Deep convolutional neural network for weld defect classification in radiographic images.

The quality of welds is critical to the safety of structures in construction, so early detection of irregularities is crucial. Advances in machine vision inspection technologies, such as deep learning models, have improved the detection of weld defects. This paper presents a new CNN model based on ResNet50 to classify four types of weld defects in radiographic images: crack, pore, non-penetration, and no defect. Stratified cross-validation, data augmentation, and regularization were used to improve generalization and avoid over-fitting. The model was tested on three datasets, RIAWELC, GDXray, and a private dataset of low image quality, obtaining an accuracy of 98.75 %, 90.255 %, and 75.83 %, respectively. The model proposed in this paper achieves high accuracies on different datasets and constitutes a valuable tool to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of quality control processes in the welding industry. Moreover, experimental tests show that the proposed approach performs well on even low-resolution images.

Optimal distribution grid allocation of reactive power with a focus on the particle swarm optimization technique and voltage stability.

A structured approach to managing reactive power is imperative within the context of power systems. Among the restructuring initiatives in the electrical sector, power systems have undergone delineation into three principal categories: generation, transmission, and distribution entities, each of which is overseen by an independent system operator. Notably, active power emerges as the predominant commodity transacted within the electrical market, with the autonomous grid operator assuming the responsibility of ensuring conducive conditions for the execution of energy contracts across the transmission infrastructure. Ancillary services, comprising essential frameworks for energy generation and delivery to end-users, encompass reactive power services pivotal in the regulation of bus voltage. Of particular significance among the array of ancillary services requisite in a competitive market milieu is the provision of adequate reactive power to uphold grid safety and voltage stability. A salient impediment to the realization of energy contracts lies in the inadequacy of reactive power within the grid, which poses potential risks to its operational safety and voltage equilibrium. The optimal allocation of the reactive power load is predicated upon presumptions of consistent outcomes within the active power market. Under this conceptual framework, generators are afforded continual compensation for the provision of reactive power indispensable for sustaining their active energy production endeavors.

Silencing of Sporothrix schenckii GP70 Reveals Its Contribution to Fungal Adhesion, Virulence, and the Host-Fungus Interaction.

Sporothrix schenckii is one of the etiological agents of sporotrichosis, a cutaneous and subcutaneous infection distributed worldwide. Like other medically relevant fungi, its cell wall is a molecular scaffold to display virulence factors, such as protective pigments, hydrolytic enzymes, and adhesins. Cell wall proteins with adhesive properties have been previously reported, but only a handful of them have been identified and characterized. One of them is Gp70, an abundant cell wall protein mainly found on the surface of yeast-like cells. Since the protein also has a role in the activity of 3-carboxy-cis,cis-muconate cyclase and its abundance is low in highly virulent strains, its role in the Sporothrix-host interaction remains unclear. Here, a set of GP70-silenced strains was generated, and the molecular and phenotypical characterization was performed. The results showed that mutants with high silencing levels showed a significant reduction in the adhesion to laminin and fibrinogen, enzyme activity, and defects in the cell wall composition, which included reduced mannose, rhamnose, and protein content, accompanied by an increment in ß-1,3-glucans levels. The cell wall N-linked glycan content was significantly reduced. These strains induced poor TNFα and IL-6 levels when interacting with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in a dectin-1-, TLR2-, and TLR4-dependent stimulation. The IL-1ß and IL-10 levels were significantly higher and were stimulated via dectin-1. Phagocytosis and stimulation of neutrophil extracellular traps by human granulocytes were increased in highly GP70-silenced strains. Furthermore, these mutants showed virulence attenuation in the invertebrate model Galleria mellonella. Our results demonstrate that Gp70 is a versatile protein with adhesin properties, is responsible for the activity of 3-carboxy-cis,cis-muconate cyclase, and is relevant for the S. schenckii-host interaction.

Biochemical parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers, and anatomopathological changes in Wistar rats treated with 3'-demethoxy-6-O-demethylisoguaiacin and norisoguaiacin.

Artemisia cina (Ac) is a plant with anthelmintic compounds such as 3'-demethoxy-6-O-demethylisoguaiacin (D) and norisoguaiacin (N). Three major objectives were proposed: (1) To evaluate biochemical parameters in blood (2) to determine the tissue oxidative stress by biomarkers as TBARS and glutathione peroxidase activity, and (3) to evaluate anatomopathological changes in organs such as the brain, liver, kidney, and lung after oral administration of n-hexane extract of Ac and D and N. D and N were administrated following the OECD guides for acute oral toxicity evaluation (Guide 420). Fifty Wistar rats were distributed into ten groups as follows: Group 1 (G1): 4 mg/Kg; G2: 40 mg/Kg; G3: 240 mg/Kg; G4: 1600 mg/Kg of n-hexane extract of Ac. G5: 2 mg/Kg; G6: 20 mg/Kg; G7: 120 mg/Kg; G8: 800 mg/Kg of D and N, G9: water and G10: polyvinylpyrrolidone at 2000 mg/Kg. At 14 days, the rats were euthanized, and the blood, liver, brain, kidney, and lung were taken for biochemical analysis, anatomopathological changes, and TBARS and GSH evaluation. Glucose, cholesterol, and phosphorus were altered. Histopathological analysis showed multifocal neuronal degeneration in the brain (G2). The kidney and lungs had changes in G7. The GSH and TBARS increased in G6 and G7. The TBARS activity was higher in G1 and G2. In conclusion, extract and D and N of Ac did not have damage at therapeutic doses. D, N, and n-hexane extract of A. cina do not cause histopathological damage at pharmaceutical doses. Still, the brain, kidney, and liver are related to biochemical parameters at higher doses. However, compounds are proposed as antioxidant agents.

Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction in a Patient With Erdheim-Chester Disease on Dabrafenib.

A 54-year-old woman with a diagnosis of Erdheim-Chester disease under therapy with dabrafenib presents with clinical signs of heart failure. After discontinuing the offending medication and initiating guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, the clinical picture improved.

Fortification of goat milk yogurts with date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) coproducts: Impact on their quality during cold storage.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different concentrations (3% and 6%) of two ingredients (paste and flour) obtained from the valorization of date fruit coproducts on the nutritional (proximate composition and mineral profile), technological (coagulation curve, pH, acidity, sugar and organic acid content and syneresis), physicochemical (color, water activity and texture), microbiological and sensory properties of goat's yogurt during 21 days of refrigerated storage. Both ingredients enhanced the growth and stability of the yogurt starter culture, thereby improving the probiotic potential of date-added yogurts. Physicochemically, the addition of date flour (at both concentrations) induces stronger modifications (texture, color and syneresis) in yogurts than the date paste. During storage, date paste reduced the syneresis and hence maintained yogurts' physical quality. Consumers preferred the yogurts with date paste (3% and 6%) rather than with date flour, because its addition led to a more brownish color and granular texture.

High-Throughput Screening Method Using Escherichia coli Keio Mutants for Assessing Primary Damage Mechanism of Antimicrobials.

The Escherichia coli Keio mutant collection has been a tool for assessing the role of specific genes and determining their role in E. coli physiology and uncovering novel functions. In this work, specific mutants in the DNA repair pathways and oxidative stress response were evaluated to identify the primary targets of silver nanoparticles (NPs) and their mechanism of action. The results presented in this work suggest that NPs mainly target DNA via double-strand breaks and base modifications since the recA, uvrC, mutL, and nfo mutants rendered the most susceptible phenotype, rather than involving the oxidative stress response. Concomitantly, during the establishment of the control conditions for each mutant, the katG and sodA mutants showed a hypersensitive phenotype to mitomycin C, an alkylating agent. Thus, we propose that KatG catalase plays a key role as a cellular chaperone, as reported previously for the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa, a large subunit catalase. The Keio collection mutants may also be a key tool for assessing the resistance mechanism to metallic NPs by using their potential to identify novel pathways involved in the resistance to NPs.

Study on the Interaction of Polymeric Chemical Additives with Phase Change Materials in Air Lime Renders.

The interaction of microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) with polymeric chemical additives in an air lime binding matrix was studied. These polymer-based additives included an adhesion booster (derived from starch) and a superplasticizer (polycarboxylate ether). Two different PCMs with melting points of 18 °C and 24 °C were assayed. The microcapsules were composed of melamine, with paraffin-based PCM cores. Measurements of zeta potential, particle size distribution, adsorption isotherms, and viscosity analyses were performed to comprehend the behavior of the polymer-based additives within the air lime matrix and their compatibility with PCMs. Zeta potential experiments pointed to the absence of a strong interaction between the lime particles and the microcapsules of PCMs. At the alkaline pH of the lime mortar, the negative charge resulting from the deprotonation of the melamine shell of the microcapsules was shielded by cations, yielding high positive zeta potential values and stable dispersions of lime with PCMs. The polycarboxylate ether demonstrated the ability to counteract the increase in mixing water demand caused by the PCM addition in the lime matrix. The dispersing action of the superplasticizer on the lime particles was seen to exert a collateral dispersion of the PCMs. Conversely, despite the positive values of zeta potential, the addition of the starch-based additive resulted in the formation of large PCM-lime clumps. Air lime renders incorporating 5, 10, and 20% PCMs by weight with various dosages of these chemical additives were experimented with until the optimal formulation for the specific application of the mortars as renderings was achieved. This fine-tuned formulation effectively tackled issues commonly associated with the addition of PCMs to mortars, such as poor adhesion, crack formation, and reduced fluidity.

Feasibility Study of Experimental Protocol for the Time-Dependent Mechanical Response of Synthetic Tibia.

In this research, an experimental biomechanics construct was developed to reveal the mechanics of distal tibial fracture by submitting synthetic tibiae to cyclic loading, resulting in a combined stress state due to axial compression and bending loads. The synthetic tibia was fixed at the knee but allowed to rotate in the coronal and sagittal planes at the ankle. The first three loading regimes lasted for 4000 cycles/each, and the final until ultimate failure. After 12k±80 cycles, the observed failure patterns closely resembled distal tibial fractures. The collected data during cyclic loading were fitted into a phenomenological model to deduce the time-dependent response of the synthetic tibiae. Images were also collected and analyzed using digital image correlation to deduce the full-field state of strain. The latter revealed that longitudinal strain contours extended in the proximal-distal direction. The transverse strain contours exemplified a medial-to-lateral distribution, attributed to the combined contributions of the Poisson's effect and the flexural deformation from axial and bending components of the applied load, respectively. The experimental construct, full-field characterization, and data analysis approaches can be extended to elucidate the effect of different fixation devices on the overall mechanical behavior of the bone and validate computational models in future research.

Risk Factors for Multiple Violations of Protective Orders in Intimate Partner Violence Against Women.

This study examined 1,134 cases of violence against women in intimate partner relationships with violations of protective orders in a monitoring period of up to 15 months. The dynamics of time and violence were analyzed in the cases of multiple violation versus one-time violation, with the objective of identifying and thus neutralizing the risk factors for this type of recidivism. The results showed that early violation, serious physical violence, death threats, as well as jealousy, harassment, and control are related to multiple violation. This article discusses the results in comparison with other research and proposes measures to avoid revictimizations.

Machine learning regression algorithms to predict emissions from steam boilers.

Currently, the modeling of complex chemical-physical processes is drastically influencing industrial development. Therefore, the analysis and study of the combustion process of the boilers using machine learning (ML) techniques are vital to increase the efficiency with which this equipment operates and reduce the pollution load they contribute to the environment. This work aims to predict the emissions of CO, CO2, NOx, and the temperature of the exhaust gases of industrial boilers from real data. Different ML algorithms for regression analysis are discussed. The following are input variables: ambient temperature, working pressure, steam production, and the type of fuel used in around 20 industrial boilers. Each boiler's emission data was collected using a TESTO 350 Combustion Gas Analyzer. The modeling, with a machine learning approach using the Gradient Boosting Regression algorithm, showed better performance in the predictions made on the test data, outperforming all other models studied. It was achieved with predicted values showing a mean absolute error of 0.51 and a coefficient of determination of 99.80%. Different regression models (DNN, MLR, RFR, GBR) were compared to select the most optimal. Compared to models based on Linear Regression, the DNN model has better prediction performance. The proposed model provides a new method to predict CO2, CO, NOx emissions, and exhaust gas outlet temperature.

An ELISA-based method for Galleria mellonella apolipophorin-III quantification.

Mammalian models, such as murine, are used widely in pathophysiological studies because they have a high degree of similarity in body temperature, metabolism, and immune response with humans. However, non-vertebrate animal models have emerged as alternative models to study the host-pathogen interaction with minimal ethical concerns. Galleria mellonella is an alternative model that has proved useful in studying the interaction of the host with either bacteria or fungi, performing drug testing, and assessing the immunological response to different microorganisms. The G. mellonella immune response includes cellular and humoral components with structural and functional similarities to the immune effectors found in higher vertebrates, such as humans. An important humoral effector stimulated during infections is apolipophorin III (apoLp-III), an opsonin characterized by its lipid and carbohydrate-binding properties that participate in lipid transport, as well as immunomodulatory activity. Despite some parameters, such as the measurement of phenoloxidase activity, melanin production, hemocytes counting, and expression of antimicrobial peptides genes are already used to assess the G. mellonella immune response to pathogens with different virulence degrees, the apoLp-III quantification remains to be a parameter to assess the immune response in this invertebrate. Here, we propose an immunological tool based on an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that allows apoLp-III quantification in the hemolymph of larvae challenged with pathogenic agents. We tested the system with hemolymph coming from larvae infected with Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Sporothrix schenckii, Sporothrix globosa, and Sporothrix brasiliensis. The results revealed significantly higher concentrations of apoLp-III when each microbial species was inoculated, in comparison with untouched larvae, or inoculated with phosphate-buffered saline. We also demonstrated that the apoLp-III levels correlated with the strains' virulence, which was already reported. To our knowledge, this is one of the first attempts to quantify apoLp-III, using a quick and easy-to-use serological technique.

Nitrogen sensing and regulatory networks: it's about time and space.

A plant's response to external and internal nitrogen signals/status relies on sensing and signaling mechanisms that operate across spatial and temporal dimensions. From a comprehensive systems biology perspective, this involves integrating nitrogen responses in different cell types and over long distances to ensure organ coordination in real time and yield practical applications. In this prospective review, we focus on novel aspects of nitrogen (N) sensing/signaling uncovered using temporal and spatial systems biology approaches, largely in the model Arabidopsis. The temporal aspects span: transcriptional responses to N-dose mediated by Michaelis-Menten kinetics, the role of the master NLP7 transcription factor as a nitrate sensor, its nitrate-dependent TF nuclear retention, its "hit-and-run" mode of target gene regulation, and temporal transcriptional cascade identified by "network walking." Spatial aspects of N-sensing/signaling have been uncovered in cell type-specific studies in roots and in root-to-shoot communication. We explore new approaches using single-cell sequencing data, trajectory inference, and pseudotime analysis as well as machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches. Finally, unveiling the mechanisms underlying the spatial dynamics of nitrogen sensing/signaling networks across species from model to crop could pave the way for translational studies to improve nitrogen-use efficiency in crops. Such outcomes could potentially reduce the detrimental effects of excessive fertilizer usage on groundwater pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Date (Phoenix dactylifera L. cv. Medjool) Seed Flour, a Potential Ingredient for the Food Industry: Effect of Particle Size on Its Chemical, Technological, and Functional Properties.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of particle size on the chemical composition, fatty acid and polyphenol profile, physicochemical and techno-functional properties, and antioxidant capacity of flour obtained from date seeds. The date seed flours obtained had a high content of total dietary fiber (67.89-76.67 g/100 g), and the reduction in particle size decreased the moisture and protein contents, while the fat, mineral (Ca, Fe, Zn, and Mg), and fatty acid contents were significantly increased, with oleic acid being the highest. Water activity increased with decreasing particle size, and the finest flour (<210 mm) tended to be yellowish and reddish. The water- and oil-holding capacities decreased in the flours with the smallest particle size compared to the largest sizes. The main polyphenolic compounds in all the samples were catechin, epicatechin, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate. The antioxidant activity significantly improved with reductions in the particle size of the date seed flour, with the ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP values ranging between 8.99 and 20.68, 0.66 and 2.35, and 1.94 and 4.91 mg Trolox equivalent/g of date seed flour. The results of the present study suggest that the flour obtained from date seeds cv. Medjool can be a valuable co-product for the food industry due to its fiber content, essential fatty acids, and bioactive compounds that can help reduce the amount of waste generated, promoting the circular economy in the food chain.

Morin improves learning and memory in healthy adult mice.

BACKGROUND: Morin is a flavonoid found in many edible fruits. The hippocampus and entorhinal cortex play crucial roles in memory formation and consolidation. This study aimed to characterize the effect of morin on recognition and space memory in healthy C57BL/6 adult mice and explore the underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS: Morin was administered i.p. at 1, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg/24 h for 10 days. The Morris water maze (MWM), novel object recognition, novel context recognition, and tasks were conducted 1 day after the last administration. The mice's brains underwent histological characterization, and their protein expression was examined using immunohistochemistry and Western blot techniques. RESULTS: In the MWM and novel object recognition tests, mice treated with 1 mg/kg of morin exhibited a significant recognition index increase compared to the control group. Besides, they demonstrated faster memory acquisition during MWM training. Additionally, the expression of pro-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), BDNF, and postsynaptic density protein 95 proteins in the hippocampus of treated mice showed a significant increase. In the entorhinal cortex, only the pro-BDNF increased. Morin-treated mice exhibited a significant increase in the hippocampus's number and length of dendrites. CONCLUSION: This study shows that morin improves recognition memory and spatial memory in healthy adult mice.

Nr4a2 blocks oAß-mediated synaptic plasticity dysfunction and ameliorates spatial memory deficits in the APP Sw,Ind mouse.

Alzheimer's disease AD is associated with disruptions in neuronal communication, especially in brain regions crucial for learning and memory, such as the hippocampus. The amyloid hypothesis suggests that the accumulation of amyloid-beta oligomers (oAß) contributes to synaptic dysfunction by internalisation of synaptic AMPA receptors. Recently, it has been reported that Nr4a2, a member of the Nr4a family of orphan nuclear receptors, plays a role in hippocampal synaptic plasticity by regulating BDNF and synaptic AMPA receptors. Here, we demonstrate that oAß inhibits activity-dependent Nr4a2 activation in hippocampal neurons, indicating a potential link between oAß and Nr4a2 down-regulation. Furthermore, we have observed a reduction in Nr4a2 protein levels in postmortem hippocampal tissue samples from early AD stages. Pharmacological activation of Nr4a2 proves effective in preventing oAß-mediated synaptic depression in the hippocampus. Notably, Nr4a2 overexpression in the hippocampus of AD mouse models ameliorates spatial learning and memory deficits. In conclusion, the findings suggest that oAß may contribute to early cognitive impairment in AD by blocking Nr4a2 activation, leading to synaptic dysfunction. Thus, our results further support that Nr4a2 activation is a potential therapeutic target to mitigate oAß-induced synaptic and cognitive impairments in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Multiomics analyses reveal the central role of the nucleolus and its machinery during heat stress acclimation in Pinus radiata.

Global warming is causing rapid changes in mean annual temperature and more severe drought periods. These are major contributors of forest dieback, which is becoming more frequent and widespread. In this work, we investigated how the transcriptome of Pinus radiata changed during initial heat stress response and acclimation. To this end, we generated a high-density dataset employing Illumina technology. This approach allowed us to reconstruct a needle transcriptome, defining 12 164 and 13 590 transcripts as down- and up-regulated, respectively, during a time course stress acclimation experiment. Additionally, the combination of transcriptome data with other available omics layers allowed us to determine the complex inter-related processes involved in the heat stress response from the molecular to the physiological level. Nucleolus and nucleoid activities seem to be a central core in the acclimating process, producing specific RNA isoforms and other essential elements for anterograde-retrograde stress signaling such as NAC proteins (Pra_vml_051671_1 and Pra_vml_055001_5) or helicase RVB. These mechanisms are connected by elements already known in heat stress response (redox, heat-shock proteins, or abscisic acid-related) and with others whose involvement is not so well defined such as shikimate-related, brassinosteriods, or proline proteases together with their potential regulatory elements. This work provides a first in-depth overview about molecular mechanisms underlying the heat stress response and acclimation in P. radiata.

Joint movement patterns differ among male recreational runners with different running style.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the differences in joint kinematic patterns among runners with different spatiotemporal characteristics in the running cycle. Lower extremity kinematic data and spatiotemporal stride parameters were collected for ninety-two recreational runners during a treadmill run at a self-selected comfortable speed. A K-means clustering analysis was conducted on normalised stride cadence and Duty Factor to identify running style. Cluster 1 characterised by reduced stance times and low Duty Factor; Cluster 2, long stance times and low stride cadence; Cluster 3, high Duty Factor and stride cadence. Functional principal component analysis was used to identify patterns of variability between runners. Runners who used a combination of high cadence and Duty Factor showed differences in hip, knee and ankle sagittal kinematics compared to other runners. On the contrary, the joint kinematics was not altered when the Duty Factor was increased along with a decrease in the stride cadence. This study has demonstrated that the combination of several spatial-temporal parameters of the running cycle should be considered when analysing the movement pattern of the lower limb.

Nutritional, Fatty Acids, (Poly)phenols and Technological Properties of Flower Powders from Fuchsia hybrida and Alcea rosea.

Fuchsia hybrida (pena pena) and Alcea rosea L. (malvagoma) are predominant flowers in the "Horchata" infusion, a traditional beverage in southern Ecuador, to which some medicinal properties are attributed. However, there is very little published information about these two flower species. The current study aimed to obtain two dehydrated powders of these flowers and to determine their chemical composition, physicochemical and technological properties, polyphenols, and fatty acids profile. In both powdered flowers, carbohydrates predominated, with a significant content of dietary fiber and fructose. The fat content was low, mainly comprising polyunsaturated fats (62% pena pena and 52% malvagoma), with a significant presence of omega-3 (C18:3n-3,6,9) and omega-6 (C18:2n-6,9) fatty acids, showing a better n-6/n-3 balance in the malvagoma flowers. Pena pena flowers are highlighted by high anthocyanin and ellagic acid amounts, whereas malvagoma contains a high content of flavanones. In conclusion, the studied powder flowers, could be used in the formulation of new foods or as source of anthocyanins as food colorants.