bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser Additive Manufacturing of High-Strength Aluminum Alloys: Challenges and Strategies
Authors: Dixit Som , Liu Shunyu
Published: December 2022

Metal additive manufacturing (AM)-fabricated high-strength aluminum (HS-Al) alloys (2xxx, 6xxx, and 7xxx) tend to produce fatal metallurgical defects such as porosity and cracks. Since Al is the most important lightweight structural material in automotive and aviation industries, successful printing of HS-Al alloys is in high demand. Therefore, this review focuses on the formation mechanisms and research advancements to address these metallurgical defects. Firstly, the process optimization strategies, including AM parameter optimization, hybrid AM processes, and post-processing treatment, and their effectiveness and limitations have been reviewed thoroughly. However, process optimization can address defects such as porosity, surface roughness, and residual stresses but has limited effectiveness on cracking alleviation. Secondly, the research efforts on composition modification to address cracking in AM of HS-Al alloys are critically discussed. Different from process optimization, composition modification alters the solidification dynamics in AM of HS-Al alloys and hence is considered the most promising route for crack-free printing.
Exosomes from Microvascular Endothelial Cells under Mechanical Unloading Inhibit Osteogenic Differentiation via miR-92b-3p/ELK4 Axis
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhang Lijun , Xu Liqun , Li Gaozhi , Wang Ke , Xue Tong , Sun Quan , Tang Hao , Cao Xinsheng , Hu Zebing , Zhang Shu , Shi Fei
Published: December 2022

Mechanical unloading-related bone loss adversely harms astronauts’ health. Nevertheless, the specific molecular basis underlying the phenomenon has not been completely elucidated. Although the bone microvasculature contributes significantly to bone homeostasis, the pathophysiological role of microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) in bone loss induced by mechanical unloading is not apparent. Here, we discovered that MC3T3-E1 cells could take up exosomes produced by MVECs under clinorotation-unloading conditions (Clino Exos), which then prevented MC3T3-E1 cells from differentiating into mature osteoblasts. Moreover, miR-92b-3p was found to be highly expressed in both unloaded MVECs and derived exosomes. Further experiments demonstrated that miR-92b-3p was transferred into MC3T3-E1 cells by exosomes, resulting in the suppression of osteogenic differentiation, and that encapsulating miR-92b-3p inhibitor into the Clino Exos blocked their inhibitory effects. Furthermore, miR-92b-3p targeted ELK4 and the expression of ELK4 was lessened when cocultured with Clino Exos. The inhibitor-92b-3p-promoted osteoblast differentiation was partially reduced by siRNA-ELK4. Exosomal miR-92b-3p secreted from MVECs under mechanical unloading has been shown for the first time to partially attenuate the function of osteoblasts through downregulation of ELK4, suggesting a potential strategy to protect against the mechanical unloading-induced bone loss and disuse osteoporosis.
Personalized Medicine and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Duong-Quy Sy , Nguyen-Huu Hoang , Hoang-Chau-Bao Dinh , Tran-Duc Si , Nguyen-Thi-Hong Lien , Nguyen-Duy Thai , Tang-Thi-Thao Tram , Phan Chandat , Bui-Diem Khue , Vu-Tran-Thien Quan , Nguyen-Ngoc-Phuong Thu , Nguyen-Nhu Vinh , Le-Thi-Minh Huong , Craig Timothy
Published: December 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disease that is often under-diagnosed and under-treated in all ages. This is due to differences in morphology, diversity in clinical phenotypes, and differences in diagnosis and treatment of OSA in children and adults, even among individuals of the same age. Therefore, a personalized medicine approach to diagnosis and treatment of OSA is necessary for physicians in clinical practice. In children and adults without serious underlying medical conditions, polysomnography at sleep labs may be an inappropriate and inconvenient testing modality compared to home sleep apnea testing. In addition, the apnea–hypopnea index should not be considered as a single parameter for making treatment decisions. Thus, the treatment of OSA should be personalized and based on individual tolerance to sleep-quality-related parameters measured by the microarousal index, harmful effects of OSA on the cardiovascular system related to severe hypoxia, and patients’ comorbidities. The current treatment options for OSA include lifestyle modification, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliance, surgery, and other alternative treatments. CPAP therapy has been recommended as a cornerstone treatment for moderate-to-severe OSA in adults. However, not all patients can afford or tolerate CPAP therapy. This narrative review seeks to describe the current concepts and relevant approaches towards personalized management of patients with OSA, according to pathophysiology, cluster analysis of clinical characteristics, adequate combined therapy, and the consideration of patients’ expectations.
Training a Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) for Voluntary Foot Radiographs at Dubai Safari Park
Authors: Booth Demi , Kamau Amos , Kayondo Henry , Sumaya Anna Mae , Ashraf Muhammad Waseem
Published: December 2022

When 0.1 Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) began displaying signs of lameness and a persistent swelling of the front left pastern joint, an operant based training program was created for front foot radiographs to diagnose and better manage lameness. Using a protected contact set up, behaviour was shaped using a positive reinforcement procedure. A series of cued behaviors were trained and used to obtain dorsolateral palmar medial oblique front foot radiographs to aid vets in diagnosing the cause of lameness. By training giraffes for foot radiographs, potential causes of lameness could be identified and better managed. Long-term, the results may help zoos identify best practices for managing and preventing lameness in giraffe and subsequently improve welfare. Training animals to participate in their own medical care can improve welfare by giving them a sense of control within the situation. Training for medical procedures helps to reduce the stress imposed on the giraffe and the associated risks compared to alternative methods.
Residents’ Preference for Urban Green Space Types and Their Ecological-Social Services in China
Authors: Zhao Wudong , Zhang Liwei , Li Xupu , Peng Lixian , Wang Pengtao , Wang Zhuangzhuang , Jiao Lei , Wang Hao
Published: December 2022

With accelerated urbanization and rapid expansion of the urban population, there is an increasing demand among urban residents for urban green spaces (UGS) and the ecosystem services (ES) they provide. The existing research mostly focuses on the spatial pattern of UGS types and ES provided by different UGS but ignores that residents’ preferences for UGS types and their ecological and social services should also be incorporated into the spatial planning decision-making of UGS. A web-based questionnaire was distributed randomly in urban areas of China and 1050 valid samples were collected in this study. Descriptive statistical analysis methods, structural equation modeling, and Pearson correlation were used to parse the residents’ preference for both UGS types, ecological–social services, and the relevant impact factors. The results showed that: (1) the strongest preference of residents for UGS and their ecological and social services are the attached green space, “beautifying the city”, and “physical and mental relaxation”, respectively; (2) the leading factors for residents’ access to UGS are “age” and “sufficient time”, except for attached green space. The most significant effect on both ecological and social services is the “season” factor. Further, “social gathering” and “exercise” are the services most and least likely to be affected. (3) Future planning of UGS should reinforce construction of attached green space and improve the aesthetics-related ES they provide. Construction of park green space and plaza green space should be enhanced to deal with the aging trend in society. Further, maintaining the existing construction of attached green space and building regional green space are crucial to the sustainability of UGS and its ecological–social services.
Evaluating Sustainability of Tourism Projects in Rural Land Development Base on a Resilience Model
Authors: Shi Yongwei , Zhang Jing , Cui Xufeng , Zhang Guanghong
Published: December 2022

The underutilisation or overutilisation of various interdependent and interacting factors poses a challenge to sustainable development and requires the development of an appropriate methodology to evaluate the sustainability of tourism development projects in rural Land (TDPRL). However, most previous evaluations of TDPRL sustainability are macro-oriented and ignore the entire project life cycle. This study focuses on the resilience characteristics of TDPRL and proposes a “sustainable resilience model” based on physical-mechanical theory, which analyses various factors influencing TDPRL resilience based on the three dimensions of tractive force, driving force, and internal dynamic, and constructs a qualitative evaluation index system through stakeholder meetings. Then the analytic network process (ANP) is used to assess the resilience of TDPRL quantitatively. The rationality of the evaluation index system is validated through an empirical analysis of three rural tourism projects in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. We found that the resilience of TDPRL depends first on the project fundamentals, which include population, industry, location, and infrastructure. Second, local elites are crucial to rural tourism revitalization. Third, the project team should have sufficient capacity to provide tourists with satisfactory products and services, ensuring the project’s sustainable operation, and meeting the core demands of stakeholders. This study provides a novel tool for the decision-making and improvement of rural tourist project development and land use planning over the project life cycle.
Comparing the Urban Floods Resistance of Common Tree Species in Winter City Parks
Authors: Zhai Chang , Zhang Zhonghui , Bao Guangdao , Zhang Dan , Liu Ting , Chen Jiaqi , Ding Mingming , Geng Ruoxuan , Fang Ning
Published: December 2022

The rapid urbanization process and high-intensity construction mode have greatly changed the underlying surface structure and spatial distribution of the natural land surface, further amplified the possibility of urban floods, and made urban security face more serious threats. Urban forest could help to mitigate urban floods through water holding and interception by its unique structures, especially the litter layer. This paper compared the ability of different forest tree species on urban floods mitigation, through analyzing their litter accumulation, litter water holding characteristics, and water interception features of different decomposed layers. The results concluded that Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb. (QM) forest, Betula platyphylla Sukaczev (BP) forest, Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Kuzen. (LG) forest, and Picea koraiensis Nakai (PK) forest were the best choices for improving urban floods resistance in a high-urbanization winter city, for they had larger litter mass and higher maximum water holding and interception capacity. The corresponding results of this study could help environmental management departments worldwide in the selection of tree species in urban greening projects focusing on urban flood control.
Mortality in Pedigrees with Acute Intermittent Porphyria
Authors: Neeleman Rochus , Musters Kyra , Wagenmakers Margreet , Mijnhout Sophie , Friesema Edith , Sijbrands Eric , Langendonk Janneke
Published: December 2022

High mortality rates have been reported in historical cohorts of acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) patients. The mortality associated with (hydroxymethylbilane synthase) HMBS variant heterozygosity is unknown. This study estimates all-cause mortality in pedigrees with HMBS gene variants that cause AIP. We collected data on the lifespan of individuals in Dutch AIP pedigrees and performed analyses using the family tree mortality ratio method. This gave us standardized mortality ratios for these pedigrees compared to the Dutch general population as a primary outcome. Between 1810 and 2017, the overall mortality in these pedigrees was identical to that of the general Dutch population: (SMR 1.01, p = 0.441). However, compared with the general population the SMR was significantly higher in women aged 45–64 years (SMR 1.99, p = 0.00003), which was based on excess mortality between 1915 and 1964 (SMR 1.94, p < 0.00002). In men aged 70–74 years, the SMR was 1.55 (p = 0.0021), based on excess mortality that occurred between 1925 and 1964 (SMR 1.92, p = 0000000003). Overall, mortality from HMBS variant heterozygosity was not increased compared with the general population. Severe excess mortality occurred in young women and old men between 1915 and 1964. Heterozygotes reached a normal lifespan during the past half-century, in parallel with disease awareness and the prevention of new attacks through family counselling.
Hydropriming and Osmotic Priming Induce Resistance against Aspergillus niger in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by Activating β-1, 3-glucanase, Chitinase, and Thaumatin-like Protein Genes
Authors: Gul Summia , Hussain Amjad , Ali Qurban , Alam Intikhab , Alshegaihi Rana M. , Meng Qinglin , Zaman Wajid , Manghwar Hakim , Munis Muhammad Farooq Hussain
Published: December 2022

Priming is used as a method to improve plant growth and alleviate the detrimental effects of pathogens. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different priming methods in the context of resistance to Aspergillus niger in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Here, we show that different priming treatments—viz., hydropriming, osmotic priming, halopriming, and hormonal priming techniques can induce disease resistance by improving the biochemical contents of wheat, including chlorophyll, protein, proline, and sugar. In addition, physiological parameters—such as root length, shoot length, fresh and dry root/shoot ratios, and relative water content were positively affected by these priming methods. In essence, hydropriming and osmotic priming treatments were found to be more potent for enhancing wheat biochemical contents, along with all the physiological parameters, and for reducing disease severity. Hydropriming and osmotic priming significantly decreased disease severity, by 70.59–75.00% and 64.71–88.33%, respectively. RT-PCR and quantitative real-time PCR analyses of potentially important pathogenesis-related (PR)-protein genes (Thaumatin-like protein (TLP), chitinase, and β-1,3-glucanase) in primed plants were evaluated: β-1,3-glucanase was most highly expressed in all primed plants; Chitinase and TLP exhibited higher expression in hormonal-, halo-, osmotic-, and hydro-primed plants, respectively. These results suggest that the higher expression of β-1,3-glucanase, TLP, and chitinase after hydropriming and osmotic priming may increase disease resistance in wheat. Our study demonstrates the greater potential of hydropriming and osmotic priming for alleviating stress caused by A. niger inoculation, and enhancing resistance to it, in addition to significantly improving plant growth. Thus, these priming methods could be beneficial for better plant growth and disease resistance in other plants.
SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Responses in Various Populations, at the Time of SARS-CoV-2 Variant Virus Emergence: Evaluation of Two Surrogate Neutralization Assays in Front of Whole Virus Neutralization Test
Authors: Marot Stephane , Bocar Fofana Djeneba , Flandre Philippe , Malet Isabelle , Zafilaza Karen , Leducq Valentin , Vivien Diane , Mrabet Sarah , Poignon Corentin , Calvez Vincent , Morand-Joubert Laurence , Marcelin Anne-Geneviève , Gozlan Joel
Published: December 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies response is the best indicator of effective protection after infection and/or vaccination, but its evaluation requires tedious cell-based experiments using an infectious virus. We analyzed, in 105 patients with various histories of SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or vaccination, the neutralizing response using a virus neutralization test (VNT) against B.1, Alpha, Beta and Omicron variants, and compared the results with two surrogate assays based on antibody-mediated blockage of the ACE2-RBD interaction (Lateral Flow Boditech and ELISA Genscript). The strongest response was observed for recovered COVID-19 patients receiving one vaccine dose. Naïve patients receiving 2 doses of mRNA vaccine also demonstrate high neutralization titers against B.1, Alpha and Beta variants, but only 34.3% displayed a neutralization activity against the Omicron variant. On the other hand, non-infected patients with half vaccination schedules displayed a weak and inconstant activity against all isolates. Non-vaccinated COVID-19 patients kept a neutralizing activity against B.1 and Alpha up to 12 months after recovery but a decreased activity against Beta and Omicron. Both surrogate assays displayed a good correlation with the VNT. However, an adaptation of the cut-off positivity was necessary, especially for the most resistant Beta and Omicron variants. We validated two simple and reliable surrogate neutralization assays, which may favorably replace cell-based methods, allowing functional analysis on a larger scale.
Solvation Structure and Ion–Solvent Hydrogen Bonding of Hydrated Fluoride, Chloride and Bromide—A Comparative QM/MM MD Simulation Study
Authors: Hofer Thomas S.
Published: December 2022

In this study, the correlated resolution-of-identity Møller–Plesset perturbation theory of second order (RIMP2) ab initio level of theory has been combined with the newly parameterised, flexible SPC-mTR2 water model to formulate an advanced QM/MM MD simulation protocol to study the solvation properties of the solutes F−, Cl− and Br− in aqueous solution. After the identification of suitable ion–water Lennard–Jones parameters for the QM/MM coupling, a total simulation period of 10 ps (equilibration) plus 25 ps (sampling) could be achieved for each target system at QM/MM conditions. The resulting simulation data enable an in-depth analysis of the respective hydration structure, the first shell ligand exchange characteristics and the impact of solute–solvent hydrogen bonding on the structural properties of first shell water molecules. While a rather unexpected tailing of the first shell ion–oxygen peak renders the identification of a suitable QM boundary region challenging, the presented simulation results provide a valuable primer for more advanced simulation approaches focused on the determination of single-ion thermodynamical properties.
aRDG Analysis of Asphaltene Molecular Viscosity and Molecular Interaction Based on Non-Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Lin Qunchao , Deng Lei , Dong Ge , Tang Xianqiong , Li Wei , Long Zhengwu , Xu Fu
Published: December 2022

Understanding the noncovalent (weak) interactions between asphaltene molecules is crucial to further comprehending the viscosity and aggregation behavior of asphaltenes. In the past, intermolecular interactions were characterized indirectly by calculating the radial distribution function and the numerical distribution of distances/angles between atoms, which are far less intuitive than the average reduced density gradient (aRDG) method. This study selected three representative asphaltene molecules (AsphalteneO, AsphalteneT, and AsphalteneY) to investigate the relationship between viscosity and weak intermolecular interactions. Firstly, a non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulation was employed to calculate the shear viscosities of these molecules and analyze their aggregation behaviors. In addition, the types of weak intermolecular interactions of asphaltene were visualized by the aRDG method. Finally, the stability of the weak intermolecular interactions was analyzed by the thermal fluctuation index (TFI). The results indicate that AsphalteneY has the highest viscosity. The aggregation behavior of AsphalteneO is mainly face–face stacking, while AsphalteneT and AsphalteneY associate mainly via offset stacking and T-shaped stacking. According to the aRDG analysis, the weak interactions between AshalteneT molecules are similar to those between AshalteneO molecules, mainly due to van der Waals interactions and steric hindrance effects. At the same time, there is a strong attraction between AsphalteneY molecules. Additionally, the results of the TFI analysis show that the weak intermolecular interactions of the three types of asphaltene molecules are relatively stable and not significantly affected by thermal motion. Our results provide a new method for better understanding asphaltene molecules’ viscosity and aggregation behavior.
Magnetic Phase Diagram of van der Waals Antiferromagnet TbTe3
Authors: Volkova Olga S. , Hadj-Azzem Abdellali , Remenyi Gyorgy , Lorenzo Jose Emilio , Monceau Pierre , Sinchenko Alexander A. , Vasiliev Alexander N.
Published: December 2022

Terbium tritelluride, TbTe3, orders antiferromagnetically in three steps at TN1 = 6.7 K, TN2 = 5.7 K, and TN3 = 5.4 K, preceded by a correlation hump in magnetic susceptibility at T* ~8 K. Combining thermodynamic, i.e., specific heat Cp and magnetization M, and transport, i.e., resistance R, measurements we established the boundaries of two commensurate and one charge density wave modulated phases in a magnetic field oriented along principal crystallographic axes. Based on these measurements, the magnetic phase diagrams of TbTe3 at H‖a, H‖b and H‖c were constructed.
Programmable Thermo-Responsive Self-Morphing Structures Design and Performance
Authors: Pandeya Surya Prakash , Zou Sheng , Roh Byeong-Min , Xiao Xinyi
Published: December 2022

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, was introduced to design complicated structures/geometries that overcome the manufacturability limitations of traditional manufacturing processes. However, like any other manufacturing technique, AM also has its limitations, such as the need of support structures for overhangs, long build time etc. To overcome these limitations of 3D printing, 4D printing was introduced, which utilizes smart materials and processes to create shapeshifting structures with the external stimuli, such as temperature, humidity, magnetism, etc. The state-of-the-art 4D printing technology focuses on the “form” of the 4D prints through the multi-material variability. However, the quantitative morphing analysis is largely absent in the existing literature on 4D printing. In this research, the inherited material anisotropic behaviors from the AM processes are utilized to drive the morphing behaviors. In addition, the quantitative morphing analysis is performed for designing and controlling the shapeshifting. A material–process–performance 4D printing prediction framework has been developed through a novel dual-way multi-dimensional machine learning model. The morphing evaluation metrics, bending angle and curvature, are obtained and archived at 99% and 93.5% R2, respectively. Based on the proposed method, the material and production time consumption can be reduced by around 65–90%, which justifies that the proposed method can re-imagine the digital–physical production cycle.
Synthesis of Silicon Nitride Nanoparticles by Upcycling Silicon Wafer Waste Using Thermal Plasma Jets
Authors: Kim Tae-Hee , Lee Seungjun , Park Dong-Wha
Published: December 2022

Silicon (Si) waste generation is a critical issue in the development of semiconductor industries, and significant amounts of Si waste are disposed via landfilling. Herein, we propose an effective and high value-added recycling method for generating nitride nanoparticles from Si waste, such as poor-grade Si wafers, broken wafers, and Si scrap with impurities. Si waste was crushed and used as precursors, and an Ar-N2 thermal plasma jet was applied at 13 kW (300 A) under atmospheric pressure conditions. A cone-type reactor was employed to optimize heat transfer, and Si waste was injected into the high-temperature region between the cathode and anode to react with free/split nitrogen species. Spherical Si3N4 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using isolated nitrogen plasma in the absence of ammonia gas. The crystalline structure comprised mixed α- and β-Si3N4 phases with the particle size <30 nm. Furthermore, the influence of ammonia gas on nitridation was investigated. Our findings indicated that Si3N4 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized in the absence of ammonia gas, and their crystallinity could be altered based on the reactor geometry. Therefore, the as-proposed thermal plasma technique can be used to successfully synthesize high value-added nanopowder from industrial waste.
Kinematic Optimization Design and Performance Simulation of Novel 5-DOF Parallel Machining Robots with Spatial Layout
Authors: Wang Ruoyu , Niu Zhili , Chen Kaixuan , Sun Tao
Published: December 2022

High efficiency and precision machining of complex components with spatial free-form surface features is facing significant scientific challenges, which put forward higher requirements for the design of machining equipment. Considering the requirements of engineering practice on the rotation ability, motion ability, stiffness performance and mass of equipment, two novel parallel five degree of freedom (5-DOF) machining robots with spatial layout are proposed. This kind of robot is approximately centrally symmetric, with reasonable constraint and driving wrench design, and greatly releases the flexibility of the spindle. A multi-objective optimization approach incorporating the NSGA-II algorithm is used to optimize the kinematic performance of the robots. According to the cooperative equilibrium criterion, the optimal virtual prototype parameters for the two types of robots are selected and contrasted. Then, the static performance of the more optimal virtual prototype is verified using finite element analysis. The numerical simulation demonstrates that the designed 5-DOF machining robot offers satisfactory static behavior and flexibility, which is of significant application value.
Study of Diamond Wheel Wear Based on the Principle of Frictional Energy Distribution in Ultrasonic-Assisted Grinding Trajectories
Authors: Zhao Longfei , Li Sisi , Zhang Xianglei , Zhou Hongming , Wang Qiang
Published: December 2022

In the grinding process, the friction energy generated by grains and the workpiece in the grinding zone will affect the service life of the grinding wheel. Ultrasonic-vibration-assisted grinding (UVAG) can reduce the friction force and reduce the generation of friction energy during grinding. In this work, the wear mechanism of grinding wheels in UVAG is discussed in detail from the perspective of the grain grinding trajectory and tribology. The results show that UVAG has a smaller friction force than conventional grinding (CG). Furthermore, when the initial included angles of grains are 90° and 150°, the friction energy of a single grinding surface in UVAG is reduced by 24% and 37% compared with that of CG, respectively. In UVAG, the grains are prone to microfractures, and the self-sharpening ability of the grinding wheel is enhanced, which can obtain a lower grinding force and better grinding surface quality.
Propose-Specific Information Related to Prediction Level at x and Mean Magnitude of Relative Error: A Case Study of Software Effort Estimation
Authors: Huynh Thai Hoc , Silhavy Petr , Fajkus Martin , Prokopova Zdenka , Silhavy Radek
Published: December 2022

The prediction level at x (PRED(x)) and mean magnitude of relative error (MMRE) are measured based on the magnitude of relative error between real and predicted values. They are the standard metrics that evaluate accurate effort estimates. However, these values might not reveal the magnitude of over-/under-estimation. This study aims to define additional information associated with the PRED(x) and MMRE to help practitioners better interpret those values. We propose the formulas associated with the PRED(x) and MMRE to express the level of scatters of predictive values versus actual values on the left (sigLeft), on the right (sigRight), and on the mean of the scatters (sig). We depict the benefit of the formulas with three use case points datasets. The proposed formulas might contribute to enriching the value of the PRED(x) and MMRE in validating the effort estimation.
On Discrete Approximation of Analytic Functions by Shifts of the Lerch Zeta Function
Authors: Rimkevičienė Audronė , Šiaučiūnas Darius
Published: December 2022

The Lerch zeta function is defined by a Dirichlet series depending on two fixed parameters. In the paper, we consider the approximation of analytic functions by discrete shifts of the Lerch zeta function, and we prove that, for arbitrary parameters and a step of arithmetic progression, there is a closed non-empty subset of the space of analytic functions defined in the critical strip such that its functions can be approximated by discrete shifts of the Lerch zeta function. The set of those shifts is infinite, and it has a positive density. For the proof, the weak convergence of probability measures in the space of analytic functions is applied.
Optimization Models for Reducing Off-Cuts of Raw Materials in Construction Site
Authors: Wang Haoqing , Yi Wen
Published: December 2022

More than ten billion tons of construction waste are generated every year in the world. The large volume of construction waste not only increases costs for contractors, but also poses a threat to the environment. A significant proportion of construction waste consists of off-cuts of raw materials. Therefore, to reduce construction waste, this study builds an optimization model to reduce the volume of off-cuts of raw materials. We then develop two solution methods—a mixed-integer linear programming method and a column generation method—to solve the proposed optimization model. We conduct numerical experiments to test the efficiency and applicability of our proposed model. The mixed-integer linear programming method obtains optimal solutions and is suitable for solving small-scale instances, whereas the column generation method gives high-quality solutions within seconds and is suitable for solving large-scale instances. In the large-scale instances, the column generation method reduces waste by over 10% compared to the use of two straightforward decisions rules. Our findings will help construction projects decrease material off-cuts, reduce costs, and achieve sustainable construction.
Locally Homogeneous Manifolds Defined by Lie Algebra of Infinitesimal Affine Transformations
Authors: Popov Vladimir A.
Published: December 2022

This article deals with Lie algebra G of all infinitesimal affine transformations of the manifold M with an affine connection, its stationary subalgebra ℌ⊂G, the Lie group G corresponding to the algebra G, and its subgroup H⊂G corresponding to the subalgebra ℌ⊂G. We consider the center ℨ⊂G and the commutant [G,G] of algebra G. The following condition for the closedness of the subgroup H in the group G is proved. If ℌ∩ℨ+G;G=ℌ∩[G;G], then H is closed in G. To prove it, an arbitrary group G is considered as a group of transformations of the set of left cosets G/H, where H is an arbitrary subgroup that does not contain normal subgroups of the group G. Among these transformations, we consider right multiplications. The group of right multiplications coincides with the center of the group G. However, it can contain the right multiplication by element 𝒽¯, belonging to normalizator of subgroup H and not belonging to the center of a group G. In the case when G is in the Lie group, corresponding to the algebra G of all infinitesimal affine transformations of the affine space M and its subgroup H corresponding to its stationary subalgebra ℌ⊂G, we prove that such element 𝒽¯ exists if subgroup H is not closed in G. Moreover 𝒽¯ belongs to the closures H¯ of subgroup H in G and does not belong to commutant G,G of group G. It is also proved that H is closed in G if P+ℨ∩ℌ=P∩ℌ for any semisimple algebra P∈G for which P+ℜ=G.
Personalizing Hybrid-Based Dialogue Agents
Authors: Matveev Yuri , Makhnytkina Olesia , Posokhov Pavel , Matveev Anton , Skrylnikov Stepan
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we present a continuation of our work on the personification of dialogue agents. We expand upon the previously demonstrated models—the ranking and generative models—and propose new hybrid models. Because there is no single definitive way to build a hybrid model, we explore various architectures where the components adopt different roles, sequentially and in parallel. Applying the perplexity and BLEU performance metrics, we discover that the Retrieve and Refine and KG model—a modification of the Retrieve and Refine model where the ranking and generative components work in parallel and compete based on the proximity of the candidate found by the ranking model with a knowledge-grounded generation block—achieves the best performance, with values of 1.64 for perplexity and 0.231 for BLEU scores.
Fungal Bergamotane Sesquiterpenoids—Potential Metabolites: Sources, Bioactivities, and Biosynthesis
Authors: Khayat Maan T. , Mohammad Khadijah A. , Omar Abdelsattar M. , Mohamed Gamal A. , Ibrahim Sabrin R. M.
Published: December 2022

The marine environment represents the largest ecosystem on the Earth’s surface. Marine-derived fungi are of remarkable importance as they are a promising pool of diverse classes of bioactive metabolites. Bergamotane sesquiterpenoids are an uncommon class of terpenoids. They possess diverse biological properties, such as plant growth regulation, phototoxic, antimicrobial, anti-HIV, cytotoxic, pancreatic lipase inhibition, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive traits. The current work compiles the reported bergamotane sesquiterpenoids from fungal sources in the period ranging from 1958 to June 2022. A total of 97 compounds from various fungal species were included. Among these metabolites, 38 compounds were derived from fungi isolated from different marine sources. Furthermore, the biological activities, structural characterization, and biosynthesis of the compounds are also discussed. The summary in this work provides a detailed overview of the reported knowledge of fungal bergamotane sesquiterpenoids. Moreover, this in-depth and complete review could provide new insights for developing and discovering new valuable pharmaceutical agents from these natural metabolites.
Peri-Neural Invasion Is an Important Prognostic Factor of T2N0 Oral Cancer
Authors: Cheng Chi-Sheng , Chen Chien-Chih , Liu Yi-Chun , Wang Chen-Chi , Chou Yu-Shu
Published: December 2022

Background and objectives: Among patients with pathologically proven T2N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a notable amount of patients still die from tumor recurrence although they have radical surgery for early stage cancers. In literature, the prognostic indicators of this specific disease entity were rarely reported. This study aims at analyzing the prognostic factors of T2N0 OSCC patients and discussing possible managements to improve the survival. Materials and Methods: From January 2012 to December 2017, the data of 166 pathologically proven T2N0 oral cancer patients proved by radical surgery were retrospectively collected. The clinical and pathologic factors including age, gender, tumor differentiation grade, perineural invasion (PNI), angiolymphatic invasion (ALI), margin status, and adjuvant therapy were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis to determine their association with disease-specific survival (DSS), and disease-free survival (DFS), which were calculated by Kaplan–Meier method. Results: After median follow up time of 43.5 months, overall 3-year rates of DSS and DFS were 86.1% and 80.1% respectively for our 166 patients. Univariate analysis showed that the 3-year DSS of 90.8% for PNI negative patients was significantly better than DSS of 57.0% for PNI positive patients (p = 0.0006). The 3-year DFS of 84.2% for PNI negative patients was also significantly better than DFS of 54.6% for PNI positive patients (p = 0.001). Further multivariate analysis revealed PNI was the only independent prognostic factor associated with both DSS (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 5.02; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.99–12.6; p = 0.001), and DFS (HR = 3.92; 95% CI = 1.65–9.32; p = 0.002). Nearly 10% (16) of the 166 patients had adverse pathologic feature of PNI only. In the 11 patients without adjuvant therapy, 5 patients died from OSCC. No patients had recurrence or mortality after they received adjuvant therapy with chemotherapy ± radiotherapy. Conclusion: PNI was an independent prognostic factor for T2N0 oral cancer patients. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy may benefit the survival of this specific disease entity, but further investigations are needed to elucidate the optimal regimen.
Effects of Electrolytic Copper Foil Roughness on Lithium-Ion Battery Performance
Authors: Zhang Jianli , Zuo Dengyu , Pei Xiaozhe , Mu Chengfa , Chen Keyu , Chen Qiang , Hou Guangya , Tang Yiping
Published: December 2022

Improving the interfacial properties between the electrode materials and current collectors plays a significant role in lithium-ion batteries. Here, four kinds of electrolytic copper foils with roughness (Rz) values of 1.2, 1.5, 2.2, and 2.8 μm were prepared via an electropolishing technique. Reducing the roughness of the electrolytic copper foil can effectively improve the wettability of the anode slurry. The electrolytic copper foil with a roughness value of 1.2 μm shows the best coating uniformity of the graphite anode slurry. The battery with this electrolytic copper foil (Rz = 1.2 μm) as the current collector exhibits fifth-cycle capacities of 358.7 and 102.5 mAh g−1 at 0.2 and 3.0 C, respectively, showing excellent rate capability. In addition, at 0.5 C, the battery exhibits an initial discharge capacity of 319.5 mAh g−1 and a 100th-cycle capacity retention rate of 98.1%, demonstrating a high level of cycling performance. These results indicate that reducing the roughness of electrolytic copper foil can provide a feasible route to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries.
The Cyclic Stability of Superelasticity in Aged Ti49.3Ni50.7 Single Crystals with Oxide Surface
Authors: Eftifeeva Anna S. , Panchenko Elena Y. , Fatkullin Ilya D. , Volochaev Mikhail N. , Tagiltsev Anton I. , Chumlyakov Yuriy I.
Published: December 2022

The cyclic stability of superelasticity in compression in [001]B2-oriented Ti49.3Ni50.7 single crystals is considered in this paper. The crystals were aged at 823 K for 1.0 h in air and helium. It has been experimentally shown that a two-layered surface thin film, consisting of a Ni-free oxide layer and a Ni-rich sublayer, appears after the oxidation at 823 K in air. The surface layers have a weak effect on the forward B2-R-B19’ martensitic transformation temperatures: TR temperature increases by 4 K; Ms and Mf temperatures decrease by 6 K. The oxide layer does not affect either the superelasticity response during fatigue tests or the temperatures of reverse B19’-B2 martensitic transformation. The cracking of the surface oxide layer during fatigue tests was not found in [001]B2-oriented single crystals aged in air. This is contributed by the relaxation of internal stresses. Such internal stresses are caused by both the formation of an oxide layer during aging and the matrix deformation at the stress-induced martensitic transformation. The main relaxation mechanisms of the internal stresses are the oriented growth of Ti3Ni4 precipitation near a thin surface film at aging in air, the formation of dislocations near the precipitation-matrix interface and a fine twinned B19’-martensite at fatigue tests.
BCC-Based Mg–Li Alloy with Nano-Precipitated MgZn2 Phase Prepared by Multidirectional Cryogenic Rolling
Authors: Ji Qing , Ma Xiaochun , Wu Ruizhi , Jin Siyuan , Zhang Jinghuai , Hou Legan
Published: December 2022

In this study, we deformed the single β phase Mg–Li alloy, Mg–16Li–4Zn–1Er (LZE1641), with conventional rolling (R) and multi-directional rolling (MDR), both at cryogenic temperature. Results showed that the nano-precipitation phase MgZn2 appeared in the alloy after MDR, but this phenomenon was not present in the alloy after R. The finite element simulation result showed that the different deformation modes changed the stress distribution inside the alloy, which affected the microstructures and the motion law of the solute atoms. The high-density and dispersively distributed MgZn2 particles with a size of about 35 nm were able to significantly inhibit the grain boundary migration. They further hindered the dislocation movement and consolidated the dislocation strengthening and fine-grain strengthening effects. Compared with the compressive strength after R (273 MPa), the alloy compressive strength was improved by 21% after MDR (331 MPa). After 100 °C compression, the MgZn2 remained stable.
A Review of Circularly Polarized Dielectric Resonator Antennas: Recent Developments and Applications
Authors: Abd Rahman Nur Akmal , Mohd Yasin Mohd Najib , Ibrahim Imran Mohd , Jusoh Muzammil , Noor Shehab Khan , Ekscalin Emalda Mary Mervin Retnadhas , Zamin Norshuhani , Nurhayati Nurhayati
Published: December 2022

A comprehensive review on recent developments and applications of circularly polarized (CP) dielectric resonator antennas (DRAs) is proposed in this paper. DRAs have received more considerations in various applications due to their advantages such as wide bandwidth, high gain, high efficiency, low losses, and low profile. A broad justification for circular polarization and DRAs is stated at the beginning of the review. Various techniques such as single feed, dual, or multiple feeds used by different researchers for generating circular polarization in DRAs are briefly studied in this paper. Multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) CP DRAs, which can increase channel capacity, link reliability, and data rate, have also been analyzed. Additionally, innovative design solutions for broadening the circular polarization bandwidth and reducing mutual coupling are studied. Several applications of DRA are also discussed comprehensively. This paper finishes with concluding remarks.
The Common Bean Small Heat Shock Protein Nodulin 22 from Phaseolus vulgaris L. Assembles into Functional High-Molecular-Weight Oligomers
Authors: Fernández-Silva Arline , Lledías Fernando , Rodríguez-López Jonathan , Olivares Juan E. , French-Pacheco Leidys , Treviño Marcela , Amero Carlos , Díaz-Camino Claudia
Published: December 2022

Small heat shock proteins (sHsps) are present in all domains of life. These proteins are responsible for binding unfolded proteins to prevent their aggregation. sHsps form dynamic oligomers of different sizes and constitute transient reservoirs for folding competent proteins that are subsequently refolded by ATP-dependent chaperone systems. In plants, the sHsp family is rather diverse and has been associated with the ability of plants to survive diverse environmental stresses. Nodulin 22 (PvNod22) is an sHsp of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) located in the endoplasmic reticulum. This protein is expressed in response to stress (heat or oxidative) or in plant roots during mycorrhizal and rhizobial symbiosis. In this work, we study its oligomeric state using a combination of in silico and experimental approaches. We found that recombinant PvNod22 was able to protect a target protein from heat unfolding in vitro. We also demonstrated that PvNod22 assembles into high-molecular-weight oligomers with diameters of ~15 nm under stress-free conditions. These oligomers can cluster together to form high-weight polydisperse agglomerates with temperature-dependent interactions; in contrast, the oligomers are stable regarding temperature.
2,5-Bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phenyl-tethered 1,3,4-Oxadiazoles Derivatives: Synthesis, In Silico Studies, and Biological Assessment as Potential Candidates for Anti-Cancer and Anti-Diabetic Agent
Authors: Shankara Sathyanarayana D. , Isloor Arun M. , Kudva Avinash K. , Raghu Shamprasad Varija , Jayaswamy Pavan K. , Venugopal Pushyaraga P. , Shetty Praveenkumar , Chakraborty Debashree
Published: December 2022

In the present work, a series of new 1-{5-[2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phenyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazol-3-acetyl-2-aryl-2H/methyl derivatives were synthesized through a multistep reaction sequence. The compounds were synthesized by the condensation of various aldehydes and acetophenones with the laboratory-synthesized acid hydrazide, which afforded the Schiff’s bases. Cyclization of the Schiff bases yielded 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives. By spectral analysis, the structures of the newly synthesized compounds were elucidated, and further, their anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties were investigated. To examine the dynamic behavior of the candidates at the binding site of the protein, molecular docking experiments on the synthesized compounds were performed, followed by a molecular dynamic simulation. ADMET (chemical absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) prediction revealed that most of the synthesized compounds follow Lipinski’s rule of 5. The results were further correlated with biological studies. Using a cytotoxic assay, the newly synthesized 1,3,4-Oxadiazoles were screened for their in vitro cytotoxic efficacy against the LN229 Glioblastoma cell line. From the cytotoxic assay, the compounds 5b, 5d, and 5m were taken for colony formation assay and tunnel assay have shown significant cell apoptosis by damaging the DNA of cancer cells. The in vivo studies using a genetically modified diabetic model, Drosophila melanogaster, indicated that compounds 5d and 5f have better anti-diabetic activity among the different synthesized compounds. These compounds lowered the glucose levels significantly in the tested model.
Arrangement of Indocyanine Green in a 1.5-Nanometer Channel to Achieve High-Efficiency Imaging of the Intestinal Lymphatic System
Authors: Kong Xiangyi , Gao Nan , Du Jianshi , Zhao Qing
Published: December 2022

The complications of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) seriously endanger people’s health, such as bleeding, polyp hyperplasia, and even cancer. Although the precise pathophysiology of IBD is unknown, alterations in the intestinal lymphatic network, such as lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic vessel dysfunction, are well-established features. Therefore, the development of a reliable technology is urgently required, with a stereoscopic, deep, and high-resolution technology for IBD lymphatic targeting imaging in clinical practice. However, indocyanine green, the only clinically approved imaging agent by the Food and Drug Administration, can easily cause self-aggregation or be interfered with by microenvironments, causing fluorescence quenching, which seriously affects the imaging and detective capabilities. Herein, indocyanine green molecules are arranged in a 1.5-nanometer one-dimensional channel (TpPa-1@ICG). Based on this specified structure, the fluorescence enhancement effect is observed in the TpPa-1@ICG resultant, and the fluorescence intensity is enhanced by 27%. In addition, the ICG-incorporated porous solid reveals outstanding solvent (dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, etc.) and thermal (>300 °C) stability. After modifying the target molecules, TpPa-1@ICG showed excellent imaging ability for intestinal lymphatic vessels, providing a new imaging tool for IBDs research.