bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of Wind Turbine Parameter Monitoring and Early Warning Software System Based on Deep Learning Modeling
Authors: Wang Jiechang , Chen Zhannan , Guo Jianfei , Dong Yan , Yu Jinglong , Zhou Runan
Published: January 2022

This paper adopts deep learning self-encoding algorithm, using JAVA, C++ and python language mixed programming computing technology to realize wind turbine parameter monitoring and early warning and software system design and development. This paper describes the database design, process management mode, fault early warning model, alarm value processing and human-computer interaction interface of the system, explains the software operation process and workflow, as well as the early warning mechanism and algorithm of the system, and realizes the early fault early warning function of wind turbine operation parameters.
State estimation for censored system with colored noises: system reconstruction approach
Authors: Li Zhifang , Zhao Huihong , Shang Yunlong
Published: January 2022

A state estimation approach based on system reconstruction for a class of discrete-time linear censored systems with colored noises is proposed. Firstly, the censored system is re-modeled by compensating the censored measurement and adding the weight factor. Then, avoiding the traditional state expansion approach, and according to the random property of adjacent correlation colored noises and projective theory, the innovation variance, prediction gain and prediction error variance with recursive structure are obtained, and the state one-step predictor is given. Finally, a numerical example is applied to verify the feasibility of the proposed method.
Optimization of anti-wind disturbance ability of a long-span cable-driven parallel camera robot based on a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zhu Qing , Su Yu , Zhao Siqi
Published: January 2022

The cable-driven parallel camera robot is a long-span cable-supported high-rise structure, which is easy to produce vibration response due to wind disturbance, which affects its normal work. In this paper, the method of structural optimization is used to improve the first-order natural frequency of the system to keep it away from the energy truncation frequency, so as to reduce the wind-induced vibration response of the system. In order to avoid the defect of premature convergence of standard genetic algorithm, an adaptive multi-island genetic algorithm based on population information entropy is proposed for structure optimization. the simulation results show that the algorithm can more effectively improve the first-order natural frequency of the system and improve the wind disturbance resistance of the system.
Optimization Methods For Control Systems of The Headbox And The Cross Direction Control on Papermaking Machines
Authors: Mo Zhe
Published: January 2022

This paper briefly introduces the Headbox and the Cross Direction, and analyzes challenges in their control systems. The main challenges in these two control systems are nonlinearity and parameter coupling. To solve these problems, or at least reduce the influence of these problems on the control systems, a few optimization methods are proposed. In this paper, some practical optimization methods are introduced based on modified PID control, which is the most commonly used control system in process industries, such as the paper-making industry. Those methods optimizing the PID control system can be mainly divided into two classes: decoupling and PID tuning. Besides, some practical methods optimizing the Cross Direction control systems are introduced. Also, the introduced methods can be divided into two classes: CD tuning and cooperating with parameters of the headbox system to optimize. The effectiveness of these methods is demonstrated in simulations. However, since the nonlinearity of the system, there is no accurate and unique solution. In addition, with the development of demand and technology, there will be no such thing as an algorithm suitable for every control system, so that new algorithms will be proposed.
Simulation and experimental study on the influence of initial volume of accumulator on position control of rolling mill based on MATLAB
Authors: Luo Zhenkun , Wang Dandan , Peng Engao , Zhang Yongyang
Published: January 2022

In order to realize high-precision control of rolling mill and improve product processing quality. Taking the accumulator in front of the servo valve in the hydraulic system of the rolling mill as the research object, this paper establishes a simulation model to analyze the influence of the initial volume of the accumulator on the accuracy of the screwdown position control system. Through changing the accumulator with different initial volume in front of the servo valve and analyzing its influence on the hydraulic screwdown position control system, a set of selection method of the initial volume of the accumulator in front of the servo valve of the hydraulic system of the rolling mill is formed. It also provides a reference basis for optimizing the hydraulic servo control system and improving the control accuracy and product processing quality.
Fatigue detection based on facial feature correction and fusion
Authors: Wang Yongshuo , Liu Biao , Wang Hengyang
Published: January 2022

Fatigue driving has always been a major hidden danger that threatens traffic safety. The introduction of fatigue monitoring technology can greatly reduce traffic accidents caused by fatigue driving and produce huge social effects. At present, in the field of vision-based fatigue driving research, the extraction of the driver’s eye or mouth features is often used for judgment. However, the criterion is single and the post-processing is insufficient, and the interference of factors such as noise can easily cause misjudgement and reduce the recognition rate. In order to improve the accuracy of parameter extraction and solve the problem of low recognition rate of a single parameter, this paper proposes a feature extraction algorithm based on Euler angle correction, and adds a multi-feature fusion decision method to enhance the applicability of the algorithm. Experiments prove that the algorithm has higher accuracy after modification and fusion.
Research on the Process Simulation of robot automatic production line
Authors: Guo Chan
Published: January 2022

Industrial robot is a high-tech product of modern society. It plays an important role in the operation of economic development. Especially in the manufacturing industry, industrial robots can replace manual labor to perform a variety of complex tasks, in order to intelligently build industrial automation, and improve the service of automated production lines.
Analysis of Polar Region Navigation Algorithm of Laser Gyro Single-axis Rotation Modulation Inertial Navigation
Authors: Li Jinlong , Gao Jie , Liang Zhonghong , Zhang Yongjian
Published: January 2022

In the polar regions, the local geographic frame will become invalid due to the convergence of meridians and other reasons. In response to this problem, the inertial navigation algorithm was reorganized in the transversal frame, and the error equation was also analyzed. The simulation experiment and actual experiment are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the inertial navigation algorithm in the transversal frame based on the single-axis rotation modulation inertial navigation system. Experimental results show that the transversal INS mechanization based on single-axis rotation modulation can solve the computational problems caused by the convergence of meridians in polar regions, achieving high-precision navigation.
Extraction kinetic model of polysaccharide from Codonopsis pilosula and the application of polysaccharide in wound healing
Authors: Wang Chenliang , Zhang Yuchun , Xue Hongyan , Yang Mingjun , Leng Feifan , Wang Yonggang
Published: January 2022

The crude polysaccharide (CPNP) of Codonopsis pilosula was obtained by hot-water extraction technology. The extraction kinetic model established according to Fick’s first law of diffusion and related parameters of polysaccharide was studied. CPNP microcapsules were prepared by blending with sodium alginate, Ca2+ ions and crude CPNP. The quality control (drug loading rate, embedding rate and release rate, etc) of CPNP microcapsules were analyzed by pharmacopeas standards. The structure feature of CPNP microcapsules also were determined with various methods. The wound healing ability of CPNP microcapsules loading with different concentration of CPNP was evaluated using the rat wound model. The activity of various enzymes and the expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors in the model skin tissue also were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE), Masson, immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the external application effect of CPNP microcapsules on skin wound repair. The extraction kinetics of CPNP was established with the linear correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.83–0.93, implied that the extraction process was fitted well with the Fick’s first law of diffusion. The CPNP has good compatibility with sodium alginate and Ca2+ ions by SEM and TEM observation, and the particle size of CPNP microcapsules was 21.25 ± 2.84 μm with the good degradation rate, loading rate (61.59%) and encapsulation rate (55.99%), maximum swelling rate (397.380 ± 25.321%). Compared with control group, the redness, and swelling, bleeding, infection, and exudate of the damaged skin decreased significantly after CPNP microcapsules treatment, and the CPNP microcapsules groups exhibited good wound healing function with less inflammatory cell infiltration. The pathological structure showed that in the CPNP microcapsules group, more newborn capillaries, complete skin structure, and relatively tight and orderly arrangement of collagen fibers were observed in the skin of rats. CPNP microcapsules could effectively inhibit the high expression of pro-inflammatory factors in damaged skin, and significantly increase the contents of related enzymes (GSH-Px, T-AOC, LPO) and collagen fibers. The relative expression levels of genes (VEGF and miRNA21) in the CPNP microcapsules group were higher than those in the model group and the negative group. The above results suggested that the CPNP microcapsules could controlled-release the CPNP to the wound surface, and then played a better role in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and skin wound repair.
Characterizing local rooftop solar adoption inequity in the US
Authors: Darghouth Naïm R , O’Shaughnessy Eric , Forrester Sydney , Barbose Galen
Published: January 2022

Residential rooftop solar is slated to play a significant role in the changing US electric grid in the coming decades. However, concerns have emerged that the benefits of rooftop solar deployment are inequitably distributed across demographic groups. Previous work has highlighted inequity in national solar adopter deployment and income trends. We leverage a dataset of US solar adopter household income estimates—unique in its size and resolution—to analyze differences in adoption equity at the local level and identify those conditions that yield more equitable solar adoption, with implications for policy strategies to reduce inequities in solar adoption. The solar inequities observed at the national and state levels also exist at more granular levels, but not uniformly so; some US census tracts exhibit less solar inequity than others. Some demographic, solar system, and market characteristics robustly lead to more equitable solar adoption. Our findings suggest that while solar adoption inequity is frequently attributed to the relatively high costs of solar adoption, costs may become less relevant as solar prices decline. Results also indicate that racial diversity and education levels affect solar adoption patterns at a local level. Finally, we find that solar adoption is more equitable in census tracts served by specific types of installers. Future research and policy can explore ways to leverage these findings to accelerate the transition to equitable solar adoption.
Experimental studies on the influence of diesel quality and additive for fuel on the smoke emission of diesel cars
Authors: Burciu S M
Published: January 2022

The paper presents experimental determinations that highlight the substantial reduction of smoke in the exhaust gases for a car with a diesel engine with pollution norm Euro 4 in the case of using OMV MaxxMotion diesel and Super Diesel additive from Liqui Moly. For the load determinations when running on a horizontal road (by simulation on the chassis dynamometer V-Tech Dyno VT-2/B1), in case of using diesel with CN55 and Super Diesel additive from Liqui Moly, was found a smoke reduction of up to almost 50%, the larger reductions being at speeds above 110 km/h, which indicates a substantial reduction in smoke when running in extra-urban mode. At the same time, only the superior quality of diesel with cetane number 55 compared to that with cetane number 51, led to better combustion, so that the smoke emission was reduced by up to 33% at high speeds, this reduction being quite important up to 27% for lower speeds below 90 km/h.
The analysis of a hybrid turbocharger main parameters applied to an internal combustion engine
Authors: Chiriac Rareş-Lucian , Andrei Condrea Ovidiu , Chiru Anghel
Published: January 2022

Internal combustion engines are constantly developing. Currently, a solution in full development is a hybrid car that has an internal combustion engine propulsion combined with an electrical motor. The electrical motor is powered by a battery which in turn is connected to other electricity suppliers for recharging. Therefore, the aim is to recover the thermal energy from the car, through various solutions, in order to transform it into electricity. Electricity is for the car’s battery as well as for its consumers. After an analysis of the energy balance of the internal combustion engine, it can be seen that the engine energy still has great potential to be transformed into electrical energy through various solutions. Electrical energy can be produced even from braking or other mechanical devices that transform mechanical energy into electrical energy. For example, a co generator of energy hybrid electric turbocharger aims to recover exhaust gas energy and to capitalize it. The turbocharger is connected through a shaft with a generator. Between the compressor wheel and the generator is a speed reducer with a gear ratio of 1:10. This article aims to present the analysis based on the results of the experimental and simulation research of the hybrid turbocharger. The tests were performed using a diesel internal combustion engine with 4 cylinders at a capacity of 1.9 liters. The simulations will be performed using AMESim software developed by Siemens. The main parameters, which are highlighted, are: pressure ratio of the turbocharger, the rotation speed of the turbocharger and the power from the experimental results in relation to time and engine power at 100% load.
Modeling and simulation of an electric propulsion system equipped with Fuel Cell
Authors: Ancuţa A A , Danciu G
Published: January 2022

The paper proposes the modelling of an electric propulsion system that uses as the main energy source, a Fuel Cell. The model is based on the structure of Toyota MIRAI, the first electric vehicle equipped with Fuel Cell developed in series in 2015. The model is developed under MATLAB Simulink software and adapts existing fuel cell and vehicle blocks to the real vehicle case. The simulation results contain the time evolution of some important parameters for both fuel cell and vehicle. Conclusions analyse these results and suggest future possible pathways of study.
Study of the influence on gas emissions by using hydrogen in a diesel engine
Authors: Constantin Suciu Cosmin , Vlad Igreţ Sorin , Ionel Ioana
Published: January 2022

This research studies the possibility of the reduction of the emission values emitted by a diesel engine, by adding hydrogen to the fuel mixture. Due to the higher pollution restrictions implemented globally on the internal combustion engines, for new but also older vehicles, suitable solutions must be found, even for diesel engines, towards major incriminations concerning pollution are attested. The water electrolytic conversion for hydrogen production is achieved by using a special device, in symbioses with the internal combustion engine. The hydrogen quantity, as resulted from the process and fuelled into the engine, represents 10% of the total volume of the intake capacity. Being directly correlated to the stoichiometric ratio, the intake of hydrogen is finally controlled; therefore the total calorific power of the fuel mixture is increasing. The calorific value of Diesel is 44.8 MJ/kg, while that of hydrogen is 141.8 MJ/kg. Since the addition of hydrogen represents 10% of the total intake capacity, the addition of total calorific value of the mixture fuelled raises by approximate 30%. All the measurements have been done in a lab using a certified and approved gas analyser.
Research of gear drives
Authors: Dobreva A , Dobrev V , Mollova G
Published: January 2022

Worm gear drives possess important advantages such as: compact design, high power density due to a high gear ratio within a single gear stage. However, these gear drives often show high sliding speeds within the tooth contact, resulting in relative low efficiency coefficient in the meshing. Therefore, an exact calculation regarding efficiency in the meshing and load capacity is important during the beginning stage of the machine design process. Currently, no calculation method is available to analyze worm gears considering efficiency in meshing and contact strength. The objective of the research implemented was to analyze extensively the meshing efficiency and the contact stress behavior of various geometry designs of worm gears drives. Optimization research has been implemented considering the criteria mentioned. All calculations and theoretical analysis have been implemented for different center distances, different modules, gear ratios and rotational speeds of the worm shaft. Simulation results are shown and discussed. Important conclusions and recommendations are suggested.
Toward blockchain adoption for the automotive industry
Authors: Gîrbacia F , Voinea D , Boboc R , Duguleană M , Postelnicu C C
Published: January 2022

Blockchain proves to be a powerful technology that can drive forward the automotive industry. This paper describes how blockchain has been applied, which automotive areas are most interested in the technology, as well as the benefits and challenges of blockchain for the automotive industry by a systematic literature review. Blockchain offers many advantages, such as: transparency, security, high speed of operations. There are numerous areas where this technology could be applied in the automotive domain: better protection against counterfeit spare parts and materials, effective preventive maintenance, by informing the services based on the data received from the car sensors, monitoring of the cars by the rental companies, the safe storage of the data used by intelligent navigation systems, in order not to affect the safety of the passengers, autonomous transactions, triggered by the vehicle for making payments in charging stations, all with the purpose of facilitating a good and safer medium for drivers. The future vehicle will be connected both with other vehicles, but also with the existing infrastructure, so a database containing cryptographically secure information is needed, and blockchain is such a solution that can be applied in the dynamic nature of traffic.
Proposal of an analytical method based on linear regression for modeling reliability by Weibull law
Authors: Boroiu A , Nicolae V , Alssadi O , Udma T
Published: January 2022

The paper aims to identify a sufficiently precise and easy method that will ultimately lead to a working tool easily accessible and used for modeling reliability through the most widely used mathematical law in the field of reliability - the Weibull law. An analytical method for linearizing the Weibull function is proposed in order to allow, by using the linear regression function of the Microsoft Office software, to obtain the parameters of the reliability model. The calculation program created in Microsoft Excel allows the identification of the 3 parameters of the Weibull model and based on the Weibull model thus determined, the validation or invalidation of the reliability objectives. The application presented reveals that the proposed working tool is easy to use and the Weibull model obtained has a very good probability.
Researching the influence of various factors on the superficial layer materials used in car body construction and protection
Authors: Frunze Oleg
Published: January 2022

To carry out the restoration of the car body, in addition to modern equipment for body repair and painting, it is necessary the use of high-quality consumables for body repair and painting, which are selected for each brand of car, strict following the technology of repair car body, painting work and qualified specialists in body repair and painting, as well as knowledge of the factors affecting the degradation and condition of the body and its elements to improve the quality of final results. In average value, the thickness of the protective layer varies from manufacturer to manufacturer in the range of values 80-170 \im. The use of different materials for the manufacture of vehicle components and materials for protection against external factors of the body is a major interest for the vehicle industry and is the subject of this article.
Experimental investigation on the alternator charging capacity for automotive applications
Authors: Tutunea Dragos , Ilie Dumitru , Racila Laurentiu , Rotea Cristina
Published: January 2022

This research paper investigates the use of an automotive alternator on an experimental stand to evaluate the capacity to load the battery and produce electricity for car systems. The efficiency was calculated by measuring the electric power supplied to the battery for different regimes of speed. Various aspects regarding the efficiency of energy conversion by using an alternator were also discussed. The stand uses an electric motor with various transmission ratios to rotate the alternator. The speed was recorded with a digital tachometer and the energy consumption of the electric motor with a digital wattmeter. The results obtained showed that the increase in alternator speed generated more electricity and improved the load of the battery.
Analysis of the cylinder head for a spark ignition engine using zonal cooling principle
Authors: Ulian T M , Rakosi E , Dontu A I
Published: January 2022

In the paper, it is performed a detailed thermo-structural analysis of the cylinder head for a spark ignition engine using the zonal cooling principle. The zonal cooling principle assumes two cooling circuits, one for the cylinder head and one for the cylinder block and a continuous adjustment of cooling temperature in accordance with the working principle. By using this principle, it is considered the possibility of using higher values of the volumetric compression ratio, leading to the increase of the engine performance. Thus, the reduction of the temperature of the fresh air fuel mixture in the intake channel and the lower temperature of the fresh air fuel mixture, when getting in contact with combustion chamber walls, leads to a delay of self-ignition and finally the detonation can be suppressed. Due to the possibility of using a higher compression ratio, the thermo-structural analysis was performed using ANSYS Workbench.
The influence of the Advanced Emergency Braking System in critical scenarios for autonomous vehicles
Authors: Carabulea Laurentiu , Pozna Claudiu , Antonya Csaba , Husar Călin , Băicoianu Alexandra
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes use indications for an Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS) module developed in Matlab and included in a Simcenter Prescan simulation. The analysed indications depend on a Long-Range Radar (LRR) and Short-Range Radar (SRR) beam range, on the speed of the autonomous vehicle and on the time between the detection of the obstacle in front of the autonomous vehicle and the time the obstacle starts to move. The simulated scenario consists of an autonomous vehicle that travels at a certain speed, where another vehicle starts to move from a bus station after a sudden stop, challenging the autonomous vehicle to stop in a safe manner and in a short time.
Crash testing and evaluation of W-beam guardrail using finite elements method
Authors: Gheres M I , Scurtu I L
Published: January 2022

On public roads, the guardrails represent the most used passive protection devices in the case of road accidents. Their role is to absorb the car impact energy. This paper presents and analyses tests of a W-beam guardrail type placed on the roadside using the finite element method. The introduction of the paper presents the state of the art, the requirements and the standards used for guardrails testing and crash test methods. In the second part of the paper is achieved the CAD model of the parapet and the impactor used to create the crash test. In the third part of this study, the boundary conditions of the guardrail structure and impactor are created for two cases of speed (80 and 110 km/h) at 20 degrees angles of impact, according to the SR EN 1317 standard. The fourth part proposes a new guardrail model changed by adding a new shock-absorber element and the distance between the poles is increased after visualization and interpretation of the obtained results of the guardrail structure. The new guardrail structure is tested at the same boundary condition as the base structure. The conclusions are highlighted in the last part of the study.
Experimental test to determine the strength of the seat belt anchorages
Authors: Manea A M , Iozsa D , Stan C , Ioniță A
Published: January 2022

Experimental tests on the type-approval of motor vehicles with regard to safety belt anchorages, ISOFIX anchorages and ISOFIX top anchorages have been carried out in accordance with Regulation No. 14 UNECE [1]. From the design stage, the safety belt anchorages must comply with the requirements for the installation of a safety belt and reduce slipping and damage to the belt while wearing it. These can be components of the seat structure or of the body’s resistance structure, which have the role of fastening the seat belts. The position of the anchor points is determined by the R point. The R point is defined as the seat reference point on the seat. This point is set by the vehicle manufacturer for each seat in the vehicle. In this paper, two models of chairs were tested. Both seat models are equipped with seat belts anchored at three anchor points. Seat belt anchorages were tested simultaneously using parallel force devices. These traction devices are placed on the seat cushion and are pressed into the seat back. The pulling device has a vertical pulling arm, which has the role of anchoring the steel wire cables. Two test forces are applied simultaneously to the anchor points during the test.
Recurrent Liver Allograft Injury in Patients With Donor-Derived Malignancy Treated With Immunosuppression Cessation and Retransplantation
Authors: Lee Brian T , Ganjoo Naveen , Fiel M Isabel , Hechtman Jackie F , Sarkar Suparna A , Kim-Schluger Leona , Florman Sander S , Schiano Thomas D
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Donor-derived malignancy of the liver allograft is a rare but serious condition in the setting of necessary immunosuppression. Retransplantation after abrupt immunosuppression cessation has been performed with durable cancer-free survival.

Methods

We present 2 cases of patients with donor-derived malignancy who were treated with complete immunosuppression cessation, which induced rapidly progressive liver allograft rejection and failure, with a need for subsequent retransplantation. We reviewed all serial liver biopsies and explants from both patients and performed C4d immunostaining.

Results

Initial explants of both patients showed severe allograft rejection, with unusual features of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome and C4d positivity. Malignant tumors in the explants were necrotic, related to rejection of donor-derived cancer cells and tissue. Follow-up of both patients has shown long-term cancer-free survival but issues with recurrent allograft failure requiring a third transplant. The reasons for retransplantation in both cases were related to allograft failure from antibody-mediated rejection.

Conclusions

Clinicians should be aware of a potentially increased risk of rejection and recurrent allograft failure when strategizing treatment of donor-derived malignancy with immunosuppression cessation and retransplantation.
Activation of ascorbate metabolism by nitrogen starvation and its physiological impacts in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Iwagami Takumi , Ogawa Takahisa , Ishikawa Takahiro , Maruta Takanori
Published: January 2022

Redox homeostasis is crucial for plant acclimation to nutrient-deficient conditions, but its molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, the effects of nutrient deficiencies on antioxidant systems in Arabidopsis thaliana were investigated. We found that ascorbate content in the plants grown with nitrogen starvation was higher than those with complete nutrition. The higher ascorbate levels were associated with enhanced gene expression of ascorbate biosynthesis enzymes and cytosolic isozymes of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle, suggesting that nitrogen starvation facilitated both consumption and biosynthesis of ascorbate. Nevertheless, we did not identify any phenotypic differences between wild type and ascorbate-deficient mutants (vtc2) under nitrogen starvation. Under high-light stress, the vtc2 mutants suffered severer photoinhibition than wild type. Interestingly, when high-light stress and nitrogen starvation were combined, wild type and vtc2 plants exhibited photoinhibition to the same extent. Based on these findings, we discuss the regulation and role of ascorbate metabolism under nitrogen starvation.
Should I stay or should I go? Behavioral adjustments of fur seals related to foraging success
Authors: Chevallay Mathilde , Guinet Christophe , Jeanniard-Du-Dot Tiphaine
Published: January 2022

Understanding foraging strategies and decision-making processes of predators provide crucial insights into how they might respond to changes in prey availability and in their environment to maximize their net energy input. In this work, foraging strategies of Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella, AFS) and Northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus, NFS) were studied to determine how they adjust their foraging behavior according to their past prey capture experiences. AFS on Kerguelen Islands are exclusively oceanic divers, while NFS population of St Paul Island shows both oceanic and neritic divers. We thus hypothesized that the two species would respond differently to a change in prey capture success depending on their foraging strategy. To test this, 40 females were equipped with tags that measured tri-axial acceleration, dive depth, and GPS coordinates, from which we derived prey capture attempts and behavioral metrics. Influence of prey capture success on horizontal and vertical movements of seals was investigated at different time scales: multi-dive, night, and trip. Both AFS and NFS traveled further during the day if they encountered low prey capture periods during the previous night. However, at the multi-dive scale, neritic NFS differed from oceanic NFS and AFS in terms of decision-making processes, e.g., both AFS and oceanic NFS dived deeper in response to low prey capture rate periods, while neritic NFS did not. Similarities in decision-making processes between NFS and AFS foraging on pelagic prey suggest that pelagic vs. neritic prey type is a key factor in defining foraging decisions of diving marine predators.
SSpro/ACCpro 6: almost perfect prediction of protein secondary structure and relative solvent accessibility using profiles, deep learning and structural similarity
Authors: Urban Gregor , Magnan Christophe N , Baldi Pierre
Published: January 2022

Motivation

Accurately predicting protein secondary structure and relative solvent accessibility is important for the study of protein evolution, structure and an early-stage component of typical protein 3D structure prediction pipelines.

Results

We present a new improved version of the SSpro/ACCpro suite of predictors for the prediction of protein secondary structure (in three and eight classes) and relative solvent accessibility. The changes include improved, TensorFlow-trained, deep learning predictors, a richer set of profile features (232 features per residue position) and sequence-only features (71 features per position), a more recent Protein Data Bank (PDB) snapshot for training, better hyperparameter tuning and improvements made to the HOMOLpro module, which leverages structural information from protein segment homologs in the PDB. The new SSpro 6 outperforms the previous version (SSpro 5) by 3–4% in Q3 accuracy and, when used with HOMOLPRO, reaches accuracy in the 95–100% range.

Availability and implementation

The predictors’ software, data and web servers are available through the SCRATCH suite of protein structure predictors at http://scratch.proteomics.ics.uci.edu. To maximize comptatibility and ease of use, the deep learning predictors are re-implemented as pure Python/numpy code without TensorFlow dependency.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Noise-Transfer2Clean: denoising cryo-EM images based on noise modeling and transfer
Authors: Li Hongjia , Zhang Hui , Wan Xiaohua , Yang Zhidong , Li Chengmin , Li Jintao , Han Renmin , Zhu Ping , Zhang Fa
Published: January 2022

Motivation

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a widely used technology for ultrastructure determination, which constructs the 3D structures of protein and macromolecular complex from a set of 2D micrographs. However, limited by the electron beam dose, the micrographs in cryo-EM generally suffer from the extremely low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which hampers the efficiency and effectiveness of downstream analysis. Especially, the noise in cryo-EM is not simple additive or multiplicative noise whose statistical characteristics are quite different from the ones in natural image, extremely shackling the performance of conventional denoising methods.

Results

Here, we introduce the Noise-Transfer2Clean (NT2C), a denoising deep neural network (DNN) for cryo-EM to enhance image contrast and restore specimen signal, whose main idea is to improve the denoising performance by correctly learning the noise distribution of cryo-EM images and transferring the statistical nature of noise into the denoiser. Especially, to cope with the complex noise model in cryo-EM, we design a contrast-guided noise and signal re-weighted algorithm to achieve clean-noisy data synthesis and data augmentation, making our method authentically achieve signal restoration based on noise’s true properties. Our work verifies the feasibility of denoising based on mining the complex cryo-EM noise patterns directly from the noise patches. Comprehensive experimental results on simulated datasets and real datasets show that NT2C achieved a notable improvement in image denoising, especially in background noise removal, compared with the commonly used methods. Moreover, a case study on the real dataset demonstrates that NT2C can greatly alleviate the obstacles caused by the SNR to particle picking and simplify the identifying of particles.

Availabilityand implementation

The code is available at https://github.com/Lihongjia-ict/NoiseTransfer2Clean/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Stress dynamically reduces sleep depth: temporal proximity to the stressor is crucial
Authors: Beck Jonas , Loretz Erna , Rasch Björn
Published: January 2022

The anticipation of a future stressor can increase worry and cognitive arousal and has a detrimental effect on sleep. Similarly, experiencing a stressful event directly before sleep increases physiological and cognitive arousal and impairs subsequent sleep. However, the effects of post- vs. pre-sleep stress on sleep and their temporal dynamics have never been directly compared. Here, we examined the effect of an anticipated psychosocial stressor on sleep and arousal in a 90-min daytime nap, in 33 healthy female participants compared to an anticipated within-subject relaxation task. We compared the results to an additional group (n = 34) performing the same tasks directly before sleep. Anticipating stress after sleep reduced slow-wave activity/beta power ratio, slow-wave sleep, sleep spindles, and slow-wave parameters, in particular during late sleep, without a concomitant increase in physiological arousal. In contrast, pre-sleep psychosocial stress deteriorated the same parameters during early sleep with a concomitant increase in physiological arousal. Our results show that presleep cognitions directly affect sleep in temporal proximity to the stressor. While physiological arousal mediates the effects of presleep stress on early sleep, we suggest that effects during late sleep originate from a repeated reactivation of mental concepts associated with the stressful event during sleep.
Validation of ISARIC 4C Mortality and Deterioration Scores in a Mixed Vaccination Status Cohort of Hospitalized Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Patients in Singapore
Authors: Ong Sean Wei Xiang , Sutjipto Stephanie , Lee Pei Hua , Dugan Christopher , Khoo Bo Yan , Ren Dongdong , Young Barnaby Edward , Lye David Chien
Published: January 2022

In this cross-sectional study, we studied performance of the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infections Consortium mortality and deterioration scores in a cohort of 410 hospitalized patients (51.2% fully vaccinated). area under the receiver

operating characteristic curves were 0.778 and 0.764, respectively, comparable to originally published validation cohorts. Subgroup analysis showed equally good performance in vaccinated and partially or unvaccinated patients.
The role of commodity speculation and household debt accumulation during financialization: a Classical-Keynesian analysis
Authors: Di Bucchianico Stefano
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we present a Classical-Keynesian viewpoint on financialisation grounded on the ‘integrated wage-commodity sector’ model. We focus on two aspects. First, with reference to the case of commodities, we argue that financial speculation in these markets did not affect normal prices but only caused market price short-run deviations. In addition, such speculation is unnecessary and even detrimental to the direct and indirect production of the wage-basket. Thus, financial regulation can restrain it without impairing the capability of the economic system to reproduce itself. Second, we show that the accumulation of household debt can enhance absolute and relative surplus value extraction from workers. This, in turn, positively impacts profitability. But, while absolute surplus value extraction boosts the amount of profit, only relative surplus value extraction increases the normal rate of profit.
Association between bone mineral density at different anatomical sites and both mortality and fracture risk in patients receiving renal replacement therapy: a longitudinal study
Authors: Jaques David A , Henderson Scott , Davenport Andrew
Published: January 2022

Background

The clinical utility of bone mineral density (BMD) measurement by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is debated in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). We assessed the ability of BMD measured at different anatomical sites to predict mortality and fracture risk in patients requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT).

Methods

We reviewed all-cause mortality as well as incident hip and overall fracture risk in RRT patients who had BMD measured at the femoral neck, lumbar spine, arm, head, pelvis and total body as part of their routine follow-up between January 2004 and June 2012 at a single university centre.

Results

A total of 588 patients were included. The median follow-up was 6.5 years, the mean age was 59.6 years and 57.9% were males. Femoral neck BMD (FNBMD) (normal/high versus low) was negatively associated with mortality in univariate and multivariate analyses (P < .001 and P = .048, respectively). Other sites of BMD measurements were not associated with mortality. In multivariate analysis, FNBMD was negatively associated with hip and any fracture risk (P = .004 and P = .013, respectively). No significant interaction was found between FNBMD and gender or parathyroid hormone (PTH) (P = .112 and P = .794, respectively).

Conclusions

BMD measured at the femoral neck is predictive of mortality in patients requiring RRT, regardless of modality. Low BMD might be a marker of global patient frailty rather than a direct causal factor in this setting. FNBMD is also a strong predictor of hip and any fracture risk in this population, regardless of bone turnover as assessed by PTH levels. FNBMD is thus an overall prognostic marker in patients requiring RRT.
A Novel Hybrid Segmentation Approach for Decision Support: A Case Study in Banking
Authors: Mosa Mona , Agami Nedaa , Elkhayat Ghada , Kholief Mohamed
Published: January 2022

Improving decision-making has become of paramount importance for gaining a competitive edge across organizations. Segmentation/clustering is a key enabler for enhancing decision-making. The RFM (Recency, Frequency and Monetary) is a scoring model, which consists of three parameters that is widely used for the same purpose, especially for customer-centric organizations. However, the current RFM still has some drawbacks that diminish the effectiveness of decision-making and thus, research is still needed in this area. In an attempt to fill this gap, a novel data-driven weighted model is proposed. It introduces a new parameter; ‘Adoption’, to be added to the existing RFM parameters. The research contribution is extended to hybrid the proposed model with a clustering technique to segment data into distinct and meaningful groups or clusters. The hybrid model was applied on real bank data as a case study to enhance the usage of its digital channels. The results showed that bank customers were grouped into four distinct clusters. The bank stakeholders were able to identify the characteristics of customers and develop their relevant strategies accordingly. The developed model was evaluated by measuring its stability and robustness from both scientific and business perspectives.
Rapid neutrophil mobilization by VCAM-1+ endothelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Akbar Naveed , Braithwaite Adam T , Corr Emma M , Koelwyn Graeme J , van Solingen Coen , Cochain Clément , Saliba Antoine-Emmanuel , Corbin Alastair , Pezzolla Daniela , Møller Jørgensen Malene , Bæk Rikke , Edgar Laurienne , De Villiers Carla , Gunadasa-Rohling Mala , Banerjee Abhirup , Paget Daan , Lee Charlotte , Hogg Eleanor , Costin Adam , Dhaliwal Raman , Johnson Errin , Krausgruber Thomas , Riepsaame Joey , Melling Genevieve E , Shanmuganathan Mayooran ,   Oxford Acute Myocardial Infarction Study (OxAMI), Banning Adrian , Kharbanda Raj , Ruparelia Neil , Alkhalil Mohammad , De Maria GianLiugi , Gaughran Lisa , Dall’Armellina Erica , Ferreira Vanessa , Borlotti Alessandra , Ng Yujun , Bock Christoph , Carter David R F , Channon Keith M , Riley Paul R , Udalova Irina A , Moore Kathryn J , Anthony Daniel C , Choudhury Robin P
Published: January 2022

Aims

Acute myocardial infarction rapidly increases blood neutrophils (<2 h). Release from bone marrow, in response to chemokine elevation, has been considered their source, but chemokine levels peak up to 24 h after injury, and after neutrophil elevation. This suggests that additional non-chemokine-dependent processes may be involved. Endothelial cell (EC) activation promotes the rapid (<30 min) release of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which have emerged as an important means of cell–cell signalling and are thus a potential mechanism for communicating with remote tissues.

Methods and results

Here, we show that injury to the myocardium rapidly mobilizes neutrophils from the spleen to peripheral blood and induces their transcriptional activation prior to arrival at the injured tissue. Time course analysis of plasma-EV composition revealed a rapid and selective increase in EVs bearing VCAM-1. These EVs, which were also enriched for miRNA-126, accumulated preferentially in the spleen where they induced local inflammatory gene and chemokine protein expression, and mobilized splenic-neutrophils to peripheral blood. Using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we generated VCAM-1-deficient EC-EVs and showed that its deletion removed the ability of EC-EVs to provoke the mobilization of neutrophils. Furthermore, inhibition of miRNA-126 in vivo reduced myocardial infarction size in a mouse model.

Conclusions

Our findings show a novel EV-dependent mechanism for the rapid mobilization of neutrophils to peripheral blood from a splenic reserve and establish a proof of concept for functional manipulation of EV-communications through genetic alteration of parent cells.
Assessment of the reliability of measurements taken on digital orthodontic models obtained from scans of plaster models in laboratory scanners. A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Warnecki Maciej , Nahajowski Marek , Papadopoulos Moschos A , Kawala Beata , Lis Joanna , Sarul Michał
Published: January 2022

Background

In recent years, digital models have become increasingly popular among orthodontists, both for clinical and scientific purposes. It is, therefore, crucial to appropriately investigate their reliability. To this date, however, there has been no scientific, statistical investigation of their reliability as compared to the traditional gold standard—plaster models in the form of a meta-analysis.

Objectives

To evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of measurements taken on digital orthodontic models obtained from scanning plaster models in laboratory scanners compared to measurements taken directly on plaster models.

Search methods

Multiple electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched for articles with no year or language limitations.

Selection criteria

The included original papers should have dealt with the accuracy and repeatability of the measurements conducted on plaster and digital models derived from laboratory scanners. In order to provide an adequate statistical analysis, the studies should have provided sufficient data, that is the difference of means (MDs) with standard deviations (SDs) for analysed measurements.

Data collection and analysis

In total, 25 types of non-standardised measurements were found in the evaluated studies. The quantitative analysis included papers that compared at least one of the parameters: upper/lower intermolar width, upper/lower intercanine width, overjet and overbite and provided standard deviation of the mean differences between measurements obtained on plaster and digital models from a laboratory scanner.

Results

GRADE and QUADAS tools were used to assess the quality of evidence, and they revealed substantial heterogeneity. Random-effects meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant differences for analysed measurements. Four of the analysed papers reported differences that may be considered clinically significant.

Conclusions

No statistical significance between the direct measurements on plaster models and the digital ones taken from laboratory scanners could be identified by means of random-effects meta-analysis.

Registration

The systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO database (ID CRD42020215411).