bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Automated Driving Maneuvers under a Non-Signalized Intersection Adopting Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Tran Quang-Duy , Bae Sang-Hoon
Published: September 2022

Automated driving systems have become a potential approach to mitigating collisions, emissions, and human errors in mixed-traffic environments. This study proposes the use of a deep reinforcement learning method to verify the effects of comprehensive automated vehicle movements at a non-signalized intersection according to training policy and measures of effectiveness. This method integrates multilayer perceptron and partially observable Markov decision process algorithms to generate a proper decision-making algorithm for automated vehicles. This study also evaluates the efficiency of proximal policy optimization hyperparameters for the performance of the training process. Firstly, we set initial parameters and create simulation scenarios. Secondly, the SUMO simulator executes and exports observations. Thirdly, the Flow tool transfers these observations into the states of reinforcement learning agents. Next, the multilayer perceptron algorithm trains the input data and updates policies to generate the proper actions. Finally, this training checks the termination and iteration process. These proposed experiments not only increase the speeds of vehicles but also decrease the emissions at a higher market penetration rate and a lower traffic volume. We demonstrate that the fully autonomous condition increased the average speed 1.49 times compared to the entirely human-driven experiment.
A Blockchain-Based Trust Model for Uploading Illegal Data Identification
Authors: Cheng Jieren , Li Yuanshen , Yuan Yuming , Zhang Bo , Xu Xinbin
Published: September 2022

Malicious users can upload illegal data to the blockchain to spread it, resulting in serious threats due to the tamper-proof characteristics of the blockchain. However, the existing methods for uploading illegal data identification cannot select trust nodes and ensure the credibility of the identification results, leading to a decrease in the credibility of the methods. To solve the problem, this paper proposes a blockchain-based trust model for uploading illegal data identification. The trust model mainly has the following two core modules: Reputation-based random selection algorithm (RBRSA) and incentive mechanism. By assigning reputation attributes to nodes, the proposed RBRSA will select nodes according to reputation values. RBRSA favors the nodes with high reputation value to ensure the randomness and credibility of the identification nodes. The incentive mechanism is designed to ensure the credibility of the identification results through the credibility analysis of the model based on game theory and Nash equilibrium. Identification nodes that identify illegal data correctly will obtain incentives. In order to obtain a higher income, the identification nodes must identify illegal data correctly. Credibility analysis and comparative experiments show that the probability of selecting credible nodes by RBRSA is up to 23% higher than the random selection algorithm. The probability of selecting the nodes with a reputation value of 20 by RBRSA is 27% lower than the random selection algorithm; that is, the probability that RBRSA selects untrusted nodes is lower. Therefore, the nodes selected by RBRSA have superior credibility compared with other methods. In terms of the effect of the incentive mechanism, the incentive mechanism can encourage nodes to identify data credibly and improve the credibility of identification results. All in all, the trusted model has higher credibility than other methods.
Projection Pursuit Multivariate Sampling of Parameter Uncertainty
Authors: Erten Oktay , Pereira Fábio P. L. , Deutsch Clayton V.
Published: September 2022

The efficiency of sampling is a critical concern in Monte Carlo analysis, which is frequently used to assess the effect of the uncertainty of the input variables on the uncertainty of the model outputs. The projection pursuit multivariate transform is proposed as an easily applicable tool for improving the efficiency and quality of a sampling design in Monte Carlo analysis. The superiority of the projection pursuit multivariate transform, as a sampling technique, is demonstrated in two synthetic case studies, where the random variables are considered to be uncorrelated and correlated in low (bivariate) and high (five-variate) dimensional sampling spaces. Five sampling techniques including Monte Carlo simulation, classic Latin hypercube sampling, maximin Latin hypercube sampling, Latin hypercube sampling with multidimensional uniformity, and projection pursuit multivariate transform are employed in the simulation studies, considering cases where the sample sizes (n) are small (i.e., 10≤n≤100), medium (i.e., 100<n≤1000), and large (i.e., 1000 < n≤ 10,000). The results of the case studies show that the projection pursuit multivariate transform appears to yield the fewest sampling errors and the best sampling space coverage (or multidimensional uniformity), and that a significant amount of computer effort could be saved by using this technique.
OneMap Drought Monitoring Analysis Based on Statistical Models
Authors: Kim Jong-Suk , Chen Jie , Park Seo-Yeon , Wu Dian , Yoon Hyeon-Cheol , Lee Joo-Heon
Published: September 2022

As the effects of droughts on agriculture and industrial water availability intensify with climate change, developing suitable drought prevention and mitigation measures has become increasingly important. However, measuring drought conditions using different indices leads to disjointed drought management responses by ministries and agencies. Additionally, indices based on only one variable are insufficient to accurately assess drought conditions. Therefore, creating and adopting a OneMap drought index would be beneficial in the assessment of drought conditions and the implementation of appropriate measures. In this study, we used multivariate statistical modeling using Bayesian principal component analysis to develop a OneMap drought index that unifies existing measures of drought conditions, including meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological drought indices. After evaluating the accuracy of the corrected OneMap drought index based on the self-organizing migrating algorithm optimization technique, it was found that the applicability of the OneMap drought index and its ability to regenerate drought were excellent for ground and satellite data. Therefore, the authors recommend implementing step-by-step drought management action plans using the integrated index to generate drought forecasts and warnings, thus promoting concerted and effective responses of local governments and authorities.
Light-Activating PROTACs in Cancer: Chemical Design, Challenges, and Applications
Authors: Negi Arvind , Kesari Kavindra Kumar , Voisin-Chiret Anne Sophie
Published: September 2022

Nonselective cell damage remains a significant limitation of radiation therapies in cancer. Decades of successful integration of radiation therapies with other medicinal chemistry strategies significantly improved therapeutic benefits in cancer. Advancing in such technologies also led to the development of specific photopharmcology-based approaches that improved the cancer cell selectivity and provided researchers with spatiotemporal control over the degradation of highly expressed proteins in cancer (proteolysis targeting chimeras, PROTACs) using a monochrome wavelength light source. Two specific strategies that have achieved notable successes are photocage and photoswitchable PROTACs. Photocaged PROTACs require a photolabile protecting group (PPG) that, when radiated with a specific wavelength of light, irreversibly release PPG and induce protein degradation. Thus far, diethylamino coumarin for estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα), nitropiperonyloxymethyl (BRD4 bromodomain protein), and 4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl for (BRD4 bromodomain protein, as well as BTK kinase protein) were successfully incorporated in photocaged PROTACs. On the other hand, photoswitches of photoswitchable PROTACs act as an actual ON/OFF switch to target specific protein degradation in cancer. The ON/OFF function of photoswitches in PROTACs (as photoswitchable PROTACs) provide spatiotemporal control over protein degradation, and to an extent are correlated with their photoisomeric state (cis/trans-configuration), showcasing an application of the photochemistry concept in precision medicine. This study compiles the photoswitchable PROTACs targeted to bromodomain proteins: BRD 2, 3, and 4; kinases (BCR-ABL fusion protein, ABL); and the immunophilin FKBP12. Photocaging of PROTACs found successes in selective light-controlled degradation of kinase proteins, bromodomain-containing proteins, and estrogen receptors in cancer cells.
Kinematic Characteristics of Snatch Techniques in an Elite World-Record Holder of Weightlifting: A Case Study
Authors: Cao Weiming , Dan Linfei , Yan Jiaxiang , Li Jianshe , Liang Zhiqiang
Published: September 2022

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the kinematic characteristics of snatch techniques in a world-class weightlifter who holds the world record in the 73 kg category. Methods: Two high-speed cameras (Sony, Tokyo, Japan, 25 Hz) were used to collect kinematic data at the 2019 Weightlifting World Championships. The SIMI° motion capture system (Simi Reality Motion Systems GmbH, Munich, Germany, 50 Hz) was used to analyze the snatch performance. Results: The lower limb movement during the first pulling stage showed a similar trajectory to elite weightlifters. The athlete showed 5.62° of knee flexion along with continuously increasing barbell velocity (maximal velocity up to 1.90 m/s) in the second pulling. Considering the perimeters of technical stability, the maximal value of the distance between the center of gravity of the human body and that of the barbell was 17.20 cm after the second pull. In addition, the barbell center simultaneously shifted 7.00 cm to the right. Conclusions: These results suggest that the world-record weightlifter possesses special technical characteristics. This personalized technical model provides basic information for the training of other elite weightlifters.
A Systematic Framework for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Dynamic Compaction (DC) Technology for Soil Improvement Projects Using Cone Penetration Test Data
Authors: Alnaim Abdulrahman , AlQahtany Ali M. , Alshammari Maher S. , Al-Gehlani Wadee Ahmed Ghanem , Alyami Saleh H. , Aldossary Naief A. , Naseer Muhammad Nihal
Published: September 2022

Despite recent innovations in soil improvement techniques, it remains difficult for project managers to select the most appropriate technique for soil improvement projects due to the lack of a reliable and systemic framework that may support the decision-making process. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to introduce a new systematic assessment framework that establishes reliable criteria for the selection of dynamic compaction (DC) technology, evaluates its effectiveness using Cone Penetration Test (CPT) data, and predicts the expected improvement in soil bearing capacity (Qc). The proposed framework uses zone-based soil categorization in conjunction with soil behavior type index (Ic) and CPT data to predict the expected improvement in soil bearing capacity after the implementation of the DC technique. In addition, a case study is used to highlight the applicability and the effectiveness of the proposed framework in evaluating the suitability of the DC technique and in predicting the expected improvement in the bearing capacity of soil. The results show that the DC technique is appropriate when the soil has a behavior type index of Ic ≤ 1.31, 1.31 < Ic ≤ 2.05, 2.05 < Ic ≤ 2.6, 2.6 < Ic ≤ 2.95 and Ic > 2.95, and the expected improvement in soil bearing-capacity (Qc) is within the range of [+20, +∞], [15–20], [5–15], [1–5] and [0–1] MPa, respectively.
Life Cycle Data Interoperability Improvements through Implementation of the Federal LCA Commons Elementary Flow List
Authors: Edelen Ashley N. , Cashman Sarah , Young Ben , Ingwersen Wesley W.
Published: September 2022

As a fundamental component of data for life cycle assessment models, elementary flows have been demonstrated to be a key requirement of life cycle assessment data interoperability. However, existing elementary flow lists have been found to lack sufficient structure to enable improved interoperability between life cycle data sources. The Federal Life Cycle Assessment Commons Elementary Flow List provides a novel framework and structure for elementary flows, but the actual improvement this list provides to the interoperability of life cycle data has not been tested. The interoperability of ten elementary flow lists, two life cycle assessment databases, three life cycle impact assessment methods, and five life cycle assessment software sources is assessed with and without use of the Federal Life Cycle Assessment Commons Elementary Flow List as an intermediary in flow mapping. This analysis showed that only 25% of comparisons between these sources resulted in greater than 50% of flows being capable of automatic name-to-name matching between lists. This indicates that there is a low level of interoperability when using sources with their original elementary flow nomenclature, and elementary flow mapping is required to use these sources in combination. The mapping capabilities of the Federal Life Cycle Assessment Commons Elementary Flow List to sources were reviewed and revealed a notable increase in name-to-name matches. Overall, this novel framework is found to increase life cycle data source interoperability.
PEINet: Joint Prompt and Evidence Inference Network via Language Family Policy for Zero-Shot Multilingual Fact Checking
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Wang Weihong , Fang Jifei , Jin Li , Kang Hankun , Liu Chunbo
Published: September 2022

Zero-shot multilingual fact-checking, which aims to discover and infer subtle clues from the retrieved relevant evidence to verify the given claim in cross-language and cross-domain scenarios, is crucial for optimizing a free, trusted, wholesome global network environment. Previous works have made enlightening and practical explorations in claim verification, while the zero-shot multilingual task faces new challenging gap issues: neglecting authenticity-dependent learning between multilingual claims, lacking heuristic checking, and a bottleneck of insufficient evidence. To alleviate these gaps, a novel Joint Prompt and Evidence Inference Network (PEINet) is proposed to verify the multilingual claim according to the human fact-checking cognitive paradigm. In detail, firstly, we leverage the language family encoding mechanism to strengthen knowledge transfer among multi-language claims. Then, the prompt turning module is designed to infer the falsity of the fact, and further, sufficient fine-grained evidence is extracted and aggregated based on a recursive graph attention network to verify the claim again. Finally, we build a unified inference framework via multi-task learning for final fact verification. The newly achieved state-of-the-art performance on the released challenging benchmark dataset that includes not only an out-of-domain test, but also a zero-shot test, proves the effectiveness of our framework, and further analysis demonstrates the superiority of our PEINet in multilingual claim verification and inference, especially in the zero-shot scenario.
Magnetic Skyrmion-Based Spiking Neural Network for Pattern Recognition
Authors: Liu Shuang , Wang Guangyao , Bai Tianshuo , Mo Kefan , Chen Jiaqi , Mao Wanru , Wang Wenjia , Yuan Zihan , Pan Biao
Published: September 2022

Spiking neural network (SNN) has emerged as one of the most powerful brain-inspired computing paradigms in complex pattern recognition tasks that can be enabled by neuromorphic hardware. However, owing to the fundamental architecture mismatch between biological and Boolean logic, CMOS implementation of SNN is energy inefficient. A low-power approach with novel “neuro-mimetic” devices offering a direct mapping to synaptic and neuronal functionalities is still an open area. In this paper, SNN constructed with novel magnetic skyrmion-based leaky-integrate-fire (LIF) spiking neuron and the skyrmionic synapse crossbar is proposed. We perform a systematic device-circuit-architecture co-design for pattern recognition to evaluate the feasibility of our proposal. The simulation results demonstrated that our device has superior lower switching voltage and high energy efficiency, two times lower programming energy efficiency in comparison with CMOS devices. This work paves a novel pathway for low-power hardware design using full-skyrmion SNN architecture, as well as promising avenues for implementing neuromorphic computing schemes.
Information and Analytical System for Processing of Research Results to Justify the Safety of Atomic Energy
Authors: Vurim Alexandr , Mukhamedova Nuriya , Baklanova Yuliya , Syssaletin Andrey , Akayev Assan
Published: September 2022

This paper is devoted to the creation of an information and analytical system (IAS) which is under development to manage the data obtained in experiments and investigations to justify the safety of atomic energy, which the National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan (RSE NNC RK) has been conducting for over 30 years. The main components of the IAS determining its consumer capabilities is an analytical unit that will allow the creation of programs for planned experiments in view of the technical requirements for them and based on the results of previous experiments, generalized and consolidated by processing and comparison tools provided by the IAS. An important component of the IAS is a set of tools for the predictive calculation of the temperature of materials of test sections depending on a given change in the power of energy release in them, predictive calculation of the required power of energy release in materials depending on a given change in their temperature, formation of arrays of experimental information in digital format and graphical form, comparison of experiments and their data among themselves, and the formation of protocols of experiments with the possibility of choosing specific data and methods for their processing. It should be noted that the created IAS greatly simplifies the preparation for experiments.
Experimental Study on Transient Ignition Characteristics of Acoustic Excited Methane Jet Diffusion Flames
Authors: Zhu Peng , Wang Qian , Pan Deng , Zhu Tong , Ji Chenzhen
Published: September 2022

The ignition process of fuel plays an important role in the flame development and emission characteristics, which has attracted intensive attention in the combustion field. However, the transient ignition process for jet flames under acoustic excitation is rarely reported. In the current study, the effect of external acoustic excitation with different frequencies on the ignition process of methane jet diffusion flames has been studied experimentally using high-speed color and schlieren imaging systems. The fuel nozzle used in the experiment features a concentric ring structure, with fuel in the middle and air around it. The acoustic excitation was added to the air side through the loudspeaker, and the frequency of the acoustic excitation was set as 10 Hz, 30 Hz, 50 Hz and 100 Hz, respectively, while a case without external excitation was used as the control group. It is found that the periodic vortex structure propagates downstream in the flow field after acoustic excitation is added, which leads to an uneven velocity distribution in the flow field and the appearance of a local high-speed zone. The acoustic excitation of 30 Hz and 50 Hz can reduce the probability of successful ignition, which is mainly because the acoustic wave propagates in the flow field and causes drastic velocity changes near the ignition position. For the case of 100 Hz, the acoustic perturbation is confined in a small region near the nozzle exit, while the flow field velocity is slightly higher than the case without acoustic excitation.
Optimization of the Theabrownins Process by Liquid Fermentation of Aspergillus niger and Their Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Wei Cheng , Luo Chun-Yan , Yao Xin-Zhuan , Jiao Yu-Jie , Lu Li-Tang
Published: September 2022

Theabrownins are macromolecular compounds with many hydroxyl, carboxyl, and phenolic functional groups. They are usually extracted from dark tea, in which they are present at low concentrations. In this paper, a low-cost microbial liquid fermentation method was established by inoculating Aspergillus niger with minced tea extract as the raw material. After applying the Box–Behnken and response surface approach design, the optimum fermentation conditions in the fermentor were determined to be an 8% (80 g/L) sucrose concentration, 1:31 (0.03226 g/mL) solid–liquid ratio, 4.141 × 106 CFU/mL bacterial liquid concentration, 5 d fermentation time, 28 °C fermentation temperature, 187 r/min (rpm) rotation speed, and an oxygenation of 0.5 V/V·min (V). After fermenting about 168 h, the theabrownins content reached the maximum of 28.34%. The total phenolic content of the liquid-fermented theabrownins was 25.74% higher than that of solid fermentation. Acidic functional groups were determined, indicating that the phenolic hydroxyl groups were the main acidic groups of the theabrownins. The antioxidant activity of theabrownins was verified by measuring the potassium ferricyanide reducing power, hydroxyl radical scavenging rate, superoxide anion radical scavenging rate, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging rate of solid- and liquid-fermented chabein. The results of this study show that the production of theabrownins by the liquid fermentation of Aspergillus niger is fast, high in yield, and has antioxidant activity, which provides a basis for industrial production of theabrownins.
Usefulness of OSM and BDOT10k Data for Developing Tactile Maps of Historic Parks
Authors: Calka Beata , Moscicka Albina
Published: September 2022

A map, being a scaled-down image of a fragment of the Earth, reflects the actual relationships between objects in a way that allows for comprehensive exploration of large areas. In particular, a map is an ideal tool for exploring the layout of historic parks, as it shows their character according to their style. Depending on the style of the parks, their maps will differ in terms of the appropriate selection of the scope of content and the system of cartographic signs. Nowadays, distribution maps of parks for the visually impaired are increasingly popular. Depending on the purpose of a map, it is essential to obtain the relevant spatial data before creating it. Spatial data are also important to convey knowledge about the form of the given park and its function, elements, small garden architecture, plant compositions, and garden arrangements. The purpose of this study is to assess the usefulness of OSM (OpenStreetMap) and BDOT10k (the Topographic Objects Database) data for the development of tactile maps of historic parks, with five garden styles. Data features, such as accessibility of spatial objects and descriptive attributes, including names that allow identification of the object type or completeness of object occurrence, were taken into consideration. The assessment was conducted for three levels of map detail and separately for each garden style. The results showed that almost half of the tactile maps’ content items could be taken from BDOT10k or OSM. The Data Usefulness Index (DUI) confirmed a slight advantage of BDOT10k, taking almost the same values as OSM (0.49:0.48 at the first level of map detail and 0.40:0.38 at the second level of map detail). Complementing information on park objects obtained from OSM and BDOT10k data with data from orthophotomaps or field measurements makes it possible to develop maps that convey information about the composition of a park as a whole and about the cultural assets that blind or visually impaired people have not yet been able to fully experience in a direct way.
Retrieval of a 3D CAD Model of a Transformer Substation Based on Point Cloud Data
Authors: Long Lijuan , Xia Yonghua , Yang Minglong , Wang Bin , Pan Yirong
Published: September 2022

When constructing a three-dimensional model of a transformer substation, it is critical to quickly find the 3D CAD model corresponding to the current point cloud data from a large number of transformer substation model libraries (due to the complexity and variety of models in the model base). In response to this problem, this paper proposes a method to quickly retrieve a 3D CAD model. Firstly, a 3D CAD model that shares the same size as the current point cloud model bounding box is extracted from the model library by the double-layer bounding box screening method. Then, the selected 3D CAD model is finely compared with the point cloud model by the multi-view method. The 3D CAD model that has the highest degree of corresponding to the point cloud data is acquired. The proposed algorithm, compared to other similar methods, has the advantages of retrieval accuracy and high efficiency.
eIF4B mRNA Translation Contributes to Cleavage Dynamics in Early Sea Urchin Embryos
Authors: Pontheaux Florian , Boulben Sandrine , Chassé Héloïse , Boutet Agnès , Roch Fernando , Morales Julia , Cormier Patrick
Published: September 2022

During the first steps of sea urchin development, fertilization elicits a marked increase in protein synthesis essential for subsequent cell divisions. While the translation of mitotic cyclin mRNAs is crucial, we hypothesized that additional mRNAs must be translated to finely regulate the onset into mitosis. One of the maternal mRNAs recruited onto active polysomes at this stage codes for the initiation factor eIF4B. Here, we show that the sea urchin eIF4B orthologs present the four specific domains essential for eIF4B function and that Paracentrotus lividus eIF4B copurifies with eIF4E in a heterologous system. In addition, we investigated the role of eIF4B mRNA de novo translation during the two first embryonic divisions of two species, P. lividus and Sphaerechinus granularis. Our results show that injection of a morpholino directed against eIF4B mRNA results in a downregulation of translational activity and delays cell division in these two echinoids. Conversely, injection of an mRNA encoding for P. lividus eIF4B stimulates translation and significantly accelerates cleavage rates. Taken together, our findings suggest that eIF4B mRNA de novo translation participates in a conserved regulatory loop that contributes to orchestrating protein synthesis and modulates cell division rhythm during early sea urchin development.
Behavioral Avoidance Response of Daphnia to Fungal Infection Caused by Metschnikowia Species in a Temperate Reservoir
Authors: Kim Seong-Ki , Choi Jong-Yun
Published: September 2022

Morphological or behavioral defense mechanisms are important evolutionary strategies for the survival of prey. Studies have focused on predation and competition, but infection has been overlooked, despite being a determining factor of distribution and species diversity of prey. We hypothesized that the winter migration of Daphnia pulicaria is a community defense strategy to avoid fungal infection. To test this hypothesis, environmental variables and the Cladocera community, including D. pulicaria, were monitored in three study sections of the Anri Reservoir in the Republic of Korea during September 2010–August 2015. During three winter seasons, the density of infected D. pulicaria increased in all study sections, and they migrated from the central to the littoral area. Most of the infected individuals had dormant eggs in sexually reproducing mothers. However, when the proportion of non-infected individuals was higher than that of infected individuals, winter migration was not observed. Additional microcosm experiments showed that dormant eggs of D. pulicaria obtained from ice crystals in the littoral area had lower hatching and infection rates than those obtained from mothers moving from other zones. Therefore, the migration of D. pulicaria during winter is an active response to avoid intergenerational fungal infection.
CiberAMP: An R Package to Identify Differential mRNA Expression Linked to Somatic Copy Number Variations in Cancer Datasets
Authors: Caloto Rubén , Lorenzo-Martín L. Francisco , Quesada Víctor , Carracedo Arkaitz , Bustelo Xosé R.
Published: September 2022

Somatic copy number variations (SCNVs) are genetic alterations frequently found in cancer cells. These genetic alterations can lead to concomitant perturbations in the expression of the genes included in them and, as a result, promote a selective advantage to cancer cells. However, this is not always the case. Due to this, it is important to develop in silico tools to facilitate the accurate identification and functional cataloging of gene expression changes associated with SCNVs from pan-cancer data. Here, we present a new R-coded tool, designated as CiberAMP, which utilizes genomic and transcriptomic data contained in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to identify such events. It also includes information on the genomic context in which such SCNVs take place. By doing so, CiberAMP provides clues about the potential functional relevance of each of the SCNV-associated gene expression changes found in the interrogated tumor samples. The main features and advantages of this new algorithm are illustrated using glioblastoma data from the TCGA database.
Neonicotinoid Microsphere Immunosensing for Profiling Applications in Honeybees and Bee-Related Matrices
Authors: Xu Mang , Portier Liza , Bovee Toine , Zhao Ying , Guo Yirong , Peters Jeroen
Published: September 2022

Neonicotinoids are the most commonly used insecticides due to their effectiveness. However, non-targeted insects, especially bees, are also affected by neonicotinoids. Therefore, neonicotinoid application can contribute to the declining bee populations worldwide. The presented study describes the development of novel competitive, fluorescent microsphere-based suspension immunoassays for neonicotinoid profiling and their application to bees and essential bee-related matrices, using the Multi-Analyte Profiling (xMAP) technology. For the construction of these neonicotinoid microsphere immunoassays (nMIAs), neonicotinoid–ovalbumin conjugates were coupled to unique fluorescent, paramagnetic microspheres, which competed with the free neonicotinoids that were present in test samples for interacting with the corresponding, specific antibodies. In total, five independent nMIA’s were developed for the detection of imidacloprid, acetamiprid, clothianidin, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, nitenpyram and imidaclothiz with the limits of detection being for 0.01 ng/mL, 0.01 ng/mL, 0.02 ng/mL, 0.02 ng/mL, 0.003 ng/mL, 2.95 ng/mL, 0.09 ng/mL and 0.04 ng/mL, respectively. The developed nMIAs were applied to fortified matrices including surface water, pollen, honey and honeybees. All of the neonicotinoids, except dinotefuran, could be sensitively detected in all of the tested environmental matrices and bees, with there being sensitivities of 1 ng/mL in water and 10 ng/g in solid materials. These nMIAs provide a rapid profiling method for all of the common neonicotinoids, including those that are banned by the European Union for outdoor use. The developed method can contribute to healthy and sustainable beekeeping, globally, via its application in the apiary environment.
Silicon Photomultiplier—A High Dynamic Range, High Sensitivity Sensor for Bio-Photonics Applications
Authors: Georgel Rachel , Grygoryev Konstantin , Sorensen Simon , Lu Huihui , Andersson-Engels Stefan , Burke Ray , O'Hare Daniel
Published: September 2022

This work is an overview of silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) with a view to defining their importance for bio-photonic and clinical applications. SiPMs are benchmarked against other common photodetectors, namely, PIN diodes and avalanche photodetectors (APDs) and are compared with respect to important circuit design parameters. It will be shown that careful selection of the design bias voltage, overvoltage, gain defining components and device integration to micro-optics can allow SiPM detectors to achieve considerable sensitivity for auto-fluorescence (AF) detection and a wide dynamic range at low optical powers (~1 pW to ~4 μW). The SiPM has a manageable bias voltage (~25 V to ~30 V DC) for systems integration, and with optimised sensitivity it will enhance bio-photonic research in the area of AF to detect intraoperatively, for example, brain tumour margins.
What Determines BIM Competition Results of Undergraduate Students in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction Industry?
Authors: Ao Yibin , Peng Panyu , Li Jiayue , Li Mingyang , Bahmani Homa , Wang Tong
Published: September 2022

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become the development trend in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. BIM discipline competition is an effective way for students of AEC-related disciplines to integrate theory with practice, and it is a key link to cultivate qualified BIM practitioners. This study takes participants of the 8th National College BIM Graduation Design Innovation Competition as the research objects. The Technology Acceptance Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior are combined to build a driving factor model of the competitions. Contestants of the competition were asked to complete online questionnaires, and 451 valid samples were finally obtained. Structural Equation Modeling was used to fit the theoretical model, and it was found that: Behavioral Intention to use BIM is directly and positively affected by Attitude, Perceived Behavioral Control, and Perceived Usefulness, as well as indirectly and positively affected by Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Eased of Usefulness. Competition Results is directly and positively affected by Behavioral Intention to use BIM, Perceived Behavioral Control, and Facilitating Conditions. It is also indirectly and positively affected by Attitude, Perceived Behavior Control, Perceived Usefulness, and Perceived Eased of Usefulness. The results show that the situation of students’ participation in BIM competition can be optimized by increasing the publicity and promotion of BIM and related policies, strengthening the construction of supporting teaching facilities, building the integrated curriculum system of BIM technology, and strengthening teacher training. This study provides a theoretical reference for further BIM practice, and it would help improve the corresponding teaching organization and enhance the internal drive of students’ BIM learning.
Electricity Consumption in Higher Education Buildings in Thailand during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chaloeytoy Kittiwoot , Inkarojrit Vorapat , Thanachareonkit Anothai
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic forced higher education institutions to switch to online learning for most of 2020 and 2021 for the safety of their students and staff, which significantly impacted campus resource consumption. This study aims to analyze the changes in electricity consumption in higher education buildings based on comparisons of three academic years to understand more about the energy implications of the post-COVID-19 era. The electricity data were collected from 181 samples of the electricity meter records at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. When compared to the typical academic year in 2018, the results indicate that electricity consumption in 2019 and 2020 decreased by 20.92% and 35.50%, respectively. The academic and the library-type buildings marked the biggest change in electricity reduction. The smallest change was found in the research type as its essential work remained on campus. Only electricity consumption in the residence type increased due to the long periods of online learning policies. Finally, the findings suggest that teaching and learning activities have a strong influence on electricity consumption in higher education buildings. The facilities and learning methods related to these activities should be carefully discussed as elements of an effective strategy to manage electricity demands at the university level.
Effect of Anions and Cations on Tartrazine Removal by the Zero-Valent Iron/Peroxymonosulfate Process: Efficiency and Major Radicals
Authors: You Wenqi , Liu Liang , Xu Junjie , Jin Tao , Fu Lichun , Pan Yuwei
Published: September 2022

Zero-valent iron/peroxymonosulfate (Fe0/PMS) has been considered as a promising approach for wastewater treatment. Anions and cations are widely present in wastewater and have significant effects on the performance of the Fe0/PMS system for wastewater treatment. Thus, in the present study, tartrazine was selected as the target model; SO42−, NO3−, HCO3−, and Cl− were selected as representative anions and Ca2+, Cu2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+ were chosen as representative cations. The effect of these anions and cations on tartrazine removal and major radicals in the Fe0/PMS were systematically investigated. The presence of a certain concentration of SO42− and Cl− had positive, NO3− had negative, and HCO3− had negligible effects on tartrazine removal in the Fe0/PMS system. SO42− and HCO3− had a small effect on the contribution proportion of reduction, SO4•− and •OH; a certain concentration of Cl− could enhance the contribution proportion of •OH; and NO3− would decrease the contribution proportion of SO4•− and •OH. A certain concentration of each of Ca2+, Cu2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+ could enhance the tartrazine removal in the Fe0/PMS system. Ca2+, Cu2+, and Mg2+ had no effect of the contribution of reduction, SO4•− and •OH, while a certain concentration of Mn2+ could enhance the contribution proportion of SO4•−. These results can provide some references for the Fe0/PMS system to treat actual wastewater containing anions and cations.
2-(Arylimino)benzylidene-8-arylimino-5,6,7-trihydroquinoline Cobalt(II) Dichloride Polymerization Catalysts for Polyethylenes with Narrow Polydispersity
Authors: Zuo Zheng , Zhang Qiuyue , Han Mingyang , Liu Ming , Sun Yang , Ma Yanping , Sun Wen-Hua
Published: September 2022

A series of 2-(arylimino)benzylidene-8-arylimino-5,6,7-trihydroquinoline cobalt(II) chlorides (Co1–Co6) containing a fused ring and a more inert phenyl group as the substituent at the imino-C atom has been synthesized using a one-pot synthesis method and fully characterized by FT-IR and elemental analysis. The molecular structures of Co2 and Co5 have been confirmed by X-ray diffraction as having a distorted square pyramidal geometry around a cobalt core with a tridentate N,N,N-chelating ligand and two chlorides. On activation with either methylaluminoxane (MAO) or modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO), Co1–Co6 exhibited high activities for ethylene polymerization. The least sterically hindered Co2 showed a maximum activity of 16.51 × 106 g (PE) mol−1 (Co) h−1 at a moderate temperature 50 °C. Additionally, ortho-fluoride Co6 was able to maintain a high activity not only at 70 °C but also after 60 min at 50 °C, highlighting its excellent thermal-stability and long catalytic lifetime. The resultant polyethylene showed clearly narrower molecular weight distribution (PDI: 1.3–3.1) than those produced by structurally related cobalt counterparts, indicating the positive influence of benzhydryl substitution on the catalysis. Moreover, the molecular weight (1.7–386.6 kg mol−1) of vinyl- or n-propyl-terminated polyethylene can be finely regulated by controlling polymerization parameters.
Identification of an Immune-Related Prognostic Signature for Glioblastoma by Comprehensive Bioinformatics and Experimental Analyses
Authors: Ye Shengda , Yang Bin , Zhang Tingbao , Wei Wei , Li Zhiqiang , Chen Jincao , Li Xiang
Published: September 2022

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM), which has a poor prognosis, accounts for 31% of all cancers in the brain and central nervous system. There is a paucity of research on prognostic indicators associated with the tumor immune microenvironment in GBM patients. Accurate tools for risk assessment of GBM patients are urgently needed. Methods: In this study, we used weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differentially expressed gene (DEG) methods to screen out GBM-related genes among immune-related genes (IRGs). Then, we used survival analysis and Cox regression analysis to identify prognostic genes among the GBM-related genes to further establish a risk signature, which was validated using methods including ROC analysis, stratification analysis, protein expression level validation (HPA), gene expression level validation based on public cohorts, and RT-qPCR. In order to provide clinicians with a useful tool to predict survival, a nomogram based on an assessment of IRGs and clinicopathological features was constructed and further validated using DCA, time-dependent ROC curve, etc. Results: Three immune-related genes were found: PPP4C (p < 0.001, HR = 0.514), C5AR1 (p < 0.001, HR = 1.215), and IL-10 (p < 0.001, HR = 1.047). An immune-related prognostic signature (IPS) was built to calculate risk scores for GBM patients; patients classified into different risk groups had significant differences in survival (p = 0.006). Then, we constructed a nomogram based on an assessment of the IRG-based signature, which was validated as a potential prediction tool for GBM survival rates, showing greater accuracy than the nomogram without the IPS when predicting 1-year (0.35 < Pt < 0.50), 3-year (0.65 < Pt < 0.80), and 5-year (0.65 < Pt < 0.80) survival. Conclusions: In conclusion, we integrated bioinformatics and experimental approaches to construct an IPS and a nomogram based on IPS for predicting GBM prognosis. The signature showed strong potential for prognostic prediction and could help in developing more precise diagnostic approaches and treatments for GBM.
The Wheat Head Blight Pathogen Fusarium graminearum Can Recruit Collaborating Bacteria from Soil
Authors: Ali Hina , Pei Mengtian , Li Hongchen , Fang Wenqin , Mao Hongkun , Khan Hamid Ali , Nadeem Tariq , Lu Guodong , Olsson Stefan
Published: September 2022

In nature, fungal endophytes often have facultative endohyphal bacteria (FEB). Can a model plant pathogenic fungus have them, and does it affect their phenotype? We constructed a growth system/microcosm to allow an F. graminearum isolate to grow through natural soil and then re-isolated it on a gentamicin-containing medium, allowing endohyphal growth of bacteria while killing other bacteria. F. graminearum PH-1 labelled with a His1mCherry gene staining the fungal nuclei fluorescent red was used to confirm the re-isolation of the fungus. Most new re-isolates contained about 10 16SrRNA genes per fungal mCherry gene determined by qPCR. The F. graminearum + FEB holobiont isolates containing the bacteria were sub-cultured several times, and their bacterial contents were stable. Sequencing the bacterial 16SrRNA gene from several Fg-FEB holobiont isolates revealed endophytic bacteria known to be capable of nitrogen fixation. We tested the pathogenicity of one common Fg-FEB holobiont association, F. graminearum + Stenatrophomonas maltophilia, and found increased pathogenicity. The 16SrRNA gene load per fungal His1mCherry gene inside the wheat stayed the same as previously found in vitro. Finally, strong evidence was found for Fg-S. maltophilia symbiotic nitrogen fixation benefitting the fungus.
Strong SARS-CoV-2 T-Cell Responses after One or Two COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Recipients
Authors: Clémenceau Béatrice , Le Bourgeois Amandine , Guillaume Thierry , Coste-Burel Marianne , Peterlin Pierre , Garnier Alice , Jullien Maxime , Ollier Jocelyn , Grain Audrey , Béné Marie C. , Chevallier Patrice
Published: September 2022

A full exploration of immune responses is deserved after anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and boosters, especially in the context of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Although several reports indicate successful humoral responses in such patients, the literature is scarce on cellular specific immunity. Here, both B- (antibodies) and T-cell responses were explored after one (V3 n = 40) or two (V4 n = 12) BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine boosters in 52 allo-HSCT recipients at a median of 755 days post-transplant (<1 year n = 9). Results were compared with those of 12 controls who had received only one booster (BNT162b2 n = 6; mRNA-1273 n = 6). All controls developed protective antibody levels (>250 BAU/mL) and anti-spike T-cell responses. Similarly, 81% of the patients developed protective antibody levels, without difference between V3 and V4 (82.5% vs. 75%, p = 0.63), and 85% displayed T-cell responses. The median frequency of anti-spike T cells did not differ either between controls or the whole cohort of patients, although it was significantly lower for V3 (but not V4) patients. COVID-19 infections were solely observed in individuals having received only one booster. These results indicate that four vaccine injections help to achieve a satisfactory level of both humoral and cellular immune protection in allo-HSCT patients.
Activation of cGAS-STING Signal to Inhibit the Proliferation of Bladder Cancer: The Immune Effect of Cisplatin
Authors: Fu Guanghou , Wu Yunfei , Zhao Guanan , Chen Xiaoyi , Xu Zhijie , Sun Junjie , Tian Junjie , Cheng Zhengjun , Shi Yue , Jin Baiye
Published: September 2022

Cisplatin is commonly used in neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and systemic therapy for advanced bladder cancer, but its immune-related mechanism is still unclear. Exploration of the immune effects of cisplatin in bladder cancer would complement the comprehensive mechanism of cisplatin and provide the basis for combination therapy of cisplatin and immunotherapy in bladder cancer. We confirmed the immune effects of cisplatin on T24 and TCCSUP bladder cancer cell lines in vitro and explored the important function of these immune effects in the bladder cancer microenvironment in a mice tumor model. We found cisplatin induced immune response in bladder cancer by RNA sequencing and validated that cGAS-STING signal was deeply involved in this response. Cisplatin induced cGAS-STING signal inhibited the proliferation of bladder cancer and increased the infiltration percentages of CD8+ T cells and dendritic cells in a transplantation mice tumor model. Accumulation of dsDNA and the release of chromatin bound cGAS are important to activate downstream STING. Our findings indicated a cisplatin-related immune effect in bladder cancer, and cisplatin combined with immunotherapy might have a synergistic effect for bladder cancer therapy.
Obligatory Role of AMPK Activation and Antioxidant Defense Pathway in the Regulatory Effects of Metformin on Cellular Protection and Prevention of Lens Opacity
Authors: Chhunchha Bhavana , Kubo Eri , Singh Dhirendra P.
Published: September 2022

Increasing levels of oxidative-stress due to deterioration of the Nrf2 (NFE2-related factor)/ARE (antioxidant response element) pathway is found to be a primary cause of aging pathobiology. Metformin having anti-aging effects can delay/halt aging-related diseases. Herein, using lens epithelial cell lines (LECs) of human (h) or mouse (m) and aging h/m primary LECs along with lenses as model systems, we demonstrated that Metformin could correct deteriorated Bmal1/Nrf2/ARE pathway by reviving AMPK-activation, and transcriptional activities of Bmal1/Nrf2, resulting in increased antioxidants enzymatic activity and expression of Phase II enzymes. This ensued reactive oxygen species (ROS) mitigation with cytoprotection and prevention of lens opacity in response to aging/oxidative stress. It was intriguing to observe that Metformin internalized lens/LECs and upregulated OCTs (Organic Cation Transporters). Mechanistically, we found that Metformin evoked AMPK activation-dependent increase of Bmal1, Nrf2, and antioxidants transcription by promoting direct E-Box and ARE binding of Bmal1 and Nrf2 to the promoters. Loss-of-function and disruption of E-Box/ARE identified that Metformin acted by increasing Bmal1/Nrf2-mediated antioxidant expression. Data showed that AMPK-activation was a requisite for Bmal1/Nrf2-antioxidants-mediated defense, as pharmacologically inactivating AMPK impeded the Metformin’s effect. Collectively, the results for the first-time shed light on the hitherto incompletely uncovered crosstalk between the AMPK and Bmal1/Nrf2/antioxidants mediated by Metformin for blunting oxidative/aging-linked pathobiology.