bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Symplectic Algorithm for Constrained Hamiltonian Systems
Authors: Fu Jingli , Zhang Lijun , Cao Shan , Xiang Chun , Zao Weijia
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a symplectic algorithm is utilized to investigate constrained Hamiltonian systems. However, the symplectic method cannot be applied directly to the constrained Hamiltonian equations due to the non-canonicity. We firstly discuss the canonicalization method of the constrained Hamiltonian systems. The symplectic method is used to constrain Hamiltonian systems on the basis of the canonicalization, and then the numerical simulation of the system is carried out. An example is presented to illustrate the application of the results. By using the symplectic method of constrained Hamiltonian systems, one can solve the singular dynamic problems of nonconservative constrained mechanical systems, nonholonomic constrained mechanical systems as well as physical problems in quantum dynamics, and also available in many electromechanical coupled systems.
Cathelicidin LL-37 in Health and Diseases of the Oral Cavity
Authors: Tokajuk Joanna , Deptuła Piotr , Piktel Ewelina , Daniluk Tamara , Chmielewska Sylwia , Wollny Tomasz , Wolak Przemysław , Fiedoruk Krzysztof , Bucki Robert
Published: May 2022

The mechanisms for maintaining oral cavity homeostasis are subject to the constant influence of many environmental factors, including various chemicals and microorganisms. Most of them act directly on the oral mucosa, which is the mechanical and immune barrier of the oral cavity, and such interaction might lead to the development of various oral pathologies and systemic diseases. Two important players in maintaining oral health or developing oral pathology are the oral microbiota and various immune molecules that are involved in controlling its quantitative and qualitative composition. The LL-37 peptide is an important molecule that upon release from human cathelicidin (hCAP-18) can directly perform antimicrobial action after insertion into surface structures of microorganisms and immunomodulatory function as an agonist of different cell membrane receptors. Oral LL-37 expression is an important factor in oral homeostasis that maintains the physiological microbiota but is also involved in the development of oral dysbiosis, infectious diseases (including viral, bacterial, and fungal infections), autoimmune diseases, and oral carcinomas. This peptide has also been proposed as a marker of inflammation severity and treatment outcome.
Dyskerin Downregulation Can Induce ER Stress and Promote Autophagy via AKT-mTOR Signaling Deregulation
Authors: Maiello Daniela , Varone Marianna , Vicidomini Rosario , Belli Valentina , De Rosa Marina , Dama Paola , Furia Maria , Turano Mimmo
Published: May 2022

Dyskerin is an evolutionarily conserved nucleolar protein implicated in a wide range of fundamental biological roles, including telomere maintenance and ribosome biogenesis. Germline mutations of DKC1, the human gene encoding dyskerin, cause the hereditary disorders known as X-linked dyskeratosis congenita (X-DC). Moreover, dyskerin is upregulated in several cancers. Due to the pleiotropic functions of dyskerin, the X-DC clinical features overlap with those of both telomeropathies and ribosomopathies. In this paper, we evaluate the telomerase-independent effects of dyskerin depletion on cellular physiology by using inducible DCK1 knockdown. This system allows the downregulation of DKC1 expression within a short timeframe. We report that, in these cellular systems, dyskerin depletion induces the accumulation of unfolded/misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum, which in turn induces the activation of the PERK branch of the unfolded protein response. We also demonstrate that the PERK-eIF2a-ATF4-CHOP signaling pathway, activated by dyskerin downregulation, triggers a functional autophagic flux through the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. By revealing a novel unpredicted connection between the loss of dyskerin, autophagy and UPR, our results establish a firm link between the lowering of dyskerin levels and the activation of the ER stress response, that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of several diseases.
Adverse Childhood Experiences Predict the Phenome of Affective Disorders and These Effects Are Mediated by Staging, Neuroimmunotoxic and Growth Factor Profiles
Authors: Maes Michael , Rachayon Muanpetch , Jirakran Ketsupar , Sodsai Pimpayao , Klinchanhom Siriwan , Debnath Monojit , Basta-Kaim Agnieska , Kubera Marta , Almulla Abbas F. , Sughondhabirom Atapol
Published: May 2022

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) enhance pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant responses. In affective disorders, recent precision nomothetic psychiatry studies disclosed new pathway phenotypes, including an ROI—reoccurrence of illness (ROI)—oxidative stress latent construct. The aim of the present study is to delineate a) whether ACEs sensitize the M1 macrophage, the T helper cells (Th)1, Th2, and Th17, the IRS (immune-inflammatory-responses system), the CIRS (compensatory immunoregulatory system), and the neuroimmunotoxic and growth factor (GF) profiles and whether they are associated with ROI and the phenome of affective disorders and b) the molecular pathways underpinning the effects of the ACEs. We collected supernatants of stimulated (5 μg/mL of PHA and 25 μg/mL of LPS) and unstimulated diluted whole blood in 20 healthy controls and 30 depressed patients and measured a panel of 27 cytokines/GF using a Luminex method. ACEs (comprising mental and physical trauma, mental neglect, domestic violence, family history of mental disease, and parent loss) are accompanied by the increased stimulated, but not unstimulated, production of M1, Th1, Th2, Th17, IRS, neuroimmunotoxic, and GF profiles and are strongly correlated with ROI and the phenome. A latent vector extracted from the ROI features (recurrent episodes and suicidal behaviors) and the IRS/neuroimmunotoxic/GF profiles explains 66.8% of the variance in the phenome and completely mediates the effects of ACEs on the phenome. Enrichment analysis showed that the ACE-associated sensitization of immune/GF profiles involves JAK-STAT, nuclear factor-κB, tumor necrosis factor-α, G-protein coupled receptor, PI3K/Akt/RAS/MAPK, and hypoxia signaling. In summary, the ACE-induced sensitization of immune pathways and secondary immune hits predicts the phenome of affective disorders.
Socioemotional Skills Program with a Group of Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Young Adolescents: Impacts on Self-Concept and Emotional and Behavioral Problems
Authors: Veríssimo Lurdes , Castro Isabel , Costa Marisa , Dias Pedro , Miranda Francisca
Published: May 2022

There is significant evidence that emphasizes the importance of social and emotional learning in schools for students’ positive development and adjustment. The main goal of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a socioemotional skills promotion program, implemented with a group of socioculturally vulnerable young adolescents. Data were collected in the 2020–2021 school year from all students from 6th grade (n = 50, from four classes) in a high-risk school in Portugal (56% females). Two classes served as the comparison group. Participants responded to self-concept and emotional and behavioral problems measures at two moments (pre- and post-intervention). Results indicated a significant impact on self-concept, namely an increase in behavioral adjustment, happiness, and satisfaction and a decrease in anxiety in the intervention group compared with the comparison group. These findings support intervention efficacy. Educational implications are discussed.
Optimal Well Control Based on Auto-Adaptive Decision Tree—Maximizing Energy Efficiency in High-Nitrogen Underground Gas Storage
Authors: Kuk Edyta , Stopa Jerzy , Kuk Michał , Janiga Damian , Wojnarowski Paweł
Published: May 2022

To move the world toward a more sustainable energy future, it is crucial to use the limited hydrocarbon geological resources efficiently and to develop technologies that facilitate this. More rational management of petroleum reservoirs and underground gas storage can be obtained by optimizing well control. This paper presents a novel approach to optimal well control based on the combination of optimal control theory, innovative artificial intelligence methods, and numerical reservoir simulations. In the developed algorithm, well control is based on an auto-adaptive parameterized decision tree. Its parameters are optimized by state-of-the-art machine learning, which uses previous results to determine favorable parameters. During optimization, a numerical reservoir simulator is applied to compute the objective function. The developed solution enables full automation of the wells for optimal control. An exemplary application of the developed solution to optimize underground storage of gas with high nitrogen content confirmed its effectiveness. The total nitrogen content in the gas decreased by 2.4%, increasing energy efficiency without increasing expense, as only well control was modified.
Genome-Wide Identification and Transcriptional Expression Profiles of PP2C in the Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Pan-Genome
Authors: Wu Xiao-Tong , Xiong Zhu-Pei , Chen Kun-Xiang , Zhao Guo-Rong , Feng Ke-Ru , Li Xiu-Hua , Li Xi-Ran , Tian Zhao , Huo Fu-Lin , Wang Meng-Xing , Song Weining
Published: May 2022

The gene family protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) is related to developmental processes and stress responses in plants. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a popular cereal crop that is primarily utilized for human consumption and nutrition. However, there is little knowledge regarding the PP2C gene family in barley. In this study, a total of 1635 PP2C genes were identified in 20 barley pan-genome accessions. Then, chromosome localization, physical and chemical feature predictions and subcellular localization were systematically analyzed. One wild barley accession (B1K-04-12) and one cultivated barley (Morex) were chosen as representatives to further analyze and compare the differences in HvPP2Cs between wild and cultivated barley. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these HvPP2Cs were divided into 12 subgroups. Additionally, gene structure, conserved domain and motif, gene duplication event detection, interaction networks and gene expression profiles were analyzed in accessions Morex and B1K-04-12. In addition, qRT-PCR experiments in Morex indicated that seven HvMorexPP2C genes were involved in the response to aluminum and low pH stresses. Finally, a series of positively selected homologous genes were identified between wild accession B1K-04-12 and another 14 cultivated materials, indicating that these genes are important during barley domestication. This work provides a global overview of the putative physiological and biological functions of PP2C genes in barley. We provide a broad framework for understanding the domestication- and evolutionary-induced changes in PP2C genes between wild and cultivated barley.
Stand-Biased Desks Impact on Cognition in Elementary Students Using a Within-Classroom Crossover Design
Authors: Wallace Alexander L. , Swartz Ann M. , Cho Chi C. , Kaiver Christine M. , Sullivan Ryan M. , Lisdahl Krista M.
Published: May 2022

Background: There is emerging literature that standing desk interventions may help to improve cognitive performance in school-aged children. The current study examines how desks that promote standing affect cognition over the course of a school year in third, fourth, and sixth graders. Methods: Nighty-nine students between the ages of 8 and 12 (M = 10.23; 58% Male) were assigned to either stand-biased desks or traditional sitting desks. A within-classroom design was used with students switching desks after 9 weeks. Cognitive assessments and teacher behavioral ratings were administered at baseline and readministered before students switched desks and at the conclusion of the study. Results: There were no significant effects on cognition or behavioral ratings from standing-biased desk intervention. Grade significantly moderated the relationship between stand-biased desks and cognition in that third graders showed increased cognitive control (p = 0.02, f2 = 0.06). Further, sex moderated the relationship in that females at stand-biased desks showed increased cognitive control (p = 0.03, f2 = 0.04). Conclusions: These results suggest that stand-biased desks impact cognition depending on grade and sex, indicating a complex relationship that should be teased out further in future research. Stand-biased desks showed moderate improvements in cognition and no deleterious effects, suggesting that they may be a helpful classroom intervention for children in elementary school.
Non-Fungible Token: A Systematic Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Bao Hong , Roubaud David
Published: May 2022

The popularity of the Non-Fungible Token (NFT) has risen rapidly since 2020, becoming one of the most popular applications in the Fintech field. However, there has so far been no attempt to perform a systematic review in this new area. Considering the items of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), this paper conducts a systematic review of the research work on NFT, published in journals indexed at the Web of Science and ScienceDirect until April 2022. The results reveal that there are 13 published articles in the targeted journals and they are mainly focused on the asset pricing area. The research gaps identified in the literature also can be the opportunity for future study. Thus, we lay down the research agenda for the future in several important but unanswered fields related to asset pricing, tokenomics, and risk and regulation.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Swedish as a Second Language
Authors: Wedin Åsa , Straszer Boglárka
Published: May 2022

This Special Issue focuses on Swedish as a second language (SSL), which is the subject where second language students (L2 students) in Sweden, in primary and secondary school and in adult education, receive teaching in Swedish [...]
Characterisation of a Novel Complex Concentrated Alloy for Marine Applications
Authors: Badea Ioana-Cristina , Csaki Ioana , Serban Beatrice-Adriana , Constantin Nicolae , Mitrica Dumitru , Burada Marian , Anasiei Ioana , Olaru Mihai Tudor , Ghita Andreea-Nicoleta , Popescu Ana-Maria Julieta
Published: May 2022

Complex concentrated alloys (CCAs) are a new family of materials with near equimolar compositions that fluctuate depending on the characteristics and destination of the material. CCAs expand the compositional limits of the traditional alloys, displaying new pathways in material design. A novel light density Al5Cu0.5Si0.2Zn1.5Mg0.2 alloy was studied to determine the structural particularities and related properties. The alloy was prepared in an induction furnace and then annealed under a protective atmosphere. The resulted specimens were analysed by chemical, structural, mechanical, and corrosion resistance. The structural analyses revealed a predominant FCC and BCC solid solution structure. The alloy produced a compression strength of 500–600 MPa, comparable with conventional aluminium alloys. The corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl solution was 0.3424 mm/year for as-cast and 0.1972 mm/year for heat-treated alloy, superior to steel, making the alloy a good candidate for marine applications.
The Use of Barley Malt as a Binder in Molding Sand Technology
Authors: Samociuk Bartłomiej , Medyński Daniel , Nowak Daniel , Kawa-Rygielska Joanna , Świechowski Kacper , Gasiński Alan , Janus Andrzej
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to attempt to use barley malt as a natural, organic binder in the technology of molding sand. TGA analysis of the binder was performed, during which temperatures of thermal decomposition of its components were determined. The results of TG/DTG analysis show that a loss of ~75% of mass of the MB binder is organic matter. Over 50% of this is starch. The results indicate the possibility of using a binder made of barley malt as a binding material for quartz sand grains. This fact was confirmed by tests carried out with use of SEM. During the observations, it was found that barley malt forms smooth bridges connecting individual grains of quartz sand. The typical properties of molding sands with barley malt were also determined, compared to sands containing commonly used binders. At the same time, the influence of the content of this binder on flowability, permeability, strength properties, and wear resistance was assessed. It has been found that increasing the binder content in molding mass results in an increase in strength and wear resistance, as opposed to flowability and permeability. Test castings were also made. It was found that the addition of a binder made of barley malt has a positive effect on the surface quality of castings. This was confirmed by roughness measurements of the test castings. At the same time, a tendency to excessive gas evolution during pouring was shown, with higher contents of this binder. Moreover, greater amounts of barley malt in the molding sand (MB 5%) as compared to the lower content (MB 2%) increased the thickness of the burnt layer of the sand by 25%. This is due to the exothermic reaction when more binder is burnt. It is extremely important from the point of view of the regeneration of molding sand.
Studying the Effect of Electrode Material and Magnetic Field on Hydrogen Production Efficiency
Authors: Chen Yen-Ju , Li Yan-Hom , Chen Ching-Yao
Published: May 2022

Water electrolysis is one of the most common methods to produce hydrogen gas with high purity, but its application is limited due to its low energy efficiency. It has been proved that an external magnetic field can reduce energy consumption and increase hydrogen production efficiency in water electrolysis. In this study, electrodes with different magnetism were subjected to a perpendicular magnetic field for use in hydrogen production by water electrolysis. Gas bubbles that evolve from the surface of a horizontal electrode detach faster than the bubbles from a vertical electrode. The locomotion of the bubbles is facilitated if the horizontal electrode faces a magnet, which induces the revolution of bubbles between the electrodes. However, the magnetic field does not increase the current density effectively if the electrodes are more than 5 cm apart. A paramagnetic (platinum) electrode has a more significant effect on bubble locomotion than a diamagnetic (graphite) material and is able to increase the efficiency of electrolysis more effectively when a perpendicular magnetic field is applied. The conductivity of platinum electrodes that face a magnet increases if the distance between the electrodes is less than 4 cm, but the conductivity of graphite electrodes does not increase until the inter-electrode distance is reduced to 2 cm. On the other hand, horizontal graphite electrodes that are subjected to a perpendicular magnetic field will generate a higher gas production rate than a platinum electrode without a magnetic field if the inter-electrode distance is less than 1 cm.
A Hybrid Arithmetic Optimization and Golden Sine Algorithm for Solving Industrial Engineering Design Problems
Authors: Liu Qingxin , Li Ni , Jia Heming , Qi Qi , Abualigah Laith , Liu Yuxiang
Published: May 2022

Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (AOA) is a physically inspired optimization algorithm that mimics arithmetic operators in mathematical calculation. Although the AOA has an acceptable exploration and exploitation ability, it also has some shortcomings such as low population diversity, premature convergence, and easy stagnation into local optimal solutions. The Golden Sine Algorithm (Gold-SA) has strong local searchability and fewer coefficients. To alleviate the above issues and improve the performance of AOA, in this paper, we present a hybrid AOA with Gold-SA called HAGSA for solving industrial engineering design problems. We divide the whole population into two subgroups and optimize them using AOA and Gold-SA during the searching process. By dividing these two subgroups, we can exchange and share profitable information and utilize their advantages to find a satisfactory global optimal solution. Furthermore, we used the Levy flight and proposed a new strategy called Brownian mutation to enhance the searchability of the hybrid algorithm. To evaluate the efficiency of the proposed work, HAGSA, we selected the CEC 2014 competition test suite as a benchmark function and compared HAGSA against other well-known algorithms. Moreover, five industrial engineering design problems were introduced to verify the ability of algorithms to solve real-world problems. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed work HAGSA is significantly better than original AOA, Gold-SA, and other compared algorithms in terms of optimization accuracy and convergence speed.
Construction of an Infinite Cyclic Group Formed by Artificial Differential Neurons
Authors: Chvalina Jan , Smetana Bedřich , Vyroubalová Jana
Published: May 2022

Infinite cyclic groups created by various objects belong to the class to the class basic algebraic structures. In this paper, we construct the infinite cyclic group of differential neurons which are modifications of artificial neurons in analogy to linear ordinary differential operators of the n-th order. We also describe some of their basic properties.
Graph Colorings and Labelings Having Multiple Restrictive Conditions in Topological Coding
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Ye Chengfu , Zhang Shumin , Yao Bing
Published: May 2022

With the fast development of networks, one has to focus on the security of information running in real networks. A technology that might be able to resist attacks equipped with AI techniques and quantum computers is the so-called topological graphic password of topological coding. In order to further study topological coding, we use the multiple constraints of graph colorings and labelings to propose 6C-labeling, 6C-complementary labeling, and its reciprocal-inverse labeling, since they can be applied to build up topological coding. We show some connections between 6C-labeling and other graph labelings/colorings and show graphs admitting twin-type 6C-labelings, as well as the construction of graphs admitting twin-type 6C-labelings.
Exponential Stability for the Equations of Porous Elasticity in One-Dimensional Bounded Domains
Authors: Apalara Tijani A. , Ige Aminat O.
Published: May 2022

This work establishes an exponential stability result for a porous-elastic system, where the dissipation mechanisms act on the porous and elastic equations. Our result completes some of the results in the literature for unbounded domains.
Andness Directedness for t-Norms and t-Conorms
Authors: Torra Vicenç
Published: May 2022

Tools for decision making need to be simple to use. In previous papers, we advocated that decision engineering needs to provide these tools, as well as a list of necessary properties that aggregation functions need to satisfy. When we model decisions using aggregation functions, andness-directedness is one of them. A crucial aspect in any decision is the degree of compromise between criteria. Given an aggregation function, andness establishes to what degree the function behaves in a conjunctive manner. That is, to what degree some criteria are mandatory. Nevertheless, from an engineering perspective, what we know is that some criteria are strongly required and we cannot ignore a bad evaluation even when other criteria are correctly evaluated. That is, given our requirements of andness, what are the aggregation functions we need to select. Andness is not only for mean-like functions, but it also applies to t-norms and t-conorms. In this paper, we study this problem and show how to select t-norms and t-conorms based on the andness level.
Annual Operating Costs Minimization in Electrical Distribution Networks via the Optimal Selection and Location of Fixed-Step Capacitor Banks Using a Hybrid Mathematical Formulation
Authors: Montoya Oscar Danilo , Moya Francisco David , Rajagopalan Arul
Published: May 2022

The minimization of annual operating costs in radial distribution networks with the optimal selection and siting of fixed-step capacitor banks is addressed in this research by means of a two-stage optimization approach. The first stage proposes an approximated mixed-integer quadratic model to select the nodes where the capacitor banks must be installed. In the second stage, a recursive power flow method is employed to make an exhaustive evaluation of the solution space. The main contribution of this research is the use of the expected load curve to estimate the equivalent annual grid operating costs. Numerical simulations in the IEEE 33- and IEEE 69-bus systems demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in comparison with the solution of the exact optimization model in the General Algebraic Modeling System software. Reductions of 33.04% and 34.29% with respect to the benchmark case are obtained with the proposed two-stage approach, with minimum investments in capacitor banks. All numerical implementations are performed in the MATLAB software using the convex tool known as CVX and the Gurobi solver. The main advantage of the proposed hybrid optimization method lies in the possibility of dealing with radial and meshed distribution system topologies without any modification on the MIQC model and the recursive power flow approach.
Roadmap Optimization: Multi-Annual Project Portfolio Selection Method
Authors: Etgar Ran , Cohen Yuval
Published: May 2022

The process of project portfolio selection is crucial in many organizations, especially R&D organizations. There is a need to make informed decisions on the investment in various projects or lack thereof. As the projects may continue over more than 1 year, and as there are connections between various projects, there is a need to not only decide which project to invest in but also when to invest. Since future benefits from projects are to be depreciated in comparison with near-future ones, and due to the interdependency among projects, the question of allocating the limited resources becomes quite complex. This research provides a novel heuristic method for allocating the limited resources over multi-annual planning horizons and examines its results in comparison with an exact branch and bound solution and various heuristic ones. This paper culminates with an efficient tool that can provide both practical and academic benefits.
Behavior of KCNQ Channels in Neural Plasticity and Motor Disorders
Authors: Singh Som P. , William Matthew , Malavia Mira , Chu Xiang-Ping
Published: May 2022

The broad distribution of voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKCs) in the human body makes them a critical component for the study of physiological and pathological function. Within the KCNQ family of VGKCs, these aqueous conduits serve an array of critical roles in homeostasis, especially in neural tissue. Moreover, the greater emphasis on genomic identification in the past century has led to a growth in literature on the role of the ion channels in pathological disease as well. Despite this, there is a need to consolidate the updated findings regarding both the pharmacotherapeutic and pathological roles of KCNQ channels, especially regarding neural plasticity and motor disorders which have the largest body of literature on this channel. Specifically, KCNQ channels serve a remarkable role in modulating the synaptic efficiency required to create appropriate plasticity in the brain. This role can serve as a foundation for clinical approaches to chronic pain. Additionally, KCNQ channels in motor disorders have been utilized as a direction for contemporary pharmacotherapeutic developments due to the muscarinic properties of this channel. The aim of this study is to provide a contemporary review of the behavior of these channels in neural plasticity and motor disorders. Upon review, the behavior of these channels is largely dependent on the physiological role that KCNQ modulatory factors (i.e., pharmacotherapeutic options) serve in pathological diseases.
Progress in the Degradability of Biodegradable Film Materials for Packaging
Authors: Guo Chuanyan , Guo Hongge
Published: May 2022

In today’s world, the problem of “white pollution” is becoming more and more serious, and many countries have paid special attention to this problem, and it has become one of the most important tasks to reduce polymer waste and to protect the environment. Due to the degradability, safety, economy and practicality of biodegradable packaging film materials, biodegradable packaging film materials have become a major trend in the packaging industry to replace traditional packaging film materials, provided that the packaging performance requirements are met. This paper reviews the degradation mechanisms and performance characteristics of biodegradable packaging film materials, such as photodegradation, hydrodegradation, thermo-oxidative degradation and biodegradation, focuses on the research progress of the modification of biodegradable packaging film materials, and summarizes some challenges and bottlenecks of current biodegradable packaging film materials.
Sex Dimorphism in the Metabolome of Metabolic Syndrome in Morbidly Obese Individuals
Authors: Pisoni Serena , Marrachelli Vannina G. , Morales Jose M. , Maestrini Sabrina , Di Blasio Anna M. , Monleón Daniel
Published: May 2022

Adult morbid obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation, mostly resulting from a long-term unhealthy lifestyle. Between 10% and 30% of people with obesity exhibit low cardiometabolic risk. The metabolic syndrome has been suggested as an indicator of obesity-related metabolic dysregulation. Although the prevalence of obesity does not seem to be sex-related and metabolic syndrome occurs at all ages, in the last few years, sex-specific differences in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of metabolic syndrome have received attention. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components in different sex and age groups in people with metabolic unhealthy obesity and to compare them with people with metabolic healthy obesity. We analyzed the metabolome in 1350 well-phenotyped morbidly obese individuals and showed that there is a strong sex-dependent association of metabolic syndrome with circulating metabolites. Importantly, we demonstrated that metabolic dysregulation in women and men with severe obesity and metabolic syndrome is age-dependent. The metabolic profiles from our study showed age-dependent sex differences in the impact of MetS which are consistent with the cardiometabolic characterization. Although there is common ground for MetS in the metabolome of severe obesity, men older than 54 are affected in a more extensive and intensive manner. These findings strongly argue for more studies aimed at unraveling the mechanisms that underlie this sex-specific metabolic dysregulation in severe obesity. Moreover, these findings suggest that women and men might benefit from differential sex and age specific interventions to prevent the adverse cardiometabolic effects of severe obesity.
Early Metabolomic Markers of Acute Low-Dose Exposure to Uranium in Rats
Authors: Grison Stéphane , Habchi Baninia , Gloaguen Céline , Kereselidze Dimitri , Elie Christelle , Martin Jean-Charles , Souidi Maâmar
Published: May 2022

Changes in metabolomics over time were studied in rats to identify early biomarkers and highlight the main metabolic pathways that are significantly altered in the period immediately following acute low-dose uranium exposure. A dose response relationship study was established from urine and plasma samples collected periodically over 9 months after the exposure of young adult male rats to uranyl nitrate. LC-MS and biostatistical analysis were used to identify early discriminant metabolites. As expected, low doses of uranium lead to time-based non-toxic biological effects, which can be used to identify early and delayed markers of exposure in both urine and plasma samples. A combination of surrogate markers for uranium exposure was validated from the most discriminant early markers for making effective predictions. N-methyl-nicotinamide, kynurenic acid, serotonin, tryptophan, tryptamine, and indole acetic acid associated with the nicotinate–nicotinamide and tryptophan pathway seem to be one of the main biological targets, as shown previously for chronic contaminations and completed, among others, by betaine metabolism. This study can be considered as a proof of concept for the relevance of metabolomics in the field of low-dose internal contamination by uranium, for the development of predictive diagnostic tests usable for radiotoxicological monitoring.
The Effect of Dynamic, In Vivo-like Oxaliplatin on HCT116 Spheroids in a Cancer-on-Chip Model Is Representative of the Response in Xenografts
Authors: Komen Job , van Neerven Sanne M. , Bossink Elsbeth G. B. M. , de Groot Nina E. , Nijman Lisanne E. , van den Berg Albert , Vermeulen Louis , van der Meer Andries D.
Published: May 2022

The cancer xenograft model in which human cancer cells are implanted in a mouse is one of the most used preclinical models to test the efficacy of novel cancer drugs. However, the model is imperfect; animal models are ethically burdened, and the imperfect efficacy predictions contribute to high clinical attrition of novel drugs. If microfluidic cancer-on-chip models could recapitulate key elements of the xenograft model, then these models could substitute the xenograft model and subsequently surpass the xenograft model by reducing variation, increasing sensitivity and scale, and adding human factors. Here, we exposed HCT116 colorectal cancer spheroids to dynamic, in vivo-like, concentrations of oxaliplatin, including a 5 day drug-free period, on-chip. Growth inhibition on-chip was comparable to existing xenograft studies. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry showed a similar response in proliferation and apoptosis markers. While small volume changes in xenografts are hard to detect, in the chip-system, we could observe a temporary growth delay. Lastly, histopathology and a pharmacodynamic model showed that the cancer spheroid-on-chip was representative of the proliferating outer part of a HCT116 xenograft, thereby capturing the major driver of the drug response of the xenograft. Hence, the cancer-on-chip model recapitulated the response of HCT116 xenografts to oxaliplatin and provided additional drug efficacy information.
Investigation of Wafer-Level Fabricated Permanent Micromagnets for MEMS
Authors: Bodduluri Mani Teja , Gojdka Björn , Wolff Niklas , Kienle Lorenz , Lisec Thomas , Lofink Fabian
Published: May 2022

Monolithic integration of permanent micromagnets into MEMS structures offers many advantages in magnetic MEMS applications. A novel technique called PowderMEMS, based on the agglomeration of micron-sized powders by atomic layer deposition (ALD), has been used to fabricate permanent micromagnets on 8-inch wafers. In this paper, we report the fabrication and magnetic characterization of PowderMEMS micromagnets prepared from two different NdFeB powder particle sizes. A remanence of 423 mT and intrinsic coercivity of 924 mT is achieved at the low ALD process temperature of 75 °C, making this process compatible with MEMS technology. The magnetic reversible mechanism in the micromagnets is discussed with the help of the Wohlfarth equation. To ensure the operability of such integrated micromagnets in different application environments, we conducted a set of experiments to systematically investigate the thermal and corrosive stability. NdFeB micromagnets with larger powder particle size (d50 = 25 µm) exhibit high thermal stability in air. Furthermore, the corrosion stability of the micromagnets is significantly improved by an additional silicon oxide passivation layer deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The presented results demonstrate the durability of PowderMEMS micromagnets, enabling their application in various fields, e.g., microfluidics, sensors, actuators, and microelectronics.
Darcy-Forchheimer Flow of Water Conveying Multi-Walled Carbon Nanoparticles through a Vertical Cleveland Z-Staggered Cavity Subject to Entropy Generation
Authors: Rasool Ghulam , Saeed Abdulkafi Mohammed , Lare Animasaun Isaac , Abderrahmane Aissa , Guedri Kamel , Vaidya Hanumesh , Marzouki Riadh
Published: May 2022

To date, when considering the dynamics of water conveying multi-walled carbon nanoparticles (MWCNT) through a vertical Cleveland Z-staggered cavity where entropy generation plays a significant role, nothing is known about the increasing Reynold number, Hartmann number, and Darcy number when constant conduction occurs at both sides, but at different temperatures. The system-governing equations were solved using suitable models and the Galerkin Finite Element Method (GFEM). Based on the outcome of the simulation, it is worth noting that increasing the Reynold number causes the inertial force to be enhanced. The velocity of incompressible Darcy-Forchheimer flow at the middle vertical Cleveland Z-staggered cavity declines with a higher Reynold number. Enhancement in the Hartman number causes the velocity at the center of the vertical Cleveland Z-staggered cavity to be reduced due to the associated Lorentz force, which is absent when Ha = 0 and highly significant when Ha = 30. As the Reynold number grows, the Bejan number declines at various levels of the Hartmann number, but increases at multiple levels of the Darcy number.
Activity-Induced Enhancement of Superdiffusive Transport in Bacterial Turbulence
Authors: Xie Chenliang , Liu Yanan , Luo Hao , Jing Guangyin
Published: May 2022

Superdiffusion processes significantly promote the transport of tiny passive particles within biological fluids. Activity, one of the essential measures for living matter, however, is less examined in terms of how and to what extent it can improve the diffusivity of the moving particles. Here, bacterial suspensions are confined within the microfluidic channel at the state of bacterial turbulence, and are tuned to different activity levels by oxygen consumption in control. Systematic measurements are conducted to determine the superdiffusion exponent, which characterizes the diffusivity strength of tracer particles, depending on the continuously injecting energy converted to motile activity from swimming individuals. Higher activity is quantified to drastically enhance the superdiffusion process of passive tracers in the short-time regime. Moreover, the number density of the swimming bacteria is controlled to contribute to the field activity, and then to strengthen the super-diffusivity of tracers, distinguished by regimes with and without collective motion of interacting bacteria. Finally, the non-slip surfaces of the microfluidic channel lower the superdiffusion of immersed tracers due to the resistance, with the small diffusivity differing from the counterpart in the bulk. The findings here suggest ways of controlled diffusion and transport of substances within the living system with different levels of nutrition and resources and boundary walls, leading to efficient mixing, drug delivery and intracellular communications.
Effects of Coal Rank and Macerals on the Structure Characteristics of Coal-Based Graphene Materials from Anthracite in Qinshui Coalfield
Authors: Li Ruiqing , Tang Yuegang , Che Qili , Ma Pengliang , Luo Peng , Lu Xin , Dong Min
Published: May 2022

Thirteen raw coal samples from Qinshui coalfield were prepared to produce coal-based graphene, and the raw coal, coal-based graphite, and coal-based graphene sheets (GS) were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The results show that the graphitization degree of coal-based graphite is positively linearly correlated with the reflectance of raw coal, has a low positive correlation with the content of inertinite, and has a low positive correlation with the content of vitrinite in raw coal. The crystallite width (La) and crystallite height (Lc) of coal-based graphite and graphene are positively linearly correlated with the reflectance of raw coal. La and Lc of coal-based graphite are distributed in 17.591–48.374 nm and 11.359–23.023 nm, respectively. After redox, La and Lc of coal-based graphene are distributed in 4.405 nm–6.243 nm and 0.804–1.144 nm, respectively. The defect degree (ID/IG) of coal-based graphene is higher than that of raw coal, demineralized coal, and coal-based graphite. The coal-based graphene is thin and transparent, and only contained carbon and oxygen. Combined with the parameters of XRD and HRTEM, it is calculated that the interlayer spacing (d002) of Qinshui-coal-based graphene is about 0.4007 nm and the number of layers (Nave) is about 5.
Changing Carboniferous Arc Magmatism in the Ossa-Morena Zone (Southwest Iberia): Implications for the Variscan Belt
Authors: Pereira Manuel Francisco , Fuenlabrada José Manuel , Rodríguez Carmen , Castro António
Published: May 2022

Carboniferous magmatism in southwestern Iberia was continuously active for more than 60 m.y. during the development of the Appalachian-Variscan belt of North America, North Africa and Western-Central Europe. This collisional orogen that records the closure of the Rheic Ocean is essential to understanding the late Paleozoic amalgamation of the Pangea supercontinent. However, the oblique convergence between Laurussia and Gondwana that lasted from the Devonian to the Carboniferous was likely more complex. Recently, a new tectonic model has regarded the Iberia Variscan belt as the site of coeval collisional and accretionary orogenic processes. Early Carboniferous plutonic rocks of southwest Iberia indicate arc magmatism in Gondwana. The Ossa-Morena Zone (OMZ) acted as the upper plate in relation to the geometry of the Paleotethys subduction. This active accretionary-extensional margin was progressively involved in a collisional phase during the Late Carboniferous. Together, the Évora Massif and the Beja Igneous Complex include three successive stages of bimodal magmatism, with a chemical composition indicative of a long-lived subduction process lasting from the Tournaisian to the Moscovian in the OMZ. The earliest stage of arc magmatism includes the Tournaisian Beja and Torrão gabbro-dioritic rocks of the Layered Gabbroic Sequence. We present new geochemical and Nd isotopic and U-Pb geochronological data for magmatic rocks from the Main (Visean-Serpukhovian) and Latest (Bashkirian-Moscovian) stages of arc magmatism. Visean Toca da Moura trachyandesite and rhyolites and Bashkirian Baleizão porphyries and Alcáçovas quartz diorite share enriched, continental-crust like characteristics, as indicated by major and trace elements, mainly suggesting the addition of calc-alkaline magma extracted from various mantle sources in a subduction-related setting (i.e., Paleotethys subduction). New U-Pb zircon geochronology data have allowed us to establish a crystallization age of 317 ± 3 Ma (Bashkirian) for Alcáçovas quartz diorite that confirms a temporal link with Baleizão porphyry. Positive εNd(t) values for the Carboniferous igneous rocks of the Beja Igneous Complex and the Évora gneiss dome indicate production of new juvenile crust, whereas negative εNd(t) values also suggest different grades of magma evolution involving crustal contamination. The production and evolution of Carboniferous continental crust in the OMZ was most likely associated with the development of an active continental margin during the convergence of the Paleotethys Ocean with Gondwana, involving juvenile materials and different grades of crustal contamination.
The Impact of Type of Brandy on the Volatile Aroma Compounds and Sensory Properties of Grape Brandy in Montenegro
Authors: Raičević Danijela , Popović Tatjana , Jančić Dejan , Šuković Danijela , Pajović-Šćepanović Radmila
Published: May 2022

This paper presents the results of a study that examined the impact of grape variety on the volatile aroma compounds and sensory properties of standard and Muscat grape brandy produced in the Podgorica sub-region (Montenegro) in vintages 2011, 2012, and 2013. The brandies were prepared by the distillation of crushed grapes, from the autochthonous varieties of Vranac and Kratošija, and Muscat grapes, in a traditional copper alembic, under the same conditions. The gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC/MS) method of 82 volatile aroma compounds that belong to the group (alcohols, volatile acids, volatile esters, terpenes, volatile aldehydes, acetals, ethers, ketones, and alkanes) and an evaluation of the sensory properties of brandies were carried out to determine the typical characteristics of the examined brandies. Alcohols, fatty acid esters, and terpene compound contents were significantly more abundant in all Muscat grape brandies compared to the brandies from the Vranac and Kratošija wine varieties (Standard brandy). Research results revealed that variety had a significant impact on the volatile aroma compound and sensory properties of brandy. The varietal effect was also confirmed, by multivariate analysis, based on the aroma volatile composition, which showed a grouping by type of grape brandy (varietal origin). Sensory analyses showed that all the brandies belonged to the category of high-quality brandies.
ST2825, a Small Molecule Inhibitor of MyD88, Suppresses NF-κB Activation and the ROS/NLRP3/Cleaved Caspase-1 Signaling Pathway to Attenuate Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Neuroinflammation
Authors: Zhang Shan-Shan , Liu Man , Liu Dong-Ni , Shang Yu-Fu , Wang Yue-Hua , Du Guan-Hua
Published: May 2022

Neuroinflammation characterized by microglia activation is the mechanism of the occurrence and development of various central nervous system diseases. ST2825, as a peptide-mimetic MyD88 homodimerization inhibitor, has been identified as crucial molecule with an anti-inflammatory role in several immune cells, especially microglia. The purpose of the study was to investigate the anti-neuroinflammatory effects and the possible mechanism of ST2825. Methods: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to stimulate neuroinflammation in male BALB/c mice and BV2 microglia cells. The NO level was determined by Griess Reagents. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were determined by ELISA. The expressions of inflammatory proteins were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting analysis. The level of ROS was detected by DCFH-DA staining. Results: In vivo, the improved levels of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, MCP-1 and ICAM-1 in the cortex and hippocampus, were reduced after ST2825 treatment. In vitro, the levels of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory factors, including NO, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, MCP-1, iNOS, COX2 and ROS, were remarkably decreased after ST2825 treatment. Further research found that the mechanism of its anti-neuroinflammatory effects appeared to be associated with inhibition of NF-κB activation and down-regulation of the NLRP3/cleaved caspase-1 signaling pathway. Conclusions: The current findings provide new insights into the activity and molecular mechanism of ST2825 for the treatment of neuroinflammation.