bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atomistic simulation assisted error-inclusive Bayesian machine learning for probabilistically unraveling the mechanical properties of solidified metals
Authors: Mahata A. , Mukhopadhyay T. , Chakraborty S. , Asle Zaeem M.
Published: January 2024

Solidification phenomenon has been an integral part of the manufacturing processes of metals, where the quantification of stochastic variations and manufacturing uncertainties is critically important. Accurate molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of metal solidification and the resulting properties require excessive computational expenses for probabilistic stochastic analyses where thousands of random realizations are necessary. The adoption of inadequate model sizes and time scales in MD simulations leads to inaccuracies in each random realization, causing a large cumulative statistical error in the probabilistic results obtained through Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. In this work, we present a machine learning (ML) approach, as a data-driven surrogate to MD simulations, which only needs a few MD simulations. This efficient yet high-fidelity ML approach enables MC simulations for full-scale probabilistic characterization of solidified metal properties considering stochasticity in influencing factors like temperature and strain rate. Unlike conventional ML models, the proposed hybrid polynomial correlated function expansion here, being a Bayesian ML approach, is data efficient. Further, it can account for the effect of uncertainty in training data by exploiting mean and standard deviation of the MD simulations, which in principle addresses the issue of repeatability in stochastic simulations with low variance. Stochastic numerical results for solidified aluminum are presented here based on complete probabilistic uncertainty quantification of mechanical properties like Young’s modulus, yield strength and ultimate strength, illustrating that the proposed error-inclusive data-driven framework can reasonably predict the properties with a significant level of computational efficiency.
Feasibility of using cross-sectional area of masticatory muscles to predict sarcopenia in healthy aging subjects
Authors: Janović Aleksa , Miličić Biljana , Antić Svetlana , Bracanović Đurđa , Marković-Vasiljković Biljana
Published: January 2024

Determination of sarcopenia is crucial in identifying patients at high risk of adverse health outcomes. Recent studies reported a significant decline in masticatory muscle (MM) function in patients with sarcopenia. This study aimed to analyze the cross-sectional area (CSA) of MMs on computed tomography (CT) images and to explore their potential to predict sarcopenia. The study included 149 adult subjects retrospectively (59 males, 90 females, mean age 57.4 ± 14.8 years) who underwent head and neck CT examination for diagnostic purposes. Sarcopenia was diagnosed on CT by measuring CSA of neck muscles at the C3 vertebral level and estimating skeletal muscle index. CSA of MMs (temporal, masseter, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid) were measured bilaterally on reference CT slices. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 67 (45%) patients. Univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between CSA of all MMs and sarcopenia. In the multivariate logistic regression model, only masseter CSA, lateral pterygoid CSA, age, and gender were marked as predictors of sarcopenia. These parameters were combined in a regression equation, which showed excellent sensitivity and specificity in predicting sarcopenia. The masseter and lateral pterygoid CSA can be used to predict sarcopenia in healthy aging subjects with a high accuracy.
The effect of environmental sustainability orientations and entrepreneurial orientations on the performance of greenhouses
Authors: Yaghoubi Farani Ahmad , Karimi Saeid , Sajedi Mina , Ataei Pouria
Published: January 2024

This research aimed to explore the effect of environmental sustainability and entrepreneurial orientations on the performance of greenhouses in Iran. It is a sort of descriptive-correlational research conducted by the survey methodology. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire whose validity was checked by a panel of entrepreneurship and environment experts, and its reliability was estimated by conducting a pilot study and calculating Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.88–0.91). The statistical population was composed of all greenhouse units in Mahallat County in Markazi province, Iran (N = 405). The sample size was determined to be 197 greenhouses by Krejcie and Morgan’s table. The independent variables included environmental sustainability orientations (including the dimensions of environmental knowledge and awareness, practices, and commitment) and entrepreneurial orientation of greenhouse managers (including the dimensions of innovation, proactiveness, and risk-taking), and the dependent variable was the performance of greenhouses (including the dimensions of increasing customers, increasing sales, and increasing profitability). The results of structural equation modeling showed that the dimensions of environmental sustainability orientations and entrepreneurial orientations of the greenhouse managers were decisive factors in the performance dimensions of the greenhouses. Furthermore, the entrepreneurial orientations had a positive and significant effect on the environmental sustainability orientations.
Delineating the dispersal of Y-chromosome sub-haplogroup O2a2b-P164 among Austronesian-speaking populations
Authors: Luis Javier Rodriguez , Palencia-Madrid Leire , Runfeldt Göran , Garcia-Bertrand Ralph , Herrera Rene J.
Published: January 2024

This article reports on an exploration of the Y-chromosome sub-haplogroup O2a2b-P164 in Austronesian-speaking populations. Moderate to high abundance of the P 164 mutation is seen in the West Pacific including the Amis of Formosa (36%) and the Filipinos of Mindanao (50%) as well as in the Kiritimati of Micronesia (70%), and Tonga and Samoa of West Polynesia (54% and 33%, respectively), and it drops to low frequencies in populations of East Polynesia. The communities of Polynesia and Micronesia exhibit considerable inter- and intra-population haplotype sharing suggesting extensive population affinity. The observed affinities, as well as the ages and diversity values within the P 164 sub-haplogroup among Austronesian-speaking populations signal an ancestral migration route and relationships that link the Amis of Taiwan with distant communities in West and East Polynesia, Micronesia, and the Maori of New Zealand. High resolution sequencing of the Austronesian Y chromosome indicate that the P 164 lineage originated about 19,000 ya and then split into three branches separating the Ami aborigines, Southeast Asian and Polynesian/Micronesian populations about 4700 ya, roughly coinciding with the initiation of the Austronesian diaspora. The Y-chromosomes of all the Polynesian and Micronesian population examined belong to the new FT 257096 haplogroup.
Machine learning identifies SLC6A14 as a novel biomarker promoting the proliferation and metastasis of pancreatic cancer via Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Dang Cunshu , Bian Quan , Wang Fengbiao , Wang Han , Liang Zhipeng
Published: January 2024

Pancreatic cancer (PC) has the poorest prognosis compared to other common cancers because of its aggressive nature, late detection, and resistance to systemic treatment. In this study, we aimed to identify novel biomarkers for PC patients and further explored their function in PC progression. We analyzed GSE62452 and GSE28735 datasets, identifying 35 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between PC specimens and non-tumors. Based on 35 DEGs, we performed machine learning and identified eight diagnostic genes involved in PC progression. Then, we further screened three critical genes (CTSE, LAMC2 and SLC6A14) using three GEO datasets. A new diagnostic model was developed based on them and showed a strong predictive ability in screen PC specimens from non-tumor specimens in GEO, TCGA datasets and our cohorts. Then, clinical assays based on TCGA datasets indicated that the expression of LAMC2 and SLC6A14 was associated with advanced clinical stage and poor prognosis. The expressions of LAMC2 and SLC6A14, as well as the abundances of a variety of immune cells, exhibited a significant positive association with one another. Functionally, we confirmed that SLC6A14 was highly expressed in PC and its knockdown suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT signal via regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Overall, our findings developed a novel diagnostic model for PC patients. SLC6A14 may promote PC progression via modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. This work offered a novel and encouraging new perspective that holds potential for further illuminating the clinicopathological relevance of PC as well as its molecular etiology.
A quantitative methodology for measuring the social sustainability of pavement deterioration
Authors: Okte Egemen , Boakye Jessica , Behrend Mark
Published: January 2024

The social pillar of pavement sustainability is understudied compared to economic and environmental pillars, making it difficult to integrate into life-cycle methodologies. While methods such as social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) exist, they usually focus on social governance rather than quantifying the impact of pavement investment decisions on communities. This study introduces a methodology to quantify the impact of road condition on vulnerable communities, specifically Environmental Justice (EJ) communities. The methodology calculates the impact of road condition on residents and analyzes fuel consumption (as an example impact) for road users during recurrent home-work trips as a function of pavement condition for EJ and non-EJ communities. It was found that EJ communities in Massachusetts are twice as likely to live near poor condition roads and consume twice as much excessive fuel during recurrent home-work trips. The proposed method is designed to integrate into existing life-cycle methods and represents a significant step towards integrating equity into pavement management decisions.
Functional features of the exopolysaccharide extracts produced by Lactiplantibacillus strains isolated from table olives
Authors: López-García Elio , Marín-Gordillo Ana , Sánchez-Hidalgo Marina , Ávila-Román Javier , Romero-Gil Verónica , Bermúdez-Oria Alejandra , Benítez-Cabello Antonio , Garrido-Fernández Antonio , Rodríguez-Gómez Francisco , Arroyo-López Francisco Noé
Published: January 2024

Different crude EPS extracts derived from Lactiplantibacillus strains coming from olive fermentations were analysed. LPG1's heteropolysaccharide displayed notable functionality. pH or salt levels efficiently regulated EPS production.
Trace topological doping strategy and deep learning to reveal high-rate sodium storage regulation of barium-doped Na3V2(PO4)3
Authors: Yan Ji , Zhang Chaoyu , Li Zhen , Liu Fujun , Wang Heng , Wang Xiaolei , Wang Lizhen
Published: January 2024

Topology modification strategy for Ba-doping Na3V2(PO4)3 acts like the operation in a cat's cradle, where the topological operation retains some symmetries while breaking others, leading to the evolution of the electrochemical properties.
Nanochitin for sustainable and advanced manufacturing
Authors: Chee Pei Lin , Sathasivam Thenapakiam , Tan Ying Chuan , Wu Wenya , Leow Yihao , Lim Quentin Ray Tjieh , Yew Pek Yin Michelle , Zhu Qiang , Kai Dan
Published: January 2024

Among the numerous strategies to synthesize nanochitin from waste, the more sustainable methods are identified to facilitate the valorization of chitin waste and its eventual infiltration in advanced manufacturing.
Scalable production of bifunctional ordered PtFe alloy electrocatalysts for efficient methanol oxidation and hydrogen evolution
Authors: Sun Xuxu , Wang Ruiqi , Wang Qi , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken)
Published: January 2024

Sub-5 nm sized ordered PtFe alloys encapsulated with thin N-doped carbon (NC) shells exhibit remarkable electrochemical performance both toward methanol oxidation and hydrogen evolution reactions.
Pt(iv) anticancer prodrugs bearing an oxaliplatin scaffold: what do we know about their bioactivity?
Authors: Lopez-Sanchez Alvaro , Bertrand Helene C.
Published: January 2024

Oxaliplatin(iv) prodrugs, classified by the role of their axial ligands, are presented with a focus on their in vitro stability and activity in in vivo models, illustrating their potential to address current Pt-based chemotherapy's main limitations.
Low-grade waste heat recovery for wastewater treatment using clathrate hydrate based technology
Authors: Sun Lingjie , Hassanpouryouzband Aliakbar , Wang Tian , Wang Fan , Zhang Lunxiang , Cheng Chuanxiao , Zhao Jiafei , Song Yongchen
Published: January 2024

The utilization of extra low-grade waste heat to enhance hydrate formation for clean water production from industrial wastewater.
Impact of hole-transport layer materials on the field-induced degradation of p-i-n perovskite solar cells
Authors: Ozerova Victoria V. , Emelianov Nikita A. , Frolova Lyubov A. , Fedotov Yuri S. , Bredikhin Sergey I. , Aldoshin Sergey M. , Troshin Pavel A.
Published: January 2024

The choice of hole-transport materials (HTMs) has a strong impact on electric field-induced degradation of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Rational design of HTMs is necessary to make PSCs sufficiently stable for the targeted practical applications.
Correction: A novel lateral flow immunochromatographic assay using a recombinant VP2 antigen for total antibody detection of canine parvovirus-2
Authors: Salmanli Ezgi , Tezcan Tugba , Karaoglu Taner
Published: January 2024

Correction for ‘A novel lateral flow immunochromatographic assay using a recombinant VP2 antigen for total antibody detection of canine parvovirus-2’ by Ezgi Salmanli et al., Anal. Methods, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1039/d3ay01870a.
Patterns of the noise level change at different speeds for mixed traffic flows
Authors: Afonin Maksym
Published: January 2024

The study describes the problems of determining the normative levels of traffic noise on city main streets. The main statements and preliminary laws that are taken into account when determining the acoustic characteristics of the urban environment in the current building regulations are considered. It was established that the main factor that determines the acoustic load on city streets is the type of covering. The dynamics of the level of traffic noise of mixed flows, taking into account different types of coverage at different speed regimes, are also determined. The obtained results partially differ from the calculated values, and therefore are relevant for the development of modern norms and rules for the calculation of traffic noise on city highways.
Determination of safety criteria when choosing the type of transport for transportation of cargo
Authors: Karaschuk Victoriy , Dzhus Oleh , Falendysh Anatoliy , Maslak Hanna , Kletska Olha
Published: January 2024

The article analyzes the volumes of transported goods, freight traffic, during transportation by railway transport. The dynamics of transport accidents on railway transport were studied, the distribution of the number of transport accidents per 1 million tons of transported cargo and cargo turnover by various types of transport was determined. The concept of the criterion of transport accidents was introduced, and the correlation between the volume of transported goods and freight traffic and the number of accidents, incidents, and catastrophes was investigated. The components of the criterion of transport accidents and approaches to the calculation are substantiated.
Multimodal logistics chains for international transportation of dangerous and perishable goods
Authors: Myronenko Viktor , Myronenko Viktor , Yurchenko Oksana , Vasilova Halyna
Published: January 2024

The overview article delves into the critical area of emergency logistics and supply chain management. Analyzing research conducted by experts in the field, the authors explore the potential benefits and challenges associated with the use of multimodal and intermodal international transportation of dangerous and perishable goods, and assess the potential challenges as well as the importance of emergency logistics for disaster relief and recovery. It is noted that traditional unimodal transport systems may be insufficient for swift and efficient response to emergency situations, which makes the integration of multimodal and intermodal chains an increasingly attractive alternative. Emergency logistics play a key role in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of goods during crises and disasters, especially when it comes to dangerous and perishable goods. One of the purposes of this article is to highlight the importance of vehicle diversification during such disasters. Multimodal transport involves the use of several modes of transport, such as road, rail, sea and air, under the direction of one transport operator or several carriers that cooperate in a coordinated manner. On the other hand, such transportation involves the use of standardized containers that can be easily moved between different modes of transport, offering increased flexibility and cost-effectiveness. The article provides an overview of the challenges faced by emergency logistics and the potential problems when transporting dangerous and perishable goods. It emphasizes the importance of building robust supply chains that can withstand disruptions and provide rapid response to effectively mitigate risks. The need to increase the stability and efficiency of emergency logistics chains is emphasized. The study aims to shed light on which approach offers the best balance between timeliness, adaptability and overall efficiency in the international transport of hazardous materials and perishable goods. The article refers to case studies and real-world cases of emergency logistics operations where multimodal and intermodal transport systems have been successfully applied. These cases highlight their practicality and effectiveness in mitigating potential disasters and minimizing the negative impact of accidents such as spills, explosions or spoilage, and the consequences of war. The authors note the special relevance of multimodal container transportation of dangerous and perishable goods, especially during the war that Ukraine is waging against russian aggression, since in these conditions the principle of logistics “just in time” is most in demand, and modern containers allow to ensure complete safety, speed and accuracy, and in necessary cases, the secrecy of the delivery of goods in the conditions of hostilities and other emergency situations.
Block-parametric approach to non-destructive control data analysis of railroad layered foundations
Authors: Trofimov Alexander
Published: January 2024

The evaluation of the parameters of multi-layered foundations (ballast prisms, railroad basis, foundations of railway structures, etc.) plays an important role in ensuring the safe movement of trains. In the last decades new equipment arrived intended for non-destructive monitoring and estimating of the condition of such structures. These instruments can combine the high speed of scanning the diagnosed surface with high measurement accuracy of scanned parameters. But the use of similar equipment requires sophisticated methods for control data analysis including the building of adequate mathematical model of considered structure, efficient methods of discretization and forward problem solving, inverse problem analysis and based on such analysis surrogate model development for online data treatment, scanned by high-speed deflectometers or other scanning equipment. Presented paper devoted to the most important part of this chain of data processing procedures, namely the inverse problem analysis. The proposed approach is based on informational-probabilistic approach for inverse problem analysis, whose task is to obtain a posteriori probability density in the space of unknown parameters. The essence of the approach is the block-parametric approximation of the a priori probability density and likelihood function in the space of parameters and model data of the problem. The method allows estimating the parameters of the a priori distribution of unknown variable parameters, identifying and excluding outliers of the measured data from the created model, and constructing a posteriori estimation of the unknown parameters’ probability density with acceptable resolution. Proposed method can be used to create a new generation of equipment intended for non-destructive monitoring and estimating of the condition of the railroad basis and other roadbed structures. The appropriate software of such equipment based on the developed methods of data processing can be developed. The use of such equipment allows to operatively analyzing the state of individual areas of the railroad to decide on the need of repairing or replacing the railroad base or foundation of other elements of railroad infrastructure.
Analysis of lateral forces at the wheel-rail contact in cases of derailment Incidents
Authors: Batig Andriy
Published: January 2024

This article is dedicated to a thorough exploration of dynamic interactions within the intricate “wheel-rail” system during the occurrence of rolling stock derailments – a prominent and challenging aspect in the realm of railway transportation. Through meticulous analysis, the multifaceted factors influencing rolling stock derailments are meticulously dissected, embracing an in-depth scrutiny of dynamic interaction calculations. The investigation encompasses a comprehensive examination of various methodologies for comprehending the lateral forces that travel from the wheels of rolling stock to the rail track. By applying these methodologies, the study extrapolates insights from a real-world railway accident that transpired on Ukrainian territory. The research findings shine a light on a pivotal factor amplifying lateral forces: the gradual wear and tear of wheel flanges, coupled with the broadened gaps between axle boxes and the side frames of bogies. This intricate interplay ultimately leads to an augmentation in the angles at which wheel sets approach the rail track. Consequently, the research underscores the pressing need for an ongoing commitment to further exploration and the evolution of methodologies – a necessary endeavor to bolster rail safety comprehensively.
Analysis of scooter engine piston damage
Authors: Pleshakov Eduard , Bohun Lidia , Mierzwiński Dariusz , Shved Mariia
Published: January 2024

The causes of operational damage to the piston of a single-cylinder two-stroke internal combustion engine (ICE) of a scooter, made of a piston aluminum-silicon alloy by mold casting, were investigated. It was found that the AK21M2.5H2.5 type alloy has a dispersed eutectic structure (α+β-Si) with a small number of primary silicon crystals of a compact shape, the size of which does not exceed 10 μm. The porosity of the cast alloy of the piston is less than the lowest 1st porosity point, as well as the quality structure, could not be the cause of its damage.

The average value of the microhardness measured on the surface of the piston head (70 HV0.98) is slightly less than the standardized hardness (90 НВ ÷ 100 НВ) of ingots after mold casting and artificial aging without preliminary hardening, which indirectly indicates overheating of the piston during operation. The detected damage to the outer surface of the piston in the form of deep scratches and worn stripes is not caused by metallurgical or technological factors, but by violations of operating conditions: overheating and lack of lubricant in the contact zone of the piston and cylinder.
Pre-matching study of the natural gas engine turbocharging system based on the coupling of experiments and numerical simulation
Authors: Zhou Feng , Meng Zichao , Xiao Xu , Fu Jianqin , Yuan Kainan , Cui Zhuangping , Yu Juan , Liu Jingping
Published: January 2024

In this study, a pre-matching method was developed based on measured performance parameters and theoretical calculations of turbochargers. First, the turbocharger of a natural gas engine was subjected to a comprehensive performance experiment. According to the experimental results, the maximum efficiencies of the turbine and compressor are 70% and 75%, respectively, and the efficiency of the turbine drops sharply from 70% to 56.6% as the pressure ratio increases from 1.25 to 2.4. In this thesis, a specific turbocharger pre-matching software has been developed in conjunction with a database. Three turbines and three compressors were selected from the self-developed database for matching and comparative study using this method. The simulation results showed that the maximum efficiency of turbine #1, #2 and #3 is 71.3%, 72.2% and 72.7%, respectively, and the efficiency of these three turbines is concentrated between 65% and 72.5%. Obviously, the maximum efficiency of the turbine has increased by 1.3–2.7% and the overall efficiency has improved after the pre-matching. Therefore, this developed pre-matching method can reduce time cost, improve work efficiency and engine performance, and is important for the design and development of turbochargers.
In infection prevention, more is not always better for ventilation and partitions
Authors: Shapiro Maura
Published: January 2024

Simulation identifies the best partition arrangements and ventilation rate to reduce respiratory illness spread in indoor environments.
Nonlinear dynamics in a strongly coupled cryogenic complex plasma in the presence of polarization force and effective dust temperature
Authors: Hossen Md Rasel
Published: January 2024

The nonlinear propagation of dust-acoustic (DA) waves is investigated in a strongly coupled cryogenic complex plasma system (consisting of strongly correlated negatively charged dust grains, weakly correlated Maxwellian distributed electrons, and weakly correlated nonextensive distributed ions) in the presence of polarization force and effective dust temperature. The standard reductive perturbation technique is implemented to reduce the governing equations of the cryogenic dusty plasma being studied, to obtain the nonlinear Korteweg–de Vries (K–dV) and Burgers equations. The numerical solution of the latter is employed to analyze the dynamical properties (such as speed, amplitude, width, etc.) of DA solitary and shock waves. We examine the influence of different factors (e.g., the nonextensive parameter q, the polarization force χp, the effective dust temperature σeff, the electron-to-ion temperature ratio σ1, and the electron-to-dust number density ratio μ1) on the dynamics of DA solitary and shock structures within the context of a strongly coupled cryogenic complex plasma system. We observe that these factors significantly alter the characteristics of DA solitary and shock waves. The present findings have the potential to enhance our understanding of the nonlinear characteristics of DA solitary and shock waves under both space and laboratory plasma conditions.
Enhancing heating efficiency of magnetic hyperthermia using pulsed magnetic fields
Authors: Adachi Yuui , Kuwahata Akihiro , Nakamura Eiji , Yabukami Shin
Published: January 2024

We investigated the magnetization response and heat generation of magnetic particles exposed to high-speed pulsed magnetic fields (PMF) during magnetic hyperthermia cancer treatment. The magnetization measurements exhibited an asymmetric change in the shape of the hysteresis loop, attributable to the rapid and substantial changes in the short-duration PMF (75 mT/μs). We propose a novel parameter to evaluate heat efficiency. The parameter considered disparities in waveforms and served as a valuable metric for evaluating the effectiveness of heat production. Our findings affirmed a substantial enhancement in heat efficiency with the application of PMF. Furthermore, the heat generation stemming from the magnetic energy dissipation within the PMF exhibited direct proportionality to the square of the field amplitude. The heat efficiency is fourfold higher than that generated by conventional waveform.
What would it take to improve the uptake and utilisation of mHealth applications among older Australians? A qualitative study
Authors: Schroeder Tanja , Seaman Karla , Nguyen Amy , Siette Joyce , Gewald Heiko , Georgiou Andrew
Published: January 2024

Objective Health-related apps on mobile devices (mHealth apps) have become an effective self-management tool and treatment support for patients. There is limited research, however, on how older people (50 and over) perceive the opportunity of using mHealth apps. Our aim was to investigate the perceptions of older people in Australia regarding the opportunity of using prescribed or doctor-recommended mHealth apps and provide insights which can enhance their uptake of mHealth. Methods This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews involving 21 participants aged 51–82 years. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to categorise the factors that influence the adoption of mHealth apps by older adults. Results We show that beyond the prominent influencing factors from technology adoption research (such as performance and effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions), health-specific factors such as a trusting doctor-patient relationship and strong health self-efficacy positively influence the intended adoption of mHealth apps among older adults. In addition, the IT security and accurate interpretation of participants’ input in an mHealth app can present barriers to mHealth app adoption. Conclusion Our analyses provide additional insights complementing existing technology adoption research. Their successful adoption and utilisation require further empirical evidence on its effectiveness along with attention to the voices of those who are meant to use them. To address potential barriers, improve the quality and security of mHealth apps, and thus achieve greater patient safety, the involvement of consumers, regulators and health professionals is necessary.
Methylglyoxal metabolism is altered during defence response in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) against the spotted pod borer (Maruca vitrata)
Authors: Kaur Sukhmanpreet , Grewal Satvir Kaur , Taggar Gaurav Kumar , Bhardwaj Rachana D.
Published: January 2024

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) production can be affected by the spotted pod borer (Maruca vitrata). Here, we identified biochemical changes in plant parts of pigeonpea after M. vitrata infestation. Two pigeonpea genotypes (AL 1747, moderately resistant; and MN 1, susceptible) were compared for glyoxalase and non-glyoxalase enzyme systems responsible for methylglyoxal (MG) detoxification, γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS), glutathione–S-transferase (GST) and glutathione content in leaves, flowers and pods under control and insect-infested conditions. MN 1 had major damage due to M. vitrata infestation compared to AL 1747. Lower accumulation of MG in AL 1747 was due to higher activities of enzymes of GSH-dependent (glyoxylase I, glyoxylase II), GSH-independent (glyoxalase III) pathway, and enzyme of non-glyoxalase pathway (methylglyoxal reductase, MGR), which convert MG to lactate. Decreased glyoxylase enzymes and MGR activities in MN 1 resulted in higher accumulation of MG. Higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in AL 1747 indicates utilisation of MG detoxification pathway. Higher glutathione content in AL 1747 genotype might be responsible for efficient working of MG detoxification pathway under insect infestation. Higher activity of γ-GCS in AL 1747 maintains the glutathione pool, necessary for the functioning of glyoxylase pathway to carry out the detoxification of MG. Higher activities of GST and GPX in AL 1747 might be responsible for detoxification of toxic products that accumulates following insect infestation, and elevated activities of glyoxylase and non-glyoxylase enzyme systems in AL 1747 after infestation might be responsible for reducing reactive cabanoyl stress. Our investigation will help the future development of resistant cultivars.
Genome-wide analysis and expression divergence of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) gene family members in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) under salt stress
Authors: Parveen Kauser , Saddique Muhammad Abu Bakar , Waqas Muhammad Umair , Attia Kotb A. , Rizwan Muhammad , Abushady Asmaa M. , Shamsi Imran Haider
Published: January 2024

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is a grain crop that is an important source of protein, vitamins, carbohydrates and minerals. It is highly sensitive to salt stress, and salt damage to cellular homeostasis and protein folding affects production. Plants have several mechanisms to prevent cellular damages under abiotic stresses, such as proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (protein isulfide somerases (PDIs) and PDI-like proteins), which help prevent the build-up of mis-folded proteins that are damaged under abiotic stresses. In this study, we completed initial comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the chickpea PDI gene family. We found eight PDI genes are distributed on six out of eight chromosomes. Two pairs of paralogous genes were found to have segmental duplications. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the PDIs have a high degree of homology in C. arietinum, Cicer reticulatum, Lens culinaris, Phaseolus acutifolius, Pisum sativum and Oryza sativa. The gene structure analysis displayed that CaPDI1-CaPDI8 have 9–12 exons except for CaPDI5, which has 25 exons. Subcellular localisation indicated accumulation of CaPDIs in endoplasmic reticulum. Protein-conserved motifs and domain analysis demonstrated that thioredoxin domains of PDI family is present in all CaPDIs. CaPDI proteins have strong protein-protein interaction. In silico expression analysis showed that four out of eight PDI genes (CPDI2, CaPDI6, CaPDI7 and CaPDI8) were expressed under salt stress. Of these, expression of CaPDI2 and CaPDI8 was the highest. This work indicated that PDI genes are involved in salt stress tolerance in chickpea and the CaPDIs may be further studied for their role of inducing salt tolerance.
Minimizing the diffusivity difference between vacancies and interstitials in multi-principal element alloys
Authors: Zhang Bozhao , Zhang Zhen , Xun Kaihui , Asta Mark , Ding Jun , Ma Evan
Published: January 2024

Interstitial atoms usually diffuse much faster than vacancies, which is often the root cause for the ineffective recombination of point defects in metals under irradiation. Here, via ab initio modeling of single-defect diffusion behavior in the equiatomic NiCoCrFe(Pd) alloy, we demonstrate an alloy design strategy that can reduce the diffusivity difference between the two types of point defects. The two diffusivities become almost equal after substituting the NiCoCrFe base alloy with Pd. The underlying mechanism is that Pd, with a much larger atomic size (hence larger compressibility) than the rest of the constituents, not only heightens the activation energy barrier (

E
a

) for interstitial motion by narrowing the diffusion channels but simultaneously also reduces

E
a

for vacancies due to less energy penalty required for bond length change between the initial and the saddle states. Our findings have a broad implication that the dynamics of point defects can be manipulated by taking advantage of the atomic size disparity, to facilitate point-defect annihilation that suppresses void formation and swelling, thereby improving radiation tolerance.
Mouna Ben Halima – La Badira Hotel
Authors: Sellami Aziza , Ward-Perkins David
Published: January 2024

Mouna Ben Halima, owner and director of the Badira Hotel, was thrust into the business world at the young age of 24 on the death of her father, a leading Tunisian hotelier. Against the advice of many, including her investors, she opened a new style of luxury hotel, one that would cater to the emerging aspirations of both Tunisian and European tourists. In doing so, she was questioning decades of opinion concerning the nature of tourism in Tunisia. She did so as a female entrepreneur in a fast developing, but still quite traditional society.

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Dynamic analysis of a novel multilink-spring mechanism for vibration isolation and energy harvesting
Authors: Xie 谢 Jia-Heng 佳衡 , Yang 杨 Tao 涛 , Tang 唐 Jie 介
Published: January 2024

Due to technical limitations, existing vibration isolation and energy harvesting (VIEH) devices have poor performance at low frequency. This paper proposes a new multilink-spring mechanism (MLSM) that can be used to solve this problem. The VIEH performance of the MLSM under harmonic excitation and Gaussian white noise was analyzed. It was found that the MLSM has good vibration isolation performance for low-frequency isolation and the frequency band can be widened by adjusting parameters to achieve a higher energy harvesting power. By comparison with two special cases, the results show that the MLSM is basically the same as the other two oscillators in terms of vibration isolation but has better energy harvesting performance under multistable characteristics. The MLSM is expected to reduce the impact of vibration on high-precision sensitive equipment in some special sites such as subways and mines, and at the same time supply power to structural health monitoring devices.
Comparative study on tribological behavior of foil journal bearings with micro pocket
Authors: Mourya Vishal , Bhore Skylab P
Published: January 2024

This study explores the tribological performance of bump foil journal bearing (FJB) equipped with micro-pocket. The influence of micro-pocket on the load capacity (LC) and friction factor (FF) of FJBs is evaluated for various foil materials, including Inconel X750 (IN), Spring steel EN42J (SP), SS 316, Beryllium copper (BC), and Phosphor bronze (PB). The compressible Reynolds equation is solved numerically to assess the tribological behavior of bump FJB under various operating conditions. Initially, the impact of micro pocket on the tribological characteristics such as load capacity and friction factor of bump FJB is examined by comparing their performance with plain FJB. Subsequently, the effect variable parameters such as pocket depth (PD), bearing number (Λ), and eccentricity ratio (ε), on the tribological behavior is analysed by using response surface methodology (RSM). The multi-objective grey relational analysis (GRA) technique is employed to determine the optimal values of these variable parameters for each foils material. The findings reveal that micro-pocket enhance the dimensionless LC of bump FJB beyond a bearing number of 2.061. Moreover, micro-pocket reduce the friction factor of bump FJBs. Within the presence of micro pocket, SS 316 exhibits the most significant foil material for the better tribological characteristics of bump FJB, while phosphor bronze is the least signifcant. For SS 316, the optimal values of pocket depth (PD), bearing number (Λ), and eccentricity ratio (ε) are 3 μm, 2.061, and 0.5 respectively. Under these optimal conditions, the load capacity (LC) and friction factor (FF) of bump FJBs are 0.7740 and 13.645, respectively. Micro-pocket reduces the friction factor (FF) by 2 to 15%. The impact of pocket depth on the LC and FF of bump FJB is significant for the phosphor bronze. Additionally, increasing the pocket depth enhances the dimensionless LC of bump FJBs while decreasing the friction factor.
FGF2, LIF, and IGF-1 supplementation improves mouse oocyte in vitro maturation via increased glucose metabolism
Authors: Nahar Asrafun , Becker John , Pasquariello Rolando , Herrick Jason , Rogers Heather , Zhang Mingxiang , Schoolcraft William , Krisher Rebecca L , Yuan Ye
Published: January 2024

Chemically defined oocyte maturation media supplemented with FGF2, LIF, and IGF-1 (FLI medium) enabled significantly improved oocyte quality in multiple farm animals, yet the molecular mechanisms behind such benefits were poorly defined. Here, we first demonstrated that FLI medium enhanced mouse oocyte quality assessed by blastocyst formation after in vitro fertilization and implantation and fetal development after embryo transfer. We then analyzed the glucose concentrations in the spent media; reactive oxygen species concentrations; mitochondrial membrane potential; spindle morphology in oocytes; and the abundance of transcripts of endothelial growth factor–like factors, cumulus expansion factors, and glucose metabolism–related genes in cumulus cells. We found that FLI medium enabled increased glucose metabolism through glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, and hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, as well as more active endothelial growth factor–like factor expressions in cumulus cells, resulting in improved cumulus cell expansion, decreased spindle abnormality, and overall improvement in oocyte quality. In addition, the activities of MAPK1/3, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT3, and mTOR signaling pathways in cumulus cells were assessed by the phosphorylation of MAPK1/3, AKT, STAT3, and mTOR downstream target RPS6KB1. We demonstrated that FLI medium promoted activations of all these signaling pathways at multiple different time points during in vitro maturation.
A fast crystallization of TUN zeolite via the interzeolite conversion method
Authors: Lu Yao , Qin Feiyu , Wang Yong , Simancas Raquel , Cai Yibing , Kondo Junko N , Gies Hermann , Yokoi Toshiyuki
Published: January 2024

A TUN-type aluminosilicate zeolite was rapidly synthesized via the interzeolite conversion method (IZC) using a MWW-type one as a starting material. It was found that the co-addition of the organic structure direct agent (OSDA) and the seed played a crucial role in accelerating the crystallization of the TUN phase. The TUN zeolite synthesized via the IZC method exhibited comparable physicochemical properties to those of the conventional one crystallized from amorphous silica and alumina materials.
OP09 Oral ritlecitinib and brepocitinib in patients with moderate to severe active Crohn’s Disease: Data from the PIZZICATO umbrella study
Authors: Vermeire S , Allegretti J R , Kim H J , Long M D , Leszczyszyn J , Schreiber S , Mross M R , Kierkus J , Peeva E , Vincent M S , Shojaee N , Banfield C , Banerjee A , Gale J D , Hung K E
Published: January 2024

Background

Oral ritlecitinib (RIT; JAK3/TEC family kinase inhibitor) and brepocitinib (BRE; TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor) are being assessed in a 64-week (wk) phase 2a randomised, double-blind, induction-maintenance, umbrella study (PIZZICATO; NCT02958865) in participants (pts) with moderate-to-severe active Crohn’s disease (CD) with inadequate, loss of response or intolerance of corticosteroids, immunosuppressants or biologics. We report the efficacy and safety results from the 12-wk induction period.

Methods

Pts 18-75 years old with endoscopic confirmation of active CD with Simple Endoscopic Score for CD (SES-CD) ≥7/≥4 for isolated ileal disease, and average daily liquid/soft stool frequency (SF) ≥2.5 or daily abdominal pain (AP) ≥2.0 were included. Pts were randomised to RIT 200 mg once daily (QD) for 8 wks then 50 mg QD for 4 wks and matching placebo (PBO) in a 2:1 ratio or BRE 60 mg QD for 12 wks and matching PBO in a 2:1 ratio. Pts continued in their respective arms with open-label RIT 50 mg or BRE 30 mg QD for 52 wks. PBO arms were combined for analysis. Pts achieving SES-CD 50 (≥50% reduction in SES-CD from baseline [BL]; primary endpoint Wk 12), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) remission (CDAI<150) and CDAI-100 response for pts with BL CDAI≥220, clinical response (≥30% reduction from BL in AP or SF; neither worse than BL) and remission (SF≤1.5 and AP≤1; neither worse than BL) were assessed. Safety was also evaluated.

Results

A total of 244 pts were randomised and received treatment in the induction period with BL mean age of 34.6-36.5 years, median SES-CD 11-14, and prior biologics experience 69-76% across groups. The proportion of pts achieving SES-CD 50 was significantly higher at Wk 12 with RIT 200/50 mg QD and BRE 60 mg vs PBO (change from PBO: RIT 14.3% [90% CI, 4.0, 24.5], BRE 21.4% [10.0, 32.9]; Table). Statistical significance vs PBO was observed for RIT at Wks 8 and 12 and BRE at Wk 12 for CDAI remission, CDAI-100, clinical response and remission by SF or AP. Most treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in both groups were mild or moderate. Herpes infections occurred in 1 pt in each group and serious infections in 1 pt in RIT and 2 in BRE. No deaths or malignancies occurred. No events of thromboembolism or MACE occurred for RIT. One pt on BRE had a TEAE of pulmonary embolism. There were no clinically significant observations for labs.

Conclusion

Both RIT and BRE met the primary endpoint in the induction period with significant clinical improvement vs PBO in pts with active CD. Other meaningful efficacy endpoints had similar results to the primary endpoint for both therapies. RIT and BRE had an acceptable safety and tolerability profile that was consistent with previous studies.
OP13 Anti-integrin αvβ6 autoantibodies are increased in PSC-IBD and correlate with liver disease severity
Authors: Bloemen H , Livanos A , Martins A , Tankelevich M , Herb J , Cho J , Santos A , Bravo A C , Petralia F , Colombel J F , Schiano T , Torres J , Levy C , Mehandru S
Published: January 2024

Background

Anti-integrin αvβ6 autoantibodies (anti-αvβ6) are a novel biomarker of ulcerative colitis (UC) that precede disease diagnosis by up to 10 years. Given that integrin αvβ6 is also expressed on the biliary epithelium and that primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) co-occurs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in up to 90% of patients, we aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-αvβ6 in patients with PSC and to understand the impact of anti-αvβ6 on PSC disease course.

Methods

Three cohorts of pre-liver transplant patients with PSC and controls (IBD and non-IBD) were recruited from New York, Lisbon and Miami. Anti-αvβ6 levels were measured using ELISA and normalized for serum IgG concentration. Statistical analyses across groups and clinical parameters were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman correlation test. Multivariable linear regression was conducted to assess the association between anti-αvβ6 and liver disease severity, correcting for covariates. A mixed-effects model was applied to assess change in anti-αvβ6 over time.

Results

In total, 94 patients with PSC (53 (56.4%) PSC-UC, 20 (21.3%) PSC-Crohn’s disease (CD) and 21 (22.3%) PSC alone) and 129 controls (74 (57.4%) IBD and 55 (42.6%) non-IBD) were enrolled; table 1 shows the baseline characteristics of the patients with PSC. Follow-up samples (n=22) were collected from 1 up to 3 years after initial baseline sampling from 17 PSC patients. Median (IQR) age was similar in PSC patients (43, 33-56 years) and controls (47, 32-62 years; p=0.59). Median (IQR) anti-αvβ6 levels were significantly higher in PSC-UC (1.07, 0.48-2.65) and UC (1.83, 1.12-3.03) compared to PSC alone (0.40, 0.23-0.63; p=0.0004 and p<0.0001 respectively) and non-IBD controls (0.39, 0.17-0.65; p<0.0001 and p<0.0001 respectively). Anti-αvβ6 levels were comparable between PSC alone and non-IBD controls (p>0.999) (figure 1A). Anti-αvβ6 levels did not increase over time (p=0.23). A positive correlation between anti-αvβ6 levels and the Mayo PSC risk score (r=0.28, p=0.008) as well as alkaline phosphatase (r=0.29, p=0.007) was observed (figure 1B). These associations remain significant after correcting for covariates including age at diagnosis of PSC, gender, race/ethnicity and IBD type in a multivariable linear regression.

Conclusion

Anti-αvβ6 autoantibodies are a new biomarker of PSC-IBD and are associated with liver disease severity.