bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic Variation and Molecular Marker Network Expression of Some Agronomic Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) RILS of Gr 89-1×Shuhui 527
Authors: Gan Lu , Huang Lunxiao , Wei Hongyu , Jiang Fei , Han Jiajia , Yu Jie , Liu Qian , Yu Kunchi , Zhang Qiuyu , Fan Mao , Zhao Zhengwu
Published: November 2022

In this study, a Glutinous rice 89-1 (Gr 89-1) × Shuhui 527 recombinant inbred line population (RIL) comprising 309 F9-generations was used to screen gradient molecular markers. The phenotypic variation and distribution of eight agronomic traits obtained from multiyear and multilocation samples, as well as the network expression relationships between agronomic traits and molecular markers, were investigated. The results showed that there were 14 phenotypic lines with significant differences in the RILs, and the molecular testing results of most of the lines were consistent with the phenotype. The correlation degree between the first-level molecular markers and the eight agronomic traits was 100%. Excluding the correlations of third-level markers with grain width and grain length, the degree of correlation between molecular markers and agronomic traits decreased with an increase in marker levels. The RILs were divided into eight core populations and one approximate population, revealing genetic correspondence between agronomic traits and molecular markers.
Integrated Management of Chrysodeixis chalcites Esper (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Based on Trichogramma achaeae Releases in Commercial Banana Crops in the Canary Islands
Authors: Dionisio Miguel A. , Calvo Francisco J.
Published: November 2022

Chrysodeixis chalcites is one of the major pests on banana in the Canary Islands (Spain), where it is widely distributed and causes significant economic losses when larvae feed on developing leaves and fruits. Control of this pest is based on a limited number of pesticides, as growers lack other effective solutions, including biological control. Nevertheless, previous studies have shown some potential against C. chalcites of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma achaeae. We conducted two field trials over two consecutive years in commercial banana crops, comparing the results against C. chalcites of augmentative T. achaeae releases (IPM) and conventional chemical control. In total, 215 and 366 wasps/m2 were released in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Naturally occurring Trichogramma species contributed to C. chalcites control in both treatments, but the maximum number of parasitized eggs in IPM plots nearly tripled and doubled those recorded in chemical control plots in 2016 and 2017. Thus, T. achaeae releases significantly increased the parasitism by more than 10% compared to that observed in chemical control plots, amounting to 65.6 ± 7.7% and 56.7 ± 5.8% in 2016 and 2017, respectively. This was enough to keep the pest at tolerable levels in IPM plots, avoiding the need for pesticide applications, whereas in chemical control plots, repeated applications were needed during the experiment for that. Moreover, there were not significant differences in the abundance of larvae and severity of plant damage (<6% in 2016 and <12% in 2017), even when pest pressure in 2016 was two-fold greater in IPM plots. Fruit damage was also similar between treatments in 2016 (<2%) but was significantly reduced from 5.1 ± 1.5% in chemical control to 4.2 ± 1.4% in IPM in 2017. Overall, this study provides guidelines for the biological control of C. chalcites in banana, based on augmentative releases of T. achaeae, and demonstrates that this method can be effective, constituting an environmentally and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical control for banana growers.
Bioavailability and Bioactivity of Plant Antioxidants
Authors: Żyżelewicz Dorota , Oracz Joanna
Published: November 2022

Plant-derived antioxidants are a large group of chemical compounds that include the secondary metabolites of plants (e [...]
Protective Effects of Carnosol on Renal Interstitial Fibrosis in a Murine Model of Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction
Authors: Park Jae-Hyung , Leem Jaechan , Lee Sun-Jae
Published: November 2022

Renal fibrosis is a common feature of chronic kidney disease and is a promising therapeutic target. However, there is still limited treatment for renal fibrosis, so the development of new anti-fibrotic agents is urgently needed. Accumulating evidence suggest that oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress play a critical role in renal fibrosis. Carnosol (CS) is a bioactive diterpene compound present in rosemary plants and has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the potential effects of CS on renal injury and fibrosis in a murine model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Male C57BL/6J mice underwent sham or UUO surgery and received intraperitoneal injections of CS (50 mg/kg) daily for 8 consecutive days. CS improved renal function and ameliorated renal tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis in UUO mice. It suppressed oxidative injury by inhibiting pro-oxidant enzymes and activating antioxidant enzymes. Activation of ER stress was also attenuated by CS. In addition, CS inhibited apoptotic and necroptotic cell death in kidneys of UUO mice. Furthermore, cytokine production and immune cell infiltration were alleviated by CS. Taken together, these findings indicate that CS can attenuate renal injury and fibrosis in the UUO model.
Thiocyanate Reduces Motor Impairment in the hMPO-A53T PD Mouse Model While Reducing MPO-Oxidation of Alpha Synuclein in Enlarged LYVE1/AQP4 Positive Periventricular Glymphatic Vessels
Authors: Reynolds Wanda F. , Malle Ernst , Maki Richard A.
Published: November 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is due to the oxidation of alpha synuclein (αSyn) contributing to motor impairment. We developed a transgenic mouse model of PD that overexpresses the mutated human αSyn gene (A53T) crossed to a mouse expressing the human MPO gene. This model exhibits increased oxidation and chlorination of αSyn leading to greater motor impairment. In the current study, the hMPO-A53T mice were treated with thiocyanate (SCN−) which is a favored substrate of MPO as compared to chlorine. We show that hMPO-A53T mice treated with SCN− have less chlorination in the brain and show an improvement in motor skills compared to the nontreated hMPO-A53T mice. Interestingly, in the hMPO-A53T mice we found a possible link between MPO-related disease and the glymphatic system which clears waste including αSyn from the brain. The untreated hMPO-A53T mice exhibited an increase in the size of periventricular glymphatic vessels expressing the glymphatic marker LYVE1 and aquaporin 4 (AQP4). These vessels also exhibited an increase in MPO and HOCl-modified epitopes in the glymphatic vessels correlating with loss of ependymal cells lining the ventricles. These findings suggest that MPO may significantly promote the impairment of the glymphatic waste removal system thus contributing to neurodegeneration in PD. Moreover, the inhibition of MPO chlorination/oxidation by SCN− may provide a potential therapeutic approach to this disease.
Interleukin-33 Induces Neutrophil Extracellular Trap (NET) Formation and Macrophage Necroptosis via Enhancing Oxidative Stress and Secretion of Proatherogenic Factors in Advanced Atherosclerosis
Authors: Tembhre Manoj Kumar , Sriwastva Mukesh Kumar , Hote Milind Padmakar , Srivastava Shikha , Solanki Priyanka , Imran Shafaque , Lakshmy Ramakrishnan , Sharma Alpana , Jaiswal Kailash , Upadhyay Ashish Datt
Published: November 2022

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) acts as an ‘alarmin’, and its role has been demonstrated in driving immune regulation and inflammation in many human diseases. However, the precise mechanism of action of IL-33 in regulating neutrophil and macrophage functioning is not defined in advanced atherosclerosis (aAT) patients. Further, the role of IL-33 in neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation in aAT and its consequent effect on macrophage function is not known. In the present study, we recruited n = 52 aAT patients and n = 52 control subjects. The neutrophils were isolated from both groups via ficoll/percoll-based density gradient centrifugation. The effect of IL-33 on the NET formation ability of the neutrophils was determined in both groups. Monocytes, isolated via a positive selection method, were used to differentiate them into macrophages from each of the study subjects and were challenged by IL-33-primed NETs, followed by the measurement of oxidative stress by calorimetric assay and the expression of the proinflammatory molecules by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Transcript and protein expression was determined by qPCR and immunofluorescence/ELISA, respectively. The increased expression of IL-33R (ST-2) was observed in the neutrophils, along with an increased serum concentration of IL-33 in aAT compared to the controls. IL-33 exacerbates NET formation via specifically upregulating CD16 expression in aAT. IL-33-primed NETs/neutrophils increased the cellular oxidative stress levels in the macrophages, leading to enhanced macrophage necroptosis and the release of atherogenic factors and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in aAT compared to the controls. These findings suggested a pathogenic effect of the IL-33/ST-2 pathway in aAT patients by exacerbating NET formation and macrophage necroptosis, thereby facilitating the release of inflammatory factors and the release of MMPs that may be critical for the destabilization/rupture of atherosclerotic plaques in aAT. Targeting the IL-33/ST-2-NETs axis may be a promising therapeutic target for preventing plaque instability/rupture and its adverse complications in aAT.
Inhibition of NADPH Oxidases Prevents the Development of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Han Jin , Park Donghwi , Park Ji Young , Han Seungwoo
Published: November 2022

Increased oxidative stress in osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage mediates catabolic signal transduction leading to extracellular matrix degradation and chondrocyte apoptosis. This study aimed to explore the contribution of NADPH oxidase (NOX), a major source of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), to the catabolic process of chondrocytes and to OA. The inhibition of NOX isoforms with a pan-NOX inhibitor, APX-115, significantly decreased IL-1β-induced ROS production in primary chondrocytes and, most potently, suppressed the expression of oxidative stress marker genes and catabolic proteases compared with the inhibition of other ROS sources. Catabolic stimuli by IL-1β treatment and in post-traumatic OA conditions upregulated the expression of NOX2 and NOX4 in chondrocytes. In the post-traumatic OA model, the pharmacologic inhibition of NOX protected mice against OA by modulating the oxidative stress and the expression of MMP-13 and Adamts5 in chondrocytes. Mechanistically, NOX inhibition suppresses Rac1, p38, and JNK MAPK signaling consistently and restores oxidative phosphorylation in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes. In conclusion, NOX inhibition prevented the development of OA by attenuating the catabolic signaling and restoring the mitochondrial metabolism and can thus be a promising class of drug for OA.
The Effect of the Ala16Val Mutation on the Secondary Structure of the Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Mitochondrial Targeting Sequence
Authors: Broz Matic , Furlan Veronika , Lešnik Samo , Jukič Marko , Bren Urban
Published: November 2022

Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD) represents a mitochondrial protein that scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for oxidative stress. A known single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4880 on the SOD2 gene, causing a mutation from alanine to valine (Ala16Val) in the primary structure of immature MnSOD, has been associated with several types of cancer and other autoimmune diseases. However, no conclusive correlation has been established yet. This study aims to determine the effect of the alanine to valine mutation on the secondary structure of the MnSOD mitochondrial targeting sequence (MTS). A model for each variant of the MTS was prepared and extensively simulated with molecular dynamics simulations using the CHARMM36m force field. The results indicate that the alanine variant of the MTS preserves a uniform α-helical secondary structure favorable for the protein transport into mitochondria, whereas the valine variant quickly breaks down its α-helix. Thus, the alanine MTS represents the more active MnSOD variant, the benefits of which have yet to be determined experimentally.
Effects of Hyperoxia and Hyperoxic Oscillations on the Proteome of Murine Lung Microvascular Endothelium
Authors: Tiboldi Akos , Hunyadi-Gulyas Eva , Wohlrab Peter , Schmid Johannes A. , Markstaller Klaus , Klein Klaus Ulrich , Tretter Verena
Published: November 2022

Patients presenting with insufficient tissue oxygenation and impaired lung function as in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) frequently require mechanical ventilation with supplemental oxygen. Despite the lung being used to experiencing the highest partial pressure of oxygen during healthy breathing, the organ is susceptible to oxygen-induced injury at supraphysiological concentrations. Hyperoxia-induced lung injury (HALI) has been regarded as a second hit to pre-existing lung injury and ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) attributed to oxidative stress. The injured lung has a tendency to form atelectasis, a cyclic collapse and reopening of alveoli. The affected lung areas experience oxygen conditions that oscillate between hyperoxia and hypoxia rather than remaining in a constant hyperoxic state. Mechanisms of HALI have been investigated in many animal models previously. These studies provided insights into the effects of hyperoxia on the whole organism. However, cell type-specific responses have not been dissected in detail, but are necessary for a complete mechanistic understanding of ongoing pathological processes. In our study, we investigated the effects of constant and intermittent hyperoxia on the lung endothelium from a mouse by an in vitro proteomic approach. We demonstrate that these oxygen conditions have characteristic effects on the pulmonary endothelial proteome that underlie the physiological (patho)mechanisms.
Balance of Macrophage Activation by a Complex Coacervate-Based Adhesive Drug Carrier Facilitates Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Wang Ching-Shuen , Luo Shen-Dean , Jia Shihai , Wu Wilfred , Chang Shwu-Fen , Feng Sheng-Wei , Yang Chieh-Hsiang , Lin Jiann-Her , Wee Yinshen
Published: November 2022

Uncontrolled and sustained inflammation disrupts the wound-healing process and produces excessive reactive oxygen species, resulting in chronic or impaired wound closure. Natural antioxidants such as plant-based extracts and natural polysaccharides have a long history in wound care. However, they are hard to apply to wound beds due to high levels of exudate or anatomical sites to which securing a dressing is difficult. Therefore, we developed a complex coacervate-based drug carrier with underwater adhesive properties that circumvents these challenges by enabling wet adhesion and controlling inflammatory responses. This resulted in significantly accelerated wound healing through balancing the pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in macrophages. In brief, we designed a complex coacervate-based drug carrier (ADC) comprising oligochitosan and inositol hexaphosphate to entrap and release antioxidant proanthocyanins (PA) in a sustained way. The results from in vitro experiments demonstrated that ADC is able to reduce LPS-stimulated pro-inflammatory responses in macrophages. The ability of ADC to reduce LPS-stimulated pro-inflammatory responses in macrophages is even more promising when ADC is encapsulated with PA (ADC-PA). Our results indicate that ADC-PA is able to polarize macrophages into an M2 tissue-healing phenotype via up-regulation of anti-inflammatory and resolution of inflammatory responses. Treatment with ADC-PA around the wound beds fine-tunes the balance between the numbers of inducible nitric oxide synthase-positive (iNOS+) and mannose receptor-negative (CD206-) M1 and iNOS-CD206+ M2 macrophages in the wound microenvironment compared to controls. Achieving such a balance between the numbers of iNOS+CD206- M1 and iNOS-CD206+ M2 macrophages in the wound microenvironment has led to significantly improved wound closure in mouse models of diabetes, which exhibit severe impairments in wound healing. Together, our results demonstrate for the first time the use of a complex coacervate-based drug delivery system to promote timely resolution of the inflammatory responses for diabetic wound healing by fine-tuning the functions of macrophages.
Phloroglucinol Attenuates DNA Damage and Apoptosis Induced by Oxidative Stress in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium ARPE-19 Cells by Blocking the Production of Mitochondrial ROS
Authors: Park Cheol , Cha Hee-Jae , Kim Min Yeong , Bang EunJin , Moon Sung-Kwon , Yun Seok Joong , Kim Wun-Jae , Noh Jeong Sook , Kim Gi-Young , Cho Suengmok , Lee Hyesook , Choi Yung Hyun
Published: November 2022

Phloroglucinol, a phenolic compound, is known to possess a potent antioxidant ability. However, its role in retinal cells susceptible to oxidative stress has not been well elucidated yet. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether phloroglucinol could protect against oxidative damage in cultured human retinal pigment epithelium ARPE-19 cells. For this purpose, ARPE-19 cells were stimula ted with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to mimic oxidative stress. Cell viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial function, DNA damage, and autophagy were then assessed. Our results revealed that phloroglucinol ameliorated cell viability, cytotoxicity, and DNA damage in H2O2-exposued ARPE-19 cells and blocked production of ROS. Phloroglucinol also counteracted H2O2-induced apoptosis by reducing Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, blocking activation of caspase-3, and inhibiting degradation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. H2O2 caused mitochondrial impairment and increased expression levels of mitophagy markers such as PINK1and PARKIN known to be associated with mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) generation and cytosolic release of cytochrome c. However, these changes were significantly attenuated by phloroglucinol. Mito-TEMPO, a selective mitochondrial antioxidant, further enhanced the protective effect of phloroglucinol against dysfunctional mitochondria. Furthermore, H2O2 induced autophagy, but not when ARPE-19 cells were pretreated with phloroglucinol, meaning that autophagy by H2O2 contributed to the pro-survival mechanism and that phloroglucinol protected ARPE-19 cells from apoptosis by blocking autophagy. Taken together, these results suggest that phloroglucinol can inhibit oxidative stress-induced ARPE-19 cell damage and dysfunction by protecting DNA damage, autophagy, and subsequent apoptosis through mitigation of mtROS generation. Thus, phloroglucinol might have therapeutic potential to prevent oxidative stress-mediated damage in RPE cells.
Multifunctional and Collaborative Protection of Proteins, Peptides, Phenolic Compounds, and Other Molecules against Oxidation in Apricot Seeds Extracts
Authors: García María Concepción , Lombardo-Cristina Víctor , Marina María Luisa
Published: November 2022

Antioxidant activity studies usually focus on a single type of molecule and do not consider possible collaborations among different molecules. The purpose of this work was to obtain multicomponent extracts exerting protection against oxidation from apricot seeds and to study the individual role of these components in the whole protection. Pressurized liquid extraction was employed to obtain extracts, and a response surface methodology enabled exploration of the effect of extraction conditions on the composition and prevalence of the antioxidant mechanism. Extractions carried out at 170 °C, in up to 7% ethanol, and for up to 25 min guaranteed multifunctional protection against oxidation by the collaboration of different molecules. While phenolic compounds were the main contributors to radical-scavenging capacity (R2 = 90% for ABTS and 88% for DPPH), proteins and phenolic compounds showed similar roles in the whole reducing power (proteins (R2 = 86%) and TPC (R2 = 90%)), and other compounds inhibited the formation of hydroxyl radicals and, especially, the peroxidation of lipids. The presence of peptides modified the antioxidant protection of extracts. UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds and other antioxidant molecules. The presence of different kinds of molecules led to a multifunctional and collaborative protection against oxidation that could not be exerted by individual molecules.
Açai Berry Attenuates Cyclophosphamide-Induced Damage in Genitourinary Axis-Modulating Nrf-2/HO-1 Pathways
Authors: Siracusa Rosalba , D’Amico Ramona , Fusco Roberta , Impellizzeri Daniela , Peritore Alessio Filippo , Gugliandolo Enrico , Crupi Rosalia , Interdonato Livia , Cordaro Marika , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Di Paola Rosanna
Published: November 2022

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is used to treat different malignancies and autoimmune disorders in men. This chemotherapy frequently reduces tumors, which is beneficial, but also causes infertility because of severe oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the bladder and testes brought on by its metabolite, acrolein. The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of a novel food, açai berry, in preventing CYP-induced damage in the bladder and testes. Methods: CYP was administered intraperitoneally once during the experiment at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight diluted in 10 mL/kg b.w. of water. Açai berry was administered orally at a dose of 500 mg/kg. Results: The administration of açai berry was able to reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, apoptosis, and histological changes in the bladder and testes after CYP injection. Conclusions: Our findings show for the first time that açai berry modulates physiological antioxidant defenses to protect the bladder and testes against CYP-induced changes.
The Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in Plaque Stability
Authors: Lin Qian , Geng Bin
Published: November 2022

Atherosclerosis is the greatest contributor to cardiovascular events and is involved in the majority of deaths worldwide. Plaque rapture or erosion precipitates life-threatening thrombi, resulting in the obstruction blood flow to the heart (acute coronary syndrome), brain (ischemic stroke) or low extremities (peripheral vascular diseases). Among these events, major causation dues to the plaque rupture. Although the initiation, procession, and precise time of controlling plaque rupture are unclear, foam cell formation and apoptosis, cell death, extracellular matrix components, protease expression and activity, local inflammation, intraplaque hemorrhage, and calcification contribute to the plaque instability. These alterations tightly associate with the function regulation of intraplaque various cell populations. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is gasotransmitter derived from methionine metabolism and exerts a protective role in the genesis of atherosclerosis. Recent progress also showed H2S mediated the plaque stability. In this review, we discuss the progress of endogenous H2S modulation on functions of vascular smooth muscle cells, monocytes/macrophages, and T cells, and the molecular mechanism in plaque stability.
Development of Conductive Mortar for Efficient Sacrificial Anode Cathodic Protection of Reinforced Concrete Structures—Part 1: Laboratory Experiments
Authors: Ha Ji-Myung , Jeong Jin-A , Jin Chungkuk
Published: November 2022

This experimental study proposes a conductive mortar to increase the efficiency of the sacrificial anode cathodic protection (SACP) system by decreasing resistivity and maintaining it for a long time. The resistivity characteristics of the mortar that contained electrically conductive admixtures and/or chemical agents were evaluated by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method and resistivity measurements. The conductive mortar with activated carbon and sodium hydroxide had the lowest resistivity. The SACP system was then designed to evaluate the cathodic protection (CP) performance with the proposed activated-carbon-based conductive mortar. The proposed conductive mortar contributed to lower CP potential and higher current density and depolarization potential than the general mortar.
Altitude Control of Powered Parafoil Using Fractional Sliding-Mode Backstepping Control Combined with Extended State Observer
Authors: Zhu Erlin , Du Youwu , Song Wei , Gao Haitao
Published: November 2022

This paper presents a method of altitude control of the powered parafoil with uncertainties and disturbances based on sliding-mode backstepping control combined with a linear extended state observer (LESO). First, the dynamics of a powered parafoil is derived in the longitudinal plane using its inclination angle. The problem of altitude control is converted to the issue of angle control. Next, uncertainties and disturbances are considered as a total disturbance. An LESO is used to estimate the total disturbance and form an inner-loop compensation. Backstepping control is employed to regulate the inclination angle to follow the desired value. A fractional sliding surface is introduced to the backstepping control. This ensures the transient performance of altitude control of the powered parafoil. Then, stability analysis shows that the observation errors of the LESO are bounded and the control system is uniformly ultimately bounded. Simulation results of an 8 degree-of-freedom powered parafoil illustrate that the LESO can effectively estimate the states of the system and demonstrate the validity and the superiority of the presented method.
An Anisotropic Damage Model of Quasi-Brittle Materials and Its Application to the Fracture Process Simulation
Authors: Wang Haijing , Zhou Bo , Xue Shifeng , Deng Xuejing , Jia Peng , Zhu Xiuxing
Published: November 2022

Accurate predictions of the failure behaviors of quasi-brittle materials are of practical significance to underground engineering. In this work, a novel anisotropic damage model is proposed based on continuous damage mechanics. The anisotropic damage model includes a two-parameter parabolic-type failure criterion, a stiffness degradation model that considers anisotropic damage, and damage evolution equations for tension and shear, respectively. The advantage of this model is that the degradation of elastic stiffness only occurs in the direction parallel to the failure surface for shear damage, avoiding the interpenetration of crack surfaces. In addition, the shear damage evolution equation is established based on the equivalent shear strain on the failure face. A cyclic iterative method based on the proposed anisotropic damage model was developed to numerically simulate the fracture process of quasi-brittle materials. The developed model and method are important because the ready-made finite element software is difficult to simulate the anisotropic damage of quasi-brittle materials. The proposed anisotropic damage model was tested against a conventional damage model and validated against two benchmark experiments: uniaxial and biaxial compression tests and Brazilian splitting tests. The results demonstrate that the proposed anisotropic damage model simulates the mesoscale damage mode, macroscale fracture modes, and strength characteristics more effectively and accurately than conventional damage models.
Experimental Investigation and Micromechanics-Based Analytical Modeling of Creep and Relaxation Behaviors of Beishan Granite
Authors: Yu Qiaojuan , Zhu Qizhi , Lu Yunxing , Luo Zhanyou
Published: November 2022

This paper investigates experimentally and numerically the short- and long-term strength and deformation behaviors of Beishan granite at room temperature. Single-stage creep, relaxation, and conventional triaxial compression tests were performed on cylindrical rock samples. Its typical brittle response is captured and the dependence of peak strength on confining pressure and time-dependent response on deviatoric stress are revealed. For constitutive modeling, a unified micromechanics-based plasticity-damage model is formulated based on the Mori–Tanaka method and the subcritical cracking theory postulate, with the focus on simulating both instantaneous strain and time-dependent deformation process over a broad range of time scales. Its unification is achieved by representing the evolution of damage, which is strongly coupled with plastic deformation induced by frictional sliding along closed cracks, as an internal variable that can be decomposed into instantaneous and time-dependent parts. The performance of the model with analytical predictions is well validated using the experimental results on Beishan granite.
Use Directional-Hemispherical Reflectance to Identify Female Skin Features in Response of Microdermabrasion Treatment
Authors: Stolecka-Warzecha Anna , Brandys Aleksandra , Bożek Małgorzata , Lebiedowska Agata , Błońska-Fajfrowska Barbara , Wilczyński Sławomir
Published: November 2022

Diamond microdermabrasion is one of the most popular cosmetological treatments in the field of mechanical, controlled abrasion of the stratum corneum corneocytes. In this study, the influence of micropeeling on the optical properties of the skin features was investigated. The directional reflectance of the skin was measured before and after the procedure. The study involved 15 women aged 23–26. The tests were performed on the surface of the skin in 15 spots—on the forearms, arms and lower legs. Post-treatment reflectance increased significantly in the wavelength range of 700–2500 nm. In the remaining ranges it also increased, except for the range 480–600 nm, in which it decreased, but insignificantly. It was found that the optical properties of the skin after microdermabrasion changed, the directional reflectance of the skin increased, especially in the infrared range. The main conclusion from the conducted research is that the directional-hemispherical reflectance method can be used to identify female skin features in response of microdermabrasion treatment.
Langmuir Trough Study of the Interactions of Tear Mimetic Eyedrop Formulation with Human Meibum Films
Authors: Eftimov Petar , Yokoi Norihiko , Tsuji Kazuhiro , Peev Nikola , Georgiev Georgi As.
Published: November 2022

Meibomian gland disease is associated with quantitative or qualitative deficiencies of meibum (MGS) that result in tear film instability. Thus, there is great demand for ophthalmic nanoemulsions that can replenish MGS and recover its performance at the air/tear surface. Rohto Dry Aid (RDA) utilizes TEARSHIELD TECHNOLOGYTM implementing a complex oil phase of non-polar and polar lipid-like molecules. Therefore, the interactions of RDA with MGS surface films deserve further study as they may provide valuable insights (i) into the mechanisms behind the nanoemulsion therapeutic action and (ii) for the design of novel ophthalmic formulations. Pseudobinary meibum/RDA films were formed at the air–water surface of the Langmuir trough. Surface pressure-area isocycles and stress relaxations were employed to probe the layer (i) reorganization upon cycling and (ii) dilatational elasticity, respectively. Film morphology was accessed by Brewster angle microscopy and the spreading properties of RDA-supplemented meibum were also probed. The diverse ingredients of the nanoemulsion oil phase complemented the non-polar and polar lipid constituents of the meibomian layers, which resulted in enhanced continuity of the MGS duplex film structure and facilitated the MGS spread and viscoelasticity. Nanoemulsions deserve further study as a potent tool for MGS-oriented therapy for dry eyes.
Nonlinear Dynamics Analysis of Disc Brake Frictional Vibration
Authors: Zhang Hongyuan , Qiao Jiayu , Zhang Xin
Published: November 2022

The brake system is a key component to ensuring the safe driving and riding comfort of the vehicle, and the friction between the brake disc and the friction plate is the main source of vibration and noise. Therefore, in order to improve the stability of the braking system and reduce the generation of vibration, a six-degree-of-freedom nonlinear dynamics model was established, and using the Stribeck friction model and related parameters, the dynamic equation was solved by the Runge-Kutta method. The bifurcation diagram, Lyapunov diagram, time domain diagram, frequency spectrum diagram, and phase plane diagram of the brake pad and brake disc during friction braking were obtained, and the vibration characteristics of both under different braking pressure, braking speed, brake pad support stiffness, and brake disc support stiffness were analyzed. The results show that brake pressure is an important factor in triggering nonlinear vibration; increasing the braking speed will increase the amplitude of vibration, but will shorten the time to enter the stable motion state, and increasing the support stiffness brake pad and disc will reduce the amplitude of system vibration.
A Hybrid Multi-Objective Optimization Method and Its Application to Electromagnetic Device Designs
Authors: Xie Zhengwei , Li Yilun , Yang Shiyou
Published: November 2022

Optimization algorithms play a critical role in electromagnetic device designs due to the ever-increasing technological and economical competition. Although evolutionary algorithm-based methods have successfully been applied to different design problems, these methods exhibit deficiencies when solving complex problems with multimodal and discontinuous objective functions, which is quite common in electromagnetic device optimization designs. In this paper, a hybrid multi-objective optimization algorithm based on a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) and a multi-objective particle swarm optimization method (MOPSO) is proposed. In order to enhance the convergence and diversity performance of the algorithm, a new population update mechanism of MOPSO is introduced. Moreover, an adaptive operator involving crossover and mutation is presented to achieve a better balance between global and local searches. The performance of the hybrid algorithm is validated using standard test functions and the multi-objective design of a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) device. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
Investigating Urban Underground Space Suitability Evaluation Using Fuzzy C-Mean Clustering Algorithm—A Case Study of Huancui District, Weihai City
Authors: Wang Minlei , Wang Hanxun , Feng Yan , He Yuanzhi , Han Zhong , Zhang Bin
Published: November 2022

The development of underground space resources can alleviate the problems of traffic congestion and land resource tension caused by urbanization, but there are also certain risks in the development of underground space, so the suitability of development needs to be evaluated. This paper takes the geological suitability of underground space resources in Weihai City as the evaluation object, establishes the index system for evaluating the geological suitability of underground space resources development and utilization, determines the criteria for quantifying each factor index, uses the hierarchical analysis method to determine the index weights and applies the fuzzy C-mean clustering algorithm to evaluate the geological suitability of underground space resources development and utilization in the urban area of Weihai City, and achieves excellent results that are more in line with the geological conditions.
Deep Learning-Based Algorithm for Recognizing Tennis Balls
Authors: Wu Di , Xiao Aiping
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we adjust the hyperparameters of the training model based on the gradient estimation theory and optimize the structure of the model based on the loss function theory of Mask R-CNN convolutional network and propose a scheme to help a tennis picking robot to perform target recognition and improve the ability of the tennis picking robot to acquire and analyze image information. By collecting suitable image samples of tennis balls and training the image samples using Mask R-CNN convolutional network an algorithmic model dedicated to recognizing tennis balls is output; the final data of various loss functions after gradient descent are recorded, the iterative graph of the model is drawn, and the iterative process of the neural network at different iteration levels is observed; finally, this improved and optimized algorithm for recognizing tennis balls is compared with other algorithms for recognizing tennis balls and a comparison is made. The experimental results show that the improved algorithm based on Mask R-CNN recognizes tennis balls with 92% accuracy between iteration levels 30 and 35, which has higher accuracy and recognition distance compared with other tennis ball recognition algorithms, confirming the feasibility and applicability of the optimized algorithm in this paper.
Intelligent Blanking of Silicon Steel Coil in a Transformer Core Oriented to Green Manufacturing
Authors: Wu Shiqing , Wang Jiahai
Published: November 2022

For transformer enterprises, energy consumption and environmental pollution mainly occur in the manufacturing process. The conventional manufacturing mode does not conform to the current green manufacturing mode. The green manufacturing mode requires enterprises to improve the transformer production technology, the utilization rate of materials and equipment, and the production efficiency and to achieve clean production through energy conservation and consumption reduction. The main objective of this research is to schedule the blanking of multiple transformer cores together rather than the conventional calculation conducted one by one. An optimization model of the silicon steel coil blanking is established, an evaluation method for blanking schemes is proposed, algorithms to solve the optimization model are analyzed in detail, and the solving processes and results are compared through a case study. Compared with the current manual calculation, this paper is of practical significance for transformer manufacturers to improve the production efficiency, reduce material waste, meet the personalized market demand characterized by multiple varieties and small batches, and achieve the green manufacturing of transformers.
The Influence of Rotor Adjustment Parameters on the Dynamic Balance of a Scale-Model Rigid Variable Speed Rotor
Authors: Li Liang , Chen Ming , Wang Fang , Xu Anan
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the dynamic balance of a rigid variable speed rotor is tested and analyzed. The vibration acceleration is measured by vibration analyzer instrumentations. The rotor adjustment parameters of counterweight, pitch, and trailing-edge flap are considered. The amplitude and phase of the 1 Ω vibration acceleration are analyzed through an all-phase fast Fourier transform. The experiments are conducted using two rigid rotors with the same geometry. The accelerations of the fuselage in the x, y, and z directions are measured. Through a waterfall diagram of the auto-power spectrum, it is found that the imbalance of counterweight, pitch, and trailing-edge flap causes an obvious increase in 1 Ω and 2 Ω acceleration. The hub counterweight mainly causes the lateral and longitudinal vibration in the disc plane, and the aerodynamic factors such as pitch and trailing-edge flap mainly affect the vertical vibration. In order to achieve dynamic balance for variable speed rotors, the counterweight adjustment should be given the highest priority for the vibration in the disc plane, and the pitch and trailing-edge flap adjustment should be given the highest priority for the vertical vibration. The results obtained from this experiment may be helpful toward reasonable designs of variable speed rotor helicopters.
Characteristic Analysis on Temporal Evolution of Granulation in a Modified Anaerobic Digestion System
Authors: Li Shengnan , He Kai , Gao Ni , Nan Jun
Published: November 2022

In the present study, the surface morphology, particle size distribution, sedimentation performance, and fractal characteristics of sludge flocs in a modified anaerobic baffled reactor (mABR) during start-up were analyzed by digital image analysis technology. The results showed that the special structure of mABR enabled successful start-up and granular sludge formation in a relatively short time. After the granular sludge was mature, the COD removal rate could quickly recover to the level before the change in organic loading rates (OLRs) within just six days, increasing from the lowest value of 76.8% to 80.2%, which indicated that the granular sludge could maintain a relatively stable micro-environment and make the metabolic process continue when the influent conditions changed suddenly. It was expected that this paper would be helpful for researchers to further develop a unified theory for anaerobic granulation and technology for expediting the formation of mABR granules.
The Outcomes of Conservative Nonpharmacological Treatments for Achilles Tendinopathy: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Križaj Luka , Kozinc Žiga , Šarabon Nejc
Published: November 2022

Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is the most common injury of the Achilles tendon and represents 55–65% of all Achilles tendon clinical diagnoses. AT is characterized by pain, swelling, and impaired performance. ATs can be divided into two types, according to anatomical location—midportion AT (MAT) and insertional AT (IAT). MAT more often occurs in older, less active, and overweight populations, while IAT usually occurs in the more physically active population. Both types of AT can be treated by different treatments, such as surgery, conservative pharmacological treatments, and conservative nonpharmacological treatments. This umbrella review aims to assemble the evidence from all available systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses to determine which conservative nonpharmacological treatments are most commonly used and have the greatest effects. Three major electronic scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were screened. The reference lists of several recent articles on AT were also searched. We found 50 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the included articles was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 tool. Eccentric (ECC) exercise, isotonic (ISOT) exercise, and acupuncture treatment showed the greatest effects for treating MAT as a standalone therapy. Meanwhile, extracorporeal shockwave therapy and ECC exercise provided the best outcomes for treating IAT as individual treatments. However, an even greater pain decrease, greater function improvement, and greater patient satisfaction for treating either MAT or IAT were achieved with combined protocols of ECC exercise with extracorporeal shockwave therapy (in both cases), ECC exercise with cold air and high-energy laser therapy (in the case of IAT), or ECC exercise with ASTYM therapy (in the case of IAT).
The Study of the Influence of Temperature and Low Frequency on the Performance of the Laminated MFC Piezoelectric Energy Harvester
Authors: G. Degefa Tolera , Płaczek Marek Łukasz , Kokot Grzegorz
Published: November 2022

MFC (Microfiber composite) piezoelectric transducers are one of the smart composite materials used among others in alternative energy sources and autonomous wireless sensors which exploit vibrational energy. This work presents the theoretical and experimental investigations of the integration of MFC piezoelectric transducers on epoxy glass fiber composite material and explores the capacity of power generation based on a variety of ambient temperatures and frequencies. The study examined the use of ambient vibrational energy to power small electronic devices of wireless sensor networks which eliminates the need for external power, periodic battery replacement costs, and chemical waste from conventional batteries. The test was conducted using a laboratory stand equipped with a thermal chamber and an Instron ElectroPulse waveform generator which induces a concentric cyclic load to the laminated beam. Laminated MFC was loaded with a low–frequency range, controlled displacement under different moderate temperatures. The test was conducted at temperatures ranging from 25 to 60 degrees Celsius and at frequencies ranging from 5 to 25 Hz. The results show that the voltage generated by the transducer is highly affected by both temperature and frequency of excitation.
Potential Application of Hydrocolloid-Based Oleogel and Beeswax Oleogel as Partial Substitutes of Solid Fat in Margarine
Authors: Abdolmaleki Khadije , Alizadeh Leyla , Nayebzadeh Kooshan , Baranowska Hanna Maria , Kowalczewski Przemysław Łukasz , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to produce margarine with reduced trans and saturated fatty acid contents using 10% beeswax oleogel and hydrocolloid-based oleogel containing 3.15% sodium caseinate, 0.5% guar gum, and 0.22% xanthan gum with a melting point, rheological and textural characteristics similar to palm oil. Oleogel samples were used as a substitute for palm oil and partially hydrogenated palm olein oil. Margarine (70% fat) formulated with these oleogels was investigated for solid fat content (SFC), melting point, and rheological and textural properties. The results showed that the replacement of 100% partially hydrogenated palm olein oil (PHPO) and 25% palm oil (PO) with beeswax oleogel and the replacement of 100% PHPO with hydrocolloid-based oleogel resulted in the production of margarine with rheological and textural properties similar to the commercial control margarine. In addition, these samples had a lower content of SFC and a higher melting point than the commercial control sample. The amounts of saturated and trans fatty acids also decreased. These were 28% and 80% in the sample containing beeswax and 15% and 73% in the sample with hydrocolloid-based oleogels for saturated and trans fatty acids, respectively. It was concluded that it is possible to manufacture margarine using the oleogel method while maintaining its physical characteristics and improving its nutritional properties.
Image Segmentation for Human Skin Detection
Authors: Leite Marcelo , Parreira Wemerson Delcio , Fernandes Anita Maria da Rocha , Leithardt Valderi Reis Quietinho
Published: November 2022

Human skin detection is the main task for various human–computer interaction applications. For this, several computer vision-based approaches have been developed in recent years. However, different events and features can interfere in the segmentation process, such as luminosity conditions, skin tones, complex backgrounds, and image capture equipment. In digital imaging, skin segmentation methods can overcome these challenges or at least part of them. However, the images analyzed follow an application-specific pattern. In this paper, we present an approach that uses a set of methods to segment skin and non-skin pixels in images from uncontrolled or unknown environments. Our main result is the ability to segment skin and non-skin pixels in digital images from a non-restrained capture environment. Thus, it overcomes several challenges, such as lighting conditions, compression, and scene complexity. By applying a segmented image examination approach, we determine the proportion of skin pixels present in the image by considering only the objects of interest (i.e., the people). In addition, this segmented analysis can generate independent information regarding each part of the human body. The proposed solution produces a dataset composed of a combination of other datasets present in the literature, which enables the construction of a heterogeneous set of images.