bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Facility Management (7D) with BIM Considering Quality and Performance Assessment Models
Authors: Mehedi Md. Tanjid , Shochchho Azizul Hoque
Published: September 2021

The fields of Construction Management are so vast these days that it enriched with so many elements contemplate to 7D of BIM (Building Information Modeling). Facility Management holds the 7D position to understand and acquire proper knowledge about the quality and performance of a building structure. The purpose of this paper is to identify research gaps in the field of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Facility Management (FM) business, as well as practical issues that facility management professionals face while using BIM. The key to successful BIM deployment in the FM business is to improve communication among various stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. However, there is still some debate over the value of FM in the construction business. To put it another way, construction does not comprehend FM. There are also concerns about interoperability and data exchange. The Quality of information is connected with PIM and AIM with various IQ perspectives. It is determined that BIM-based FM procedures have the potential to change not just the perspective of the FM sector, but also the perspective of the whole industry, as they are based on a collaborative approach to the delivery of intelligent facilities.
Study of the Influence of Main Parameters of the Regenerator Ginning Machine on the Qualitative Indicators of the Fibers and Seeds
Authors: Parpiyev Azimjon , Sabirov Ilkhom , Usmankulov Alisher , Navruzov Nodir
Published: September 2021

Since cotton ginning in Uzbekistan is carried out mainly by saw gins, this article proposes a technology for the process of cotton ginning, regeneration, and purification of fibrous waste. The process of regeneration and purification of fibrous waste is an urgent problem for the cotton ginning industry since the composition of fibrous waste contains about 80% of spun fiber. Technology “The process of separating the fiber from seeds” was carried out in two stages: in the first stage of separating the fiber from seeds, a low density of the raw roller of the saw gin took place, while the productivity remained unnamed. After the first stage of separating the fiber from the seeds, the fiber was cleaned in fiber cleaners. The fibrous waste separated in the fiber cleaner was mixed with the seeds after the first stage of separating the fiber from the seeds and fed to the second stage of separating the fiber from the seeds. This paper proposes a technology for the regeneration and purification of fibrous waste, separated during fiber purification. The influence of the length of the seed comb pegs when ginning a mixture of progressed seeds and fibrous waste on gin using the 1DR-119 regenerator on the gin parameters and the quality of the resulting fiber has been studied. A diagram of an experimental technological process is proposed and the results of production tests carried out at “JSC Dalverzin Buttermilk Cleaning” are presented. Experimental dependences of productivity, quality indicators of fiber, and seeds on the length of the splitting of the seed comb were obtained. In this case, the length of the pegs of the seed comb was studied in the aisles from 95 to 125 mm. The results of the experiments showed that with the lengthening of the heads of the seed comb, the residence time of the seeds in the working chamber increases, which entails a slight decrease in productivity and an increase in the share of short fiber in the product, but when the length of the heads of the seed comb is 125 mm, lint prevails in the mass of fibrous products. Having a lower specific gravity compared to fiber, causing a decrease in the seed throughput of the regenerator gin. Analyzing the results of studies of the effect of the length of the pegs on the quality indicators of fiber and seeds after the second stage of ginning, it was revealed that with a decrease in the pubescence of the seeds emerging from the working chamber, their mechanical damage increases, which leads to an increase in the fiber of broken seed and such a hard-to-remove defect as a peel with fiber. Based on the research results obtained during processing on the 1DR-119 regenerator gin of a mixture of ginned seeds with the fibrous waste of fiber cleaners at different lengths of the seed comb splints, the most acceptable length of the seed comb is 105-115 mm, since this produces a standard fiber with a staple mass length of 30.1 – 29.9 mm, meeting the standards.
Analysis and impact of meteorological droughts in the agriculture of Puno region, Peru
Authors: Condori-Apaza Valeriano , Mamani-Luque Oscar R. , Alfaro-Alejo Roberto , Laqui Wilber , Condori William F.
Published: September 2021

The research focuses on identifying and characterizing the occurrence of episodes of meteorological droughts in the Puno region in Perú, in order to determine the economic impact of this climatic phenomenon on agricultural activities in the region. From the use of the standardized rainfall index for 12 months (SPI-12) for the period 1981-2019, the occurrence, magnitude, persistence and spatial evolution of drought events in the area were determined, determining that the events that occurred in the years 1982/83, 1989/90 and 1991/92, escalated to levels of severe drought and extreme drought, mainly in the extreme south of the region, which corresponds to the provinces of El Collao, Yunguyo and Chucuito. For the determination of the impact of droughts on agriculture in the region, the records of losses of cultivated areas corresponding to the period 1997-2017 administered by the competent authority were used, finding the non-existence of a direct correlation between the presence of meteorological droughts and the economic losses in production, due to the fact that said information has a general character, not discriminating the different climatic phenomena that generate economic losses in the agriculture sector, therefore, they are not adequate to estimate the economic impact of droughts in the Puno region.
Application of mineral fertilizers to increasing soil moisture and growth of forest seedlings for creation forest crops in Western Tien-Shan
Authors: Mamutov Bakhram , Butkov Evgeniy , Hamzayev Abdushukur , Sherkuziev Doniyor , Aripov Khayrullakhan , Ergasheva Farogat , Ismoilova Karomatkhon
Published: September 2021

This article presents the results of research of studying the effect of mineral fertilizers on soil moisture and the growth and development of forest seedlings when creating forest crops on the western slope of the Western Tien-Shan. It was established by experience that forest seedlings react differently to the action of mineral fertilizers. In pine, an increase in the fertilizer dose contributes to an increase in the growth of seedlings in height by 1.2 times. English oak, on the contrary, reacts weakly to the effects of fertilizers. Korolkov’s hawthorn reacts intensively to the effects of fertilizers. At the same time, an increased dose of fertilizers contributes to an increase in the annual growth of plants by 3.2 times. The Sievers apple tree differed from other species with intensive growth in all variants of the experiment on the western slopes during the growing season. But in this breed, an increase in the dose of fertilizers caused an increase in annual growth up to 1.5 times compared with the control variant. Mineral fertilizers do not contribute to significant moisture retention in the upper soil layer during the summer vegetation season, but in the lower root-inhabited layers of fertilizer, it has a positive effect in increasing soil moisture above the wilting moisture, which is 8%, and is often observed in the upper horizons.
Definition of humidification circuit parameters for drip irrigation
Authors: Kizyaev Boris M. , Balabanov Victor I. , Martynova Natalia B.
Published: September 2021

During recent years, there was a steady growth in the gross harvest of potatoes in Moscow region, production capacities for processing of agricultural crop have been also increasing. However, based on 2020 results, the yield is still highly dependent on weather conditions and, in particular, on the amount of precipitation during the growing period. Therefore, in order to obtain sustainable yields, it is necessary to maintain the optimal values of the water-air balance, that consider conduction of agromeliorative measures, including additional irrigation. The most economical is drip irrigation among the moisturizing activities. It allows to deliver irrigation water directly to the root zone. This will significantly reduce the cost of water and electricity; however, the maximum benefits of drip irrigation may be obtained by revise and calculation of the irrigation rates. Suggested irrigation rates do not take into account the elliptical shape of the humidification contour, which leads to overestimated rates for it. The method for calculating the irrigation rate proposed in the article, takes into account the shape of the humidification contour that enables to use irrigation water wisely.
Study on machine for processing and preparing the soil for sowing potatoes on ridges
Authors: Мirzaev Bakhadir , Маmatov Farmon , Kodirov Uchkun , Chuyanov Dustmurod
Published: September 2021

The technologies used to prepare the soil for sowing potatoes on ridges, consisting of numerous soil preparation operations, lead to loss of moisture, prolonging the sowing period and increasing operating costs. The aim of the research is to develop a machine for processing and preparing the soil for sowing potatoes on ridges. The authors have developed a technology for preparing fields for sowing potatoes on ridges and a machine for its implementation. The basic principles and methods of classical mechanics, mathematical analysis and statistics were used in this study. On the basis of multifactorial experiments, the following parameters are justified: the angle of inclination of the ploughshare blade in the range of 6-70, the height and length of the guiding knife in the range of 94-110 mm and 107.2-136 mm, respectively. The main parameters of the working bodies of the machine and its technical characteristics are given. The results of the tests have established that the proposed machine for preparing the soil for sowing on the ridges reliably performs the specified technological process and its performance indicators fully meet the requirements. The use of the machine provides a reduction in operating costs for processing 1 hectare of area in comparison with the technical means used by 33.8 %.
Front-mounted plow for smooth, non-furrow plowing with offsets
Authors: Umurzakov Uktam , Мамаtov Farmon , Mirzaev Bakhadir , Kurbаnov Sherzod , Badalov Sunatullo , Raxmonov Javlon
Published: September 2021

The purpose of the study was the development of a front plow with angle clamps, which performs, smooth plowing. The authors have developed an improved front plow with angle clamps. The constructive scheme of the plow has been given. The basic principles and methods of classical mechanics, mathematical analysis and statistics were used in this study. Experimental studies have justified the processing depth within the limits of 10-12. 5 cm and the width of the capture of the angle is within the range of 7.5-10 cm. Economic tests have established that the developed front plow reliably performs the specified technological process and its performance indicators meet agrotechnical requirements. The use of a frontal plow for smooth, plowing provides a reduction in direct costs for processing 1 hectare of area compared to the technical means used by 26.8%.
Influence of Local Resistance on Pressure and Speed Changes in Expanded Pneumatic Conveying
Authors: Khodjiev Muksin , Abbazov Ilkhom , Karimov Javlon
Published: September 2021

This article focuses on improving product quality and reducing costs to ensure the efficiency of the global production of cotton fiber, in recent years, an increase in the consumption of cotton fiber, its specific type and navigation, changing demand for quality indicators, production of products with certain quality indicators. In all processes of cotton production, as well as in the processes of transporting raw cotton using pneumatic transport, on the basis of analyzes, studies conducted to determine factors that have a negative impact on product quality and their elimination, to create resource-saving technologies that reduce production costs, theoretically the connection is substantiated by the pressure loss of the local resistance of the mixture of air and fibrous waste. Based on the analysis, theoretical equations of motion of a mixture of air and fibrous waste in the expanding part of the pipeline in currently used pneumatic transport systems have been developed. It has been theoretically proven that the angle of expansion of an expanding pipe depends on local resistances generated in the expanding part of the pipe during the movement of air and fibrous waste in the ginner.
Development of mathematical models of print quality by Box-Wilson
Authors: Eshbaev Ulbosin , Nishonov Akbarjon , Saodatov Aziz
Published: September 2021

The transfer coefficient of ink to the printed material was determined by comparing the mass of the printed material before and after printing. The specifics of the interaction of the printed surface with the surface of the paint layer and the influence of technological factors on the graphic distortion of the image when printing on paper also affect the gradation characteristic of the image. This article states about static modeling, preliminary analysis of the color perception of offset printing on papers including synthetic polymers. On the basis of the model of color perception obtained as a result of research in offset printing on printed materials, the optimal choice is developed, which allows to make an objective assessment and predict the color perception of the printed materials.
Results of studies on extending the time operation of gin and linter grates
Authors: Yunusov Salokhiddin , Sultonov Azamat , Rakhmatov Mashkhur , Bobomurotov Tojiddin , Agzamov Mirkhosil
Published: September 2021

Results of studies on extending the time operation of gin and linter grates by hardening of the working area by high-frequency current are given in article. Mathematical models for calculation of key parameters of the mode of hardening of the working area of gin and linter grates are made. As a result of the executed researches the following conclusions are drawn: change of a gap between grates in a grate lattice leads to change of parameters of process of ginning and finally to deterioration of products. Mathematical models for calculations of parameters of process of hardening of the working area of grates are received. On the received mathematical models key parameters of hardening process current of high frequency which have the following values are calculated: depth of the tempered layer – 2.0 mm, the optimum frequency of current – 60000, specific power – 500 W/cm2, hardening time – 10, studying hardness tempered and not tempered sites of grates by method of Rockwell showed increase in hardness of the tempered site to HRC 55 against HRC 45 at not tempered by the working area.
Study of the effect of the introduction of the back yarn on two-layer knitted fabric’s physical and mechanical properties
Authors: Rahmatova Sadoqat , Jurabayev Nozimjon , Holikov Qurbonali
Published: September 2021

In this research work, the physical and mechanical properties of 3 variants of jacquard knitted fabric obtained in order to increase the heat retention properties and increase the range of knitted fabrics by adding back yarn to the base of glad, rubber cuts in 20 grade double-needle jacquard knitting machine using local raw materials effectively The technological indicators were obtained experimentally and tabulated and recommendations for production sectors are given.
Aeroelastic scaling of flying demonstrator: flutter matching
Authors: Colomer Joan Mas , Bartoli Nathalie , Lefebvre Thierry , Martins Joaquim R.R.A. , Morlier Joseph
Published: September 2021

The traditional approach for the design of aeroelastically scaled models assumes that either there exists flow similarity between the full-size aircraft and the model, or that flow non-similarities have a negligible effect. However, when trying to reproduce the behavior of an airliner that flies at transonic conditions using a scaled model that flies at nearly-incompressible flow conditions, this assumption is no longer valid and both flutter speed and static aerodynamic loading are subject to large discrepancies. To address this issue, we present an optimization-based approach for wing planform design that matches the scaled flutter speeds and modes of the reference aircraft when the Mach number cannot be matched. This is achieved by minimizing the squared error between the full-size and scaled aerodynamic models. This method is validated using the Common Research Model wing at the reference aircraft Mach number. The error in flutter speed is computed using the same wing at model conditions, which are in the nearly-incompressible regime. Starting from the baseline wing, its planform is optimized to match the reference response despite different conditions, achieving a reduction of the error in the predicted flutter speed from 7.79% to 2.13%.
Electrochemical Synthesis of 2-Bromoethyl and 2-Iodoethyl Ketones from Cyclopropanols
Authors: Hurski Alaksiej L. , Barysevich Maryia V. , Aniskevich Yauhen M.
Published: September 2021

A simple electrochemical protocol for the preparation of 2-bromoethyl- and 2-iodoethyl ketones from cyclopropanols and magnesium halides has been developed. The reaction proceeded with exclusive regioselectivity and without epimerization of the α-stereocenter in the products. We also showed that the synthesized diastereomerically pure 2-bromoethyl ketones undergo smooth copper and nickel-catalyzed alkylation, alkenylation, and arylations reactions.
Sinus Node Dysfunction and Pulmonary Hypertension—“Double Trouble” with Lithium Therapy
Authors: Vohra Shweta , Pradhan Akshyaya , Sethi Rishi , Bhandari Monika
Published: September 2021

Lithium is considered a gold standard drug for the management of bipolar disorder and is a widely used mood-stabilizing drug in psychiatry practice. However, its side effects are of important concern. The narrow therapeutic index of lithium predispose to its toxicity/side effects, but various case reports and research has shown that adverse drug reactions can occur even in the therapeutic range. We present the case of a 56-year-old woman with no history of cardiac illness presenting with tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome along with moderate pulmonary hypertension. Patients recovered to sinus rhythm after withholding lithium therapy for 1 week while her mean pulmonary artery pressure remained the same at day 10 of drug withdrawal.
3D MRI of the Shoulder
Authors: Daniels Steven P. , Gyftopoulos Soterios
Published: September 2021

Magnetic resonance imaging provides a comprehensive evaluation of the shoulder including the rotator cuff muscles and tendons, glenoid labrum, long head biceps tendon, and glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joint articulations. Most institutions use two-dimensional sequences acquired in all three imaging planes to accurately evaluate the many important structures of the shoulder. Recently, the addition of three-dimensional (3D) acquisitions with 3D reconstructions has become clinically feasible and helped improve our understanding of several important pathologic conditions, allowing us to provide added value for referring clinicians. This article briefly describes techniques used in 3D imaging of the shoulder and discusses applications of these techniques including measuring glenoid bone loss in anterior glenohumeral instability. We also review the literature on routine 3D imaging for the evaluation of common shoulder abnormalities as 3D imaging will likely become more common as imaging software continues to improve.
Vlasov–Fokker–Planck simulations of pre-magnetized ablating planar targets
Authors: Hill D. W. , Ridgers C. P. , Kingham R. J. , Walsh C. A.
Published: September 2021

Magnetic fields, spontaneously generated around laser heating nonuniformities, have been found to invert and enhance electron pressure perturbations in the conduction zones of laser-produced plasmas without applied magnetic fields. The application of a sufficiently strong magnetic field is predicted to damp this phenomenon, but may instead result in magneto-thermal instability. Two-dimensional Vlasov–Fokker–Planck simulations of the conduction zone of laser-produced plasmas, subject to externally applied magnetic fields of different field strengths, are performed. The effects of non-locality upon extended collisional transport terms and instability thresholds are investigated. It is found that magnetized transport terms Righi–Leduc heat flow and thermoelectric heat flow are strongly enhanced by non-locality (up to twofold), even at the top of the temperature gradient, due to larger magnetization of the mediating hot electrons (relative to their thermal counterparts). Meanwhile, the Nernst effect efficiently advects magnetic field out of the conduction zone before instability (which requires Hall parameters, χ>0.1) can take hold.
Photovoltaic distribution on an amorphous-silicon solar cell in near-band-edge excitation observed by conductive-probe atomic force microscopy combined with a fine-wavelength-tunable light source
Authors: Mitsui Tadashi , Ishikawa Nobuhiro , Takeguchi Masaki
Published: September 2021

We describe the development of a conductive-probe atomic force microscopy method combined with a fine-wavelength-tunable light source and use it to observe the photovoltaic distribution on a cross-sectional surface of an amorphous-silicon solar cell in near-band-edge excitation. The light source’s wavelength resolution is dλ = 1 nm, and its intensity is 1 µW/cm2 (10 mW/m2); this excitation condition is sufficiently fine and weak to investigate electrical properties in the near-band-edge wavelength range. The photovoltage is observed in the indium tin oxide (ITO) region, and the maximum photovoltage increases when we increase the excitation energy of the illumination light. However, the photovoltaic distribution parallel to the ITO layer becomes relatively localized as the excitation energy increases. This localized photovoltaic distribution suggests that the conductivity of the electric current path within the ITO layer should be inhomogeneous.
The crack propagation and surface formation mechanism of single crystalline diamond by a nanosecond pulsed laser
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Zhang Quanli , Xu Jiuhua
Published: September 2021

In this article, the surface formation mechanism of single crystalline diamond (SCD) by a nanosecond pulsed laser is performed, where surface cracking, phase transformation, and typical surface morphology are involved. The nanometric surface characteristics of the ablated micro-grooves on the diamond caused by the thermal effect are first studied, where the crack generation and propagation are discussed by the thermoelastic bending model for the laser irradiation process. In addition, the composed phases and the formation mechanism of the induced metamorphic layer (IML) and deposited metamorphic layer (DML) near the ablated groove are investigated, where the diamond/graphite transition layer is the coexistence of the distributed crystalline diamond and the oriented graphite, the direction of which is at an angle of 60°–80° to the laser scanning direction and toward the center of the ablated groove. Based on the subsurface exploration and the grain growth kinetics analysis, the formation process of the DML is proposed as follows: the nucleation → the formation of carbon islands → the combination of the carbon islands → the formation of the deposited metamorphic layer.
Vortex breakdown control using varying near axis swirl
Authors: Sharma Shreya , Sachan Praneeta B. , Kumar Navneet , Ranjan Rahul , Kumar Sanjay , Poddar Kamal
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the Vogel–Escudier flow is studied at an aspect ratio of 2.5 and a Reynolds number range of 330–3000. An attempt is made to control the vortex breakdown bubbles using a thin rod in co- and counter-rotation cases. The flow is studied qualitatively using planar laser-induced fluorescence and quantitatively using particle image velocimetry measurements. In terms of swirl strength, defined as the ratio of Reynolds numbers of the disk and control rod, a complete suppression and subsequent reemergence of vortex breakdown bubbles is observed at 56 and 37, respectively. Counter-rotation shows a slight decrease until −150 and a periodic and aperiodic shedding of the vortices at −112 and −75. An attempt is made to explain the flow behavior by experimental and analytical means taking into consideration the azimuthal plane flow using the swirl decay mechanism. Further, experiments are performed for time varying co- and counter-rotations for various combinations of amplitude and frequency. The anomalous behavior at high frequencies of destabilization of vortices in co-rotation and a milder change in counter-rotation is observed.
Magnetic transitions with magnetocaloric effects near room temperature related to structural transitions in Y0.9Pr0.1Fe2D3.5 deuteride
Authors: Paul-Boncour V. , Herrero A. , Shtender V. , Provost K. , Elkaim E.
Published: September 2021

The structural and magnetic properties of Y0.9Pr0.1Fe2D3.5 deuteride have been investigated by synchrotron and neutron diffraction, magnetic measurements, and differential scanning calorimetry. Deuterium insertion induces a 23.5% cell volume increase and a lowering of crystal symmetry compared to the cubic C15 Y0.9Pr0.1Fe2 parent compound (Fd-3m SG). The deuteride is monoclinic (P21/c SG) below 330 K and undergoes a first-order transition between 330 and 350 K toward a pseudo-cubic structure (R-3 m SG) with TO–D = 342(2) K. In both structures, the D atoms are located in 96% R2Fe2 and 4% RFe3 tetrahedral interstitial sites (R = Y0.9Pr0.1). The compound is ferromagnetic, accompanied by a magnetostrictive effect below TC = 274 K. The analysis of the critical exponents indicates a second-order type transition with a deviation from the isotropic 3D Heisenberg model toward the 3D XY model. This implies an easy plane of magnetization in agreement with cell parameter variation showing planar magnetic orientation. A weak magnetic peak is even observed at the order–disorder transition with a maximum at 343 K. Magnetic entropy variations are characteristic of direct and inverse magnetocaloric effects at TC and TO–D, respectively.
Propagation of stationary and traveling waves in a leading-edge boundary layer of a swept wing
Authors: Yakeno A. , Obayashi S.
Published: September 2021

The transition characteristics around the leading edge of a swept-back wing shape were numerically investigated. We conducted direct numerical simulations (DNSs) of a swept-wing shape with a high Reynolds number Re=Rec/cos Λ=5.85×106 based on the chord length with a sweep angle Λ=70°. In the study, a randomly distributed impulsive local body force was applied at the wall to encourage a transition. Through impulsive local forcing, two coherent waves formed in both an attachment line and a three-dimensional boundary layer: A stationary elongated streak structure in the external flow direction and a traveling wave in the sweep direction. These characteristics in the attachment line were slightly different from those in the three-dimensional boundary layer. We computed the nonmodal transient energy growth for the present leading-edge boundary layer and compared the coherent waves observed in the DNSs. The stationary and traveling modes in the DNSs are found to be in a transient growth group; these modes temporally grow to the maximum in the short target time (τ<0.02). One of our conclusions is that both waves occurring in the present attachment line are strongly related to the short-term transient energy growth phenomena of the nonorthogonality of the flow field. When the roughness forcing was gradually increased, the traveling wave was not generated, whereas the stationary wave was. This was considered because the present attachment-line boundary layer was receptive to a small disturbance and more likely to generate a stationary wave than a traveling wave.
Classical master equations and broadened classical master equations: Some analytical results
Authors: Medvedev Igor G.
Published: September 2021

Some analytical results for the steady-state properties of the single-molecule tunneling junction are obtained with the use of the broadened classical master equations and classical master equations. The case of the one electronic level of the bridge molecule coupled to a single classical harmonic oscillator is considered within the spin-less model. Based on these equations, we establish some relations between different average values of interest, considering the large bias limit and the limit of the weak electron–oscillator coupling. We derive the analytical expressions for a number of characteristic properties of the tunneling junction in these limiting cases, compare our results with those obtained by the numerically exact calculations, and find that our expressions work very well. In the diabatic regime, the approximate solutions of the classical master equations are suggested, which permit us to introduce the effective temperature Teff and perform rather simple calculations of the average vibrational excitations N and the tunnel current I. It is shown that in the adiabatic regime, the properties of the tunneling junction depend essentially on the effective temperature Teff ad. We obtain the analytical expressions for Teff ad using different approaches for the treatment of the adiabatic regime. For both the diabatic and adiabatic regimes, we calculate Teff, Teff ad, N, and I, compare our results with those available in the literature, and confirm well agreement. The dependence of N and I on the reorganization energy and the position of the electronic level of the bridge molecule is discussed.
Corrigendum to: Spatial correlates of forest and land fires in Indonesia
Authors: Tan Z. D. , Carrasco L. R. , Taylor D.
Published: September 2021

Biomass fires in Indonesia emit high levels of greenhouse gases and particulate matter, key contributors to global climate change and poor air quality in south-east Asia. In order to better understand the drivers of biomass fires across Indonesia over multiple years, we examined the distribution and probability of fires in Sumatra, Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) and Papua (western New Guinea) over four entire calendar years (2002, 2005, 2011 and 2015). The 4 years of data represent years with El Niño and La Niña conditions and high levels of data availability in the study region. Generalised linear mixed-effects models and zero-inflated negative binomial models were used to relate fire hotspots and a range of spatial predictor data. Geographic differences in occurrences of fire hotspots were evident. Fire probability was greatest in mixed-production agriculture lands and in deeper, degraded peatlands, suggesting anthropogenic activities were strong determinants of burning. Drought conditions in El Niño years were also significant. The results demonstrate the importance of prioritising areas of high fire probability, based on land use and other predisposing conditions, in effective fire management planning.
The molecular characterization of antibody binding to a superantigen-like protein from a commensal microbe
Authors: Borowska Marta T. , Drees Christoph , Yarawsky Alexander E. , Viswanathan Mayuri , Ryan Sean M. , Bunker Jeffrey J. , Herr Andrew B. , Bendelac Albert , Adams Erin J.
Published: September 2021

Significance

Superantigens are proteins that induce a vast activation of the immune system and are typically found in pathogenic microbes. Recently, proteins with superantigen-like properties were discovered in a commensal bacterium inhabiting the human gut, but little is known about the impact of this protein on host/commensal interaction. Here, we characterize the superantigen-like protein immunoglobulin-binding protein (Ibp) expressed byRuminococcus gnavus, which has broad specificity to human and mouse immunoglobulins. We present the crystal structure of the Ibp/Fab complex and show that one of Ibp’s domains alone is sufficient to activate B cells. This work provides an understanding of superantigen-like molecules potentially playing a role in the maintenance of host/microbiome homeostasis.
3. The traditions unfold
Authors: Thomas Gary
Published: September 2021

‘The tradition unfolds’ discusses how schools and teachers use differing amounts of both the progressive and formal tradition. Teachers in primary schools have tended to take from the progressive tradition more than their secondary colleagues. Research into classrooms, including Neville Bennett’s research and project ORACLE, has considered the effectiveness of group work in learning. What emerges out of classroom research is a realization that teachers are not robots: they respond to the class as well as leading it; they reflect on their successes and failures and they adapt. This explains why top-down efforts from governments to change schools often fail; they divert teachers from their experience and instincts.
4. Therapy using pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Slack Jonathan
Published: September 2021

‘Therapy using pluripotent stem cells’ examines some of the diseases that have been the first to be treated by cell therapy using pluripotent stem cells as the source material. Proposed cell therapies involve making the required differentiated cells in vitro and then implanting them into the appropriate site in the patient. The biggest success story so far is the treatment of the retina for a condition called age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Diabetes is one of the top targets for cell therapy based on pluripotent stem cells, building on an existing form of cell therapy called islet transplantation.
5. Tissue-specific stem cells
Authors: Slack Jonathan
Published: September 2021

‘Tissue-specific stem cells’ explores tissue-specific stem cells, which are stem cells found in the postnatal body that are responsible for tissue renewal or for repair following damage. Tissue-specific stem cells share with pluripotent stem cells the same ability to persist indefinitely as a population, to reproduce themselves, and to generate differentiated progeny cells. However, tissue-specific stem cells share few molecular characteristics with embryonic stem (ES) cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells), such as expression of specific transcription factors or cell surface molecules. Only renewal tissues have stem cells in the sense of a special population of cells that reproduce themselves and continue to generate differentiated progeny.
7. Expectations: realistic and unrealistic
Authors: Slack Jonathan
Published: September 2021

‘Expectations: realistic and unrealistic’ contemplates the goal of biomedical sciences to regenerate missing structures and to cure heart failure, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegeneration. The hype and controversy of human embryonic stem (ES) cells led the proponents of stem cell research to promise very rapid development of very radical cures. In reality progress will be slow. There are a number of lessons that we can learn from the development of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), which is one of the major applications of stem cell therapy in clinical practice.
Lung Findings in Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS) Examinations of Fetal and Preterm Neonatal Deaths: A Report From the PURPOSe Study
Authors: Guruprasad Gowdar , Dhaded Sangappa , Yogesh Kumar S , Somannavar Manjunath S , Goudar Shivaprasad S , Kulkarni Vardendra , Kumar Sunil , Nagaraj T S , Uddin Zeesham , Minhas Khurram , Zafar Afia , Tikmani Shiyam Sunder , Saleem Sarah , Hwang Kay , Aceituno Anna , McClure Elizabeth M , Goldenberg Robert L
Published: September 2021

Background

Complete diagnostic autopsy (CDA) is considered to be the gold-standard procedure that aids in determination of cause of death in stillbirths and neonatal deaths. However, CDA is not routinely practiced in South Asian countries due to religious beliefs, lack of expertise, and lack of resources. Minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) has been recommended as a less mutilating and less expensive alternative to CDA for obtaining tissues for analysis. The present study aims to evaluate the yield of lung tissue and histological findings using MITS as part of a cause of death analysis for stillborns and preterm neonatal deaths.

Methods

Data were collected during an observational multicenter prospective study called the Project to Understand and Research Preterm birth and Stillbirth (PURPOSe) conducted in India and Pakistan. After obtaining written informed consent from parents, the eligible stillbirths and neonatal deaths were subjected to MITS using a standard protocol. The tissues were obtained from both lungs for histological and microbiological analysis.

Results

At both sites, a total of 453 stillbirths and 352 neonatal deaths underwent MITS. For stillbirths and neonatal deaths, the yield of lung tissue using MITS was high (92%). Intrauterine fetal distress and respiratory distress syndrome were the leading lung pathologies reported in stillbirths and neonatal deaths, respectively.

Conclusions

MITS appears to be a reasonable alternative to CDA in obtaining and evaluating lung tissue to inform accurate cause of death analysis in stillbirth and preterm deaths.
Pressure-dependent joint elastic–electrical properties in brine-saturated artificial sandstones with aligned penny-shaped cracks—Part II: Theoretical modelling
Authors: Yan Han , Han Tongcheng , Fu Li-Yun , Li Bo
Published: September 2021

Cracks are widely existing in natural rocks, and the effects of cracks on the elastic and electrical properties of rocks make it possible to establish appropriate joint interpretation to detect the crack characteristics more accurately. However, the premise is the knowledge of the joint elastic–electrical properties of cracked rocks. We aim to study theoretically the pressure-dependent joint elastic–electrical properties of porous rocks with aligned penny-shaped cracks. To do so, we developed a model describing the deformation of cracks in a transversely isotropic (TI) background with stress, and combined with existing models for the anisotropic elastic and electrical properties of TI rocks with aligned cracks. The impacts of crack deformation on the anisotropic elastic and electrical properties of cracked rocks, and the effects of crack porosity and crack aspect ratio on the pressure-dependent joint elastic–electrical properties were then studied. We showed that the modelling results compared satisfactorily with experimental data. The modelling results demonstrated that the crack compaction with stress reduced the elastic and electrical anisotropy. We also found that the anisotropic elastic wave velocities and electrical conductivities of cracked rocks exhibited approximately negative linear correlations when linked by the effective stress, and the slopes and intercepts of the linear relationships were shown to be systematically dependent on the porosity and aspect ratio of the aligned cracks. The above knowledge of the pressure-dependent joint elastic–electrical properties of TI rocks with aligned cracks can be employed for quantitative interpretation of the joint elastic and electrical exploration data.
Stable Latent HIV Infection and Low-level Viremia Despite Treatment With the Broadly Neutralizing Antibody VRC07-523LS and the Latency Reversal Agent Vorinostat
Authors: Gay Cynthia L , James Katherine S , Tuyishime Marina , Falcinelli Shane D , Joseph Sarah B , Moeser Matthew J , Allard Brigitte , Kirchherr Jennifer L , Clohosey Matthew , Raines Samuel L M , Montefiori David C , Shen Xiaoying , Gorelick Robert J , Gama Lucio , McDermott Adrian B , Koup Richard A , Mascola John R , Floris-Moore Michelle , Kuruc JoAnn D , Ferrari Guido , Eron Joseph J , Archin Nancie M , Margolis David M
Published: September 2021

We tested the combination of a broadly neutralizing HIV antibody with the latency reversal agent vorinostat (VOR). Eight participants received 2 month-long cycles of VRC07-523LS with VOR. Low-level viremia, resting CD4+ T-cell–associated HIV RNA (rca-RNA) was measured, and intact proviral DNA assay (IPDA) and quantitative viral outgrowth assay (QVOA) were performed at baseline and posttreatment. In 3 participants, IPDA and QVOA declines were accompanied by significant declines of rca-RNA. However, no IPDA or QVOA declines clearly exceeded assay variance or natural decay. Increased resistance to VRC07-523LS was not observed. This combination therapy did not reduce viremia or the HIV reservoir.

Clinical Trials Registration. NCT03803605.
Beyond Titer: Expanding the Scope of Clinical Autoantibody Testing
Authors: Treger Rebecca S , Fink Susan L
Published: September 2021

Background

Autoantibodies that bind self-antigens are a hallmark of autoimmune diseases, but can also be present in healthy individuals. Clinical assays that detect and titer antigen-specific autoantibodies are an important component of the diagnosis and monitoring of autoimmune diseases. Autoantibodies may contribute to disease pathogenesis via effector functions that are dictated by both the antigen-binding site and constant domain.

Content

In this review, we discuss features of antibodies, in addition to antigen-binding specificity, which determine effector function. These features include class, subclass, allotype, and glycosylation. We discuss emerging data indicating that analysis of these antibody features may be informative for diagnosis and monitoring of autoimmune diseases. We also consider methodologies to interrogate these features and consider how they could be implemented in the clinical laboratory.

Future autoantibody assays may incorporate assessment of additional antibody features that contribute to autoimmune disease pathogenesis and provide added clinical value.
Qua-alluding to the Past: A Case of Methaqualone Analog Ingestion
Authors: Lund Kyle , Srihari Priya , Suhandynata Raymond T , Schwartz Kristy , Fitzgerald Robert L , Kreshak Allyson A
Published: September 2021

Methaqualone, known previously under the brand name Quaalude, is a Schedule I sedative hypnotic drug that may cause neurotoxicity in overdose, characterized by somnolence, hyperreflexia and muscular hyperactivity. We present a case of a 21-year-old male who reportedly ingested methaqualone in addition to insufflation of street cocaine. He subsequently developed hypoxia, hyperreflexia, myoclonus and altered mental status. His laboratory results were notable for the presence of methemoglobinemia, which was most likely due to a cocaine contaminant. Laboratory analysis of the alleged methaqualone pills identified the substance as SL-164, a dichlorinated methaqualone analog. Urine toxicology results were positive for SL-164 (and presumed metabolites) as well as for cocaine and tetrahydrocannabinol metabolites. The patient was treated with supplemental oxygen and a benzodiazepine (lorazepam) and observed in the Emergency Department until his symptoms resolved. This case highlights current community access to methaqualone analogs. The case also focuses on laboratory techniques used to identify the methaqualone analog.
Shock and splash: gas and dark matter halo boundaries around ΛCDM galaxy clusters
Authors: Aung Han , Nagai Daisuke , Lau Erwin T
Published: September 2021

Recent advances in simulations and observations of galaxy clusters suggest that there exists a physical outer boundary of massive cluster-size dark matter (DM) haloes. In this work, we investigate the locations of the outer boundaries of DM and gas around cluster-size DM haloes, by analysing a sample of 65 massive DM haloes extracted from the Omega500 zoom-in hydrodynamical cosmological simulations. We show that the location of accretion shock is offset from that of the DM splashback radius, contrary to the prediction of the self-similar models. The accretion shock radius is larger than all definitions of the splashback radius in the literature by $20-100{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. The accretion shock radius defined using the steepest drop in the entropy and pressure profiles is approximately 1.89 times larger than the splashback radius defined by the steepest slope in the DM density profile, and it is ≈1.2 times larger than the edge of the DM phase space structure. We discuss implications of our results for multiwavelength studies of galaxy clusters.
Prospects of direct detection of 48V gamma-rays from thermonuclear supernovae
Authors: Panther Fiona H , Seitenzahl Ivo R , Ruiter Ashley J , Siegert Thomas , Sim Stuart , Crocker Roland M
Published: September 2021

Detection of gamma-rays emitted by radioactive isotopes synthesized in stellar explosions can give important insights into the processes that power transients such as supernovae, as well as providing a detailed census of the abundance of different isotope species relevant to the chemical evolution of the Universe. Observations of nearby supernovae have yielded observational proof that 57Co powered the late-time evolution of SN1987A’s light curve, and conclusive evidence that 56Ni and its daughter nuclei power the light curves of Type Ia supernovae. In this paper, we describe the prospects for detecting nuclear decay lines associated with the decay of 48V, the daughter nucleus of 48Cr, which is expected to be synthesized in large quantities – $M_{\mathrm{Cr}}\sim 1.9\times 10^{-2}\, \mathrm{M_\odot }$ – in transients initiated by explosive helium burning (α-capture) of a thick helium shell. We calculate emergent gamma-ray line fluxes for a simulated explosion model of a thermonuclear explosion of carbon–oxygen white dwarf core of mass $0.45\, \mathrm{ M}_{\odot }$ surrounded by a thick helium layer of mass $0.21\, \mathrm{ M}_{\odot }$. We present observational limits on the presence of 48V in nearby SNe Ia 2014J using the INTEGRAL space telescope, excluding a 48Cr production on the surface of more than $0.1\, \mathrm{M_{\odot }}$. We find that the future gamma-ray mission the All-Sky Medium Energy Gamma-Ray Observatory (AMEGO) will have an approximately 5 per cent chance of observing 48V gamma-rays from such events during the currently planned operational lifetime, based on our birthrate predictions of faint thermonuclear transients. We describe the conditions for a 3σ detection by the gamma-ray telescopes INTEGRAL/SPI, Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI) , and AMEGO.
Perseus arm – a new perspective on star formation and spiral structure in our home galaxy
Authors: Wienen M , Brunt C M , Dobbs C L , Colombo D
Published: September 2021

Expansion of (sub)millimetre capabilities to high angular resolution offered with interferometers allows to resolve giant molecular clouds (GMCs) in nearby galaxies. This enables us to place the Milky Way in the context of other galaxies to advance our understanding of star formation in our own Galaxy. We, thus, remap 12CO (1–0) data along the Perseus spiral arm in the outer Milky Way to a fixed physical resolution and present the first spiral arm data cube at a common distance as it would be seen by an observer outside the Milky Way. To achieve this goal, we calibrated the longitude–velocity structure of 12CO gas of the outer Perseus arm based on trigonometric distances and maser velocities provided by the BeSSeL survey. The molecular gas data were convolved to the same spatial resolution along the whole spiral arm and regridded on to a linear scale map with the coordinate system transformed to the spiral arm reference frame. We determined the width of the Perseus spiral arm to be 7.8 ± 0.2 km s−1 around the kinematic arm centre. To study the large-scale structure, we derived the 12CO gas mass surface density distribution of velocities, shifted to the kinematic arm centre, and arm length. This yields a variation of the gas mass surface density along the arm length and a compression of molecular gas mass at linear scale. We determined a thickness of ∼63 pc on average for the Perseus spiral arm and a centroid of the molecular layer of 8.7 pc.