bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus ORF50 Protein Represses Cellular MDM2 Expression via Suppressing the Sp1- and p53-Mediated Transactivation
Authors: Lin Chia-I , Wang Shie-Shan , Hung Chien-Hui , Chang Pey-Jium , Chen Lee-Wen
Published: August 2022

The Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-encoded ORF50 protein is a potent transcriptional activator essential for triggering KSHV lytic reactivation. Despite extensive studies, little is known about whether ORF50 possesses the ability to repress gene expression or has an antagonistic action to cellular transcription factors. Previously, we demonstrated that human oncoprotein MDM2 can promote the degradation of ORF50 protein. Herein, we show that abundant ORF50 expression in cells can conversely downregulate MDM2 expression via repressing both the upstream (P1) and internal (P2) promoters of the MDM2 gene. Deletion analysis of the MDM2 P1 promoter revealed that there were two ORF50-dependent negative response elements located from −102 to −63 and from −39 to +1, which contain Sp1-binding sites. For the MDM2 P2 promoter, the ORF50-dependent negative response element was identified in the region from −110 to −25, which is coincident with the location of two known p53-binding sites. Importantly, we further demonstrated that overexpression of Sp1 or p53 in cells indeed upregulated MDM2 expression; however, coexpression with ORF50 protein remarkably reduced the Sp1- or p53-mediated MDM2 upregulation. Collectively, our findings propose a reciprocal negative regulation between ORF50 and MDM2 and uncover that ORF50 decreases MDM2 expression through repressing Sp1- and p53-mediated transactivation.
6-Bromoindirubin-3′-Oxime Regulates Colony Formation, Apoptosis, and Odonto/Osteogenic Differentiation in Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Kornsuthisopon Chatvadee , Rochanavibhata Sunisa , Nowwarote Nunthawan , Tompkins Kevin A. , Sukarawan Waleerat , Osathanon Thanaphum
Published: August 2022

6-bromoindirubin-3′-oxime (BIO) is a candidate small molecule that effectively modulates Wnt signalling owing to its stable property. The present study investigated the influence of BIO on the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). hDPSCs were treated with 200, 400, or 800 nM BIO, and the effects on hDPSC responses and osteogenic differentiation were assessed. BIO-mediated Wnt activation was confirmed by β-catenin nuclear translocation detected by immunofluorescence staining. BIO attenuated colony formation and cell migration determined by in vitro wound-healing assay. BIO increased early apoptotic cell population evaluated using flow cytometry. For osteogenic induction, BIO promoted alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralisation in a dose-dependent manner. ALP, RUNX2, OCN, OSX, ANKH, DMP1, and DSPP mRNA expression were significantly upregulated. The OPG/RANKL expression ratio was also increased. Further, BIO attenuated adipogenic differentiation as demonstrated by decreased lipid accumulation and adipogenic-related gene expression. Bioinformatic analysis of RNA sequencing data from the BIO-treated hDPSCs revealed that BIO modulated pathways related to autophagy and actin cytoskeleton regulation. These findings demonstrated that BIO treatment promoted hDPSC osteogenic differentiation. Therefore, this small molecule is a strong candidate as a bioactive molecule to enhance dentin repair.
Short Arrestin-3-Derived Peptides Activate JNK3 in Cells
Authors: Perry-Hauser Nicole A. , Kaoud Tamer S. , Stoy Henriette , Zhan Xuanzhi , Chen Qiuyan , Dalby Kevin N. , Iverson Tina M. , Gurevich Vsevolod V. , Gurevich Eugenia V.
Published: August 2022

Arrestins were first discovered as suppressors of G protein-mediated signaling by G protein-coupled receptors. It was later demonstrated that arrestins also initiate several signaling branches, including mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades. Arrestin-3-dependent activation of the JNK family can be recapitulated with peptide fragments, which are monofunctional elements distilled from this multi-functional arrestin protein. Here, we use maltose-binding protein fusions of arrestin-3-derived peptides to identify arrestin elements that bind kinases of the ASK1-MKK4/7-JNK3 cascade and the shortest peptide facilitating JNK signaling. We identified a 16-residue arrestin-3-derived peptide expressed as a Venus fusion that leads to activation of JNK3α2 in cells. The strength of the binding to the kinases does not correlate with peptide activity. The ASK1-MKK4/7-JNK3 cascade has been implicated in neuronal apoptosis. While inhibitors of MAP kinases exist, short peptides are the first small molecule tools that can activate MAP kinases.
Plant_SNP_TATA_Z-Tester: A Web Service That Unequivocally Estimates the Impact of Proximal Promoter Mutations on Plant Gene Expression
Authors: Rasskazov Dmitry , Chadaeva Irina , Sharypova Ekaterina , Zolotareva Karina , Khandaev Bato , Ponomarenko Petr , Podkolodnyy Nikolay , Tverdokhleb Natalya , Vishnevsky Oleg , Bogomolov Anton , Podkolodnaya Olga , Savinkova Ludmila , Zemlyanskaya Elena , Golubyatnikov Vadimir , Kolchanov Nikolay , Ponomarenko Mikhail
Published: August 2022

Synthetic targeted optimization of plant promoters is becoming a part of progress in mainstream postgenomic agriculture along with hybridization of cultivated plants with wild congeners, as well as marker-assisted breeding. Therefore, here, for the first time, we compiled all the experimental data—on mutational effects in plant proximal promoters on gene expression—that we could find in PubMed. Some of these datasets cast doubt on both the existence and the uniqueness of the sought solution, which could unequivocally estimate effects of proximal promoter mutation on gene expression when plants are grown under various environmental conditions during their development. This means that the inverse problem under study is ill-posed. Furthermore, we found experimental data on in vitro interchangeability of plant and human TATA-binding proteins allowing the application of Tikhonov’s regularization, making this problem well-posed. Within these frameworks, we created our Web service Plant_SNP_TATA_Z-tester and then determined the limits of its applicability using those data that cast doubt on both the existence and the uniqueness of the sought solution. We confirmed that the effects (of proximal promoter mutations on gene expression) predicted by Plant_SNP_TATA_Z-tester correlate statistically significantly with all the experimental data under study. Lastly, we exemplified an application of Plant_SNP_TATA_Z-tester to agriculturally valuable mutations in plant promoters.
On the Computational Design of Azobenzene-Based Multi-State Photoswitches
Authors: Moreno Miquel , Lluch José M. , Gelabert Ricard
Published: August 2022

In order to theoretically design multi-state photoswitches with specific properties, an exhaustive computational study is first carried out for an azobenzene dimer that has been recently synthesized and experimentally studied. This study allows for a full comprehension of the factors that govern the photoactivated isomerization processes of these molecules so to provide a conceptual/computational protocol that can be applied to generic multi-state photoswitches. From this knowledge a new dimer with a similar chemical design is designed and also fully characterized. Our theoretical calculations predict that the new dimer proposed is one step further in the quest for a double photoswitch, where the four metastable isomers could be selectively interconverted through the use of different irradiation sequences.
Phylogenomics-Based Reconstruction and Molecular Evolutionary Histories of Brassica Photoreceptor Gene Families
Authors: Muthusamy Muthusamy , Kim Jin-A , Lee Soo-In
Published: August 2022

Photosensory proteins known as photoreceptors (PHRs) are crucial for delineating light environments in synchronization with other environmental cues and regulating their physiological variables in plants. However, this has not been well studied in the Brassica genus, which includes several important agricultural and horticultural crops. Herein, we identified five major PHR gene families—phytochrome (PHY), cryptochrome (CRY), phototropin (PHOT), F-box containing flavin binding proteins (ZTL/FKF1/LKP2), and UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 (UVR8)—genomic scales and classified them into subfamilies based on their phylogenetic clustering with Arabidopsis homologues. The molecular evolution characteristics of Brassica PHR members indicated indirect expansion and lost one to six gene copies at subfamily levels. The segmental duplication was possibly the driving force of the evolution and amplification of Brassica PHRs. Gene replication retention and gene loss events of CRY, PHY, and PHOT members found in diploid progenitors were highly conserved in their tetraploid hybrids. However, hybridization events were attributed to quantitative changes in UVR8 and ZTL/FKF1/LKP2 members. All PHR members underwent purifying selection. In addition, the transcript expression profiles of PHR genes in different tissue and in response to exogenous ABA, and abiotic stress conditions suggested their multiple biological significance. This study is helpful in understanding the molecular evolution characteristics of Brassica PHRs and lays the foundation for their functional characterization.
Importance of GLUT Transporters in Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Ismail Abdelrahman , Tanasova Marina
Published: August 2022

Facilitative sugar transporters (GLUTs) are the primary method of sugar uptake in all mammalian cells. There are 14 different types of those transmembrane proteins, but they transport only a handful of substrates, mainly glucose and fructose. This overlap and redundancy contradict the natural tendency of cells to conserve energy and resources, and has led researchers to hypothesize that different GLUTs partake in more metabolic roles than just sugar transport into cells. Understanding those roles will lead to better therapeutics for a wide variety of diseases and disorders. In this review we highlight recent discoveries of the role GLUTs play in different diseases and disease treatments.
Identification of a βCD-Based Hyper-Branched Negatively Charged Polymer as HSV-2 and RSV Inhibitor
Authors: Francese Rachele , Cecone Claudio , Costantino Matteo , Hoti Gjylije , Bracco Pierangiola , Lembo David , Trotta Francesco
Published: August 2022

Cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin derivatives were demonstrated to improve the antiviral potency of numerous drugs, but also to be endowed with intrinsic antiviral action. They are suitable building blocks for the synthesis of functionalized polymer structures with potential antiviral activity. Accordingly, four water-soluble hyper-branched beta cyclodextrin (βCD)-based anionic polymers were screened against herpes simplex virus (HSV-2), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rotavirus (HRoV), and influenza virus (FluVA). They were characterized by FTIR-ATR, TGA, elemental analyses, zeta-potential measurements, and potentiometric titrations, while the antiviral activity was investigated with specific in vitro assays. The polymer with the highest negative charge, pyromellitic dianhydride-linked polymer (P_PMDA), showed significant antiviral action against RSV and HSV-2, by inactivating RSV free particles and by altering HSV-2 binding to the cell. The polymer fraction with the highest molecular weight showed the strongest antiviral activity and both P_PMDA and its active fractions were not toxic for cells. Our results suggest that the polymer virucidal activity against RSV can be exploited to produce new antiviral materials to counteract the virus dissemination through the air or direct contact. Additionally, the strong HSV-2 binding inhibition along with the water solubility of P_PMDA and the acyclovir complexation potential of βCD are attractive features for developing new therapeutic topical options against genital HSV-2 infection.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Artemisia vulgaris Extract and Its Application toward Catalytic and Metal-Sensing Activity
Authors: Adhikari Achyut , Lamichhane Laxman , Adhikari Anup , Gyawali Gobinda , Acharya Debendra , Baral Ek Raj , Chhetri Kisan
Published: August 2022

Nonessential heavy metals are toxic to human health. In this study, mercury, a hazardous metal, was detected by colorimetric analysis using Artemisia vulgaris-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNP) without any modification in an aqueous solution. The UV–vis spectroscopy showed a characteristic SPR band of Ag0 at 418 nm, indicating the formation of AgNPs. The AgNPs were crystalline, with an average size of 7 nm, as calculated from the XRD data. The SEM images revealed the spherical and polycrystalline AgNPs within the agglomerated form. The FTIR spectra elucidated the functional group of the extract attached with the Ag0. The broad, strong peak at 3632 cm−1 indicated the involvement of the -OH group of compounds of extract in reducing silver ions. The peak of EDX spectra around 3 keV confirmed the silver in the nanostructure. A colorimetric method was employed for the heavy metal sensing in the aqueous medium without modification of AgNPs suspension. The obtained AgNPs were found to be selective and highly sensitive toward Hg2+ ions. The AgNPs suspension turned colorless after adding 380 µL of 1 mM Hg2+. The synthesized AgNPs showed the catalytic activity on reduction of 4-nitrophenol in the presence of NaBH4 within 8 min with a rate constant of 1.21 × 10−2 s−1. The outcome of these findings suggests that the application of Artemisia vulgaris influenced AgNPs for metal sensing and green catalysis.
What Is Currently Known about Intramedullary Spinal Cord Abscess among Children? A Concise Review
Authors: Szmyd Bartosz , Jabbar Redwan , Lusa Weronika , Karuga Filip Franciszek , Pawełczyk Agnieszka , Błaszczyk Maciej , Jankowski Jakub , Sołek Julia , Wysiadecki Grzegorz , Tubbs R. Shane , Iwanaga Joe , Radek Maciej
Published: August 2022

Intramedullary spinal cord abscesses (ISCA) are rare. Typical symptoms include signs of infection and neurological deficits. Symptoms among (younger) children can be highly uncharacteristic. Therefore, prompt and proper diagnoses may be difficult. Typical therapeutic options include antibiotics and neurosurgical exploration and drainage. In this review, we analyze published cases of ISCA among children. Most pediatric cases were found to be under the age of 6 years. The typical symptoms included motor deficits in 89.06%, infection signs in 85.94%, and sensory deficits in 39.06%. Urinary dysfunction was observed in 43.75%, and bowel dysfunction in 17.19%. The predisposing factors included dermal sinuses, (epi)dermoid cysts, prior infection, iatrogenic disorder, and trauma. The most common pathogens were: Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Escherichia coli, and Proteus mirabilis. The pediatric population has good outcomes as 45.93% of patients had complete neurological recovery and only 26.56% had residual neurological deficits. Fifteen (23.44%) had persistent neurological deficits. Only one (1.56%) patient died with an ISCA. In two (3.13%) cases, there were no details about follow-up examinations.
Investigating Dynamics of the Spinal Cord Injury Adjustment Model: Mediation Model Analysis
Authors: Craig Ashley , Tran Yvonne , Arora Mohit , Pozzato Ilaria , Middleton James W.
Published: August 2022

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe neurological injury that results in damage to multiple bodily systems. SCI rehabilitation requires a significant focus on improving adjustment to the injury. This paper presents a detailed description of the Spinal Cord Injury Adjustment Model (SCIAM), which clarifies how individuals adjust to SCI and contends that adjustment to SCI is a multifactorial process involving non-linear dynamic adaptation over time. Evidence supporting SCIAM is also discussed. Mediation analyses were conducted to test the mediator dynamics proposed by the model. The analyses tested the relationship between two moderators (self-care and secondary health conditions), mediators (two self-efficacy items and appraisal of quality of life or QoL), and positive versus negative vitality/mental health as outcomes. Results showed that higher self-efficacy and perceived QoL was related to greater independence in self-care and reduced negative impacts of secondary health conditions. This study supported the mediation role of self-efficacy and other appraisals such as perceived QoL in enhancing self-care and buffering the negative impact of health challenges. In conclusion, it is important to employ a holistic model such as SCIAM to conceptualise and increase understanding of the process of adjustment following a severe neurological injury such as SCI.
New Oral Antitumor Drugs and Medication Safety in Uro-Oncology: Implications for Clinical Practice Based on a Subgroup Analysis of the AMBORA Trial
Authors: Schlichtig Katja , Cuba Lisa , Dürr Pauline , Bellut Laura , Meidenbauer Norbert , Kunath Frank , Goebell Peter J. , Mackensen Andreas , Dörje Frank , Fromm Martin F. , Wullich Bernd
Published: August 2022

Oral antitumor therapeutics (OAT) bear a high risk for medication errors, e.g., due to drug–drug or drug–food interactions or incorrect drug intake. Advanced age, organ insufficiencies, and polymedication are putting uro-oncological patients at an even larger risk. This analysis sets out to (1) investigate the frequency and relevance of medication errors in patients with prostate cancer or renal cell carcinoma treated with OAT and (2) compile recommendations for clinical practice. This post-hoc subgroup analysis used data collected in the randomized AMBORA trial (2017–2020; DRKS00013271). Clinical pharmacologists/pharmacists conducted advanced medication reviews over 12 weeks after initiation of a new oral regimen and assessed the complete medication process for drug–related problems. Medication errors related to either the OAT, prescribed or prescription-free concomitant medication, or food were classified regarding cause and severity. We identified 67 medication errors in 38 patients within the complete medication within 12 weeks. Thereof, 55% were detected at therapy initiation, 27% were caused by the patients, and 25% were drug–drug or drug–food interactions. Problem-prone issues are summarized in a ‘medication safety table’ to provide recommendations for clinical practice in uro-oncology. Tailored strategies including intensified care by clinical pharmacologists/pharmacists should be implemented in clinical practice to improve medication safety.
Evaluation of Ocular Surface after Cataract Surgery—A Prospective Study
Authors: Sidaraite Agne , Mikalauskiene Lina , Grzybowski Andrzej , Zemaitiene Reda
Published: August 2022

This study evaluated tear film and ocular surface parameters in patients after cataract surgery. Methods: a prospective clinical study included 48 eyes of 48 patients who underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification performed by one surgeon. Tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer’s I test, Cochet–Bonnet esthesiometry and in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy was carried out and the OSDI questionnaire was filled out. All tests were assessed before and 1 month after the surgery. Results: there were 32 (66.7%) women; 16 (33.3%) men, mean age was 74.08 ± 5.37. Mean TBUT at baseline was 8.6 ± 1.9 s, after the surgery, it was 7.7 ± 2.7 s, p = 0.004. Schirmer’s I test was 8.7 ± 3.9 mm versus 8.1 ± 3.7 mm, p = 0.002. Mean corneal nerve density at baseline was 15.70 ± 2.34 and at the first postoperative month 14.94 ± 1.48 mm/mm2, p = 0.02. The OSDI questionnaire score increased from 12.15 ± 10.34 before the surgery to 13.79 ± 10.88 in the first postoperative month, p = 0.001. Conclusions: the ocular surface was affected 1 month after the cataract surgery: TBUT was shorter, Schirmer’s I test and corneal nerve density were decreased while the OSDI score increased.
Epilepsy and Language Development in 8–36-Month-Old Toddlers with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Foryś-Basiejko Małgorzata , Kotulska Katarzyna , Maryniak Agnieszka , Siłuszyk Agata , Szkop Monika , Borkowska Julita , Sugalska Monika , Głowacka-Walas Jagoda , Jóźwiak Sergiusz
Published: August 2022

This paper aimed to assess language development in infants and toddlers with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and epilepsy, which increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder. We assessed language development in 61 patients with TSC at 8–36 months using a standardized Speech Development and Communication Inventory tool. The results showed differences in outcomes due to the duration of the seizures and the number of drugs (pFDR = 0.007 **—pFDR = 0.037 *). Children with TSC with longer epilepsy duration and receiving more antiepileptic drugs have a greater risk of language development delay.
Improved Robust High-Degree Cubature Kalman Filter Based on Novel Cubature Formula and Maximum Correntropy Criterion with Application to Surface Target Tracking
Authors: Wang Tianjing , Zhang Lanyong , Liu Sheng
Published: August 2022

Robust nonlinear filtering is an important method for tracking maneuvering targets in non-Gaussian noise environments. Although there are many robust filters for nonlinear systems, few of them have ideal performance for mixed Gaussian noise and non-Gaussian noise (such as scattering noise) in practical applications. Therefore, a novel cubature formula and maximum correntropy criterion (MCC)-based robust cubature Kalman filter is proposed. First, the fully symmetric cubature criterion and high-order divided difference are used to construct a new fifth-degree cubature formula using fewer symmetric cubature points. Then, a new cost function is obtained by combining the weighted least-squares method and the MCC loss criterion to deal with the abnormal values of non-Gaussian noise, which enhances the robustness; and statistical linearization methods are used to calculate the approximate result of the measurement process. Thus, the final fifth-degree divided difference–maximum correntropy cubature Kalman filter (DD-MCCKF) framework is constructed. A typical surface-maneuvering target-tracking simulation example is used to verify the tracking accuracy and robustness of the proposed filter. Experimental results indicate that the proposed filter has a higher tracking accuracy and better numerical stability than other common nonlinear filters in non-Gaussian noise environments with fewer cubature points used.
Genetic Variations and Expansion of the Blue Swimmer Crab (Portunus pelagicus) in Southeast Asia
Authors: Lu Yu-Ming , Shih Chun-Han , Chen Po-Cheng , Kao Wei-Chieh , Lee Ying-Chou , Han Yu-San , Tzeng Tzong-Der
Published: August 2022

Blue swimmer crabs (Portunus pelagicus) primarily inhabit the coastal regions of Southeast Asia. This study aimed to examine their population genetic structure, phylogeography, and historical demography by applying partial sequences to the control region in the mitochondrial DNA. The analysis focused on 6 populations comprising 166 individual samples collected from Taiwan (Kezailiao Kaohsiung (KK) and Penghu (PH)), mainland China (Xiamen (XM) and Hong Kong (HK)), Vietnam (Hanoi (VN)), and Singapore (SGP). The estimated nucleotide diversity (π) for all of the samples was 0.062, with values ranging between 0.018 (PH) and 0.045 (HK). Our study collected 116 haplotypes and classified them into lineages A and B. The XM, HK, VN, and SGP populations made up lineage A, and the PH and KK populations comprised lineage B. For each lineage, the results highlighted indications of demographic expansion. Lineage A can be traced back to the second-to-last interglacial period, while lineage B possibly originated in the last glacial period. There were significant differences in the FST values among the six populations, except for the pairs HK–XM and PH–KK. In conclusion, the phylogeography and genetic structure of P. pelagicus in Southeast Asia were potentially affected by the Pleistocene glacial cycles and human introduction. These findings further highlight the possible dispersal routes of P. pelagicus throughout Southeast Asia.
The Influence of Information Transparency and Disclosure on the Value of Listed Companies: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Truong Loc Dong , Le Thai Xuan , Friday H. Swint
Published: August 2022

This analysis examines the influence of information transparency and disclosure on the value of companies listed on the Vietnamese stock market. Data employed in this study were primarily gathered from the audited financial statements, management reports and other related documents of 430 publicly traded firms listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE) and Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX) for the time period from 2014 through 2016. Using the GMM (Generalized Method of Moments) approach, the empirical findings indicate that the level of transparency and disclosure of the companies has a significant positive effect on firm value as measured by Tobin’s Q.
Assessing the Risk Characteristics of the Cryptocurrency Market: A GARCH-EVT-Copula Approach
Authors: Bruhn Pascal , Ernst Dietmar
Published: August 2022

The cryptocurrency market offers significant investment opportunities but also entails higher risks as compared to other asset classes. This article aims to analyse the financial risk characteristics of individual cryptocurrencies and of a broad cryptocurrency market portfolio. We construct a portfolio comprising the 20 largest cryptocurrencies, which cover 82.1% of the total cryptocurrency market. The returns are examined for extreme tail risks by the application of Extreme Value Theory. We utilise the GARCH-EVT approach in combination with a novel algorithm to automatically determine the optimal threshold to model the tail distribution. Furthermore, we aggregate the individual market risks with a t-Student Copula to investigate possible diversification effects on a portfolio level. The empirical analysis indicates that all examined cryptocurrencies show high volatility in their price movements, whereby Bitcoin acts as the most stable cryptocurrency. All return distributions are heavy-tailed and subject to extreme tail risks. We find strong, positive intra-market correlations, in particular with the two largest cryptocurrencies Bitcoin and Ethereum. No diversification effect can be achieved by aggregating market risks. On the contrary, a negligibly lower expected return and higher joint extreme returns can be observed. From this analysis, it can be concluded that investments in individual cryptocurrencies as well as in a portfolio show extreme risks of losses. From the investor’s point of view, a possible strategy of risk reduction through portfolio formation within cryptocurrencies is only promising to a limited extent and does not offer a satisfactory solution to significantly reduce the risk within this asset class.
Rainfall Variability and Rice Sustainability: An Evaluation Study of Two Distinct Rice-Growing Ecosystems
Authors: Barati Masoud K. , Manivasagam V. S. , Nikoo Mohammad Reza , Saravanane Pasoubady , Narayanan Alagappan , Manalil Sudheesh
Published: August 2022

The inconsistency of the Indian monsoon has constantly threatened the country’s food production, especially key food crops such as rice. Crop planning measures based on rainfall patterns during the rice-growing season can significantly improve the sustainable water usage for water-intensive crops such as rice. This study examines the variability of Indian monsoonal rainfall in rainfed and irrigated rice-cultivating regions to improve rainfall utilization and irrigation water-saving practices. Two distinct rice-growing conditions in southern peninsular India are chosen for this study. The preliminary seasonal rainfall analysis (1951–2015) showed anomalies in the Sadivayal (rainfed rice) region compared to the Karaikal (irrigated rice). The dry-spell analysis and weekly rainfall classification suggested shifting the sowing date to earlier weeks for the Thaladi season (September–February) and Kar season (May–September) to avoid exposure to water stress in Sadivayal. Harvesting of excess rainwater during the wet weeks is proposed as a mitigation strategy for Karaikal during the vegetative stage of the Kuruvai season (June–October) and Late Thaladi season (October–February), where deficit rainfall is expected. Results showed that an adaptation strategy of early sowing is the most sustainable measure for rainfed rice cultivation. However, harvesting the excess rainwater is an ideal strategy to prevent water stress during deficient rainfall periods in irrigated rice farming. This comparative study proposes a comprehensive rainfall analysis framework to develop sustainable water-efficient rice cultivation practices for the changing rainfall patterns.
Teacher Language Awareness in Initial Teacher Education Policy: A Comparative Analysis of ITE Documents in Norway and New Zealand
Authors: Bonness Dania Jovanna , Harvey Sharon , Lysne Mari Skjerdal
Published: August 2022

Dramatically increased population flows since at least the 1980s, primarily through economic migration and refugee resettlement, have brought considerable ethnic and linguistic diversity to classrooms around the world. This diversity has been amplified by the rising recognition of in-country indigenous and minority languages. In such plurilingual learning environments, teachers require sophisticated language education skills. They need to be able to teach the dominant language/s across the curriculum, support plurilingual learners, and often teach foreign or additional languages. One conceptual lens through which to analyse the presence of these competencies in current teacher education policy is that of language awareness. While this term originally referred to the raising of student awareness of features and functions of language, it now incorporates knowledge about flexible languaging practices. Through a comparative analysis of the two key teacher education policy documents in Norway and New Zealand, we have investigated how the concept of teacher language awareness is incorporated in high-level policy documents pertaining to ITE in these two countries and how these converge and diverge in their treatment of language awareness. Our in-depth comparison of these important educational policies urges both jurisdictions, as well as others, to be aware of local particularities and broader patterns in meeting the needs of teachers to be plurilingually aware and equipped for 21st-century classrooms.
Transposable Elements in Bats Show Differential Accumulation Patterns Determined by Class and Functionality
Authors: Paulat Nicole S. , McGuire Erin , Subramanian Krishnamurthy , Osmanski Austin B. , Moreno-Santillán Diana D. , Ray David A. , Xing Jinchuan
Published: August 2022

Bat genomes are characterized by a diverse transposable element (TE) repertoire. In particular, the genomes of members of the family Vespertilionidae contain both active retrotransposons and active DNA transposons. Each TE type is characterized by a distinct pattern of accumulation over the past ~40 million years. Each also exhibits its own target site preferences (sometimes shared with other TEs) that impact where they are likely to insert when mobilizing. Therefore, bats provide a great resource for understanding the diversity of TE insertion patterns. To gain insight into how these diverse TEs impact genome structure, we performed comparative spatial analyses between different TE classes and genomic features, including genic regions and CpG islands. Our results showed a depletion of all TEs in the coding sequence and revealed patterns of species- and element-specific attraction in the transcript. Trends of attraction in the distance tests also suggested significant TE activity in regions adjacent to genes. In particular, the enrichment of small, non-autonomous TE insertions in introns and near coding regions supports the hypothesis that the genomic distribution of TEs is the product of a balance of the TE insertion preference in open chromatin regions and the purifying selection against TEs within genes.
Properties of Rigid Polyurethane Foam Filled with Sawdust from Primary Wood Processing
Authors: Dukarska Dorota , Walkiewicz Joanna , Derkowski Adam , Mirski Radosław
Published: August 2022

In this study, the possibility of using sawdust, a by-product of primary wood processing, as a filler (WF) for rigid polyurethane (PUR) foams was investigated. The effects of the addition of 5, 10, 15 and 20% of WF particles to the polyurethane matrix on the foaming process, cell structure and selected physical-mechanical properties such as density, thermal conductivity, dimensional stability, water absorption, brittleness, compressive and bending strengths were evaluated. Based on the results, it was found that the addition of WF in the amount of up to 10% does not significantly affect the kinetics of the foam foaming process, allowing the reduction of their thermal conductivity, significantly reducing brittleness and maintaining high dimensional stability. On the other hand, such an amount of WF causes a slight decrease in the compressive strength of the foam, a decrease in its bending strength and an increase in water absorption. However, it is important that in spite of the observed decrease in the values of these parameters, the obtained results are satisfactory and consistent with the parameters of insulation materials based on rigid PUR foam, currently available on the market.
Effect of Ca Precipitation on Texture Component Development in AZ Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Kim Kibeom , Ji Yebin , Kim Kwonhoo
Published: August 2022

To enhance the formability of magnesium alloys, inhibition of basal texture development by the particle-stimulated nucleation (PSN) effect has attracted significant interest. However, its contribution to texture development is not easily observed due to the separation of texture from the conventional deformation behavior. This study aims to separate the Ca texture from the deformation behavior of AZX611 alloy and quantify it using scanning electron microscopy with electron backscatter diffraction (SEM-EBSD). Since Ca in the AZ61 magnesium alloy precipitated as Al2Ca, the hot-rolled magnesium alloys AZ31, AZ61, and AZX611 were used. High temperature compression was conducted at 723 K, the strain rate 0.05/s and 0.005/s and the true strain up to −1.0. Dynamic recrystallization was observed in each specimen and the Ca-free alloys showed dislocation glide at high strain rates and solute drag at low strain rates. When the dislocation glide dominated, basal texture was strengthened. In contrast, solute drag caused non-basal texture development. Precipitation hardening caused AZ61 to have higher flow stress than those of the Ca-free alloys by the PSN effect; its texture was observed separately because the PSN grain growth around the precipitation and orientation was specific, similar to the one developed at the solute atom drag.
Concrete Strength Prediction Using Different Machine Learning Processes: Effect of Slag, Fly Ash and Superplasticizer
Authors: Qi Chongchong , Huang Binhan , Wu Mengting , Wang Kun , Yang Shan , Li Guichen
Published: August 2022

Blast furnace slag (BFS) and fly ash (FA), as mining-associated solid wastes with good pozzolanic effects, can be combined with superplasticizer to prepare concrete with less cement utilization. Considering the important influence of strength on concrete design, random forest (RF) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) methods were combined to construct a prediction model and carry out hyper-parameter tuning in this study. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the dimension of input features. The correlation coefficient (R), the explanatory variance score (EVS), the mean absolute error (MAE) and the mean square error (MSE) were used to evaluate the performance of the model. R = 0.954, EVS = 0.901, MAE = 3.746, and MSE = 27.535 of the optimal RF-PSO model on the testing set indicated the high generalization ability. After PCA dimensionality reduction, the R value decreased from 0.954 to 0.88, which was not necessary for the current dataset. Sensitivity analysis showed that cement was the most important feature, followed by water, superplasticizer, fine aggregate, BFS, coarse aggregate and FA, which was beneficial to the design of concrete schemes in practical projects. The method proposed in this study for estimation of the compressive strength of BFS-FA-superplasticizer concrete fills the research gap and has potential engineering application value.
Tracked Locomotion Systems for Ground Mobile Robots: A Review
Authors: Bruzzone Luca , Nodehi Shahab Edin , Fanghella Pietro
Published: August 2022

The paper discusses the state-of-the-art of locomotion systems for ground mobile robots comprising tracks. Tracked locomotion, due to the large contact surface with the ground, is particularly suitable for tackling soft, yielding, and irregular terrains, but is characterized by lower speed and energy efficiency than wheeled locomotion, and lower obstacle-climbing capability than legged locomotion. Therefore, in recent years academic and industrial researchers have designed a wide variety of hybrid solutions, combining tracks with legs and wheels. The paper proposes three possible parallel taxonomies, based on body architecture, track profile, and track type, to help designers select the most suitable architecture on the basis of the operative necessities. Moreover, modeling, simulation, and design methodologies for tracked ground mobile robots are recalled.
AI-Based Posture Control Algorithm for a 7-DOF Robot Manipulator
Authors: Lee Cheonghwa , An Dawn
Published: August 2022

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and an increasing demand for redundant robotic systems, robot control systems are becoming increasingly complex. Although forward kinematics (FK) and inverse kinematics (IK) equations have been used as basic and perfect solutions for robot posture control, both equations have a significant drawback. When a robotic system is highly nonlinear, it is difficult or impossible to derive both the equations. In this paper, we propose a new method that can replace both the FK and IK equations of a seven-degrees-of-freedom (7-DOF) robot manipulator. This method is based on reinforcement learning (RL) and artificial neural networks (ANN) for supervised learning (SL). RL was used to acquire training datasets consisting of six posture data in Cartesian space and seven motor angle data in joint space. The ANN is used to make the discrete training data continuous, which implies that the trained ANN infers any new data. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the proposed method were performed through computer simulation. The results show that the proposed method is sufficient to control the robot manipulator as efficiently as the IK equation.
Almost Anti-Periodic Oscillation Excited by External Inputs and Synchronization of Clifford-Valued Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Qi Weiwei , Li Yongkun
Published: August 2022

The main purpose of this paper was to study the almost anti-periodic oscillation caused by external inputs and the global exponential synchronization of Clifford-valued recurrent neural networks with mixed delays. Since the space consists of almost anti-periodic functions has no vector space structure, firstly, we prove that the network under consideration possesses a unique bounded continuous solution by using the contraction fixed point theorem. Then, by using the inequality technique, it was proved that the unique bounded continuous solution is also an almost anti-periodic solution. Secondly, taking the neural network that was considered as the driving system, introducing the corresponding response system and designing the appropriate controller, some sufficient conditions for the global exponential synchronization of the driving-response system were obtained by employing the inequality technique. When the system we consider degenerated into a real-valued system, our results were considered new. Finally, the validity of the results was verified using a numerical example.
The Impact of Digitalization on Happiness: A European Perspective
Authors: Ionescu-Feleagă Liliana , Ionescu Bogdan-Ștefan , Stoica Oana Cristina
Published: August 2022

One of the most important goals of humanity has always been happiness. In our daily life, happiness is conditioned by different variables, such as relationships with certain groups of individuals, health, security values, expectations, etc. Over the years, technology, especially digitalization, has revolutionized the world and changed our lives. In this context, empirical research on digitalization has grown enormously during the last decade; however, studies on the relationship between digitalization and happiness remain limited. As such, the objective of the present paper is to present an empirical investigation on the relationship between digitalization and happiness in the European Union (EU) during the period 2019–2021, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, the link between the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) and World Happiness Index (WHI) globally for all EU countries, at the level of each WHI variable and at the level of geographical groups in the EU was analyzed using correlations. While the DESI indicator acts as a basis for policymakers, governments, regional administrators and public officials to invest in areas of priority with an evidence-based approach, the WHI indicator can be an important tool for guiding public policy and measuring its effectiveness. The results show that there was a positive and significant relationship between the two indicators at the level of EU countries in all three years. The results also show that in the Western and Northern regions of the EU, the relationship between the two indicators was stronger compared to the other regions. Thus, our study offers supporting arguments for the digital transformation of happiness and provides alternate methodologies and perspectives on the interactions between digitalization and happiness. Moreover, it can help policymakers direct their attention to the importance of digitalization for people’s happiness.
Binary Approaches of Quantum-Based Avian Navigation Optimizer to Select Effective Features from High-Dimensional Medical Data
Authors: Nadimi-Shahraki Mohammad H. , Fatahi Ali , Zamani Hoda , Mirjalili Seyedali
Published: August 2022

Many metaheuristic approaches have been developed to select effective features from different medical datasets in a feasible time. However, most of them cannot scale well to large medical datasets, where they fail to maximize the classification accuracy and simultaneously minimize the number of selected features. Therefore, this paper is devoted to developing an efficient binary version of the quantum-based avian navigation optimizer algorithm (QANA) named BQANA, utilizing the scalability of the QANA to effectively select the optimal feature subset from high-dimensional medical datasets using two different approaches. In the first approach, several binary versions of the QANA are developed using S-shaped, V-shaped, U-shaped, Z-shaped, and quadratic transfer functions to map the continuous solutions of the canonical QANA to binary ones. In the second approach, the QANA is mapped to binary space by converting each variable to 0 or 1 using a threshold. To evaluate the proposed algorithm, first, all binary versions of the QANA are assessed on different medical datasets with varied feature sizes, including Pima, HeartEW, Lymphography, SPECT Heart, PenglungEW, Parkinson, Colon, SRBCT, Leukemia, and Prostate tumor. The results show that the BQANA developed by the second approach is superior to other binary versions of the QANA to find the optimal feature subset from the medical datasets. Then, the BQANA was compared with nine well-known binary metaheuristic algorithms, and the results were statistically assessed using the Friedman test. The experimental and statistical results demonstrate that the proposed BQANA has merit for feature selection from medical datasets.
Biochemical Characterization and Elucidation of the Hybrid Action Mode of a New Psychrophilic and Cold-Tolerant Alginate Lyase for Efficient Preparation of Alginate Oligosaccharides
Authors: Cao Shengsheng , Li Li , Zhu Benwei , Yao Zhong
Published: August 2022

Alginate lyases with unique biochemical properties have irreplaceable value in food and biotechnology industries. Herein, the first new hybrid action mode Thalassotalea algicola-derived alginate lyase gene (TAPL7A) with both psychrophilic and cold-tolerance was cloned and expressed heterologously in E. coli. With the highest sequence identity (43%) to the exolytic alginate lyase AlyA5 obtained from Zobellia galactanivorans, TAPL7A was identified as a new polysaccharide lyases family 7 (PL7) alginate lyase. TAPL7A has broad substrate tolerance with specific activities of 4186.1 U/mg, 2494.8 U/mg, 2314.9 U/mg for polyM, polyG, and sodium alginate, respectively. Biochemical characterization of TAPL7A showed optimal activity at 15 °C, pH 8.0. Interestingly, TAPL7A exhibits both extreme psychrophilic and cold tolerance, which other cold-adapted alginate lyase do not possess. In a wide range of 5–30 °C, the activity can reach 80–100%, and the residual activity of more than 70% can still be maintained after 1 h of incubation. Product analysis showed that TAPL7A adopts a hybrid endo/exo-mode on all three substrates. FPLC and ESI-MS confirmed that the final products of TAPL7A are oligosaccharides with degrees of polymerization (Dps) of 1–2. This study provides excellent alginate lyase candidates for low-temperature environmental applications in food, agriculture, medicine and other industries.
A New Computational Method for Predicting Ductile Failure of 304L Stainless Steel
Authors: Kim Myung-Sung , Kim Hee-Tae , Choi Young-Hwan , Kim Jeong-Hyeon , Kim Seul-Kee , Lee Jae-Myung
Published: August 2022

Austenitic stainless steel is useful for storing and transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) at temperatures below −163 °C due to its superior low-temperature applications. This study develops a computational method for the failure prediction of 304L stainless steel sheet to utilize its usability as a design code for industrial purposes. To consider material degradation in a phenomenological way during the numerical calculation, the combined Swift–Voce equation was adopted to describe the nonlinear constitutive behavior beyond ultimate tensile strength. Due to the stress state-dependent fracture characteristics of ductile metal, a modified Mohr–Coulomb fracture criterion was adopted using stress triaxiality and Lode angle parameter. The numerical formulation of the elastoplastic-damage coupled constitutive model with fracture locus was implemented in the ABAQUS user-defined subroutine UMAT. To identify the material and damage parameters of constitutive models, a series of material tests were conducted considering various stress states. It has been verified that the numerical simulation results obtained by the proposed failure prediction methodology show good agreement with the experimental results for plastic behavior and fractured configuration.
Prediction of a Material Property Gradient near the Friction Surface in Axisymmetric Extrusion and Drawing
Authors: Lyamina Elena
Published: August 2022

The present paper provides a theoretical prediction of the evolution of material properties near the friction surface in axisymmetric extrusion and drawing. The method employed is based on the strain rate intensity factor and uses empirical equations that connect the integrated strain rate intensity factor with the thickness of a narrow layer of intensive plastic deformation and the hardness of the surface layer. The material obeys Hosford’s yield criterion. Therefore, the empirical equations above are reformulated in terms of the work rate intensity factor. Since no numerical method is available, the strain rate and work rate intensity factors are determined from an approximate solution. The solution reveals the effect of process and material parameters on the thickness of a layer of intensive plastic deformation and the hardness of the surface layer. Since the solution is semi-analytical, it is straightforward to use its results to design the metal forming processes.