bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Rutting Resistance of Rejuvenated Recycled Hot-Mix Asphalt Mixtures Using Different Types of Recycling Agents
Authors: Hashim Tameem Mohammed , Nasr Mohammed Salah , Jebur Yasir Mohammed , Kadhim Abdullah , Alkhafaji Zainab , Baig Mirza Ghouse , Adekunle Saheed Kolawole , Al-Osta Mohammed A. , Ahmad Shamsad , Yaseen Zaher Mundher
Published: December 2022

Growing environmental pollution worldwide is mostly caused by the accumulation of different types of liquid and solid wastes. Therefore, policies in developed countries seek to support the concept of waste recycling due to its significant impact on the environmental footprint. Hot-mix asphalt mixtures (HMA) with reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) have shown great performance under rutting. However, incorporating a high percentage of RAP (>25%) is a challenging issue due to the increased stiffness of the resulting mixture. The stiffness problem is resolved by employing different types of commercial and noncommercial rejuvenators. In this study, three types of noncommercial rejuvenators (waste cooking oil (WCO), waste engine oil (WEO), and date seed oil (DSO)) were used, in addition to one type of commercial rejuvenator. Three percentages of RAP (20%, 40%, and 60%) were utilized. Mixing proportions for the noncommercial additives were set as 0–10% for mixtures with 20% RAP, 12.5–17.5% for mixtures with 40% RAP, and 17.5–20% for mixtures with 60% RAP. In addition, mixing proportions for the commercial additive were set as 0.5–1.0% for mixtures with 20% RAP, 1.0–1.5% for mixtures with 40% RAP, and 1.5–2.0% for mixtures with 60% RAP. The rutting performance of the generated mixtures was indicated first by using the rutting index (G*/sin δ) for the combined binders and then evaluated using the Hamburg wheel-track test. The results showed that the rejuvenated mixtures with the commercial additive at 20 and 60% RAP performed well compared to the control mixture, whereas the rejuvenated ones at 40% RAP performed well with noncommercial additives in comparison to the control mixture. Furthermore, the optimum percentages for each type of the used additives were obtained, depending on their respective performance, as 10%, 12.5%, and 17.5% of WCO, 10%, 12.5–17.5%, and 17.5% of WEO, <10%, 12.5%, and 17.5% of DSO, and 0.5–1.0%, 1.0%, and 1.5–2.0% of the commercial rejuvenator, corresponding to the three adopted percentages of RAP.
Terrestrial Laser Scanning of Lunar Soil Simulants
Authors: Damięcka-Suchocka Marzena , Katzer Jacek
Published: December 2022

In the near future, permanent human settlements on the Moon will become increasingly realistic. It is very likely that the Moon will serve as a transit point for deep space exploration (e.g., to Mars). The key to human presence on the Moon is the ability to erect the necessary structures and habitats using locally available materials, such as lunar soil. This study explores the feasibility of using terrestrial laser scanning technology as a measurement method for civil engineering applications on the Moon. Three lunar soil simulants representing highland regions (LHS-1, AGK-2010, CHENOBI) and three lunar soil simulants representing mare regions (LMS-1, JSC-1A, OPRL2N) were used in this study. Measurements were performed using three terrestrial laser scanners (Z+F IMAGER 5016, FARO Focus3D, and Leica ScanStation C10). The research programme focused on the radiometric analysis of datasets from the measurement of lunar soil simulants. The advantages and limitations of terrestrial laser scanning technology for possible lunar applications are discussed. Modifications of terrestrial laser scanners that are necessary to enable their use on the Moon are suggested.
Cyclic Behavior of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete External Panel with New Connector
Authors: Cui Jianhua , He Shulin , Ding Kewei , Zhang Yu , Kong Xiaoying
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a new slip-type crossing connector is proposed for autoclaved aerated concrete (ALC) panels with steel frames, and the proposed connector is also studied deeply in terms of seismic performance. The research included pseudo-static tests and finite element simulations. First, the seismic performance of slip-type crossing connectors and standard L-hooked bolts was studied comparatively, including the stability, bearing capacity, stiffness, energy dissipation, and hysteresis performance. ABAQUS 2020 software was used to establish finite element models, and the results of the experiments were verified with simulations on the basis. According to the simulations, a parameter analysis of connector optimization was carried out. The effects of connector thickness and connector plate length on the seismic performance were further investigated. From the experimental and simulation results, the slip-type crossing connector has excellent performance and good assembly efficiency, it can improve the deficiencies of the existing connectors. The comparison demonstrated that the slip-type crossing connector has a complete hysteresis curve, a high energy dissipation capacity, and a 9.7% increase in bearing capacity. The appropriate reduction in connector thickness and plate length can ensure superior seismic performance while saving resources. The finite analysis method can guide the design and implementation of new external ALC panel connectors.
X-ray-Induced Scintillation Properties of Nd-Doped Bi4Si3O12 Crystals in Visible and Near-Infrared Regions
Authors: Ichiba Kensei , Okazaki Kai , Takebuchi Yuma , Kato Takumi , Nakauchi Daisuke , Kawaguchi Noriaki , Yanagida Takayuki
Published: December 2022

Undoped, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% Nd-doped Bi4Si3O12 (BSO) crystals were synthesized by the floating zone method. Regarding photoluminescence (PL) properties, all samples had emission peaks due to the 6p–6s transitions of Bi3+ ions. In addition, the Nd-doped samples had emission peaks due to the 4f–4f transitions of Nd3+ ions as well. The PL quantum yield of the 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% Nd-doped samples in the near-infrared range were 67.9, 73.0, and 56.6%, respectively. Regarding X-ray-induced scintillation properties, all samples showed emission properties similar to PL. Afterglow levels at 20 ms after X-ray irradiation of the undoped, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% Nd-doped samples were 192.3, 205.9, 228.2, and 315.4 ppm, respectively. Dose rate response functions had good linearity from 0.006 to 60 Gy/h for the 1.0% Nd-doped BSO sample and from 0.03 to 60 Gy/h for the other samples.
Magnesium Silicate Binding Materials Formed from Heat-Treated Serpentine-Group Minerals and Aqueous Solutions: Structural Features, Acid-Neutralizing Capacity, and Strength Properties
Authors: Ivanova Tatiana K. , Kremenetskaya Irina P. , Marchevskaya Valentina V. , Slukovskaya Marina V. , Drogobuzhskaya Svetlana V.
Published: December 2022

The influence of structural features of three serpentine-group minerals (antigorite, chrysotile, and lizardite) on the hydration of heat-treated materials and the formation of magnesium silicate binder has been studied. Initial serpentine samples have been fired in the interval 550–800 °C with a step of 50 °C; acid neutralization capacity (ANC) values have been determined for all samples. Antigorite samples (SAP) have exhibited a maximum reactivity at a temperature of 700 °C (ANC 7.7 meq/g). We have established that the acid-neutralizing capacity of chrysotile and lizardite samples in the temperature range of 650–700 °C differ slightly; the capacity varied in the interval of 19.6–19.7 meq/g and 19.6–19.7 meq/g, respectively. The samples obtained at optimal temperatures (antigorite—700 °C, lizardite, and chrysotile—650 °C) have been studied. Heat-treated serpentines have interacted with water vapor for a year; serpentine hydration has been investigated. The strength characteristics of the resulting binder agents were studied after 7, 28, 180, and 360 days. Upon hardening within 7 days, the strengths of the SAP and SCH samples have been almost the same (2.2 MPa), whereas this indicator for the SLH and SLK samples has been significantly lower (0.5 MPa). After hardening for over a year, the chrysotile sample SCH had the highest strength (about 8 MPa), whereas the strength of antigorite SAP was 3 MPa. The samples of initial, heat-treated, and hydrated heat-treated serpentines have been studied using XRD, differential scanning calorimetry, and surface texture analysis. The serpentine structure is crucial in destroying the mineral crystal lattice during heat treatment. In contrast to heat-treated chrysotile and lizardite, antigorite did not adsorb water. Structural features of chrysotile provided the highest compressive strength of the binding agent compared with antigorite and lizardite. The acid-neutralizing ability of lizardite was noticeably higher than antigorite, whereas its compressive strength was lower due to the layered mineral structure and impurities. We have established that the minerals’ structural features are crucial for the hydration of heat-treated serpentines; the structure determines material utilization in various environmental technologies.
Effect of Nd Element of Mg-Nd Binary Alloy on the Corrosion Resistance in Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria Solution
Authors: Chu Zhenhua , Zhang Zhixin , Zhou Yuanqing , Xu Jingxiang , Zheng Xingwei , Sun Ming , Wang Fang , Zhang Zheng , Hu Qingsong
Published: December 2022

In this paper, the corrosion resistances of Mg-Nd binary alloys with various contents of the neodymium (Nd) element in sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) were studied. In the SRB medium, the results of weight loss experiments showed that the increase in the Mg12Nd phase in the alloy increased the galvanic corrosion and the corrosion rate. However, when the continuous network distribution of the second phase formed, the corrosion resistance of the alloy improved. The biofilm was formed by the adhesion of the SRB. Meanwhile, the protection from the corrosion improved due to the corrosion products, which prevent the penetration of corrosive ions. On the other hand, the products of biological metabolism accelerated the corrosion of the matrix.
Tribological Properties of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced PEEK against 304 Stainless Steel with Reticulate Surface Texture
Authors: Jin Zhiyi , Zhang Xifang , Hou Zhibao , Yao Zhenqiang , Shen Hong
Published: December 2022

With the aim of improving the durability and reliability of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites reinforced with carbon fiber (CF) as thrust bearings without lubricants, a reticulate surface texture was fabricated by plane honing on a stainless steel (SS) counterpart to promote its tribological properties. Pin-on-disk experiments were designed, with the results showing that the reticulate surface texture effectively reduces the friction coefficient from 0.40 to 0.20 compared with the polished SS surface, within the range of the pv value from 0.185 to 1.85 MPa∙m/s. The wear mechanism of the polished SS surface against CF-PEEK, proven with SEM and EDS observations as well as AE measurements, is revealed, falling into abrasive wear with SS particles embedded in the friction interface around the CF strips, causing three-body contact. The reduction in the friction coefficient of the textured SS disk against the CF-PEEK pin can be achieved due to diminution of the CF wear debris and SS particles, which are scraped off by the groove edges and trapped by the groove valleys, reducing the three-body abrasive wear, while the honed plateau is used as a flank surface like a cutting tool to scratch more soft PEEK particles as the transferred film, owing to adhesive wear. This investigation suggests that the SS disk with a honed surface structure can be used as the counterpart of CF-PEEK bearings with a low friction coefficient and wear rate under dry friction.
Orthogonal Experimental Study on the Factors Affecting the Mechanical Properties of Alkali-Activated Slag Materials
Authors: Zhang Kai , Lu Haifeng , Li Jie , Bai Hao
Published: December 2022

Blast furnace slag is one of the largest solid wastes in the world. The slag-based geopolymer obtained by alkali activation has many advantages, such as a high strength, a good corrosion resistance, low carbon and environmental protection. Existing studies have shown that the mechanical properties of slag-based geopolymers are related to the combined effects of many factors, but there is still a lack of reliable conclusions on the primary and secondary influence degree of each factor, which greatly affects the scientific preparation and application of slag-based geopolymers. In order to solve this problem, we choose to proceed from the two perspectives of the mix ratio of the alkali activator and the elemental composition of raw materials. Through the orthogonal analysis method, this paper studies the influence of the modulus of the alkali activator, the solid-to-liquid ratio of the activator, the water–cement ratio and the metakaolin replacement rate on the uniaxial compressive strength of a slag-based geopolymer. The results show that when the solid–liquid ratio is about 0.25, the modulus of the alkali activator is 1.3~1.5, the water–cement ratio is about 0.4 and the samples with higher strength can be prepared. With the addition of metakaolin, a new gel phase NASH was formed in the system, which significantly promoted the late strength and toughness growth of the sample. The research results comprehensively analyze the influence of different factors on the mechanical properties of the slag-based geopolymer, which can provide a valuable reference for the engineering application of alkali-activated slag materials.
Gas Diffusion Layer for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: A Review
Authors: Guo Hui , Chen Lubing , Ismail Sara Adeeba , Jiang Lulu , Guo Shihang , Gu Jie , Zhang Xiaorong , Li Yifeng , Zhu Yuwen , Zhang Zihan , Han Donglin
Published: December 2022

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are an attractive type of fuel cell that have received successful commercialization, benefitted from its unique advantages (including an all solid-state structure, a low operating temperature and low environmental impact). In general, the structure of PEMFCs can be regarded as a sequential stacking of functional layers, among which the gas diffusion layer (GDL) plays an important role in connecting bipolar plates and catalyst layers both physically and electrically, offering a route for gas diffusion and drainage and providing mechanical support to the membrane electrode assemblies. The GDL commonly contains two layers; one is a thick and rigid macroporous substrate (MPS) and the other is a thin microporous layer (MPL), both with special functions. This work provides a brief review on the GDL to explain its structure and functions, summarize recent progress and outline future perspectives.
Performance of Sustainable Insulated Wall Panels with Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Kanagaraj Balamurali , Kiran Tattukolla , Gunasekaran Jayakumar , Nammalvar Anand , Arulraj Prince , Gurupatham Beulah Gnana Ananthi , Roy Krishanu
Published: December 2022

The increase in the population creates an increased demand for construction activities with eco-friendly, sustainable, and high-performance materials. Insulated concrete form (ICF) is an emerging technology that satisfies the sustainability demands of the construction sector. ICF is a composite material (a combination of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and geopolymer concrete (GPC)) that enhances the performance of concrete (such as thermal insulation and mechanical properties). To investigate the axial strength performance, five different types of prototypes were created and tested. Type I (without reinforcement): (a) hollow EPS without concrete, (b) alternative cells of EPS filled with concrete, (c) and all the cells of EPS filled with concrete; and Type II (with reinforcement): (d) alternative cells of EPS filled with concrete; (e) and all the cells of EPS filled with concrete. Amongst all the five prototypes, two grades of GPC were employed. M15 and M20 grades are used to examine the effectiveness in terms of cost. For comparing the test results, a reference masonry unit was constructed with conventional clay bricks. The main aim of the investigation is to examine the physical and mechanical performance of sandwich-type ICFs. The presence of polystyrene in ICF changes the failure pattern from brittle to ductile. The result from the study reveals that the Type II prototype, i.e., the specimen with all the cells of EPS filled with concrete and reinforcement, possesses a maximum load-carrying capacity greater than the reference masonry unit. Therefore, the proposed ICF is recommended to replace the conventional load-bearing system and non-load-bearing walls.
Design and Test of a New Type of Overrunning Clutch
Authors: Xue Yuan , Wang Zhihai , Chen Dekun , Tao Siyuan , Lu Yifan
Published: December 2022

The overrunning clutch, or freewheel, is a kind of universal part with a one-way drive character, and is widely used in machinery. Typical roller overrunning clutches and sprag overrunning clutches have shortcomings such as low load bearing capacity, low torsional stiffness, and short life. For these reasons, studies on high-performance overrunning clutches have always been the focus of researchers. In this paper, a new type of double arc sprag overrunning clutch is proposed that overcomes the disadvantages of poor transmission capacity and low rigidity found in traditional overrunning clutches. The mechanical model of the double arc sprag overrunning clutch is established, the calculation formulas of the overrunning clutch engagement conditions and overrunning conditions are deduced, and the forces of the outer ring, roller, and inner star wheel of the overrunning clutch are also deduced. The contact stress and transmission torque of the overrunning clutch are compared with those of the roller overrunning clutch and the sprag overrunning clutch. The results show that the proposed overrunning clutch has the largest load capacity, which is 5.75 times that of the roller type overrunning clutch, and 2.1 times that of the sprag type overrunning clutch. The experiment shows that the proposed overrunning clutch has reliable bonding conditions in the oil-free and oil-immersed state, and the overrunning condition is sensitive, which indicates the effectiveness of the double arc sprag overrunning clutch. The roller overrunning clutch and double arc sprag overrunning clutch with the same geometric parameters are designed and manufactured, and the torsional stiffness test of the three types of overrunning clutches is carried out. The results show that the torsional stiffness of the double arc sprag overrunning clutch is the largest, which is 4.6 times of the roller overrunning clutch and 6.2 times of the sprag overrunning clutch.
A Simplified Model Predictive Control for Asymmetrical Six-Phase Induction Motors That Eliminates the Weighting Factor
Authors: Serra João , Cardoso Antonio J. Marques
Published: December 2022

The conventional model predictive control (MPC) is an attractive control scheme for the regulation of multiphase electric drives, since it easily exploits their inherent advantages. However, as the number of phases increases, the MPC’s complexity increases exponentially, posing a high computational burden. Additionally, the MPC still presents other issues related to the weighting factor design in the cost function. Accordingly, this paper proposes a low-complexity hysteresis model predictive current control (HMPCC) that can significantly reduce the computational burden, improve the motor’s performance, and completely avoid the weighting factor design. The proposed method is a hybrid control method, consisting of two distinct controls that complement one another. The hysteresis control is used to reduce the number of iterations per sampling period, thereby reducing the computational effort required to choose the voltage vector that actively produces torque/flux, and nullifying the weighting factor requirement. Finally, the MPC is used to improve the torque and current quality. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through experimental data, and the results emphasize the improvement of the proposed HMPCC scheme.
Development of a Manually Operated Mobile Robot That Prints Construction Site Layouts
Authors: Lee An Yong , Seo Hee Chang , Park Eun Soo
Published: December 2022

Chalk lines are used to print layouts in construction sites to indicate the location of attaching or cutting objects; printing depends on the skills of workers and is suitable for small-scale work. Moreover, this type of work requires a precise measurement process, which is time-consuming, to avoid errors. Thus, discrepancies between blueprints and construction site layouts can occur if construction plans and management are not uniformly aligned. To improve the traditional floor-layout-printing technique on construction sites, this study introduces a manually operated mecanum-wheeled mobile robot in the preliminary stage, i.e., before the development of a full-fledged automated system. This manually operated robot helps determine the technologies required for robotic automation. In the development process, layout-printing technology is classified into a marking toolkit, control system that can be manually operated, and mobile driver. To improve layout-printing quality, this study adopted a mecanum-wheeled design to improve mobility. In this study, applied tests are required to consider the site environment for automatically marking floor layout prints. To determine the applicability of the developed technology, this study conducted a field applicability experiment with a pen-type marking module and laser-type toolkit. The experiment confirmed that layout printing based on environmental changes on the construction site can be manually performed using the mobile robot system. To automatically mark floor-layout-printing work, it is necessary to consider the floor characteristics on the construction site. In addition, this experiment shows that the newly applied laser toolkit technology can be applied to layout printing within 12 mm from the floor. To apply this mechanism to a mobile robot that can automate layout printing, it is necessary to technically enhance the optimization of marking quality, e.g., floor separation distance and marking thickness.
A Sustainable Amine Magnetic Biocomposite Based on Rice Husk–Sugarcane Bagasse Fiber for Lead and Contaminant Adsorption in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Nata Iryanti Fatyasari , Irawan Chairul , Putra Meilana Dharma , Wijayanti Hesti , Dewi Yuniza Shentya , Meliana Yenny
Published: December 2022

Biomass is a material that can be potentially used as a natural fiber resource. Rice husk (RH) and sugarcane bagasse (SB), respectively containing 36.6% and 60% cellulose, are fibers that have the potential for biocomposite formation. In this study, an amine magnetic biocomposite (B-MNH2) was prepared by a one-step solvothermal reaction. Delignified RH and SB fibers at a ratio of 1:1 were added to a mixture of ethylene glycol, iron chloride, and 1,6-hexanediamine, and kept in a stainless steel autoclave reactor at 200 °C for 6 h. The obtained B-MNH2 contained 64.5% of Fe and 2.63 mmol/g of amine. Its surface area increased significantly from 9.11 m2/g to 25.81 m2/g after amine functionalization, and its optimum adsorption for Pb(II) ions was achieved within 360 min at 596.82 mg/g and pH 5. Moreover, the pseudo-first-order mechanism fitted well to the adsorption model. Other parameters, such as chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solid (TSS), and dye during adsorption were also reduced by about 67.7%, 95.6%, and 89%, respectively. B-MNH2 showed a slight decrease in performance by only 8% after the fourth repeated use. The amine magnetic biocomposite led to the development of a potential adsorbent due to the high surface area, stable material, and easy separation, and was capable of absorbing contaminants from an aqueous solution.
Incorporating Fuzziness in the Traditional Runge–Kutta Cash–Karp Method and Its Applications to Solve Autonomous and Non-Autonomous Fuzzy Differential Equations
Authors: Husin Nurain Zulaikha , Ahmad Muhammad Zaini , Md Akhir Mohd Kamalrulzaman
Published: December 2022

The study of the fuzzy differential equation is a topic that researchers are interested in these days. By modelling, this fuzzy differential equation can be used to resolve issues in the real world. However, finding an analytical solution to this fuzzy differential equation is challenging. Thus, this study aims to present the fuzziness in the traditional Runge–Kutta Cash–Karp of the fourth-order method to solve the first-order fuzzy differential equation. Later, this method is referred to as the fuzzy Runge–Kutta Cash–Karp of the fourth-order method. There are two types of fuzzy differential equations to be solved: autonomous and non-autonomous fuzzy differential equations. This fuzzy differential equation is divided into the (i) and (ii)–differentiability on the basis of the characterization theorem. The convergence analysis of the fuzzy Runge–Kutta Cash–Karp of the fourth-order method is also presented. By implementing the fuzzy Runge–Kutta Cash–Karp of the fourth-order method, the approximate solution is compared with the analytical and numerical solutions obtained from the fuzzy Runge–Kutta of the fourth-order method. The results demonstrated that the approximate solutions of the proposed method are accurate with an analytical solution, when compared with the solutions of the fuzzy Runge–Kutta of the fourth-order method.
Thermal-Optical Mechanical Waves of the Excited Microelongated Semiconductor Layer in a Rotational Field
Authors: Saeed Abdulkafi M. , Lotfy Khaled , Ahmed Marwa H.
Published: December 2022

This work focuses on presenting a novel model describing a layer of an excited microelongated semiconductor material. During the photo-excitation processes, the model is investigated in a rotational field. The model introduced the microelongation scalar function, which describes the microelement processes according to the micropolar-thermoelasticity theory. The model studies the interaction case between optical-thermo-mechanical waves under the effect of rotation parameters when the microelongation parameters are taken into consideration according to the photo-thermoelasticity theory. The main governing equations have been taken in a dimensionless form during the electronic and thermoelastic deformation and they have been studied under the harmonic wave technique. The general solutions of the basic fields of isotropic, homogeneous, and linear microelongated semiconductor medium are obtained in two dimensions (2D). Many conditions are taken at the free surface of the medium to obtain the complete solutions. The physical parameters of silicon (Si) are used to illustrate the numerical simulation of the main fields. Several comparisons were performed and illustrated graphically under the influence of different parameters of relaxation time and rotation.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Transformer-Deep Neural Network Models in Twitter Disaster Detection
Authors: Balakrishnan Vimala , Shi Zhongliang , Law Chuan Liang , Lim Regine , Teh Lee Leng , Fan Yue , Periasamy Jeyarani
Published: December 2022

Social media platforms such as Twitter are a vital source of information during major events, such as natural disasters. Studies attempting to automatically detect textual communications have mostly focused on machine learning and deep learning algorithms. Recent evidence shows improvement in disaster detection models with the use of contextual word embedding techniques (i.e., transformers) that take the context of a word into consideration, unlike the traditional context-free techniques; however, studies regarding this model are scant. To this end, this paper investigates a selection of ensemble learning models by merging transformers with deep neural network algorithms to assess their performance in detecting informative and non-informative disaster-related Twitter communications. A total of 7613 tweets were used to train and test the models. Results indicate that the ensemble models consistently yield good performance results, with F-score values ranging between 76% and 80%. Simpler transformer variants, such as ELECTRA and Talking-Heads Attention, yielded comparable and superior results compared to the computationally expensive BERT, with F-scores ranging from 80% to 84%, especially when merged with Bi-LSTM. Our findings show that the newer and simpler transformers can be used effectively, with less computational costs, in detecting disaster-related Twitter communications.
Preface to the Special Issue on Probability and Stochastic Processes with Applications to Communications, Systems and Networks
Authors: Bochkov Alexander , Tsitsiashvili Gurami
Published: December 2022

This Special Issue is devoted to probability, statistics, stochastic processes, and their different applications in systems and networks analysis [...]
Acute Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Resulting in Fetal Bradycardia and Neonatal Death: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Mi Ju , Kim Hyun Mi , Cha Hyun-Hwa , Kim Haemin , Kim Hyo-Shin , Seong Won Joon
Published: December 2022

In monochorionic twins with no evidence of chronic twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome or twin anemia-polycythemia sequence, a sudden onset of fetal transfusion syndrome after the second trimester of pregnancy is defined as acute twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Labor pain, change in the fetal position, and birth order are known risk factors for this condition, and the hemoglobin level of the donor twin is usually reported to be <12 g/dL. We report a recent case of acute twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome without effective labor pain causing cervical changes, resulting in fetal bradycardia and neonatal death after birth; however, the anemia of the donor twin was not as severe as has been reported previously in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome cases.
In Vivo Low-Temperature Plasma Ionization Mass Spectrometry (LTP-MS) Reveals Regulation of 6-Pentyl-2H-Pyran-2-One (6-PP) as a Physiological Variable during Plant-Fungal Interaction
Authors: Torres-Ortega Rosina , Guillén-Alonso Héctor , Alcalde-Vázquez Raúl , Ramírez-Chávez Enrique , Molina-Torres Jorge , Winkler Robert
Published: December 2022

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) comprises a broad class of small molecules (up to ~300 g/mol) produced by biological and non-biological sources. VOCs play a vital role in an organism’s metabolism during its growth, defense, and reproduction. The well-known 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6-PP) molecule is an example of a major volatile biosynthesized by Trichoderma atroviride that modulates the expression of PIN auxin-transport proteins in primary roots of Arabidopsis thaliana during their relationship. Their beneficial relation includes lateral root formation, defense induction, and increased plant biomass production. The role of 6-PP has been widely studied due to its relevance in this cross-kingdom relationship. Conventional VOCs measurements are often destructive; samples require further preparation, and the time resolution is low (around hours). Some techniques enable at-line or real-time analyses but are highly selective to defined compounds. Due to these technical constraints, it is difficult to acquire relevant information about the dynamics of VOCs in biological systems. Low-temperature plasma (LTP) ionization allows the analysis of a wide range of VOCs by mass spectrometry (MS). In addition, LTP-MS requires no sample preparation, is solvent-free, and enables the detection of 6-PP faster than conventional analytical methods. Applying static statistical methods such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Discriminant Factorial Analysis (DFA) leads to a loss of information since the biological systems are dynamic. Thus, we applied a time series analysis to find patterns in the signal changes. Our results indicate that the 6-PP signal is constitutively emitted by T. atroviride only; the signal shows high skewness and kurtosis. In A. thaliana grown alone, no signal corresponding to 6-PP is detected above the white noise level. However, during T. atroviride-A. thaliana interaction, the signal performance showed reduced skewness and kurtosis with high autocorrelation. These results suggest that 6-PP is a physiological variable that promotes homeostasis during the plant-fungal relationship. Although the molecular mechanism of this cross-kingdom control is still unknown, our study indicates that 6-PP has to be regulated by A. thaliana during their interaction.
Plasma Prostaglandin E2 Metabolite Levels Predict Type 2 Diabetes Status and One-Year Therapeutic Response Independent of Clinical Markers of Inflammation
Authors: Fenske Rachel J. , Weeks Alicia M. , Daniels Michael , Nall Randall , Pabich Samantha , Brill Allison L. , Peter Darby C. , Punt Margaret , Cox Elizabeth D. , Davis Dawn Belt , Kimple Michelle E.
Published: December 2022

Over half of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are unable to achieve blood glucose targets despite therapeutic compliance, significantly increasing their risk of long-term complications. Discovering ways to identify and properly treat these individuals is a critical problem in the field. The arachidonic acid metabolite, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), has shown great promise as a biomarker of β-cell dysfunction in T2D. PGE2 synthesis, secretion, and downstream signaling are all upregulated in pancreatic islets isolated from T2D mice and human organ donors. In these islets, preventing β-cell PGE2 signaling via a prostaglandin EP3 receptor antagonist significantly improves their glucose-stimulated and hormone-potentiated insulin secretion response. In this clinical cohort study, 167 participants, 35 non-diabetic, and 132 with T2D, were recruited from the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. At enrollment, a standard set of demographic, biometric, and clinical measurements were performed to quantify obesity status and glucose control. C reactive protein was measured to exclude acute inflammation/illness, and white cell count (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and fasting triglycerides were used as markers of systemic inflammation. Finally, a plasma sample for research was used to determine circulating PGE2 metabolite (PGEM) levels. At baseline, PGEM levels were not correlated with WBC and triglycerides, only weakly correlated with ESR, and were the strongest predictor of T2D disease status. One year after enrollment, blood glucose management was assessed by chart review, with a clinically-relevant change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) defined as ≥0.5%. PGEM levels were strongly predictive of therapeutic response, independent of age, obesity, glucose control, and systemic inflammation at enrollment. Our results provide strong support for future research in this area.
Evaluation of the Association between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Metabolizing Enzymes with the Serum Concentration of Paracetamol and Its Metabolites
Authors: Sridharan Kannan , Qader Ali Mohamed , Hammad Mustafa , Jassim Anfal , Diab Diab Eltayeb , Abraham Betsy , Hasan Hasan M. S. N. , Pasha Sheikh Abdul Azeez , Shah Shamik
Published: December 2022

Intravenous paracetamol is a commonly administered analgesic and antipyretic in inpatient settings. Paracetamol is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes followed by conjugating enzymes to mainly glucuronide but to a lesser extent, sulphate metabolites, and oxidative metabolites. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CYP enzymes result in modified enzymatic activity. The present study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of SNPs related to paracetamol metabolism and principal metabolites in critically ill patients, and those with chronic kidney disease. The present study is a cross-sectional study carried out in adults (>21 years) requiring intravenous paracetamol as part of their standard of care. Details regarding their demographics, and renal and liver function tests were collected. Blood was withdrawn for the analysis of paracetamol and their metabolites, and the SNPs of key CYP enzymes. Paracetamol/paracetamol glucuronide (P/PG), paracetamol/paracetamol sulphate (P/PS) and PG/PS were estimated. Acute liver injury (ALI) and renal dysfunction were defined using standard definitions. We observed a significant prevalence of SNPs in CYP1A2*1C, CYP3A4*3, CYP1A2*1K, CYP1A2*6, CYP2D6*10, and CYP2E1*2 amongst the 150 study participants. Those with CYP1A2*6 (CC genotype) were observed with significantly lower PG and PS concentrations, and a higher P/PS ratio; CYP2D6*10 (1/1 genotype) with a significantly lower PG concentration and a higher P/PG ratio; and CYP1A2*1K (CC genotype) was observed with a significantly higher PG/PS ratio. Good predictive accuracies were observed for determining the SNPs with the cut-off concentration of 0.29 μM for PS in determining CYP1A2*1K, 0.39 μM for PG and 0.32 μM for PS in determining CYP1A2*6 genotype, and 0.29 μM for PG in determining the CYP2D6*10 genotype. Patients with renal dysfunction were observed with significantly greater concentrations of paracetamol, PG and P/PS, and PG/PS ratios, with a lower concentration of PS. No significant differences were observed in any of the metabolites or metabolite ratios in patients with ALI. We have elucidated the prevalence of key CYP enzymes involved in acetaminophen metabolism in our population. Alterations in the metabolite concentrations and metabolic ratios were observed with SNPs, and in patients with renal dysfunction. Population toxicokinetic studies elucidating the dose-response relationship are essential to understand the optimized dose in this sub-population.
The Effect of Bariatric Surgery upon Diabetes Mellitus: A Proof of Concept by Using the Case of the Mid-Term Effect of Lap Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) on Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Perry Zvi H. , Netz Uri , Tzelnick Sharon , Berar Ofri , Atias Shahar , Lantsberg Leonid , Avinoach Eliezer , Mizrahi Solly
Published: December 2022

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic, with numbers on the rise in the world. Obesity is strongly correlated with increased morbidity and mortality. One of the major factors affecting this increase is comorbid diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM), which is strongly associated with and dependent on the degree of obesity. Thus, it is not surprising that when efficient surgical treatments were found to battle obesity, researchers soon found them to be relevant and effective for battling DM as well. Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) is a common surgical treatment for morbid obesity. LAGB has the potential to improve control of the comorbidities of morbid obesity, primarily diabetes mellitus (DM). Our hypothesis was that patients treated with LAGB would have a long-term improvement in the control of DM and that due to its unique mechanism of action, this can lend us a better understanding of how to battle diabetes in an efficient and effective way. This was a cohort study based on patients who underwent LAGB surgery in our institution 4 to 7 years previously and had DM type 2 at the time of surgery. Data were collected from patient’s charts and a telephone interview-based questionnaire including demographics, health status, and quality-of-life assessment (Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System [BAROS]). Seventy patients participated in the current study. The average follow-up time was 5.1 ± 0.9 years post-surgery. The average weight prior to surgery was 122.0 ± 20.2 kg, and on the day of the interview it was 87.0 ± 17.6 kg (p < 0.001). The average body mass index before surgery was 43.8 ± 5.1, and on the day of the interview it was 31.2 ± 4.8 (p < 0.001). On the day of the interview, 47.1% of the participants were cured of DM (not receiving treatment, whether dietary or pharmacologic). The sum of ranks for diabetes was lower after the surgery (p < 0.001), as was HTN and its treatment (p < 0.001). We have shown in this study that LAGB is an effective treatment for morbid obesity, as well as two comorbidities that come with it—DM type 2 and Hypertension (HTN)—in a longer period than previously shown, and with a unique look at the underlying mechanism of action of this procedure. There is a need for further studies to consolidate our findings and characterize which patients are more prone to enjoy these remarkable surgical benefits.
Supramolecular Aggregation Processes on Carbon Surfaces Occurring in Bovine Serum Albumin Solutions
Authors: Salanov Aleksei , Serkova Alexandra , Zhirnova Anastasia , Perminova Larisa , Kovalenko Galina
Published: December 2022

The processes of supramolecular aggregation occurring on carbon surfaces in aqueous solutions of bovine serum albumin (BSA) during drying were studied using modern scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The carbon materials studied were highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and glassy carbon (GC). Based on the analysis of SEM images and EDX-scanning element distribution maps, a possible mechanism for the formation of the observed intricate structures on the surface was proposed. The formation of fuzzy lacy structures resembling shadow replicas was explained by relatively strong hydrophobic–hydrophobic interactions of albumin molecules with carbon surfaces.
Potential for Microbial Cross Contamination of Laundry from Public Washing Machines
Authors: Whitehead Kelly , Eppinger Jake , Srinivasan Vanita , Ijaz M. Khalid , Nims Raymond W. , McKinney Julie
Published: December 2022

Although clothes washing machines remove dirt, microorganisms are not reliably removed by modern cold-water machine-washing practices. Microbial bioburden on clothing originates from the wearer’s skin, the environment (indoor and outdoor), and the washing machine itself. While most clothing microbes are commensals, microbes causing odors and opportunistic pathogens may also be present. Understanding the extent of microbial transfer from washing machines to clothes may inform strategies for odor control and for mitigating the transmission of microbes through the laundering process. This study was designed to quantify and identify bacteria/fungi transferred from laundromat machines to sentinel cotton washcloths under standard cold-water conditions. Bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS sequencing enabled identification of microorganisms in the washcloths following laundering. Total plate-based enumeration of viable microorganisms also was performed, using growth media appropriate for bacteria and fungi. Opportunistic human bacterial pathogens, including Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp., were recovered. The fungal bioburden was ~two-fold lower than the bacterial bioburden. Most sequences recovered were assigned to non-pathogenic fungi, such as those from genera Malassezia and Ascomycota. These results suggest that public washing machines represent a source of non-pathogenic and pathogenic microbial contamination of laundered garments.
Leishmania Vesicle-Depleted Exoproteome: What, Why, and How?
Authors: Esteves Sofia , Costa Inês , Luelmo Sara , Santarém Nuno , Cordeiro-da-Silva Anabela
Published: December 2022

Leishmaniasis, a vector-borne parasitic protozoan disease, is among the most important neglected tropical diseases. In the absence of vaccines, disease management is challenging. The available chemotherapy is suboptimal, and there are growing concerns about the emergence of drug resistance. Thus, a better understanding of parasite biology is essential to generate new strategies for disease control. In this context, in vitro parasite exoproteome characterization enabled the identification of proteins involved in parasite survival, pathogenesis, and other biologically relevant processes. After 2005, with the availability of genomic information, these studies became increasingly feasible and revealed the true complexity of the parasite exoproteome. After the discovery of Leishmania extracellular vesicles (EVs), most exoproteome studies shifted to the characterization of EVs. The non-EV portion of the exoproteome, named the vesicle-depleted exoproteome (VDE), has been mostly ignored even if it accounts for a significant portion of the total exoproteome proteins. Herein, we summarize the importance of total exoproteome studies followed by a special emphasis on the available information and the biological relevance of the VDE. Finally, we report on how VDE can be studied and disclose how it might contribute to providing biologically relevant targets for diagnosis, drug, and vaccine development.
The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Andrioaie Ioana-Maria , Duhaniuc Alexandru , Nastase Eduard Vasile , Iancu Luminița Smaranda , Luncă Cătălina , Trofin Felicia , Anton-Păduraru Dana-Teodora , Dorneanu Olivia-Simona
Published: December 2022

The role of the gut microbiome in mental health has been of great interest in the past years, with several breakthroughs happening in the last decade. Its implications in several psychiatric disorders, namely anxiety, depression, autism and schizophrenia, are highlighted. In this review were included relevant studies on rodents, as well as human studies. There seems to be a connection between the gut microbiome and these pathologies, the link being emphasized both in rodents and humans. The results obtained in murine models align with the results acquired from patients; however, fewer studies regarding anxiety were conducted on humans. The process of sequencing and analyzing the microbiome has been conducted in humans for several other pathologies mentioned above. Additionally, the possible beneficial role of probiotics and postbiotics administered as an aid to the psychiatric medication was analyzed.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Macrolides Considering Evidence from Human and Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Blondeau Joseph M.
Published: December 2022

Macrolide antimicrobial agents have been in clinical use for more than 60 years in both human and veterinary medicine. The discovery of the non-antimicrobial properties of macrolides and the effect of immunomodulation of the inflammatory response has benefited patients with chronic airway diseases and impacted morbidity and mortality. This review examines the evidence of antimicrobial and non-antimicrobial properties of macrolides in human and veterinary medicine with a focus toward veterinary macrolides but including important and relevant evidence from the human literature. The complete story for these complex and important molecules is continuing to be written.
Fermentative α-Humulene Production from Homogenized Grass Clippings as a Growth Medium
Authors: Langsdorf Alexander , Drommershausen Anna-Lena , Volkmar Marianne , Ulber Roland , Holtmann Dirk
Published: December 2022

Green waste, e.g., grass clippings, is currently insufficiently recycled and has untapped potential as a valuable resource. Our aim was to use juice from grass clippings as a growth medium for microorganisms. Herein, we demonstrate the production of the sesquiterpene α-humulene with the versatile organism Cupriavidus necator pKR-hum on a growth medium from grass clippings. The medium was compared with established media in terms of microbial growth and terpene production. C. necator pKR-hum shows a maximum growth rate of 0.43 h−1 in the grass medium and 0.50 h−1 in a lysogeny broth (LB) medium. With the grass medium, 2 mg/L of α-humulene were produced compared to 10 mg/L with the LB medium. By concentrating the grass medium and using a controlled bioreactor in combination with an optimized in situ product removal, comparable product concentrations could likely be achieved. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that juice from grass clippings has been used as a growth medium without any further additives for microbial product synthesis. This use of green waste as a material represents a new bioeconomic utilization option of waste materials and could contribute to improving the economics of grass biorefineries.