bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural Frequencies and Modes of Electrostatically Actuated Curved Bell-Shaped Microplates
Authors: Asher Asaf , Gilat Rivka , Krylov Slava
Published: March 2022

Configuration-dependent spectral behavior of initially curved circular microplates loaded by a distributed nonlinear electrostatic force is investigated. The structures under consideration are distinguished by two interesting features. The first is that the plates are initially bell-shaped, rather than flat or spherical, and therefore have regions of both positive and negative curvature. Second, the plates are sufficiently curved to exhibit snap-through buckling and bistability. The structure is described in the framework of the nonlinear Föppl von Kármán shallow plate theory. The influence of the initial curvature and loading on the free vibrations around unloaded and deformed equilibria is investigated. The results of the Galerkin model backed by the finite elements analysis show that the modes of even slightly curved bell-shaped unloaded plates differ significantly from those of the initially flat plates. As a result, when the natural modes of a curved plate are used as the base functions, a significantly better convergence of the RO model is achieved. In the vicinity of the critical snap-through and snap-back configurations, the sensitivity of the natural frequencies to the plate deflection is much higher than in the unloaded state. This high tunability opens new opportunities for the design of better resonant sensors with enhanced performance.
Data-Driven Adaptive Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy for Hybrid Electric and Connected Vehicles
Authors: Pérez Wilson , Tulpule Punit , Midlam-Mohler Shawn , Rizzoni Giorgio
Published: March 2022

Advanced energy management strategies (EMS) are used to control the power flow through a vehicle’s powertrain. However, the cost of high-power computational hardware and lack of a priori knowledge of future road conditions poses difficult challenges for engineers attempting to implement globally optimal frameworks. One solution is to use advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and connectivity to obtain a prediction of future road conditions. This paper presents a look-ahead predictive EMS which combines approximate dynamic programming (ADP) methods and an adaptive equivalent consumption minimization strategy (A-ECMS) to obtain a near-optimal solution for a future prediction horizon. ECMS is highly sensitive to the equivalence factor (EF), making it necessary to adapt during a trip to account for disturbances. A novel adaptation method is presented in this work which uses an artificial neural network to learn the nonlinear relationship between a speed and the state of charge (SOC) trajectory prediction obtained from ADP to estimate the corresponding EF. A traffic uncertainty analysis demonstrates an approximately 10% fuel economy (FE) improvement over traditional A-ECMS. Using a data-driven adaptation method for A-ECMS informed by a dynamic programming (DP) based prediction results in an EMS capable of online implementation.
Optimizing the Minimum Detectable Difference of Gamma Camera SPECT Images via the Taguchi Analysis: A Feasibility Study with a V-Shaped Slit Gauge
Authors: Ke Ching-Hsiu , Liu Wan-Ju , Peng Bing-Ru , Pan Lung-Fa , Pan Lung-Kwang
Published: March 2022

This study tried to propose an innovated idea of solidifying the resolution of gamma camera in routine quality control and recommended a quantified index as minimum detectable difference (MDD) of gamma camera SPECT images using the Taguchi analysis and an indigenous V-shaped slit gauge. The gauge was customized to fulfill the quantitative requirement of the Taguchi analysis. The MDD among slit gauge of derived SPECT image was calculated from two overlapped peak profiles collected from a tangent slice of the V-shaped slit gauge with two nearby peaks. In particular, MDD was evaluated as minimum distance between two peak centers through the Student’s t-test with a constant, 1.96, which indicates that two peak centers separated distant enough to create a 95% confidence level of separation. Eighteen combinations of six gamma camera scanned factors were organized according to Taguchi analysis. Accordingly, (A) collimator, (B) detector to targe distance, (C) total counts, (D) acquired energy width, (E) Matrix size, and (F) zoom of collected ROI with each of two or three levels were organized into 18 groups to collect the slit gauge images according to Taguchi L18 orthogonal array. Then, three well-trained radiologists were ranked the scanned gauge images to derive the fish-bone-plot of signal-to-noise ratio (S/N, dB) and correlated ANOVA. Furthermore, the quantified MDD was proposed to verify the optimal suggestion of gamma camera scanned protocol, and obtained the MDD as 8.4, 7.9, and 7.1 mm for the second group of original L18 preset, conventional, and the optimal preset, respectively. Thus, the optimal preset of gamma camera was achieved in this study. The MDD proved to be a successful index in quantifying the imaging resolution of a gamma camera.
Strontium Ferromolybdate-Based Magnetic Tunnel Junctions
Authors: Suchaneck Gunnar , Artiukh Evgenii , Sobolev Nikolai A. , Telesh Eugene , Kalanda Nikolay , Kiselev Dmitry A. , Ilina Tatiana S. , Gerlach Gerald
Published: March 2022

Thin-film strontium ferromolybdate is a promising material for applications in room-temperature magnetic tunnel junction devices. These are spin-based, low-power-consuming alternatives to CMOS in non-volatile memories, comparators, analog-to-digital converters, and magnetic sensors. In this work, we consider the main tasks to be solved when creating such devices based on strontium ferromolybdate: (i) selecting an appropriate tunnel barrier material, (ii) determining the role of the interface roughness and its quantification, (iii) determining the influence of the interface dead layer, (iv) establishing appropriate models of the tunnel magnetoresistance, and (v) promoting the low-field magnetoresistance in (111)-oriented thin films. We demonstrate that (i) barrier materials with a lower effective electronegativity than strontium ferromolybdate are beneficial, (ii) diminution of the magnetic offset field (the latter caused by magnetic coupling) requires a wavy surface rather than solely a surface with small roughness, (iii) the interface dead-layer thickness is of the order of 10 nm, (iv) the tunnel magnetoresistance deteriorates due to spin-independent tunneling and magnetically disordered interface layers, and (v) antiphase boundaries along the growth direction promote the negative low-field magnetoresistance by reducing charge carrier scattering in the absence of the field.
Optical Coherence Tomography for 3D Weld Seam Localization in Absorber-Free Laser Transmission Welding
Authors: Maiwald Frederik , Roider Clemens , Schmidt Michael , Hierl Stefan
Published: March 2022

Quality and reliability are of the utmost importance for manufacturing in the optical and medical industries. Absorber-free laser transmission welding enables the precise joining of identical polymers without additives or adhesives and is well-suited to meet the demands of the aforementioned industries. To attain sufficient absorption of laser energy without absorbent additives, thulium fiber lasers, which emit in the polymers’ intrinsic absorption spectrum, are used. Focusing the laser beam with a high numerical aperture provides significant intensity gradients inside the workpiece and enables selective fusing of the internal joining zone without affecting the surface of the device. Because seam size and position are crucial, the high-quality requirements demand internal weld seam monitoring. In this work, we propose a novel method to determine weld seam location and size using optical coherence tomography. Changes in optical material properties because of melting and re-solidification during welding allow for weld seam differentiation from the injection-molded base material. Automatic processing of the optical coherence tomography data enables the identification and measurement of the weld seam geometry. The results from our technique are consistent with microscopic images of microtome sections and demonstrate that weld seam localization in polyamide 6 is possible with an accuracy better than a tenth of a millimeter.
Orientin Alleviates Liver Inflammation via Downregulation of ZEB-2/PTEN Markers—Hepatic Stellate Cells Approach
Authors: Khalil Hany Ezzat , Ibrahim Hairul-Islam Mohamed , El-Fass Kareem Ahmed , Akrawi Sabah H. , Morsy Mohamed A.
Published: March 2022

Liver inflammation is associated with an increased risk of liver fibrosis that substantially progresses to cirrhosis. Recently, usage of the herbal supplement has been increased because of its emerging role to dominate oxidative stress in hepatic injury. Orientin is one of the bioactive flavonoids that possesses a diversity of curative activities. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory role of orientin (1 mg/kg) in vitro in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and in vivo in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Moreover, the current study was supported by in silico investigation. Orientin demonstrated protection against LPS-induced HSC inflammation as evidenced by a decrease in iNOS, NO, and TNF-α and inhibition of the fibrotic markers ZEB-2 and PTEN. In addition, orientin afforded protection against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice as shown from decreased AST/ALT ratio, inhibition of the pro-inflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ, reduction of fibrotic markers ZEB-2 and PTEN, and improvement of the histopathological changes. Furthermore, the docking study demonstrated virtual interactions of orientin with ZEB-2 and PTEN. Taken together, the current study suggested that the protective effects of orientin against LPS- and CCl4-induced liver inflammation are via inhibition of fibrotic markers and reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators.
Discriminative Frequencies and Temporal EEG Segmentation in the Motor Imagery Classification Approach
Authors: Lazurenko Dmitry , Shepelev Igor , Shaposhnikov Dmitry , Saevskiy Anton , Kiroy Valery
Published: March 2022

A linear discriminant analysis transformation-based approach to the classification of three different motor imagery types for brain–computer interfaces was considered. The study involved 16 conditionally healthy subjects (12 men, 4 women, mean age of 21.5 years). First, the search for subject-specific discriminative frequencies was conducted in the task of movement-related activity. This procedure was shown to increase the classification accuracy compared to the conditional common spatial pattern (CSP) algorithm, followed by a linear classifier considered as a baseline approach. In addition, an original approach to finding discriminative temporal segments for each motor imagery was tested. This led to a further increase in accuracy under the conditions of using Hjorth parameters and interchannel correlation coefficients as features calculated for the EEG segments. In particular, classification by the latter feature led to the best accuracy of 71.6%, averaged over all subjects (intrasubject classification), and, surprisingly, it also allowed us to obtain a comparable value of intersubject classification accuracy of 68%. Furthermore, scatter plots demonstrated that two out of three pairs of motor imagery were discriminated by the approach presented.
Structural Design and Parameter Optimization of Bionic Exhaust Tailpipe of Tractors
Authors: Hou Zhenhua , Wang Qigan , Zhang Shiqiang , Si Tengfei , Li Tiange , Zhang Zhijun
Published: March 2022

The exhaust tailpipe of a certain type of tractor was improved from the perspective of bionics, and bionic triangular convex texture was added to the inner surface of the exhaust tailpipe. The bionic tailpipe was proposed to improve noise reduction performance without changing the overall size parameters of the prototype tailpipe. Acoustics simulation software was used to predict the aeroacoustics noise and transmission loss of the exhaust tailpipe. Bionic exhaust tailpipes with triangular textures of different numbers of circumferential columns, height, and top angles were analyzed to study the noise reduction performance. The results showed that the proposed bionic exhaust tailpipes with triangular convex textures reduced the total sound pressure level and improved the transmission loss of the prototype exhaust tailpipe. To increase the transmission loss, a genetic algorithms (GA) optimized back-propagation neural network (BP) was used to optimize the bionic triangular convex texture parameters. By studying the aerodynamic noise reduction mechanism of bionic tailpipes, the research suggested that a secondary vortex appeared near the bionic texture and reduced aerodynamic drag and aeroacoustics noise. In addition, the sound pressure level amplitude nephogram, velocity vector nephogram, and velocity amplitude nephogram of the exhaust tailpipes were analyzed to study the vibration noise reduction mechanism of the bionic tailpipes. Then, the noise reduction performance was experimentally evaluated. The experimental results of the bionics exhaust tailpipes with triangular convex textures were analyzed and compared to that of the prototype tailpipe. The results demonstrated that the bionic exhaust tailpipes were able to attenuate noise.
Potential for Coastal and Offshore Aquaculture in Portugal: Insights from Physico-Chemical and Oceanographic Conditions
Authors: Mosqueira Miguel , Pombo Ana , Borges Carlos , Brito Ana C. , Zacarias Nuno , Esteves Rita , Palma Carla
Published: March 2022

Physico-chemical and biological parameters along the Portuguese coast were analyzed to evaluate the potential to produce aquatic species of economic interest. Water samples were collected in 2018 and 2019 in five different areas of the Portuguese coast. Currents data were collected between 2018 and 2020 and historical waves height data from 1988 to 2019. According to the results, there is a wide variety of species that can be considered for production. The northernmost area presented the lowest temperature, as well as the highest levels of chlorophyll a, and nitrate. Under such conditions, the rearing of salmon Salmo salar, mussel Mytilus edulis, scallop Pecten maximus, macroalgae Porphyra umbilicalis, and Undaria pinnatifida can be considered. Regarding the southernmost area, due to the highest temperature, this area seems appropriate for the production of meager Argyrosomus regius, sea bream Sparus aurata, sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax, and greater amberjack Seriola dumerili. This study highlights the challenges in deploying aquaculture structures on the Atlantic coast due to its oceanographic conditions. Site selection for aquaculture is a complex process and pilot studies are essential to analyze the feasibility of developing offshore aquaculture along the coast of Portugal.
Seismic Behavior of Micropiles and Micropiled Structures Used for Increasing Resilience: A Literature Review
Authors: Abou Alhaija Majd , Batali Loretta
Published: March 2022

The aim of this paper is to present the relevant information and development available in the scientific literature regarding the seismic behavior of micropiles (MPs) and micropiled structures (MPed). The seismic behavior of MPs is not very well studied, but MPs are used in retrofitting of old buildings and for new resilient buildings, and in terms of seismic behavior they have a high potential. Additionally, their association with seismic dampers for improving the seismic behavior of buildings is not yet fully studied and it represents a major topic of interest for both new structures and historical monuments. After the introductory part, the paper describes all relevant information regarding MPs, as types and technology, seismic behavior, applications for increasing seismic resilience, and experimental and numerical modeling.
Unveiling the Bioactive Potential of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Waste in Human Health from a Consumer Perspective
Authors: Pereira Jorge A. M. , Berenguer Cristina V. , Andrade Carolina F. P. , Câmara José S.
Published: March 2022

Food supply disruption and shortage verified during the current pandemic events are a scenario that many anticipate for the near future. The impact of climate changes on food production, the continuous decrease in arable land, and the exponential growth of the human population are important drivers for this problem. In this context, adding value to food waste is an obvious strategy to mitigate food shortages, but there is a long way to go in this field. Globally, it is estimated that one-third of all food produced is lost. This is certainly due to many different factors, but the lack of awareness of the consumer about the nutritional value of certain foods parts, namely peels and seeds, is certainly among them. In this review, we will unveil the nutritional and bioactive value of the waste discarded from the most important fresh fruit and vegetables consumed worldwide as a strategy to decrease food waste. This will span the characterization of the bioactive composition of selected waste from fruits and vegetables, particularly their seeds and peels, and their possible uses, whether in our diet or recycled to other ends.
Analysis of Adhesive Joints in a GFRP Bridge Deck under Bidirectional Bending Due to Traffic Wheel Loads
Authors: Park Sin-Zeon , Jeong Seong-Hoon , Lee Hyerin , Hong Kee-Jeung
Published: March 2022

Glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) decks have been widely used in the rehabilitation and construction of bridges as a replacement for conventional deck materials, such as steel, concrete, and wood. In this study, an analysis method for checking the local safety of joints in adhesively connected GFRP decks under bidirectional bending due to traffic wheel loads is newly presented. This method can be applied for designing and evaluating the joints of other FRP decks. The orthotropic material properties of the deck were approximately assumed according to the test results and previous research. Three-dimensional solid elements were used to simulate the local behavior of the adhesive and deck substrates at the joints. Global deflections of the deck and local deformations of the adhesive were evaluated for serviceability. The local stresses in the adhesive and deck substrate are evaluated at the joint to check for local failure modes of the joint under serviceability and ultimate limit states. The analysis results indicate that local failures of the adhesive and deck substrate at the joint occurred. Recommendations for avoiding these local failures and performing more precise analysis are suggested.
Automation of Property Acquisition of Single Track Depositions Manufactured through Direct Energy Deposition
Authors: Gil Jorge , de Jesus Abílio , Silva Maria Beatriz , Vaz Maria F. , Reis Ana , Tavares João Manuel R. S.
Published: March 2022

Metallic additive manufacturing processes have been significantly developed since their inception with modern systems capable of manufacturing components for structural applications. However, successful processing through these methods requires extensive experimentation before optimised parameters can be found. In laser-based processes, such as direct energy deposition, it is common for single track beads to be deposited and subjected to analysis, yielding information on how the input parameters influence characteristics such as the output’s adhesion to the substrate. These characteristics are often determined using specialised software, from images obtained by cross-section cutting the line beads. The proposed approach was based on a Python algorithm, using the scikit-image library and optical microscopy imaging from produced 18Ni300 Maraging steel on H13 tool steel, and it computes the relevant properties of DED-produced line beads, such as the track height, width, penetration, wettability angles, cross-section areas above and below the substrate and dilution proportion. 18Ni300 Maraging steel depositions were optimised with a laser power of 1550 W, feeding rate of 12 gmin−1, scanning speed of 12 mm s−1, shielding gas flow rate of 25 Lmin−1 and carrier gas flow rate of 4 Lmin−1 for a laser spot diameter of 2.1mm. Out of the cross-sectioned beads, their respective height, width and penetration were calculated with 2.71%, 4.01% and 9.35% errors; the dilution proportion was computed with 14.15% error, the area above the substrate with 5.27% error and the area below the substrate with 17.93% error. The average computational time for the processing of one image was 12.7s. The developed approach was purely segmentational and could potentially benefit from machine-learning implementations.
Grain Architecture in Bourbon New Spain: On the Design of Guadalajara and Querétaro’s Alhóndigas
Authors: Gordo Peláez Luis
Published: March 2022

During the late colonial period, numerous Novohispanic cities embarked on an unprecedented number of projects aimed at reshaping their urban spaces and improving infrastructures, including new facilities for grain storage and supply. The construction of alhóndigas (public granaries), along with other public works and infrastructures, was further propelled by the implementation of Bourbon reforms in Spanish America and the 1780s reorganization of the colonies into intendencias (provinces), as part of the monarchy’s efforts to improve the colonial administration and economy and centralize royal power. The newly appointed royal officials (intendentes) were instrumental in the implementation of these reforms, overseeing tax collection, promoting economic growth and agricultural production, improving mining, and developing a program of public works to embellish and modernize the urban environments and ameliorate the living conditions of their residents in sanitation, public health, water infrastructure, and food supply. This essay explores the projected alhóndigas for two late colonial Mexican cities and how they engaged with contemporary discussions about the efficacy of public works, the circulation of ideals promoted by enlightened reformers on good governance and civic order, issues of artistic and architectural production, and the transmission of a reformist aesthetic agenda from the center to the provinces of New Spain.
Aviation Turbulence Forecasting over the Portuguese Flight Information Regions: Algorithm and Objective Verification
Authors: Belo-Pereira Margarida
Published: March 2022

Aviation turbulence remains one of the leading causes of weather-related aviation accidents. Therefore, turbulence prediction is a major concern of aviation forecasters. This paper describes the turbulence index (TURBIPMA) developed and used operationally at the Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), based on several diagnostics derived from ECMWF forecasts, using a new calibration approach. The forecast skill of the TURBIPMA and of individual diagnostics are evaluated using turbulence observations over the Portuguese Flight Information Regions and surrounding areas, for 12 months between February 2020 and March 2021 (excluding May and June). The forecasting skill of the predictors is discussed in terms of the Relative Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, which is widely applied, but also in terms of novel measures such as the Symmetric Extremal Dependence Index (SEDI) and Symmetric Extreme Dependency Score (SEDS). The new measures are particularly relevant in assessing forecasts of rare events, such as moderate-or-greater turbulence. The operational index outperforms individual diagnostics (such as Ellrod) in terms of all verification measures. Furthermore, the use of a new Richardson number function was proven to be beneficial. Finally, the turbulence prediction by IPMA was comparable to that of the London WAFC for one turbulence episode.
Spatial Distribution of Aerosol Characteristics over the South Atlantic and Southern Ocean Using Multiyear (2004–2021) Measurements from Russian Antarctic Expeditions
Authors: Sakerin Sergey M. , Golobokova Liudmila P. , Kabanov Dmitry M. , Khuriganowa Olga I. , Pol’kin Viktor V. , Radionov Vladimir F. , Sidorova Olga R. , Turchinovich Yuri S.
Published: March 2022

Since 2004, we have carried out yearly measurements of physicochemical aerosol characteristics onboard research vessels at Southern Hemisphere high latitudes (34–72° S; 45° W–110° E). In this work, we statistically generalize the results from multiyear (2004–2021) measurements in this area of the aerosol optical depth (AOD) of the atmosphere, concentrations of aerosol and equivalent black carbon (EBC), as well as the ionic composition of aerosol. A common regularity was that the aerosol characteristics decreased with increasing latitude up to the Antarctic coast, where the aerosol content corresponded to the global background level. Between Africa and Antarctica, AOD decreased from 0.07 to 0.024, the particle volume decreased from 5.5 to 0.55 µm3/cm3, EBC decreased from 68.1 to 17.4 ng/m3, and the summed ion concentration decreased from 24.5 to 2.5 µg/m3. Against the background of the common tendency of the latitude decrease in aerosol characteristics, we discerned a secondary maximum (AOD and ion concentrations) or a plateau (aerosol and EBC concentrations). The obtained spatial distribution of aerosol characteristics qualitatively agreed with the model-based MERRA-2 reanalysis data, but showed quantitative differences: the model AOD values were overestimated (by 0.015, on average); while the EBC concentrations were underestimated (by 21.7 ng/m3). An interesting feature was found in the aerosol spatial distribution in the region of Antarctic islands: at a distance of 300 km from the islands, the concentrations of EBC decreased on average by 29%, while the aerosol content increased by a factor of 2.5.
Balanced Medical Image Classification with Transfer Learning and Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Benavente David , Gatica Gustavo , González-Feliu Jesús
Published: March 2022

This paper aims to propose a tool for image classification in medical diagnosis decision support, in a context where computational power is limited and then specific, high-speed computing infrastructures cannot be used (mainly for economic and energy consuming reasons). The proposed method combines a deep neural networks algorithm with medical imaging procedures and is implemented to allow an efficient use on affordable hardware. The convolutional neural network (CNN) procedure used VGG16 as its base architecture, using the transfer learning technique with the parameters obtained in the ImageNet competition. Two convolutional blocks and one dense block were added to this architecture. The tool was developed and calibrated on the basis of five common lung diseases using 5430 images from two public datasets and the transfer learning technique. The holdout ratios of 90% and 10% for training and testing, respectively, were obtained, and the regularization tools were dropout, early stopping, and Lasso regularization (L2). An accuracy (ACC) of 56% and an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC—AUC) of 50% were reached in testing, which are suitable for decision support in a resource-constrained environment.
New Relation-Theoretic Fixed Point Theorems in Fuzzy Metric Spaces with an Application to Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Saleh Samera M. , Alfaqih Waleed M. , Sessa Salvatore , Di Martino Ferdinando
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we introduce the notion of fuzzy R−ψ−contractive mappings and prove some relevant results on the existence and uniqueness of fixed points for this type of mappings in the setting of non-Archimedean fuzzy metric spaces. Several illustrative examples are also given to support our newly proven results. Furthermore, we apply our main results to prove the existence and uniqueness of a solution for Caputo fractional differential equations.
Topological Transcendental Fields
Authors: Chalebgwa Taboka , Morris Sidney
Published: March 2022

This article initiates the study of topological transcendental fields F which are subfields of the topological field C of all complex numbers such that F only consists of rational numbers and a nonempty set of transcendental numbers. F, with the topology it inherits as a subspace of C, is a topological field. Each topological transcendental field is a separable metrizable zero-dimensional space and algebraically is Q(T), the extension of the field of rational numbers by a set T of transcendental numbers. It is proven that there exist precisely 2ℵ0 countably infinite topological transcendental fields and each is homeomorphic to the space Q of rational numbers with its usual topology. It is also shown that there is a class of 22ℵ0 of topological transcendental fields of the form Q(T) with T a set of Liouville numbers, no two of which are homeomorphic.
The Iconisation of Yeast Spreads—Love Them or Hate Them
Authors: Vriesekoop Frank , Russell Carolyn , Tziboula-Clarke Athina , Jan Céline , Bois Marine , Farley Stephanie , McNamara Allison
Published: March 2022

The production of beer yields a number of by-product streams, with spent brewers’ yeast being the second most abundant in volume. The high nutritional value of spent yeast has seen a large proportion of spent brewers’ yeast being used for both food and feed purposes. One of the uses of spent brewers’ yeast for human consumption has been the production of yeast spreads, which came onto the market in the early 20th century, first in the United Kingdom and shortly thereafter in the commonwealth dominions, especially Australia and New Zealand. In this research we investigated the national status of yeast spreads in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. We show that a brewery by-product such as spent brewers’ yeast is more than a mere novel utilisation of a waste stream but have become inherently associated with national identities of these countries to such an extent that some brands have become iconicised. Furthermore, some yeast spread brands have become a symbol of (inter)national polarisation, purely based on its initial sensorial characterisation.
Extracellular Vesicles in Type 1 Diabetes: A Versatile Tool
Authors: Suire Caitlin N. , Hade Mangesh D.
Published: March 2022

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting nearly 35 million people. This disease develops as T-cells continually attack the β-cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, which leads to β-cell death, and steadily decreasing secretion of insulin. Lowered levels of insulin minimize the uptake of glucose into cells, thus putting the body in a hyperglycemic state. Despite significant progress in the understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease, there is a need for novel developments in the diagnostics and management of type 1 diabetes. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-bound nanoparticles that contain diverse content from their cell of origin and can be used as a biomarker for both the onset of diabetes and transplantation rejection. Furthermore, vesicles can be loaded with therapeutic cargo and delivered in conjunction with a transplant to increase cell survival and long-term outcomes. Crucially, several studies have linked EVs and their cargos to the progression of type 1 diabetes. As a result, gaining a better understanding of EVs would help researchers better comprehend the utility of EVs in regulating and understanding type 1 diabetes. EVs are a composition of biologically active components such as nucleic acids, proteins, metabolites, and lipids that can be transported to particular cells/tissues through the blood system. Through their varied content, EVs can serve as a flexible aid in the diagnosis and management of type 1 diabetes. In this review, we provide an overview of existing knowledge about EVs. We also cover the role of EVs in the pathogenesis, detection, and treatment of type 1 diabetes and the function of EVs in pancreas and islet β-cell transplantation.
Biodegradable Magnesium Biomaterials—Road to the Clinic
Authors: Amukarimi Shukufe , Mozafari Masoud
Published: March 2022

In recent decades, we have witnessed radical changes in the use of permanent biomaterials. The intrinsic ability of magnesium (Mg) and its alloys to degrade without releasing toxic degradation products has led to a vast range of applications in the biomedical field, including cardiovascular stents, musculoskeletal, and orthopedic applications. With the use of biodegradable Mg biomaterials, patients would not suffer second surgery and surgical pain anymore. Be that as it may, the main drawbacks of these biomaterials are the high corrosion rate and unexpected degradation in physiological environments. Since biodegradable Mg-based implants are expected to show controllable degradation and match the requirements of specific applications, various techniques, such as designing a magnesium alloy and modifying the surface characteristics, are employed to tailor the degradation rate. In this paper, some fundamentals and particular aspects of magnesium degradation in physiological environments are summarized, and approaches to control the degradation behavior of Mg-based biomaterials are presented.
Spinal Implant Osseointegration and the Role of 3D Printing: An Analysis and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kia Cameron , Antonacci Christopher L. , Wellington Ian , Makanji Heeren S. , Esmende Sean M.
Published: March 2022

The use of interbody implants for spinal fusion has been steadily increasing to avoid the risks of complications and donor site morbidity when using autologous bone. Understanding the pros and cons of various implant designs can assist the surgeon in choosing the ideal interbody for each individual patient. The goal of these interbody cages is to promote a surface area for bony ingrowth while having the biomechanical properties to support the axial skeleton. Currently, the majority of interbody implants consists of metal or polyether ether ketone (PEEK) cages with bone graft incorporated inside. Titanium alloy implants have been commonly used, however, the large difference in modulus of elasticity from bone has inherent issues. PEEK implants have a desirable surface area with the benefit of a modulus of elasticity closer to that of bone. Unfortunately, clinically, these devices have had increased risk of subsidence. More recently, 3D printed implants have come into the market, providing mechanical stability with increased surface design for bony ingrowth. While clinical outcomes studies are limited, early results have demonstrated more reliable and quicker fusion rates using 3D custom interbody devices. In this review, we discuss the biology of osseointegration, the use of surface coated implants, as well as the potential benefits of using 3D printed interbodies.
Evolution of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy as an Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Product (ATMP)—An Indian Perspective
Authors: Muthu Sathish , Jeyaraman Madhan , Kotner Moinuddin Basha , Jeyaraman Naveen , Rajendran Ramya Lakshmi , Sharma Shilpa , Khanna Manish , Rajendran Sree Naga Sowndary , Oh Ji Min , Gangadaran Prakash , Ahn Byeong-Cheol
Published: March 2022

Stem cells can be defined as the cells that have the capacity to both self-renew and give rise to differentiated cells. Under the right conditions and signals, depending on their origin and bio-plasticity, stem cells can differentiate into multiple cell lineages and develop into various mature cells. Stem cell therapy is a fast-developing branch of medicine that includes the most innovative regenerative therapies for the restoration of cell and tissue function in individuals with severe diseases. Stem cell research has resulted in the emergence of cell-based therapies for disorders that are resistant to conventional drugs and therapies, and they are considered under the category of an Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Product (ATMP). The FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) devised a new strategy in 2017 with the aim of unifying the standards for development of ATMPs such that it is easy to exchange information at the international level. In this review, we discuss the evolution of mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy as an ATMP in the global and Indian scenarios, along with the guidelines governing their usage and clinical application of these therapeutics.
Kinematic Evidence of Root-to-Shoot Signaling for the Coding of Support Thickness in Pea Plants
Authors: Guerra Silvia , Bonato Bianca , Wang Qiuran , Peressotti Alessandro , Peressotti Francesca , Baccinelli Walter , Bulgheroni Maria , Castiello Umberto
Published: March 2022

Plants such as climbers characterized by stems or tendrils need to find a potential support (e.g., pole, stick, other plants or trees) to reach greater light exposure. Since the time when Darwin carried out research on climbing plants, several studies on plants’ searching and attachment behaviors have demonstrated their unique ability to process some features of a support to modulate their movements accordingly. Nevertheless, the strategies underlying this ability have yet to be uncovered. The present research tries to fill this gap by investigating how the interaction between above- (i.e., stems, tendrils, …) and below-ground (i.e., the root system) plant organs influences the kinematics of their approach-to-grasp movements. Using three-dimensional (3D) kinematic analysis, we characterized the movements of pea plants (Pisum sativum L.) as they leaned towards supports whose below- and above-ground parts were characterized by different thicknesses (i.e., thin below- thick above-ground, or the opposite). As a control condition, the plants were placed next to supports with the same thickness below and above ground (i.e., either entirely thin or thick). The results suggest that the information regarding below- and above-ground parts of a support appears to be integrated and modulates the reach-to-grasp behavior of the plant. Information about the support conveyed by the root system seems to be particularly important to achieve the end-goal of movement.
Morphological and Allometric Changes in Anguilla japonica Larvae
Authors: Shin Min-Gyu , Ryu Yong-Woon , Choi Youn-Hee , Kim Shin-Kwon
Published: March 2022

The freshwater eel Anguilla japonica is rapidly decreasing in number and has not yet been successfully mass produced. This may be at least partially attributable to the unique and long early life history of the eel. Therefore, we investigated its ontogeny of morphometry and growth pattern in larval stages to provide baseline information for understanding the early life history and improving seed rearing technology. This study was conducted for 200 days after hatching (DAH) and analyzed morphometry and allometry for eel larvae. The following cultured eel larval stages were identified: the yolk sac larvae stage (0–6 DAH, 3.23–6.85 mm total length (TL)), the pre-leptocephalus stage (7–30 DAH, 6.85–15.31 mm TL), and the leptocephalus stage (50–200 DAH, 15.31–60.06 mm TL). Cultured and wild eel larvae could be divided into characteristic larval stages at similar sizes. However, compared to wild eels, cultured eels had a slower growth rate and fewer preanal myomeres. Meanwhile, cultured eel larvae rarely had a mixed feeding period as the absorption of endogenous reserves was completed by 7 DAH. The lower jaw of eel larvae was significantly longer than the upper jaw from 50 DAH. In the pre-leptocephalus and leptocephalus stages, eel larvae showed continuous positive allometric growth at trunk height and tail muscle height with change to the willow leaf-like form. These growth characteristics may be the result of adaptation to the migration over long distances and to a diel vertical migration. The inflection point in the body parts growth patterns showed only before 30 DAH, and mass mortality appeared at this period. Therefore, to improve the growth and survival rates of cultured eel seed, it is necessary to focus on improving the feeding and rearing protocol until 30 DAH.
Evidence for Enhanced Efficacy of Passive Immunotherapy against Beta-Amyloid in CD33-Negative 5xFAD Mice
Authors: Gnoth Kathrin , Geissler Stefanie , Feldhaus Julia , Taudte Nadine , Ilse Victoria , Zürner Sebastian , Greiser Sebastian , Braumann Ulf-Dietrich , Rahfeld Jens-Ulrich , Cynis Holger , Schilling Stephan
Published: March 2022

Passive immunotherapy is a very promising approach for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Among the different antibodies under development, those targeting post-translationally modified Aβ peptides might combine efficient reduction in beta-amyloid accompanied by lower sequestration in peripheral compartments and thus anticipated and reduced treatment-related side effects. In that regard, we recently demonstrated that the antibody-mediated targeting of isoD7-modified Aβ peptides leads to the attenuation of AD-like amyloid pathology in 5xFAD mice. In order to assess novel strategies to enhance the efficacy of passive vaccination approaches, we investigated the role of CD33 for Aβ phagocytosis in transgenic mice treated with an isoD7-Aβ antibody. We crossbred 5xFAD transgenic mice with CD33 knock out (CD33KO) mice and compared the amyloid pathology in the different genotypes of the crossbreds. The knockout of CD33 in 5xFAD mice leads to a significant reduction in Aβ plaques and concomitant rescue of behavioral deficits. Passive immunotherapy of 5xFAD/CD33KO showed a significant increase in plaque-surrounding microglia compared to 5xFAD treated with the antibody. Additionally, we observed a stronger lowering of Aβ plaque load after passive immunotherapy in 5xFAD/CD33KO mice. The data suggest an additive effect of passive immunotherapy and CD33KO in terms of lowering Aβ pathology. Hence, a combination of CD33 antagonists and monoclonal antibodies might represent a strategy to enhance efficacy of passive immunotherapy in AD.
Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress and Cell Death in Podocytopathies
Authors: Zhu Yu-Ting , Wan Cheng , Lin Ji-Hong , Hammes Hans-Peter , Zhang Chun
Published: March 2022

Podocytopathies are kidney diseases that are driven by podocyte injury with proteinuria and proteinuria-related symptoms as the main clinical presentations. Albeit podocytopathies are the major contributors to end-stage kidney disease, the underlying molecular mechanisms of podocyte injury remain to be elucidated. Mitochondrial oxidative stress is associated with kidney diseases, and increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of podocytopathies. Accumulating evidence has placed mitochondrial oxidative stress in the focus of cell death research. Excessive generated reactive oxygen species over antioxidant defense under pathological conditions lead to oxidative damage to cellular components and regulate cell death in the podocyte. Conversely, exogenous antioxidants can protect podocyte from cell death. This review provides an overview of the role of mitochondrial oxidative stress in podocytopathies and discusses its role in the cell death of the podocyte, aiming to identify the novel targets to improve the treatment of patients with podocytopathies.
Sulphoraphane Affinity-Based Chromatography for the Purification of Myrosinase from Lepidium sativum Seeds
Authors: Galádová Helena , Polozsányi Zoltán , Breier Albert , Šimkovič Martin
Published: March 2022

Sulforaphane and other natural isothiocyanates released from the respective plant glucosinolates by the plant enzyme myrosinase (β-thioglucoside glucohydrolase) show extensive anticancer and antimicrobial effects. In this study, myrosinase from garden cress (Lepidium sativum) seeds was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by a fast and easy strategy consisting of fractionation by isoelectric precipitation with ammonium sulphate (AS) and affinity chromatography using sulforaphane (SFN) attached to cellulose resin. The overall purification of enzyme with respect to crude extract was 169-fold and recovery of 37%. Under non-reducing conditions, two protein bands exhibiting myrosinase activity with masses of about 114 and 122 kDa, respectively, and a 58 kDa protein band with no activity were detected by SDS-PAGE and zymography on polyacrylamide gel. MALDI-Tof/Tof of tryptic fragments obtained from the respective protein bands detected sequence motifs homologous to the regions responsible for glycoside-substrate binding and similarities to members of the enzyme subfamilies β-glucosidases and myrosinases GH. The enzyme hydrolyzed both the natural (sinigrin, sinalbin, glucoraphanin) and the synthetic (p-nitrophenol-β-D-glucopyranoside (pNPG)) substrates. The highest catalytic activity of purified enzyme was achieved against sinigrin. The KM and Vmax values of the enzyme for sinigrin were found to be 0.57 mM, and 1.3 mM/s, respectively. The enzyme was strongly activated by 30 μM ascorbic acid. The optimum temperature and pH for enzyme was 50 °C and pH 6.0, respectively. The purified enzyme could be stored at 4 °C and slightly acidic pH for at least 45 days without a significant decrease in specific activity.
Association of Plasma Methylglyoxal Increase after Myocardial Infarction and the Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Heber Stefan , Haller Paul M. , Kiss Attila , Jäger Bernhard , Huber Kurt , Fischer Michael J. M.
Published: March 2022

Background: Preclinical studies suggest that methylglyoxal (MG) increases within the myocardium upon acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and thereafter contributes to adverse postinfarct remodeling. The aims of this study were to test whether MG increases in plasma of humans after AMI and whether this increase is related to the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods: The plasma samples of 37 patients with ST elevation AMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) acquired in a previously conducted randomized controlled trial testing remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) were analyzed by means of high-performance liquid chromatography. Time courses of the variables were analyzed by means of mixed linear models. Multiple regression analyses served to explore the relationship between MG levels and the LVEF. Results: Compared to the MG levels upon admission due to AMI, the levels were increased 2.4-fold (95% CI, 1.6–3.6) 0.5 h after reperfusion facilitated by pPCI, 2.6-fold (1.7–4.0) after 24 h and largely returned to the baseline after 30 d (1.1-fold, 0.8–1.5). The magnitude of the MG increase was largely independent of that of cardiac necrosis markers. Overall, the highest MG values within 24 h after AMI were associated with the lowest LVEF after 4 d. While markers of myocardial necrosis and stretch quantified within the first 24 h explained 52% of the variance of the LVEF, MG explained additional 23% of the variance (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Considering these observational data, it is plausible that the preclinical finding of MG generation after AMI negatively affecting the LVEF also applies to humans. Inhibition of MG generation or MG scavenging might provide a novel therapeutic strategy to target post-AMI myocardial remodeling and dysfunction.