bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioactivity of oxymatrine and azadirachtin against Tetranychus evansi (Acari: Tetranychidae) and their compatibility with the predator Phytoseiulus longipes (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on tomato
Authors: Savi Patrice Jacob , Martins Marcio Barbosa , De Moraes Gilberto José , Hountondji Fabien Charles Cossi , Andrade Daniel Júnior
Published: July 2021

Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard (Acari: Tetranychidae) is one of the main tomato pests in several countries, mainly in Africa, and applications of synthetic acaricides are the main strategy for its control. Efficient biopesticides to suppress pest populations, with low toxicity against natural enemies, is highly desirable for integrated pest management. Here, we evaluated under laboratory conditions the effect of azadirachtin- and oxymatrine-based formulations on each development stage of T. evansi and on the adult stage of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus longipes, the single promising predator of this pest. We also assessed the residual effect of these biopesticides on T. evansi under laboratory conditions on leaflets excised from treated tomato plants maintained in a screen-house 1, 5, and 10 days after application. Azadirachtin-based formulations were effective in controlling T. evansi immature stages. Oxymatrine-based treatments controlled T. evansi immatures and adult females faster than azadirachtin-based treatments. Both biopesticides had no effect on T. evansi eggs, but oxymatrine-based treatments were highly efficient on newly hatched T. evansi larvae. Oxymatrine displayed residual activity that controlled T. evansi up to 10 days after application. Azadirachtin formulations caused lower mortality of P. longipes adults (8–28%) and slightly reduced fecundity (24.8–56.1%). In contrast, oxymatrine treatments caused higher mortality (60–88%) of the predator and reduced substantiality its fecundity (73.1–90.7%). Our findings suggest that Azadirachtin and oxymatrine provide effective control of T. evansi. Azadirachtin may be relatively safer to the predatory mites whereas oxymatrine should be used with caution, to avoid suppression of P. longipes.
Improved properties of atomic layer deposited ruthenium via postdeposition annealing
Authors: Hayes Michael , Jenkins Melanie A. , Woodruff Jacob , Moser Daniel F. , Dezelah Charles L. , Conley John F.
Published: July 2021

The resistivity, morphology, and effective work function of thin film ruthenium deposited by thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) using η4-2,3-dimethylbutadiene ruthenium tricarbonyl [Ru(DMBD)(CO)3] and O2 are investigated before and after annealing at temperatures up to 500 °C. Annealing at 500 °C in either N2 or H2/N2 reduces the average resistivity of as-deposited 30 nm thick Ru films from 16.2 to as low as 13.7 or 9.1 μΩ cm, respectively, approaching the bulk value of Ru. X-ray diffraction shows that as-deposited films are polycrystalline hexagonal Ru. Annealing at 500 °C in either N2 or H2/N2 results in crystallite growth accompanied by a roughening of the surface from approximately 0.7 to 2.2 nm RMS, as shown by atomic force microscopy. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy shows low residual carbon and oxygen in as-deposited films. Annealing in N2 at 500 °C reduces only the carbon content, whereas annealing in H2/N2 at 500 °C results in a further reduction of carbon combined with reduction in oxygen as well. Using series of metal/oxide/silicon capacitors with varying oxide thickness, the effective work function of 500 °C H2/N2 annealed Ru films on ALD Al2O3 and HfO2 was determined to be approximately 4.9 and 5.3 eV, respectively. Using internal photoemission spectroscopy, the Ru/Al2O3 and Ru/HfO2 electron energy barrier heights were determined to be 3.4 ± 0.1 and 3.8 ± 0.1 eV, respectively.
BonA from
Acinetobacter baumannii
Forms a Divisome-Localized Decamer That Supports Outer Envelope Function
Authors: Grinter Rhys , Morris Faye C. , Dunstan Rhys A. , Leung Pok Man , Kropp Ashleigh , Belousoff Matthew , Gunasinghe Sachith D. , Scott Nichollas E. , Beckham Simone , Peleg Anton Y. , Greening Chris , Li Jian , Heinz Eva , Lithgow Trevor
Published: July 2021

The pathogen
Acinetobacter baumannii
is considered an urgent threat to human health.
A. baumannii
is highly resistant to treatment with antibiotics, in part due to its protective cell envelope. This bacterium is only distantly related to other bacterial pathogens, so its cell envelope has distinct properties and contains components distinct from those of other bacteria that support its function.
Pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Upper Respiratory Tract and Its Relation to Breath Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Lichtenstein Moria , Turjerman Sondra , Pinto Jayant M. , Barash Orna , Koren Omry
Published: July 2021

Among the many products of metabolic processes are volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In the airways, these volatile metabolites are emitted through breathing and thus are easily sampled for analysis.
Facial Skin Microbiota-Mediated Host Response to Pollution Stress Revealed by Microbiome Networks of Individual
Authors: Wang Lu , Xu Yi-Ning , Chu Chung-Ching , Jing Zehua , Chen Yabin , Zhang Jinsong , Pu Mingming , Mi Tingyan , Du Yaping , Liang Zongqi , Doraiswamy Chandraprabha , Zeng Tao , Wu Jiarui , Chen Luonan
Published: July 2021

The association between the skin microbiome and skin health has been widely reported. However, the role of the skin microbiome in mediating skin physiology remains a challenging and yet priority subject in the field.
A CRISPR Interference Screen of Essential Genes Reveals that Proteasome Regulation Dictates Acetic Acid Tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Mukherjee Vaskar , Lind Ulrika , St. Onge Robert P. , Blomberg Anders , Nygård Yvonne
Published: July 2021

Acetic acid is inhibitory to the growth of the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, causing ATP starvation and oxidative stress, which leads to the suboptimal production of fuels and chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass. In this study, where each strain of a CRISPRi library was characterized individually, many essential and respiratory growth-essential genes that regulate tolerance to acetic acid were identified, providing a new understanding of the stress response of yeast and new targets for the bioengineering of industrial yeast.
Introducing the Microbes and Social Equity Working Group: Considering the Microbial Components of Social, Environmental, and Health Justice
Authors: Ishaq Suzanne L. , Parada Francisco J. , Wolf Patricia G. , Bonilla Carla Y. , Carney Megan A. , Benezra Amber , Wissel Emily , Friedman Michael , DeAngelis Kristen M. , Robinson Jake M. , Fahimipour Ashkaan K. , Manus Melissa B. , Grieneisen Laura , Dietz Leslie G. , Pathak Ashish , Chauhan Ashvini , Kuthyar Sahana , Stewart Justin D. , Dasari Mauna R. , Nonnamaker Emily , Choudoir Mallory , Horve Patrick F. , Zimmerman Naupaka B. , Kozik Ariangela J. , Darling Katherine Weatherford , Romero-Olivares Adriana L. , Hariharan Janani , Farmer Nicole , Maki Katherine A. , Collier Jackie L. , O’Doherty Kieran C. , Letourneau Jeffrey , Kline Jeff , Moses Peter L. , Morar Nicolae
Published: July 2021

Humans are inextricably linked to each other and our natural world, and microorganisms lie at the nexus of those interactions. Microorganisms form genetically flexible, taxonomically diverse, and biochemically rich communities, i.e., microbiomes that are integral to the health and development of macroorganisms, societies, and ecosystems.
Dysbiosis of the Urinary Bladder Microbiome in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kim Younjung , Carrai Maura , Leung Marcus H. Y. , Chin Jaime , Li Jun , Lee Patrick K. H. , Beatty Julia A. , Pfeiffer Dirk U. , Barrs Vanessa R.
Published: July 2021

Despite the clinical importance of urinary diseases in cats, the presence of resident urine microbes has not been demonstrated in cats, and the role of these microbes as a community in urinary health remains unknown. Here, we have shown that cats with and without urinary tract disease harbor unique microbial communities in their urine.
Supplemental Material: Clear as mud: Clinoform progradation and expanded records of the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum
Authors: Podrecca Luca , al. et
Published: July 2021

Detailed methods including description of the Medford Auger Project, lithostratigraphy and depositional environments, the low-carbonate zone on NJCP, grain size analyses, comparing bulk δ13C records at MAP and WL, clinoforms, fluid muds, and modern analogs; and Figures S1–S3 (correlation of bulk δ13C records at MAP and WL and grain size analyses comparisons from the Malvern Mastersizer and from pipette analysis).
Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease and IgA nephropathy in a patient with previous renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Khor Candice , Wong Muh Geot , Reagh Jessica
Published: July 2021

A 66-year-old Asian woman presented with severe kidney injury, microscopic haematuria and subnephrotic range proteinuria with elevated serum anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) titre. She had a history of renal cell carcinoma. Renal biopsy revealed dual pathology with immunofluorescence showing 3+ linear glomerular IgG staining and 3+ IgA mesangial staining. Cellular crescents were present on light microscopy and electron microscopy revealed increased mesangial matrix. She was treated with plasma exchange and immunosuppression and remained in stage 4 chronic kidney disease. This case describes the coexistence of anti-GBM disease and IgA nephropathy, a phenomenon not well described in the literature. The report also explores the association of malignancy and glomerulonephritis as well as the role of genetics and the utility of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing in risk stratification.
Clostridium perfringensof unclear origin causing pelvic inflammatory disease and toxic shock syndrome in a previously healthy young woman
Authors: Covin Brianna Danielle , Chapa Hector , Pham Nastassia
Published: July 2021

A 22-year-old woman presented to the emergency room with right lower abdominal pain. A CT scan suggested potential appendicitis and perforation. She had no relevant medical or surgical history, and she last had vaginal sex 4 years prior to admission. During surgery, turbid fluid, secondary inflammatory changes, and dilated, fluid-filled fallopian tubes pointed to a diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), so she was started on azithromycin, metronidazole and piperacillin/tazobactam. The following day, she continued to have abdominal pain and developed tachycardia, hypotension, a marked leukemoid response, haemoconcentration, third space fluid accumulation and acidosis. Culture results led to her being further diagnosed withClostridium perfringensPID with peritonitis and toxic shock syndrome. A gynaecological infection ofC. perfringensleading to toxic shock syndrome is both extremely rare and highly fatal. Her antibiotics were changed to meropenem and clindamycin, and she slowly made a full recovery.
Atrial septal defect with Crochetage sign presenting with pulmonary artery thrombosis
Authors: Kaisbain Neerusha , Lim Wei Juan , Kim Heng Shee
Published: July 2021

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is the most common congenital heart disease observed in adult. Several ECG findings are considered sensitive for the diagnosis of ASD. We describe a 50 years old man who displayed Crochetage sign, incomplete right bundle branch block (IRBBB) and right ventricular strain pattern on ECG. Crochetage sign is highly specific for ASD and it correlates with shunt severity. The diagnostic specificity for ASD increases if the R waves have both Crochetage patterns and IRBBB. It is important not to confuse Crochetage signs with IRBBB abnormalities on ECG. Our patient was ultimately diagnosed with a large ASD measuring 3 cm with bidirectional shunt and concomitant pulmonary thrombosis. This illustrates that high suspicion of the ASD with the use of good-old ECG signs remains relevant in this modern era. This also reminds us that patients with Eisenmenger syndrome are at higher risk for pulmonary thrombosis.
Arcuate Vitelliform detachment with morning glory disc maculopathy: OCT findings of evolution and resolution after early surgery
Authors: Singh Deependra Vikram , Sharma Yog , Reddy Raja Rami , Sharma Ajay
Published: July 2021

Morning glory disc (MGD) is known to develop secondary maculopathy and vision loss. We followed a 7-year-old girl with MGD in right eye from 2010 to 2021. Her best-corrected Snellen visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 in both eyes till 2017. She presented with reduced vision in right eye with BCVA of 20/80 in 2018. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) revealed maculopathy related to MGD in right eye and arcuate Vitelliform neurosensory detachment (V-NSD) temporal to fovea. She underwent 25G vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling. Resolution of retinoschisis and V-NSD was analysed by OCT and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) postoperatively. Arcuate V-NSD was hyperfluorescent on FAF and concentric to optic disc. It resolved slowly with BCVA improving to 20/20 at 18 and 30 months postoperatively. We report excellent outcome following early vitrectomy for MGD-related maculopathy and recommend serial follow-up and considering early vitrectomy whenever traction and BCVA worsens. We also describe arcuate V-NSD with MGD.
Experiences of nurses caring for respiratory patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: an online survey study
Authors: Roberts Nicola J , Kelly Carol A , Lippiett Kate A , Ray Emma , Welch Lindsay
Published: July 2021

Background

Nurses have been at the forefront of the pandemic response, involved in extensive coordination of services, screening, vaccination and front-line work in respiratory, emergency and intensive care environments. The nature of this work is often intense and stress-provoking with an inevitable psychological impact on nurses and all healthcare workers. This study focused on nurses working in respiratory areas with the aim of identifying and characterising the self-reported issues that exacerbated or alleviated their concerns during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

An online survey was developed consisting of 90 questions using a mixture of open-ended and closed questions. Participant demographic data were also collected (age, gender, ethnicity, number of years qualified, details of long-term health conditions, geographical location, nursing background/role and home life). The online survey was disseminated via social media and professional respiratory societies (British Thoracic Society, Primary Care Respiratory Society, Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists) over a 3-week period in May 2020 and the survey closed on 1 June 2020.

Results

The study highlights the experiences of nurses caring for respiratory patients during the first wave of the pandemic in early 2020. Concerns were expressed over the working environment, the supply and availability of adequate protective personal equipment, the quality of care individuals were able to deliver, and the impact on mental health to nurses and their families. A high number provided free-text comments around their worries and concerns about the impact on their household; these included bringing the virus home, the effect on family members worrying about them, mental health and the impact of changing working patterns, and managing with children. Although both formal and informal support were available, there were inconsistencies in provision, highlighting the importance of nursing leadership and management in ensuring equity of access to services.

Conclusions

Support for staff is essential both throughout the pandemic and afterwards, and it is important that preparation of individuals regarding building resilience is recognised. It is also clear that psychological support and services for nurses and the wider healthcare team need to be available and quickly convened in the event of similar major incidents, either global or local.
Underdevelopment of the gut microbiota and bacteria species as non-invasive markers of prediction in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Wan Yating , Zuo Tao , Xu Zhilu , Zhang Fen , Zhan Hui , CHAN Dorothy , Leung Ting-Fan , Yeoh Yun Kit , Chan Francis K L , Chan Ruth , Ng Siew C
Published: July 2021

Objective

The gut microbiota has been suggested to play a role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We postulate that children with ASD harbour an altered developmental profile of the gut microbiota distinct from that of typically developing (TD) children. Here, we aimed to characterise compositional and functional alterations in gut microbiome in association with age in children with ASD and to identify novel faecal bacterial markers for predicting ASD.

Design

We performed deep metagenomic sequencing in faecal samples of 146 Chinese children (72 ASD and 74 TD children). We compared gut microbial composition and functions between children with ASD and TD children. Candidate bacteria markers were identified and validated by metagenomic analysis. Gut microbiota development in relation to chronological age was assessed using random forest model.

Results

ASD and chronological age had the most significant and largest impacts on children’s faecal microbiome while diet showed no correlation. Children with ASD had significant alterations in faecal microbiome composition compared with TD children characterised by increased bacterial richness (p=0.021) and altered microbiome composition (p<0.05). Five bacterial species were identified to distinguish gut microbes in ASD and TD children, with areas under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of 82.6% and 76.2% in the discovery cohort and validation cohort, respectively. Multiple neurotransmitter biosynthesis related pathways in the gut microbiome were depleted in children with ASD compared with TD children (p<0.05). Developing dynamics of growth-associated gut bacteria (age-discriminatory species) seen in TD children were lost in children with ASD across the early-life age spectrum.

Conclusions

Gut microbiome in Chinese children with ASD was altered in composition, ecological network and functionality compared with TD children. We identified novel bacterial markers for prediction of ASD and demonstrated persistent underdevelopment of the gut microbiota in children with ASD which lagged behind their respective age-matched peers.
Basilar artery trunk aneurysm: clinical and angiographic outcomes of endovascular treatment
Authors: Sim Sook Young , Chung Joonho , Choi Jai Ho , Kim Myeong Jin , Shin Yong Sam , Lim Yong Cheol
Published: July 2021

Background

Basilar artery (BA) trunk aneurysms are rare, and the clinical characteristics and outcomes of endovascular treatment (EVT) remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to report clinical and angiographic outcomes of BA trunk aneurysm treated with EVT and to analyze risk factors for unfavorable outcomes.

Methods

From October 2004 to December 2020, a total of 40 patients with BA trunk aneurysms underwent EVT. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were evaluated retrospectively from a prospectively collected database. Of the 40 enrolled patients, nine were treated by coiling without stents, 17 were treated by stent-assisted coiling, six by stent only, five by flow diverters, and three by vertebral artery occlusion.

Results

In total, 27 (67.5%) patients had subarachnoid hemorrhage as an initial presentation, and 20 (50.0%) had large/giant aneurysms. Procedure-related complications occurred in five patients (12.5%); favorable clinical outcome was achieved in 27 patients (67.5%); and six patients (15.0%) died. Favorable angiographic outcome was achieved in 26 (83.9%) of 31 patients who underwent follow-up angiography. Poor initial Hunt-and-Hess grade (OR 7.67, 95% CI 1.55 to 37.80; p=0.018) was the only independent risk factor for unfavorable clinical outcome. Large/giant aneurysm (OR 8.14, 95% CI 1.88 to 27.46; p=0.047) and long lesion (OR 14.25, 95% CI 1.48 to 69.80; p=0.013) were independent risk factors for unfavorable angiographic outcomes during follow-up.

Conclusions

EVT might be a feasible option for this rare disease entity. Unfavorable angiographic outcome might be expected in a large/giant aneurysm or a long lesion. It can be difficult to treat BA trunk aneurysms by EVT, needing multiple procedures or various techniques due to diverse clinical and angiographic features.
Calea ternifolia Kunth, the Mexican “dream herb”, a concise review
Authors: Mata Rachel , Contreras-Rosales Aldo J. , Gutiérrez-González José A. , Villaseñor José L. , Pérez-Vásquez Araceli
Published: July 2021

Calea ternifolia Kunth (Asteraceae), the “dream herb”, is an important medicinal plant that grows from Mexico to Costa Rica. The plant is highly valued for rituals and for treating several illnesses including anorexia, upset stomach, diabetes, periodic fevers, diarrhea, bile problems, and skin diseases. This comprehensive literature survey on C. ternifolia was performed up to January 2021. Our review focuses on traditional uses, botanical aspects, chemical constituents, quality control tests, as well as pharmacological and toxicological studies. Data were recorded using online scientific databases including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Taylor and Francis Imprints, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Science Direct, JSTOR, and SciFinder. The information was assembled from research articles, relevant books on herbal medicinal plants and the history of medicinal plants from Mexico, theses, reports, and web pages. The more significant botanical and ethnomedical aspects were recorded including the discovery of the oneirogenic use (enhancer of dreams) of C. ternifolia by the Chontal Indigenous communities in Oaxaca, Mexico. The plant contains sesquiterpenes and flavonoids as the major constituents. Some properties associated with the plant’s traditional uses have been demonstrated including spasmolytic, antidiabetic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive effects. The plant’s toxicity will be discussed in this paper. Solid pharmacological research provided evidence supporting the use of the dream herb for oneiromancy.
Deriving a tree growth model from any existing stand growth model
Authors: Cao Quang V.
Published: July 2021

In this study, a new method was developed to derive a tree survival and diameter growth model from any existing stand-level model, without the need for individual-tree growth data. Predictions from the derived tree model are constrained to match the number of trees and the basal area per hectare as outputted by the stand model. The tree models derived from three different stand models were evaluated against a tree model, in both unadjusted and disaggregated forms. For the same stand-level model, the derived tree model outperformed its counterpart, the disaggregated tree model. Furthermore, except for one stand model with poor performance, the tree models derived from the remaining two stand models delivered results comparable to those obtained from the unadjusted tree model. The tree model derived from one stand model even performed slightly better than the unadjusted tree model. This result is significant because the coefficients of the unadjusted and disaggregated tree models had to be estimated from tree-level growth data, whereas the derived tree model required no tree growth data at all. The methodology presented in this study should be applicable when there is no ingrowth or recruitment of new trees.
Mapping out the space for new physics with leptonic and semileptonic $$B_{(c)}$$ decays
Authors: Fleischer Robert , Jaarsma Ruben , Tetlalmatzi-Xolocotzi Gilberto
Published: July 2021

Decays ofBmesons with leptons in the final state offer an interesting laboratory to search for possible effects of physics from beyond the Standard Model. In view of puzzling patterns in experimental data, the violation of lepton flavour universality is an interesting option. We present a strategy, utilising ratios of leptonic and semileptonicBdecays, where the elements$$|V_{ub}|$$|Vub|and$$|V_{cb}|$$|Vcb|of the Cabibbo–Kobayashi–Maskawa (CKM) matrix cancel, to constrain the short-distance coefficients of (pseudo)-scalar, vector and tensor operator contributions. The individual branching ratios allow us then to extract also the CKM matrix elements, even in the presence of new-physics contributions. Bounds on unmeasured leptonic and semileptonic decays offer important additional constraints. In our comprehensive analysis, we give also predictions for decays which have not yet been measured in a variety of scenarios.
Impact of RFID Technology on Coordination of a Three-Tier Fresh Product Supply Chain
Authors: Zheng Qi , Hu Bin , Fan Tijun , Xu Chang , Li Xiaolong
Published: July 2021

This paper focuses on the impact of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology adoption on supply chain coordination. We consider a three-tier supply chain consisting of one supplier, one transporter and one retailer with centralized and decentralized decision-making. Considering the factors of RFID tag cost and product freshness, two scenarios — with RFID and without RFID — are analyzed. In the decentralized supply chain, a revenue-sharing contract is established to explore each partner’s decisions on ordering quantity, wholesale price and profits. The results show that (1) the tag cost of RFID has different effects on the pricing decisions, ordering quantity and profit of an FPSC, and if the amount of transportation time compression increases, the range of the tag cost’s boundary value will be wider when adopting RFID technology; (2) when the members of an FPSC choose the optimal wholesale price, optimal initial fare and appropriate revenue-sharing coefficient, the FPSC can achieve a win–win result; and (3) the amount of transportation time compression has a positive correlation with the expected profit of the supplier, transporter and retailer but has a negative correlation with loss of the product.
Design, fabrication and performance of enhanced reactive igniter through depositing Al/CuO nanolaminates onto NiCr micro-heater
Authors: Liu Wei , Ren Xiaoming , Xue Yan , Xie Ruizhen , Liu Lan
Published: July 2021

As the most important component for MEMS-based pyrotechnics, the micrometer should generate enough energy to successfully ignite the next explosive. An enhanced reactive igniter was designed and fabricated through sputtering the Al/CuO nanolaminates onto the NiCr micro-heater to enhance the output energy of the NiCr micro-heater. The average thickness of the Al/CuO nanolaminate is 6.84 [Formula: see text]m, and the designed thickness is 6 [Formula: see text]m. The grain sizes of Al/CuO nanolaminates are not uniform, and the particle grains of the Al/CuO nanolaminates at the top are smaller than those at the bottom. When the applied currents passed through the igniter, the resistance of the igniter changed dynamically, leading to the igniter experiencing three stages. Compared to the bare NiCr micro-heater without depositing Al/CuO nanolaminates, the enhanced reactive igniter can successfully ignite Zr/KClO4 explosive, indicating that the Al/CuO nanolaminates could enhance the output capability of the NiCr micro-heater. It is of vital importance to guide the design of MEMS-based pyrotechnics.
Mitigating Lifetime-Energy-Makespan Issues in Reliability-Aware Workflow Scheduling for Big Data
Authors: Xiong Yu-Jie , Cheng Song-Yang , Chen Bin
Published: July 2021

The emergence of cloud computing in big data era has exerted a substantial impact on our daily lives. The conventional reliability-aware workflow scheduling (RWS) is capable of improving or maintaining system reliability by fault tolerance techniques such as replication and checkpointing based recovery. However, the fault tolerant techniques used in RWS would inevitably result in higher system energy consumption, longer execution time, and worse thermal profiles that would in turn lead to a decreased hardware lifespan. To mitigate the lifetime-energy-makespan issues of RWS in cloud computing systems for big data, we propose a novel methodology that decomposes the complicated studied problem. In this methodology, we provide three procedures to solve the energy consumption, execution makespan, and hardware lifespan issues in cloud systems executing real-time workflow applications. We implement numerous simulation experiments to validate the proposed methodology for RWS. Simulation results clearly show that the proposed RWS strategies outperform comparative approaches in reducing energy consumption, shortening execution makespan, and prolonging system lifespan while maintaining high reliability. The improvements on energy saving, reduction on makespan, and increase in lifespan can be up to 23.8%, 18.6%, and 69.2%, respectively. Results also show the potentiality of the proposed method to develop a distributed analysis system for big data that serves satellite signal processing, earthquake early warning, and so on.
Quadratic Differential Systems with a Finite Saddle-Node and an Infinite Saddle-Node (1, 1)SN - (B)
Authors: Artés Joan C. , Mota Marcos C. , Rezende Alex C.
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a global study of the class [Formula: see text] of all real quadratic polynomial differential systems which have a finite semi-elemental saddle-node and an infinite saddle-node formed by the coalescence of a finite singularity and an infinite singularity. This class can be divided into two different families, namely, [Formula: see text] phase portraits possessing a finite saddle-node as the only finite singularity and [Formula: see text] phase portraits possessing a finite saddle-node and also a simple finite elemental singularity. Each one of these two families is given by a specific normal form. The study of family [Formula: see text] was reported in [Artés et al., 2020b] where the authors obtained [Formula: see text] topologically distinct phase portraits for systems in the closure [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we provide the complete study of the geometry of family [Formula: see text]. This family which modulo the action of the affine group and time homotheties is three-dimensional and we give the bifurcation diagram of its closure with respect to a specific normal form, in the three-dimensional real projective space. The respective bifurcation diagram yields 631 subsets with 226 topologically distinct phase portraits for systems in the closure [Formula: see text] within the representatives of [Formula: see text] given by a specific normal form. Some of these phase portraits are proven to have at least three limit cycles.
Retardational Effect and Hopf Bifurcations in a New Attitude System of Quad-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Fiaz Muhammad , Aqeel Muhammad , Marwan Muhammad , Sabir Muhammad
Published: July 2021

The effect of retardation along second vector of angular velocity on a new attitude system of quad-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (QUAV) is examined in this paper. Catastrophic and hovering conditions of rotor dynamics are verified through bifurcation analysis. It is analyzed that disturbed rotor dynamics during yaw maneuvering lead towards the existence of oscillations and hamper the efficiency of attitude system. We have categorically signified the situation where remote controller of attitude system cannot prevent flipping and consequently, shortens the life of QUAV. This type of situation arises in a strong wind friction zone where positive drag force of rotor dynamics is impeded by the magnitude of rotational moment of inertia. Moreover, subcritical and zero-Hopf bifurcations aroused due to retardational effect in attitude system are analyzed with the aid of normal form and averaging theory. Numerical simulations are also provided for validation of analytical results.
Weak entropy solutions to a model in induction hardening, existence and weak-strong uniqueness
Authors: Hömberg Dietmar , Lasarzik Robert
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we investigate a model describing induction hardening of steel. The related system consists of an energy balance, an ordinary differential equation (ODE) for the different phases of steel, and Maxwell’s equations in a potential formulation. The existence of weak entropy solutions is shown by a suitable regularization and discretization technique. Moreover, we prove the weak-strong uniqueness of these solutions, i.e. that a weak entropy solutions coincides with a classical solution emanating form the same initial data as long as the classical one exists. The weak entropy solution concept has advantages in comparison to the previously introduced weak solutions, e.g. it allows to include free energy functions with low regularity properties corresponding to phase transitions.
Optical brake induced by laser shock waves
Authors: Kang Qiao , Shen Dongyi , Sun Jie , Luo Xin , Liu Wei , Zhou Zhihao , Zhang Yong , Wan Wenjie
Published: July 2021

We demonstrate an optical method to modify friction forces between two close-contact surfaces through laser-induced shock waves, which can strongly enhance surface friction forces in a sandwiched confinement with/without lubricant, due to the increase of pressure arising from excited shock waves. Such enhanced friction can even lead to a rotating rotor’s braking effect. Meanwhile, this shock wave-modified friction force is found to decrease under a free-standing configuration. This technique of optically controllable friction may pave the way for applications in optical levitation, transportation, and microfluidics.
Links Between HX-Groups and Hypergroups
Authors: Cristea Irina , Novák Michal , Onasanya Babatunde Oluwaseun
Published: July 2021

The concept of an [Formula: see text]-group is an upgrade of the concept of a group, in which a new operation is defined on the family of non-empty subsets of a group. If this new support set together with the new operation is a group, then we call it an [Formula: see text]-group. On the other hand, a hyperoperation is a mapping having the same codomain as the operation of an [Formula: see text]-group, i.e., the family of non-empty subsets of the initial set, but a different domain — the set itself. This could be (and was indeed) a source of confusion, which is clarified in this paper. Moreover, [Formula: see text]-groups naturally lead to constructions of hypergroups. The links between these two algebraic concepts are presented, with the aim of reviving the old notion of an [Formula: see text]-group in the current research on algebraic hyperstructures. One of such existing links and one newly established link are also discussed.
Contemporary Development on the Performance and Functionalization of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) for Biomedical Implants
Authors: Singh Devendra Kumar , Verma Rajesh Kumar
Published: July 2021

Polymers are widely used in biomedical implants due to their low cost, ability to shape easily in different ways, low friction and strong anti-corrosion properties. Numerous polymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamide (PA), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyurethane (PU), Epoxy and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) are used to develop modified biomaterials applications. Among these polymers, UHMWPE stands out as a polymer with superior customization properties to satisfy specific requirements of the human body. Investigations show that the medical-grade and prosthetic product market gained dominance in 2020, accounting for over 30% of global sales. UHMWPE has proven its dominance in tribological applications such as bearings and biomedical components. Despite its exceptional tribological properties, UHMWPE struggles with drawbacks such as poor load-bearing capability and low thermal stability. Researchers are working on various paths to develop UHMWPE composites and hybrid composites with nano/micro fillers to develop a composite framework to address these challenges. This review paper aims to amalgamate the results from these studies. It provides an overview of the studies conducted and their contribution to our current understanding of various routes taken by different researchers to enhance the tribological efficiency of UHMWPE biomaterials. This discussion may inspire the development of low friction and improved wear resistance properties in polymer (UHMWPE) biomaterial composites.
A Simple Triple-Band Terahertz Metamaterial Absorber Based on Multi-Mode Resonance for Sensing Applications
Authors: Lou Fangyong , Lei Jianguo , Lin Jingquan
Published: July 2021

A simple design of a triple-band terahertz metamaterial absorber is presented in this paper. The proposed absorber only uses a cross metal structure to achieve nearly perfect absorption of the three peaks, and the absorptivities are all over 97%. The structure shows excellent triple-band absorption by combining fundamental mode resonance with high-order resonance (third-order resonance) in a single metal structure, the absorption mechanism is different from most previous multi-band absorbers. By adjusting the structural parameters of the cross metal, a frequency tunable triple-band absorber is obtained. The metal structure is not only simple in graphics but also insensitive to the polarization waves, which is beneficial to manufacturing and practical application. Finally, the sensing performance of the absorber is analyzed in detail by changing the surrounding environmental parameters, which shows that the absorber has great application value in detection and sensing.
Aeolian processes and landforms
Authors: Goudie Andrew S.
Published: July 2021

A number of major factors have driven the volume and nature of aeolian geomorphology in the second half of the twentieth century: the growth of process studies; the availability of remote sensing, the development of new dating techniques (e.g. optical dating), the utilization of new technologies (e.g. data loggers and global positioning systems); computer modelling of dune forms, wind action and sediment movement; the recognition of the importance of aeolian forms and processes in extraterrestrial settings (especially Mars); the role of aeolian dust in atmospheric processes; the search for analogues for ancient hydrocarbon-bearing strata; the appreciation of the importance of climatic changes in desert areas; a concern with what may happen to arid environments in a warmer world; and an increasing realization that aeolian phenomena could be hazardous. This chapter does not deal with coastal dunes, but concentrates on those of the major lower-latitude drylands. It discusses the main controls on dune forms, the nature of sand seas, ancient and modern, and the nature of dune sediments. It also shows that during the 1970s there was a burgeoning interest in dust storms. In addition, with the availability of remote sensing imagery, it was possible to see for the first time that wind-furrowed yardangs were striking features with a wide global distribution. The origin of closed depressions (pans) generated a large literature, and hypotheses for their formation were put forward that included wind erosion, solution, excavation by animals, karstic and pseudo-karstic solution, and tectonic subsidence. Remote sensing showed just how important they were in drylands. Other phenomena that attracted attention and some controversy were stone pavements and peri-desert loess. Finally, it is suggested that the nature of aeolian processes and forms will be modified in a warmer world.
Human–environment interactions during the mid-late Holocene and the Anthropocene – lessons from NW Indian plains and Bengal Delta
Authors: Dixit Yama , Biswas Sravani
Published: July 2021

The Indian subcontinent today houses about one-third of the global population and is one of the most vulnerable regions to future climate variability. This region has seen changes in civilizations, kingdoms and more recently political regimes, that were intricately linked to the changing environment over the mid–late Holocene. A comparative analysis of human–environment interaction within different regions at different time scales of the Quaternary is, however, lacking. In this paper we discuss the human–environment interactions taking case studies from two diverse time periods and geographically different regions from the Indian subcontinent. First, we review and analyse the role of environmental change in the evolution of Indus civilization on the northwestern Indian subcontinent during the mid–late Holocene and secondly, we discuss the role of both the anthropogenic activities and environmental change during the Anthropocene in shaping up the Bengal Delta. Overall, during the mid–late Holocene, Indus cultural transformations were driven by natural environmental changes, whereas the anthropogenic activities in the last few centuries have modified the Bengal deltaic landscape, which has intensified the impacts of natural disasters – in both cases a change in socio-political scenarios occurred. Such studies can be used as benchmarks to understand the future response of societies to environmental changes.
The Hypervolume Indicator
Authors: Guerreiro Andreia P. , Fonseca Carlos M. , Paquete Luís
Published: July 2021

The hypervolume indicator is one of the most used set-quality indicators for the assessment of stochastic multiobjective optimizers, as well as for selection in evolutionary multiobjective optimization algorithms. Its theoretical properties justify its wide acceptance, particularly the strict monotonicity with respect to set dominance, which is still unique of hypervolume-based indicators. This article discusses the computation of hypervolume-related problems, highlighting the relations between them, providing an overview of the paradigms and techniques used, a description of the main algorithms for each problem, and a rundown of the fastest algorithms regarding asymptotic complexity and runtime. By providing a complete overview of the computational problems associated to the hypervolume indicator, this article serves as the starting point for the development of new algorithms and supports users in the identification of the most appropriate implementations available for each problem.
Beyond Restriction Modification: Epigenomic Roles of DNA Methylation in Prokaryotes
Authors: Anton Brian P. , Roberts Richard J.
Published: July 2021

The amount of bacterial and archaeal genome sequence and methylome data has greatly increased over the last decade, enabling new insights into the functional roles of DNA methylation in these organisms. Methyltransferases (MTases), the enzymes responsible for DNA methylation, are exchanged between prokaryotes through horizontal gene transfer and can function either as part of restriction-modification systems or in apparent isolation as single (orphan) genes. The patterns of DNA methylation they confer on the host chromosome can have significant effects on gene expression, DNA replication, and other cellular processes. Some processes require very stable patterns of methylation, resulting in conservation of persistent MTases in a particular lineage. Other processes require patterns that are more dynamic yet more predictable than what is afforded by horizontal gene transfer and gene loss, resulting in phase-variable or recombination-driven MTase alleles. In this review, we discuss what is currently known about the functions of DNA methylation in prokaryotes in light of these evolutionary patterns.
Genome-Scale Metabolic Modeling of the Human Microbiome in the Era of Personalized Medicine
Authors: Heinken Almut , Basile Arianna , Hertel Johannes , Thinnes Cyrille , Thiele Ines
Published: July 2021

The human microbiome plays an important role in human health and disease. Meta-omics analyses provide indispensable data for linking changes in microbiome composition and function to disease etiology. Yet, the lack of a mechanistic understanding of, e.g., microbiome-metabolome links hampers the translation of these findings into effective, novel therapeutics. Here, we propose metabolic modeling of microbial communities through constraint-based reconstruction and analysis (COBRA) as a complementary approach to meta-omics analyses. First, we highlight the importance of microbial metabolism in cardiometabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, Alzheimer disease, and Parkinson disease. Next, we demonstrate that microbial community modeling can stratify patients and controls, mechanistically link microbes with fecal metabolites altered in disease, and identify host pathways affected by the microbiome. Finally, we outline our vision for COBRA modeling combined with meta-omics analyses and multivariate statistical analyses to inform and guide clinical trials, yield testable hypotheses, and ultimately propose novel dietary and therapeutic interventions.
On the Finite Element Model of Rotating Functionally Graded Graphene Beams Resting on Elastic Foundation
Authors: Van Dung Nguyen , Tho Nguyen Chi , Ha Nguyen Manh , Hieu Vu Trong
Published: July 2021

Rotating structures can be easily encountered in engineering practice such as turbines, helicopter propellers, railroad tracks in turning positions, and so on. In such cases, it can be seen as a moving beam that rotates around a fixed axis. These structures commonly operate in hot weather; as a result, the arising temperature significantly changes their mechanical response, so studying the mechanical behavior of these structures in a temperature environment has great implications for design and use in practice. This work is the first exploration using the new shear deformation theory-type hyperbolic sine functions to carry out the free vibration analysis of the rotating functionally graded graphene beam resting on the elastic foundation taking into account the effects of both temperature and the initial geometrical imperfection. Equations for determining the fundamental frequencies as well as the vibration mode shapes of the beam are established, as mentioned, by the finite element method. The beam material is reinforced with graphene platelets (GPLs) with three types of GPL distribution ratios. The numerical results show numerous new points that have not been published before, especially the influence of the rotational speed, temperature, and material distribution on the free vibration response of the structure.
LINC01355 Contributes to Malignant Phenotype of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Cytotoxic T Cell Infiltration via Activating Notch Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zou Chen , Wu Siyuan , Wei Haigang , Luo Hailing , Tang Zhe , Li Xia , Lv Xiaozhi , Ai Yilong
Published: July 2021

LINC01355 has been demonstrated to be dysregulated in several cancers. However, the exact molecular function of LINC01355 in the pathogenesis of OSCC remains unstudied. Here, we reported the effect of LINC01355 in OSCC and investigated the mechanisms. Firstly, we found that the results indicated LINC01355 was increased in OSCC cells. Knockdown of LINC01355 repressed OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Recently, immunotherapy is a significant method for the treatment of cancers, in which CD8+ T cells exhibit a significant role. The influence of LINC01355 on the antitumor activity of CD8+ T cells was also focused in this study. As shown, the silence of LINC01355 could repress OSCC tumor growth via inducing CD8+ T cell immune responses. In addition, we found that downregulation of LINC01355 significantly restrained CD8+ T cell apoptosis, induced CD8+ T cell percentage, and enhanced the cytolysis activity when cocultured with OSCC cells. It has been reported that the Notch pathway represses CD8+ T cell activity in cancer patients. In our present study, we displayed that lack of LINC01355 suppressed OSCC malignant behaviors and enhanced the antitumor activity of CD8+ T cells via inactivating Notch signaling. We showed that decreased LINC01355 significantly restrained the Notch signal via a decrease of Notch-1, JAG-1, and HES-1. Repression of Notch1 reversed the effect of LINC01355 in OSCC cells. In conclusion, it was implied that LINC01355 might induce the development of OSCC via modulating the Notch signal pathway, which could provide a candidate therapeutic target for OSCC.