bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Channel Expression Recognition Network Based on Channel Weighting
Authors: Lu Xiuwen , Zhang Hongying , Zhang Qi , Han Xue
Published: February 2023

Accurate expression interpretation occupies a huge proportion of human-to-human communication. The control of expressions can facilitate more convenient communication between people. Expression recognition technology has also been transformed from relatively mature laboratory-controlled research to natural scenes research. In this paper, we design a multi-channel attention network based on channel weighting for expression analysis in natural scenes. The network mainly consists of three parts: Multi-branch expression recognition feature extraction network, which combines residual network ResNet18 and ConvNeXt network ideas to improve feature extraction and uses adaptive feature fusion to build a complete network; Adaptive Channel Weighting, which designs adaptive weights in the auxiliary network for feature extraction, performs channel weighting, and highlights key information areas; and Attention module, which designs and modifies the spatial attention mechanism and increases the proportion of feature information to accelerate the acquisition of important expression feature information areas. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves better recognition efficiency than existing algorithms on the dataset FER2013 under uncontrolled conditions, reaching 73.81%, and also achieves good recognition accuracy of 89.65% and 85.24% on the Oulu_CASIA and RAF-DB datasets, respectively.
Hyperparameter Optimization of Ensemble Models for Spam Email Detection
Authors: Omotehinwa Temidayo Oluwatosin , Oyewola David Opeoluwa
Published: February 2023

Unsolicited emails, popularly referred to as spam, have remained one of the biggest threats to cybersecurity globally. More than half of the emails sent in 2021 were spam, resulting in huge financial losses. The tenacity and perpetual presence of the adversary, the spammer, has necessitated the need for improved efforts at filtering spam. This study, therefore, developed baseline models of random forest and extreme gradient boost (XGBoost) ensemble algorithms for the detection and classification of spam emails using the Enron1 dataset. The developed ensemble models were then optimized using the grid-search cross-validation technique to search the hyperparameter space for optimal hyperparameter values. The performance of the baseline (un-tuned) and the tuned models of both algorithms were evaluated and compared. The impact of hyperparameter tuning on both models was also examined. The findings of the experimental study revealed that the hyperparameter tuning improved the performance of both models when compared with the baseline models. The tuned RF and XGBoost models achieved an accuracy of 97.78% and 98.09%, a sensitivity of 98.44% and 98.84%, and an F1 score of 97.85% and 98.16%, respectively. The XGBoost model outperformed the random forest model. The developed XGBoost model is effective and efficient for spam email detection.
Lichens as a Natural Source of Compounds Active on Microorganisms of Human Health Interest
Authors: Condò Carla , Anfelli Igor , Forti Luca , Sabia Carla , Messi Patrizia , Iseppi Ramona
Published: February 2023

The antimicrobial properties of two lichen extracts (LC1 and LC2 solutions extracted in acetone and cyclohexane, respectively) were investigated against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms through the agar well diffusion assay. Results displayed that both samples were similarly effective against all the indicator strains. The antimicrobial activity was maintained up to 30 days against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 with an inhibition zone of 38 mm and 37 mm for the LC1 and LC2 solutions extracted, respectively. In order to separate the single chemical components and to associate them with the biological activity, the two extracts were subjected to an activity-guided fractionation followed by a liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS) Ion Trap 6310A for the chemical characterization. Chromatogram analysis of each sample that maintained an antimicrobial activity revealed the presence of a significant peak, at a retention time (tR) of 10.8 min, corresponding to a scabrosin derivative that could likely be associated with the antimicrobial activity. Results obtained in the present investigation, especially against the opportunistic pathogen C. albicans, are encouraging and could represent a preliminary step to a future solution toward a microorganism responsible for fungal infections, mainly occurring in immunocompromised patients and recently caused by drug-resistant strains.
AI-Assisted Security Alert Data Analysis with Imbalanced Learning Methods
Authors: Ndichu Samuel , Ban Tao , Takahashi Takeshi , Inoue Daisuke
Published: February 2023

Intrusion analysis is essential for cybersecurity, but oftentimes, the overwhelming number of false alerts issued by security appliances can prove to be a considerable hurdle. Machine learning algorithms can automate a task known as security alert data analysis to facilitate faster alert triage and incident response. This paper presents a bidirectional approach to address severe class imbalance in security alert data analysis. The proposed method utilizes an ensemble of three oversampling techniques to generate an augmented set of high-quality synthetic positive samples and employs a data subsampling algorithm to identify and remove noisy negative samples. Experimental results using an enterprise and a benchmark dataset confirm that this approach yields significantly improved recall and false positive rates compared with conventional oversampling techniques, suggesting its potential for more effective and efficient AI-assisted security operations.
Shielding Assessment and Optimization of the Target Station for Medical Isotope Production Based on Superconducting Proton Linac
Authors: Chen Daiyuan , Augusto Ricardo dos Santos , Li Yuanhong , Qin Zhi , Rong Jian , Yao Kaiqiang , Jia Huan , Yuan Chenzhang , Liu Juntao , Liu Zhiyi
Published: February 2023

In response to the worldwide shortage of 99mTc supply caused by the combined consequence from both decommissioning and maintenance of research reactors worldwide, the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP) of the Chinese Academy of Science and Lanzhou University have launched a collaboration to research and develop a 99mTc production solution based on the 25 MeV high-intensity superconducting proton linear accelerator. Radiation from high-current proton bombardment must be evaluated and considered carefully at the design stage to meet radiation protection (RP) policy and requirements of the shielding for the key device. This work employed FLUKA to conduct the shielding assessment of both prompt and residual radiation fields in several iterations, based on a prototype of the high-power target system. The prompt dose rates outside the target station are lower than the institution’s limit. The residual dose rates inside the station fall below 100 μSv/h at 64 h after the end of beam (EOB); the dominant source term is then the target chamber. The service life of the main actuator is expected to be extended by 2.7 times with the current partial shielding design. The simulation accelerating techniques are applied to balance the accuracy of results and the progress of the project at the same time, which is referential to the shielding assessment of large-scale nuclear facilities. The results can also be used in further study and construction of the target station.
A Statistical Assessment of Water Availability for Hydropower Generation in the Context of Adequacy Analyses
Authors: Tina Giuseppe Marco , Nicolosi Claudio Francesco
Published: February 2023

The increasing presence of non-programmable renewable energy plants increases the intermittency of the electricity supply and thus threatens the adequacy of a power system. Hydropower can solve this problem due to its flexibility. This paper applies statistical approaches to assess water availability in the context of hydropower generation and adequacy analysis on a seasonal basis for one site in Sicily and the other in Sardinia, where major hydroelectric plants are present. First, an empirical relationship between soil moisture content (SMC) and potential evapotranspiration (ET0) is evaluated through linear regression analysis. Then, precipitation trends over the last twenty years are analyzed to determine any effects of global warming on water availability. Finally, Monte Carlo algorithms are used for the stochastic generation of hourly precipitation, direct runoff profiles, and daily SMC profiles. Strong positive and negative correlations between ET0 and SMC (p < 0.05), and R2 ≥ 0.5 are found for both sites, except for summer, and R2 ≥ 0.5 is obtained. The cumulative pH-historical precipitation shows changes in seasonal trends, with evidence of a decrease at the annual level. The algorithms used to synthetically generate hourly precipitation and direct runoff profiles, as well as daily SMC profiles, effectively simulate the statistical variability of the historical profiles of these physical quantities.
Monocular Facial Presentation–Attack–Detection: Classifying Near-Infrared Reflectance Patterns
Authors: Hassani Ali , Diedrich Jon , Malik Hafiz
Published: February 2023

This paper presents a novel material spectroscopy approach to facial presentation–attack–defense (PAD). Best-in-class PAD methods typically detect artifacts in the 3D space. This paper proposes similar features can be achieved in a monocular, single-frame approach by using controlled light. A mathematical model is produced to show how live faces and their spoof counterparts have unique reflectance patterns due to geometry and albedo. A rigorous dataset is collected to evaluate this proposal: 30 diverse adults and their spoofs (paper-mask, display-replay, spandex-mask and COVID mask) under varied pose, position, and lighting for 80,000 unique frames. A panel of 13 texture classifiers are then benchmarked to verify the hypothesis. The experimental results are excellent. The material spectroscopy process enables a conventional MobileNetV3 network to achieve 0.8% average-classification-error rate, outperforming the selected state-of-the-art algorithms. This demonstrates the proposed imaging methodology generates extremely robust features.
Preparation and Characteristics of the Fired Bricks Produced from Polyaluminum Chloride Slag and Glass Powder
Authors: Hei Fuqian , Liu Qing , Zhao Guodong , Ou Jinchen , Xu Fei
Published: February 2023

Polyaluminum chloride slag produced in the production of water treatment agents pollutes the environment and wastes land resources in the process of landfill and waste. In order to solve the resource waste of researching polyaluminum chloride slag, it was used to prepare sintered bricks. In this study, sintered bricks were prepared from polyaluminum chloride slag and glass powder. Taking compressive strength, water absorption, linear shrinkage and bulk density as measurement indexes, the effects of the glass powder content (0–10 wt%), molding moisture (10–20%), molding pressure (15–27.5 MPa), heating method (heat preservation at 400 °C and 1000 °C for 2 h, heat preservation at 500 °C and 1000 °C for 2 h, and heat preservation at 1000 °C for 2 h), heating rate (2–10 °C/min) and sintering temperature (900–1100 °C) on the performance of sintered brick and the conditions for meeting Chinese standards were studied. Then, the sintered bricks prepared at different temperatures were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the compressive strength (bulk density) increases and the water absorption decreases with the increase of the glass powder content, molding pressure, molding moisture and sintering temperature. Moreover, the linear shrinkage increases with the increase of the molding pressure, molding moisture and sintering temperature, but decreases with the increase of the glass powder content. When the glass powder content of the sintered brick is 10 wt%, with molding moisture of 20 wt%, molding pressure of 25 MPa, heating mode to directly raise the temperature to the target temperature, heating speed of 10 °C/min and sintering temperature of 1100 °C, the properties, pH value and leaching toxicity of sintered bricks meet the requirements of Chinese standard brick MU15. XRD and SEM analyses showed that with the increase of the sintering temperature, new albite and amphibole phases were formed in the structure, and quartz and other silicate minerals melted to form a liquid phase, making the structure more compact and the performance better. The research results provide a reference for the comprehensive utilization of polyaluminum chloride slag.
Exploring Effective Bio-Cover Materials for Mitigating Methane Emission at a Tropical Landfill
Authors: Chan Rathborey , Chiemchaisri Wilai , Chiemchaisri Chart
Published: February 2023

Methane emission and oxidation in different bio-cover materials, i.e., sandy loam, compost, and stabilized wastes, were investigated at a municipal solid waste landfill in Thailand. The bio-cover was purged with extracted landfill gas while methane reduction through biological oxidation was studied. The moisture content in bio-cover materials was maintained with natural rainwater during the wet period and leachate irrigation during the dry period. Methane emissions were found to vary between media and were influenced by rainfall. The methane loading rates of the bio-cover varied from 8.2–20.3 mol/m3/d, being higher during the dry period. Methane removal rates at the bottom part of the biofilter (0.4–0.6 m depth), the most active zone, were found to be from 6.4–10.9 and 7.8–11.4 mol/m3/d during wet and dry periods. The highest methane removals were found in the lower part of sandy loam, followed sequentially by compost and stabilized wastes. Nevertheless, compost had the highest methane oxidation capacities and greater methanotroph population compared to sandy loam and stabilized wastes. Methanotroph type I was found to predominate during the dry period, whereas methanotroph type II was predominant during the wet period.
Calculation Method of the Finite Soil Pressure for a New Foundation Pit Adjacent to an Existing Subway Station
Authors: Zhang Zhenbo , Zhou Jiadi , Xu Fei , Liu Zhichun , Sun Minglei
Published: February 2023

The study aimed at the simple prediction problem of finite soil pressure for a new foundation pit adjacent to an existing subway station. Failure modes of the finite soil were proposed. Considering the friction between the soil and the structural interface, the formulas for calculating the finite soil pressure were derived with the horizontal differential element method, and the distribution was discussed. Furthermore, a simple calculation method for the resultant force of the finite soil pressure and the height of the action point was proposed with the principle of area equivalence. With the example and model tests, the rationality of the above method was verified. The influences of parameters on the resultant force of the soil pressure and the relative height of the resultant force were analyzed. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The finite soil pressure has a nonlinear distribution and is lower than the conventional soil pressure. (2) Compared with other existing methods and model test results, the proposed finite soil pressure calculation method and simplified method are rational. (3) The finite soil pressure increases with the ground overload and soil weight and decreases with the internal friction angle and the structure-soil friction angle. (4) The relative height of the resultant force of the finite soil pressure increases with the structure-soil friction angle and decreases with the internal friction angle. (5) The proximity and covering soil thickness of the existing subway station have a lesser influence on the finite soil pressure, whereas the internal friction angle, weight, structure-soil friction angle and ground overload have a greater influence on the finite soil pressure. (6) The structure-soil friction angle has a greater influence on the height of the action point. The height of the resultant force is one-third of the enclosure structure depth if the structure-soil friction angle is 0.
A Fast Algorithm for the Eigenvalue Bounds of a Class of Symmetric Tridiagonal Interval Matrices
Authors: Yuan Quan , Yang Zhixin
Published: February 2023

The eigenvalue bounds of interval matrices are often required in some mechanical and engineering fields. In this paper, we improve the theoretical results presented in a previous paper “A property of eigenvalue bounds for a class of symmetric tridiagonal interval matrices” and provide a fast algorithm to find the upper and lower bounds of the interval eigenvalues of a class of symmetric tridiagonal interval matrices.
Deciphering Microbiota of Acute Upper Respiratory Infections: A Comparative Analysis of PCR and mNGS Methods for Lower Respiratory Trafficking Potential
Authors: Almas Sadia , Carpenter Rob E. , Singh Anuradha , Rowan Chase , Tamrakar Vaibhav K. , Sharma Rahul
Published: February 2023

Although it is clinically important for acute respiratory tract (co)infections to have a rapid and accurate diagnosis, it is critical that respiratory medicine understands the advantages of current laboratory methods. In this study, we tested nasopharyngeal samples (n = 29) with a commercially available PCR assay and compared the results with those of a hybridization-capture-based mNGS workflow. Detection criteria for positive PCR samples was Ct < 35 and for mNGS samples it was >40% target coverage, median depth of 1X and RPKM > 10. A high degree of concordance (98.33% PPA and 100% NPA) was recorded. However, mNGS yielded positively 29 additional microorganisms (23 bacteria, 4 viruses, and 2 fungi) beyond PCR. We then characterized the microorganisms of each method into three phenotypic categories using the IDbyDNA Explify® Platform (Illumina® Inc, San Diego, CA, USA) for consideration of infectivity and trafficking potential to the lower respiratory region. The findings are significant for providing a comprehensive yet clinically relevant microbiology profile of acute upper respiratory infection, especially important in immunocompromised or immunocompetent with comorbidity respiratory cases or where traditional syndromic approaches fail to identify pathogenicity. Accordingly, this technology can be used to supplement current syndrome-based tests, and data can quickly and effectively be phenotypically characterized for trafficking potential, clinical (co)infection, and comorbid consideration—with promise to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Composition and Concentration of the Biogenic Components of the Aerosols Collected over Vasyugan Marshes and Karakan Pine Forest at Altitudes from 500 to 7000 m
Authors: Andreeva Irina S. , Safatov Aleksandr S. , Morozova Vera V. , Solovyanova Nadezhda A. , Puchkova Larisa I. , Buryak Galina A. , Olkin Sergei E. , Reznikova Irina K. , Emelyanova Elena K. , Okhlopkova Olesya V. , Simonenkov Denis V. , Belan Boris D.
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to compare the concentration of total protein, as well as the composition and abundance of culturable microorganisms in atmospheric aerosols collected over the Vasyugan marshes and the Karakan pine forest during a flight in September 2018 at altitudes from 500 to 7000 m. The determined concentrations of total protein in Karakan samples were on average much less than those for the same area in September of other years. The concentration and composition of microorganisms in aerosol samples were determined by cultural methods and isolate genotyping. Altitude dependences of concentrations of total protein and culturable microorganisms were revealed. A rather stable altitude profile of culturable microorganism concentration was found over the Vasyugan marshes. No microorganisms were found at altitudes 4000 and 5500 m over the Karakan pine forest. Non-spore-bearing and spore-forming bacteria, as well as molds and yeast-like fungi, were isolated from aerosol samples. A high concentration of cosmopolitan psychrotolerant yeast Aureobasidium, capable of causing severe mycoses, and opportunistic bacteria Acinetobacter were found. A great similarity of composition and an atypically high abundance of non-spore-bearing bacteria and psychrotolerant yeast-like fungi were revealed in samples taken at altitudes of 1000 and 500 m in both studied regions, which may be a consequence of large-scale horizontal transport of layers of atmospheric air contaminated with microorganisms.
Battery Internal Temperature Measurement Using LC Resonant Tank for Battery Management Systems
Authors: Simatupang Desmon , Benshatti Abdulraouf , Park Sung-Yeul
Published: February 2023

This paper suggests an embedded battery impedance measurement based on an Inductor Capacitor (LC) resonant tank to measure the battery’s internal temperature for battery management systems (BMS). The purpose of the BMS is to provide state-of-charge (SoC) balancing and the preheating mechanism at sub-zero temperatures. Battery Impedance Spectroscopy (BIS) for battery internal temperature measurement is achieved by an LC resonant tank connected to the batteries in parallel to induce created resonant current and voltage into the battery. The peaks of the voltage and current waveforms are measured and recorded. Then, the resistance of the battery can be calculated by comparing the peak voltage and current waveforms. Since the resistance of the battery is affected by the battery’s internal temperature, the internal temperature of the battery can be estimated. The benefit of using the LC tank for the battery’s internal temperature is to reduce data processing since no window and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is needed for this method. In addition, the proposed method measures the battery’s internal temperature without any internal or external temperature sensor. Power Simulation (PSIM) simulation software is used in this proposed method. Panasonic batteries 18650 and a dSPACE DS1104 are used for the experiment to verify the proposed method. The proposed method shows that the LC resonant tank can measure three batteries B1, B2, and B3 internal resistance with 17.87%, 18.14%, and 17.73% errors compared to the Frequency Response Analyzer (FRA). In addition, the total time needed for balancing is 400 s, and the total energy consumed by the preheating mechanism is 0.214%/°C to preheat the lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) from −5 °C to 10 °C.
Review and Stress Analysis on the Lithiation Onset of Amorphous Silicon Films
Authors: Zhang Kai , Hüger Erwin , Li Yong , Schmidt Harald , Yang Fuqian
Published: February 2023

This work aims to review and understand the behavior of the electrochemical lithiation onset of amorphous silicon (a-Si) films as electrochemically active material for new generation lithium-ion batteries. The article includes (i) a review on the lithiation onset of silicon films and (ii) a mechanochemical model with numerical results on the depth-resolved mechanical stress during the lithiation onset of silicon films. Recent experimental studies have revealed that the electrochemical lithiation onset of a-Si films involves the formation of a Li-poor phase (Li0.3Si alloy) and the propagation of a reaction front in the films. The literature review performed reveals peculiarities in the lithiation onset of a-Si films, such as (i) the build-up of the highest mechanical stress (up to 1.2 GPa) during lithiation, (ii) a linear increase in the mechanical stress with lithiation which mimics the characteristics of linear elastic deformation, (iii) only a minute volume increase during Li incorporation, which is lower than expected from the number of Li ions entering the silicon electrode, (iv) the largest heat generation appearing during cycling with only a minor degree of parasitic heat contribution, and (v) an unexpected enhanced brittleness. The literature review points to the important role of mechanical stresses in the formation of the Li-poor phase and the propagation of the reaction front. Consequently, a mechanochemical model consisting of two stages for the lithiation onset of a-Si film is developed. The numerical results calculated from the mechanochemical model are in good accord with the corresponding experimental data for the variations in the volumetric change with state of charge and for the moving speed of the reaction front for the lithiation of an a-Si film of 230 nm thickness under a total C-rate of C/18. An increase in the total C-rate increases the moving speed of the reaction front, and a Li-rich phase is likely formed prior to the end of the growth of the Li-poor phase at a high total C-rate. The stress-induced phase formation of the Li-poor phase likely occurs during the lithiation onset of silicon electrodes in lithium-ion battery.
Critical Analysis of Simulation of Misalignment in Wireless Charging of Electric Vehicles Batteries
Authors: Ghazizadeh Saeid , Ahmed Kafeel , Seyedmahmoudian Mehdi , Mekhilef Saad , Chandran Jaideep , Stojcevski Alex
Published: February 2023

The transition from conventional to electric transportation has become inevitable in recent years owing to the significant impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on energy sustainability, reduction of global warming and carbon emission reduction. Despite the rapidly growing global adoption of EVs in today’s electrical and transportation networks, energy storage in EVs, particularly in regards to bulky size and charging process, still remains a major bottleneck. As a result, wireless charging of EVs via inductively coupled power transfer (ICPT) through coupled coils is becoming a promising solution. However, the efficiency of charging EV batteries via wireless charging is hugely affected by misalignment between the primary and secondary coils. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of various key factors affecting the efficiency of EV battery charging. Finite element analysis (FEA) using Ansys Maxwell® is performed on commonly used coil designs such as circular and rectangular coils under various misalignment conditions. In addition, various reactive power compensation topologies applied in ICPT are investigated and the behavior of each topology is observed in simulation. It is revealed that circular structures with S–S compensation topology show more robustness in misalignment conditions and maintain the desired efficiency for a wider range of displacement. A critical analysis of coil designs, compensation techniques and the combination of both factors is accomplished and conclusions are presented.
Controllable Preparation to Boost High Performance of Nanotubular SiO2@C as Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Shi Chaoyun , Chen Jingbo , Guo Tong , Luo Guiyang , Shi Huili , Shi Zixu , Qin Guoqiang , Zhang Long , He Xiangming
Published: February 2023

Due to poor electrical conductivity and significant volume change during the lithiation/delithiation process, the application of silica anode materials for lithium-ion batteries is severely limited. Here, SiO2 nanotubes with a uniform and complete carbon layer were prepared employing ZnO nanorods as templates. The controllable wall thickness of SiO2 nanotubes is about 11 nm, and the thinner wall reduces the lithium-ion diffusion distance and boosts performance. The uniform and complete carbon layer leads to a perfect dispersity of SiO2 nanotubes, enhances the overall electrical conductivity, and also buffers the mechanical stresses caused by volume change, which helps to exhibit high specific capacity and a long cycle life. The nanotubular SiO2@C composite reveals a high discharge specific capacity of about 526.3 mAh g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 after 500 cycles without significant capacity fade. In addition, it demonstrates excellent rate performance, which can maintain above 420 mAh g−1 even at a current density of 5 A g−1. The strategy may be adopted to prepare other anode materials as well.
Selenium Bio-Nanocomposite Based on Alteromonas macleodii Mo169 Exopolysaccharide: Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Concórdio-Reis Patrícia , Macedo Ana Catarina , Cardeira Martim , Moppert Xavier , Guézennec Jean , Sevrin Chantal , Grandfils Christian , Serra Ana Teresa , Freitas Filomena
Published: February 2023

In this study, the novel exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by the marine bacterium Alteromonas macleodii Mo 169 was used as a stabilizer and capping agent in the preparation of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). The synthesized nanoparticles were well dispersed and spherical with an average particle size of 32 nm. The cytotoxicity of the EPS and the EPS/SeNPs bio-nanocomposite was investigated on human keratinocyte (HaCaT) and fibroblast (CCD-1079Sk) cell lines. No cytotoxicity was found for the EPS alone for concentrations up to 1 g L−1. A cytotoxic effect was only noticed for the bio-nanocomposite at the highest concentrations tested (0.5 and 1 g L−1). In vitro experiments demonstrated that non-cytotoxic concentrations of the EPS/SeNPs bio-nanocomposite had a significant cellular antioxidant effect on the HaCaT cell line by reducing ROS levels up to 33.8%. These findings demonstrated that the A. macleodii Mo 169 EPS can be efficiently used as a stabilizer and surface coating to produce a SeNP-based bio-nanocomposite with improved antioxidant activity.
Advances in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis: From Preclinical and Clinical Perspectives
Authors: Lv Zehui , Cai Xuejie , Bian Yixin , Wei Zhanqi , Zhu Wei , Zhao Xiuli , Weng Xisheng
Published: February 2023

The prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative disorder of joints, has substantially increased in recent years. Its key pathogenic hallmarks include articular cartilage destruction, synovium inflammation, and bone remodeling. However, treatment outcomes are unsatisfactory. Until recently, common therapy methods, such as analgesic and anti-inflammatory treatments, were aimed to treat symptoms that cannot be radically cured. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), i.e., mesoderm non-hematopoietic cells separated from bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord blood, etc., have been intensively explored as an emerging technique for the treatment of OA over the last few decades. According to existing research, MSCs may limit cartilage degradation in OA by interfering with cellular immunity and secreting a number of active chemicals. This study aimed to examine the potential mechanism of MSCs in the treatment of OA and conduct a thorough review of both preclinical and clinical data.
The Medium Obtained from the Culture of Hodgkin Lymphoma Cells Affects the Biophysical Characteristics of a Fibroblast Cell Model
Authors: Rossi Maura , Alviano Francesco , Myrtaj Barie , Zia Silvia , Righi Simona , Pizzuti Valeria , Paris Francesca , Roda Barbara , Zattoni Andrea , Bonsi Laura , Sabattini Elena , Agostinelli Claudio
Published: February 2023

The neoplastic Hodgkin-Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) represent only 1–10% of cells and are surrounded by an inflammatory microenvironment. The HL cytokine network is a key point for the proliferation of HRS cells and for the maintenance of an advantageous microenvironment for HRS survival. In the tumor microenvironment (TME), the fibroblasts are involved in crosstalk with HRS cells. The aim of this work was to study the effect of lymphoma cell conditioned medium on a fibroblast cell population and evaluate modifications of cell morphology and proliferation. Hodgkin lymphoma-derived medium was used to obtain a population of “conditioned” fibroblasts (WS-1 COND). Differences in biophysical parameters were detected by the innovative device Celector®. Fibroblast-HL cells interactions were reproduced in 3D co-culture spheroids. WS-1 COND showed a different cellular morphology with an enlarged cytoplasm and enhanced metabolism. Area and diameter cell values obtained by Celector® measurement were increased. Co-culture spheroids created with WS-1 COND showed a tighter aggregation than those with non-conditioned WS-1. The presence of soluble factors derived from HRS cells in the conditioned medium was adequate for the proliferation of fibroblasts and conditioned fibroblasts in a 3D HL model allowed to develop a representative model of the in vivo TME.
COVID-19 Detection by Means of ECG, Voice, and X-ray Computerized Systems: A Review
Authors: Ribeiro Pedro , Marques João Alexandre Lobo , Rodrigues Pedro Miguel
Published: February 2023

Since the beginning of 2020, Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) has attracted the attention of the World Health Organization (WHO). This paper looks into the infection mechanism, patient symptoms, and laboratory diagnosis, followed by an extensive assessment of different technologies and computerized models (based on Electrocardiographic signals (ECG), Voice, and X-ray techniques) proposed as a diagnostic tool for the accurate detection of COVID-19. The found papers showed high accuracy rate results, ranging between 85.70% and 100%, and F1-Scores from 89.52% to 100%. With this state-of-the-art, we concluded that the models proposed for the detection of COVID-19 already have significant results, but the area still has room for improvement, given the vast symptomatology and the better comprehension of individuals’ evolution of the disease.
Ageing-Induced Decline in Primary Myeloid Cell Phagocytosis Is Unaffected by Optineurin Insufficiency
Authors: Peradinovic Josip , Mohovic Nikolina , Bulic Katarina , Markovinovic Andrea , Cimbro Raffaello , Munitic Ivana
Published: February 2023

Optineurin is a ubiquitin-binding adaptor protein involved in multiple cellular processes, including innate inflammatory signalling. Mutations in optineurin were found in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, an adult-onset fatal neurodegenerative disease that targets motor neurons. Neurodegeneration results in generation of neuronal debris, which is primarily cleared by myeloid cells. To assess the role of optineurin in phagocytosis, we performed a flow cytometry-based phagocytic assay of apoptotic neuronal debris and E. coli bioparticles in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), and primary neonatal microglia from wild-type (WT) and optineurin-insufficient (Optn470T) mice. We found no difference in phagocytosis efficiency and the accompanying cytokine secretion in WT and Optn470T BMDMs and microglia. This was true at both steady state and upon proinflammatory polarization with lipopolysaccharide. When we analysed the effect of ageing as a major risk factor for neurodegeneration, we found a substantial decrease in the percentage of phagocytic cells and proinflammatory cytokine secretion in BMDMs from 2-year-old mice. However, this ageing-induced phagocytic decline was unaffected by optineurin insufficiency. All together, these results indicate that ageing is the factor that perturbs normal phagocytosis and proinflammatory cytokine secretion, but that optineurin is dispensable for these processes.
Characterization of Potato Tuber Tissues Using Spatialized MRI T2 Relaxometry
Authors: Collewet Guylaine , Moussaoui Saïd , Quellec Stephane , Hajjar Ghina , Leport Laurent , Musse Maja
Published: February 2023

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a powerful non-destructive tool in the study of plant tissues. For potato tubers, it greatly assists the study of tissue defects and tissue evolution during storage. This paper describes the MRI analysis of potato tubers with internal defects in their flesh tissue at eight sampling dates from 14 to 33 weeks after harvest. Spatialized multi-exponential relaxometry was used to generate bi-exponential maps, coupled with a classification scheme to identify the different homogeneous zones within the tubers. Six classes with statistically different relaxation parameters were identified at each sampling date, allowing the defects and the pith and cortex tissues to be detected. A further distinction could be made between three constitutive elements within the flesh, revealing the heterogeneity of this particular tissue. Relaxation parameters for each class and their evolution during storage were successfully analyzed. The work demonstrated the value of MRI for detailed non-invasive plant tissue characterization.
TSLP and HMGB1: Inflammatory Targets and Potential Biomarkers for Precision Medicine in Asthma and COPD
Authors: Furci Fabiana , Murdaca Giuseppe , Pelaia Corrado , Imbalzano Egidio , Pelaia Girolamo , Caminati Marco , Allegra Alessandro , Senna Gianenrico , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: February 2023

The airway epithelium, through pattern recognition receptors expressed transmembrane or intracellularly, acts as a first line of defense for the lungs against many environmental triggers. It is involved in the release of alarmin cytokines, which are important mediators of inflammation, with receptors widely expressed in structural cells as well as innate and adaptive immune cells. Knowledge of the role of epithelial cells in orchestrating the immune response and mediating the clearance of invading pathogens and dead/damaged cells to facilitate resolution of inflammation is necessary to understand how, in many chronic lung diseases, there is a persistent inflammatory response that becomes the basis of underlying pathogenesis. This review will focus on the role of pulmonary epithelial cells and of airway epithelial cell alarmins, in particular thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), as key mediators in driving the inflammation of chronic lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), evaluating the similarities and differences. Moreover, emerging concepts regarding the therapeutic role of molecules that act on airway epithelial cell alarmins will be explored for a precision medicine approach in the context of pulmonary diseases, thus allowing the use of these molecules as possible predictive biomarkers of clinical and biological response.
Air Pollution as a Risk Indicator for Periodontitis
Authors: Marruganti Crystal , Shin Hye-Sun , Sim Seon-Ju , Grandini Simone , Laforí Andreina , Romandini Mario
Published: February 2023

Background: Air pollutants can influence local and systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and microbiome composition. Therefore, air pollution may potentially represent an unexplored modifiable risk indicator for periodontitis. The aim of the current cross-sectional study was to investigate the epidemiological association between outdoor air pollution and periodontitis in a representative sample of the South Korean population. Methods: A total of 42,020 individuals, which were representative of 35.2 million South Koreans, were examined. The mean annual levels of particulate matter of 10 μm (PM10), ozone, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and humidity, were studied. Periodontitis was defined according to the Community Periodontal Index (CPI ≥ 3). Simple and multiple regression analyses using four different models were applied. Results: Every 5-μg/m3 increase in PM10 (OR = 1.17; 95% confidence interval—CI: 1.11–1.24) and of 0.005 ppm in ozone levels (OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.00–1.30) were positively associated with periodontitis prevalence. Conversely, every 5% increase in humidity (OR = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.90–0.99) and 0.003 ppm increase in NO2 levels (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.89–0.96) were inversely associated with periodontitis occurrence. Conclusions: In this nationally representative population several air pollutants were found to be associated with periodontitis occurrence. Hence, the present results suggest that air pollution may be a new modifiable risk indicator for periodontitis.
Vertical Vibration of Mouse Osteoblasts Promotes Cellular Differentiation and Cell Cycle Progression and Induces Aging In Vitro
Authors: Choi Daehwan , Ishii Takenobu , Ishikawa Munetada , Ootake Tomohisa , Kamei Hirokazu , Nagai Kohei , Sueishi Kenji
Published: February 2023

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the vibration of osteoblasts on the cell cycle, cell differentiation, and aging. Materials and Methods: Primary maxilla osteoblasts harvested from eight-week-old mice were subjected to vibration at 3, 30, and 300 Hz once daily for 30 min; control group, 0 Hz. A cell proliferation assay and Cell-Clock Cell Cycle Assay were performed 24 h after vibration. Osteoblast differentiation assay, aging marker genes, SA-β-Gal activity, and telomere length (qPCR) were assayed two weeks post- vibration once every two days. Results: Cell proliferation increased significantly at 30 and 300 Hz rather than 0 Hz. Several cells were in the late G2/M stage of the cell cycle at 30 Hz. The osteoblast differentiation assay was significantly higher at 30 Hz than at 0 Hz. Runx2 mRNA was downregulated at 30 Hz compared to that at 0 Hz, while osteopontin, osteocalcin, and sclerostin mRNA were upregulated. p53/p21, p16, and c-fos were activated at 30 Hz. SA-β-Gal activity increased significantly at 30 or 300 Hz. Telomere length was significantly lower at 30 or 300 Hz. Conclusions: The results suggest that providing optimal vibration to osteoblasts promotes cell cycle progression and differentiation and induces cell aging.
Effect of Lifestyle Interventions during Pregnancy on Maternal Leptin, Resistin and Offspring Weight at Birth and One Year of Life
Authors: Ferrari Nina , Schmidt Nikola , Schmidt Lisa , Merz Waltraut M. , Brockmeier Konrad , Dötsch Jörg , Bae-Gartz Inga , Mahabir Esther , Joisten Christine
Published: February 2023

Lifestyle during pregnancy impacts the health of the mother and child. However, the extent to which physical activity affects maternal biomarkers and factors that might influence birth weight remains unclear. We analysed data from two lifestyle interventions in which the effects of an exercise programme (2x/week, 60–90 min) on the course of pregnancy with regard to adipokines and offspring were evaluated. A total of 70 women participated in this study (45, intervention group; 25, control group). Anthropometric data and maternal fasting serum leptin and resistin levels were measured at three time points (approximately 14th (T1), 24th (T2), and 36th (T3) weeks of gestation). Neonatal/child data were retrieved from screening examinations. Independent of the intervention, we found a positive correlation between the fat mass at T1 and both leptin and resistin levels at all time points. Leptin level was significantly higher in the control group at T3; however, no differences between the groups were found for resistin. The birth weight was influenced by the birth length, fat mass at T1/T3, and resistin level at T2. The BMI-SDS at one year of age was influenced by maternal fat-free mass at T3 and resistin at T1/T2. Even if these results can only be interpreted cautiously, lifestyle interventions during pregnancy are important in promoting maternal and child health. Further randomised controlled trials and translational studies are warranted to clarify the underlying mechanisms.
Prognostic Relevance of Multi-Antigenic Myeloma-Specific T-Cell Assay in Patients with Monoclonal Gammopathies
Authors: Lagreca Ivana , Nasillo Vincenzo , Barozzi Patrizia , Castelli Ilaria , Basso Sabrina , Castellano Sara , Paolini Ambra , Maccaferri Monica , Colaci Elisabetta , Vallerini Daniela , Natali Patrizia , Debbia Daria , Pirotti Tommaso , Ottomano Anna Maria , Maffei Rossana , Bettelli Francesca , Giusti Davide , Messerotti Andrea , Gilioli Andrea , Pioli Valeria , Leonardi Giovanna , Forghieri Fabio , Bresciani Paola , Cuoghi Angela , Morselli Monica , Manfredini Rossella , Longo Giuseppe , Candoni Anna , Marasca Roberto , Potenza Leonardo , Tagliafico Enrico , Trenti Tommaso , Comoli Patrizia , Luppi Mario , Riva Giovanni
Published: February 2023

Multiple Myeloma (MM) typically originates from underlying precursor conditions, known as Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) and Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM). Validated risk factors, related to the main features of the clonal plasma cells, are employed in the current prognostic models to assess long-term probabilities of progression to MM. In addition, new prognostic immunologic parameters, measuring protective MM-specific T-cell responses, could help to identify patients with shorter time-to-progression. In this report, we described a novel Multi-antigenic Myeloma-specific (MaMs) T-cell assay, based on ELISpot technology, providing simultaneous evaluation of T-cell responses towards ten different MM-associated antigens. When performed during long-term follow-up (mean 28 months) of 33 patients with either MGUS or SMM, such deca-antigenic myeloma-specific immunoassay allowed to significantly distinguish between stable vs. progressive disease (p < 0.001), independently from the Mayo Clinic risk category. Here, we report the first clinical experience showing that a wide (multi-antigen), standardized (irrespective to patients’ HLA), MM-specific T-cell assay may routinely be applied, as a promising prognostic tool, during the follow-up of MGUS/SMM patients. Larger studies are needed to improve the antigenic panel and further explore the prognostic value of MaMs test in the risk assessment of patients with monoclonal gammopathies.
Characterization of a PBAT Degradation Carboxylesterase from Thermobacillus composti KWC4
Authors: Wu Pan , Li Zhishuai , Gao Jian , Zhao Yipei , Wang Hao , Qin Huimin , Gu Qun , Wei Ren , Liu Weidong , Han Xu
Published: February 2023

The large amount of waste synthetic polyester plastics has complicated waste management and also endangering the environment due to improper littering. In this study, a novel carboxylesterase from Thermobacillus composti KWC4 (Tcca) was identified, heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and characterized with various plastic substrates. Irregular grooves were detected on polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) film by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after Tcca treatment, and Tcca can also hydrolyze short–chain diester bis(hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). The optimal pH and temperature for Tcca were 7.0 and 40 °C, respectively. In order to explore its catalytic mechanism and improve its potential for plastic hydrolysis, we modeled the protein structure of Tcca and compared it with its homologous structures, and we identified positions that might be crucial for the binding of substrates. We generated a variety of Tcca variants by mutating these key positions; the variant F325A exhibited a more than 1.4–fold improvement in PBAT hydrolytic activity, and E80A exhibited a more than 4.1–fold increase in BHET activity when compared to the wild type. Tcca and its variants demonstrated future applicability for the recycling of bioplastic waste containing a PBAT fraction.
Active Sites in H-Mordenite Catalysts Probed by NMR and FTIR
Authors: Shelyapina Marina G. , Krylova Ekaterina A. , Mazur Anton S. , Tsyganenko Alexey A. , Shergin Yaroslav V. , Satikova Elizaveta A. , Petranovskii Vitalii
Published: February 2023

Mordenites are widely used in catalysis and environmental protection. The catalytic properties of mordenite are largely determined by the composition of its crystal framework, i.e., the SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio (MR), and the cationic form. In H-mordenites, the most important characteristic becomes the structure and distribution of acid sites, which depends on the number and distribution of Al tetrahedra in the framework. In the present work, the local structure of these centers in H-mordenite catalysts with a nominal MR varied from 9.9 to 19.8 was studied in detail using a combination of magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). 27Al MAS NMR indicates the presence of extra-framework Al in most of the studied samples that results in a higher real MR of the zeolitic framework compared to the nominal value. Concentrations of Lewis and Brønsted acid sites, as well as of silanol groups were estimated by elemental analysis, NMR, and FTIR spectroscopy. The values of site concentrations obtained from band intensities of adsorbed CO and those of OH groups are compared with the amount of framework and extra-framework aluminum. The advantages and restrictions of different methods of active site characterization are discussed.