Bioinformatics analyses of differentially expressed genes associated with spinal cord injury:a microarray-based analysis in a mouse model

Gene spectrum analysis has shown that gene expression and signaling pathways change dramatically after spinal cord injury,which may affect the microenvironment of the damaged site.Microarray analysis provides a new opportunity for investigating diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of spinal cord injury.However,differentially expressed genes are not consistent among studies,and many key genes and signaling pathways have not yet been accurately studied.GSE5296 was retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus DataSet.Differentially expressed genes were obtained using R/Bioconductor software(expression changed at least two-fold;P < 0.05).Database for Annotation,Visualization and Integrated Discovery was used for functional annotation of differentially expressed genes and Animal Transcription Factor Database for predicting potential transcription factors.The resulting transcription regulatory protein interaction network was mapped to screen representative genes and investigate their diagnostic and therapeutic value for disease.In total,this study identified 109 genes that were upregulated and 30 that were downregulated at 0.5,4,and 24 hours,and 3,7,and 28 days after spinal cord injury.The number of downregulated genes was smaller than the number of upregulated genes at each time point.Database for Annotation,Visualization and Integrated Discovery analysis found that many inflammation-related pathways were upregulated in injured spinal cord.Additionally,expression levels of these inflammation-related genes were maintained for at least 28 days.Moreover,399 regulation modes and 77 nodes were shown in the protein-protein interaction network of upregulated differentially expressed genes.Among the 10 upregulated differentially expressed genes with the highest degrees of distribution,six genes were transcription factors.Among these transcription factors,ATF3 showed the greatest change.ATF3 was upregulated within 30 minutes,and its expression levels remained high at28 days after spinal cord injury.These key genes screened by bioinformatics tools can be used as biological markers to diagnose diseases and provide a reference for identifying therapeutic targets.

Geophysical Investigation of a Solid Waste Disposal Site Using Integrated Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Multichannel Analyses of Surface Waves Methods

Electrical resistivity tomography survey was deployed at a solid waste landfill in southwest Missouri USA with the intent to map variations in moisture content through the solid waste and underlying subsurface, and to map the top of bedrock. Multichannel analyses of surface waves survey was also deployed to map variations in engineering properties of the solid waste and underlying subsurface, and to constrain the interpretations of top of bedrock. The 2-D resistivity images through the waste suggest rainwater seeps through the cap cover system of the solid waste landfill, and moisture content within the solid waste increases with solid waste burial depth. The resistivity anomalies displayed by the soil and bedrock directly underneath the solid waste suggests a lateral component to moisture infiltrating at the toe of the landfill, which is flowing inward to the base of solid waste structural low. The 1-D shear wave velocity profiles obtained from the multichannel analyses of surface waves survey helped interpret the top of bedrock underneath the solid waste, where top of bedrock is difficult to map using electrical resistivity tomography, as shallow fractured bedrock is moist and displays comparable resistivity values to that of overlying soil. Not surprisingly, the top of bedrock is readily identified on the electrical resistivity tomography profiles in places where subsurface is relatively dry. The deployment of the combined non- invasive, cost and time effective geophysical surveys, along with engineering judgement on available site history data, has reasonably identified potential landfill seepage pathways. The methodology presented could be used in similar site investigation settings.

Design,preparation,application of advanced array structured materials and their action mechanism analyses for high performance lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur battery(LSB)has brought much attention and concern because of high theoretical specific capacity and energy density as one of main competitors for next-generation energy storage systems.The widely commercial application and development of LSB is mainly hindered by serious“shuttle effect”of lithium polysulfides(Li PSs),slow reaction kinetics,notorious lithium dendrites,etc.In various structures of LSB materials,array structured materials,possessing the composition of ordered micro units with the same or similar characteristics of each unit,present excellent application potential for various secondary cells due to some merits such as immobilization of active substances,high specific surface area,appropriate pore sizes,easy modification of functional material surface,accommodated huge volume change,enough facilitated transportation for electrons/lithium ions,and special functional groups strongly adsorbing Li PSs.Thus many novel array structured materials are applied to battery for tackling thorny problems mentioned above.In this review,recent progresses and developments on array structured materials applied in LSBs including preparation ways,collaborative structural designs based on array structures,and action mechanism analyses in improving electrochemical performance and safety are summarized.Meanwhile,we also have detailed discussion for array structured materials in LSBs and constructed the structure-function relationships between array structured materials and battery performances.Lastly,some directions and prospects about preparation ways,functional modifications,and practical applications of array structured materials in LSBs are generalized.We hope the review can attract more researchers'attention and bring more studying on array structured materials for other secondary batteries including LSB.

Thermodynamic,Economic,and Environmental Analyses and Multi-Objective Optimization of Dual-Pressure Organic Rankine Cycle System with Dual-Stage Ejector

A novel dual-pressure organic Rankine cycle system(DPORC)with a dual-stage ejector(DE-DPORC)is proposed.The system incorporates a dual-stage ejector that utilizes a small amount of extraction steam from the highpressure expander to pressurize a large quantity of exhaust gas to performwork for the low-pressure expander.This innovative approach addresses condensing pressure limitations,reduces power consumption during pressurization,minimizes heat loss,and enhances the utilization efficiency of waste heat steam.A thermodynamic model is developed with net output work,thermal efficiency,and exergy efficiency(W_(net,ηt,ηex))as evaluation criteria,an economicmodel is established with levelized energy cost(LEC)as evaluation index,anenvironmentalmodel is created with annual equivalent carbon dioxide emission reduction(AER)as evaluation parameter.A comprehensive analysis is conducted on the impact of heat source temperature(T_(S,in)),evaporation temperature(T_(2)),entrainment ratio(E_(r1),E_(r2)),and working fluid pressure(P_(5),P_(6))on system performance.It compares the comprehensive performance of the DE-DPORC system with that of the DPORC system at TS,in of 433.15 K and T2 of 378.15 K.Furthermore,multi-objective optimization using the dragonfly algorithm is performed to determine optimal working conditions for the DE-DPORC system through the TOPSIS method.The findings indicate that the DEDPORC system exhibits a 5.34%increase inWnet andηex,a 58.06%increase inηt,a 5.61%increase in AER,and a reduction of 47.67%and 13.51%in the heat dissipation of the condenser andLEC,compared to theDPORCsystem,highlighting the advantages of this enhanced system.The optimal operating conditions are TS,in=426.74 K,T_(2)=389.37 K,E_(r1)=1.33,E_(r2)=3.17,P_(5)=0.39 MPa,P_(6)=1.32 MPa,which offer valuable technical support for engineering applications;however,they are approaching the peak thermodynamic and environmental performance while falling short of the highest economic performance.

GIS Analyses and Maps Creation of a Naturalistic Area: The Carengione Oasis

This paper describes the experience carried out with the aim to provide a technical and geo-referenced contribution to a project, submitted to the Common of Peschiera Borromeo in the Province of Milan in Lombardy. The promoter is a group of local associations;the aim is the valorisation and fruition of a green area, named Carengione Oasis. At first a GIS pre-analysis of the area has been performed to achieve a thorough knowledge of the area object of study. Then, a handheld GSP navigator has been employed to collect the data to be processed in a GIS software. This device choice has pros (a fast and very easy survey has been carried out) and cons (the acquired data have a precision of 3 to 5 meters). These data have been processed with the aid of the GIS software ArcMap release 10.4.1 by Esri. Also some free aerial images have been employed to edit features inaccessible on site. The achieved results are some thematic, metric and georeferenced maps and also a 3D virtual tour for a realistic visit of this area. They fulfil the project requirements. Anyway, due to their low precision, they have not been uploaded to enrich the official Lombardy cartography (DBTR);for this reason, part of them has been donated to the free data interchange OpenStreetMap. This work could be considered as a first step for future more precise surveys which would allow adding the acquired results to the DBTR;it has also been planned to create a story map describing the experience illustrated in this paper.

Multi-scale Modeling and Finite Element Analyses of Thermal Conductivity of 3D C/SiC Composites Fabricating by Flexible-Oriented Woven Process

Thermal conductivity is one of the most significant criterion of three-dimensional carbon fiber-reinforced SiC matrix composites(3D C/SiC).Represent volume element(RVE)models of microscale,void/matrix and mesoscale proposed in this work are used to simulate the thermal conductivity behaviors of the 3D C/SiC composites.An entirely new process is introduced to weave the preform with three-dimensional orthogonal architecture.The 3D steady-state analysis step is created for assessing the thermal conductivity behaviors of the composites by applying periodic temperature boundary conditions.Three RVE models of cuboid,hexagonal and fiber random distribution are respectively developed to comparatively study the influence of fiber package pattern on the thermal conductivities at the microscale.Besides,the effect of void morphology on the thermal conductivity of the matrix is analyzed by the void/matrix models.The prediction results at the mesoscale correspond closely to the experimental values.The effect of the porosities and fiber volume fractions on the thermal conductivities is also taken into consideration.The multi-scale models mentioned in this paper can be used to predict the thermal conductivity behaviors of other composites with complex structures.

The Study of Contact Pressure Analyses and Prediction of Dynamic Fatigue Life for Linear Guideways System

The application of the linear guideways is very extensive, such as automation equipment, heavy-duty carry equipment, heavy-cut machining tool, CNC grinding machine, large-scale planning machine and machining center with the demand of high rigidity and heavy load. By means of the study of contact behavior between the roller/guideway and roller/slider, roller type linear guideways can improve the machining accuracy. The goal of this paper is to construct the fatigue life model of the linear guideway, with the help of the contact mechanics of rollers. In beginning, the analyses of the rigidity of a single roller compressed between guideway and slider was conducted. Then, the normal contact pressure of linear guideways was obtained by using the superposition method, and verified by the FEM software (ANSYS workbench). Finally, the bearing life theory proposed by Lundberg and Palmgren was used to describe the contact fatigue life.

GIS and Intra-Site Spatial Analyses: An Integrated Approach for Recording and Analyzing the Fossil Deposits at Casablanca Prehistoric Sites (Morocco)

The Mio-Plio-Pleistocene sequence at Casablanca, covering the last six million years, is well known in scientific literature. The variability and the chronology of the Acheulian sequence is documented by systematic, modern and controlled investigations in various sites (Unit L and Hominid Cave at Thomas I Quarry, Rhinoceros Cave at Oulad Hamida 1 Quarry, Sidi Abderrahman Extension Quarry, Bear’s Cave and Cap Chatelier at Sidi Abderrahman Quarry) which have taken place within the framework of the Franco-Moroccan co-operative project “Casablanca”. In order to manage the excavation data and to explore the taphonomic nature of Unit L, Hominid Cave and Rhinoceros Cave, where research is still in progress, an approach combining a Geographic Information System (GIS) and spatial analysis techniques was developed, incorporating all existing information produced from previous excavations and recent surveys of the sites. The amalgamation of this data into a GIS has resulted in a digital database that allows the production of simultaneous or separate visualizations and analyses of the fossils, artifacts and geological materials within their original spatial contexts and also permits intra-site spatial analyses that allow a comprehensive investigation of the site formation processes.

Dirac Coupled Channel Analyses of Proton Inelastic Scatterings from s-d Shell Nuclei

Proton inelastic scatterings from several s-d shell nuclei are analyzed using optical potential model and collective model in Dirac coupled channel formalism. The optical potential parameters obtained phenomenologically for the scatterings from the s-d shell nuclei are compared with each other for systematic Dirac analysis. Dirac equations are reduced to the second-order differential equations in order to obtain the Schroedinger equivalent effective central and spin-orbit optical potentials, and the surface-peaked phenomena are observed at the real effective central potentials for the scatterings from 22Ne, 20Ne and 24Mg. By analyzing the obtained effective spin-orbit potentials, it is confirmed that the spin-orbit interaction is a surface-peaked interaction. The first-order rotational collective models are used to describe the low-lying excited states of the ground state rotational bands in the s-d shell deformed nuclei, and the obtained deformation parameters are analyzed by comparing with each other, and compared with those obtained by using the nonrelativistic calculations. The obtained deformation parameters of Dirac phenomenological calculations for the s-d shell nuclei are found to agree pretty well with those of the nonrelativistic calculations using the same Woods-Saxon potential shape, even though the theoretical bases are quite different.

Numerical Analyses of Seepage from Behesht Abad Dam Foundation

In this article, seepage phenomena through the karstic limestone foundation of Behesht Abad dam are investigated. In order to get a state of seepage and determine the depth of grouting curtain, it has been tried to evaluate the seepage of Behesht-Abad dam foundation and its abutments by the help of numerical analysis and UDEC 4.0 software. To perform this research, firstly, geological data during a study phase in Behesht Abad dam site was gathered, and then different methods have been used to calculate the engineering properties of rock mass. Therefore the structural model of dam foundation based on the geological data constructed and various boundary conditions including different heads were applied on the model and the suitable depth for the grouting curtain was proposed.

The need to develop tailored tools for improving the quality of thematic bibliometric analyses: Evidence from papers published in Sustainability and Scientometrics

Purpose: The aim of this article is to explore up to seven parameters related to the methodological quality and reproducibility of thematic bibliometric research published in the two most productive journals in bibliometrics, Sustainability(a journal outside the discipline) and Scientometrics, the flagship journal in the field.Design/methodology/approach: The study identifies the need for developing tailored tools for improving the quality of thematic bibliometric analyses, and presents a framework that can guide the development of such tools. A total of 508 papers are analysed, 77% of Sustainability, and 23% published in Scientometrics, for the 2019-2021 period.Findings: An average of 2.6 shortcomings per paper was found for the whole sample, with an almost identical number of flaws in both journals. Sustainability has more flaws than Scientometrics in four of the seven parameters studied, while Scientometrics has more shortcomings in the remaining three variables.Research limitations: The first limitation of this work is that it is a study of two scientific journals, so the results cannot be directly extrapolated to the set of thematic bibliometric analyses published in journals from all fields.Practical implications: We propose the adoption of protocols, guidelines, and other similar tools, adapted to bibliometric practice, which could increase the thoroughness, transparency, and reproducibility of this type of research.Originality/value: These results show considerable room for improvement in terms of the adequate use and breakdown of methodological procedures in thematic bibliometric research, both in journals in the Information Science area and journals outside the discipline.

Analyses and Modeling of Laminar Flow in Pipes Using Numerical Approach

This paper investigate some important works done on numerical analysis and modeling of laminar flow in pipes. This review is focused on some methods of approach and the analytical tools used in analyzing of the important parameters to be considered in laminar flow;such as frictional losses, heat transfer etc. in laminar flow in pipes of different shapes, and the importance of laminar flow in its areas of applications. Prominent researchers have approached this from different perspectives. Some carried out analysis on the pressure drop as a function of permeability, some worked on friction factor analysis, some discussed heat transfer effects of laminar flow in the entrance region, while some discussed its applications in various industries. Some of these works were done considering a given form of pipe configuration or shape which is circular pipes. Only a few, of the literature reviewed have related their considerations to different forms of pipes. Most consider pipes to be majorly circular in shape, but in industries today some circular pipes have become elliptical in shape due to long time usage of the pipes, which would have contributed to increase in some different forms of losses in the industries. In engineering, efficiency and effectiveness improvement is the major goal, if a research work has been done, considering the important parameters in laminar flow showing their effects on different forms of pipe configuration as a result of pipe deformation due to usage, huge amount of money will be saved. This will show clearly how the efficiency of a given circular pipe has seriously been affected due to deformation, and the level of loss this has resulted to.

Water Analyses, Eco-Balance and Socio-Demographic Analyses as Prerequisites for Solutions of the Sewage Treatment Problems in Rural Areas

The implementation of the EU-water framework directive (EU-WFD) demands a financeable and adaptable sewage treatment, creating a need for action especially in rural areas, where the “good ecological status” is often not reached even though the sewage works fulfill the legal minimum requirements. Therefore the construction of new, more efficient wastewater treatment plants is advisable. Due to the precarious financial situation in most rural areas, many municipalities can however not master the necessary funds for an improved waste water infrastructure. A large part of the costs would have to be shouldered by the local population in the form of additional sewage levies, leading to massive socio-economic strain. Hence, different solutions, which are tailored to the socio-economic, demographic and environmental characteristics of rural areas and fulfill the legal requirements, need to be developed. One possible approach is presented in the form of the Dirlammen case study (municipality Lautertal, Hesse, Germany). It consists of 1) biological and physicochemical analyses of the waste waters, 2) a modified eco-balance for the construction of a new sewage works and 3) socio-economic and demographic analyses of the population. It serves as a tool for the assessment of the influencing ecological, socio-economic and demographic factors on the sewage problems in rural areas. These findings can easily be transferred to other rural areas with a similar configuration and thus deliver the basis for a generally applicable approach to these problems. The results of the comprehensive analysis have shown for the municipality Dirlammen/Lautertal that the continued operation of the existing pond sewage plant is, with regards to the ecological, socio-economic and demographic points of view, preferable to the construction of a new waste water treatment plant. With regard to the sustainability principles of the sewage treatment and the objectives of the EU-WFD, existing sewage works should be operated for as long as the sewage treatment is feasible within technical and legal boundaries. With the construction of new facilities on the other hand, the expected improvement of the water quality has to be weighed against the ecological impairments caused by the construction itself. Rural waste water plans have to be developed for the long-term, taking not only the ecology into account but also the demographic change. Possible approaches in this regard could be a shift towards a decentralized waste water treatment concept and–even more important–improvements of the river morphology. But also the reduction of the diffuse pollution from agricultural sources should be considered for the development of strategies for the improvement of the ecological state. Short-term optimization measures in the existing sewage works might also improve the water quality until the long-term development plans can be implemented. In particular the challenges of the demographic change and linked with that the changing requirements for the rural waste water treatment must be addressed by any future plans. Only with the help of such a comprehensive approach the dangers of bad planning and unacceptable socio-economic burdens can be minimized.

Celiac Disease Seen with the Eyes of the Principle Component Analysis and Analyse Des Données

This paper aims to deepen the quality of life of people with celiac disease with a focus on compliance to the diet through Principle Component Analysis and Analyse des Données. In particular, we will try to understand whether these analyzes are also applicable in the context of research web2.0 carried out with web-survey.

Single-cell omics analyses with single molecular detection:challenges and perspectives

The ultimate goal of single-cell analyses is to obtain the biomolecular content for each cell in unicellular and multicellular organisms at different points of their life cycle under variable environmental conditions.These require an assessment of:a)the total number of cells,b)the total number of cell types,and c)the complete and quantitative single molecular detection and identification for all classes of biopolymers,and organic and inorganic compounds,in each individual cell.For proteins,glycans,lipids,and metabolites,whose sequences cannot be amplified by copying as in the case of nucleic acids,the detection limit by mass spectrometry is about 105 molecules.Therefore,proteomic,glycomic,lipidomic,and metabolomic analyses do not yet permit the assembly of the complete single-cell omes.The construction of novel nanoelectrophoretic arrays and nano in microarrays on a single 1-cm-diameter chip has shown proof of concept for a high throughput platform for parallel processing of thousands of individual cells.Combined with dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry,with 3D scanning capability and lateral resolution of 50 nm,the sensitivity of single molecular quantification and identification for all classes of biomolecules could be reached.Further development and routine application of such technological and instrumentation solution would allow assembly of complete omes with a quantitative assessment of structural and functional cellular diversity at the molecular level.

Mechanical stress and deformation analyses of pressurized cylindrical shells based on a higher-order modeling

In this research,mechanical stress,static strain and deformation analyses of a cylindrical pressure vessel subjected to mechanical loads are presented.The kinematic relations are developed based on higherorder sinusoidal shear deformation theory.Thickness stretching formulation is accounted for more accurate analysis.The total transverse deflection is divided into bending,shear and thickness stretching parts in which the third term is responsible for change of deflection along the thickness direction.The axisymmetric formulations are derived through principle of virtual work.A parametric study is presented to investigate variation of stress and strain components along the thickness and longitudinal directions.To explore effect of thickness stretching model on the static results,a comparison between the present results with the available results of literature is presented.As an important output,effect of micro-scale parameter is studied on the static stress and strain distribution.

Geotechnical Investigation and Prediction of Rock Burst, Squeezing with Remediation Design by Numerical Analyses along Headrace Tunnel in Swat Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

This study illustrates the classification of the rock mass and evaluation of rock squeezing, rock burst potential, deformation modulus along the proposed tunnel alignment of small hydropower in Swat Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The field and laboratory studies were conducted to classify the rock mass by using geomechanical classification systems i.e. Rock Mass Rating (RMR), tunneling quality index (Q), Rock Mass Index (RMi). The empirical relations classified the ground as non-squeezing and minor to non-squeezing conditions, respectively. Whereas, other methods depict minor to medium bursting potential along chainage 1+000 to 4+000 m, while results along chainage 2+400 - 2+800 m present medium to high bursting potential. Furthermore, numerical analyses were carried out by RS3 for elastic and plastic conditions in order to assess the total displacement of each section in unsupported and supported conditions. The results gave maximum displacement along chainage 2+400 - 2+800 m (19.2 mm in unsupported and 16mm in supported condition) and minimum displacement along chainage 0+876 - 1+000 m (1.4 mm in unsupported and 1.3 mm in supported condition). Hence, the estimated support by empirical methods has been optimized by using numerical analyses for the stability of rock mass along the tunnel.

Porosity Evaluation and the Power Spectral Densities Analyses of Carbon-Nickel Composite Films Annealed at Different Temperatures

The densification and the fractal dimensions of carbon-nickel films annealed at different temperatures 300, 500, 800, and 1000℃ with emphasis on porosity evaluation are investigated. For this purpose, the refractive index of films is determined from transmittance spectra. Three different regimes are identified, T 〈 500℃, 500℃ 〈 T 〈 800℃ and T 〉 800℃. The Rutherford baekscattering spectra show that with increasing the annealing temperature, the concentration of nickel atoms into films decreases. It is shown that the effect of annealing temperatures for increasing films densification at T 〈 500℃ and T 〉 800℃ is greater than the effect of nickel concentrations. It is observed that the effect of decreasing nickel atoms into films at 500℃ 〈 T 〈 800℃ strongly causes improving porosity and decreasing densification. The fractal dimensions of carbon-nickel films annealed from 300 to 500℃ are increased, while from 500 to 1000℃ these characteristics are decreased. It can be seen that at 800℃, films have maximum values of porosity and roughness.

VALIDATION AND ANALYSES OF THE SIMPLE METHOD FOR DETERMINING rm OF APHIDS AND MITES

This paper deals with the validation and theoretical analyses of a simple method for calculating the intrinsic rate of increase, rm, of aphids and mites. This method does not require a detailed fecundity table data. The value of rm can be estimated by the simple equation: rm=0.74ln (Md)/d, where d is the time from birth to first reproduction; Md is the number of female offspring produced per original female in 2d. This method was developed by Wyatt and White. We reached the following conclusions from our study: When the parameter, Md is less than 1, this equation is not appropriate for estimating rm of populations; When the parameter, Md is larger than 1 and about 70% or more of the reproductive contribution to the rm is achieved in 2d, the equation is appropriate for calculatng the rm of aphids and mites.As Md decreases, the required reproductive contribution to the rm in 2d corresponding to the constant 0.74 will increase. However, whether 70% or more of reproductive contribution to rm is achieved in 2d still is a problem for whole taxa of aphids and mites. Therefore, further siudy on reproductive distribution will be required for practical application of this method.

Quality Analyses of Fine Structures Transfer in the Photorealistic Images

This work presents method of the quality analyses of the photorealistic images. Developed method utilizes proposed criteria of image definition quality for fine details. Presented method has the following significant property: the quality estimation is provided without test images or patterns. Algorithm for search and recognition of fine structures in the photorealistic images using the predefined criterion is considered.