bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Spatial-Resolution Benchtop X-ray Fluorescence Imaging through Bragg-Diffraction-Based Focusing with Bent Mosaic Graphite Crystals: A Simulation Study
Authors: Kumar Kunal , Fachet Melanie , Hoeschen Christoph
Published: April 2024

X-ray fluorescence imaging (XFI) can localize diagnostic or theranostic entities utilizing nanoparticle (NP)-based probes at high resolution in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo. However, small-animal benchtop XFI systems demonstrating high spatial resolution (variable from sub-millimeter to millimeter range) in vivo are still limited to lighter elements (i.e., atomic number Z≤45). This study investigates the feasibility of focusing hard X-rays from solid-target tubes using ellipsoidal lens systems composed of mosaic graphite crystals with the aim of enabling high-resolution in vivo XFI applications with mid-Z (42≤Z≤64) elements. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to characterize the proposed focusing-optics concept and provide quantitative predictions of the XFI sensitivity, in silico tumor-bearing mice models loaded with palladium (Pd) and barium (Ba) NPs. Based on simulation results, the minimum detectable total mass of PdNPs per scan position is expected to be on the order of a few hundred nanograms under in vivo conform conditions. PdNP masses as low as 150 ng to 50 ng could be detectable with a resolution of 600 μm when imaging abdominal tumor lesions across a range of low-dose (0.8 μGy) to high-dose (8 μGy) exposure scenarios. The proposed focusing-optics concept presents a potential step toward realizing XFI with conventional X-ray tubes for high-resolution applications involving interesting NP formulations.
Unlocking Preclinical Alzheimer’s: A Multi-Year Label-Free In Vitro Raman Spectroscopy Study Empowered by Chemometrics
Authors: Lopez Eneko , Etxebarria-Elezgarai Jaione , García-Sebastián Maite , Altuna Miren , Ecay-Torres Mirian , Estanga Ainara , Tainta Mikel , López Carolina , Martínez-Lage Pablo , Amigo Jose Manuel , Seifert Andreas
Published: April 2024

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, the early detection of which is crucial for timely intervention and enrollment in clinical trials. However, the preclinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s encounters difficulties with gold-standard methods. The current definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s still relies on expensive instrumentation and post-mortem histological examinations. Here, we explore label-free Raman spectroscopy with machine learning as an alternative to preclinical Alzheimer’s diagnosis. A special feature of this study is the inclusion of patient samples from different cohorts, sampled and measured in different years. To develop reliable classification models, partial least squares discriminant analysis in combination with variable selection methods identified discriminative molecules, including nucleic acids, amino acids, proteins, and carbohydrates such as taurine/hypotaurine and guanine, when applied to Raman spectra taken from dried samples of cerebrospinal fluid. The robustness of the model is remarkable, as the discriminative molecules could be identified in different cohorts and years. A unified model notably classifies preclinical Alzheimer’s, which is particularly surprising because of Raman spectroscopy’s high sensitivity regarding different measurement conditions. The presented results demonstrate the capability of Raman spectroscopy to detect preclinical Alzheimer’s disease for the first time and offer invaluable opportunities for future clinical applications and diagnostic methods.
A Wooden Carbon-Based Photocatalyst for Water Treatment
Authors: Zhang Chang , Ge-Zhang Shangjie , Wang Yudong , Mu Hongbo
Published: April 2024

Due to a large number of harmful chemicals flowing into the water source in production and life, the water quality deteriorates, and the use value of water is reduced or lost. Biochar has a strong physical adsorption effect, but it can only separate pollutants from water and cannot eliminate pollutants fundamentally. Photocatalytic degradation technology using photocatalysts uses chemical methods to degrade or mineralize organic pollutants, but it is difficult to recover and reuse. Woody biomass has the advantages of huge reserves, convenient access and a low price. Processing woody biomass into biochar and then combining it with photocatalysts has played a complementary role. In this paper, the shortcomings of a photocatalyst and biochar in water treatment are introduced, respectively, and the advantages of a woody biochar-based photocatalyst made by combining them are summarized. The preparation and assembly methods of the woody biochar-based photocatalyst starting from the preparation of biochar are listed, and the water treatment efficiency of the woody biochar-based photocatalyst using different photocatalysts is listed. Finally, the future development of the woody biochar-based photocatalyst is summarized and prospected.
Wilson Disease: Copper-Mediated Cuproptosis, Iron-Related Ferroptosis, and Clinical Highlights, with Comprehensive and Critical Analysis Update
Authors: Teschke Rolf , Eickhoff Axel
Published: April 2024

Wilson disease is a genetic disorder of the liver characterized by excess accumulation of copper, which is found ubiquitously on earth and normally enters the human body in small amounts via the food chain. Many interesting disease details were published on the mechanistic steps, such as the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cuproptosis causing a copper dependent cell death. In the liver of patients with Wilson disease, also, increased iron deposits were found that may lead to iron-related ferroptosis responsible for phospholipid peroxidation within membranes of subcellular organelles. All topics are covered in this review article, in addition to the diagnostic and therapeutic issues of Wilson disease. Excess Cu2+ primarily leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as evidenced by early experimental studies exemplified with the detection of hydroxyl radical formation using the electron spin resonance (ESR) spin-trapping method. The generation of ROS products follows the principles of the Haber–Weiss reaction and the subsequent Fenton reaction leading to copper-related cuproptosis, and is thereby closely connected with ROS. Copper accumulation in the liver is due to impaired biliary excretion of copper caused by the inheritable malfunctioning or missing ATP7B protein. As a result, disturbed cellular homeostasis of copper prevails within the liver. Released from the liver cells due to limited storage capacity, the toxic copper enters the circulation and arrives at other organs, causing local accumulation and cell injury. This explains why copper injures not only the liver, but also the brain, kidneys, eyes, heart, muscles, and bones, explaining the multifaceted clinical features of Wilson disease. Among these are depression, psychosis, dysarthria, ataxia, writing problems, dysphagia, renal tubular dysfunction, Kayser–Fleischer corneal rings, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmias, rhabdomyolysis, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, arthritis, and arthralgia. In addition, Coombs-negative hemolytic anemia is a key feature of Wilson disease with undetectable serum haptoglobin. The modified Leipzig Scoring System helps diagnose Wilson disease. Patients with Wilson disease are well-treated first-line with copper chelators like D-penicillamine that facilitate the removal of circulating copper bound to albumin and increase in urinary copper excretion. Early chelation therapy improves prognosis. Liver transplantation is an option viewed as ultima ratio in end-stage liver disease with untreatable complications or acute liver failure. Liver transplantation finally may thus be a life-saving approach and curative treatment of the disease by replacing the hepatic gene mutation. In conclusion, Wilson disease is a multifaceted genetic disease representing a molecular and clinical challenge.
Ensemble Learning Approach for Developing Performance Models of Flexible Pavement
Authors: Taheri Ali , Sobanjo John
Published: April 2024

This research utilizes the Long-Term Pavement Performance database, focusing on devel-oping a predictive model for flexible pavement performance in the Southern United States. Analyzing 367 pavement sections, this study investigates crucial factors influencing asphaltic concrete (AC) pavement deterioration, such as structural and material components, air voids, compaction density, temperature at laydown, traffic load, precipitation, and freeze–thaw cycles. The objective of this study is to develop a predictive machine learning model for AC pavement wheel path cracking (WpCrAr) and the age at which cracking initiates (WpCrAr) as performance indicators. This study thoroughly investigated three ensemble machine learning models, including random forest, extremely randomized trees (ETR), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). It was observed that XGBoost, optimized using Bayesian methods, emerged as the most effective among the evaluated models, demonstrating good predictive accuracy, with an R2 of 0.79 for WpCrAr and 0.92 for AgeCrack and mean absolute errors of 1.07 and 0.74, respectively. The most important features influencing crack initiation and progression were identified, including equivalent single axle load (ESAL), pavement age, number of layers, precipitation, and freeze–thaw cycles. This paper also showed the impact of pavement material combinations for base and subgrade layers on the delay of crack initiation.
Immune-Related Gene Profiles and Differential Expression in the Grey Garden Slug Deroceras reticulatum Infected with the Parasitic Nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita
Authors: Hafeez Muhammad , Mc Donnell Rory , Colton Andrew , Howe Dana , Denver Dee , Martin Ruth C. , Choi Man-Yeon
Published: April 2024

The grey garden slug (Deroceras reticulatum), a common terrestrial slug native to Europe with a global distribution including North America, is commonly considered the most severe slug pest in agriculture. The nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita, which has been used in the U.K. and Europe as a commercial biocontrol agent since 1994, has also recently been collected in Oregon and California and has long been considered a candidate biocontrol agent for slug management in the U.S. In this study, we report differential gene expressions in nematode-infected slugs using RNA-seq to identify slug immune-related genes against nematodes. Comparison of gene expression levels between the whole bodies of a nematode-infected slug (N-S) and an uninfected control slug (C-S) revealed that there were a total of 39,380 regulated unigenes, of which 3084 (3%) were upregulated and 6761 (6%) were downregulated at greater than 2-fold change (FC > 2) in the nematode-infected slug. To further investigate the biological functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), gene ontology (GO) and functional enrichment analysis were performed to map the DEGs to terms in the GO, eukaryotic ortholog groups of proteins (KOG) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome Pathway (KEGG) databases. Among these DEGs, approximately 228 genes associated with immunity or immune-related pathways were upregulated 2-fold or more in the N-S compared to C-S. These genes include toll, Imd, JNK, scavenger receptors (SCRs), C-type lectins (CTLs), immunoglobulin-like domains, and JAK/STAT63 signaling pathways. From the RNA-seq results, we selected 18 genes and confirmed their expression levels by qRT-PCR. Our findings provide insights into the immune response of slugs during nematode infection. These studies provide fundamental information that will be valuable for the development of new methods of pest slug control using pathogenic nematodes in the field.
Two Nested Inversions in the X Chromosome Differentiate the Dominant Malaria Vectors in Europe, Anopheles atroparvus and Anopheles messeae
Authors: Soboleva Evgenia S. , Kirilenko Kirill M. , Fedorova Valentina S. , Kokhanenko Alina A. , Artemov Gleb N. , Sharakhov Igor V.
Published: April 2024

The Maculipennis subgroup of malaria mosquitoes includes both dominant malaria vectors and non-vectors in Eurasia. Understanding the genetic factors, particularly chromosomal inversions, that differentiate Anopheles species can provide valuable insights for vector control strategies. Although autosomal inversions between the species in this subgroup have been characterized based on the chromosomal banding patterns, the number and positions of rearrangements in the X chromosome remain unclear due to the divergent banding patterns. Here, we identified two large X chromosomal inversions, approximately 13 Mb and 10 Mb in size, using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The inversion breakpoint regions were mapped by hybridizing 53 gene markers with polytene chromosomes of An. messeae. The DNA probes were designed based on gene sequences from the annotated An. atroparvus genome. The two nested inversions resulted in five syntenic blocks. Only two small syntenic blocks, which encompass 181 annotated genes in the An. atroparvus genome, changed their position and orientation in the X chromosome. The analysis of the An. atroparvus genome revealed an enrichment of gene ontology terms associated with immune system and mating behavior in the rearranged syntenic blocks. Additionally, the enrichment of DNA transposons was found in sequences homologous to three of the four breakpoint regions. This study demonstrates the successful application of the physical genome mapping approach to identify rearrangements that differentiate species in insects with polytene chromosomes.
Detection and Analysis of Aircraft Composite Material Structures Using UAV
Authors: Liao Kuo-Chien , Liou Jian-Liang , Hidayat Muhamad , Wen Hung-Ta , Wu Hom-Yu
Published: April 2024

Pre-flight inspection and maintenance are essential prerequisites for aviation safety. This study focused on developing a real-time monitoring system designed to assess the condition of composite material structures on the exterior of aircraft. Implementing such a system can reduce operational costs, enhance flight safety, and increase aircraft availability. This study aims to detect defects in aircraft fuselages manufactured from composite materials by applying image visual recognition technology. This study integrated a drone and an infrared camera for real-time image transmission to ground stations. MATLAB image analysis software (MATLAB 2020b) was used to analyze infrared (IR) images and detect structural defects in the aircraft’s appearance. This methodology was based on the inspection of damaged engine cowlings. The developed approach compares composite material conditions with known defects before and after repair, considering mechanical performance, defect size, and strength. Simultaneously, tests were conducted on various composite material panels with unknown defects, yielding favorable results. This study underscores an integrated system offering rapid detection, real-time feedback, and analysis, effectively reducing time, and potential hazards associated with high-altitude operations. Furthermore, it addresses blind spots in aircraft inspections, contributing to effective flight safety maintenance.
Relative Contribution of Metabolic Syndrome Components in Relation to Obesity and Insulin Resistance in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Greere Daniela , Grigorescu Florin , Manda Dana , Voicu Gabriela , Lautier Corinne , Nitu Ileana , Poiana Catalina
Published: April 2024

Introduction. Osteoporosis (OP) affects 30% of postmenopausal women, often complicated by metabolic syndrome (MetS) with a still controversial role. We aimed to characterize MetS and its components in relation to bone mineral density (BMD), body mass index (BMI), and insulin resistance. Methods. Patients (n = 188) underwent DEXA scans, spine X-rays, and metabolic and hormonal investigations, including bone biomarkers, muscular strength, and physical performance tests, while insulin resistance was evaluated by the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR). Results. Patients with a normal BMD or osteopenia (n = 68) and with OP (n = 120) displayed 51.5% and 30.8% of MetS, but without differences in insulin resistance. When BMD was studied as a function of the cumulative MetS criteria and centiles of BMI, lower levels of BMD were observed beyond an inflection point of 27.2 kg/m2 for BMI, allowing for further stratification as lean and overweight/obese (OW/OB) subjects. In contrast with lean individuals (n = 74), in OW/OB patients (n = 46), MetS was associated with HbA1c (p < 0.0037, OR 9.6, 95% CI [1.64–55.6]) and insulin resistance (p < 0.0076, OR 6.7, 95% CI [1.49–30.8]) in the context where BMD values were lower than those predicted from BMI in non-OP subjects. In OP patients with fragility fractures (31% of MetS), glycemia also appeared to be the dominant factor for MetS (p < 0.0005, OR 4.1, 95% CI [1.63–10.39]). Conclusions. These data indicate a detrimental effect of insulin resistance in MetS on OP patients, while the prevalence of the syndrome depends on the proportion of obesity. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenic role of MetS and reveal the need to consider different strata of BMI and insulin resistance when studying postmenopausal OP.
Prostate Artery Embolization as Minimally Invasive Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: An Updated Systematic Review
Authors: Ini’ Corrado , Vasile Tiziana , Foti Pietro Valerio , Timpanaro Concetta , Castiglione Davide Giuseppe , Libra Federica , Falsaperla Daniele , Tiralongo Francesco , Giurazza Francesco , Mosconi Cristina , David Emanuele , Palmucci Stefano , Lavalle Salvatore , Venturini Massimo , Basile Antonio
Published: April 2024

Background/Objectives: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has a significant impact on the quality of life of symptomatic patients. In patients manifesting lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) has become a topic of interest in recent years. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze and review techniques and clinical outcomes of patients who underwent endovascular treatment of BPH, with a special focus on the comparison of surgical and endovascular procedures. Methods: Through the major scientific databases, 1225 articles were selected from the initial research utilizing specific keywords and medical subject headings. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria established for selecting relevant studies for our purposes, the systematic analysis of the literature was conducted on a total of seven articles. Results: We collected data on 718 male patients (408 patients underwent PAE and 310 received TURP). The technical success rate varied from 86% to 100% for TAE and was 100% for TURP. During a 12-month follow-up period, both PAE and TURP were comparable on the reduction in IPSS and QoL questionnaire, while TURP showed significant improvements in Qmax and in the reduction in prostate volume. Length and cost of hospitalization were lower for PAE. Complication and adverse events rates were higher in the TURP group rather than in the PAE group (60.6% vs. 35.5%). Conclusions: Prostatic artery embolization represents an emerging minimally invasive procedure for BPH. According to previously released clinical studies, quality-of-life and urological symptom scores of the PAE group were comparable to those of the TURP group. Our research strengthens the evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of PAE as a therapy for LUTS related to BPH.
Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Ventricular Function in Three Oncologic Therapeutic Modalities in Women with Breast Cancer: The ONCO-ECHO Multicenter Study
Authors: Gąsior Tomasz , Zaborska Beata , Stachowiak Paweł , Sikora-Frąc Małgorzata , Mizia-Stec Katarzyna , Kasprzak Jarosław , Bodys Artur , Bijoch Julia , Szmagała Adrianna , Kosior Dariusz A. , Płońska-Gościniak Edyta
Published: April 2024

Background: Oncological treatment of breast cancer may be associated with adverse effects on myocardial function. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the influence of three oncological treatment methods of intervention on the echocardiographic (ECHO) parameters of left ventricular function. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty-five women with breast cancer were divided into three groups depending on the type of therapy used: group I (AC)—anthracyclines; group II (AC + TZ)—anthracyclines + trastuzumab; and group III (RTls+)—anthracyclines with or without trastuzumab + left-sided radiotherapy. Prospective ECHO examinations were performed at baseline and every 3 months, up to 12 months from the start of the therapy. Patients with a history of chemotherapy or who were diagnosed with heart disease were not included in the study. Results: Out of 155 patients, 3 died due to cancer as the primary cause, and 12 withdrew their consent for further observation. Baseline systolic and diastolic ECHO parameters did not differ between the analyzed groups. Cardiotoxicity, according to the LVEF criteria, occurred during follow-up in 20 patients (14.3%), irrespective of the treatment method used. Diastolic echocardiographic parameters did not change significantly after 12 months in each group, except for the left atrial volume index (LAVi), which was significantly higher in the AC + TZ compared to the values in the RTls+ group. Conclusions: All three oncologic therapeutic modalities in women with breast cancer showed no significant differences in relation to the incidence of echocardiographic cardiotoxicity criterion; however, transient systolic decrease in LVEF was most frequently observed in the AC + TZ therapeutic regimen. Left-sided radiotherapy was not associated with excess left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction during a 12-month follow-up period. The predictors of negative changes in diastolic parameters included age and combined anthracycline and trastuzumab therapy.
Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy Performed with the Novel Hugo™ RAS System: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of Surgical, Oncological, and Functional Outcomes
Authors: Marino Filippo , Moretto Stefano , Rossi Francesco , Gandi Carlo , Gavi Filippo , Bientinesi Riccardo , Campetella Marco , Russo Pierluigi , Bizzarri Francesco Pio , Scarciglia Eros , Ragonese Mauro , Foschi Nazario , Totaro Angelo , Lentini Nicolò , Pastorino Roberta , Sacco Emilio
Published: April 2024

Background/Objectives: to assess surgical, oncological, and functional outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) performed using the novel Hugo™ RAS system. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases. Eligible papers included studies involving adult males undergoing RARP with the Hugo™ RAS platform, with at least ten patients analyzed. The pooled analysis was performed using a random-effect model. Results: Quantitative analysis was conducted on 12 studies including 579 patients. The pooled median docking time, console time, and operative time were 11 min (95% CI 7.95–14.50; I2 = 98.4%, ten studies), 142 min (95% CI 119.74–164.68; I2 = 96.5%, seven studies), and 176 min (95% CI 148.33–203.76; I2 = 96.3%, seven studies), respectively. The pooled median estimated blood loss was 223 mL (95% CI 166.75–280.17; I2 = 96.5%, eleven studies). The pooled median length of hospital stay and time to catheter removal were 2.8 days (95% CI 1.67–3.89; I2 = 100%, ten studies) and 8.3 days (95% CI 5.53–11.09; I2 = 100%, eight studies), respectively. The pooled rate of postoperative CD ≥ 2 complications was 4.1% (95% CI 1–8.5; I2 = 63.6%, eleven studies). The pooled rate of positive surgical margins and undetectable postoperative PSA were 20% (95% CI 12.6–28.5; I2 = 71.5%, nine studies) and 94.2% (95% CI 87.7–98.6; I2 = 48.9%, three studies), respectively. At three months, a pooled rate of social continence of 81.9% (95% CI 73.8–88.9; I2 = 66.7%, seven studies) was found. Erectile function at six months was 31% in one study. Conclusions: despite the preliminary nature of the evidence, this systematic review and pooled analysis underscores the feasibility, safety, and reproducibility of the Hugo™ RAS system in the context of RARP.
Altered Functional Connectivity during Mild Transient Respiratory Impairment Induced by a Resistive Load
Authors: Yorita Akiko , Kawayama Tomotaka , Inoue Masayuki , Kinoshita Takashi , Oda Hanako , Tokunaga Yoshihisa , Tateishi Takahisa , Shoji Yoshihisa , Uchimura Naohisa , Abe Toshi , Hoshino Tomoaki , Taniwaki Takayuki
Published: April 2024

Background: Previous neuroimaging studies have identified brain regions related to respiratory motor control and perception. However, little is known about the resting-state functional connectivity (FC) associated with respiratory impairment. We aimed to determine the FC involved in mild respiratory impairment without altering transcutaneous oxygen saturation. Methods: We obtained resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 36 healthy volunteers during normal respiration and mild respiratory impairment induced by resistive load (effort breathing). ROI-to-ROI and seed-to-voxel analyses were performed using Statistical Parametric Mapping 12 and the CONN toolbox. Results: Compared to normal respiration, effort breathing activated FCs within and between the sensory perceptual area (postcentral gyrus, anterior insular cortex (AInsula), and anterior cingulate cortex) and visual cortex (the visual occipital, occipital pole (OP), and occipital fusiform gyrus). Graph theoretical analysis showed strong centrality in the visual cortex. A significant positive correlation was observed between the dyspnoea score (modified Borg scale) and FC between the left AInsula and right OP. Conclusions: These results suggested that the FCs within the respiratory sensory area via the network hub may be neural mechanisms underlying effort breathing and modified Borg scale scores. These findings may provide new insights into the visual networks that contribute to mild respiratory impairments.
Effect of Chitin Nanocrystal Deacetylation on a Nature-Mimicking Interface in Carbon Fiber Composites
Authors: Abdel-Mohsen Abdellatif M. , Abdel-Rahman Rasha M. , Kalina Lukáš , Vishakha Vishakha , Kaprálková Ludmila , Němeček Pavel , Jančář Josef , Kelnar Ivan
Published: April 2024

The formation of a rigid, tough interface based on a nacre-like structure in carbon fiber (CF) composites is a promising way to eliminate low delamination resistance. An effective method of coating CFs is electrophoretic deposition (EPD), which, in the case of dissimilar components like graphene oxide (GO) and polymeric glue, usually requires chemical bonding/strong interactions. In this work, we focus on chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs), leading to an excellent mechanical performance of artificial nacre, where favorable interactions and bonding with GO are controlled by degrees of deacetylation (5, 15, and 30%). We prepared coatings based on GO/ChNC adducts with 95/5, 90/10, 50/50, and 25/75 ratios using optimized EPD conditions (pH, concentration, voltage, and time). The prepared materials were characterized using FTIR, TEM, XPS, SEM, DLS, and XRD. SEM evaluation indicates the formation of a homogeneous interlayer, which has a fair potential for chemical bonding with the epoxy matrix. Short-beam testing of epoxy matrix composites indicates that the coating does not decrease stiffness and has a relatively low dependence on composition. Therefore, all coatings are promising for a detailed study of delamination resistance using laminate samples. Moreover, facile EPD from the water solution/suspension has a fair potential for industrial applications.
An Underwater Localization Algorithm for Airborne Moving Sound Sources Using Doppler Warping Transform
Authors: Mao Junjie , Peng Zhaohui , Zhang Bo , Wang Tongchen , Zhai Zhaokai , Hu Chuanxing , Wang Qianyu
Published: April 2024

When an airborne sound source is in rapid motion, the acoustic signal detected by the underwater sensor experiences a substantial Doppler shift. This shift is intricately linked to the motion parameters of the sound source. Analyzing the Doppler shift characteristics of received acoustic signals enables not only the estimation of target motion parameters but also the localization of the airborne sound source. Currently, the predominant methods for estimating parameters of uniformly moving targets are grounded in classical approaches. In this study, the application of the Doppler warping transform, traditionally applicable to sound sources in uniform linear motion, is extended to encompass a broader spectrum of sound source trajectories. Theoretical and experimental data validate the efficacy of this transform in linearizing the Doppler shift induced by a source in curved motion. Building upon this foundation, a methodology is proposed for locating airborne acoustic sources in curved motion from underwater. Sea experimental data corroborate the method’s effectiveness in achieving underwater localization of a helicopter target during curved motion.
Artificial Neural Networks for Mapping Coastal Lagoon of Chilika Lake, India, Using Earth Observation Data
Authors: Lemenkova Polina
Published: April 2024

This study presents the environmental mapping of the Chilika Lake coastal lagoon, India, using satellite images Landsat 8-9 OLI/TIRS processed using machine learning (ML) methods. The largest brackish water coastal lagoon in Asia, Chilika Lake, is a wetland of international importance included in the Ramsar site due to its rich biodiversity, productivity, and precious habitat for migrating birds and rare species. The vulnerable ecosystems of the Chilika Lagoon are subject to climate effects (monsoon effects) and anthropogenic activities (overexploitation through fishing and pollution by microplastics). Such environmental pressure results in the eutrophication of the lake, coastal erosion, fluctuations in size, and changes in land cover types in the surrounding landscapes. The habitat monitoring of the coastal lagoons is complex and difficult to implement with conventional Geographic Information System (GIS) methods. In particular, landscape variability, patch fragmentation, and landscape dynamics play a crucial role in environmental dynamics along the eastern coasts of the Bay of Bengal, which is strongly affected by the Indian monsoon system, which controls the precipitation pattern and ecosystem structure. To improve methods of environmental monitoring of coastal areas, this study employs the methods of ML and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), which present a powerful tool for computer vision, image classification, and analysis of Earth Observation (EO) data. Multispectral satellite data were processed by several ML image classification methods, including Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and the ANN-based MultiLayer Perceptron (MLP) Classifier. The results are compared and discussed. The ANN-based approach outperformed the other methods in terms of accuracy and precision of mapping. Ten land cover classes around the Chilika coastal lagoon were identified via spatio-temporal variations in land cover types from 2019 until 2024. This study provides ML-based maps implemented using Geographic Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS) GIS image analysis software and aims to support ML-based mapping approach of environmental processes over the Chilika Lake coastal lagoon, India.
An Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search Algorithm for Equipment Scheduling in the Railway Yard of an Automated Container Terminal
Authors: Chen Hongbin , Liu Wei
Published: April 2024

In container sea–rail combined transport, the railway yard in an automated container terminal (RYACT) is the link in the whole logistics transportation process, and its operation and scheduling efficiency directly affect the efficiency of logistics. To improve the equipment scheduling efficiency of an RYACT, this study examines the “RYACT–train” cooperative optimization problem in the mode of “unloading before loading” for train containers. A mixed-integer programming model with the objective of minimizing the maximum completion time of automated rail-mounted gantry crane (ARMG) tasks is established. An adaptive large neighborhood search (ALNS) algorithm and random search algorithm (RSA) are designed to solve the abovementioned problem, and the feasibility of the model and algorithm is verified by experiments. At the same time, the target value and calculation time of the model and algorithms are compared. The experimental results show that the model and the proposed algorithms are feasible and can effectively solve the “RYACT–train” cooperative optimization problem. The model only obtains the optimal solution of the “RYACT–train” cooperative scheduling problem with no more than 50 tasks within a limited time, and the ALNS algorithm can solve examples of various scales within a reasonable amount of time. The target value of the ALNS solution is smaller than that of the RSA solution.
Slamming Characteristics Due to the Special Shape of New Sandglass-Type Model in Waves by Comparing with Cylindrical Model
Authors: Wang Wenhua , Piao Taiwei , Geng Chong , Zhang Kedong , Wang Zhongyu , Huang Yi
Published: April 2024

For the new sandglass-type FPSO, the unique shape of its floating body with oblique side and external expansion can significantly improve the motion performance, but meanwhile may result in specific slamming characteristics in waves. On this basis, this paper establishes a CFD method including numerical wave-tank technique based on the Open FOAM platform. Therein, the velocity-inlet boundary method and the active absorption method are applied for numerical wave-making and wave-absorption. Compared with experimental results, the numerical method can be validated to be accurate enough to simulate wave slamming on floating ocean platforms. Then, the specific slamming phenomena on the sandglass-type floating body under a classic long wave can be investigated by comparing with the cylindrical model, including nonlinear wave rollover and breaking, water cushion, rooster-tail wave, side wave, water tongue, and so on. The mechanism of these phenomena and their effects on slamming pressure are studied. The essences of typical peaks in the time-history curve of the slamming pressure are mainly discussed. More interestingly, the main peak can be found to be related to the small peak due the amount of the broken water and the thickness of the water cushion. Finally, the slamming characteristics of the sandglass-type model in a classic short-wave condition are comparatively discussed.
Long-Term Evolution of Significant Wave Height in the Eastern Tropical Atlantic between 1940 and 2022 Using the ERA5 Dataset
Authors: Omonigbehin Olorunfemi , Eresanya Emmanuel OlaOluwa , Tao Aifeng , Setordjie Victor Edem , Daramola Samuel , Adebiyi Abiola
Published: April 2024

Studies on the variability in ocean wave climate provide engineers and policy makers with information to plan, develop, and control coastal and offshore activities. Ocean waves bear climatic imprints through which the global climate system can be better understood. Using the recently updated ERA5 dataset, this study evaluated the spatiotemporal distribution and variability in significant wave height (SWH) in the Eastern Tropical Atlantic (ETA). The short-term trends and rates of change were obtained using the Mann–Kendall trend test and the Theil–Sen slope estimator, respectively, and decadal trends were assessed using wavelet transformation. Significant, positive monthly and yearly trends and a prevailing decadal trend were observed across the domain. Observed trends suggest that stronger waves are getting closer to the coast and are modulated by the Southern and Northern Atlantic mid-latitude storm fields. These observations have implications for the increasing coastal erosion rates on the eastern coast of the Tropical Atlantic.
An Underwater Localization Method Based on Visual SLAM for the Near-Bottom Environment
Authors: Liu Zonglin , Wang Meng , Hu Hanwen , Ge Tong , Miao Rui
Published: April 2024

The feature matching of the near-bottom visual SLAM is influenced by underwater raised sediments, resulting in tracking loss. In this paper, the novel visual SLAM system is proposed in the underwater raised sediments environment. The underwater images are firstly classified based on the color recognition method by adding the weights of pixel location to reduce the interference of similar colors on the seabed. The improved adaptive median filter method is proposed to filter the classified images by using the mean value of the filter window border as the discriminant condition to retain the original features of the image. The filtered images are finally processed by the tracking module to obtain the trajectory of underwater vehicles and the seafloor maps. The datasets of seamount areas captured in the western Pacific Ocean are processed by the improved visual SLAM system. The keyframes, mapping points, and feature point matching pairs extracted from the improved visual SLAM system are improved by 5.2%, 11.2%, and 4.5% compared with that of the ORB-SLAM3 system, respectively. The improved visual SLAM system has the advantage of robustness to dynamic disturbances, which is of practical application in underwater vehicles operated in near-bottom areas such as seamounts and nodules.
Study on the Flame Transition Characteristics of a Gas Turbine Combustor
Authors: Chen Mingmin , Wang Li , Huang Xinbo , Zhao Minwei , Zeng Lingwei , Zheng Hongtao , Deng Fuquan
Published: April 2024

Gas turbines are widely used as important equipment for electricity generation on islands and offshore platforms. During the operation of a gas turbine, the flame shape in the combustion chamber undergoes variations in response to changes in parameters such as gas turbine load, fuel distribution, and burner structure. These alterations in flame shape exert influence on combustion instability, emissions, and load characteristics. This study explores the variations in flame transition, emissions, and operating parameters among three distinct center stage structures: namely, the non-premix center stage (NPCS), premix center stage (PCS), and enhanced premix center stage (PCSE). The investigation is conducted using a heavy-duty gas turbine hybrid burner on a full temperature, full pressure, and full-size single burner experimental bench. Simultaneously, a multi-parameter numerical simulation regarding the influence of the central fuel split on flame shape analysis was conducted using the PCS burner under the design point for a more in-depth understanding of the mechanisms and for influencing factors associated with flame transition. The findings indicate that variations in flame transition loads among different central stage structures: for the NPCS burner, the transition occurs between 45% and 50% load; for the PCS burners, it takes place between 60% and 65% load; for the PCSE burners, it shifts between 55% and 60% load. Additionally, a reduction in NOx emissions is observed during the flame transition process. Furthermore, it was found that decreasing the central stage fuel results in a decline in flame angle for the same burner structure. As the central stage fuel diminishes to a specific value, the flame shape undergoes a sudden change. Further reduction in central stage fuel does not significantly affect the flame shape and temperature distribution.
Local Path Planning Method for Unmanned Ship Based on Encounter Situation Inference and COLREGS Constraints
Authors: Wang Gang , Wang Jingheng , Wang Xiaoyuan , Wang Quanzheng , Chen Longfei , Han Junyan , Wang Bin , Feng Kai
Published: April 2024

Local path planning, as an essential technology to ensure intelligent ships’ safe navigation, has attracted the attention of many scholars worldwide. In most existing studies, the impact of COLREGS has received limited consideration, and there is insufficient exploration of the method in complex waters with multiple interfering ships and static obstacles. Therefore, in this paper, a generation method for a time–space overlapping equivalent static obstacle line for ships in multi-ship encounter scenarios where both dynamic and static obstacles coexist is proposed. By dynamically inferring ships’ encounter situations and considering the requirements of COLREGS, the influence of interfering ships and static obstacles on the navigation of the target ship at different times in the near future is represented as static obstacle lines. These lines are then incorporated into the scene that the target ship encountered at the path planning moment. Subsequently, the existing path planning methods were extensively utilized to obtain the local path. Compared with many common path planning methods in random scenarios, the effectiveness and reliability of the method proposed are verified. It has been demonstrated by experimental results that the proposed method can offer a theoretical basis and technical support for the autonomous navigation of unmanned ships.
Latent Heat Flux Trend and Its Seasonal Dependence over the East China Sea Kuroshio Region
Authors: Chen Chengji , Wang Qiang
Published: April 2024

Investigating latent heat flux (LHF) variations in the western boundary current region is crucial for understanding air–sea interactions. In this study, we examine the LHF trend in the East China Sea Kuroshio Region (ECSKR) from 1959 to 2021 using atmospheric and oceanic reanalysis datasets and find that the LHF has a significant strengthening trend. This strengthening can be attributed to sea surface warming resulting from the advection of sea surface temperatures. More importantly, the LHF trend has an apparent seasonal dependence: the most substantial increasing trend in LHF is observed in spring, while the trends are weak in other seasons. Further analysis illustrates that the anomaly of air–sea humidity difference plays a pivotal role in controlling the seasonal variations in LHF trends. Specifically, as a result of the different responses of the East Asian Trough to global warming across different seasons, during spring, the East Asian Trough significantly deepens, resulting in northerly winds that facilitate the intrusion of dry and cold air into the ECSKR region. This intensifies the humidity difference between the sea and air, promoting the release of oceanic latent heat. These findings can contribute to a better understanding of the surface heat budget balance within western boundary currents.
Transcriptome Analysis of Picea crassifolia in Response to Rust Infestation
Authors: Li Hailan , Bai Luchao
Published: April 2024

This study examines the relationship between needle age and rust resistance in Picea crassifolia, focusing on the needle morphology, including size, shape, and physiological traits. One-year-old spruce needles are more susceptible to rust, while two-year-old needles show effective resistance. Using RNA-seq on the Illumina HiSeq500 platform, we analyzed both healthy and diseased one-year-old needles (N and B), as well as healthy one-year-old and two-year-old needles (N and L). We applied a fold change (FC) threshold of ≥2 and a false discovery rate (FDR) of <0.01, alongside GO annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment, to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). In N vs. B, DEGs were significantly enriched in processes such as metabolism, cellular function, catalysis, binding, ribosomal function, plant-pathogen interactions, endoplasmic reticulum protein processing, and signal transduction, revealing a polygenic network regulating the rust response. Similarly, in N vs. L, electron microscopy highlighted morphological differences in the wax layers of needles, with subsequent transcriptome sequencing uncovering genes involved in the development of one-year-old and two-year-old needles. DEGs were primarily found in pathways related to cutin, suberin, wax biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, photosynthesis, and phenylalanine synthesis. Two-year-old needles displayed reduced stomatal density, higher lignin content, and a thicker wax layer compared to one-year-old needles. Validation of the RNA-seq data through RT-qPCR on 10 DEGs confirmed the consistency of gene expression trends, enhancing our understanding of Picea crassifolia’s genetic response to rust and supporting future research into its disease resistance.
Proteome and Dihydrorhodamine Profiling of Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Assing Kristian , Laursen Christian B. , Campbell Amanda Jessica , Beck Hans Christian , Davidsen Jesper Rømhild
Published: April 2024

Neutrophil and (alveolar) macrophage immunity is considered crucial for eliminating Aspergillus fumigatus. Data derived from bronchoalveloar lavage (BAL) characterizing the human immuno-pulmonary response to Aspergillus fumigatus are non-existent. To obtain a comprehensive picture of the immune pathways involved in chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), we performed proteome analysis on AL of 9 CPA patients and 17 patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). The dihydrorhodamine (DHR) test was also performed on BAL and blood neutrophils from CPA patients and compared to blood neutrophils from healthy controls (HCs). BAL from CPA patients primarily contained neutrophils, while ILD BAL was also characterized by a large fraction of lymphocytes; these differences likely reflecting the different immunological etiologies underlying the two disorders. BAL and blood neutrophils from CPA patients displayed the same oxidative burst capacity as HC blood neutrophils. Hence, immune evasion by Aspergillus involves other mechanisms than impaired neutrophil oxidative burst capacity per se. CPA BAL was enriched by proteins associated with innate immunity, as well as, more specifically, with neutrophil degranulation, Toll-like receptor 4 signaling, and neutrophil-mediated iron chelation. Our data provide the first comprehensive target organ-derived immune data on the human pulmonary immune response to Aspergillus fumigatus.