bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of genotoxic damage in schoolchildren exposed to organochloride pesticides
Authors: Anguiano-Vega Gerardo Alfonso , Cazares-Ramirez Linette Hazel , Rendon-Von Osten Jaime , Santillan-Sidon Alma Patricia , Vazquez-Boucard Celia Gloria
Published: October 2020

This study identified and determined organochloride pesticide (OCs) concentrations in hair samples from children at two elementary schools: one exposed to fumigations in agricultural fields, the other unexposed. Three concentrations of OCs levels in the hair were compared (high, medium, low), and total nuclear abnormalities in buccal cells were determined: micronuclei (MNi), condensed chromatin, karyorrhexis, pyknosis, binucleate cells, karyolysis, lobed nuclei, and apoptosis. No significant differences were found for the presence of MNi between the schoolchildren from the exposed and unexposed schools, but the prevalence of OCs in both schools was over 50%, as well as the frequencies of MNi in the children were over 58%. Findings show a significant difference between the frequency of MNi in the total sample of schoolchildren (exposed school + unexposed school) in relation to the concentration of OCs detected in their hair. The children from exposed school that showed the higher concentrations of OCs in hair had higher levels of genotoxic damage in the buccal cells; compared against children with lower concentrations of OCs. The most frequent nuclear abnormalities in the exposed children were lobed nuclei (79.4%), binucleate cells (66.66%), apoptosis (65.07), and MNi (58.7%). We determined the prevalence ratio (PR) and prevalence odds ratio (POR) for the presence of MNi in buccal cells in relation to the OCs concentrations in the hair samples. Both ratios were high for MNi [PR 3.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.97–7.84, p = 0.0003; and POR 7.97, 95% CI 2.62–24.28, p = 0.0003], indicating a 7.97 times greater risk that the exposed children will present > 0.2% of MNi when OCs concentrations exceed 0.447 μg/g. These indicators may be useful biomarkers of genotoxic damage in children exposed to persistent, highly-toxic compounds. Results suggest the potential risk to which those schoolchildren are exposed on a daily basis due to fumigations in nearby agricultural fields.
Graphene/silver nanoflower hybrid coating for improved cycle performance of thermally-operated soft actuators
Authors: Piao Chengxu , Suk Ji Won
Published: October 2020

Twisted and coiled actuators (TCAs), fabricated by twisting cheap nylon sewing threads, have attracted a great deal of attention for their use as artificial muscles or soft actuators. Since the dynamic behavior of a thermally-operated TCA is governed by its thermal properties, graphene and silver nanoflowers (AgNFs) were spray-coated onto the surface of an actuator to achieve enhanced heat transfer. Addition of AgNFs improves interfacial thermal contacts between graphene flakes, while pristine graphene flakes have extremely high in-plane thermal conductivity. Thus, the synergistic effect of graphene and AgNFs reduced the total cycle time of the TCA by up to 38%. Furthermore, when a pulsed current with a 40% duty cycle was applied to the TCA, the graphene/AgNF-coated TCA exhibited a threefold larger peak-to-peak amplitude of the displacement oscillation of the actuator, as compared to that of the non-coated TCA, which demonstrates that the combination of graphene and AgNFs effectively reduced a cooling time of the TCA. This work shows great potential for a simple coating of graphene and AgNFs to produce high-performance thermally-operated soft actuators.
Non-invasive detection of EGFR mutations by cell-free loop-mediated isothermal amplification (CF-LAMP)
Authors: Arjuna Srividya , Venkataram Rajesh , Dechamma Pandyanda Nanjappa , Chakraborty Gunimala , Babu Nishith , D’Cruz Audrey , Hosmane Giridhar Belur , Chakraborty Anirban
Published: October 2020

Targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) through tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) is a successful therapeutic strategy in non-small cell lung cancer. However, the response to TKI therapy depends on specific activating and acquired mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of the EGFR gene. Therefore, confirming the EGFR status of patients is crucial, not only for determining the eligibility, but also for monitoring the emergence of mutations in patients under TKI therapy. In this study, our aim was to develop a cost effective, yet sensitive, technique that allows the detection of therapeutically-relevant EGFR hotspot mutations at isothermal conditions in a non-invasive manner. Previously, we developed an allele-specific loop-mediated isothermal amplification (AS-LAMP) assay for screening germline and somatic de novo T790M EGFR mutation in lung cancer patients. In this study, we used cell free DNA as a template in AS-LAMP assay (CF-LAMP) for non-invasive detection of two hotspot EGFR mutations (T790M, and L858R) and compared its efficiency with ultrasensitive droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay. The results of CF-LAMP assay were consistent with those obtained in ddPCR assay, indicating the robustness of the method. CF-LAMP may serve as a valuable and cost-effective alternative for liquid biopsy techniques used in molecular diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer.
Isolation and enrichment of melanocytes from human corneal limbus using CD117 (c-Kit) as selection marker
Authors: Polisetti Naresh , Schlötzer-Schrehardt Ursula , Reinhard Thomas , Schlunck Günther
Published: October 2020

Limbal melanocytes (LM) are located in the basal epithelial layer of the corneoscleral limbus and interact with adjacent limbal epithelial progenitor cells. The exploration of their biological role in the maintenance of the limbal stem cell niche has been limited by the difficulty of LM isolation and cultivation. Here, we report on a facile protocol for the efficient isolation and enrichment of pure populations of human LMs by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) using antibodies raised against the cell surface marker CD117 (c-Kit). The enriched LMs retain self-renewal capacity and sustained melanin production, and are suitable to study the potential of LMs in stem cell-based corneal tissue engineering.
Self-propelling and rolling of a sessile-motile aggregate of the bacterium Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Zeng Yu , Liu Bin
Published: October 2020

Active dispersal of microorganisms is often attributed to the cells’ motile organelles. However, much less is known about whether sessile cells can access such motility through aggregation with motile counterparts. Here, we show that the rosette aggregates of the bacterium Caulobacter crescentus, although predominantly sessile, can actively disperse through the flagellar motors of motile members. Comparisons in kinematics between the motile rosettes and solitary swimming cells indicate that the rosettes can be powered by as few as a single motor. We further reconstructed the 3D movements of the rosettes to reveal that their proximity to a solid-liquid interface promotes a wheel-like rolling, as powered by the flagellar torque. This rolling movement also features a sequence of sharp turns, a reorientation mechanism distinct from that of swimming cells. Overall, our study elucidates an unexplored regime of aggregation-based motility that can be widely applied to sessile-motile composites.
Genetic and clinical landscape of breast cancers with germline BRCA1/2 variants
Authors: Inagaki-Kawata Yukiko , Yoshida Kenichi , Kawaguchi-Sakita Nobuko , Kawashima Masahiro , Nishimura Tomomi , Senda Noriko , Shiozawa Yusuke , Takeuchi Yasuhide , Inoue Yoshikage , Sato-Otsubo Aiko , Fujii Yoichi , Nannya Yasuhito , Suzuki Eiji , Takada Masahiro , Tanaka Hiroko , Shiraishi Yuichi , Chiba Kenichi , Kataoka Yuki , Torii Masae , Yoshibayashi Hiroshi , Yamagami Kazuhiko , Okamura Ryuji , Moriguchi Yoshio , Kato Hironori , Tsuyuki Shigeru , Yamauchi Akira , Suwa Hirofumi , Inamoto Takashi , Miyano Satoru , Ogawa Seishi , Toi Masakazu
Published: October 2020

The genetic and clinical characteristics of breast tumors with germline variants, including their association with biallelic inactivation through loss-of-heterozygosity (LOH) and second somatic mutations, remain elusive. We analyzed germline variants of 11 breast cancer susceptibility genes for 1,995 Japanese breast cancer patients, and identified 101 (5.1%) pathogenic variants, including 62 BRCA2 and 15 BRCA1 mutations. Genetic analysis of 64 BRCA1/2-mutated tumors including TCGA dataset tumors, revealed an association of biallelic inactivation with more extensive deletions, copy neutral LOH, gain with LOH and younger onset. Strikingly, TP53 and RB1 mutations were frequently observed in BRCA1- (94%) and BRCA2- (9.7%) mutated tumors with biallelic inactivation. Inactivation of TP53 and RB1 together with BRCA1 and BRCA2, respectively, involved LOH of chromosomes 17 and 13. Notably, BRCA1/2 tumors without biallelic inactivation were indistinguishable from those without germline variants. Our study highlights the heterogeneity and unique clonal selection pattern in breast cancers with germline variants.
Hepatocytes trap and silence coxsackieviruses, protecting against systemic disease in mice
Authors: Kimura Taishi , Flynn Claudia T. , Whitton J. Lindsay
Published: October 2020

Previous research suggests that hepatocytes catabolize chemical toxins but do not remove microbial agents, which are filtered out by other liver cells (Kupffer cells and endothelial cells). Here we show that, contrary to current understanding, hepatocytes trap and rapidly silence type B coxsackieviruses (CVBs). In genetically wildtype mice, this activity causes hepatocyte damage, which is alleviated in mice carrying a hepatocyte-specific deletion of the coxsackievirus-adenovirus receptor. However, in these mutant mice, there is a dramatic early rise in blood-borne virus, followed by accelerated systemic disease and increased mortality. Thus, wild type hepatocytes act similarly to a sponge for CVBs, protecting against systemic illness at the expense of their own survival. We speculate that hepatocytes may play a similar role in other viral infections as well, thereby explaining why hepatocytes have evolved their remarkable regenerative capacity. Our data also suggest that, in addition to their many other functions, hepatocytes might be considered an integral part of the innate immune system.
Focal adhesion ribonucleoprotein complex proteins are major humoral cancer antigens and targets in autoimmune diseases
Authors: Atsumi Shinichiro , Katoh Hiroto , Komura Daisuke , Hashimoto Itaru , Furuya Genta , Koda Hirotomo , Konishi Hiroki , Suzuki Ryohei , Yamamoto Asami , Yuba Satsuki , Abe Hiroyuki , Rino Yasushi , Oshima Takashi , Ushiku Tetsuo , Fukayama Masashi , Seto Yasuyuki , Ishikawa Shumpei
Published: October 2020

Despite the accumulating evidences of the significance of humoral cancer immunity, its molecular mechanisms have largely remained elusive. Here we show that B-cell repertoire sequencing of 102 clinical gastric cancers and molecular biological analyses unexpectedly reveal that the major humoral cancer antigens are not case-specific neo-antigens but are rather commonly identified as ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) in the focal adhesion complex. These common antigens are shared as autoantigens with multiple autoimmune diseases, suggesting a direct molecular link between cancer- and auto-immunity on the focal adhesion RNP complex. This complex is partially exposed to the outside of cancer cell surfaces, which directly evokes humoral immunity and enables functional bindings of antibodies to cancer cell surfaces in physiological conditions. These findings shed light on humoral cancer immunity in that it commonly targets cellular components fundamental for cytoskeletal integrity and cell movement, pointing to a novel modality of immunotherapy using humoral immunological reactions to cancers.
The genetic legacy of legendary and historical Siberian chieftains
Authors: Zvénigorosky Vincent , Duchesne Sylvie , Romanova Liubomira , Gérard Patrice , Petit Christiane , Petit Michel , Alexeev Anatoly , Melnichuk Olga , Gonzalez Angéla , Fausser Jean-Luc , Solovyev Aisen , Romanov Georgii , Barashkov Nikolay , Fedorova Sardana , Ludes Bertrand , Crubézy Eric , Keyser Christine
Published: October 2020

Seventeen years of archaeological and anthropological expeditions in North-Eastern Siberia (in the Sakha Republic, Yakutia) have permitted the genetic analysis of 150 ancient (15th-19th century) and 510 modern individuals. Almost all males were successfully analysed (Y-STR) and this allowed us to identify paternal lineages and their geographical expansion through time. This genetic data was confronted with mythological, historical and material evidence to establish the sequence of events that built the modern Yakut genetic diversity. We show that the ancient Yakuts recovered from this large collection of graves are not representative of an ancient population. Uncommonly, we were also able to demonstrate that the funerary preference observed here involved three specific male lineages, especially in the 18th century. Moreover, this dominance was likely caused by the Russian conquest of Siberia which allowed some male clans to rise to new levels of power. Finally, we give indications that some mythical and historical figures might have been the actors of those genetic changes. These results help us reconsider the genetic dynamics of colonization in some regions, question the distinction between fact and myth in national histories and provide a rare insight into a funerary ensemble by revealing the biased process of its composition.
Benthic ecosystem cascade effects in Antarctica using Bayesian network inference
Authors: Mitchell Emily G. , Whittle Rowan J. , Griffiths Huw J.
Published: October 2020

Antarctic sea-floor communities are unique, and more closely resemble those of the Palaeozoic than equivalent contemporary habitats. However, comparatively little is known about the processes that structure these communities or how they might respond to anthropogenic change. In order to investigate likely consequences of a decline or removal of key taxa on community dynamics we use Bayesian network inference to reconstruct ecological networks and infer changes of taxon removal. Here we show that sponges have the greatest influence on the dynamics of the Antarctic benthos. When we removed sponges from the network, the abundances of all major taxa reduced by a mean of 42%, significantly more than changes of substrate. To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate the cascade effects of removing key ecosystem structuring organisms from statistical analyses of Antarctica data and demonstrates the importance of considering the community dynamics when planning ecosystem management.
Multi-scale quantification and modeling of aged nanostructured silicon-based composite anodes
Authors: Vorauer Thomas , Kumar Praveen , Berhaut Christopher L. , Chamasemani Fereshteh F. , Jouneau Pierre-Henri , Aradilla David , Tardif Samuel , Pouget Stephanie , Fuchsbichler Bernd , Helfen Lukas , Atalay Selcuk , Widanage Widanalage D. , Koller Stefan , Lyonnard Sandrine , Brunner Roland
Published: October 2020

Advanced anode material designs utilizing dual phase alloy systems like Si/FeSi2 nano-composites show great potential to decrease the capacity degrading and improve the cycling capability for Lithium (Li)-ion batteries. Here, we present a multi-scale characterization approach to understand the (de-)lithiation and irreversible volumetric changes of the amorphous silicon (a-Si)/crystalline iron-silicide (c-FeSi2) nanoscale phase and its evolution due to cycling, as well as their impact on the proximate pore network. Scattering and 2D/3D imaging techniques are applied to probe the anode structural ageing from nm to μm length scales, after up to 300 charge-discharge cycles, and combined with modeling using the collected image data as an input. We obtain a quantified insight into the inhomogeneous lithiation of the active material induced by the morphology changes due to cycling. The electrochemical performance of Li-ion batteries does not only depend on the active material used, but also on the architecture of its proximity.
Aspiration-assisted freeform bioprinting of pre-fabricated tissue spheroids in a yield-stress gel
Authors: Ayan Bugra , Celik Nazmiye , Zhang Zhifeng , Zhou Kui , Kim Myoung Hwan , Banerjee Dishary , Wu Yang , Costanzo Francesco , Ozbolat Ibrahim T.
Published: October 2020

Bioprinting of cellular aggregates, such as tissue spheroids, to form three-dimensional (3D) complex-shaped arrangements, has posed a major challenge due to lack of robust, reproducible and practical bioprinting techniques. Here, we demonstrate 3D aspiration-assisted freeform bioprinting of tissue spheroids by precisely positioning them in self-healing yield-stress gels, enabling the self-assembly of spheroids for fabrication of tissues. The presented approach enables the traverse of spheroids directly from the cell media to the gel and freeform positioning of the spheroids on demand. We study the underlying physical mechanism of the approach to elucidate the interactions between the aspirated spheroids and the gel’s yield-stress during the transfer of spheroids from cell media to the gel. We further demonstrate the application of the proposed approach in the realization of various freeform shapes and self-assembly of human mesenchymal stem cell spheroids for the construction of cartilage and bone tissues.
Acceleration of ocean warming, salinification, deoxygenation and acidification in the surface subtropical North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Bates Nicholas Robert , Johnson Rodney J.
Published: October 2020

Ocean chemical and physical conditions are changing. Here we show decadal variability and recent acceleration of surface warming, salinification, deoxygenation, carbon dioxide (CO2) and acidification in the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean (Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study site; 1980s to present). Surface temperatures and salinity exhibited interdecadal variability, increased by ~0.85 °C (with recent warming of 1.2 °C) and 0.12, respectively, while dissolved oxygen levels decreased by ~8% (~2% per decade). Concurrently, seawater DIC, fCO2 (fugacity of CO2) and anthropogenic CO2 increased by ~8%, 22%, and 72% respectively. The winter versus summer fCO2 difference increased by 4 to 8 µatm decade−1 due to seasonally divergent thermal and alkalinity changes. Ocean pH declined by 0.07 (~17% increase in acidity) and other acidification indicators by ~10%. Over the past nearly forty years, the highest increase in ocean CO2 and ocean acidification occurred during decades of weakest atmospheric CO2 growth and vice versa.
Computational mechanistic insights into non-noble-metal-catalysed CO2 conversion
Authors: Roy Lisa , Mondal Bhaskar , Ye Shengfa
Published: October 2020

Theoretical insights into the mechanism of existing non-noble–metal-catalyzed CO2 reduction provide guidelines to develop more efficient inexpensive catalysts.
Electrically conductive Cu(ii)-based 1D coordination polymer with theoretical insight
Authors: Islam Sakhiul , Das Pubali , Maiti Saswati , Khan Samim , Maity Suvendu , Ghosh Prasanta , Jana Atish Dipankar , Ray Partha Pratim , Mir Mohammad Hedayetullah
Published: October 2020

A nitro-functionalized Cu(ii)-based 1D CP generates a 3D supramolecular assembly through a novel “super-supramolecular” synthon, which exhibits electrical conductivity and reveals a Schottky diode behaviour.
Roles of acidic sites in alumina catalysts for efficient d-xylose conversion to lactic acid
Authors: Kiatphuengporn Sirapassorn , Junkaew Anchalee , Luadthong Chuleeporn , Thongratkaew Sutarat , Yimsukanan Chakrit , Songtawee Siripit , Butburee Teera , Khemthong Pongtanawat , Namuangruk Supawadee , Kunaseth Manaschai , Faungnawakij Kajornsak
Published: October 2020

Active Lewis acid sites in γ-Al2O3 promote the catalytic activity for lactic acid production from d-xylose.
Correction: Phosphorescent bio-based resin for digital light processing (DLP) 3D-printing
Authors: Maturi Mirko , Pulignani Carolina , Locatelli Erica , Vetri Buratti Veronica , Tortorella Silvia , Sambri Letizia , Comes Franchini Mauro
Published: October 2020

Correction for ‘Phosphorescent bio-based resin for digital light processing (DLP) 3D-printing’ by Mirko Maturi et al., Green Chem., 2020, 22, 6212–6224, DOI: 10.1039/D0GC01983F.
Adjustable metal particle grid formed through upward directed solid-state dewetting using silicon nanowires
Authors: Wallace Steaphan Mark , Jevasuwan Wipakorn , Fukata Naoki
Published: October 2020

Upward directed dewetting of metal thin films sputtered onto silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays during high-temperature annealing causes the formation of uniform metal particles.
Recent advances in environmentally benign hierarchical inorganic nano-adsorbents for the removal of poisonous metal ions in water: a review with mechanistic insight into toxicity and adsorption
Authors: Channegowda Manjunatha
Published: October 2020

Water contaminated with heavy metal ions, As3+, Pb2+, Cr6+, Cd2+, and Hg2 is known to be toxic or carcinogenic. We review the mechanistic toxicity and carcinogenicity of these ions and hierarchically architectured inorganic nano-adsorbents for their removal are explored.
Room-temperature conversion of the photoelectrochemical oxidation of methane into electricity at nanostructured TiO2
Authors: Kadosh Yanir , Korin Eli , Bettelheim Armand
Published: October 2020

The room-temperature operation of a methane-based photo-fuel cell is demonstrated for the first time. This is achieved using a TiO2nanotube arrays photoanode which shows effective oxidation of methane.
A 3D POMOF based on a {AsW12} cluster and a Ag-MOF with interpenetrating channels for large-capacity aqueous asymmetric supercapacitors and highly selective biosensors for the detection of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Cui Liping , Yu Kai , Lv Jinghua , Guo Changhong , Zhou Baibin
Published: October 2020

{AsW12} clusters were grafted onto Ag-MOF to yield two 3D POMOFs that exhibit outstanding electrochemical supercapacitor and sensing properties.
Inhibition of interleukin-6 signaling attenuates aortitis, left ventricular hypertrophy and arthritis in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist deficient mice
Authors: Hada Yoshiko , Uchida Haruhito A. , Mukai Tomoyuki , Kojima Fumiaki , Yoshida Masashi , Takeuchi Hidemi , Kakio Yuki , Otaka Nozomu , Morita Yoshitaka , Wada Jun
Published: October 2020

The aim of the present study was to examine whether inhibition of Interleukin (IL)-6 signaling by MR16-1, an IL-6 receptor antibody, attenuates aortitis, cardiac hypertrophy, and arthritis in IL-1 receptor antagonist deficient (IL-1RA KO) mice. Four weeks old mice were intraperitoneally administered with either MR16-1 or non-immune IgG at dosages that were adjusted over time for 5 weeks. These mice were stratified into four groups: MR16-1 treatment groups, KO/MR low group (first 2.0 mg, following 0.5 mg/week, n=14) and KO/MR high group (first 4.0 mg, following 2.0 mg/week, n=19) in IL-1RA KO mice, and IgG treatment groups, KO/IgG group (first 2.0 mg, following 1.0 mg/week, n=22) in IL-1RA KO mice, and wild/IgG group (first 2.0 mg, following 1.0 mg/week, n=17) in wild mice. Aortitis, cardiac hypertrophy and arthropathy were histologically analyzed. Sixty-eight percent of the KO/IgG group developed aortitis (53% developed severe aortitis). In contrast, only 21% of the KO/MR high group developed mild aortitis, without severe aortitis (P<0.01, vs KO/IgG group). Infiltration of inflammatory cells, such as neutrophils, T cells, and macrophages, was frequently observed around aortic sinus of the KO/IgG group. Left ventricle and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy were observed in IL-1RA KO mice. Administration of high dosage of MR16-1 significantly suppressed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. MR16-1 attenuated the incidence and severity of arthritis in IL-1RA KO mice in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, blockade of IL-6 signaling may exert a beneficial effect to attenuate severe aortitis, left ventricle hypertrophy, and arthritis.
Game theoretical model for information transmission in structure‐free wireless sensor networks
Authors: Chaiel Hussain K. , Alabdel Abass Ahmed A.
Published: October 2020

We consider, as a game, the competition between sensors' transmissions in a structure‐free wireless sensor network. They contemplate two nodes at the same level strategically optimising their decisions over a finite set of strategies. Specifically, they consider two strategies are available to each node. Nodes can choose to transmit to keep the network updated, but at the risk of not sensing during the transmission time and the potential of sending repeated information if other nodes have already transmitted that information. Nodes can choose to sense the environment to detect new events, but this strategy leaves the network with outdated information if all nodes adopt it. As a result, nodes have to strategically make their decisions depending on the nodes' parameters, the importance of information, and the locations of the head nodes. They tackle this decision‐making problem using two game theoretic models: a non‐cooperative two‐player game model and a potential game model. They derive the Nash equilibria (NE) and highlight their existence conditions. Finally, they use learning algorithms that use local information at each node to reach the NE. These algorithms are the fictitious play (FP) algorithm and a modified FP that is inspired by the cumulative proportional reinforcement algorithm.
Underlay spectrum‐sharing non‐orthogonal multiple access network with imperfect successive interference cancellation
Authors: Chamisa Malvern , Takawira Fambirai , Moualeu Jules M.
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the performance of a cooperative non‐orthogonal multiple access cognitive network with imperfect successive interference cancellation under Rayleigh fading conditions. Specifically, the authors consider an underlay cognitive network that consists of a primary transmitter–receiver pair and a secondary system where a source node communicates with two destinations nodes directly and indirectly through a relay node selected from a set of decode‐and‐forward relays. A partial relay selection scheme is used to determine the best relay. The authors present an analytical framework, with closed‐form analytical expressions for the outage probabilities at the two destinations as well the primary destination. Moreover, to simplify the analysis and to provide further insights into the impact of key system parameters, asymptotic studies of the outage probabilities were carried out. To this end, the authors focus on two cases: (i) the maximum allowable transmit power of the secondary network grows sufficiently large and (ii) the interference power approaches infinity. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations are provided in an effort to assess the accuracy of the proposed mathematical framework.
Dynamic output feedback controller design for interval type‐2 T–S fuzzy fractional order systems
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Jin Kaijing
Published: October 2020

This study discusses the issue of the stabilisation of interval type‐2 Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy fractional order systems by designing the dynamic output feedback controller. In the system model, the system matrix has no assuming limitations. Different membership functions are attached to the T–S fuzzy model and fuzzy controller. For fractional order of case, sufficient conditions in terms of strict linear matrix inequalities are addressed. Then, for order case, by some contragradient transformations, sufficient stability conditions in terms of convex optimisation problems are derived. All of the proposed theorems are strict linear matrix inequalities and can be solved in standard software. Finally, two numerical simulation examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Privacy‐cost trade‐offs in smart electricity metering systems
Authors: Giaconi Giulio , Gündüz Deniz , Poor H. Vincent
Published: October 2020

Trade‐offs between privacy and cost are studied for a smart grid consumer, whose electricity consumption is monitored in almost real time by the utility provider (UP) through smart meter (SM) readings. It is assumed that an electrical battery is available to the consumer, which can be utilised both to achieve privacy and to reduce the energy cost by demand shaping. Privacy is measured via the mean squared distance between the SM readings and a target load profile, while time‐of‐use pricing is considered to compute the cost incurred. The consumer can also sell electricity back to the UP to further improve the privacy‐cost trade‐off. Two privacy‐preserving energy management policies (EMPs) are proposed, which differ in the way the target load profile is characterised. A more practical EMP, which optimises the energy management less frequently, is also considered. Numerical results are presented to compare the privacy‐cost trade‐off of these EMPs, considering various privacy indicators.
BRITE photometry and STELLA spectroscopy of bright stars in Auriga: Rotation, pulsation, orbits, and eclipses
Authors: Strassmeier K. G. , Granzer T. , Weber M. , Kuschnig R. , Pigulski A. , Popowicz A. , Moffat A. F. J. , Wade G. A. , Zwintz K. , Handler G.
Published: October 2020

Context. Knowing rotational and pulsational periods across the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is of top priority for understanding stellar activity as a function of time.

Aims. We aim to determine periods for bright stars in the Auriga field that are otherwise not easily accessible for ground-based photometry.

Methods. Continuous photometry with up to three BRITE satellites was obtained for 12 targets and subjected to a period search. Contemporaneous high-resolution optical spectroscopy with STELLA was used to obtain radial velocities through cross correlation with template spectra as well as to determine astrophysical parameters through a comparison with model spectra.

Results. The Capella red light curve was found to be constant over 176 days with a root mean square of 1 mmag, but the blue light curve showed a period of 10.1 ± 0.6 d, which we interpret to be the rotation period of the G0 component. From STELLA we obtained an improved orbital solution based on 9600 spectra from the previous 12.9 yr. We derive masses precise to ≈0.3% but 1% smaller than previously published. The BRITE light curve of the F0 supergiant ε Aur suggests 152 d as its main pulsation period, while the STELLA radial velocities reveal a clear 68 d period. An ingress of an eclipse of the ζ Aur binary system was covered with BRITE and a precise timing for its eclipse onset derived. A possible 70 d period fits the proposed tidal-induced, nonradial pulsations of this ellipsoidal K4 supergiant. η Aur is identified as a slowly pulsating B (SPB) star with a main period of 1.29 d and is among the brightest SPB stars discovered so far. The rotation period of the magnetic Ap star θ Aur is detected from photometry and spectroscopy with a period of 3.6189 d and 3.6177 d, respectively, likely the same within the errors. The radial velocities of this star show a striking non-sinusoidal shape with a large amplitude of 7 km s−1. Photometric rotation periods are also confirmed for the magnetic Ap star IQ Aur of 2.463 d and for the solar-type star κ1 Cet of 9.065 d, and also for the B7 HgMn giant β Tau of 2.74 d. Revised orbital solutions are derived for the eclipsing SB2 binary β Aur, which replaces the initial orbit dating from 1948 for the 27-year eclipsing SB1 ε Aur, and for the RS CVn binary V711 Tau, for which a spot-corrected orbital solution was achieved. The two stars ν Aur and ι Aur are found to be long-term, low-amplitude RV and brightness variables, but provisional orbital elements based on a period of 20 yr and an eccentricity of 0.7 could only be extracted for ν Aur. The variations of ι Aur are due to oscillations with a period of ≈4 yr.
Stability Analysis of Unsupported Vertical Cuts in the Vadose Zone using 2D and 3D Numerical Methods
Authors: Brennan Gregory , Oh Won-Taek , Nasir Othman
Published: October 2020

Evidence supporting the implementation of three-dimensional (3D) slope stability analysis in geotechnical engineering practice has been mounting since the nineteen-seventies. Current levels of computational power and its accessibility has allowed researchers to investigate the significance of the 3D numerical analysis output compared to conventional 2D limit equilibrium approach. This study compares results of stability analyses of unsupported vertical cuts in the vadose zone using both 2D (GeoStudio 2019 R2) and 3D (FLAC3D) software. Numerical analyses are carried out for various dimensions of unsupported vertical cuts excavated in an unsaturated glacial till. The findings from two different methods (i.e. 2D and 3D) and the limitations of 2D stability analysis are discussed.
Fully-coupled analysis for the behaviour of flexible retaining structures under seismic conditions
Authors: Pontani Nicola , Oliynyk Kateryna , Tamagnini Claudio
Published: October 2020

The study concerns the analysis of the behaviour of two propped reinforced-concrete diaphragm walls in coarse sand under seismic conditions. Fully-coupled dynamic equilibrium and pore water flow under unsaturated conditions for the soil have been taken into account, in order to assess the effects that the development of excess pore water pressures can have on the performance of such structures when dynamic conditions occur. The von Wolffersdorff hypoplastic model and the van Genuchten soil-water retention model have been used to describe the mechanical and retention behaviour of the sand. The Finite Element predictions of the soil and retaining structure behaviour show a significant dependence of the seismic performance of the structure – evaluated in terms of permanent displacements and structural loads, in view of the modern performance-based design criteria – on the excess pore pressures developed in the soil during the seismic shaking, even when dynamic liquefaction does not occur.
Unsaturated seepage analysis at the Guayabo National Archaeological Monument, Costa Rica
Authors: Baltodano-Goulding Rafael
Published: October 2020

The Guayabo National Archaeological Monument is considered one of the most important historical and political ceremonial centers of pre-Columbian Costa Rica, Central America, and it depicts the ingenuity and the quality of life of Costa Rica´s inhabitants between 800 BC and AD 1400. This site was named International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 2009 by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Evaluation of the unsaturated flow at the Northwestern slope using a two-dimensional model was performed. It was determined from field and modeling that at a relatively shallow depth the soil is relatively impermeable; thus, producing a large amount of run-off that tends to deteriorate the archaeological structures, and induce landslides. As part of the site investigation, exploratory borings were performed, and piezometers were installed in the upper, middle, and bottom parts of the slope. A series of laboratory testing was also performed to obtain index soil and permeability properties. The soil-water characteristic used to develop the K-Curve was also obtained. Additionally, a groundwater model was created using the geotechnical model and a water balance analysis for the area, where different scenarios of recharge and precipitation were analyzed taking into consideration the observed data. The volume of slope run-off through towards the archaeological site was estimated and the areas where it emerges, as well as the field groundwater.
Coupled hydro-mechanical modelling of a 1995 Hong Kong landslide
Authors: Cuomo Sabatino , Di Perna Angela
Published: October 2020

The paper deals with the modelling of the instability mechanism induced by rainfall in an unsaturated cut-slope. A large-sized landslide occurred in 1995 in Hong Kong (the so-called “Fei Tsui Road landslide”). It was here analysed because it was characterized by unusual dimensions and very large runout distance for the study area. The slope failure was attributed to a decrease in soil shear strength due to the rise of a perched water table above a weak kaolin-rich layer, together with the loss of suction caused by water infiltration during a heavy rainfall event. The hydro-mechanical coupled analyses made through the commercial software Plaxis 2D aimed to investigate the relations between the hydrological variables (i.e., rainfall infiltration, suction, saturation) and the slope response in terms of changes in soil resistance and soil plastic deformations. The study demonstrates that the evaluation of the hydro-mechanical coupling effects on the hydraulic slope response as well as on the stability of the whole slope is a crucial issue to well capture the mechanical behaviour of the unsaturated cut-slope. Different failure scenarios have been also considered in order to match the field observations and to back-analyse the initial condition of the slope before landslide.
Performance of driven battered mini-pile group against expansive soil induced ground movement
Authors: Aminzadeh Bostani Taleshani Shirin , Evans Robert , Gad Emad , Miri Disfani Mahdi
Published: October 2020

Swell-shrink movement of expansive soils due to seasonal wetting and drying can cause differential ground movements. This movement can inflict substantial structural damage above foundation level to lightly loaded infrastructure. To reduce this movement, techniques have been employed to either (i) chemically restrain the soil’s reactivity, (ii) control the moisture variation within the ground, or (iii) engage a footing system that can limit the impact of the stresses generated by such differential ground movements. Recently, a new concrete-free footing system has been developed in Australia in an attempt to sufficiently resist such ground movements. This system is comprised of an adjustable steel plate attached to the ground by multiple thin steel (hollow) battered mini-piles. The technology shows promise as a low-impact, cost-effective, excavation and concrete-free, innovative alternative to traditional footing systems. It is also quick and easy to install without the use of bulky and expensive equipment. Early field trial results have indicated that this new footing system can combat against and significantly reduce the transfer of the swell-shrink ground movements to a structure. This paper will describe this new footing system and report on an experimental field trial to date, which will include measured ground movements, moisture content and soil suction results vs. depth, as well as the performance of this new driven battered mini-pile group footing system.
Monitoring of earthen long linear embankments by geophysical tools integrated with geotechnical probes
Authors: Utili Stefano
Published: October 2020

The use of electrical conductivity measurements from a non-invasive hand held electromagnetic probe is showcased to monitor the water content of earthen embankments at routine inspections. A methodology to convert the electrical conductivity measurements from the electromagnetic device into water content values is illustrated. The methodology is based on measuring the soil electrical conductivity variation with respect to a baseline reference condition and calibrating a water content – electrical conductivity relationship by comparing electrical conductivity readings from the electromagnetic probes with water content readings taken from geotechnical probes installed in a few sections of the embankment. The values of water content converted from the conductivity measurements according to the proposed procedure were found to be in very good agreement with independent measures of water content taken at times well beyond the calibration period.
Infiltration behaviour of dike covers made of dredged material on the Rostock Research dike
Authors: Jurisch Tim , Cantré Stefan , Saathoff Fokke
Published: October 2020

The knowledge about the infiltration behaviour of a dike body is an important issue in dike design and flood risk assessment. To reduce the risk of stability failures during flood events, the infiltration rate of a dike should be kept low and the elapsing time to reach the saturated steady state should be long. A number of full-scale physical flood simulation experiments on the Rostock research dike, on which different processed dredged materials were applied in the dike body (cover layers in particular) showed that the infiltration time and rate is much higher as can be expected from comprehensive laboratory test data. To obtain information about the unsaturated/saturated hydraulic soil properties of the installed dredged materials in situ, an automatic multi-objective model calibration method for a minimizing problem is used to reduce the residuals between simulated and observed time series (hydraulic head pressure, suction pressure and rate budget). The measured suction pressure time series of these physical experiments lets us suppose, that it is not possible to simulate the suction pressure behaviour of the installed dredged material using RICHARD’s unsaturated flow equation with a proper water retention function and unsaturated flow conductivity. It seems that the hysteresis effects are negligibly small and the hydraulic behaviour is governed by the inter-aggregate pore structure. In the paper, different back-calculation methods to fit the soil hydraulic parameters to the full-scale measurements are discussed and compared a proposal for the evaluation of the data is provided.
M4EKR, Multiphysics for ElectroKinetic Remediation of Polluted Soils
Authors: Yustres Ángel , López-Vizcaíno Rubén , Cabrera Virginia , Navarro Vicente
Published: October 2020

Electrokinetic soil remediation (EKR) is one of the most promising techniques for decontamination of low permeability soils, in which the most classical techniques have been found to be less efficient. However, its practical application on a real scale has been rather limited since the phenomena involved in these processes are very complex. For this reason, it is essential to use numerical models that allow us to know the main trends in the behaviour of soils and natural waters subjected to EKR processes. This study presents the numerical model M4EKR (Multiphysics for ElectroKinetic Remediation). The M4EKR module is a reactive transport model for partially saturated soils that allows reproducing the transport of species due to electroosmosis, electromigration, diffusion and advective flow. The model was completely implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics, a partial differential equation solver. The system of differential and algebraic equations to solve the chemical and transport problem was fully defined by the authors, and they were solved by the M4EKR module in COMSOL (monolithic approach). The scope of the model is illustrated by simulating an EKR process of a natural soil and porewater contaminated with a polar pesticide: 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. For simplicity, the M4EKR version used in this study does not include gas transport, it does not consider the deformability of the soil and it is assumed the processes occur under isothermal conditions.
Bounding surface constitutive model for unsaturated soils considering microscopic pore structure and bonding effect
Authors: Han Bowen , Cai Guoqing , Xie Lin , Li Jian , Zhao Chenggang
Published: October 2020

This article presents a bounding surface model for unsaturated soils by using skeleton stress and bonding variable based on microcosmic pore structure as constitutive variables. A Hydraulic hysteresis soil-water characteristic curve model considering deformation and hydraulic hysteresis is combined to achieve hydraulic coupling. The proposed model can capture the change of the inter-particles bonding effect in the deformation process of unsaturated soils and accurately predict the hydraulic mechanical behavior of unsaturated soils under complicated loading paths and wetting-drying cycles. The validity of the proposed model is confirmed by the results of unsaturated isotropic compression tests, wetting-drying cycles tests and unsaturated triaxial shear tests reported in the literature.
Determination of soil-water retention curve: an artificial intelligence-based approach
Authors: Nikooee Ehsan , Mirghafari Rasoul , Habibagahi Ghassem , Khorassani Alireza Ghadamgahi , Nouri Amir Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Soil Water Retention Curve (SWRC) is a fundamental relationship in unsaturated soil mechanics, knowledge of which is essential for determining major mechanical and hydraulic properties of unsaturated soils. There are several empirical, semi-empirical and physically-based models which have been proposed to date for estimating SWRC. While the physically-based models which employ the basic soil characteristics such as grain-size and pore-size distributions are regarded superior to purely empirical models, their Achilles’ heel is the several simplifying assumptions based on which these models are constructed, thereby, restricting their applications and influencing their accuracy. Given the complexity of the soil porous structure, one may resort to the new inference techniques rather than mechanistic modelling to find the relationship among soil physical characteristics and the retention properties. Therefore, an alternative approach to purely empirical relationships as well as physically-based and conceptual models for determining SWRC is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based techniques to acquire a relationship for SWRC based on the soil basic properties, especially grain size distribution and porosity. Among AI-based methods, Multi-Gene Genetic Programming (MGGP), often used to establish a close form equation for a complex physical system, offers a suitable alternative to the current approaches. In this study, a database compromising of 437 soils (containing various soil types, namely, sand, clay, silt, loam, silt loam, clay loam, sandy loam, sandy clay loam, silty clay loam, silty clay, and loamy sand soils) was used along with MGGP to establish a relationship among suction, saturation, porosity and grain size distribution. The proposed equation had a reasonable agreement with the experimental data compared to the other grain-based and physically-based models.
A water retention model for compacted clays subjected to salinization and desalinization processes
Authors: Scelsi Giulia , Della Vecchia Gabriele , Musso Guido
Published: October 2020

Environmental actions are known to induce relevant effects on the fabric of compacted active clays, which are successfully described by adopting a double porosity framework. In particular, the role of aggregate deformation has been recognized as fundamental to interpret the water retention behavior and the transport properties. These aspects are particularly relevant in the context of clay liners, being the material cast in place in unsaturated conditions and subjected to wetting process by pore fluids characterized by a chemical composition that is different from the one of compaction. Experimental data evidence that the water retention properties of active clays evolve as a function of pore water chemistry, since for a given matric suction the mass of stored water changes with water salinity. In this paper, a double porosity water retention model is proposed, capable of reproducing the variation of matric suction with water content accounting for the salinity of pore fluid. The role of salinity changes is accounted for by a suitable evolution law for aggregate deformation, which in turn affects the inter-aggregate porosity and thus the storage properties of the material.