bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the static and fatigue life of nano‐reinforced Al‐GFRP bonded joints under different dispersion treatments
Authors: Zamani Pedram , Alaei Mohammad Hossein , da Silva Lucas F. M. , Ghahremani‐Moghadam Danial
Published: January 2022

As bonded components of engineering structures inevitably experience fatigue loading conditions during their service life, it is significant to find ways to enhance their endurance. Also, adding nanoparticles to the adhesive can be introduced as an approach to design more durable bonded joints. In this way, it is important to determine a nanoparticle dispersion method which can lead to the longest fatigue life. Accordingly, this paper aims to investigate the influence of various nanoparticle dispersion treatments on static and fatigue responses of aluminum‐to‐composite bonded joints under four‐point bending. For this purpose, four dispersion techniques of mechanical stirring, bath‐sonication, low‐power and high‐power probe‐sonication were used to disperse nanoparticles into the adhesive. Also, four specimen groups of neat (with no additive particles), graphene nano platelet (GNP)‐reinforced, nano silica‐reinforced, and hybrid‐reinforced (including GNP + nano silica) were prepared. Results indicated that, for the joints including GNPs, the longest fatigue life was achieved for the specimens prepared by low‐power sonication method, while for hybrid‐type reinforcements, using high‐power method led to the highest endurance. Moreover, for 0.5 and 1.0 wt.% of nano silica, the endurance of bath‐sonicated specimens was 12.77% and 9.28% longer than low and high‐power probe‐sonicated joints, respectively. Using the backface strain (BFS) measurement technique, the influence of dispersion methods was studied on extending the crack initiation life (CIL) of each joint group. It was revealed that, for 0.5 wt.% and 1.0 wt.% of nano silica, the CIL is independent of the dispersion method, while, for 1.5 wt.%, probe sonicated specimens had the longest CIL. The microstructural characterization of each dispersion method and major reinforcing mechanisms were interpreted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For future researches, using X‐ray tomography and health monitoring methods is recommended to detect size and location of damage for nanoparticle reinforced composite structures.
Effect of pasteurization on membrane proteins and oxidative stability of oil bodies in various crops
Authors: Wu Lichun , Sun Yufan , Kang Mengxue , Zhong Mingming , Qi Baokun , Li Yang
Published: January 2022

Oil bodies (OBs) are natural pre‐emulsion systems and an ideal green food additive. However, their proclivity to oxidation limits the applications of OBs. In this study, the effect of pasteurization (85 and 125 °C; 1 min) on membrane proteins and the oxidative stability of various OBs (soybean, sunflower, peanut, sesame, and walnut) were investigated. The membrane proteins are extracted from the OBs. The ultrahigh‐temperature pasteurization (125 °C, 1 min) eliminated lipoxygenase of soybean and peanut OBs. Furthermore, oleosin exhibited a higher denaturation temperature (approximately 100 °C) than extrinsic proteins (approximately 50 °C). Pasteurization induced the conversion of the α‐helix structure to a disordered structure by rearranging the hydrogen bonds. The pasteurized soybean and peanut OBs exhibited a high oxidative stability owing to their stable membrane structures and decreased lipoxygenase activity, while sunflower, sesame, and walnut OBs did not exhibit good oxidative stability because of their vulnerable membranes, a large number of unsaturated fatty acids, and severe aggregation of droplets. Simulated milk based on pasteurized soybean and peanut OBs (125 °C, 1 min) maintained outstanding storage stability. These results confirmed that pasteurized soybean and peanut OBs have the potential as a skim milk additive for the benefit of the consumer.
Evaluating test utilization for anemia during pregnancy
Authors: Santana Gina , Reise Rachel , Koenig Mark , Dodd Monique , Zhang Qian‐Yun
Published: January 2022

Objective

To evaluate, using longitudinal laboratory data, potential care gaps, and the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women residing in New Mexico, USA.

Methods

A total of 985 pregnant women aged 13–60 were included from December 1, 2018 to December 1, 2019. Parameters included frequency of CBC, iron studies, reticulocyte panel, prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency anemia (IDA), iron deficiency (ID), anemia change throughout pregnancy, and ICD‐10 codes utilization.

Results

CBC was completed in 896/985 (91%) of the sample population in the first trimester and 528/985 (53.6%) in the third trimester. Two hundred and fifty‐two (25.6%) women had anemia at any given point during pregnancy. ID was prevalent in 1.3% of women in the first trimester and 1.0% in the third, while IDA was prevalent in 0.4% in their first trimester and 5.5% in the third. Data also show an overall worsening of anemia from first to third trimester (2.8% and 40.9%, respectively, p < .0001). A positive correlation was found between mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and reticulocyte hemoglobin (RET‐He) (r = .8592, 95% CI 0.7475 to 0.9237).

Conclusion

Test utilization for anemia screening during pregnancy can be improved to guide patient management to reduce anemia rate and potential anemia‐associated complications.
A tail of plumage colouration: disentangling geographic, seasonal and dietary effects on plumage colour in a migratory songbird
Authors: Mahoney Sean M. , Reudink Matthew W. , Contina Andrea , Roberts Kelly A. , Schabert Veronica T. , Gunther Emily G. , Covino Kristen M.
Published: January 2022

Plumage ornamentation in birds serves critical inter‐ and intra‐sexual signaling functions. While carotenoid‐based plumage colouration is often viewed as a classic condition‐dependent sexually selected trait, plumage colouration can be influenced by a wide array of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Understanding the mechanisms underlying variation in colouration is especially important for species where the signaling function of ornamental traits is complex or when the literature is conflicting. Here, we examined variation in the yellow/orange tail feathers of American redstarts Setophaga ruticilla passing through two migratory stopover sites in eastern North America during both spring and fall migration to assess the role of geographic variation and seasonality in influencing feather colouration. In addition, we investigated whether diet during moult (inferred via stable isotope analysis of feather δ15N and δ13C) influenced plumage colouration. Our findings indicate that geographic variation, season and diet all influence individual differences in American redstart colouration, represented by both traditional and tetrahedral colour variables. The extent to which these factors influence colour expression however is largely dependent on the colour metric under study, likely because different colour metrics reflect different attributes of the feather (e.g. structural components versus pigment deposition). The effects of diet (δ15N) and season were pronounced for brightness, suggesting a strong effect of diet and feather wear/degradation on feather structure. Though hue, a metric that should strongly reflect pigment deposition, also changed from spring to fall, that effect was dependent on age, with only adults experiencing a reduction in ornamentation. Taken together, our results highlight the numerous sources of variation behind plumage coloration and underscores the difficulty of unraveling complex visual signaling systems, such as those in American redstarts.
Fibrinogen‐like protein 2 in gastrointestinal stromal tumour
Authors: Pulkka Olli‐Pekka , Viisanen Leevi , Tynninen Olli , Laaksonen Maria , Reichardt Peter , Reichardt Annette , Eriksson Mikael , Hall Kirsten Sundby , Wardelmann Eva , Nilsson Bengt , Sihto Harri , Joensuu Heikki
Published: January 2022

Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), the most common sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract, can be treated effectively with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as imatinib. Cancer immune therapy has limited efficacy, and little is known about the immune suppressive factors in GISTs. Fibrinogen‐like protein 2 (FGL2) is expressed either as a membrane‐associated protein or as a secreted soluble protein that has immune suppressive functions. We found that GISTs expressed FGL2 mRNA highly compared to other types of cancer in a large human cancer transcriptome database. GIST expressed FGL2 frequently also when studied using immunohistochemistry in two large clinical series, where 333 (78%) out of the 425 GISTs were FGL2 positive. The interstitial cells of Cajal, from which GISTs may originate, expressed FGL2. FGL2 expression was associated with small GIST size, low mitotic counts and low tumour‐infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) counts. Patients whose GIST expressed FGL2 had better recurrence‐free survival than patients whose GIST lacked expression. Imatinib upregulated FGL2 in GIST cell lines, and the patients with FGL2‐negative GIST appeared to benefit most from long duration of adjuvant imatinib. We conclude that GISTs express FGL2 frequently and that FGL2 expression is associated with low TIL counts and favourable survival outcomes.
Application of pulsed electric field and drying temperature response on the thermodynamic and thermal properties of red rice starch (Oryza Sativa L.)
Authors: Almeida Raphael Lucas Jacinto , Santos Newton Carlos , Padilha Carlos Eduardo , de Almeida Mota Mércia Melo , de Alcântara Silva Virgínia Mirtes , André Anastácia Maria Mikaella Campos Nóbrega , dos Santos Everaldo Silvino
Published: January 2022

The study evaluates the application of pulsed electric field (PEF) and investigates the effects of drying temperature on the thermodynamic and thermal properties of red rice starch (Oryza Sativa L.). The grains underwent extraction process using 0.5% of sodium metabisulfite; the pastes were pretreated with application of PEF (10 and 30 kV/cm); and the pulse frequency was 600 Hz, 6 μs wide, and 90‐s residence time. The pretreated pastes were subjected to temperatures of 40, 50, and 60°C with an air velocity of 1.0 m/s. Evaluation of the thermodynamic properties and thermal properties of the PEF‐pretreated starch was carried out after adjusting the diffusive models using boundary conditions of the first and third types. PEF showed maximum reduction in the time process of 180 min (46.15%) for the PEF 30 kV/cm at a temperature of 60°C. The boundary condition of the third type showed a coefficient of determination (r2) greater than .98 and low values of the function with diffusivity ranging from 2.159 to 7.877 × 10−5 m2/min. A decrease in activation energy (44.59 kJ/mol) was observed revealing positive and decreasing values. The different intensities of PEF resulted in greater moisture transport presenting a uniform distribution within the starch throughout the drying process. The temperature and gelatinization enthalpy were also influenced by PEF. Therefore, PEF can reduce the costs of the drying and gelatinization process reducing environmental impacts generated by high energy consumption.

Practical Applications

The results obtained will contribute to the optimization of industrial production and will serve as a basis for the implementation of a pretreatment of FPE for large‐scale application. This method is promising because it modifies the cellular structure of biological cells such as red rice starch and increases the convective drying rate, reducing drying time and energy expenditure in the process.
Effect of antipsychotics on mortality risk in patients with dementia with and without comorbidities
Authors: Nørgaard Ane , Jensen‐Dahm Christina , Wimberley Theresa , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup , Ishtiak‐Ahmed Kazi , Laursen Thomas Munk , Waldemar Gunhild , Gasse Christiane
Published: January 2022

Background

We investigated the mortality risk associated with the initiation of antipsychotic treatment among patients with dementia and whether comorbidities related to the cardiovascular system and diabetes interact with antipsychotic treatment to increase the mortality risk beyond the risk of death independently associated with antipsychotics and comorbidity alone.

Methods

We designed a matched cohort study using nationwide registry data. All Danish residents aged 65–95 years diagnosed with dementia between 2009 and 2014 were included. Dementia was assessed as a first‐time registered dementia diagnosis in the Danish National Patient Register or the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register and/or a first‐time prescription for antidementia medication. Patients exposed to antipsychotics were matched with up to three unexposed patients. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare rates of death within 180 days after the initiation of antipsychotic treatment. The models were adjusted for potential confounders. Analyses were stratified for diabetes, heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease, and we calculated the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI).

Results

The study cohort included 8244 exposed patients and 24,730 unexposed patients. A total of 5938 patients died during the first 180 days of follow‐up. Patients exposed to antipsychotics had a significantly higher adjusted risk of death (hazard ratio: 1.35, 95% confidence interval: 1.27–1.43) than unexposed patients. Crude mortality rates were higher among patients with heart disease and diabetes when antipsychotic treatment was initiated compared with patients without comorbidities. Relative risk estimates did not differ between patients with and without heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes, and RERI suggested no positive additive interaction. Risk analysis suggested higher mortality in patients without cerebrovascular disease who initiated antipsychotics.

Conclusion

This nationwide study adds to the evidence that antipsychotic treatment is associated with increased mortality and suggests that attention should be paid to all initiators of antipsychotics irrespective of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Phylogeny and divergence time estimation of the genus Didymodon (Pottiaceae) based on nuclear and chloroplast markers
Authors: Zhang Guo‐Li , Feng Chao , Kou Jin , Han Yu , Zhang Yu , Xiao Hong‐Xing
Published: January 2022

Didymodon Hedw., with approximately 140 species in the family Pottiaceae, is distributed nearly throughout the world, with the greatest diversity and important ecological functions in drought lands and alpine ecosystems. Several studies involving morphology, molecular systematics, and macro‐systematic analysis have addressed the infrageneric classification of Didymodon, but controversy over the position of the infrageneric and species classification remains due to its high degree of morphological variation in micro‐habitats and strong sensitivity to climate change at regional and global scale. To date, only a few phylogenetic studies have been conducted with an incomplete number of Didymodon species; further, there is no study published regarding the divergence time of Didymodon. Consequently, we conducted a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of Didymodon species, sampling a total of 107 species, based on one nuclear (ITS) and five chloroplast DNA. Moreover, divergence time analysis was conducted to infer the age of origin and divergence of Didymodon species. Our results presented the largest scale phylogenetic relationship of Didymodon to date and resolved the phylogenetic status of some controversial taxa and the new species. The divergence time estimation showed that Didymodon species originated around the early Cretaceous, and the diversification was concentrated in the Cretaceous and Eocene. Paleoclimate and environmental change have a direct impact on the origin and divergence of Didymodon species by shaping their morphology, resource availability and ecological niche. Our study will help understand species origin and speciation of Didymodon as well as reflecting species adaptability and experience to historical events.
Human agency and social structure: From the evolutionary perspective
Authors: Zhao Shanyang
Published: January 2022

This article addresses the agency‐structure issue from the evolutionary perspective. Rather than treating it as something unique to human society, the article examines this issue in the broad context of how different species of social organisms, with humans being one of them, influence the constitution of their societies. The main finding of this analysis is that social organisms of different species all exert influence on their societal formations, but the impact varies depending on the level of agency the organisms possess, particularly their perceptual capabilities. Social organisms with higher perceptual ability play a bigger part in shaping the structure of their societies. A fundamental difference between humans and nonhuman social animals in the agency‐structure relations lies in the fact that humans are the only species on earth known to be capable of constructing institutional rules for societal regulation. This capacity is attributable to the syntactic language and reflective self‐awareness humans possess. Within human species, however, there is considerable variation in the exercise of this capacity among individuals, groups, and societies. It is therefore important to examine species and intra‐species level differences in addressing the agency‐structure issue in human society.
Resignation as Promotion? Executive Turnover and Early Departures in the Argentine Congress, 1983–2017
Authors: Lucardi Adrián , Micozzi Juan Pablo , Skigin Natán
Published: January 2022

When (and why) do legislators quit their jobs? Previous answers to this question have focused on retirements. Looking at voluntary resignations instead, in this article we argue that leaving Congress to assume an elected (executive) office or a position in the (sub)national bureaucracy may be a career‐advancing move motivated by progressive ambition. We document this claim with data from Argentina, where roughly 12% of elected deputies leave voluntarily before their term ends, but rarely become unemployed. Consistent with expectations, we show that resignations tend to follow instances of executive alternation at the (sub)national level, and are driven by legislators placed at the top of party lists as well as those elected in midterm years.
Land‐use type temporarily affects active pond community structure but not gene expression patterns
Authors: Bizic Mina , Ionescu Danny , Karnatak Rajat , Musseau Camille L. , Onandia Gabriela , Berger Stella A. , Nejstgaard Jens C. , Lischeid Gunnar , Gessner Mark O. , Wollrab Sabine , Grossart Hans‐Peter
Published: January 2022

Changes in land use and agricultural intensification threaten biodiversity and ecosystem functioning of small water bodies. We studied 67 kettle holes (KH) in an agricultural landscape in northeastern Germany using landscape‐scale metatranscriptomics to understand the responses of active bacterial, archaeal and eukaryotic communities to land‐use type. These KH are proxies of the millions of small standing water bodies of glacial origin spread across the northern hemisphere. Like other landscapes in Europe, the study area has been used for intensive agriculture since the 1950s. In contrast to a parallel environmental DNA study that suggests the homogenization of biodiversity across KH, conceivably resulting from long‐lasting intensive agriculture, land‐use type affected the structure of the active KH communities during spring crop fertilization, but not a month later. This effect was more pronounced for eukaryotes than for bacteria. In contrast, gene expression patterns did not differ between months or across land‐use types, suggesting a high degree of functional redundancy across the KH communities. Variability in gene expression was best explained by active bacterial and eukaryotic community structures, suggesting that these changes in functioning are primarily driven by interactions between organisms. Our results indicate that influences of the surrounding landscape result in temporary changes in the activity of different community members. Thus, even in KH where biodiversity has been homogenized, communities continue to respond to land management. This potential needs to be considered when developing sustainable management options for restoration purposes and for successful mitigation of further biodiversity loss in agricultural landscapes.
“The total movement of this disorder is its order”: Investment and utilization dynamics in long‐run disequilibrium
Authors: Thompson Stephen
Published: January 2022

Recently economists have developed Kaleckian‐Harrodian models, in which non‐capacity‐creating autonomous demand acts as a stabilizing force that drives long‐run growth. But critics have questioned the plausibility of the stability conditions for these models. Motivated by this controversy, in this paper I formulate an alternative framework, in which stable equilibria need not exist, and solution trajectories can perpetually fluctuate in violent and aperiodic ways, but the long‐run dynamics can be understood in terms of time averages. On this basis I argue that key findings in the Kaleckian‐Harrodian literature can be sustained even if the stability conditions are rejected.
Introduction: Linguistic justice, migration and the nation‐state
Authors: Bonotti Matteo , Carlsson Nina , Rowe Colin W
Published: January 2022

This article provides an introduction to the themed section “Linguistic Justice, Migration and the Nation‐State.” First, it illustrates the rationale for the themed section by examining the relationship between language, migration and the nation‐state. It argues that accounts of linguistic justice that fail to incorporate, discuss and understand the language interests of migrants, and the potential tensions that may emerge between migrants' linguistic rights and duties, and between their linguistic rights and those of autochthonous groups, are likely to become obsolete in an increasingly mobile world. Second, it provides an overview of the articles in the themed section. And, finally, it highlights four specific areas of inquiry that should deserve greater attention in future scholarship.
Is speaking one's own language(s) a right?
Authors: Morales‐Gálvez Sergi
Published: January 2022

Political theorists have barely addressed whether migrants have the right to use their original language(s) in the public sphere. My goal in this article, then, is to test what does it mean or imply to say that A has a right to use her language. Making use of Hohfeld's scheme of rights and considering Kloss' idea that language rights are closely dependent upon which sphere is at stake (either public or private sphere), I propose a basic scheme of language rights and liberties. In this work, I argue for two main points. First, that speaking one's own language should be considered both a liberty and a right in the private sphere as a tolerance‐oriented right. Second, that using one's own language should neither be considered a right, nor a liberty enjoyed by everyone in the public sphere. To recognise such a thing would suppose supporting a universal promotion‐oriented language right. In this regard, I distinguish between migrant and long‐settled national language groups. I argue that only members of the latter should be prima facie entitled to a right and liberty to use their own languages in public settings. Finally, I offer a preliminary approach to permissible language policies to secure migrant's language rights and liberties.
Linguistic justice and the challenge of immigration
Authors: Milioni Anna , Pappas Athanasios
Published: January 2022

The contemporary conditions of migration and transnational mobility raise important questions regarding linguistic justice. Immigrants and national populations claim to have multiple and often conflicting linguistic entitlements. In this paper, we account for a fair allocation of linguistic rights in this migratory context. First, we distinguish between instrumental and non‐instrumental language interests, and we argue against the position that linguistic rights can be waived upon migration. Then, we examine two popular approaches of linguistic justice: the linguistic territoriality approach and the linguistic personality approach. As we demonstrate, these approaches present shortcomings when dealing with the linguistic claims of immigrants, failing to accommodate important aspects of their interests. We argue that the fair accommodation of these interests requires the recognition of English as an official national language, by virtue of its role as the global lingua franca. We then try to dispel some objections that could be raised against our approach.
Combining vascular and nerve fiber layer thickness measurements to model glaucomatous focal visual field loss
Authors: Kallab Martin , Hommer Nikolaus , Schlatter Andreas , Chua Jacqueline , Tan Bingyao , Schmidl Doreen , Hirn Cornelia , Findl Oliver , Schmetterer Leopold , Garhöfer Gerhard , Wong Damon
Published: January 2022

We compare the focal structure–function correlation of structural measurements of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL‐T) using optical coherence tomography (OCT), capillary density (CD) measurements using OCT‐angiography (OCT‐A), or a combination of both, with visual field deviation (VFD) in early to advanced glaucoma. Primary open angle glaucoma patients (n = 46, mean ± SD age: 67 ± 10 years; VF mean deviation: −10.41 ± 6.76 dB) were included in this cross‐sectional study. We performed 30–2 standard automated perimetry OCT (3.5‐mm diameter ring scan) and 15°×15° OCT‐A (superficial vascular complex slab). Based on a nerve fiber trajectory model, each VF test spot was assigned to an OCT‐A wedge and an OCT ring‐sector. Two univariate linear models (Mv and Mt) using either CD‐based vascular (Mv) or RNFL‐T–based thickness information (Mt) and one multivariate model using both (Mv:t) were compared in their associations with measured focal VFD, which were higher for the multivariate model Mv:t (mean ± SD correlation coefficient: 0.710 ± 0.086) than for either nested model (0.627 ± 0.078 for Mv and 0.578 ± 0.095 for Mt). Using a focal visual field approach, the combination of RNFL‐T and CD showed better structure–function correlations than thickness or vascular information only.
Chemerin contributes to inflammatory responses and suppresses osteogenic differentiation in chronic periodontitis
Authors: Wang Xinling , Tang Yuejun , Xiao Rui
Published: January 2022

Background

Chronic periodontitis (CP) is a common disease of oral cavity, and approximately 35% of adults suffered from CP. Therefore, its underlying mechanism needs to be explored for new therapeutic approaches. Chemerin, as a multifunctional adipokine, is found to be highly expressed in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), gingival tissues and the plasma of periodontitis patients. Thus, we aimed to uncover the underlying mechanism of chemerin in CP.

Methods

Thirty six CP patients and 25 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) were isolated from CP patients and healthy ones, respectively. Then, normal PDLSCs or PDLSCs‐differentiated osteoblasts were treated with different doses of recombinant human chemerin.

Results

Chemerin and inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α, were higher in the GCF and serum of CP patients than healthy ones. Moreover, chemerin was positively correlated with these three inflammatory cytokines, respectively, in CP patients. PDLSCs isolated from CP patients had higher expressions of chemerin and these cytokines than the ones isolated from normal individuals. Furthermore, chemerin dose‐dependently increased inflammatory responses and inhibited osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs.

Conclusion

Chemerin accelerated inflammatory responses and suppressed osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs, thus chemerin might sever as a therapeutic target of CP.
A transcriptional landscape underlying sugar import for grain set in maize
Authors: Shen Si , Ma Si , Chen Xian‐Min , Yi Fei , Li Bin‐Bin , Liang Xiao‐Gui , Liao Sheng‐Jin , Gao Li‐Hong , Zhou Shun‐Li , Ruan Yong‐Ling
Published: January 2022

Developing seed depends on sugar supply for its growth and yield formation. Maize (Zea mays L.) produces the largest grains among cereals. However, there is a lack of holistic understanding of the transcriptional landscape of genes controlling sucrose transport to, and utilization within, maize grains. By performing in‐depth data mining of spatio‐temporal transcriptomes coupled with histological and heterologous functional analyses, we identified transporter genes specifically expressed in the maternal–filial interface, including (i) ZmSWEET11/13b in the placento‐chalazal zone, where sucrose is exported into the apoplasmic space, and (ii) ZmSTP3, ZmSWEET3a/4c (monosaccharide transporters), ZmSUT1, and ZmSWEET11/13a (sucrose transporters) in the basal endosperm transfer cells for retrieval of apoplasmic sucrose or hexoses after hydrolysis by extracellular invertase. In the embryo and its surrounding regions, an embryo‐localized ZmSUT4 and a cohort of ZmSWEETs were specifically expressed. Interestingly, drought repressed those ZmSWEETs likely exporting sucrose but enhanced the expression of most transporter genes for uptake of apoplasmic sugars. Importantly, this drought‐induced fluctuation in gene expression was largely attenuated by an increased C supply via controlled pollination, indicating that the altered gene expression is conditioned by C availability. Based on the analyses above, we proposed a holistic model on the spatio‐temporal expression of genes that likely govern sugar transport and utilization across maize maternal and endosperm and embryo tissues during the critical stage of grain set. Collectively, the findings represent an advancement towards a holistic understanding of the transcriptional landscape underlying post‐phloem sugar transport in maize grain and indicate that the drought‐induced changes in gene expression are attributable to low C status.
EXPRESSION OF THE STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS LUKE GENE IN THE ESCHERICHIA COLI BL21(DE3) STRAIN
Authors: Abitayeva G.K. , Bulanin D. , Marchenko E.V. , Vangelista L.
Published: January 2022

Two-component leukotoxins are important virulence factors for Staphylococcus aureus. Despite efforts made to study S. aureus leukotoxins, the direct mechanism of action of these toxins during infection has not been determined. However, the observation that deletion of LukED significantly attenuates highly virulent S. aureus strains supports the hypothesis that selective inhibition of LukE / D may be useful in the development of new aspects of S. aureus infection control. For this purpose, this work was carried out to test the expression and obtain a recombinant form of the LukE protein in E.coli cells. The LukE gene was cloned into the pET28-c (+) / GFP vector containing the gfp gene. Two fused genes carrying a hexahistidine tag were expressed in cells of the E. coli BL21(DE3) strain. It was found that the 6His-GFP-LucE protein aggregates in inclusion bodies. 6His-GFP-LucE was washed out of inclusion bodies with high molar urea. The 6His-GFP-LucE protein was purified by metal affinity chromatography. Research results can be applied to obtain recombinant protein including strategies for inhibition of toxin activity.
Autoencoder-Based Anomaly Detection in Industrial X-ray Images
Authors: Lindgren Erik , Zach Christopher
Published: January 2022

Within many quality-critical industries, e.g. the aerospace industry, industrial X-ray inspection is an essential as well as a resource intense part of quality control. Within such industries the X-ray image interpretation is typically still done by humans, therefore, increasing the interpretation automatization would be of great value. We claim, that safe automatic interpretation of industrial X-ray images, requires a robust confidence estimation with respect to out-of-distribution (OOD) data. In this work we have explored if such a confidence estimation can be achieved by comparing input images with a model of the accepted images. For the image model we derived an autoencoder which we trained unsupervised on a public dataset with X-ray images of metal fusion-welds. We achieved a true positive rate at 80–90% at a 4% false positive rate, as well as correctly detected an OOD data example as an anomaly.
Study on Pipeline Spanning Detection Using Magnetic Anisotropy
Authors: Xinjing Huang , Qian Chen , Jianyuan Zhao , Yutian Yan , Jian Li , Yu Zhang , Hao Feng
Published: January 2022

Subsea pipelines often lose foundation soil support due to ocean current erosion and form spanning. Spanning greatly increases the risk of pipeline fracture. When a subsea pipeline has spanning, it is often accompanied by characteristic changes in its pipe wall stress, pipeline deflection, and pitch angle. In turn, we can analyze the three parameters to get the spanning state of the pipeline.

Wherein, around using stress to detect pipeline spanning state, this paper carries out two parts of research work. (1) We conducted a stress analysis on the free-span pipeline. The results show that the stress distribution has a strong distinct relationship with the pipeline spanning state. (2) We proposed and developed a steel plate stress detection scheme based on the induced voltage method. The results show that the steel plate stress has a good linear relationship with the induced voltage of the receiving coil on its surface, and the sensitivity can reach 1mv/MPa. Therefore, the AC magnetic anisotropy measurement of stress can reliably identify the stress distribution of the spanning pipeline.
Improvement Effect of Active Magnetization on Subsea Pipeline Localization
Authors: Xinjing Huang , Yuan Wang , Zhaosheng Jin , Jialin Wu , Jian Li , Hao Feng , Yu Zhang
Published: January 2022

Accurate localization of subsea pipelines is the prerequisite for its inspection, reinforcement and maintenance. Magnetic anomaly generated by the ferromagnetic pipeline immersed in the earth’s magnetic field can be used to locate the pipeline. However, since the magnetic field decays rapidly with distance, the detection distance is very limited. This paper proposes a method to improve the sensitivity and limit distance of pipeline detection and positioning through active magnetization. When the magnet is directly above the pipe, the magnetization effect is best, so a magnet array should be used to cover the pipe with wide enough coverage. Experiments have proved that by using a magnet array, with SNR = 20 dB as the judging criterion, the limit detection distance of a Φ219mm steel pipe can be increased from 0.363m to 0.554m.
Features of Guided Waves Propagating in a Honeycomb Sandwich Structure
Authors: Wang Lifu , Araque Leonardo , Tai Steffen , Mal Ajit , Schaal Christoph
Published: January 2022

Honeycomb sandwich structures (HSSs) are well-known for their very high specific strength, and are widely used for aeronautical and aerospace industrial applications. Due to their special usage and high cost, non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of HSS plays an important role in the industry. NDE using guided waves, as one of the potential method of NDE, is getting more attention for its economical efficiency. However, due to the complexity of the HSS, very little theoretical work has been done on determining the features of waves propagating in HSS structure especially in a wide frequency range. This research focuses on using a homogenized layer model for the HSS, studying how the material properties affect the features of the guided waves. By using the global matrix method, features including the phase velocities and group velocities of different modes are computed. The effects of different material properties are evaluated and compared. The results show that the material properties of the face sheets are most influential for gudied wave features. These findings open up the possibility of bypassing the complexity of the core to analyze the guided waves propagating in a honeycomb sandwich structure.
Estimation of Internal Surface Roughness of Additively Manufactured Components Under Complex Conditions Using Artificial Intelligence and Measurements of Ultrasonic Backscatter
Authors: Syed Akbar Ali Mohamed Subair , Pavlovic Mato , Rajagopal Prabhu
Published: January 2022

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is increasingly being considered for fabrication of components with complex geometries in various industries such as aerospace and healthcare. Control of surface roughness of components is thus a crucial aspect for more widespread adoption of AM techniques. However, estimating the internal (or ‘far-side’) surface roughness of components is a challenge, and often requires sophisticated techniques such as X-ray computed tomography, which are difficult to implement online. Although ultrasound could potentially offer a solution, grain noise and inspection surface conditions complicate the process.

This paper studies the feasibility of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in conjunction with ultrasonic measurements for rapid estimation of internal surface roughness in AM components, using numerical simulations. In the first models reported here, a pulse-echo configuration is assumed, whereby a specimen sample with rough surfaces is insonified with bulk ultrasonic waves and the backscatter is used to generate A-scans. Simulations are carried out for various combinations of the model parameters, yielding a large number of such A-scans. A neural network algorithm is then created and trained on a subset of the datasets so generated using simulations, and later used to predict the roughness from the rest. The results demonstrate the immense potential of this approach in inspection automation for rapid roughness assessments in AM components, based on ultrasonic measurements.
Federal Aviation Administration’s Probability of Detection Testing Results for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM)
Authors: Swindell Paul , Stephens Danielle
Published: January 2022

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been participating with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Aerospace Industry Steering Committee (AISC) to develop a methodology for calculating the Probability of Detection (POD) for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) for damage detection on commercial aviation. Two POD methodologies were developed: one by Dr. William Meeker, Iowa State University, and the other by Dennis Roach, Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). With Dr. Seth Kessler, Metis Design Corp, a test program of 24 samples of aluminum strips to be fatigued on MTS machines was developed. The samples were designed to meet the ASTM E647. Twelve samples had two SHM modalities on the front and back from Metis (PZT and carbon nanotubes), and the other twelve had SHM sensors from Structural Monitoring Systems (SMS) (comparative vacuum monitoring – CVM) and Acellent Technologies (PZT). The tests were performed at the FAA William J Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City, NJ. The samples were cycled every 1500 cycles and then stopped for SHM data collection. Once the crack exceeded 0.125 inches and provided for a minimum of 15 inspections, a new sample was tested until all 12 samples were completed. The data was provided to each company to be set up in the format needed to run through the POD methodologies. Then the data was provided to Dr. Meeker and Dr. Roach for analysis. This paper will provide the results of those tests.
Enhancing Vibration-Based Structural Health Monitoring via Edge Computing: A Tiny Machine Learning Perspective
Authors: Zonzini Federica , Romano Francesca , Carbone Antonio , Zauli Matteo , De Marchi Luca
Published: January 2022

Despite the outstanding improvements achieved by artificial intelligence in the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) field, some challenges need to be coped with. Among them, the necessity to reduce the complexity of the models and the data-to-user latency time which are still affecting state-of-the-art solutions. This is due to the continuous forwarding of a huge amount of data to centralized servers, where the inference process is usually executed in a bulky manner. Conversely, the emerging field of Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML), promoted by the recent advancements by the electronic and information engineering community, made sensor-near data inference a tangible, low-cost and computationally efficient alternative. In line with this observation, this work explored the embodiment of the One Class Classifier Neural Network, i.e., a neural network architecture solving binary classification problems for vibration-based SHM scenarios, into a resource-constrained device. To this end, OCCNN has been ported on the Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense platform and validated with experimental data from the Z24 bridge use case, reaching an average accuracy and precision of 95% and 94%, respectively.
Shear Horizontal Guided Wave Corrosion Detection and Quantification in Pipes via Linear Scanning Magnetostrictive Transducers (MST)
Authors: Chen Xin , Vinogradov Sergey , Cobb Adam
Published: January 2022

Shear horizontal (SH) guided waves are being widely considered as a promising tool for locating wall thinning corrosion in pipelike structures. One established approach to excite such waves in pipes is through the magnetostrictive transducers (MsT), which is an electromagnetic-based guided wave transducer that offers unique advantages over other transducer types. A common practice for fast screening of defects is using an automated probe positioning system. In this paper, we report the usage of a newly designed linear scanning MsT, where an iron cobalt (FeCo) strip of a predefined length wound with radio frequency (RF) coils is attached to the testing structure using shear wave couplants and a moving permanent magnet driven by a stepper motor is used to excite SH guided waves at predefined positions. In this fashion, manual manipulation of probe is minimized which significantly increases testing speed. The performance of the linear scanning MsT at corrosion inspection is evaluated experimentally by introducing “V” shaped gradual wall thinning patches of different depths and locations on a 406 mm outer diameter (OD) steel pipe with 10 mm wall thickness. The reflection and transmission amplitudes of SH modes, as well as indications from B-scan and synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) images, are extracted for corrosion detection and quantification. Numerical modeling is also conducted to facilitate the understanding of SH waves interaction with defects.
Nanometer-scale etching of copper thin films in high-density plasma of an ethylenediamine/acetic acid/argon gas mixture
Authors: Lim Eun Taek , Park Sung Yong , Lee Ji Soo , Kim Seung Hyun , Chung Chee Won
Published: January 2022

Dry etching of the copper thin films patterned with sub-100 nm was performed using the high-density plasma of an ethylenediamine (EDA)/CH3COOH/Ar gas mixture. The etch rates and etch selectivities of copper films patterned with 80 nm line array were significantly improved by adding CH3COOH to the EDA/Ar gas mixture, resulting in a high degree of anisotropy in etch profiles. The optimal ratio of EDA to CH3COOH was found to be 4:1, and a good etch profile was obtained at approximately 60% (EDA/CH3COOH) in EDA/CH3COOH/Ar. Optical emission spectroscopy demonstrated that the maximum [CN] and [H] intensities in the (EDA/CH3COOH)/Ar plasma were measured at approximately 50%–75% (EDA/CH3COOH). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the formation of compounds containing CuCN and C–C/C–H during the etching process, meaning that this etch chemistry was effective. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that there was neither redeposition nor etch residue on the sidewalls of the etched copper films.
Formation of ideally ordered porous Ga oxide by anodization of pretextured Ga
Authors: Kondo Toshiaki , Kuroda Yusuke , Shichijo Tomoki , Yanagishita Takashi , Masuda Hideki
Published: January 2022

An ideally ordered nanohole array of Ga oxide was formed by anodizing pretextured Ga. Prior to anodization, an ideally ordered array of concaves was formed on the Ga surface by nanoimprinting using a metal mold. The anodization of the pretextured Ga was carried out in a phosphoric acid solution. During anodization, each concave acted as a starting point of hole generation, resulting in the formation of the ideally ordered porous Ga oxide. The present process is expected to be applied to fabricate a light energy conversion device, such as a hydrogen formation device.
Correlation Between Deoxyribonucleic Acid Excision-Repair and Life-Span in a Number of Mammalian Species
Authors: Hart R. W. , Setlow R. B.
Published: January 2022

The ability of fibroblasts to perform unscheduled DNA synthesis (a measure of excision repair) after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was measured radioautographically for seven species at several times after several UV fluences. Both the initial rate and the maximum incorporation of [′H]dThd increased with the life-span of the species (shrew, mouse, rat, hamster, cow, elephant, and human). Unscheduled DNA synthesis was approximately proportional to the logarithm of life-span.

Reproduced by permission.

R. W. Hart, R. B. Setlow, Correlation Between Deoxyribonucleic Acid Excision-Repair and Life-Span in a Number of Mammalian Species.
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.
71
, 2169-2173 (1974).
Order and information in the patterns of spinning magnetic micro-disks at the air-water interface
Authors: Wang Wendong , Gardi Gaurav , Malgaretti Paolo , Kishore Vimal , Koens Lyndon , Son Donghoon , Gilbert Hunter , Wu Zongyuan , Harwani Palak , Lauga Eric , Holm Christian , Sitti Metin
Published: January 2022

A local measure based on the Shannon entropy establishes connections among information, structures, and interactions.
Nanosecond time scale transient optoplasmonic detection of single proteins
Authors: Baaske Martin D. , Asgari Nasrin , Punj Deep , Orrit Michel
Published: January 2022

Interferometric plasmonic scattering transforms nanorods into ultrafast label-free sensors for single proteins in motion.
Impact of community masking on COVID-19: A cluster-randomized trial in Bangladesh
Authors: Abaluck Jason , Kwong Laura H. , Styczynski Ashley , Haque Ashraful , Kabir Md. Alamgir , Bates-Jefferys Ellen , Crawford Emily , Benjamin-Chung Jade , Raihan Shabib , Rahman Shadman , Benhachmi Salim , Bintee Neeti Zaman , Winch Peter J. , Hossain Maqsud , Reza Hasan Mahmud , Jaber Abdullah All , Momen Shawkee Gulshan , Rahman Aura , Banti Faika Laz , Huq Tahrima Saiha , Luby Stephen P. , Mobarak Ahmed Mushfiq
Published: January 2022

Persuading people to mask

Even in places where it is obligatory, people tend to optimistically overstate their compliance for mask wearing. How then can we persuade more of the population at large to act for the greater good? Abaluck
et al
. undertook a large, cluster-randomized trial in Bangladesh involving hundreds of thousands of people (although mostly men) over a 2-month period. Colored masks of various construction were handed out free of charge, accompanied by a range of mask-wearing promotional activities inspired by marketing research. Using a grassroots network of volunteers to help conduct the study and gather data, the authors discovered that mask wearing averaged 13.3% in villages where no interventions took place but increased to 42.3% in villages where in-person interventions were introduced. Villages where in-person reinforcement of mask wearing occurred also showed a reduction in reporting COVID-like illness, particularly in high-risk individuals. —CA