bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Location-Allocation Model with Obstacle and Capacity Constraints for the Layout Optimization of a Subsea Transmission Network with Line-Shaped Conduction Structures
Authors: Hong Cheng , Wang Yuxi , Estefen Segen F.
Published: June 2023

The idea of this paper comes from the need for a practical layout design for the subsea pipe line network and the power transmission network of offshore wind farms with subsea cables, which are both subsea transmission networks with line-shaped conduction structures. In this paper, this practical need is treated as an location-allocation problem, with the objective of minimizing the total cost, and a mixed-integer linear programming model (MILP) for layout optimization is developed. Through the model, the locations of service centers and theit corresponding sizes, the allocations between customers and service centers, as well as the transmission routes can all be figured out. This work makes two key contributions. First, facilities’ capacity restrictions and the avoidance of subsea obstacles are both integrated, making the description of the layout closer to practical situations. Secondly, a “global to local” search process based on the Delaunay triangulation method is constructed to solve the model, resulting in a high-quality solution. An offshore field layout design scenario is taken as a case study, through which the validity, feasibility, and stability of the proposed model, as well as the solution strategy, are presented. Furthermore, in the case study, the effect of the manifold number on the layout optimization is analyzed, indicating the flexibility of the model’s applications.
Measuring Detection Efficiency of High-Residency Acoustic Signals for Estimating Probability of Fish–Turbine Encounter in a Fast-Flowing Tidal Passage
Authors: Sanderson Brian Gavin , Bangley Charles William , McGarry Louise Patricia , Hasselman Daniel James
Published: June 2023

Semidiurnal tidal currents can exceed 5 ms−1 in Minas Passage, Bay of Fundy, where a tidal energy demonstration area has been designated to generate electricity using marine hydrokinetic turbines. The risk of harmful fish–turbine interaction cannot be dismissed for either migratory or local fish populations. Individuals belonging to several fish populations were acoustically tagged and monitored by using acoustic receivers moored within the Minas Passage. Detection efficiency ρ is required as the first step to estimate the probability of fish–turbine encounter. Moored Innovasea HR2 receivers and high-residency (HR) tags were used to obtain detection efficiency ρ as a function of range and current speed, for near-seafloor signal paths within the tidal energy development area. Strong tidal currents moved moorings, so HR tag signals and their reflections from the sea surface were used to measure ranges from tags to receivers. HR2 self-signals that reflected off the sea surface showed which moorings were displaced to lower and higher levels on the seafloor. Some of the range testing paths had anomalously low ρ, which might be attributed to variable bathymetry blocking the line-of-sight signal path. Clear and blocked signal paths accord with mooring levels. The application of ρ is demonstrated for the calculation of abundance, effective detection range, and detection-positive intervals. High-residency signals were better detected than pulse position modulation (PPM) signals. Providing that the presently obtained ρ applies to tagged fish that swim higher in the water column, there is a reasonable prospect that probability of fish–turbine encounter can be estimated by monitoring fish that carry HR tags.
Cell Wall Integrity Mediated by CfCHS1 Is Important for Growth, Stress Responses and Pathogenicity in Colletotrichum fructicola
Authors: Gan Rongcun , Zhang Shengpei , Li He
Published: June 2023

Camellia oleifera, a woody plant that produces edible oil, is indigenous to China. The devastating disease of anthracnose inflicts significant financial losses on Ca. oleifera. The primary causative agent of anthracnose on Ca. oleifera is Colletotrichum fructicola. Chitin, a pivotal constituent of fungal cell walls, assumes a critical function in their proliferation and maturation. To study the biological functions of chitin synthase 1(Chs1) in C. fructicola, the CfCHS1 gene knockout mutants, ∆Cfchs1-1 and ∆Cfchs1-2, and their complementary strain, ∆Cfchs1/CfCHS1, of C. fructicola were generated. Our results showed that the colony diameters of wild-type and complement-strain ∆Cfchs1/CfCHS1, mutant ∆Cfchs1-1 and ∆Cfchs1-2 cultured on the CM and MM medium were 5.2, 5.0, 2.2 and 2.4 cm and 4.0, 4.0, 2.1 and 2.6 cm, respectively, which were significantly smaller for the mutant than for the wild type and complement strain; the inhibition rates on the CM medium supplemented with H2O2, DTT, SDS and CR were 87.0% and 88.5%, 29.6% and 27.1%, 88.0% and 89.4%, and 41.7% and 28.7%, respectively, for the mutant strains, ∆Cfchs1-1 and ∆Cfchs1-2, which were significantly higher than those for the other two strains; the rate of hyphal tips with CFW fluorescence in ∆Cfchs1-1 and ∆Cfchs1-2 was 13.3% and 15.0%, which was significantly lower than those for the other two strains; the mutant strains, ∆Cfchs1-1 and ∆Cfchs1-2, lost the ability to produce conidia; the mutant strains showed weaker pathogenicity on wounded and unwounded Ca. oleifera leaves than the wild type and complement strain. The findings of this study suggest that CfChs1 plays a crucial role in the growth and development, stress responses, and pathogenicity of C. fructicola. Thus, this gene could be a potential target for developing novel fungicide.
Efficient Generation of Multiple Seamless Point Mutations Conferring Triazole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Handelman Mariana , Osherov Nir
Published: June 2023

Aspergillus fumigatus is a common human fungal pathogen that can cause a range of diseases. Triazoles are used to treat A. fumigatus infections, but resistance is increasing due to mutations in genes such as cyp51A, hmg1 and overexpression of efflux pumps. Verifying the importance of these mutations is time-consuming, and although the use of CRISPR-Cas9 methods has shortened this process, it still relies on the construction of repair templates containing a selectable marker. Here, employing in vitro-assembled CRISPR-Cas9 along with a recyclable selectable marker, we devised a quick and easy way to effectively and seamlessly introduce mutations conferring triazole resistance in A. fumigatus. We used it to introduce, alone and in combination, triazole resistance-conferring mutations in cyp51A, cyp51B and hmg1. With the potential to seamlessly introduce genes imparting resistance to additional existing and novel antifungals, toxic metals, and environmental stressors, this technique can considerably improve the ability to introduce dominant mutations in A. fumigatus.
A Multidisciplinary Approach for Type 2 Allergic Diseases: What Do Biologics Teach Us?
Authors: Maniscalco Mauro , Detoraki Aikaterini , Sarnelli Giovanni , Nolano Maria , De Paulis Amato , Spadaro Giuseppe , Cantone Elena
Published: June 2023

Patients with atopic/allergic disorders, including atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhino-conjunctivitis (AR), chronic rhinosinusitis with/without nasal polyps (CRSwNP/CRSsNP), bronchial asthma, food allergy, and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), often share a common genetic background, a type Th2 polarized immune response, and several environmental factors [...]
Clinical Use of Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Reversal: Consideration for Vascular Surgeons
Authors: Houben Alan , Bonhomme Vincent , Senard Marc
Published: June 2023

Since their first approval in 2010, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have become attractive for anticoagulant treatment. DOACs are indicated for the prevention and treatment of several cardiovascular conditions and have now emerged as leading therapeutic options. Every year, large number of patients receiving DOACs routinely are scheduled for invasive surgical procedures and need specific perioperative management. Moreover, recently published trials have provided arguments for a larger future use of DOACs, including during the postoperative period after vascular surgery and for high-risk cardiovascular patients. In this communication, we discuss the perioperative management of DOACs for patients undergoing vascular surgery.
The Roots of First-Generation Farmers: The Role of Inspiration in Starting an Organic Farm
Authors: DeLong Alia , Swisher Marilyn E. , Chase Carlene A. , Irani Tracy , Ruiz-Menjivar Jorge
Published: June 2023

This research aimed to determine salient factors affecting the decision to become a beginning organic farmer. New and beginning organic farmers have unique characteristics, showcasing their dedication to environmental justice and social justice at the expense of their own businesses. This research aimed to determine why people with no background in agriculture would start a farm when it is a high-risk and low-return business. With multigenerational farmers aging out of agriculture, we investigated the new generation and shifting demographics of people entering farming that will replace retiring farmers and feed our future. This research employed a multiple-case case study design. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 40 first-generation farmers who operate organic farms in Arkansas, Florida, or Georgia. We analyzed interview transcripts using the qualitative analysis approach of coding. Our results reveal two primary reasons why people with little practical knowledge start farms. First, they are inspired by those around them who succeed, and second, they are encouraged by influential characters in the field who assure them they can do something they love and be profitable. This research showed that first-generation farmers find inspiration and develop values rooted in food justice. Our findings have implications for developing and implementing current and future programmatic activities that aim to enhance beginning farmer training and workforce development. We identified sources of inspiration that will help researchers and service providers target newer and beginning farmers to support a vibrant food system, including burgeoning market opportunities, developing strong communities around food, and building grassroots solutions.
Stakeholder Perceptions of Landscape Justice in the Case of Atlantic Salmon Fishing in Northern Finland
Authors: Landauer Mia , Joona Juha , Keskitalo Pigga
Published: June 2023

Atlantic salmon fishing in northern Fennoscandia is part of controversial ecological, sociocultural, legal, and political questions. This paper presents a study of landscape justice as perceived by stakeholders who practice, manage, and govern traditional, household, and recreational salmon fishing on northern Finland’s border rivers, Tornio (Torne) and Teno (Tana). The concept of landscape justice is analysed through the lens of distributive, substantive, procedural, and recognition forms of justice. The data are based on semi-structured stakeholder interviews (N  =  15). A qualitative content analysis of the data based on the forms of justice reveals that salmon are associated with diverse environmental, economic, and sociocultural values of the landscape. The study results show the current state governance mode of salmon fishing causes landscape injustice manifesting, in particular, as an unequal distribution of risks and benefits regarding fishing governance and its challenges. There is unclear legislation for Tornio. Landscape justice is violated by regulations causing unclear case law for Teno on the ownership of land or water and related fishing restrictions, as well as a lack of possibilities for local tourist entrepreneurs and household fishermen to participate in decision making. Governmental decisions are mainly based on the overall ecological status of salmon populations at the expense of local variations or the recognition and systemic evaluation of sociocultural and local economic values of the landscape. The results indicate a need for national and cross-border policy decisions to include sociocultural and economic aspects of Atlantic salmon fishing to guide movement towards more just environmental governance.
Utilization of Free Trade Agreements to Minimize Costs and Carbon Emissions in the Global Supply Chain for Sustainable Logistics
Authors: Kinoshita Yuki , Nagao Takaki , Ijuin Hiromasa , Nagasawa Keisuke , Yamada Tetsuo , Gupta Surendra M.
Published: June 2023

Background: Since global warming is a crucial worldwide issue, carbon tax has been introduced in the global supply chain as an environmental regulation for the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Costs, GHG emissions, and carbon tax prices differ in each country due to economic conditions, energy mixes, and government policies. Additionally, multiple countries have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). While FTAs result in their economic benefit, they also increase the risk of carbon leakage, which increases GHG emissions in the global supply chain due to relocation production sites from a country with stricter emission constraints to others with laxer ones. Method: This study proposes a mathematical model for decision support to minimize total costs involving carbon taxes with FTAs. Results: Our model determines suppliers, factory locations, and the number of transported parts and products with costs, FTAs, carbon taxes, and material-based GHG emissions estimated using the Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) database. The FTA utilization on the global low-carbon supply chain is examined by comparing the constructed supply chains with and without FTAs, and by conducting sensitivity analysis of carbon tax prices. Conclusions: We found that FTAs would not cause carbon leakage directly and would be effective for reducing GHG emissions economically.
Analysis of Tool Wear in GH4169 Material Milling Process
Authors: Li Xueguang , Zhang Wang , Miao Liqin , Pang Zhaohuan
Published: June 2023

Nickel-based superalloy GH4169 is a material with strong mechanical properties and is difficult to process. In order to reduce tool wear during material processing and improve the workpiece surface processing quality, based on the finite element simulation software DEFORM, the influence of n, ap, and fz parameters on tool wear during carbide tool milling GH4169 was studied, and a simulation of an orthogonal experimental model was established. The prediction model of tool wear was obtained. The ultrasonic vibration milling was compared with ordinary milling, and the improvement degree of different coating materials on carbide tool wear was explored. The results showed that the ultrasonic vibration signal is helpful to reduce tool wear, improve the surface quality of the workpiece, and improve the stability of the milling process. TiAlN/TiN (WC)-composite-coated tools have good cutting performance, help to reduce tool temperature, reduce tool wear, and improve tool life.
(E)-6-Hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)acrylate
Authors: Song Yang-Heon
Published: June 2023

A hybrid compound 5: (E)-6-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)acrylate composed of (E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)acrylic acid (ferulic acid) 1 and 6,7-hydroxycoumarin (esculetin) 3 was prepared in a 61% yield by the esterification reaction of protected ferulic acid 2a with esculetin 3 in the presence of triethylamine in dichloromethane for 3 h, followed by deprotection using 3M HCl. The structure of compound 5 was confirmed by 1H, 13C NMR spectroscopy, mass-spectrometry and elemental analysis.
Vehicle Power System Modeling and Integration in Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Simulations
Authors: Soeiro Luiz Gustavo G. , Filho Braz J. Cardoso
Published: June 2023

The last decade has seen a rapid increase in the development and launch of a large number of hybrid and electric vehicles on the world market, a trend that is expected to accelerate in the medium to long term. However, not all markets in the world follow this trend at the same speed, conventional vehicles based on conventional energy systems, as start–stop systems, are prevalent in emerging markets. In Brazil, a unique biofuel energy program using sugar cane ethanol as an alternative fuel for ICE (internal combustion engines) has been successful for over forty years, and it can be used together with hybrid technologies. The introduction of micro-hybrid technologies and strategies in conventional vehicles has a significant impact on power system management, and developing and analyzing new systems and strategies can be time-consuming and expensive. Hence, the development of new HIL (hardware-in-the-loop) test systems or new methods for existing HIL systems is critical. In this paper, a modeling technique is suggested to incorporate a vehicle’s energy system into current HIL systems for studying micro-hybrid technologies and evaluating new proposals. By analyzing the impact of various strategies on fuel efficiency and the energy balance of the electric system, this modeling technique can assist in enhancing vehicle system efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, and lowering emissions.
Simulation Analysis and Online Monitoring of Suspension Frame of Maglev Train
Authors: Wang Yi , Gao Hongli
Published: June 2023

A maglev train is a new type of high-speed railway transportation. A high-temperature superconducting (HTS) maglev system is one of the typical representatives in the field of maglev trains. In order to research the levitation characteristics of an HTS maglev train, the force characteristics and operation performance of the train were researched. However, at present, there is still no research that simulates the real load situation of a running maglev train while analyzing the suspension frame. Regarding this issue, in this paper, the suspension frame is simulated and analyzed to simulate the real load situation of a maglev train. The results show that the suspension frame of an HTS maglev train can bear corresponding loads under different working conditions, and its strength and stiffness meet the requirements of use, safety, and reliability. Random irregularity in the permanent magnet track of an HTS maglev train route is inevitable, which will make the suspension frame produce a vibration response under different running speeds of the train. Vibration of the suspension frame of the train is inevitable. For the electromagnetic levitation (EMS) train, researchers considered monitoring the train status. However, at present, there is no suspension frame condition monitoring device for an HTS maglev train. In addition, the levitation height of the suspension frame affects the suspension performance and traction performance of the vehicle, and the vibration of the suspension frame during running affects the dynamic performance and safety of the suspension frame and the vehicle. Regarding the issue above, through a suspension frame monitoring system, the lateral and vertical vibration acceleration and levitation height of the suspension frame are monitored at different train speeds. The maximum value of vibration acceleration and the fluctuation range of levitation height are within the safe range. It is verified that the simulation analysis of the suspension frame of an HTS maglev train is correct, the suspension frame is safe, and the train can run safely.
Dynamics Modeling and Analysis of Rolling Bearings Variable Stiffness System with Local Faults
Authors: Guo Baoliang , Wu Wenlong , Zheng Jianxiao , He Yumin , Zhang Jinhua
Published: June 2023

By analyzing the support of load-carrying rolling elements when the rolling elements fall into the fault position, the dynamics model of a rolling bearing variable stiffness system with local faults is proposed, considering the retention factor of the contact deformation. Then, this paper researches the change of effective contact stiffness, contact deformation, contact force, and the total effective stiffness of the rolling elements. The results show that the contact stiffness of the rolling elements abruptly decreases when the rolling elements fall into the fault position. The contact deformation and contact force of the load-carrying rolling elements in the load zone increase, rebalancing the external radial load while causing a sudden reduction in the total effective stiffness, resulting in the vibration of the system. When different rolling elements fall into the outer ring fault position, the change in total effective stiffness and the system response are equal in magnitude. Additionally, there is a significant outer race fault characteristic frequency accompanied by frequency multiplication in the fault characteristic spectrums. When different rolling elements fall into the inner race fault position, the total effective stiffness is modulated by the inner race rotation and varies dramatically, resulting in the amplitude of the system time domain vibration response also being modulated by the inner race rotation and varying dramatically. Additionally, there is a significant inner race rotational frequency accompanied by frequency multiplication, an inner race fault characteristic frequency accompanied by frequency multiplication, and a side frequency in the fault characteristic spectrums. The research can provide some reference for the effective diagnosis of the rolling bearing fault.
Influence of the Rotor Geometry on Efficiency and Torque Ripple of Switched Reluctance Motor Controlled by Optimized Torque Sharing Functions
Authors: Ferková Želmíra , Bober Peter
Published: June 2023

Torque sharing function (TSF)-based switched reluctance motor (SRM) control is an effective approach to minimize torque ripple and maximize efficiency. This study investigated the influence of the rotor geometry to overcome the inherent torque and current tracking error of used TSFs. Parameters of the TSF were optimized according to several objectives. A finite element method simulation model of the motor was built and verified to evaluate the objective functions. The optimization result is a set of functions that calculate optimal values of the start angle and overlap angle of the sinusoidal TSF for every operating point of the motor. Different objectives, including efficiency and a torque ripple, lead to different functions for calculating start and overlap angles. The research showed that if efficiency is the most important objective, it is possible to determine a suitable rotor pole geometry. For other criteria, the choice of rotor geometry is not so clear-cut and requires consideration of the SRM operating modes.
Influence of the Size of Measurement Area Determined by Smooth-Rough Crossover Scale and Mean Profile Element Spacing on Topography Parameters of Samples Produced with Additive Methods
Authors: Bazan Anna , Turek Paweł , Sułkowicz Paweł , Przeszłowski Łukasz , Zakręcki Andrzej
Published: June 2023

Surface topography measurements are becoming more and more popular and complement the 2D analysis of surface texture. The selection of the measurement area is not yet included in the standards, and the size of this area affects the values of the determined parameters. The article presents the results of research on determining the measurement area based on the smooth-rough crossover scale (SCR) and mean profile element spacing (Rsm) parameters. The tests focused on measuring the surface topography of random and directional types of polymer parts produced by various additive manufacturing techniques. The measurements were conducted using the focus variation method. Surface topography parameters were determined for large evaluation areas determined based on the cut-off filter length Lc and for small areas defined based on the SCR and Rsm parameters. The values of parameters determined from large areas constituted the reference values to which the values determined from small areas were compared. In the case of random-type samples, it was shown that the values of the parameters calculated from smaller areas determined based on the SCR significantly differed from the reference values. For both types of samples, determination of the evaluation area based on the Rsm yielded good results. In most cases, the greatest differences between the values of parameters calculated for small and large areas were noted for the Ssk and Smr1 parameters. Based on the test results, it could be advantageous to replace the measurement of a larger area with the measurement of several smaller areas located at different places on the sample.
Dynamic Output Feedback Quantization Control of a Networked Control System with Dual-Channel Data Packet Loss
Authors: Zhang Fan , Hua Mingang , Gao Mengyu
Published: June 2023

In this paper, the design of a dynamic output feedback controller for a networked control system with dual-channel data packet loss and special discrete-time delay is studied, in which the data packet loss is described by the Markov process. In order to effectively alleviate the problem of network congestion, a quantizer was added to the sensor-to-controller channel. The transition probabilities of the Markov process are uncertain, but they exist in the convex sets of known convex polyhedron types. The mode-dependent Lyapunov function was constructed, and a sufficient condition was given to make the closed-loop system stochastically stable and satisfy the performance index. The parameters of the controller were solved by the linear matrix inequality method. Finally, an example of aircraft shows the validity of the proposed approach. A numerical example is compared with other literature, showing the superiority of the proposed approach.
Review of Reliability Assessment Methods of Drone Swarm (Fleet) and a New Importance Evaluation Based Method of Drone Swarm Structure Analysis
Authors: Zaitseva Elena , Levashenko Vitaly , Mukhamediev Ravil , Brinzei Nicolae , Kovalenko Andriy , Symagulov Adilkhan
Published: June 2023

Drones, or UAVs, are developed very intensively. There are many effective applications of drones for problems of monitoring, searching, detection, communication, delivery, and transportation of cargo in various sectors of the economy. The reliability of drones in the resolution of these problems should play a principal role. Therefore, studies encompassing reliability analysis of drones and swarms (fleets) of drones are important. As shown in this paper, the analysis of drone reliability and its components is considered in studies often. Reliability analysis of drone swarms is investigated less often, despite the fact that many applications cannot be performed by a single drone and require the involvement of several drones. In this paper, a systematic review of the reliability analysis of drone swarms is proposed. Based on this review, a new method for the analysis and quantification of the topological aspects of drone swarms is considered. In particular, this method allows for the computing of swarm availability and importance measures. Importance measures in reliability analysis are used for system maintenance and to indicate the components (drones) whose fault has the most impact on the system failure. Structural and Birnbaum importance measures are introduced for drone swarms’ components. These indices are defined for the following topologies: a homogenous irredundant drone fleet, a homogenous hot stable redundant drone fleet, a heterogeneous irredundant drone fleet, and a heterogeneous hot stable redundant drone fleet.
Fuzzy-Based Unified Decision-Making Technique to Evaluate Security Risks: A Healthcare Perspective
Authors: Attaallah Abdulaziz , al-Sulbi Khalil , Alasiry Areej , Marzougui Mehrez , Ansar Syed Anas , Agrawal Alka , Ansari Md Tarique Jamal , Khan Raees Ahmad
Published: June 2023

Neoteric biomedical, technological, and normative shifts have prompted care firms to establish clinical governance as a contrivance to assure high-quality service in an exceedingly intricate milieu. Web security is an epochal concern in the healthcare sector, although it has garnered scant attention since the inception of web applications. The necessity to provide adequate security for healthcare web applications (HWAs) cannot be exaggerated, as umpteen health agencies are contingent on them to carry out their operations. Every healthcare organization renders a humongous volume of data available online to practitioners, pharmacies, and patients. Researchers are continually endeavoring to ameliorate techniques to increase the security and longevity of HWAs. In this context, experts examined certain imperative security risks in HWAs to quantitatively evaluate them in the design phase and covered numerous facets of HWAs, along with their security attributes and risk factors. The authors have proposed a combined approach of fuzzy-based symmetric techniques, i.e., AHP-TOPSIS (Analytic Hierarchy Process–Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), for the assessment of alternative HWAs, leveraging the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach. Ten consecutive HWAs from local hospitals in Uttar Pradesh, India, have been taken to estimate the security risk, incorporating this methodology to evaluate the priority of weightage and the impact of security attributes. Henceforth, the findings and methodology employed in this study can assist security practitioners in identifying and prioritizing the most influential risk factors to secure HWAs and encourage them to develop revamped or novel methods.
Data-Driven Adaptive Modelling and Control for a Class of Discrete-Time Robotic Systems Based on a Generalized Jacobian Matrix Initialization
Authors: Morales-Díaz América Berenice , Gómez-Casas Josué , Treesatayapun Chidentree , Muñiz-Valdez Carlos Rodrigo , Galindo-Valdés Jesús Salvador , Martínez-Villafañe Jesús Fernando
Published: June 2023

Data technology advances have increased in recent years, especially for robotic systems, in order to apply data-driven modelling and control computations by only considering the input and output signals’ relationship. For a data-driven modelling and control approach, the system is considered unknown. Thus, the initialization values of the system play an important role to obtain a suitable estimation. This paper presents a methodology to initialize a data-driven model using the pseudo-Jacobian matrix algorithm to estimate the model of a mobile manipulator robot. Once the model is obtained, a control law is proposed for the robot end-effector position tasks. To this end, a novel neuro-fuzzy network is proposed as a control law, which only needs to update one parameter to minimize the control error and avoids the chattering phenomenon. In addition, a general stability analysis guarantees the convergence of the estimation and control errors and the tuning of the closed-loop control design parameters. The simulations results validate the performance of the data-driven model and control.
Species-Specific N-Glycomes and Methylation Patterns of Oysters Crassostrea gigas and Ostrea edulis and Their Possible Consequences for the Norovirus–HBGA Interaction
Authors: Auger Audrey , Yu Shin-Yi , Guu Shih-Yun , Quéméner Agnès , Euller-Nicolas Gabriel , Ando Hiromune , Desdouits Marion , Le Guyader Françoise S. , Khoo Kay-Hooi , Le Pendu Jacques , Chirat Frederic , Guerardel Yann
Published: June 2023

Noroviruses, the major cause of acute viral gastroenteritis, are known to bind to histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs), including ABH groups and Lewis-type epitopes, which decorate the surface of erythrocytes and epithelial cells of their host tissues. The biosynthesis of these antigens is controlled by several glycosyltransferases, the distribution and expression of which varies between tissues and individuals. The use of HBGAs as ligands by viruses is not limited to humans, as many animal species, including oysters, which synthesize similar glycan epitopes that act as a gateway for viruses, become vectors for viral infection in humans. Here, we show that different oyster species synthesize a wide range of N-glycans that share histo-blood A-antigens but differ in the expression of other terminal antigens and in their modification by O-methyl groups. In particular, we show that the N-glycans isolated from Crassostrea gigas and Ostrea edulis exhibit exquisite methylation patterns in their terminal N-acetylgalactosamine and fucose residues in terms of position and number, adding another layer of complexity to the post-translational glycosylation modifications of glycoproteins. Furthermore, modeling of the interactions between norovirus capsid proteins and carbohydrate ligands strongly suggests that methylation has the potential to fine-tune the recognition events of oysters by virus particles.
Structural Impact of Selected Retinoids on Model Photoreceptor Membranes
Authors: Radzin Szymon , Wiśniewska-Becker Anna , Markiewicz Michał , Bętkowski Sebastian , Furso Justyna , Waresiak Joanna , Grolik Jarosław , Sarna Tadeusz , Pawlak Anna M.
Published: June 2023

Photoreceptor membranes have a unique lipid composition. They contain a high level of polyunsaturated fatty acids including the most unsaturated fatty acid in nature, docosahexaenoic acid (22:6), and are enriched in phosphatidylethanolamines. The phospholipid composition and cholesterol content of the subcellular components of photoreceptor outer segments enables to divide photoreceptor membranes into three types: plasma membranes, young disc membranes, and old disc membranes. A high degree of lipid unsaturation, extended exposure to intensive irradiation, and high respiratory demands make these membranes sensitive to oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Moreover, all-trans retinal (AtRAL), which is a photoreactive product of visual pigment bleaching, accumulates transiently inside these membranes, where its concentration may reach a phototoxic level. An elevated concentration of AtRAL leads to accelerated formation and accumulation of bisretinoid condensation products such as A2E or AtRAL dimers. However, a possible structural impact of these retinoids on the photoreceptor-membrane properties has not yet been studied. In this work we focused just on this aspect. The changes induced by retinoids, although noticeable, seem not to be significant enough to be physiologically relevant. This is, however, an positive conclusion because it can be assumed that accumulation of AtRAL in photoreceptor membranes will not affect the transduction of visual signals and will not disturb the interaction of proteins engaged in this process.
Effects of Long-Term Aging on Structure Evolution and Stress Rupture Property of DD6 Single-Crystal Superalloy
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Liu Shizhong , Li Ying , Li Jiarong
Published: June 2023

For China’s second-generation aero-engine blade DD6 single-crystal high-temperature alloy, the standard solution-treated test rods were subjected to long-term aging experiments (1290 °C, 1 h + 1300 °C, 2 h + 1315 °C, 4 h air cooling + 1120 °C, 4 h air cooling + 870 °C, 32 h air cooling) at 980 °C for 1000 h, 5000 h, and 7500 h, and the effects of different long-term aging times on the organization evolution, phase precipitation morphology, high-temperature mechanical properties, and endurance performance of the alloy were studied. The results show that with the increase of aging time, the γ′ phase coarsens, joins along the <100> and <010> directions, and merges to form irregularly shaped directional growth and rafting. The endurance life shows a decreasing trend; at 980 °C/243 MPa, 980 °C/270 MPa, 980 °C/309 MPa for the alloys after 5000 h aging, the enduring life decreased by 47.97%, 70.98%, and 76.75%, and 81.25%, 73.18%, and 87.00% after 7500 h aging, respectively. The tensile strength of the alloy at 760 °C first decreases and then increases, with a minimum value at 5000 h; there is a gradual increase in elongation; there is a gradual decrease in tensile strength at 980 °C; and there is first an increase and then decrease in elongation, with a maximum value at 1000 h. This is due to the diffusion phenomenon of the elements in the alloy after 5000 h aging, the emergence of W-rich, Re-, Mo-, and Ni-poor phenomena, and the transformation of the μ-phase from needle-like to rod-like and block-like.
Effect of Genetically Reduced Maternal Myostatin on Late Gestation Maternal, Fetal, and Placental Metabolomes in Mice
Authors: Opoku Ruth , DeCata Jenna , Phillips Charlotte L. , Schulz Laura C.
Published: June 2023

Myostatin (gene symbol: Mstn) is an autocrine and paracrine inhibitor of muscle growth. Pregnant mice with genetically reduced levels of myostatin give birth to offspring with greater adult muscle mass and bone biomechanical strength. However, maternal myostatin is not detectable in fetal circulations. Fetal growth is dependent on the maternal environment, and the provisioning of nutrients and growth factors by the placenta. Thus, this study examined the effect of reduced maternal myostatin on maternal and fetal serum metabolomes, as well as the placental metabolome. Fetal and maternal serum metabolomes were highly distinct, which is consistent with the role of the placenta in creating a specific fetal nutrient environment. There was no effect from myostatin on maternal glucose tolerance or fasting insulin. In comparisons between pregnant control and Mstn+/− mice, there were more significantly different metabolite concentrations in fetal serum, at 50, than in the mother’s serum at 33, confirming the effect of maternal myostatin reduction on the fetal metabolic milieu. Polyamines, lysophospholipids, fatty acid oxidation, and vitamin C, in fetal serum, were all affected by maternal myostatin reduction.
Nutraceuticals as Alternative Approach against Cadmium-Induced Kidney Damage: A Narrative Review
Authors: Marini Herbert Ryan , Bellone Federica , Catalano Antonino , Squadrito Giovanni , Micali Antonio , Puzzolo Domenico , Freni José , Pallio Giovanni , Minutoli Letteria
Published: June 2023

Cadmium (Cd) represents a public health risk due to its non-biodegradability and long biological half-life. The main target of Cd is the kidney, where it accumulates. In the present narrative review, we assessed experimental and clinical data dealing with the mechanisms of kidney morphological and functional damage caused by Cd and the state of the art about possible therapeutic managements. Intriguingly, skeleton fragility related to Cd exposure has been demonstrated to be induced both by a direct Cd toxic effect on bone mineralization and by renal failure. Our team and other research groups studied the possible pathophysiological molecular pathways induced by Cd, such as lipid peroxidation, inflammation, programmed cell death, and hormonal kidney discrepancy, that, through further molecular crosstalk, trigger serious glomerular and tubular injury, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Moreover, CKD is associated with the presence of dysbiosis, and the results of recent studies have confirmed the altered composition and functions of the gut microbial communities in CKD. Therefore, as recent knowledge demonstrates a strong connection between diet, food components, and CKD management, and also taking into account that gut microbiota are very sensitive to these biological factors and environmental pollutants, nutraceuticals, mainly present in foods typical of the Mediterranean diet, can be considered a safe therapeutic strategy in Cd-induced kidney damage and, accordingly, could help in the prevention and treatment of CKD.
Detection of HER-3 with an AlGaN/GaN-Based Ion-Sensitive Heterostructure Field Effect Transistor Biosensor
Authors: Wang Fengge , Liu Honghui , Xu Yanyan , Liang Zhiwen , Wu Zhisheng , Liu Yang , Zhang Baijun
Published: June 2023

Human epidermal growth factor receptor-3 (HER-3) plays a key role in the growth and metastasis of cancer cells. The detection of HER-3 is very important for early screening and treatment of cancer. The AlGaN/GaN-based ion-sensitive heterostructure field effect transistor (ISHFET) is sensitive to surface charges. This makes it a promising candidate for the detection of HER-3. In this paper, we developed a biosensor for the detection of HER-3 with AlGaN/GaN-based ISHFET. The AlGaN/GaN-based ISHFET biosensor exhibits a sensitivity of 0.53 ± 0.04 mA/dec in 0.01 M phosphate buffer saline (1× PBS) (pH = 7.4) solution with 4% bovine serum albumin (BSA) at a source and drain voltage of 2 V. The detection limit is 2 ng/mL. A higher sensitivity (2.20 ± 0.15 mA/dec) can be achieved in 1× PBS buffer solution at a source and drain voltage of 2 V. The AlGaN/GaN-based ISHFET biosensor can be used for micro-liter (5 μL) solution measurements and the measurement can be performed after incubation of 5 min.
The Detrimental Effects of Peripartum Antibiotics on Gut Proliferation and Formula Feeding Injury in Neonatal Mice Are Alleviated with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Authors: Cuna Alain , Nsumu Marianne , Menden Heather L. , Chavez-Bueno Susana , Sampath Venkatesh
Published: June 2023

Peripartum antibiotics can negatively impact the developing gut microbiome and are associated with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The mechanisms by which peripartum antibiotics increase the risk of NEC and strategies that can help mitigate this risk remain poorly understood. In this study, we determined mechanisms by which peripartum antibiotics increase neonatal gut injury and evaluated whether probiotics protect against gut injury potentiated by peripartum antibiotics. To accomplish this objective, we administered broad-spectrum antibiotics or sterile water to pregnant C57BL6 mice and induced neonatal gut injury to their pups with formula feeding. We found that pups exposed to antibiotics had reduced villus height, crypt depth, and intestinal olfactomedin 4 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen compared to the controls, indicating that peripartum antibiotics impaired intestinal proliferation. When formula feeding was used to induce NEC-like injury, more severe intestinal injury and apoptosis were observed in the pups exposed to antibiotics compared to the controls. Supplementation with the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) reduced the severity of formula-induced gut injury potentiated by antibiotics. Increased intestinal proliferating cell nuclear antigen and activation of the Gpr81-Wnt pathway were noted in the pups supplemented with LGG, suggesting partial restoration of intestinal proliferation by probiotics. We conclude that peripartum antibiotics potentiate neonatal gut injury by inhibiting intestinal proliferation. LGG supplementation decreases gut injury by activating the Gpr81-Wnt pathway and restoring intestinal proliferation impaired by peripartum antibiotics. Our results suggest that postnatal probiotics may be effective in mitigating the increased risk of NEC associated with peripartum antibiotic exposure in preterm infants.
Geochemistry, Detrital Zircon U-Pb Geochronology, and Lu-Hf Isotopes of the Metasedimentary Rocks (Xinghongpu Formation, Late Devonian) in the Central South Qinling Orogenic Belt: Implications for Provenance and Tectonics
Authors: Zhang Zhenkai , Zhou Tengfei , Li Dongtao , Wang Hua , Du Biao , Zhao Duanchang , Zhang Yafeng , Zhang Chen , Li Zuochen , Chen Ning , Zhang Xinlei , Shang Yuehan
Published: June 2023

The Xinghongpu Formation is very important for understanding the Devonian tectonic evolution of the South Qinling orogenic belt. Geochemical, detrital zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopic studies were carried out on the Late Devonian metasedimentary rocks of the Xinghongpu Formation to constrain the depositional age, the provenance, and the tectonic setting. The detrital zircon U-Pb dating results revealed that the depositional age of the Xinghongpu Formation of the Late Devonian was not earlier than 363.2 Ma. The whole-rock geochemistry suggested that (1) this suite of metasedimentary rocks was mainly derived from quartzose sediments of mature continental provenance, with a small contribution from mafic and intermediate igneous provenance, and (2) the metasedimentary sandstone of the Xinghongpu Formation from the Late Devonian was deposited in an active continental margin to continental arc setting. The detailed detrital zircon U-Pb dating showed that the age spectra of detrital zircon could be divided into four groups: (1) 416–480 Ma, accounting for about 23%; (2) 740–850 Ma, accounting for about 19%; (3) 889–1017 Ma, accounting for about 19%; and (4) 1072–1146 Ma, accounting for about 12%. It also contained a group of Early Proterozoic zircons. The age and Hf isotope of the detrital zircons suggested that the clastic sediment deposited in the Xinghongpu Formation mainly came from the South Qinling Orogenic Belt and the North Qinling Orogenic Belt. The detrital zircon Lu-Hf isotopes indicated that most zircons were the products of the ancient crustal remelting, and the mantle-derived magmatic sources contributed to the provenance. The Xinghongpu Fm. formed in an oceanic basin in a continental margin environment with arc systems.
Mechanisms in the Catalytic Reduction of N2O by CO over the M13@Cu42 Clusters of Aromatic-like Inorganic and Metal Compounds
Authors: Liu Ziyang , Wang Haifeng , Gao Yan , Zhao Jijun
Published: June 2023

Metal aromatic substances play a unique and important role in both experimental and theoretical aspects, and they have made tremendous progress in the past few decades. The new aromaticity system has posed a significant challenge and expansion to the concept of aromaticity. From this perspective, based on spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we systematically investigated the doping effects on the reduction reactions of N2O catalyzed by CO for M13@Cu42 (M = Cu, Co, Ni, Zn, Ru, Rh, Pd, Pt) core–shell clusters from aromatic-like inorganic and metal compounds. It was found that compared with the pure Cu55 cluster, the strong M–Cu bonds provide more structural stability for M13@Cu42 clusters. Electrons that transferred from the M13@Cu42 to N2O promoted the activation and dissociation of the N–O bond. Two possible reaction modes of co-adsorption (L-H) and stepwise adsorption (E-R) mechanisms over M13@Cu42 clusters were thoroughly discovered. The results showed that the exothermic phenomenon was accompanied with the decomposition process of N2O via L-H mechanisms for all of the considered M13@Cu42 clusters and via E-R mechanisms for most of the M13@Cu42 clusters. Furthermore, the rate-limiting step of the whole reactions for the M13@Cu42 clusters were examined as the CO oxidation process. Our numerical calculations suggested that the Ni13@Cu42 cluster and Co13@Cu42 clusters exhibited superior potential in the reduction reactions of N2O by CO; especially, Ni13@Cu42 clusters are highly active, with very low free energy barriers of 9.68 kcal/mol under the L-H mechanism. This work demonstrates that the transition metal core encapsulated M13@Cu42 clusters can present superior catalytic activities towards N2O reduction by CO.