. The crystallization kinetics of Mg72Zn28 metallic glass were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. The phases formed during the crystallization process were identified as α-Mg and complex Mg12Zn13 phases. Activation energies for the glass transition temperature, crystallization onset, and peak were calculated based on the Kissinger model. The activation energy calculated from the Kissinger model was Eg = 176.91, Ex = 124.26, Ep1 = 117.49, and Ep2 = 114.48 kJ mol−1, respectively.
Synthesis and Characterization of Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for the Monitoring of Amoxicillin in Real Samples Using the Chromatographic Method
Authors: López Rosario , Khan Sabir , Torres Sergio Espinoza , Wong Ademar , Sotomayor Maria D. P. T. , Picasso Gino
Published: March 2023

Amoxicillin (AMX) is an antibiotic frequently used for the treatment of bacterial disorders and respiratory problems in both humans and animals. This work aims to synthesize a molecularly imprinted superparamagnetic polymer (SP-MIP) with a core-shell structure for the selective detection of AMX in real samples. Magnetite superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SNP) were prepared by the polyol method, coated with silica, and functionalized with silane groups. The polymerization process was executed using the free-radical precipitation method. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to evaluate the thermal stability of the synthesized materials. The results obtained from N2 adsorption and desorption analyses showed that the surface area of SP-MIP (19.8 m2/g) was higher than that of the non-molecularly imprinted superparamagnetic polymer (SP-NIP—9.24 m2/g). The optimized adsorption analysis showed that both SP-MIP and SP-NIP followed SIP-type behavior, with adsorption constant KS 0.01176, 1/n 1.73. The selectivity tests showed that SP-MIP is highly selective for AMX in the presence of other molecules. Finally, for the recovery analysis, the application of SP-MIP for determining AMX in samples of tap water, river water, and drugs using HPLC yielded a mean recovery value of 94.3%.
A Two-Step Lagrange–Galerkin Scheme for the Shallow Water Equations with a Transmission Boundary Condition and Its Application to the Bay of Bengal Region—Part I: Flat Bottom Topography
Authors: Rasid Md Mamunur , Kimura Masato , Murshed Md Masum , Wijayanti Erny Rahayu , Notsu Hirofumi
Published: March 2023

A two-step Lagrange–Galerkin scheme for the shallow water equations with a transmission boundary condition (TBC) is presented. First, we show the experimental order of convergence to see the second-order accuracy in time realized by the two-step methods for conservative and non-conservative material derivatives along the trajectory of fluid particles. Second, we observe the effect of the TBC in a simple domain, and the artificial reflection is removed significantly when the wave touches the TBC. Third, we apply the scheme to a practical domain with islands, namely, the Bay of Bengal region, and observe the effect of the TBC again for the practical domain; the artificial reflections are removed significantly from the transmission boundaries on open sea boundaries. We also study the effect of a position of an open sea boundary with the TBC and reveal that it is sufficiently small to neglect. The numerical results in this study show that the scheme has the following properties: (i) the same advantages of Lagrange–Galerkin methods (the CFL-free robustness for convection-dominated problems and the symmetry of the matrices for the system of linear equations); (ii) second-order accuracy in time by the two-step methods; (iii) mass preservation of the function for the water level from the reference height (until the contact with the transmission boundaries of the wave); and (iv) no significant artificial reflection from the transmission boundaries. The numerical results by the scheme presented in this paper are for the flat bottom topography of the domain. In the next part of this work, Part II, the scheme will be applied to rapidly varying bottom surfaces and a real bottom topography of the Bay of Bengal region.
An Adaptive Multiple-Asset Portfolio Strategy with User-Specified Risk Tolerance
Authors: Lin Yufeng , Wang Xiaogang , Wu Yuehua
Published: March 2023

We improve the traditional simple moving average strategy by incorporating an investor-specific risk tolerance into the method. We then propose a multiasset generalized moving average crossover (MGMA) strategy. The MGMA strategies allocate wealth between risky assets and risk-free assets in an adaptive manner, with the risk tolerance specified by an investor. We derive the expected log-utility of wealth, which allows us to estimate the optimal allocation parameters. The algorithm using our MGMA strategy is also presented. As the multiple risky assets can have different variability levels and could have various degrees of correlations, this trading strategy is evaluated on both simulated data and global high-frequency exchange-traded fund (ETF) data. It is shown that the MGMA strategies could significantly increase both the investor’s expected utility of wealth and the investor’s expected wealth.
Markovian Restless Bandits and Index Policies: A Review
Authors: Niño-Mora José
Published: March 2023

The restless multi-armed bandit problem is a paradigmatic modeling framework for optimal dynamic priority allocation in stochastic models of wide-ranging applications that has been widely investigated and applied since its inception in a seminal paper by Whittle in the late 1980s. The problem has generated a vast and fast-growing literature from which a significant sample is thematically organized and reviewed in this paper. While the main focus is on priority-index policies due to their intuitive appeal, tractability, asymptotic optimality properties, and often strong empirical performance, other lines of work are also reviewed. Theoretical and algorithmic developments are discussed, along with diverse applications. The main goals are to highlight the remarkable breadth of work that has been carried out on the topic and to stimulate further research in the field.
A Generalized Mathematical Model of Toxoplasmosis with an Intermediate Host and the Definitive Cat Host
Authors: Sultana Sharmin , González-Parra Gilberto , Arenas Abraham J.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we construct a generalized epidemiological mathematical model to study toxoplasmosis dynamics, taking into consideration both cat and mouse populations. The model incorporates generalized proportions for the congenital transmission in the mouse and cat populations, along with the oocysts available in the environment. We focus on determining the conditions under which toxoplasmosis can be eradicated. We conduct a stability analysis in order to reveal the dynamics of toxoplasmosis in the cat and mouse populations; moreover, we compute the basic reproduction number R0, which is crucial for the long-term behavior of the toxoplasmosis disease in these populations as well as the steady states related to both populations. We find that vertical transmission in the cat population is essential, and affects the basic reproduction number R0. If full vertical transmission is considered in the mouse population and R0<1, we find that all solutions converge to the limit set comprised by the infinitely many toxoplasmosis-free-cat steady states, meaning that toxoplasmosis would vanish from the cat population regardless of the initial conditions. On the other hand, if R0>1, then there is only one toxoplasmosis-endemic steady state. When full vertical transmission is not considered in the mouse population, then a unique toxoplasmosis-free equilibrium exists and toxoplasmosis can be eradicated for both the cat and mouse populations. This has important public health implications. Numerical simulations are carried out to reinforce our theoretical stability analysis and observe the repercussion of some parameters on the dynamics.
Diversity, Biosynthesis and Bioactivity of Aeruginosins, a Family of Cyanobacteria-Derived Nonribosomal Linear Tetrapeptides
Authors: Liu Jiameng , Zhang Mengli , Huang Zhenkuai , Fang Jiaqi , Wang Zhongyuan , Zhou Chengxu , Qiu Xiaoting
Published: March 2023

Aeruginosins, a family of nonribosomal linear tetrapeptides discovered from cyanobacteria and sponges, exhibit in vitro inhibitory activity on various types of serine proteases. This family is characterized by the existence of the 2-carboxy-6-hydroxy-octahydroindole (Choi) moiety occupied at the central position of the tetrapeptide. Aeruginosins have attracted much attention due to their special structures and unique bioactivities. Although many studies on aeruginosins have been published, there has not yet been a comprehensive review that summarizes the diverse research ranging from biogenesis, structural characterization and biosynthesis to bioactivity. In this review, we provide an overview of the source, chemical structure as well as spectrum of bioactivities of aeruginosins. Furthermore, possible opportunities for future research and development of aeruginosins were discussed.
Corrosion Behavior of Carbon Steel X36 in Solutions of Soils Collected from Different Areas Linked to the Main Pipe Network of a Water Distribution System in Jeddah City
Authors: Noor Ehteram , Al-Moubaraki Aisha , Al-Masoudi Dalal , Chafiq Maryam , Chaouiki Abdelkarim , Ko Young
Published: March 2023

The corrosion behavior of carbon steel X36 (CSX36) in solutions of soils collected from different areas linked to the main pipe network of a water distribution system in Jeddah City (Obhour Al Shamaliyah, Ob-Sh; Al Shateie, Sh; Al Safa, Sf; Al Samer, Sa; and Al Jameaah, Ja) at an ambient temperature (23 ± 1 °C) was studied. The corrosion behavior was monitored using various techniques, such as weight loss and electrochemical (open circuit potential [OCP]; electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; and potentiodynamic polarization) measurements. Visual and microscopic examinations of the surface morphology of the studied metals were evaluated and discussed. The corrosion rates in all the studied soil solutions decreased with an increase in the immersion period over 80 weeks. The corrosivity of the studied soils based on weight loss measurements followed the order Sh > Ja > Ob-Sh > Sa > Sf. The value of the OCP gradually shifted to more negative values, indicating a higher tendency to corrode. For the soil solutions studied, the Ecorr shifted to more negative values, indicating that the corrosion process was under cathodic control. The values of icorr and 1/Rp tended to increase as the soil resistivity decreased. Moreover, there was good consistency between the corrosivity order of the studied soil solution obtained from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and PDP measurements in the following order: Ob-Sh > Sh > Ja > Sa > Sf. A comprehensive assessment of the soil corrosivity based on various soil variables revealed that soil solutions of Ob-Sh and Sh are extremely corrosive, while the rest of the soil solutions are noncorrosive.
Control Analysis of Cooperativity and Complementarity in Metabolic Regulations: The Case of NADPH Homeostasis
Authors: Pfeuty Benjamin , Hurbain Julien , Thommen Quentin
Published: March 2023

Complex feedback regulation patterns shape the cellular metabolic response to external or internal perturbations. We propose here a framework consisting of a sampling-based metabolic control analysis of kinetic models to investigate the modes of regulatory interplay in metabolic functions. NADPH homeostasis, for instance in a context of oxidative stress, is an example of metabolic function that involves multiple feedback regulations which raises the issue of their concerted action. Our computational framework allows us to characterize both respective and combined effects of regulations, distinguishing between synergistic versus complementary modes of regulatory crosstalk. Synergistic regulation of G6PD enzymes and PGI enzymes is mediated by congruent effects between concentration sensitivities and reaction elasticities. Complementary regulation of pentose phosphate pathway and lower glycolysis relates to metabolic state-dependent range of regulation efficiency. These cooperative effects are shown to significantly improve metabolic flux response to support NADPH homeostasis, providing a rationale for the complex feedback regulation pattern at work.
A Deep Learning Approach for Predicting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ponce de Leon-Sanchez Edgar Rafael , Dominguez-Ramirez Omar Arturo , Herrera-Navarro Ana Marcela , Rodriguez-Resendiz Juvenal , Paredes-Orta Carlos , Mendiola-Santibañez Jorge Domingo
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a deep learning model based on an artificial neural network with a single hidden layer for predicting the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. The hidden layer includes a regularization term that prevents overfitting and reduces the model complexity. The purposed learning model achieved higher prediction accuracy and lower loss than four conventional machine learning techniques. A dimensionality reduction method was used to select the most relevant features from 74 gene expression profiles for training the learning models. The analysis of variance test was performed to identify the statistical difference between the mean of the proposed model and the compared classifiers. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed artificial neural network.
A Method for Rapid, Quantitative Evaluation of Particle Sorting in Microfluidics Using Basic Cytometry Equipment
Authors: Salomon Robert , Razavi Bazaz Sajad , Li Wenyan , Gallego-Ortega David , Jin Dayong , Warkiani Majid Ebrahimi
Published: March 2023

This paper describes, in detail, a method that uses flow cytometry to quantitatively characterise the performance of continuous-flow microfluidic devices designed to separate particles. Whilst simple, this approach overcomes many of the issues with the current commonly utilised methods (high-speed fluorescent imaging, or cell counting via either a hemocytometer or a cell counter), as it can accurately assess device performance even in complex, high concentration mixtures in a way that was previously not possible. Uniquely, this approach takes advantage of pulse processing in flow cytometry to allow quantitation of cell separation efficiencies and resulting sample purities on both single cells as well as cell clusters (such as circulating tumour cell (CTC) clusters). Furthermore, it can readily be combined with cell surface phenotyping to measure separation efficiencies and purities in complex cell mixtures. This method will facilitate the rapid development of a raft of continuous flow microfluidic devices, will be helpful in testing novel separation devices for biologically relevant clusters of cells such as CTC clusters, and will provide a quantitative assessment of device performance in complex samples, which was previously impossible.