bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bottom-Up Methodology for the Fast Assessment of CNN Mappings on Energy-Efficient Accelerators
Authors: Devic Guillaume , Sassatelli Gilles , Gamatié Abdoulaye
Published: January 2023

The execution of machine learning (ML) algorithms on resource-constrained embedded systems is very challenging in edge computing. To address this issue, ML accelerators are among the most efficient solutions. They are the result of aggressive architecture customization. Finding energy-efficient mappings of ML workloads on accelerators, however, is a very challenging task. In this paper, we propose a design methodology by combining different abstraction levels to quickly address the mapping of convolutional neural networks on ML accelerators. Starting from an open-source core adopting the RISC-V instruction set architecture, we define in RTL a more flexible and powerful multiply-and-accumulate (MAC) unit, compared to the native MAC unit. Our proposal contributes to improving the energy efficiency of the RISC-V cores of PULPino. To effectively evaluate its benefits at system level, while considering CNN execution, we build a corresponding analytical model in the Timeloop/Accelergy simulation and evaluation environment. This enables us to quickly explore CNN mappings on a typical RISC-V system-on-chip model, manufactured under the name of GAP8. The modeling flexibility offered by Timeloop makes it possible to easily evaluate our novel MAC unit in further CNN accelerator architectures such as Eyeriss and DianNao. Overall, the resulting bottom-up methodology assists designers in the efficient implementation of CNNs on ML accelerators by leveraging the accuracy and speed of the combined abstraction levels.
Taxonomy, Phylogeny, Divergence Time Estimation, and Biogeography of the Family Pseudoplagiostomataceae (Ascomycota, Diaporthales)
Authors: Zhang Zhaoxue , Liu Xinye , Tao Mengfei , Liu Xiaoyong , Xia Jiwen , Zhang Xiuguo , Meng Zhe
Published: January 2023

Species of Pseudoplagiostomataceae were mainly introduced as endophytes, plant pathogens, or saprobes from various hosts. Based on multi-locus phylogenies from the internal transcribed spacers (ITS), the large subunit of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (LSU), partial DNA-directed RNA polymerase II subunit two gene (rpb2), the partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (tef1α), and the partial beta-tubulin gene (tub2), in conjunction with morphological characteristics, we describe three new species, viz. Pseudoplagiostoma alsophilae sp. nov., P. bambusae sp. nov., and P. machili sp. nov. Molecular clock analyses on the divergence times of Pseudoplagiostomataceae indicated that the conjoint ancestor of Pseudoplagiostomataceae and Apoharknessiaceae occurred in the Cretaceous period. and had a mean stem age of 104.1 Mya (95% HPD of 86.0–129.0 Mya, 1.0 PP), and most species emerged in the Paleogene and Neogene period. Historical biogeography was reconstructed for Pseudoplagiostomataceae by the RASP software with a S–DEC model, and suggested that Asia, specifically Southeast Asia, was probably the ancestral area.
Advocating for Coccidioidomycosis to Be a Reportable Disease Nationwide in the United States and Encouraging Disease Surveillance across North and South America
Authors: Gorris Morgan E. , Ardon-Dryer Karin , Campuzano Althea , Castañón-Olivares Laura R. , Gill Thomas E. , Greene Andrew , Hung Chiung-Yu , Kaufeld Kimberly A. , Lacy Mark , Sánchez-Paredes Edith
Published: January 2023

Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever) has been a known health threat in the United States (US) since the 1930s, though not all states are currently required to report disease cases. Texas, one of the non-reporting states, is an example of where both historical and contemporary scientific evidence define the region as endemic, but we don’t know disease incidence in the state. Mandating coccidioidomycosis as a reportable disease across more US states would increase disease awareness, improve clinical outcomes, and help antifungal drug and vaccine development. It would also increase our understanding of where the disease is endemic and the relationships between environmental conditions and disease cases. This is true for other nations in North and South America that are also likely endemic for coccidioidomycosis, especially Mexico. This commentary advocates for US state and territory epidemiologists to define coccidioidomycosis as a reportable disease and encourages disease surveillance in other endemic regions across North and South America in order to protect human health and reduce disease burden.
Gorilla Activities and Social Behavior: Assessing Changes Associated with Absence of Zoo Visitors, Zoo Attendance, Time of Day and Increasing Maturity
Authors: Cox Cathleen R. , Werner Jill S. , Mead Joan I.
Published: January 2023

In this study we report on associations found between several variables and changes in gorilla behavior. Two groups of gorillas were observed, one was a family group and the other was a bachelor group. The zoo was closed to visitors for two periods during the COVID-19 pandemic which made it possible to document any differences associated with the presence and absence of visitors. We also considered possible changes in behavior in relation to daily zoo attendance, time of day, and increasing maturity of group members. Output variables included six activities and one location which were assessed by instantaneous sampling, as well as level of aggressive and affiliative behavior assessed by recording all occurrences. Hour in which observations were done and successive months in the study, which serves as a measure of increasing maturity of younger gorillas, were the best predictors of activity and location, with each showing significant relationships with three output variables. Absence of visitors during zoo closure was also significantly associated with an increase in time the gorillas were proximate to potential visitor viewing areas. Aggression among the bachelors was lower when the zoo was closed and higher with maturation of the youngest male. Reviewing differences in level of aggression during the two periods of closure shows that decreased aggression among the bachelors was not a result of zoo closure.
Economic Growth Target, Government Expenditure Behavior, and Cities’ Ecological Efficiency—Evidence from 284 Cities in China
Authors: Zhang Can , Liu Tengfei , Li Jixia , Xu Mengzhi , Li Xu , Wang Huachun
Published: January 2023

As a composite indicator that incorporates economic efficiency and environmental protection, ecological efficiency is a valuable tool for measuring regional green development and accelerating regional green transformation. As the economy transitions, Chinese economic growth targets affect local governments’ behaviors, thereby impacting ecological efficiency. In this study, the ecological efficiency level of 284 cities in China was measured using the EBM-DEA method from 2007 to 2019, and the spatial exploration analysis method and the dynamic double fixed effect spatial Durbin model were applied to analyze urban ecological efficiency’s spatial correlations, impacts, and mechanisms. The conclusions are as follows: China’s urban ecological efficiency has increased over time. At the spatial level, it shows the distribution characteristics of east > northeast > middle > west. In terms of spatial agglomeration, there are typically spatial agglomerations, high–high agglomerations, and low–low agglomerations in Chinese cities’ ecological efficiency. There is an inverted U-shaped relationship between economic growth target and ecological efficiency. According to regional differences, the economic growth target in the eastern region has a U-shaped impact on ecological efficiency, while in the central, northeast, and western cities they have an inverted U-shaped effect on ecological efficiency. In terms of the impact mechanism, through the intermediary effect test, it is found that appropriate economic growth target setting can promote the proportion of energy conservation and environmental protection expenditure and fiscal science and technology expenditure. Excessive economic growth target setting can inhibit the proportion of energy conservation and environmental protection expenditure and fiscal science and technology expenditure. The proportion of energy conservation and environmental protection expenditure and fiscal science and technology expenditure can promote ecological efficiency. The enlightenment is as follows: China should weaken the economic growth target in official promotion assessment, set differentiated economic growth targets for different regions, and increase the proportion of energy conservation and environmental protection expenditure and fiscal science and technology expenditure to promote ecological efficiency.
Human Heart Morphogenesis: A New Vision Based on In Vivo Labeling and Cell Tracking
Authors: Villavicencio-Guzmán Laura , Sánchez-Gómez Concepción , Jaime-Cruz Ricardo , Ramírez-Fuentes Tania Cristina , Patiño-Morales Carlos César , Salazar-García Marcela
Published: January 2023

Despite the extensive information available on the different genetic, epigenetic, and molecular features of cardiogenesis, the origin of congenital heart defects remains unknown. Most genetic and molecular studies have been conducted outside the context of the progressive anatomical and histological changes in the embryonic heart, which is one of the reasons for the limited knowledge of the origins of congenital heart diseases. We integrated the findings of descriptive studies on human embryos and experimental studies on chick, rat, and mouse embryos. This research is based on the new dynamic concept of heart development and the existence of two heart fields. The first field corresponds to the straight heart tube, into which splanchnic mesodermal cells from the second heart field are gradually recruited. The overall aim was to create a new vision for the analysis, diagnosis, and regionalized classification of congenital defects of the heart and great arteries. In addition to highlighting the importance of genetic factors in the development of congenital heart disease, this study provides new insights into the composition of the straight heart tube, the processes of twisting and folding, and the fate of the conus in the development of the right ventricle and its outflow tract. The new vision, based on in vivo labeling and cell tracking and enhanced by models such as gastruloids and organoids, has contributed to a better understanding of important errors in cardiac morphogenesis, which may lead to several congenital heart diseases.
Lipid Changes in the Peri-Implantation Period with Mass Spectrometry Imaging: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gitta Stefánia , Márk László , Szentpéteri József L. , Szabó Éva
Published: January 2023

Mass spectrometry imaging is a sensitive method for detecting molecules in tissues in their native form. Lipids mainly act as energy stores and membrane constituents, but they also play a role in lipid signaling. Previous studies have suggested an important role of lipids in implantation; therefore, our aim was to investigate the lipid changes during this period based on the available literature. The systematic literature search was performed on Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, and LILACS. We included studies about lipid changes in the early embryonal stage of healthy mammalian development published as mass spectrometry imaging. The search retrieved 917 articles without duplicates, and five articles were included in the narrative synthesis of the results. Two articles found a different spatial distribution of lipids in the early bovine embryo and receptive uterus. Three articles investigated lipids in mice in the peri-implantation period and found a different spatial distribution of several glycerophospholipids in both embryonic and maternal tissues. Although only five studies from three different research groups were included in this systematic review, it is clear that the spatial distribution of lipids is diverse in different tissues and their distribution varies from day to day. This may be a key factor in successful implantation, but further studies are needed to elucidate the exact mechanism.
Comparative Proteomics Analysis between Maize and Sorghum Uncovers Important Proteins and Metabolic Pathways Mediating Drought Tolerance
Authors: Ali Ali Elnaeim Elbasheir , Husselmann Lizex Hollenbach , Tabb David L. , Ludidi Ndiko
Published: January 2023

Drought severely affects crop yield and yield stability. Maize and sorghum are major crops in Africa and globally, and both are negatively impacted by drought. However, sorghum has a better ability to withstand drought than maize. Consequently, this study identifies differences between maize and sorghum grown in water deficit conditions, and identifies proteins associated with drought tolerance in these plant species. Leaf relative water content and proline content were measured, and label-free proteomics analysis was carried out to identify differences in protein expression in the two species in response to water deficit. Water deficit enhanced the proline accumulation in sorghum roots to a higher degree than in maize, and this higher accumulation was associated with enhanced water retention in sorghum. Proteomic analyses identified proteins with differing expression patterns between the two species, revealing key metabolic pathways that explain the better drought tolerance of sorghum than maize. These proteins include phenylalanine/tyrosine ammonia-lyases, indole-3-acetaldehyde oxidase, sucrose synthase and phenol/catechol oxidase. This study highlights the importance of phenylpropanoids, sucrose, melanin-related metabolites and indole acetic acid (auxin) as determinants of the differences in drought stress tolerance between maize and sorghum. The selection of maize and sorghum genotypes with enhanced expression of the genes encoding these differentially expressed proteins, or genetically engineering maize and sorghum to increase the expression of such genes, can be used as strategies for the production of maize and sorghum varieties with improved drought tolerance.
Multimodality Imaging in Sarcomeric Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Get It Right…on Time
Authors: Galluzzo Alessandro , Fiorelli Francesca , Rossi Valentina A. , Monzo Luca , Montrasio Giulia , Camilli Massimiliano , Halasz Geza , Uccello Giuseppe , Mollace Rocco , Beltrami Matteo
Published: January 2023

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) follows highly variable paradigms and disease-specific patterns of progression towards heart failure, arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Therefore, a generalized standard approach, shared with other cardiomyopathies, can be misleading in this setting. A multimodality imaging approach facilitates differential diagnosis of phenocopies and improves clinical and therapeutic management of the disease. However, only a profound knowledge of the progression patterns, including clinical features and imaging data, enables an appropriate use of all these resources in clinical practice. Combinations of various imaging tools and novel techniques of artificial intelligence have a potentially relevant role in diagnosis, clinical management and definition of prognosis. Nonetheless, several barriers persist such as unclear appropriate timing of imaging or universal standardization of measures and normal reference limits. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on multimodality imaging and potentialities of novel tools, including artificial intelligence, in the management of patients with sarcomeric HCM, highlighting the importance of specific “red alerts” to understand the phenotype–genotype linkage.
Eu3+-Doped (Gd, La)AlO3 Perovskite Single Crystals: Growth and Red-Emitting Luminescence
Authors: Wu Tong , Zhang Qian , Shi Yun , Wang Ling , Xiong Yifei , Wang Hui , Fang Jinghong , Ni Jinqi , He Huan , Zhou Zhenzhen , Liu Qian , Yu Jianding
Published: January 2023

Eu3+-doped GdAlO3 (Eu:GAP) and Gd0.5La0.5AlO3 (Eu:GLAP) perovskite single crystals were successfully grown using the optical floating zone (OFZ) method. The microstructure, optical, photoluminescence (PL) and radioluminescence (under X-ray excitation, XEL) were investigated. Under the PL excitation of 275 nm, obvious emission bands peaking at 556 nm, 592 nm, 617 nm, 625 nm, 655 nm, and 706 nm were demonstrated, which correspond to the 5D0 → 7Fj (j = 0–4) transitions of Eu3+. The grown Eu:GAP single crystal showed a stronger PL intensity compared with that of Eu:GLAP in the red light region. After annealing at 1000 °C for 4 h in weak reductive atmosphere (Ar + 5% H2), a slight redshift and dramatic enhancement of PL and XEL intensity occurred. In addition, Eu:GLAP show a more intense XEL emission than that of Eu:GAP. Considering their different densities, these two kinds of red luminescence phosphors are proposed to be promising in a wide field of X-ray imaging, warm white, or plant lighting, respectively.
Antiferroelectrics and Magnetoresistance in La0.5Sr0.5Fe12O19 Multiferroic System
Authors: Yin Jia-Hang , Tan Guo-Long , Duan Cong-Cong
Published: January 2023

The appearance of antiferroelectrics (AFE) in the ferrimagnetism (FM) system would give birth to a new type of multiferroic candidate, which is significant to the development of novel devices for energy storage. Here we demonstrate the realization of full antiferroelectrics in a magnetic La0.5Sr0.5Fe12O19 system (AFE+FM), which also presents a strong magnetodielectric response (MD) and magnetoresistance (MR) effect. The antiferroelectric phase was achieved at room temperature by replacing 0.5 Sr2+ ions with 0.5 La2+ ions in the SrFe12O19 compound, whose phase transition temperature of ferroelectrics (FE) to antiferroelectrics was brought down from 174 °C to −141 °C, while the temperature of antiferroelectrics converting to paraelectrics (PE) shifts from 490 °C to 234 °C after the substitution. The fully separated double P-E hysteresis loops reveal the antiferroelectrics in La0.5Sr0.5Fe12O19 ceramics. The magnitude of exerting magnetic field enables us to control the generation of spin current, which induces MD and MR effects. A 1.1T magnetic field induces a large spin current of 15.6 n A in La0.5Sr0.5Fe12O19 ceramics, lifts up dielectric constants by 540%, and lowers the resistance by −89%. The magnetic performance remains as usual. The multiple functions in one single phase allow us to develop novel intelligent devices.
Influence of Density Gradient on the Compression of Functionally Graded BCC Lattice Structure
Authors: Lin Yuxiang , Shi Wentian , Sun Xiaohong , Liu Shuai , Li Jihang , Zhou Yusheng , Han Yifan
Published: January 2023

In this paper, five grading functional gradient lattice structures with a different density perpendicular to the loading direction were proposed, and the surface morphology, deformation behavior, and compression properties of the functional gradient lattice structures prepared by selective laser melting (SLM) with Ti-6Al-4V as the building material were investigated. The results show that the characteristics of the laser energy distribution of the SLM molding process make the spherical metal powder adhere to the surface of the lattice structure struts, resulting in the actual relative density of the lattice structure being higher than the designed theoretical relative density, but the maximum error does not exceed 3.33%. With the same relative density, all lattice structures with density gradients perpendicular to the loading direction have better mechanical properties than the uniform lattice structure, in particular, the elastic modulus of LF, the yield strength of LINEAR, and the first maximum compression strength of INDEX are 28.99%, 16.77%, and 14.46% higher than that of the UNIFORM. In addition, the energy absorption per unit volume of the INDEX and LINEAR is 38.38% and 48.29% higher, respectively, than that of the UNIFORM. Fracture morphology analysis shows that the fracture morphology of these lattice structures shows dimples and smooth planes, indicating that the lattice structure exhibits a mixed brittle and ductile failure mechanism under compressive loading. Finite element analysis results show that when the loading direction is perpendicular to the density gradient-forming direction, the higher density part of the lattice structure is the main bearing part, and the greater the density difference between the two ends of the lattice structure, the greater the elastic modulus.
Optimization of Chitosan Extraction Process from Rapana venosa Egg Capsules Waste Using Experimental Design
Authors: Dinculescu Daniel , Gîjiu Cristiana Luminița , Apetroaei Manuela Rossemary , Isopescu Raluca , Rău Ileana , Schröder Verginica
Published: January 2023

New green and sustainable sources were chosen to obtain chitosan, an important material, with many applications in different fields. The present study is focused on egg capsules of Rapana venosa waste as raw material for chitosan oligomers. As previous studies revealed that chitosan extraction from this material takes place with a low yield, the present research aimed to optimize this step. A 22 experimental plan, with three replicates in the center, was proposed to investigate the influence of NaOH concentration and temperature on the yield extraction. After a primary analysis of the experimental data, a favorable temperature value was selected (90 °C) at which the total dissolution of the egg capsules was obtained. Then, at this temperature, the experimental plan was extended exploring the influence of the NaOH concentration on three levels (5, 6, and 7%) and the extraction duration on two levels (60 and 85 min). Based on all experimental data, a neural model was obtained and validated. The neural model was used to maximize the yield, applying Genetic Algorithm (GA) implemented in Matlab®. The resulting optimal solution is: NaOH concentration 6.47%, temperature 90 °C, duration 120 min, with a yield value of 7.05%.
Online Trajectory Optimization Method for Large Attitude Flip Vertical Landing of the Starship-like Vehicle
Authors: Chen Hongbo , Ma Zhenwei , Wang Jinbo , Su Linfeng
Published: January 2023

A high-precision online trajectory optimization method combining convex optimization and Radau pseudospectral method is presented for the large attitude flip vertical landing problem of a starship-like vehicle. During the landing process, the aerodynamic influence on the starship-like vehicle is significant and non-negligible. A planar landing dynamics model with pitching motion is developed considering that there is no extensive lateral motion modulation during the whole flight. Combining the constraints of its powered descent landing process, a model of the fuel optimal trajectory optimization problem in the landing point coordinate system is given. The nonconvex properties of the trajectory optimization problem model are analyzed and discussed, and the advantages of fast solution and convergence certainty of convex optimization, and high discretization precision of the pseudospectral method, are fully utilized to transform the strongly nonconvex optimization problem into a series of finite-dimensional convex subproblems, which are solved quickly by the interior point method solver. Hardware-in-the-loop simulation experiments verify the effectiveness of the online trajectory optimization method. This method has the potential to be an online guidance method for the powered descent landing problem of starship-like vehicles.
An Experimental Study of Grouping Mutation Operators for the Unrelated Parallel-Machine Scheduling Problem
Authors: Ramos-Figueroa Octavio , Quiroz-Castellanos Marcela , Mezura-Montes Efrén , Cruz-Ramírez Nicandro
Published: January 2023

The Grouping Genetic Algorithm (GGA) is an extension to the standard Genetic Algorithm that uses a group-based representation scheme and variation operators that work at the group-level. This metaheuristic is one of the most used to solve combinatorial optimization grouping problems. Its optimization process consists of different components, although the crossover and mutation operators are the most recurrent. This article aims to highlight the impact that a well-designed operator can have on the final performance of a GGA. We present a comparative experimental study of different mutation operators for a GGA designed to solve the Parallel-Machine scheduling problem with unrelated machines and makespan minimization, which comprises scheduling a collection of jobs in a set of machines. The proposed approach is focused on identifying the strategies involved in the mutation operations and adapting them to the characteristics of the studied problem. As a result of this experimental study, knowledge of the problem-domain was gained and used to design a new mutation operator called 2-Items Reinsertion. Experimental results indicate that the state-of-the-art GGA performance considerably improves by replacing the original mutation operator with the new one, achieving better results, with an improvement rate of 52%.
Korean Validation of the Short Version of the TEMPS-A (Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire) in Patients with Mood Disorders
Authors: Choi Sunho , Yu Hyeona , Yoon Joohyun , Jang Yoonjeong , Lee Daseul , Park Yun Seong , Ihm Hong Kyu , Ryoo Hyun A , Cho Nayoung , Woo Jong-Min , Kang Hyo Shin , Ha Tae Hyon , Myung Woojae
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: The Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) is designed to assess affective temperaments. The short version of the TEMPS-A (TEMPS-A-SV) has been translated into various languages for use in research and clinical settings. However, no research has been conducted to validate the Korean version of the TEMPS-A-SV in patients with mood disorders. The goal of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of the TEMPS-A-SV in Korean mood disorder patients. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional retrospective study, a total of 715 patients (267 patients with major depressive disorder, 94 patients with bipolar disorder I, and 354 patients with bipolar disorder II) completed the Korean TEMPS-A-SV. Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega were used to assess the reliability. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was also performed. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to examine associations between the five temperaments. The difference in five temperament scores between the gender or diagnosis groups was analyzed, and the correlation between five temperament scores and age was tested. Results: The Korean TEMPS-A-SV displayed good internal consistency (α = 0.65–0.88, ω = 0.66–0.9) and significant correlations between the subscales except one (the correlation between hyperthymic and anxious). Using EFA, a two-factor structure was produced: Factor I (cyclothymic, depressive, irritable, and anxious) and Factor II (hyperthymic). The cyclothymic temperament score differed by gender and the anxious temperament score was significantly correlated with age. All the temperaments, except for irritable temperament, showed significant differences between diagnosis groups. Conclusions: Overall, the results show that the TEMPS-A-SV is a reliable and valid measurement that can be used for estimating Koreans’ affective temperaments. However, more research is required on affective temperaments and associated characteristics in people with mood disorders.
Combined Separator Based on a Porous Ion-Exchange Membrane for Zinc–Halide Batteries
Authors: Rychagov Alexey Y. , Volfkovich Yury M. , Sosenkin Valentin E. , Seliverstov Alexsandr F. , Izmailova Marianna Y.
Published: January 2023

In this work, we report on a comparative analysis of the bromine permeability for three separator groups under the operating conditions of a non-flow zinc–bromine battery. A new method for the synthesis of porous heterogeneous membranes based on a cation-exchange resin followed by treatment with tetrabutylammonium bromide is proposed. It was shown that the modified membrane significantly reduced the bromine permeability (crossover) with an acceptable increase in the ionic conductivity of the separator group. Leakage currents not exceeding 10–20 µA/cm2 were achieved, and the Coulomb efficiency was over 90%. The ionic conductivity (at AC) of a membrane soaked with water was compared for different pretreatment conditions. The frequency dependence of the membrane resistance is shown. The features of the conduction mechanism of the modified membrane are discussed.
Comprehensive Estimation of Changes in the Microgeometry of Steel 45 by Ultrasonic Plastic Deformation with a Free Deforming Element
Authors: Fatyukhin Dmitriy S. , Nigmetzyanov Ravil I. , Prikhodko Vyacheslav M. , Sukhov Aleksandr V. , Sundukov Sergey K.
Published: January 2023

A method of ultrasonic surface plastic deformation is widely used to change the properties of the surface layers of metal products. Under the influence of this type of treatment, the structure of the material changes, microhardness increases, roughness decreases, internal tensile stresses are removed, and compressive stresses are created. Now many types of ultrasonic surface plastic deformation have been developed, which differ in the degree of impact on the material. The object of this paper is to study the change in the microgeometry of steel 45 (ASTM M1044; DIN C45; GB 45) under the action of ultrasonic plastic deformation by a free deforming element (indenter in the form of a surface rolling ball). During the study, factors that have the greatest influence on the change in the microgeometry of the sample during treatment were identified. These include the initial roughness of the sample, the number of passes of the indenter, the feed of the indenter, the force with which the indenter is pressed to the treated surface, and the amplitude of the oscillations of the ultrasonic horn. The paper presents the dependences of changes in the main roughness parameters on the above factors. The value of the initial roughness at which it is possible to obtain a uniform surface microrelief is determined. The optimization of treatment parameters providing a change in the height and step parameters of roughness was carried out. Recommendations for choosing the most effective technological modes of ultrasonic treatment of steel 45 with a surface rolling ball are given.
Dietary Isoleucine and Valine: Effects on Lipid Metabolism and Ureagenesis in Pigs Fed with Protein Restricted Diets
Authors: Goodarzi Parniyan , Habibi Mohammad , Gorton Matthew William , Walsh Katherine , Tarkesh Firoozeh , Fuhrig Mallory , Pezeshki Adel
Published: January 2023

A mixture of valine (Val) and isoleucine (Ile) not only decreases the negative impact of very low protein (VLP) diets on the growth of pigs, but also influences the nitrogen (N) balance and lipid metabolism; however, the underlying pathways are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary Val and Ile on lipogenesis, lipolysis, and ureagenesis under protein restriction. After one week of acclimation, forty three-week-old pigs were randomly assigned to following dietary treatments (n = 8/group) for 5 weeks: positive control (PC): normal protein diet; negative control (NC): VLP diet; HV: NC supplemented with Val; HI: NC supplemented with Ile; and HVI: NC supplemented with both Val and Ile. HVI partially improved the body weight and completely recovered the feed intake (FI) of pigs fed with NC. HVI increased thermal radiation and improved the glucose clearance. HVI had a lower blood triglyceride than PC and blood urea N than NC. NC and HV promoted lipogenesis by increasing the transcript of fatty acid synthase (FAS) in the liver and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in adipose tissue but reducing hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in the liver. HVI reduced the increased rate of lipogenesis induced by the NC group through normalizing the mRNA abundance of hepatic FAS, sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1, and HSL and LPL in adipose tissue. NC, HV, HI, and HVI reduced the ureagenesis by decreasing the protein abundance of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I, ornithine transcarboxylase, and arginosuccinate lyase in the liver. Overall, HVI improved the growth, FI, and glucose clearance, and decreased the rate of lipogenesis induced by VLP diets.
Identification of Potential Leishmania N-Myristoyltransferase Inhibitors from Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal: A Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Investigation
Authors: Orabi Mohamed A. A. , Alshahrani Mohammed Merae , Sayed Ahmed M. , Abouelela Mohamed E. , Shaaban Khaled A. , Abdel-Sattar El-Shaymaa
Published: January 2023

Leishmaniasis is a group of infectious diseases caused by Leishmania protozoa. The ineffectiveness, high toxicity, and/or parasite resistance of the currently available antileishmanial drugs has created an urgent need for safe and effective leishmaniasis treatment. Currently, the molecular-docking technique is used to predict the proper conformations of small-molecule ligands and the strength of the contact between a protein and a ligand, and the majority of research for the development of new drugs is centered on this type of prediction. Leishmania N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) has been shown to be a reliable therapeutic target for investigating new anti-leishmanial molecules through this kind of virtual screening. Natural products provide an incredible source of affordable chemical scaffolds that serve in the development of effective drugs. Withania somnifera leaves, roots, and fruits have been shown to contain withanolide and other phytomolecules that are efficient anti-protozoal agents against Malaria, Trypanosoma, and Leishmania spp. Through a review of previously reported compounds from W. somnifera-afforded 35 alkaloid, phenolic, and steroid compounds and 132 withanolides/derivatives, typical of the Withania genus. These compounds were subjected to molecular docking screening and molecular dynamics against L. major NMT. Calycopteretin-3-rutinoside and withanoside IX showed the highest affinity and binding stability to L. major NMT, implying that these compounds could be used as antileishmanial drugs and/or as a scaffold for the design of related parasite NMT inhibitors with markedly enhanced binding affinity.
A Disposable Screen Printed Electrodes with Hexagonal Ni(OH)2 Nanoplates Embedded Chitosan Layer for the Detection of Depression Biomarker
Authors: Moru Satyanarayana , Sunil Kumar Venishetty , Kummari Shekar , Yugender Goud Kotagiri
Published: January 2023

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)) is one of the important neurotransmitters which is released from the endocrine system. An abnormal level of this biomarker leads to several neurological diseases. The accurate assessment of serotonin is the utmost option to start treatment in the early stages of the disease. The current work is focused on the development of a disposable, screen-printed electrochemical sensor for the depression biomarker, serotonin in the physiological pH medium (pH 7.4) with the aid of a hexagonal, Ni(OH)2-nanoplate (NH-HNP)-embedded chitosan (Chit) and modified, screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). Initially, hexagonal nanoplates of Ni(OH)2 were synthesized by an eco-friendly and simple hydrothermal method. The prepared materials were well characterized by advanced analytical techniques to examine the physicochemical properties of the synthesized Ni(OH)2 hexagonal nanoplates. From the cyclic voltametric (CV) analysis, it was found that the oxidative current response of 5-HT at a NH-HNP-modified SPCE has about fivefold higher current values than over bare SPCE. The scan rate studies of NH-HNP-Chit/SPCE electrodes revealed that the oxidation mechanism of 5-HT is controlled by the diffusion behavior of the analyte. Differential pulse voltammetric tests of the NH-HNP-Chit/SPCE electrode exhibited a linear response in the dynamic concentration range of 0.1 to 30 µM, with a detection limit of about 60 nM. The sensor response is very reproducible from electrode to electrode, and the deactivation or surface-fouling of the sensor was not observed within the several experimental measurements. The sensor exhibited excellent storage stability over a period of twenty days. Finally, the fabricated, disposable SPCE sensor has shown respectable activity for the detection of depression biomarker 5-HT from synthetic urine and saliva samples.
Mining Stability Criterion of Weakly Cemented Aquiclude and Its Application
Authors: Chen Chuangju , Zhang Shizhong , Fan Gangwei , Zhang Dongsheng , Chen Liang , Ni Huining , Han Xuesen , Chai Yujian , Lv Yuxiang
Published: January 2023

The effective discrimination of aquiclude mining stability is one of the important indexes for the feasibility judgement of water-conserved mining. Based on the mining-induced deformation characteristics of weakly cemented aquiclude and the water level change of weakly cemented aquifer in northwest China, a mechanical model of mining stability of weakly cemented aquiclude is established, and the mining instability criterion of weakly cemented aquiclude and its influencing factors are analyzed. The results show that the weakly cemented aquiclude has strong plastic deformation ability and mainly undergoes bending deformation during coal mining. Considering the mining-induced bending deformation of weakly cemented aquiclude and the groundwater pressure variation of the weakly cemented aquifer, the expressions of the deflection, stress components, and strain components of weakly cemented aquiclude are derived. Furthermore, the stress instability and strain instability criteria of the weakly cemented aquiclude are proposed. The influences of aquiclude thickness, elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, groundwater level, coalface length, and longwall panel length on the mining stability of weakly cemented aquiclude are analyzed. The research results are applied to the feasibility judgment of water-conserved mining in Xinjiang Ehuobulake Coal Mine, and the validity of the mining stability criterion of weakly cemented aquiclude is verified.
Effects of Different Grinding Media and Milling Conditions on the Flotation Performance of a Copper-Pyrite Ore
Authors: Can N. , Başaran Çağrı
Published: January 2023

Different milling conditions, such as wet or dry, and use of different grinding media have a great impact on the flotation performance of sulphide minerals. In the present study, the effects of wet and dry grinding and the use of different grinding media, such as mild steel (MS) and stainless steel (SS), were investigated on a Cu-sulphide ore. The samples were ground as dry and wet with both grinding media, to a P80 value of −75 µm, and then flotation was carried out under the same conditions. The obtained data from flotation were evaluated in terms of solid/water recovery, chalcopyrite/pyrite recovery and separation efficiency. The effects of different milling conditions were discussed with the measured chemical parameters such as redox potential and dissolved oxygen level together with the flotation rate of chalcopyrite. The redox potential of the dry ground ore, irrespective of the type of milling media, was measured considerably higher than the wet grinding conditions. With SS media flotation, the rate of Cu was high for dry grinding, resulting in a higher selective concentrate in terms of grade. However, Cu recovery was lower due to the instability of the froth structure. Separation efficiency pointed out that the best flotation performance could be obtained using a wet grinding condition with MS balls.
The Evaluation and Sources of Heavy Metal Anomalies in the Surface Soil of Eastern Tibet
Authors: Wang Mingguo , Yang Li , Li Jingjie , Liang Qian
Published: January 2023

With the rapid development of the economy, heavy metal soil pollution causes ecosystem deterioration and raises serious concerns. Topsoil samples (n = 205) were collected to investigate the pollution characteristics, risk levels, and pollution sources of heavy metals in the topsoil of eastern Tibet. Heavy metal contents, such as As, Hg, Pb, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cd, in the soil were tested, and the potential sources were analyzed using correlational and principal component analysis. The results showed high content levels of Cd and Hg, which were 1.42 and 2.45 times higher than the background values of the Tibet Plateau at the beginning of this century, respectively. The enrichment factor (EF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and Nemero composite index (PN) showed that Cd and Hg were the main pollutants due to higher traffic flow and mining activities, but the pollution degree was generally not high and was relatively concentrated in the central and northern parts. The results of the principal component analysis showed that the heavy metals in the soil of eastern Tibet were mainly affected by natural factors and traffic factors, and mining activities and agricultural activities also played a certain role. Mn, Cr, Ni, As, Hg, and Cu were mainly affected by natural factors, while Pb, Zn, Cd, and Mo were affected by multiple factors, such as nature and traffic.
Activity-Dependent Fluctuations in Interstitial [K+]: Investigations Using Ion-Sensitive Microelectrodes
Authors: Beswick-Jones Hana , Hopper Amy J. , Brown Angus M.
Published: January 2023

In the course of action potential firing, all axons and neurons release K+ from the intra- cellular compartment into the interstitial space to counteract the depolarizing effect of Na+ influx, which restores the resting membrane potential. This efflux of K+ from axons results in K+ accumulation in the interstitial space, causing depolarization of the K+ reversal potential (EK), which can prevent subsequent action potentials. To ensure optimal neuronal function, the K+ is buffered by astrocytes, an energy-dependent process, which acts as a sink for interstitial K+, absorbing it at regions of high concentration and distributing it through the syncytium for release in distant regions. Pathological processes in which energy production is compromised, such as anoxia, ischemia, epilepsy and spreading depression, can lead to excessive interstitial K+ accumulation, disrupting sensitive trans-membrane ion gradients and attenuating neuronal activity. The changes that occur in interstitial [K+] resulting from both physiological and pathological processes can be monitored accurately in real time using K+-sensitive microelectrodes, an invaluable tool in electrophysiological studies.
Fluorescent Nanoparticle-RNAi-Mediated Silencing of Sterol Carrier Protein-2 Gene Expression Suppresses the Growth, Development, and Reproduction of Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Geng Kexin , Zhang Ying , Zhao Xi , Zhang Wanlin , Guo Xinhan , He Lu , Liu Kaiyu , Yang Hong , Hong Huazhu , Peng Jianxin , Peng Rong
Published: January 2023

Helicoverpa armigera is a polyphagous destructive lepidopteran pest with strong Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) resistance. Cholesterol, a vital component for insect growth, can only be obtained from food, and its transfer and metabolism are regulated by sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2). This study examined whether H. armigera SCP-2 (HaSCP-2) gene expression, involved in cholesterol absorption, can be silenced by nanocarrier fluorescent nanoparticle-RNA interference (FNP-RNAi) by larval feeding and whether the silencing affected H. armigera development. Fluorescence microscopy showed that nanoparticle-siRNA was distributed in Ha cells and the larval midgut. FNP-HaSCP-2 siRNA suppressed HaSCP-2 expression by 52.5% in H.armigera Ha cells. FNP can effectively help deliver siRNA into cells, protect siRNA, and is not affected by serum. FNP-siRNA in vivo biological assays showed that HaSCP-2 transcript levels were inhibited by 70.19%, 68.16%, and 67.66% in 3rd, 4th, and 5th instar larvae, leading to a decrease in the cholesterol level in the larval and prepupal fatbodies. The pupation rate and adult emergence were reduced to 26.0% and 56.52%, respectively. This study demonstrated that FNP could deliver siRNA to cells and improve siRNA knockdown efficiency. HaSCP-2 knockdown by FNP-siRNA in vivo hindered H. armigera growth and development. FNP could enhance RNAi efficiency to achieve pest control by SCP-2-targeted FNP-RNAi.
Yellow Pea Pasta Enhances the Saltiness and Suppression of Postprandial Blood Glucose Elevation
Authors: Tsuchiya Yoshihiro , Yoshimoto Joto , Kobayashi Hiroto , Ishii Sho , Kishi Mikiya
Published: January 2023

Salt and carbohydrates, two causes of elevated blood glucose, are essential components for survival; however, excessive intake of either is a known health risk. In a previous study, we reported the usefulness of pasta prepared from yellow pea (YPP) as a functional staple food that is beneficial for blood sugar control. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of YPP in reducing health risks by examining its effects on saltiness, postprandial satisfaction, and second meal. The results showed that YPP tasted saltier than conventional pasta made from semolina wheat when prepared with a 0.75% salt concentration. In addition, we examined blood glucose levels, insulin secretion, and postprandial hunger over a longer period than in previous studies. We observed that when the same amount of YPP and wheat pasta were eaten, the elevation in blood glucose and insulin secretion was lower after YPP consumption while maintaining a similar level of satiety. Furthermore, YPP was also observed to be able to suppress elevated insulin levels at the second meal.
Maternal Betaine Supplementation Mitigates Maternal High Fat Diet-Induced NAFLD in Offspring Mice through Gut Microbiota
Authors: Sun Liuqiao , Tan Xuying , Liang Xiaoping , Chen Hangjun , Ou Qian , Wu Qiongmei , Yu Xinxue , Zhao Hanqing , Huang Qiaoli , Yi Zehua , Wei Jun , Wu Feng , Zhu Huilian , Wang Lijun
Published: January 2023

Maternal betaine supplementation has been proven to alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in offspring caused by maternal high-fat diet (MHFD). The gut–liver axis plays an important role in NAFLD pathogenesis. However, whether maternal betaine supplementation can alleviate NAFLD in offspring by the gut–liver axis is unknown. C57BL/6J mice were fed with high-fat diet for 4 weeks before mating, and supplemented with 1% betaine during pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, offspring mice were fed with standard diet to 10 weeks. Maternal betaine supplementation reduced hepatic triglyceride content and alleviated hepatic steatosis in offspring mice exposed to MHFD. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of PPARα, CPT1α and FATP2 was increased and TNFα was reduced by maternal betaine supplementation. Maternal betaine intake decreased the relative abundances of Proteobateria, Desulfovibrio and Ruminococcus, but increased the relative abundances of Bacteroides and Parabacteroides. Moreover, maternal betaine intake increased the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid, in the feces. Gut microbiota and SCFAs were significantly correlated with hepatic triglyceride content and expression of the above genes. Maternal betaine intake had no effect on other gut microbiota-related metabolites (bile acid and trimethylamine-n-oxide). Altogether, maternal betaine supplementation ameliorated MHFD-induced NAFLD possibly through regulating gut microbiota and SCFAs in offspring mice.