bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Purification, Conformational Analysis and Cytotoxic Activities of Host-Defense Peptides from the Giant Gladiator Treefrog Boana boans (Hylidae: Hylinae)
Authors: Conlon J. Michael , Guilhaudis Laure , Attoub Samir , Coquet Laurent , Leprince Jérôme , Jouenne Thierry , Mechkarska Milena
Published: June 2023

Frogs from the extensive amphibian family Hylidae are a rich source of peptides with therapeutic potential. Peptidomic analysis of norepinephrine-stimulated skin secretions from the Giant Gladiator Treefrog Boana boans (Hylidae: Hylinae) collected in Trinidad led to the isolation and structural characterization of five host-defense peptides with limited structural similarity to figainin 2 and picturin peptides from other frog species belonging to the genus Boana. In addition, the skin secretions contained high concentrations of tryptophyllin-BN (WRPFPFL) in both C-terminally α-amidated and non-amidated forms. Figainin 2BN (FLGVALKLGKVLG KALLPLASSLLHSQ) and picturin 1BN (GIFKDTLKKVVAAVLTTVADNIHPK) adopt α-helical conformations in trifluroethanol–water mixtures and in the presence of cell membrane models (sodium dodecylsulfate and dodecylphosphocholine micelles). The CD data also indicate contributions from turn structures. Both peptides and picturin 2BN (GLMDMLKKVGKVALT VAKSALLP) inhibited the growth of clinically relevant Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria with MIC values in the range 7.8–62.5 µM. Figainin 2BN was potently cytotoxic to A549, MDA-MB-231 and HT-29 human tumor-derived cells (LC50 = 7–14 µM) but displayed comparable potency against non-neoplastic HUVEC cells (LC50 = 15 µM) indicative of lack of selectivity for cancer cells.
Therapeutic Potential of Seaweed-Derived Laminaran: Attenuation of Clinical Drug Cytotoxicity and Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging
Authors: Kurokawa Hiromi , Marella Thomas Kiran , Matsui Hirofumi , Kuroki Yutaka , Watanabe Makoto M.
Published: June 2023

β-glucan has been shown to be effective for several diseases such as immune regulation and blood pressure suppression. Seaweed contains a β-1,3/1,6-glucan called laminaran. The present commercial source of β-glucan is black yeast; however, a fermentation process using organic carbon substrates makes production unsustainable, whereas macroalgae provide a sustainable alternative with the use of CO2 and seawater as growth substrates. However, bioactivity studies on laminaran are limited. We aimed to evaluate whether laminaran can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and attenuate cytotoxicity caused by clinical drugs such as indomethacin (Ind) and dabigatran (Dab). Electron spin resonance assay revealed that laminaran scavenged singlet oxygen (1O2) and superoxide anions (O2•−) directly but did not scavenge hydroxyl radicals (•OH). Mitochondrial ROS detection dye showed that laminaran scavenged mitochondrial O2•− produced upon administration of Ind or Dab. Moreover, significant reductions in •OH and peroxynitrate (ONOO−) levels were observed. Since •OH and ONOO− are generated from O2•− in the cells, laminaran could indirectly suppress the generation of •OH and ONOO− via the removal of O2•−. Both Ind and Dab induce cell injury via ROS production. Laminaran attenuated the cytotoxicity derived from these drugs and may represent a functional food with anti-aging and disease prevention properties.
Schizochytrium sp. Extracted Lipids Prevent Alopecia by Enhancing Antioxidation and Inhibiting Ferroptosis of Dermal Papilla Cells
Authors: Zeng Zuye , Wang Boyu , Ibrar Muhammad , Ying Ming , Li Shuangfei , Yang Xuewei
Published: June 2023

Alopecia has gradually become a problem that puzzles an increasing number of people. Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) play an important role in hair follicle (HF) growth; thus, exploring the effective chemicals or natural extracts that can remediate the growth of DPCs is vital. Our results showed that Schizochytrium sp.-extracted lipids (SEL) significantly promoted proliferation (up to 1.13 times) and survival ratio (up to 2.45 times) under oxidative stress. The treatment with SEL can protect DPCs against oxidative stress damage, reducing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level by 90.7%. The relative gene transcription and translation were thoroughly analyzed using RNA-Seq, RT-qPCR, and Western blot to explore the mechanism. Results showed that SEL significantly inhibited the ferroptosis pathway and promoted the expression of antioxidant genes (up to 1.55–3.52 times). The in vivo application of SEL improved hair growth, with the length of new hair increasing by 16.7% and the length of new HF increasing by 92.6%, and the period of telogen shortening increased by 40.0%. This study proposes a novel therapeutic option for alopecia, with the effect and regulation mechanism of SEL on DPC systematically clarified.
Plasma Carotenoids and Polyphenols and Their Association with MetS: The Need for Nutritional Interventions
Authors: Białkowska Agnieszka , Górnicka Magdalena , Zielinska-Pukos Monika A. , Hallmann Ewelina , Hamulka Jadwiga
Published: June 2023

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by increased pro-oxidative stress and a chronic inflammation state and their consequent alterations. Several studies have highlighted the protective effect of carotenoids and polyphenols in MetS patients. This study aimed to evaluate the plasma level of selected carotenoids and polyphenols and to determine their relationship with MetS severity, MetS components, and inflammatory markers in Polish adults with metabolic disorders. It was designed as a cross-sectional study. The final study group comprised 275 adults, including 158 women and 117 men. Data were collected on the frequency of consumption of selected food groups. Anthropometric measurements and blood samples were taken to determine the concentration of carotenoids, polyphenols, and indicators (parameters) of metabolic disorders. Plasma concentrations of selected carotenoids and polyphenols were low in adults with MetS. The highest concentrations of carotenoids and polyphenols in the blood were observed for lutein and phenolic acids (including gallic and p-coumaric acids). Nevertheless, a correlation was found between the individual bioactive compounds and MetS components. In terms of the lipid profile, our study showed that the plasma of the selected carotenoids and polyphenols positively correlated with HDL cholesterol (zeaxanthin; total carotenoids), LDL cholesterol (chlorogenic acid), triglycerides (lycopene), and the total cholesterol (kaempferol). We found that the level of CRP as a marker of inflammation negatively correlated with the concentration of zeaxanthin. In our study group, no relationship was found between the dietary antioxidant intensity and the variables studied, which may be attributed to the low frequency of consumption of the sources of bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids and polyphenols, but also to the metabolic disorders. Further research is needed to determine whether these associations are causally related to the metabolic syndrome or are a result of the pathologies of the syndrome or improper diet with a low intake of vegetables and fruit.
Protection by Means of Perinatal Oral Sodium Thiosulfate Administration against Offspring Hypertension in a Rat Model of Maternal Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Tain You-Lin , Hou Chih-Yao , Chang-Chien Guo-Ping , Lin Sufan , Hsu Chien-Ning
Published: June 2023

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and related reactive sulfur species are implicated in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension. Offspring born to CKD-afflicted mothers could develop hypertension coinciding with disrupted H2S and nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathways as well as gut microbiota. Thiosulfate, a precursor of H2S and an antioxidant, has shown anti-hypertensive effects. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of sodium thiosulfate (STS) in a rat model of maternal CKD-induced hypertension. Before mating, CKD was induced through feeding 0.5% adenine chow for 3 weeks. Mother rats were given a vehicle or STS at a dosage of 2 g/kg/day in drinking water throughout gestation and lactation. Perinatal STS treatment protected 12-week-old offspring from maternal CKD-primed hypertension. The beneficial effects of STS could partially be explained by the enhancement of both H2S and NO signaling pathways and alterations in gut microbiota. Not only increasing beneficial microbes but maternal STS treatment also mediates several hypertension-associated intestinal bacteria. In conclusion, perinatal treatment with STS improves maternal CKD-primed offspring hypertension, suggesting that early-life RSS-targeting interventions have potential preventive and therapeutic benefits, awaiting future translational research.
Quantitative Electroencephalographic Analysis in Women with Migraine during the Luteal Phase
Authors: Pelayo-González Héctor , Reyes-Meza Verónica , Méndez-Balbuena Ignacio , Méndez-Díaz Oscar , Trenado Carlos , Ruge Diane , García-Aguilar Gregorio , López-Cortés Vicente
Published: June 2023

Migraine is a common, headache disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of headache often associated with nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia. Prior to puberty, boys and girls are equally affected. Female preponderance emerges after puberty. Migraine pathophysiology is not fully understood, and although the hormonal effect of estrogen is significant, it is not clear how hormonal phases affect brain excitability and EEG patterns in women with migraine. The objective of this research was to study the effect of migraine on the resting-state EEG activity of women during the luteal phase. This work compares electroencephalographic (EEG) absolute power in different frequency bands and scalp areas between young women who suffer from migraine and had a migraine attack within 24 h prior to EEG recording (experimental) and ten age-matched young healthy women (controls), all with normal menstrual cycles. For women with migraine, we found a significant decrease/increase in alpha power in the occipitoparietal/frontocentral area, significant decrease in beta power for all areas, significant decrease in delta power in the temporal area, and significant decrease in theta power in the frontocentral and occipitoparietal area. We concluded that women with migraine have a distinct electroencephalographic pattern during the luteal phase in comparison with control women. A possible explanation might be an intermittent rhythmic activity linked to pain.
Old-Fashioned, but Still a Superfood—Red Beets as a Rich Source of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Sentkowska Aleksandra , Pyrzyńska Krystyna
Published: June 2023

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a vegetable that is consumed worldwide in the form of juices, soups, or salads. It is also known for its high content of biologically active substances such as betalains, polyphenolic compounds, vitamins, carotenoids, and other nutrients including, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. The distribution of these compounds in the plant is diverse, some occur in greater amounts in the leaves (e.g., vitamin A, B6) and others are in the tubers (e.g., folate, lycopene). The concentration of bioactive compounds in beetroot also depends on its variety and growing conditions. Recent studies have reported on the beneficial effect of beetroot juice and beetroot products on the body’s efficiency during prolonged physical exercise. The purpose of this review is to discuss the content of biologically active compounds in beetroot and the impact of beetroot product consumption on the human body, based on the latest literature.
Considerations for the Design of a Wheelchair Dynamometer Concerning a Dedicated Braking System
Authors: Kończak Michał , Kukla Mateusz , Warguła Łukasz , Rybarczyk Dominik , Wieczorek Bartosz
Published: June 2023

As part of ongoing research, a wheelchair dynamometer has been designed and built. This device is a complex test stand, enabling research on the operation of wheelchairs, taking into account a number of biomechanical factors in laboratory conditions. Based on a review of the available literature, the braking system was designed and constructed as a part of a dynamometer drive system. This has resulted in a design issue concerning the optimal selection of the electromechanical drive combined with a hydraulic system as the actuator of the brake. The purpose of the research discussed here is to determine the characteristics of the braking system. For this purpose, a series of tests were carried out using a wheelchair with an electric drive, which allowed the generation of a constant rotational speed in the range between 72 rpm and 222 rpm. Based on the test results, the hysteresis of the developed braking system and the characteristics of the braking power were determined.
Convective–Microwave–IR Hybrid Drying of Kaolin Clay—Kinetics of Process
Authors: Mierzwa Dominik , Musielak Grzegorz
Published: June 2023

Kaolin clay is one of the essential components of utility and technical ceramic products. Drying is one of the stages of its production and is crucial for the quality of the obtained products. Due to the low energy efficiency of the dryers, it is also one of the most energy-intensive operations performed not only in the production of ceramics but in the industry as a whole. For this reason, modern drying techniques are sought. They are required to be energy efficient, sustainable and produce high-quality products. An example is the so-called hybrid drying, which combines several drying techniques (energy sources) into one process. The aim of this work was to determine the impact of microwave and infrared radiation on the kinetics and energy consumption of convective drying of kaolin clay and the quality of the products. The interaction of convective, microwave and infrared drying was investigated. Drying times, energy consumption and visual quality were compared for the tested processes. The fastest process was convection–microwave drying, where a reduction in drying time of 70% and energy consumption of 50% was observed. Unfortunately, intensive drying had a negative impact on the quality of the products (numerous cracks on the side surface). The best drying methods are those that use all energy sources simultaneously and periodically. Hybrid processes that use all energy sources in a periodic manner had the greatest efficiency. The drying time in these programs was shortened in relation solely to the convection process by 45 to 50% while reducing energy consumption by 3–18%. The product had the best quality.
Experimental Evaluation of Rigidity Center
Authors: Korkut Fuat , Aksoy Enes , Erdil Barış
Published: June 2023

It is known that when a reinforced concrete building exposed to a horizontal load is subjected to torsional moments around its center of rigidity, additional shear stresses occur in the vertical load-carrying elements, such as the columns and shear walls. Therefore, in order to estimate the additional stresses caused by the torsion, the rigidity center should be calculated precisely. It is known that there are several analytical approaches to calculating the rigidity center location. These approaches do not calculate the rigidity centers close to each other in asymmetric buildings. As significant differences were observed in the calculation of the rigidity center using analytical methods, it was decided to seek verification by conducting an experimental study. In order to calculate and verify the location of the rigidity center, an extensive experimental study was planned. A total of 20 scaled and revised buildings were built, and they were tested in the specially designed test setup. The tested buildings had square, rectangular and irregular floor plans. In addition, vertical load-carrying members were either symmetrically placed on the floor plan or kept asymmetrical to see the effect of their location on the rigidity center. All the buildings were tested under their self-weight, and the corresponding displacements were recorded. Additionally, all the buildings were modeled using ETABS to verify the theoretical background of the rigidity center. From the test results, it was found that the resultant shear force can be calculated by multiplying the displacements of each member of a given story found from the tests on its bending stiffness, and this will give the location of the rigidity center. The rigidity center was found to be identical to the results obtained from the 3D model analysis using ETABS, although it uses a different procedure. As the results from the experiment and 3D model are close to each other, it can be said that the rigidity center of reinforced concrete buildings can be found from simple tests using any material that has almost uniform mechanical properties.
The Relationship between Radon and Geology: Sources, Transport and Indoor Accumulation
Authors: Nunes Leonel J. R. , Curado António , Lopes Sérgio I.
Published: June 2023

This review study examines the relationship between radon and geology, including its origins, transmission, and accumulation, as well as its impact on human health and mitigation strategies. The decay of uranium and thorium produces radon, a radioactive gas. Its concentration in the environment fluctuates based on local geology, soil permeability, climate, and terrain, as well as regional, seasonal, and daily meteorological conditions. Exposure to radon indoors is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, making it a significant public health concern. Measuring radon concentrations in indoor environments is essential for identifying high-risk areas and devising effective mitigation strategies, such as ventilation, fissure sealing, and exhaust installation. The need for greater knowledge of regional and seasonal fluctuations in radon concentration, as well as the development of more effective and cost-effective measuring and mitigation strategies, has implications for future research. To influence public health policies and practices, more research on the long-term health effects of radon exposure is required. The focus of public health policy should be on increasing awareness of the dangers associated with radon exposure, supporting regular measurement and monitoring of radon concentrations in indoor areas, and encouraging the adoption of effective mitigation techniques. When selecting construction sites, urban planning regulations and building codes should consider the local geology and radon levels in the soil.
Fault Coupling Analysis and Reliability Assessment of Actuation System Based on Bond Graph Model
Authors: Zhao Zhiyao , Li Xuanhao , Cui Xiaoyu , Zhang Xin
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a new degradation model of the more electrical aircraft (MEA) actuation system is proposed. The bond graph model is used to build the dissimilar redundancy actuation system model, taking into account the degradation behavior (wear, fatigue, aging) of components in the system operation and the fault coupling phenomenon caused by the accumulation of dissipated energy in space and time, and a fault coupling degradation model of the actuation system is established with clear mechanism support. Through the fault mechanism analysis, various fault types are injected into the bond graph model of the actuation system, and the simulation results are compared. The influence of fault propagation on system output is analyzed, the system’s reliability is assessed, and the performance evaluation of the actuation system is realized while taking the fault coupling mechanism into account.
A New Windage Loss Model for S-CO2 Turbomachinery Design
Authors: Kim Dokyu , Jeong Yongju , Son In Woo , Lee Jeong Ik
Published: June 2023

A supercritical CO2 (S-CO2) Brayton cycle is a compact and simple power conversion system with competitive efficiency. However, the strong real gas effects of S-CO2 pose challenges to the design of a cycle and its components. In particular, designing turbomachinery for expansion and compression processes has to accurately reflect real gas effects. Windage loss is one of the major losses that affects the motor load and heat generation in turbomachinery. The windage loss has a substantial impact on the overall turbomachinery efficiency especially in an S-CO2 power cycle since the windage loss is reported to be the dominant loss mechanism due to high fluid density and high rotational speed. Therefore, an accurate windage loss model reflecting the real gas effect of S-CO2 is essential to obtaining an optimal design of turbomachinery as well as maximizing the performance of an S-CO2 power cycle. In this study, existing windage loss models are first compared to the recently obtained data from S-CO2 windage loss experiments conducted by the KAIST research team under S-CO2 conditions in order to understand the turbomachinery performance uncertainty caused by the windage loss models. This is followed by proposing a new windage model which explains data better.
Determination of Hydrogen’s Thermophysical Properties Using a Statistical Thermodynamic Method
Authors: Xu Zhangliang , Tan Hongbo , Wu Hao
Published: June 2023

Accurate determination of the thermophysical properties of hydrogen is a crucial issue in hydrogen system design. By developing computational programs, a statistical thermodynamic model based on fundamental equations of state was implemented to determine hydrogen’s thermophysical properties, including the ortho-hydrogen fraction in equilibrium hydrogen, para-ortho hydrogen conversion heat, isobaric heat capacities and enthalpies. The deviations of calculated para-hydrogen enthalpies from REFPROP data were within 2.22%, ranging from 20 K to 300 K at 0.1 MPa, and within 2.32% between 100 K and 1500 K at pressures from 0.1 MPa to 20 MPa. To quantitatively assess the convenience of the statistical thermodynamic method, the running speeds of programs with different methods for determining hydrogen’s thermophysical properties were compared. The time required for statistical thermodynamic calculation was 7.95% that required for treading REFPROP data when the performance of the variable density multilayer insulation combined with a one vapor-cooled shield and para-ortho hydrogen conversion was calculated. The programs developed based on the statistical thermodynamic method can be used to determine the thermophysical properties of hydrogen or other fluids.
A Compact Planar Wi-Fi Antenna with Optimized Radiation Patterns for Small UAV Applications
Authors: Yang Ya-Lung , Lin Ding-Bing
Published: June 2023

This paper proposes a compact planar Wi-Fi antenna with optimized radiation patterns for small uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) applications in both urban and open areas. It is suitable for mounting on the outermost side of the non-metallic wing of small UAVs. It has small dimensions of 16.5 mm (L) by 30.3 mm (W) by 1.6 mm (h), and the measured results of its prototype are in agreement with simulated data. Its impedance bandwidths over the two frequency ranges are 2.11 to 2.58 GHz and 5.06 to 7.5 GHz (S11≤-10 dB). At 5.8 GHz, it has stronger radiation below the small UAV to reduce interference from rare-use directions. Its maximum radiations, the directions of the maximum radiation in each elevation plane, are below the UAV and between 14° and 29° from the horizontal plane. At 2.4 GHz, it has quasi-omnidirectional radiation to ensure a stable link in all directions, and its maximum radiations are near the horizontal plane. The optimized radiation patterns at 5.8 and 2.4 GHz can provide more antenna gain when the small UAV flies farther in urban and open areas, respectively. In addition, it has good vertically polarized radiation for long-distance applications.
Numerical Investigation of the Cavitation Characteristics in Venturi Tubes: The Role of Converging and Diverging Sections
Authors: Liu Yi , Li Bin
Published: June 2023

Cavitation is a typical physical process that has shown to be highly valuable in the wastewater treatment field. This study aims to investigate the effects of the converging and diverging sections of a Venturi tube on the cavitation flow field. Multiphase flows in tubes are presented using the mixture model and the standard k-ε model. And the Schnerr and Sauer cavitation model is employed to simulate the vapor–liquid phase transition process. Both grid independence and the numerical method’s feasibility were validated before the research. The results showed that the influence of the divergence section length on Venturi cavitation characteristics depends on the provided pressure conditions. As the pressure increases, shorter divergence sections result in more significant cavitation effects. The length of the convergence section displays various cavitation behaviors under different pressure situations. A small contraction section length can achieve better cavitation effects in high-pressure applications, whereas the opposite is true in low-pressure cases. Within the scope of this study, it was observed that the Venturi tube with a divergent section of 14 Lt and a convergent one of 2.4 Lt provided enhanced cavitation performance when subjected to inlet pressures ranging from 0.8 to 1.2 MPa. Our findings indicate that the selection of converging and diverging section lengths in Venturi tubes should consider the corresponding operational pressure conditions, which provides valuable guidance and engineering significance in the research and development of Venturi cavitation devices in hydraulic engineering.
Calibrating of a Simulation Model to Predict the Flexural Capacity of Pre-Stressed Concrete Beams
Authors: Montero Jesús , Cervera-Gascó Jorge , Gilarranz Carlos , Laserna Santiago
Published: June 2023

Simulation models based on finite elements are currently indispensable tools for predicting the structural behavior of both reinforced and pre-stressed concrete elements. This work develops a simulation model of structural linear elements of pre-stressed concrete, using the finite element method (FEM). The main aim was to calibrate the model to predict the flexural capacity of structural elements, and so be able to undertake a double optimization through the design and the resistant behavior of the elements. Different flexural experiments were conducted in laboratory conditions on real concrete elements of different types (pre-stressed joist and tubular pre-stressed joist). In parallel, the same structural elements were analyzed by MEF simulation to calibrate the model to the real experiments. FEM analysis was performed using the ATENA software developed by Červenka Consulting (Czech Republic), especially recommended for the analysis of structural concrete elements using non-linear methods. The model was calibrated using the results obtained in real load test experiments obtained in a loading frame of 500 kN capacity. The calibration analysis shows a good fit of the results to the actual test experiments, obtaining average errors of 6% in the analysis–experiment comparison. The results of the simulation suggest that to obtain the optimum strength levels for the different typologies analyzed, it is essential to control the pre-stressing losses in the manufacturing process of the joist. The flexural capacity of all elements can be increased by around 20–30% when the real pre-stressing losses are fitted to the theoretical ones estimated.
Adaptive-Modeling Multi-Agent Learning System for Video Behavioral Clustering Recognition
Authors: Qian Xingyu , Yuemaier Aximu , Yang Wenchi , Chen Xiaogang , Li Shunfen , Dai Weibang , Song Zhitang
Published: June 2023

Multi-agent systems are suitable for handling complex problems due to their high parallelism and autonomous evolution ability. In this paper, we propose an adaptive clustering multi-agent learning system for intelligent applications with continuously changing requirements. Each agent model changes temporal sequences using the longest common subsequence (LCS) algorithm. Multiple agents collaborate in a multilayer decentralized approach to enhance learning adaptability and achieve self-supervised behavioral clustering. The system is constructed using a “memory-like” method and operates primarily on memory access and comparison, avoiding extensive matrix operations of artificial neural networks while achieving learning and prediction functions. We chose an unsupervised vehicle behavioral clustering scenario for feasibility validation in which the system’s cognitive objective is to cluster and recognize vehicle behaviors. In a low computational environment, the system can complete clustering functions and exhibit continuous learning capabilities when new behavioral changes occur. The proposed approach achieves an accuracy of 97.4% while processing at a speed 1–5 times faster than similar clustering algorithms. The verification results indicate that this system has excellent potential to enhance intelligent sensing front ends.
Assessment of RANS Turbulence Models in Prediction of the Hydrothermal Plume in the Longqi Hydrothermal Field
Authors: Zhao Wei , Chen Sheng , Yang Junyi , Zhou Weichang
Published: June 2023

In this paper, the numerical models are selected to simulate the hydrothermal plume based on the water temperature observation data of the Longqi hydrothermal field in the Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR). Then, the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations are solved to evaluate the performance of the Realizable k-ε (rke) model and the SST k-ω (sst) model in hydrothermal plume simulation. By comparing the calculated results with the Conductivity Temperature Depth (CTD) observation data and the literature results, the difference in prediction performance between the two models is evaluated. Before the numerical simulation, the optimal mesh parameters are determined by considering the grid independence test. The results show that the relative difference of the maximum plume height calculated by the two models is within 5%. Compared with the CTD 05-2, the rke model calculates the root mean square error of the velocity is 0.5081, which is smaller than that of the sst model. In terms of turbulent viscosity, the rke model is in good agreement with reference value in predicting turbulent viscosity. Therefore, the turbulent viscosity distribution calculated by the rke model is more consistent with the plume development process than that calculated by the sst model. In addition, the two models have the same effect on the prediction of turbulent kinetic energy and plume temperature.
A Novel Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis Method Based on MFO-Optimized VMD and DE-OSELM
Authors: Jiang Yonghua , Shi Zhuoqi , Tang Chao , Wei Jianan , Xu Cui , Sun Jianfeng , Zheng Linjie , Hu Mingchao
Published: June 2023

Rolling bearings are critical in maintaining smooth operation of rotating machinery and considerably influence its reliability. The signals collected from rolling bearings in field conditions are often subjected to noise, creating a challenge to extract weaker fault features. This paper proposes a rolling bearing fault diagnosis method that addresses the above-mentioned problem through the moth-flame optimization algorithm optimized variational mode decomposition (MFO-optimized VMD) and an ensemble differential evolution online sequential extreme learning machine (DE-OSELM). By using the dynamic adaptive weight factor and genetic algorithm cross operator, the optimization accuracy and global optimization ability of the moth-flame optimization (MFO) are improved, and the two basic parameters of VMD decomposition level and quadratic penalty factor are adaptive selected. Since the vibration characteristics of the signal cannot be fully interpreted by a single index, The effective weighted correlation sparsity index (EWCS) is utilized to extract the relevant intrinsic mode functions (IMF) of VMD decomposition and extract their energies as features. In order to improve the classification accuracy, The energy feature set is subsequently inputted into DE-OSELM for training and classification purposes, and the proposed method is assessed via a sample set with four different health states of actual rolling bearings. Our proposed method results are compared with other diagnosis methods, proving its feasibility to diagnose rolling bearing faults with higher classification accuracy.
Masonry Arch Bridges with Finite Compression Strength Subject to Horizontal Longitudinal Seismic Actions
Authors: Clemente Paolo , Saitta Fernando , Buffarini Giacomo , Ormando Chiara
Published: June 2023

The great diffusion of masonry arch bridges, sometimes of historical interest, requires the development of simple but effective methodologies for a preliminary but reliable evaluation of their static and seismic capacity. In this paper, the behaviour under longitudinal seismic actions is analysed by using the mechanism method. The masonry is supposed to have no tension strength but a rigid–perfect plastic behaviour with finite strength in compression. The arch is subject to permanent loads and to a horizontal acceleration acting in the longitudinal direction, which causes a horizontal inertial loading acting on the arch. Three hypotheses about the effects of the inertial actions of the backfill are considered, which correspond to three different real behaviours. A comprehensive numerical investigation is performed, which allows us to point out the influence of the geometrical and mechanical parameters on the seismic capacity of a masonry arch bridge. The results are given by means of diagrams that can be easily used for a preliminary seismic check of a masonry arch bridge.
A Supply Chain Inventory Management Method for Civil Aircraft Manufacturing Based on Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Piao Mingjie , Zhang Dongdong , Lu Hu , Li Rupeng
Published: June 2023

Effective supply chain inventory management is crucial for large-scale manufacturing industries such as civil aircraft and automobile manufacturing to ensure efficient manufacturing. Generally, the main manufacturer makes the annual inventory management plan, and contacts with suppliers when some material is approaching critical inventory level according to the actual production schedule, which increases the difficulty of inventory management. In recent years, many researchers have focused on using reinforcement learning method to study inventory management problems. Current approaches were mainly designed for the supply chain with single-node multi-material or multi-node single-material mode, which are not suitable to the civil aircraft manufacturing supply chain with multi-node multi-material mode. To deal with this problem, we formulated the problem as a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) model and proposed a multi-agent reinforcement learning method for supply chain inventory management, in which the dual-policy and information transmission mechanism was designed to help the supply chain participant improve the global information utilization efficiency of the supply chain and the coordination efficiency with other participants. The experiment results show that our method has about 45% performance improvement on efficiency compared with current reinforcement learning-based methods.
The Tree of Abundance: On the Indigenous Emergence in Contemporary Latin American Art
Authors: Rojas-Sotelo Miguel L.
Published: June 2023

The Tree of Abundance is an origin story for many nations in the Amazon basin. It recounts a time when all people(s) lived under a mother tree, until those with an ax arrived and the tree collapsed. This is the act of coloniality, which produced a new landscape. The story serves as a conceptual metaphor to analyze the production of an emerging generation of contemporary visual makers of indigenous origin. These cultural producers are set in a historical context, which represents long temporalities of cultural-production resistance and re-existence in Latin America (called here Abya Yala). The text introduces a way to rethink contemporary art in the region under conditions of coloniality and names the artists “embodied territories” since they have particular connections to the places they live and work. This article is organized into three parts presenting artwork by several indigenous and intercultural subjects (with emphasis on those living in indigenous territories of Colombia): (1) A short genealogy from modernity to contemporaneity brings indigenous cultural production to the academic space as another source for a critical understanding of the lived experience in Abya Yala. (2) An account of themes derived from the contested histories highlights how indigenous and intercultural artists produce responses to them. (3) The genealogy and themes are then set in spatial terms offering two case studies, on one hand, the toppling of historical figures by indigenous activists as performance in the public space and, on the other, the exhibitions “Visual Sovereignty” and the “Indigenous Salon Manuel Quintín Lame”. The article concludes stressing how this emerging generation builds on long genealogies of sovereign representation, responding with a wide range of contemporary means (visual, textual, bodily, and multimedia) to issues that still affect their communities (land grabs, resource extraction, racialization, marginality, etc.). Adaptation, resistance, and re-existence occur when embodied territories recognize historical realities (time), location (space), and forms of liberation (action) within coloniality.
City Wind Impact on Air Pollution Control for Urban Planning with Different Time-Scale Considerations: A Case Study in Chengdu, China
Authors: Xiong Jianwu , Li Jin , Gao Fei , Zhang Yin
Published: June 2023

Economic development and fast growing urbanization in China have caused severe air pollution, with frequent pollution episodes endangering the health of inhabitants and disturbing social activities, and as an expanding metropolis, Chengdu has suffered ever since. The concentration variations of main air pollutants, such as PM10, PM2.5 and NO2, often show periodicity because of meteorological impact and anthropic activities, and display orientation discrepancies due to influences of wind speed (WS), frequency and pollutant sources. These features have complicated the mechanisms of pollution episodes and deepened the difficulty in pollution control evaluation. The WS has significant influences on the periodicity and orientation variations in pollutant concentrations, and quantifying the influence of which is of high significance and provides sustainable foundations for pollution alleviation strategies. Different time-scale cycles (i.e., Diurnal, weekly, seasonal and annual), along with the WS, wind frequency, wind and spatial orientations in urban areas, were analyzed in this paper. Results show that the periodicity of diurnal, seasonal and annual cycles is remarkable, and weekly cycle is obvious by adding the influence of the WS in 16 orientations. The WS has direct impacts on pollutants varying in the range of 1.5–2.5 m/s, and has a remarkable diffusion effect on pollutants once above 2.5 m/s. Over heavy pollution hours in diurnal, weekly, annual cycles and transitional seasons, the WS had more significant influences on pollutants, and whereas the wind frequency is not the main impact factor for orientation variations. For Chengdu, the northeast orientation is suitable to construct a wind panel with a remarkable diffusion effect on pollutants, while air pollutions in the northwest and southwest orientations were severe with the WS below 1.5 m/s, and pollution diffusion in the north-northwest orientation was the worst. This work can provide guidance and reference for urban planning optimization and air environment protection in cities with air quality control considerations impacted by city wind.
Climate Change Flood Risk Analysis: Application of Dynamical Downscaling and Hydrological Modeling
Authors: Lima Fernando Neves , Freitas Ana Carolina Vasques , Silva Josiano
Published: June 2023

Floods are a recurring natural phenomenon during the rainy season in many Brazilian municipalities. Nevertheless, shifts in weather patterns have contributed to an increased incidence of these events in urban areas, where their impact can be amplified by the way the surrounding catchment is occupied. Hence, the present study sought to evaluate the susceptibility of the urban drainage infrastructure in João Monlevade, Brazil, to the effects of climate change by undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the Carneirinhos catchment, including its morphometric characteristics. For this purpose, we employed a hydrological model driven by regional rainfall projections from a high-resolution climate model (HadGEM2-ES downscaled to 5 km resolution) under the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP8.5) scenario. Several combinations of rainfall occurrence were simulated, incorporating temporal aspects (different durations and return times), as well as spatial aspects (concentrated and distributed rainfall within the catchment). The results showed that the area of exposed soil in the Carneirinhos catchment experienced an increase of more than 140% from 2016 to 2019, favoring runoff surface and evaporation, which contributed to the increase in the number of flood events in the region. In addition, only 1 of the 56 heavy rainfall event simulations performed did not exceed the capacity of the macro drainage gallery.
Comparison of the Behavior of 3D-Printed Endothelial Cells in Different Bioinks
Authors: Schulik Jana , Salehi Sahar , Boccaccini Aldo , Schrüfer Stefan , Schubert Dirk , Arkudas Andreas , Kengelbach-Weigand Annika , Horch Raymund , Schmid Rafael
Published: June 2023

Biomaterials with characteristics similar to extracellular matrix and with suitable bioprinting properties are essential for vascular tissue engineering. In search for suitable biomaterials, this study investigated the three hydrogels alginate/hyaluronic acid/gelatin (Alg/HA/Gel), pre-crosslinked alginate di-aldehyde with gelatin (ADA-GEL), and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) with respect to their mechanical properties and to the survival, migration, and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In addition, the behavior of HUVECs was compared with their behavior in Matrigel. For this purpose, HUVECs were mixed with the inks both as single cells and as cell spheroids and printed using extrusion-based bioprinting. Good printability with shape fidelity was determined for all inks. The rheological measurements demonstrated the gelling consistency of the inks and shear-thinning behavior. Different Young’s moduli of the hydrogels were determined. However, all measured values where within the range defined in the literature, leading to migration and sprouting, as well as reconciling migration with adhesion. Cell survival and proliferation in ADA-GEL and GelMA hydrogels were demonstrated for 14 days. In the Alg/HA/Gel bioink, cell death occurred within 7 days for single cells. Sprouting and migration of the HUVEC spheroids were observed in ADA-GEL and GelMA. Similar behavior of the spheroids was seen in Matrigel. In contrast, the spheroids in the Alg/HA/Gel ink died over the time studied. It has been shown that Alg/HA/Gel does not provide a good environment for long-term survival of HUVECs. In conclusion, ADA-GEL and GelMA are promising inks for vascular tissue engineering.
ProBDNF Upregulation in Murine Hind Limb Ischemia Reperfusion Injury: A Driver of Inflammation
Authors: Aby Katherine , Antony Ryan , Li Yifan
Published: June 2023

Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) has been shown to be expressed in many nonneuronal tissues including skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle BDNF has been studied regarding its function in metabolism and exercise; however, less is known about its role in skeletal muscle injury. The precursor to BDNF, proBDNF, has an unknown role in skeletal muscle. The levels of proBDNF, mature BDNF, and their receptors were compared in the skeletal muscle and brain tissues of C57BL/6J mice. Tourniquet-induced hind limb ischemia-reperfusion injury was used to assess the function of skeletal muscle-derived proBDNF in skeletal muscle injury. Skeletal muscle-specific knockout of BDNF and pharmacological inhibition of p75NTR, the proBDNF receptor, were used to determine the role of proBDNF–p75NTR signaling. We show for the first time that proBDNF is the predominantly expressed form of BDNF in skeletal muscle and that proBDNF is significantly upregulated in skeletal muscle following hind limb ischemia-reperfusion injury. Skeletal muscle-specific knockout of BDNF blunted the inflammatory response in the injured tissue and appears to be mediated by the proBDNF–p75NTR pathway, as shown by the pharmacological inhibition of p75NTR. These findings suggest that skeletal muscle proBDNF plays a critical role in driving the inflammatory response following skeletal muscle injury.
Ribonucleoprotein Granules: Between Stress and Transposable Elements
Authors: Moon Sungjin , Namkoong Sim
Published: June 2023

Transposable elements (TEs) are DNA sequences that can transpose and replicate within the genome, leading to genetic changes that affect various aspects of host biology. Evolutionarily, hosts have also developed molecular mechanisms to suppress TEs at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Recent studies suggest that stress-induced formation of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules, including stress granule (SG) and processing body (P-body), can play a role in the sequestration of TEs to prevent transposition, suggesting an additional layer of the regulatory mechanism for TEs. RNP granules have been shown to contain factors involved in RNA regulation, including mRNA decay enzymes, RNA-binding proteins, and noncoding RNAs, which could potentially contribute to the regulation of TEs. Therefore, understanding the interplay between TEs and RNP granules is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms for maintaining genomic stability and controlling gene expression. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the current knowledge regarding the interplay between TEs and RNP granules, proposing RNP granules as a novel layer of the regulatory mechanism for TEs during stress.
Adjuvant Effect of Whole-Cell Pertussis Component on Tetanus Toxoid Potency in Murine Model
Authors: Prygiel Marta , Mosiej Ewa , Wdowiak Karol , Rabczenko Daniel , Zasada Aleksandra Anna
Published: June 2023

There is currently an increasing interest in the development of new-generation purified antigen-based vaccines with a higher safety profile compared to conventional inactivated vaccines. The main problem of subunit vaccines is their lower immunogenicity compared to whole-cell vaccines and inducing weaker and shorter-lasting immune responses. In this paper, the results of the assay of the potency of the tetanus component combined with the diphtheria component and whole-cell pertussis vaccine (DTwP), diphtheria and tetanus vaccine (DT), and in monovalent tetanus vaccine (T) are presented. In the mice model, an adjuvant impact of the whole-cell pertussis component on the immune response against tetanus was observed. It was noticed that the potency of tetanus component in the DTwP vaccine was significantly higher than tetanus potency in DT and T vaccines, despite the same bounding ability unit of the tetanus toxoid in the vaccine formulations. The levels of induction of tetanus antibodies by the tested vaccines were also examined. There were no differences in the induction of humoral responses against tetanus by tested vaccines. This publication discusses the possible mechanisms of impact of the whole-cell pertussis component on the other vaccine antigens and the positive and negative aspects of using the whole-cell pertussis component as an adjuvant.