bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basal boundary conditions for granular surface flows over fragile and brittle erodible beds
Authors: Capart Hervé
Published: February 2023

Many granular surface flows occur as shear flows of finite thickness, over erodible beds composed of the same granular material. Such beds may be fragile, and offer no more resistance to erosion than to sustained shear. Or they may be brittle, and offer instead an excess resistance to erosion. To take this contrast into account, new basal boundary conditions are proposed. Their implications for parallel flows down infinite slopes are then examined for three different cases: stationary flows; starting; and stopping transients. For all three cases, flow behaviour is altered significantly when beds present an excess resistance to erosion. For stationary flows, non-unique velocity profiles are obtained, implying hysteresis or history-dependence. For starting transients, a power law growth of the flow thickness is predicted, instead of the jump to finite or infinite depth that would otherwise occur. For stopping transients, flows start to decelerate with a finite basal shear rate, even over erodible substrates. Analytical solutions to the corresponding free and moving boundary problems are obtained, and checked against numerical results. Model predictions are then compared with experimental measurements. Overall, good agreement is obtained. In particular, the model describes well the very different erosional responses observed for fragile and brittle beds.
Global existence and large time behaviour for the pressureless Euler–Naver–Stokes system in ℝ3
Authors: Guo Shanshan , Wu Guochun , Zhang Yinghui
Published: February 2023

We investigate the global Cauchy problem for a two–phase flow model consisting of the pressureless Euler equations coupled with the isentropic compressible Navier–Stokes equations through a drag forcing term. This model was first derived by Choi–Kwon [J. Differential Equations, 261(1) (2016), pp. 654–711] by taking the hydrodynamic limit of the Vlasov/compressible Navier–Stokes equations. Under the assumption that the initial perturbation is sufficiently small, Choi–Kwon [J. Differential Equations, 261(1) (2016), pp. 654–711] established the global well–posedness and large time behaviour for the three dimensional periodic domain $\mathbb {T}^3$. However, up to now, the global well–posedness and large time behaviour for the three dimensional Cauchy problem still remain unsolved. In this paper, we resolve this problem by proving the global existence and optimal decay rates of classic solutions for the three dimensional Cauchy problem when the initial data is near its equilibrium. One of key observations here is that to overcome the difficulties arising from the absence of pressure in the Euler equations, we make full use of the drag forcing term and the dissipative structure of the Navier–Stokes equations to closure the energy estimates of the variables for the pressureless Euler equations.
Viscous contribution to the high Mach
number damping in pitch of blunt slender cones at
small angles of attack
Authors: M. Khalid
Published: February 2023

The dynamic stability derivatives of blunt cones for
small variations in angles of attack have been
previously derived by the current author. However,
no account of the unsteady nature of the boundary
layer was made in that work. In this paper closed
form expressions for the increment in dynamic
stability due to the presence of the boundary layer
are derived by considering the pressure distribution
perturbations as the boundary layer continuously
adjusts to the enclosed oscillating body. The theory
provides a first hand estimate of the complete pitch
derivative damping without having to resort to more
rigorous and expensive computational methods.
Calculations performed at Mach numbers of 7 to 10
with axis positions ranging from 0·5 to 0·7 of the
chord length for cones of semi-angle 10° and 20°,
indicate that the effect of boundary layer is to
slightly reduce the magnitude of the inviscid
damping derivative. For blunt cones at angles of
attack less than 5°, this was in good agreement with
the limited experimental data available.
Past and future progress in fixed and
rotary wing aeroelasticity
Authors: Done G. T. S.
Published: February 2023

Progress in aeroelasticity of fixed and rotary wing
aircraft is compared by means of a selective review.
Discussion of the role of concurrent engineering
leads into modelling and validation, these being
dealt with under the headings of aerodynamics,
structural and integrated models. Formulation and
solution of equations of motion are considered,
which relate mainly to rotorcraft, and then
aeroelastic performance improvement is covered. This
includes optimisation, aeroservoelasticity and
passive devices. Basic insight providing models are
reviewed and the paper concludes with, further
comments on insight, and also future progress in
aeroelasticity.
Incipient separation boundary: confirmation
of an empirical criterion by Navier-Stokes
solutions
Authors: Qin N.
Published: February 2023

A non-linear methodology based on high resolution
Navier-Stokes solutions has been proposed to predict
incipient separation boundaries. Comparison has been
made between the prediction and an empirical
criterion based on vast experimental data.
Aeroacoustics
Authors: Ffowcs Williams J. E.
Published: February 2023

The high noise levels of early turbojet aircraft forced
attention to be given to the mechanics of the noise
generation process and ways were urgently sought for
silencing their high speed propulsive flows. The
subject of aeroacoustics was born with this problem,
the subject being the variety of ways in which sound
and flow interact, with the early emphasis being on
sound generated aerodynamically. Sound was thought
to be a by-product of the flow arid believed to have
a negligible back-reaction on it.

The search for noise suppression has been extremely
successful, so much so, that engine noise is no
longer a problem likely to constrain future aircraft
operations. Silencing technology has made enormous
strides by avoiding as much as possible the very
high speed jet flows that were a feature of early
engines. But that avenue is not available to
supersonic aircraft, which still wait for ways of
making their operation acceptably quiet to be
identified.

Aeroacoustics has brought into being a much deeper
insight into the interactions of sound and flow, and
some of the early presumptions about the mechanisms
of noise creation have had to be rethought. Some of
the advances have come from entirely new directions,
for example, from anti-sound, a silencing idea based
on the destructive cancellation of interfering
waves, which has advanced to a state that provides a
useful new technology. Some new understanding
follows the discovery that flow-acoustic
interactions are not always the one-way process
previously assumed. Sound can affect flow,
especially so when the flow is unstable. It is of
course the very unstable flows that make most noise
so, taken together, these developments indicate that
control might one day be exercised by actively
managing the unsteady flows, making them more useful
and desirable than before. Indeed examples are now
known where control has made possible the avoidance
of a powerful performance-limiting instability that
previously made that flow regime a prohibited
operational zone, a development of aeroacoustics
that is probably far more significant than its noise
suppression role. That line of thought is expanded
in this paper, which concludes with the speculation
that active control might now be offering an avenue
for approaching die high speed jet noise problem
from a completely new direction. Of course it is far
too early to know whether that approach can provide
a way for removing the take-off noise constraint
currently threatening the viability of supersonic
transports, but it might; that makes it very
important indeed, for it is hard to see any
alternative.
The Reproduction of Urban Capitalism: Street Food and the Working Day in Colonial Mombasa
Authors: Smart Devin
Published: February 2023

This article argues that street food was an essential part of the social reproduction of Mombasa's working class during the colonial period. Like in other expanding capitalist cities, as Mombasa grew, urban workers lived further from their place of employment, which meant they could not return home for their midday meal. Street-food vendors provided them lunch at low prices in convenient locations, and therefore reproduced the working day by provisioning the calories that bridged morning to afternoon. However, postwar municipal authorities also wanted to create a particular kind of urban society in which the ‘informal’ activities of street-food vendors did not fit, and tried to expel them from the city's streets. As these campaigns unfolded, an unresolved contradiction emerged between this elite view of Mombasa, and the reality that the services vendors provided were necessary for the reproduction of the city's economy.
The NET effect: negative emissions technologies and the need–efficiency trade-off
Authors: Mintz-Woo Kian
Published: February 2023

Non-technical summary

When developing and deploying negative emissions technologies (NETs), little attention has been paid to where. On the one hand, one might develop NETs where they are likely to contribute most to global mitigation targets, contributing to a global climate solution. On the other hand, one might develop NETs where they can help support development on a regional basis, justified by regional demands. I defend these arguments and suggest that they reflect the values of efficiency and responding to need, respectively. To the extent that these values conflict, they introduce what I call the Need-Efficiency Trade-off Effect (‘NET Effect’).

Technical summary

Unlike other geoengineering methods, the effectiveness of negative emissions technologies (NETs) tends to be sensitive to regional siting. This paper argues that this point raises morally and legally important implications by identifying a trade-off between ‘efficiency’ and ‘need’. First, it introduces two arguments justifying NETs: one focused on contributions to global mitigation and the other focused on contributions to regional development. Second, reflecting the two arguments, the paper discusses the moral values of efficiency and need, respectively. For instance, if the strategy is to try to use NETs to maximize expected mitigation contributions to reflect efficiency, then deployment should occur in regions with the best prospects for success (e.g. Western countries). However, if the strategy is to try to use NETs to improve the chances of simultaneous development and mitigation to respond to need, then deployment should occur in regions with limited development and expected growth of demand for NETs (e.g. Asian countries). When these values conflict, I call that a Need-Efficiency Trade-off Effect (‘NET Effect’). The paper concludes by considering the NET Effect in the context of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage as well as direct air carbon capture and storage.

Social media summary

Should negative emissions technologies be deployed in Western countries for most climate action or Asian where needed for development?
Die vertrauensärztliche Tätigkeit in der obligatorischen Krankenpflegeversicherung (OKP)
Authors: Schafroth Ursula , Bonelli Markus
Published: February 2023

Zusammenfassung. In der obligatorischen Krankenpflegeversicherung OKP gilt der Grundsatz, dass alle Versicherten gleichen Zugang zu zugelassenen Leistungen haben. Warum braucht es hierbei eigentlich «den Vertrauensarzt»? Welche Rolle wird dieser Berufsbezeichnung zugewiesen? Welche Voraussetzungen sind zu erfüllen, um als Vertrauensarzt arbeiten zu können? Welche speziellen Herausforderungen gibt es? Im nachfolgenden Artikel finden Sie Antworten auf diese Fragen.
Fast Modeling of Vegetated Flow and Sediment Transport Over Mobile Beds Using Shallow Water Equations With Anisotropic Porosity
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Bingrun , Hu Peng
Published: February 2023

A two‐dimensional shallow water model based on the anisotropic porosity method is developed for predictions of water flows, sediment transport and bed morphological changes through rigid vegetation. Effects of the vegetation resistance and the spatial occupation are accounted for by adding an extra vegetation drag force and introducing porosity parameters. By defining a cell‐based porosity for the volumetric occupation and an edge‐based porosity for the flux exchange, the anisotropic property of the preferential flow can be well captured. Based on the finite volume method, the model is solved explicitly with a hybrid local time step/global maximum time step method and is parallelized using the Open MP techniques. The numerical grid convergence and quantitative accuracy of the model have been tested against a series of flume experiments for various configurations of rigid emergent vegetation over fixed or mobile beds. It is shown that using shallow water equations with anisotropic porosity, a constant drag coefficient can lead to numerical solutions of comparable accuracy as those complex empirical relations. Moreover, appropriate quantification of the stem‐scale turbulence effects brings significant improvement in modeling of the vegetation‐affected sediment transport.
Drivers of Marine CO2‐Carbonate Chemistry in the Northern Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Santos‐Andrade Maurício , Kerr Rodrigo , Orselli Iole B. M. , Monteiro Thiago , Mata Mauricio M. , Goyet Catherine
Published: February 2023

The Bransfield Strait is a climate change hotspot at the tip of the northern Antarctic Peninsula (NAP). The region is marked by a mixture of relatively warm waters from the Bellingshausen Sea with cold shelf waters from the Weddell Sea. Additionally, its deep central basin (>800 m) preserves seawater properties from the north‐western Weddell Sea continental shelf. This study assessed long‐term changes in carbonate chemistry in the Bransfield Strait and found that the hydrographic setting (i.e., a mixture between modified‐Circumpolar Deep Water with Dense Shelf Water [DSW]) drives temporal variability of carbonate parameters. The western basin has experienced decreases in pH (seawater scale) over the last three decades (1996–2019), varying from −0.003 to −0.017 pH units yr−1, while Ωar decreased from −0.01 to −0.07 yr−1 throughout the water column. The central basin was characterized by a high contribution of DSW with high carbon dioxide (CO2) content and the decomposition of organic matter produced and transported into its deep layer. With lower variability for all carbonate system variables, the eastern basin was likely regulated by internal mixing. Overall, the entire strait is almost reaching a CO2‐saturated condition, highlighting how sensitive subpolar regions are to the effects of human‐induced climate change.
Accelerated epigenetic aging in women with emotionally unstable personality disorder and a history of suicide attempts
Authors: Boström Adrian Desai E. , Andersson Peter , Jamshidi Esmail , Wilczek Alexander , Nilsonne Åsa , Rask-Andersen Mathias , Åsberg Marie , Jokinen Jussi
Published: February 2023

Emotional unstable personality disorder (EUPD; previously borderline personality disorder, BPD) is associated with excess natural-cause mortality, comorbid medical conditions, poor health habits and stress related epigenomic alterations. Previous studies demonstrated that GrimAge – a state-of-the-art epigenetic age (EA) estimator – strongly predicts mortality risk and physiological dysregulation. Herein, we utilize the GrimAge algorithm to investigate whether women with EUPD and a history of recent suicide attempts exhibit EA acceleration (EAA) in comparison to healthy controls. Genome-wide methylation patterns were measured using the Illumina Infinum Methylation Epic BeadChip in whole blood from 97 EUPD patients and 32 healthy controls. The control group was significantly older (p < 0.0001) and reported lesser exposure to violent behavior in both youth and adulthood (p < 0.0001). Groups were otherwise comparable regarding gender, BMI, or tobacco usage (p > 0.05). EA estimator DNAmGrimAge exceeded chronological age by 8.8 and 2.3 years in the EUPD and control group, respectively. Similarly, EAA marker AgeAccelGrim was substantially higher in EUPD subjects when compared to controls, in both univariate and multivariate analyzes (p < 0.00001). Tobacco usage conferred substantial within-group effects on the EA-chronological age difference, i.e., 10.74 years (SD = 4.19) compared to 6.00 years (SD = 3.10) in the non-user EUPD group (p < 0.00001). Notably, past alcohol and substance abuse, use of psychotropic medications, global assessment of functioning, self-reported exposure to violent behavior in youth and adulthood, later completed suicide (N = 8) and age at first suicide attempt did not predict EAA in the EUPD group (p > 0.05). These results underscore the importance of addressing medical health conditions along with low-cost preventative interventions aimed at improving somatic health outcomes in EUPD, such as efforts to support cessation of tobacco use. The independency of GrimAge to other EA algorithms in this group of severely impaired EUPD patients, suggest it may have unique characteristics to evaluate risk of adverse health outcomes in context of psychiatric disorders.
Reproducing extracellular matrix adverse remodelling of non-ST myocardial infarction in a large animal model
Authors: Contessotto Paolo , Spelat Renza , Ferro Federico , Vysockas Vaidas , Krivickienė Aušra , Jin Chunsheng , Chantepie Sandrine , Chinello Clizia , Pauza Audrys G. , Valente Camilla , Rackauskas Mindaugas , Casara Alvise , Zigmantaitė Vilma , Magni Fulvio , Papy-Garcia Dulce , Karlsson Niclas G. , Ereminienė Eglė , Pandit Abhay , Da Costa Mark
Published: February 2023

The rising incidence of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and associated long-term high mortality constitutes an urgent clinical issue. Unfortunately, the study of possible interventions to treat this pathology lacks a reproducible pre-clinical model. Indeed, currently adopted small and large animal models of MI mimic only full-thickness, ST-segment-elevation (STEMI) infarcts, and hence cater only for an investigation into therapeutics and interventions directed at this subset of MI. Thus, we develop an ovine model of NSTEMI by ligating the myocardial muscle at precise intervals parallel to the left anterior descending coronary artery. Upon histological and functional investigation to validate the proposed model and comparison with STEMI full ligation model, RNA-seq and proteomics show the distinctive features of post-NSTEMI tissue remodelling. Transcriptome and proteome-derived pathway analyses at acute (7 days) and late (28 days) post-NSTEMI pinpoint specific alterations in cardiac post-ischaemic extracellular matrix. Together with the rise of well-known markers of inflammation and fibrosis, NSTEMI ischaemic regions show distinctive patterns of complex galactosylated and sialylated N-glycans in cellular membranes and extracellular matrix. Identifying such changes in molecular moieties accessible to infusible and intra-myocardial injectable drugs sheds light on developing targeted pharmacological solutions to contrast adverse fibrotic remodelling.
Epidemiological impacts of the NHS COVID-19 app in England and Wales throughout its first year
Authors: Kendall Michelle , Tsallis Daphne , Wymant Chris , Di Francia Andrea , Balogun Yakubu , Didelot Xavier , Ferretti Luca , Fraser Christophe
Published: February 2023

The NHS COVID-19 app was launched in England and Wales in September 2020, with a Bluetooth-based contact tracing functionality designed to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2. We show that user engagement and the app’s epidemiological impacts varied according to changing social and epidemic characteristics throughout the app’s first year. We describe the interaction and complementarity of manual and digital contact tracing approaches. Results of our statistical analyses of anonymised, aggregated app data include that app users who were recently notified were more likely to test positive than app users who were not recently notified, by a factor that varied considerably over time. We estimate that the app’s contact tracing function alone averted about 1 million cases (sensitivity analysis 450,000–1,400,000) during its first year, corresponding to 44,000 hospital cases (SA 20,000–60,000) and 9,600 deaths (SA 4600–13,000).
Supramolecular framework membrane for precise sieving of small molecules, nanoparticles and proteins
Authors: Zhang Guohua , Li Xinyue , Chen Gang , Zhang Yue , Wei Mingfeng , Chen Xiaofei , Li Bao , Wu Yuqing , Wu Lixin
Published: February 2023

Synthetic framework materials have been cherished as appealing candidates for separation membranes in daily life and industry, while the challenges still remain in precise control of aperture distribution and separation threshold, mild processing methods, and extensive application aspects. Here, we show a two-dimensional (2D) processible supramolecular framework (SF) by integrating directional organic host-guest motifs and inorganic functional polyanionic clusters. The thickness and flexibility of the obtained 2D SFs are tuned by the solvent modulation to the interlayer interactions, and the optimized SFs with limited layers but micron-sized areas are used to fabricate the sustainable membranes. The uniform nanopores allow the membrane composed of layered SF to exhibit strict size retention for substrates with the rejection value of 3.8 nm, and the separation accuracy within 5 kDa for proteins. Furthermore, the membrane performs high charge selectivity for charged organics, nanoparticles, and proteins, due to the insertion of polyanionic clusters in the framework skeletons. This work displays the extensional separation potentials of self-assembled framework membranes comprising of small-molecules and provides a platform for the preparation of multifunctional framework materials due to the conveniently ionic exchange of the counterions of the polyanionic clusters.
Non-covalent ligand-oxide interaction promotes oxygen evolution
Authors: Wu Qianbao , Liang Junwu , Xiao Mengjun , Long Chang , Li Lei , Zeng Zhenhua , Mavrič Andraž , Zheng Xia , Zhu Jing , Liang Hai-Wei , Liu Hongfei , Valant Matjaz , Wang Wei , Lv Zhengxing , Li Jiong , Cui Chunhua
Published: February 2023

Strategies to generate high-valence metal species capable of oxidizing water often employ composition and coordination tuning of oxide-based catalysts, where strong covalent interactions with metal sites are crucial. However, it remains unexplored whether a relatively weak “non-bonding” interaction between ligands and oxides can mediate the electronic states of metal sites in oxides. Here we present an unusual non-covalent phenanthroline-CoO2 interaction that substantially elevates the population of Co4+ sites for improved water oxidation. We find that phenanthroline only coordinates with Co2+ forming soluble Co(phenanthroline)2(OH)2 complex in alkaline electrolytes, which can be deposited as amorphous CoOxHy film containing non-bonding phenanthroline upon oxidation of Co2+ to Co3+/4+. This in situ deposited catalyst demonstrates a low overpotential of 216 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and sustainable activity over 1600 h with Faradaic efficiency above 97%. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the presence of phenanthroline can stabilize CoO2 through the non-covalent interaction and generate polaron-like electronic states at the Co-Co center.
Investigating defects and annual degradation in UK solar PV installations through thermographic and electroluminescent surveys
Authors: Dhimish Mahmoud , Badran Ghadeer
Published: February 2023

As the adoption of renewable energy sources, particularly photovoltaic (PV) solar, has increased, the need for effective inspection and data analytics techniques to detect early-stage defects, faults, and malfunctions has become critical for maintaining the reliability and efficiency of PV systems. In this study, we analysed thermal defects in 3.3 million PV modules located in the UK. Our findings show that 36.5% of all PV modules had thermal defects, with 900,000 displaying single or multiple hotspots and ~250,000 exhibiting heated substrings. We also observed an average temperature increase of 21.7 °C in defective PV modules. Additionally, two PV assets with 19.25 and 8.59% thermal defects were examined for PV degradation, and results revealed a higher degradation rate when more defects are present. These results demonstrate the importance of implementing cost-effective inspection procedures and data analytics platforms to extend the lifetime and improve the performance of PV systems.
Inhibition of norepinephrine signaling during a sensitive period disrupts locus coeruleus circuitry and emotional behaviors in adulthood
Authors: Meng Qingyuan , Garcia-Garcia Alvaro L. , Dranovsky Alex , Leonardo E. David
Published: February 2023

Deficits in arousal and stress responsiveness are a feature of numerous psychiatric disorders including depression and anxiety. Arousal is supported by norepinephrine (NE) released from specialized brainstem nuclei, including the locus coeruleus (LC) neurons into cortical and limbic areas. During development, the NE system matures in concert with increased exploration of the animal’s environment. While several psychiatric medications target the NE system, the possibility that its modulation during discreet developmental periods can have long-lasting consequences has not yet been explored. We used a chemogenetic strategy in mice to reversibly inhibit NE signaling during brief developmental periods and then evaluated any long-lasting impact of our intervention on adult NE circuit function and on emotional behavior. We also tested whether developmental exposure to the α2 receptor agonist guanfacine, which is commonly used in the pediatric population and is not contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing, recapitulates the effect seen with the chemogenetic strategy. Our results reveal that postnatal days 10–21 constitute a sensitive period during which alterations in NE signaling lead to changes in baseline anxiety, increased anhedonia, and passive coping behaviors in adulthood. Disruption of NE signaling during this sensitive period also caused altered LC autoreceptor function, along with circuit specific changes in LC-NE target regions at baseline, and in response to stress. Our findings indicate an early critical role for NE in sculpting brain circuits that support adult emotional function. Interfering with this role by guanfacine and similar clinically used drugs can have lasting implications for mental health.
Effects of exogenous oxytocin and estradiol on resting-state functional connectivity in women and men
Authors: Coenjaerts Marie , Adrovic Berina , Trimborn Isabelle , Philipsen Alexandra , Hurlemann René , Scheele Dirk
Published: February 2023

Possible interactions of the neuropeptide oxytocin and the sex hormone estradiol may contribute to previously observed sex-specific effects of oxytocin on resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the amygdala and hippocampus. Therefore, we used a placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel-group functional magnetic resonance imaging study design and measured amygdala and hippocampus rsFC in healthy men (n = 116) and free-cycling women (n = 111), who received estradiol gel (2 mg) or placebo before the intranasal administration of oxytocin (24 IU) or placebo. Our results reveal significant interaction effects of sex and treatments on rsFC of the amygdala and hippocampus in a seed-to-voxel analysis. In men, both oxytocin and estradiol significantly decreased rsFC between the left amygdala and the right and left lingual gyrus, the right calcarine fissure, and the right superior parietal gyrus compared to placebo, while the combined treatment produced a significant increase in rsFC. In women, the single treatments significantly increased the rsFC between the right hippocampus and the left anterior cingulate gyrus, whereas the combined treatment had the opposite effect. Collectively, our study indicates that exogenous oxytocin and estradiol have different region-specific effects on rsFC in women and men and that the combined treatment may produce antagonistic effects.
In vitro to clinical translational pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling of doxorubicin (DOX) and dexrazoxane (DEX) interactions: Safety assessment and optimization
Authors: Mody Hardik , Vaidya Tanaya R. , Ait-Oudhia Sihem
Published: February 2023

Despite high anticancer activity, doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) limits the extensive utility of DOX in a clinical setting. Amongst various strategies explored, dexrazoxane (DEX) remains the only cardioprotective agent to be approved for DIC. In addition, altering the dosing regimen of DOX has also proved to be somewhat beneficial in decreasing the risk of DIC. However, both approaches have limitations and further studies are required to better optimize them for maximal beneficial effects. In the present work, we quantitatively characterized DIC as well as the protective effects of DEX in an in vitro model of human cardiomyocytes, by means of experimental data and mathematical modeling and simulation (M&S) approaches. We developed a cellular-level, mathematical toxicodynamic (TD) model to capture the dynamic in vitro drug-drug interaction, and relevant parameters associated with DIC and DEX cardio-protection were estimated. Subsequently, we executed in vitro-in vivo translation by simulating clinical PK profiles for different dosing regimens of DOX alone and in combinations with DEX and using the simulated PK profiles to drive the cell-based TD models to evaluate the effects of long-term, clinical dosing regimens of these drugs on the relative cell viability of AC16 and to determine optimal drug combinations with minimal cellular toxicity. Here, we identified that the Q3W (once every three weeks) DOX regimen with 10:1 DEX:DOX dose ratio over three cycles (nine weeks) may offer maximal cardio-protection. Overall, the cell-based TD model can be effectively used to better design subsequent preclinical in vivo studies aimed for further optimizing safe and effective DOX and DEX combinations to mitigate DIC.
Improving the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells based on rare-earth metal modified bismuth ferrites
Authors: Khan Maham , Iqbal Muhammad Aamir , Malik Maria , Hashmi Syed Usama Mauood , Bakhsh Sunila , Sohail Muhammad , Qamar Muhammad Tariq , Al-Bahrani Mohammed , Capangpangan Rey Y. , Alguno Arnold C. , Choi Jeong Ryeol
Published: February 2023

This study reports light energy harvesting characteristics of bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) and BiFO3 doped with rare-earth metals such as neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), and gadolinium (Gd) dye solutions that were prepared by using the co-precipitation method. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of synthesized materials were studied, confirming that 5–50 nm sized synthesized particles have a well-developed and non-uniform grain size due to their amorphous nature. Moreover, the peaks of photoelectron emission for bare and doped BiFeO3 were observed in the visible region at around 490 nm, while the emission intensity of bare BiFeO3 was noticed to be lower than that of doped materials. Photoanodes were prepared with the paste of the synthesized sample and then assembled to make a solar cell. The natural and synthetic dye solutions of Mentha, Actinidia deliciosa, and green malachite, respectively, were prepared in which the photoanodes were immersed to analyze the photoconversion efficiency of the assembled dye-synthesized solar cells. The power conversion efficiency of fabricated DSSCs, which was confirmed from the I–V curve, is in the range from 0.84 to 2.15%. This study confirms that mint (Mentha) dye and Nd-doped BiFeO3 materials were found to be the most efficient sensitizer and photoanode materials among all the sensitizers and photoanodes tested.
A fast vanishing point detection method based on row space features suitable for real driving scenarios
Authors: Yang Qin , Ma Yahong , Li Linsen , Gao Yujie , Tao Jiaxin , Huang Zhentao , Jiang Rui
Published: February 2023

The vanishing point (VP) is particularly important road information, which provides an important judgment criterion for the autonomous driving system. Existing vanishing point detection methods lack speed and accuracy when dealing with real road environments. This paper proposes a fast vanishing point detection method based on row space features. By analyzing the row space features, clustering candidates for similar vanishing points in the row space are performed, and then motion vectors are screened for the vanishing points in the candidate lines. The experimental results show that the average error of the normalized Euclidean distance is 0.0023716 in driving scenes under various lighting conditions. The unique candidate row space greatly reduces the amount of calculation, making the real-time FPS up to 86. It can be concluded that the fast vanishing point detection proposed in this paper would be suitable for high-speed driving scenarios.
Uncovering the complex genetic architecture of human plasma lipidome using machine learning methods
Authors: Lehtimäki Miikael , Mishra Binisha H. , Del-Val Coral , Lyytikäinen Leo-Pekka , Kähönen Mika , Cloninger C. Robert , Raitakari Olli T. , Laaksonen Reijo , Zwir Igor , Lehtimäki Terho , Mishra Pashupati P.
Published: February 2023

Genetic architecture of plasma lipidome provides insights into regulation of lipid metabolism and related diseases. We applied an unsupervised machine learning method, PGMRA, to discover phenotype-genotype many-to-many relations between genotype and plasma lipidome (phenotype) in order to identify the genetic architecture of plasma lipidome profiled from 1,426 Finnish individuals aged 30–45 years. PGMRA involves biclustering genotype and lipidome data independently followed by their inter-domain integration based on hypergeometric tests of the number of shared individuals. Pathway enrichment analysis was performed on the SNP sets to identify their associated biological processes. We identified 93 statistically significant (hypergeometric p-value < 0.01) lipidome-genotype relations. Genotype biclusters in these 93 relations contained 5977 SNPs across 3164 genes. Twenty nine of the 93 relations contained genotype biclusters with more than 50% unique SNPs and participants, thus representing most distinct subgroups. We identified 30 significantly enriched biological processes among the SNPs involved in 21 of these 29 most distinct genotype-lipidome subgroups through which the identified genetic variants can influence and regulate plasma lipid related metabolism and profiles. This study identified 29 distinct genotype-lipidome subgroups in the studied Finnish population that may have distinct disease trajectories and therefore could be useful in precision medicine research.
Molecular identification and antiprotozoal activity of silver nanoparticles on viability of Cryptosporidium parvum isolated from pigeons, pigeon fanciers and water
Authors: Abou Elez Rasha M. M. , Attia Amira S. A. , Tolba Hala M. N. , Anter Reham G. A. , Elsohaby Ibrahim
Published: February 2023

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan that causes acute gastroenteritis, abdominal pain, and diarrhea in many vertebrate species, including humans, animals and birds. A number of studies have reported the occurrence of Cryptosporidium in domestic pigeons. Thus, this study aimed to identify Cryptosporidium spp. in samples collected from domestic pigeons, pigeon fanciers, and drinking water, as well as to investigate the antiprotozoal activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the viability of isolated Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum). Samples were collected from domestic pigeons (n = 150), pigeon fanciers (n = 50), and drinking water (n = 50) and examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. using microscopic and molecular techniques. The antiprotozoal activity of AgNPs was then assessed both in vitro and in vivo. Cryptosporidium spp. was identified in 16.4% of all examined samples, with C. parvum identified in 5.6%. The highest frequency of isolation was from domestic pigeon, rather than from pigeon fanciers or drinking water. In domestic pigeons, there was a significant association between Cryptosporidium spp. positivity and pigeon's age, droppings consistency, housing, hygienic and heath conditions. However, Cryptosporidium spp. positivity was only significantly associated with pigeon fanciers' gender and heath condition. The viability of C. parvum oocysts was reduced using AgNPs at various concentrations and storage times in a descending manner. In an in vitro study, the highest reduction in C. parvum count was observed at the AgNPs concentration of 1000 µg/mL after a 24 h contact time, followed by the AgNPs concentration of 500 µg/mL after a 24 h contact time. However, after a 48 h contact time, a complete reduction was observed at both 1000 and 500 µg/mL concentrations. Overall, the count and viability of C. parvum decreased with increasing the AgNPs concentration and contact times in both the in vitro and in vivo studies. Furthermore, the C. parvum oocyst destruction was time-dependent and increased with increasing the contact time at various AgNPs concentrations.
MicroRNA expression in immune tissues of adult chickens after embryo stimulation with bioactive substances
Authors: Dunislawska Aleksandra , Pietrzak Elzbieta , Wishna Kadawarage Ramesha , Siwek Maria
Published: February 2023

The microbiota has a profound impact on the host organisms. The interaction between the host and its microbiota has an epigenetic mode of action. In poultry species, gastrointestinal microbiota might be stimulated before hatching. This stimulation with bioactive substances has a broad spectrum and long-term effects. This study aimed to examine the role of miRNA expression stimulated by host-microbiota interaction via administering a bioactive substance at the stage of embryonic development. This paper is a continuation of earlier research in the field of molecular analyzes in immune tissues after in ovo administration of bioactive substances. Eggs of Ross 308 broiler chicken and Polish native breed chicken (Green-legged Partridgelike) were incubated in the commercial hatchery. On day 12 of incubation, eggs were injected: the control group with saline (0.2 mM physiological saline), probiotic—Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris, prebiotic—galactooligosaccharides, and synbiotic—mentioned above prebiotic with probiotic. The birds were intended for rearing. miRNA expression analysis was performed using the miRCURY LNA miRNA PCR Assay in the spleen and tonsils of adult chickens. Six miRNAs differed significantly, at least between one pair of treatment groups. The most miRNA changes were observed in the cecal tonsils of Green-legged Partridgelike chickens. At the same time, only miR-1598 and miR-1652 showed significant differences between the treatment groups in the cecal tonsils and spleen of Ross broiler chickens. Only two miRNAs showed significant GeneOntology (GO)enrichment with the ClueGo plug-in. gga-miR-1652 target genes showed only 2 GOs significantly enriched: chondrocyte differentiation and early endosome. gga-miR-1612 target genes, the most significant GO was regulating the RNA metabolic process. The enriched functions were associated with gene expression or protein regulation, the nervous system, and the immune system. Results suggest that early microbiome stimulation in chicken might regulate the miRNA expression in different immune tissues in a genotype-dependent manner.
Mechanistic insight into the protective effects of fisetin against arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats
Authors: Ijaz Muhammad Umar , Haider Saqlain , Tahir Arfa , Afsar Tayyaba , Almajwal Ali , Amor Houda , Razak Suhail
Published: February 2023

Arsenic is one of the most hazardous environmental contaminants, which adversely affects the dynamics of male reproductive system. Fisetin (FIS) is a bioactive flavonoid, which is known to exert strong antioxidative effects. Therefore, the current research was planned to evaluate the alleviative efficacy of FIS against arsenic-induced reproductive damages. Forty-eight male albino rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 12), which were treated as follows: (1) Control, (2) Arsenic-intoxicated group (8 mg kg−1), (3) Arsenic + FIS-treated group (8 mg kg−1 + 10 mg kg−1), and (4) FIS-treated group (10 mgkg−1). After 56 days of treatment, the biochemical, lipidemic, steroidogenic, hormonal, spermatological, apoptotic and histoarchitectural profiles of rats were analyzed. Arsenic intoxication reduced the enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GSR), in addition to glutathione (GSH) level. Conversely, the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were increased. Moreover, it escalated the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides and total cholesterol, while declining the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Furthermore, steroidogenic enzymes expressions, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), 17β-HSD, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1) and 17α-hydroxylase/17, 20-lyase (CYP17A1), were found to be reduced, which brought down the level of testosterone. Besides, the levels of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) were decreased. Additionally, a decline in sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), motility, epididymal sperm count and hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) coil-tailed sperms was observed, whereas the dead sperms and structural damages (head, midpiece and tail) of sperms were escalated. Moreover, arsenic exposure up-regulated the mRNA expressions of apoptotic markers, namely Bax and caspase-3, whereas lowered the expression of anti-apoptotic marker, Bcl-2. In addition, it induced histoarchitectural changes in testes of rats. However, FIS treatment resulted in remarkable improvements in testicular and sperm parameters. Therefore, it was inferred that FIS could serve as a therapeutic candidate against arsenic-generated male reproductive toxicity attributing to its anti-oxidant, anti-lipoperoxidative, anti-apoptotic, and androgenic efficacy.
An ultralow-cost portable centrifuge from discarded materials for medical applications
Authors: Franco Jovany J. , Nagata Tatsuo , Okamoto Takayuki , Mukai Shizuo
Published: February 2023

Reliable centrifugation for medical applications has historically required access to expensive, bulky, and electricity-dependent commercial devices, which are generally unavailable in resource-poor settings. Although several portable, low-cost, non-electric centrifuges have been described, these solutions have predominately been designed for diagnostic applications requiring sedimentation of relatively small volumes. Moreover, construction of these devices frequently requires access to specialized materials and tools that are often unavailable in underserved areas. Herein, we describe the design, assembly, and experimental validation of the CentREUSE—an ultralow-cost, portable, discarded material-based, human-powered centrifuge for use in therapeutic applications. The CentREUSE demonstrated a mean centrifugal force of 10.5 relative centrifugal force (RCF) ± 1.3. Sedimentation of 1.0 mL triamcinolone acetonide suspension for intravitreal use after 3 min of CentREUSE centrifugation was comparable to that achieved after 12 h of gravity-mediated sedimentation (0.41 mL ± 0.04 vs. 0.38 mL ± 0.03, p = 0.14). Sediment compactness after 5 min and 10 min of CentREUSE centrifugation was similar to that observed after centrifugation with a commercial device for 5 min at 10 RCF (0.31 mL ± 0.02 vs. 0.32 mL ± 0.03, p = 0.20) and 50 RCF (0.20 mL ± 0.02 vs. 0.19 mL ± 0.01, p = 0.15), respectively. Templates and instructions for construction of the CentREUSE are included as part of this open-source publication.
Formation, stabilization and fate of acetaldehyde and higher aldehydes in an autonomously changing prebiotic system emerging from acetylene
Authors: Diederich Philippe , Geisberger Thomas , Yan Yingfei , Seitz Christian , Ruf Alexander , Huber Claudia , Hertkorn Norbert , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe
Published: February 2023

Many essential building blocks of life, including amino acids, sugars, and nucleosides, require aldehydes for prebiotic synthesis. Pathways for their formation under early earth conditions are therefore of great importance. We investigated the formation of aldehydes by an experimental simulation of primordial early earth conditions, in line with the metal-sulfur world theory in an acetylene-containing atmosphere. We describe a pH-driven, intrinsically autoregulatory environment that concentrates acetaldehyde and other higher molecular weight aldehydes. We demonstrate that acetaldehyde is rapidly formed from acetylene over a nickel sulfide catalyst in an aqueous solution, followed by sequential reactions progressively increasing the molecular diversity and complexity of the reaction mixture. Interestingly, through inherent pH changes, the evolution of this complex matrix leads to auto-stabilization of de novo synthesized aldehydes and alters the subsequent synthesis of relevant biomolecules rather than yielding uncontrolled polymerization products. Our results emphasize the impact of progressively generated compounds on the overall reaction conditions and strengthen the role of acetylene in forming essential building blocks that are fundamental for the emergence of terrestrial life.
Enhancing electro-reduction of nitrite to ammonia by loading Co3O4on CuO to construct elecrocatalytic dual-sites
Authors: Zhou Yan , Meng Yunlong , Wang Xingzhao , Luo Jiabing , Xia Hanhan , Li Wenle , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2023

Improving the performance of CuO in electrocatalytic nitrite reduction to ammonia (NIRA) is the priority for designing efficient NIRA electrocatalysts.
Microstructured layered-kagome BaCo3(VO4)2(OH)2 with variable crystallite size: alternative synthetic route and comparison with nanostructured samples
Authors: Hadrane Bachchar , Deniard Philippe , Jeannot Cassandre , Trenque Isabelle , Dessapt Rémi , Payen Christophe
Published: February 2023

Microstructured orthovanadate BaCo3(VO4)2(OH)2 has been prepared by hydrothermal treatment of pyrovanadate Co3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O. The impact of crystallite size on the structural and magnetic properties have been discussed.
Vanillin and pentoxifylline ameliorate isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in rats via the Akt/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway
Authors: Elseweidy Mohamed M. , Ali Sousou I. , Shaheen Mohamed A. , Abdelghafour Asmaa M. , Hammad Sally K.
Published: February 2023

Vanillin (Van) and pentoxifylline (PTX) ameliorated isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury; reduced cardiac oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis; and promoted cardiac angiogenesis via Akt/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling.
Conjugated polymer nanoparticles with tunable antibacterial photodynamic capability
Authors: Caires Anderson R. L. , Lima Thalita H. N. , Abelha Thais F.
Published: February 2023

Changing the CPN preparation conditions generates nanoparticles of the same conjugated polymer with enhanced photostability and microorganism inactivation following photoexcitation.
Generation of sub-5 nm AuNPs in the special space of the loop-cluster corona of a polymer vesicle: preparation and its unique catalytic performance in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Wang Wen-Li , Kanno Ayaka , Ishiguri Amika , Jin Ren-Hua
Published: February 2023

Gold nanoparticles smaller than 5 nm were encapsulated in the special space of the loop-cluster corona on a polymer vesicle. They exhibited high catalytic activity in the reduction of nitrophenols, but with remarkable oxygen-induced induction times.
Rambutan seed waste-derived nitrogen-doped carbon dots with l-aspartic acid for the sensing of Congo red dye
Authors: Zulfajri Muhammad , Sudewi Sri , Damayanti Rizki , Huang Genin Gary
Published: February 2023

In this study, new nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) were prepared by utilizing rambutan seed waste and l-aspartic acid as dual precursors (carbon and nitrogen sources) through a hydrothermal treatment method and applied as a fluorescent sensor toward Congo red.