bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Approaches for Biocorrosion Mitigation in Sewer Systems
Authors: Fytianos Georgios , Banti Dimitra , Dushku Esmeralda , Papastergiadis Efthimios , Yiangou Minas , Samaras Petros
Published: October 2021

Concrete sewer pipes can be corroded by the biogenic sulfuric acid (H2SO4) generated from microbiological activities in a process called biocorrosion or microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC). In this study, inhibitors that can reduce Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans growth and thus may reduce the accumulation of biofilm components responsible for the biodegradation of concrete were used. D-tyrosine, tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS) and TiO2 nanoparticles were investigated as potential inhibitors of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) growth. Results showed that most of the chemicals used can inhibit SOB growth at a concentration lower than 100 mg/L. TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited the highest biocide effect and potential biocorrosion mitigation activity, followed by D-tyrosine and THPS.
Effect of Azithromycin on Mineralized Nodule Formation in MC3T3-E1 Cells
Authors: Kato Kengo , Ozaki Manami , Nakai Kumiko , Nagasaki Maki , Nakajima Junya , Koshi Ryosuke , Tanaka Hideki , Kawato Takayuki , Tonogi Morio
Published: October 2021

Azithromycin displays immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects in addition to broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and is used to treat inflammatory diseases, including respiratory and odontogenic infections. Few studies have reported the effect of azithromycin therapy on bone remodeling processes. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of azithromycin on the osteogenic function of osteoblasts using osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. Cells were cultured in the presence of 0, 0.1, 1, and 10 µg/mL azithromycin, and cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity were determined. In vitro mineralized nodule formation was detected with alizarin red staining. The expression of collagenous and non-collagenous bone matrix protein was determined using real-time PCR or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In cells cultured with 10 µg/mL azithromycin, the ALPase activity and mineralized nodule formation decreased, while the type I collagen, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, and osteopontin mRNA expression as well as osteopontin and phosphorylated osteopontin levels increased. These results suggest that a high azithromycin concentration (10 µg/mL) suppresses mineralized nodule formation by decreasing ALPase activity and increasing osteopontin production, whereas low concentrations (≤l.0 µg/mL) have no effect on osteogenic function in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.
Skeletal Muscle Regeneration by the Exosomes of Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Byun Seong-Eun , Sim Changgon , Chung Yoonhui , Kim Hyung Kyung , Park Sungmoon , Kim Do Kyung , Cho Seongmin , Lee Soonchul
Published: October 2021

Profound skeletal muscle loss can lead to severe disability and cosmetic deformities. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes have shown potential as an effective therapeutic tool for tissue regeneration. This study aimed to determine the regenerative capacity of MSC-derived exosomes for skeletal muscle regeneration. Exosomes were isolated from human adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs). The effects of MSC-derived exosomes on satellite cells were investigated using cell viability, relevant genes, and protein analyses. Moreover, NOD-SCID mice were used and randomly assigned to the healthy control (n = 4), muscle defect (n = 6), and muscle defect + exosome (n = 6) groups. Muscle defects were created using a biopsy punch on the quadriceps of the hind limb. Four weeks after the surgery, the quadriceps muscles were harvested, weighed, and histologically analyzed. MSC-derived exosome treatment increased the proliferation and expression of myocyte-related genes, and immunofluorescence analysis for myogenin revealed a similar trend. Histologically, MSC-derived exosome-treated mice showed relatively preserved shapes and sizes of the muscle bundles. Immunohistochemical staining revealed greater expression of myogenin and myoblast determination protein 1 in the MSC-derived exosome-treated group. These results indicate that exosomes extracted from AD-MSCs have the therapeutic potential for skeletal muscle regeneration.
AoP-LSE: Antioxidant Proteins Classification Using Deep Latent Space Encoding of Sequence Features
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Khan Shujaat , Park Seongyong , Lee Jeong-A
Published: October 2021

It is of utmost importance to develop a computational method for accurate prediction of antioxidants, as they play a vital role in the prevention of several diseases caused by oxidative stress. In this correspondence, we present an effective computational methodology based on the notion of deep latent space encoding. A deep neural network classifier fused with an auto-encoder learns class labels in a pruned latent space. This strategy has eliminated the need to separately develop classifier and the feature selection model, allowing the standalone model to effectively harness discriminating feature space and perform improved predictions. A thorough analytical study has been presented alongwith the PCA/tSNE visualization and PCA-GCNR scores to show the discriminating power of the proposed method. The proposed method showed a high MCC value of 0.43 and a balanced accuracy of 76.2%, which is superior to the existing models. The model has been evaluated on an independent dataset during which it outperformed the contemporary methods by correctly identifying the novel proteins with an accuracy of 95%.
Effect of Ducrosia flabellifolia and Savignya parviflora Extracts on Inhibition of Human Colon and Prostate Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Alghamdi Youssef Saeed , Saleh Osama Moseilhy , Alqadri Nada , Mashraqi Mutaib Mosaued , Bahattab Omar , Awad Nabil Saied
Published: October 2021

The goal of this study was to investigate whether Ducrosia flabellifolia and Savignya parviflora methanol extract the have effect on colon and prostate cancer cell lines. Analysis of total content of phenolics and flavonoids of each plant extract was carried out. Cytotoxic effect, cell cycle analysis, induction of apoptosis and gene expression of Bcl-2 and Bax genes were studied. Obtained results indicated that, the plant extracts exhibit growth inhibition of used cancer cell lines and induced apoptosis as well as arresting of cell cycle. At the molecular level, changes in gene expression were detected via qPCR and confirmed by western blotting. The exhibited anticancer potentialities of plant extracts against utilized cancer cell lines are due to its containing bioactive compounds. Further detailed isolation, fractionation and characterization of bioactive compounds are needed.
Effect of Coarse Recycled Aggregate on Failure Strength for Asphalt Mixture Using Experimental and DEM Method
Authors: Yao Yongsheng , Li Jue , Liang Chenghao , Hu Xin
Published: October 2021

Coarse aggregate is the major part of asphalt mixture, and plays an essential role in mechanical performance of pavement structure. However, the use of poor-quality coarse recycled aggregate (CRA) reduces the strength and stability of the aggregate skeleton. It is a challenge to predict accurately the influence of CRA on the performance of asphalt mixture. In this study, both a uniaxial compression test and a direct tensile test were carried out to evaluate the failure strength of asphalt concrete with four CRA content. The discrete element method (DEM) was applied to simulate the specimen of asphalt concrete considering the distribution and properties of CRA. The results showed that temperature and loading rate have a significant influence on failure strength, especially when the CRA content was more than 20%. With the increase of CRA content, both cohesion force and internal friction angle were gradually weakened. The proposed model can be used to predict the failure strength of asphalt mixture, since both experimental and simulated results had a high consistency and repeatability. With the decrease of CRA strength, the nominal cohesion force of the specimen decreased, while the internal friction angle increased.
Metaheuristic Optimization of Laminated Composite Plates with Cut-Outs
Authors: Cakiroglu Celal , Islam Kamrul , Bekdaş Gebrail , Kim Sanghun , Geem Zong Woo
Published: October 2021

The stacking sequence optimization of laminated composite plates while maximizing the structural performance or minimizing the weight is a subject investigated extensively in the literature. Meanwhile, research on the optimization of laminates with cut-outs has been relatively limited. Cut-outs being an indispensable feature of structural components, this paper concentrates on the stacking sequence optimization of composite laminates in the presence of circular cut-outs. The buckling load of a laminate is used as a metric to quantify the structural performance. Here the laminates are modeled as carbon fiber-reinforced composites using the finite element analysis software, ABAQUS. For the optimization, the widely used harmony search algorithm is applied. In terms of design variables, ply thickness, and fiber orientation angles of the plies are used as continuously changing variables. In addition to the stacking sequence, another geometric variable to consider is the aspect ratio (ratio of the length of the longer sides to the length of the shorter sides of the plate) of the rectangular laminates. The optimization is carried out for three different aspect ratios. It is shown that, by using dispersed stacking sequences instead of the commonly used 0°/±45°/±90° fiber angle stacks, significantly higher buckling loads can be achieved. Furthermore, changing the cut-out geometry is found to have a significant effect on the structural performance.
Analysis of Film Forming Law and Characteristics for an Air Static Spray with a Variable Position of the Plane
Authors: Liu Yi , Zeng Yong , Zhao Xueya , Liu Jiuxuan , Liu Dezhi
Published: October 2021

In order to accurately establish the film thickness distribution model of a static spraying plane with air gun displacement, the film forming law and characteristics of the static spraying plane with air gun displacement were analyzed. The spray simulation model was established by the Euler–Euler method, and the spray process and film forming condition were calculated. The numerical simulation results show that oblique spraying has a large influence on the near-surface liquid velocity. With the increase in the spray angle, the droplets at the edge of the torch diffuse to the inclined direction, and the uniformity of the coating distribution becomes worse. Spraying height has a large influence on droplet trajectory. The coating thickness decreased significantly with the increase in spraying height, and the coating diffused in the air increased. With the increase in spraying height, the more obvious the droplet diffusion at the edge of the torch, the worse the uniformity quality of the coating. In order to ensure better spraying quality, the spraying height and angle should be controlled within a reasonable range at the same time. Spraying experiments verified the film forming law and characteristics of static spraying with gun displacement.
Systematic Literature Review of the Natural Environment of the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand, from a Conservation Perspective
Authors: Zakharovskyi Vladyslav , Németh Károly
Published: October 2021

This research presents a literature review of published scientific literature on the Coromandel Peninsula, a well-known region of the northern part of the North Island of New Zealand. It contains many biological, geological, and historical features and is well known for beautiful scenery, resulting from a volcanic rock-dominated terrestrial environment influenced by oceanic factors at the coast. All these factors have combined to make the Coromandel a popular tourism destination for New Zealanders and offshore visitors. In researching the current state of knowledge of the region, we searched three scientific databases to define the main ways of studying the region. The results demonstrated a high interest in biological and environmental factors, reflected in the type and scale of conservation measures applied to flora and fauna of the region. Additionally, specificity of geological evolution was a highly examined subject, in the context of hydrothermal alteration as related to gold and silver mineralization resulting in extensive exploration and mining. Meanwhile, indigenous cultural aspects of the land were not recognizable as expected within Western scientific literature, even though the region contains sites recognized as some of the earliest Māori habitations. Therefore, we suggest future studies to expand our understanding of scientific, cultural, and social aspects of the region as applied to the field of conservation in the region.
The Trouble with Anthropocentric Hubris, with Examples from Conservation
Authors: Washington Haydn , Piccolo John , Gomez-Baggethun Erik , Kopnina Helen , Alberro Heather
Published: October 2021

Anthropocentrism in Western (modern industrial) society is dominant, goes back hundreds of years, and can rightly be called ‘hubris’. It removes almost all moral standing from the nonhuman world, seeing it purely as a resource. Here, we discuss the troubling components of anthropocentrism: worldview and ethics; dualisms, valuation and values; a psychology of fear and denial; and the idea of philosophical ‘ownership’. We also question whether it is a truly practical (or ethical) approach. We then discuss three troubling examples of anthropocentrism in conservation: ‘new’ conservation; ecosystem services; and the IPBES values assessment. We conclude that anthropocentrism is fuelling the environmental crisis and accelerating extinction, and urge academia to speak out instead for ecocentrism.
A Study of Gas Transport Mechanisms for CH4/CO2 Using Ceramic Membranes
Authors: Ogunlude Priscilla , Abunumah Ofasa , Muhammad-Sukki Firdaus , Gobina Edward
Published: October 2021

Greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and their effects have been a matter of global concern over the past decade. As the demand for energy grows in developing economies, there has been a challenge in harnessing and utilising sustainable forms of energy to meet these demands, and despite the effect of global warming and the problems associated with it, the use of fossil fuels is still increasing. This problem has negatively impacted the climate because greenhouse gases evolved from burning fossil fuel increase the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and lead to global warming. This study investigates a method of channelling biogas for use as a sustainable energy source by using membrane technology. Initially, by observing the behaviour of biogas components as they travel selectively through the membrane support, the findings showed that both fluid and structural properties have significant impacts on the separation process. The next approach is to modify the membrane to obtain these optimal conditions. Furthermore, by introducing an agent that serves as an adsorptive medium for maximising contact between the pore walls and the gas molecules, this creates an adsorptive layer that preferentially draws the target gas to its surface to deliver both high permeability and selectivity of the membrane.
Microstructural Evolution and Tensile Testing of a Bi–Sn (57/43) Alloy Processed by Tube High-Pressure Shearing
Authors: Wang Chuan-Ting , Li Zheng , He Yong , Wang Jing-Tao , Langdon Terence G.
Published: October 2021

Tube high-pressure shearing (t-HPS) processing was performed on a eutectic Bi–Sn (57/43) alloy for 0.25, 1, 5 and 20 turns. The selected samples were stored at room temperature for up to 56 days to examine the strain weakening and self-annealing behavior of the alloy. The results showed that t-HPS processing gradually refined the microstructure and led to decreasing of microhardness, but microhardness increased slowly during the subsequent storage at room temperature. Shear localization of the eutectic structure during t-HPS processing was observed as large amounts of narrow dense lamellar zones were visible in the deformed microstructures. The Bi–Sn (57/43) alloy processed by t-HPS exhibited significantly enhanced superplastic properties with elongations up to >1800% in a sample after t-HPS processing for 20 turns. This high elongation is attributed to the breaking of the lamellar structure and the very small grain size.
Experimental Investigation and Image Processing to Predict the Properties of Concrete with the Addition of Nano Silica and Rice Husk Ash
Authors: Avudaiappan Siva , Prakatanoju Supriya , Amran Mugahed , Aepuru Radhamanohar , Saavedra Flores Erick I. , Das Raj , Gupta Rishi , Fediuk Roman , Vatin Nikolai
Published: October 2021

The use of the combination of ultrafine rice husk ash (RHA) and nano silica (NS) enhances the compactness of hardened concrete, but there is still a lack of studies that address the effects of NS and RHA on the workability, mechanical properties and pore microstructure of concrete. This study mainly aims to investigate the influence of the pore size distribution in multiphysics concrete model modified by NS and RHA and to determine the workability and mechanical properties of concrete with NS and RHA. In this work, NS and RHA were used as 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% replacements of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in concrete grade M20. Concrete mixed with NS and RHA showed improved performance for up to 10% addition of NS and RHA. Further addition of NS and RHA showed a decrease in performance at 7, 14 and 28 days. The decrease in concrete porosity was also found to be up to 10% when adding NS and RHA to cement. Image processing was performed on the cement-based materials to describe the microstructure of the targeted material without damage. The results from the experimental and tomography images were utilized to investigate the concrete microstructure and predict its inner properties.
Bovine Colostrum for Human Consumption—Improving Microbial Quality and Maintaining Bioactive Characteristics through Processing
Authors: Fasse Sylvia , Alarinta Jarmo , Frahm Björn , Wirtanen Gun
Published: October 2021

The main purpose of bovine colostrum, being the milk secreted by a cow after giving birth, is to transfer passive immunity to the calf. The calves have an immature immune system as they lack immunoglobulins (Igs). Subsequently, the supply of good quality bovine colostrum is required. The quality of colostrum is classified by low bacterial counts and adequate Ig concentrations. Bacterial contamination can contain a variety of human pathogens or high counts of spoilage bacteria, which has become more challenging with the emerging use of bovine colostrum as food and food supplements. There is also a growing risk for the spread of zoonotic diseases originating from bovines. For this reason, processing based on heat treatment or other feasible techniques is required. This review provides an overview of literature on the microbial quality of bovine colostrum and processing methods to improve its microbial quality and keep its nutritional values as food. The highlights of this review are as follows: high quality colostrum is a valuable raw material in food products and supplements; the microbial safety of bovine colostrum is increased using an appropriate processing-suitable effective heat treatment which does not destroy the high nutrition value of colostrum; the heat treatment processes are cost-effective compared to other methods; and heat treatment can be performed in both small- and large-scale production.
Dermal Melanocytic Disorders
Authors: Han Yujin , Lee Se-Hoon , Cho Minah , Cho Sang-Hyun , Lee Jeong-Deuk , Woo Yu-Ri , Kim Hei-Sung
Published: October 2021

Dermal melanocytic disorders present as bluish pigmentation on the skin. Several entities including Mongolian spot, aberrant Mongolian spot, nevus of Ota, and nevus of Ito have been reported. It is often difficult to distinguish between the different entities from their overlapping features. Although they share similar etiologies and histologic findings, their co-morbidities and prognosis differ. In this paper, we report four cases of dermal melanocytic disorders of which we were not able to make a clear-cut diagnosis. Also, we briefly review the dermal melanocytic disorders.
Proposed Mechanisms of Blood Flow Restriction Exercise for the Improvement of Type 1 Diabetes Pathologies
Authors: Jones Morgan T. , Aguiar Elroy J. , Winchester Lee J.
Published: October 2021

Individuals with type 1 diabetes suffer from impaired angiogenesis, decreased capillarization, and higher fatigability that influence their muscular system beyond the detriments caused by decreased glycemic control. In order to combat exacerbations of these effects, the American Diabetes Association recommends that individuals with type 1 diabetes participate in regular resistance exercise. However, traditional resistance exercise only induces hypertrophy when loads of ≥65% of an individual’s one repetition maximum are used. Combining blood flow restriction with resistance exercise may serve as a more efficient means for stimulating anabolic pathways that result in increased protein synthesis and angiogenesis at lower loads, while also promoting better glycemic control. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review on the literature surrounding the benefits of resistance exercise, specifically for individuals with type 1 diabetes, and postulate potential effects of combining resistance exercise with blood flow restriction in this clinical population.
Dietary Choline Deprivation Exacerbates Cardiomyopathy in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Adult Rats
Authors: Al-Humadi Ahmed , Strilakou Athina , Al-Humadi Hussam , Al-Saigh Rafal , Agapitos Emmanouel , Mourouzis Iordanis , Al-Najim Werd , Liapi Charis
Published: October 2021

Choline (Ch) is an essential molecule of substantial importance for the optimal development and function of several biological systems. Ch deprivation has been linked with abnormal fat metabolism, insulin resistance, and myocardial dysfunction. The current study provides evidence of an exacerbation of streptozotocin-induced cardiomyopathy in adult diabetic Wistar rats by dietary Ch deprivation through the administration of a Ch-deprived diet (CDD). Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomly separated into four groups: control, diabetic (DM), choline-deprived through choline-deprived diet (CD), and diabetic choline-deprived (DM + CD). After five weeks of dietary intervention, myocardium echocardiographic and histological assessments were performed. Choline-deprived diabetic rats exhibited significantly slower heart rate, significantly higher myocardial ejection velocity and left ventricle wall tension index with a concomitant significant decreased LV posterior wall thickness as compared to diabetic rats fed on a standard diet. Moreover, histopathological evidence demonstrated an exacerbation of myocardial inflammation and fibrosis associated with significant up-regulation of VEGF expression in the diabetic rat myocardium as a result of Ch deprivation. The study’s findings are of particular significance since the examined experimental approach introduces a previously uncharacterised comorbidity simulation with regards to myocardial structure and functional profiling.
Update on Optical Coherence Tomography and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Imaging in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Vaz-Pereira Sara , Morais-Sarmento Tiago , Engelbert Michael
Published: October 2021

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is a major cause of blindness in diabetic individuals. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCTA) are noninvasive imaging techniques useful for the diagnosis and assessment of PDR. We aim to review several recent developments using OCT and discuss their present and potential future applications in the clinical setting. An electronic database search was performed so as to include all studies assessing OCT and/or OCTA findings in PDR patients published from 1 January 2020 to 31 May 2021. Thirty studies were included, and the most recently published data essentially focused on the higher detection rate of neovascularization obtained with widefield-OCT and/or OCTA (WF-OCT/OCTA) and on the increasing quality of retinal imaging with quality levels non-inferior to widefield-fluorescein angiography (WF-FA). There were also significant developments in the study of retinal nonperfusion areas (NPAs) using these techniques and research on the impact of PDR treatment on NPAs and on vascular density. It is becoming increasingly clear that it is critical to use adequate imaging protocols focused on optimized segmentation and maximized imaged retinal area, with ongoing technological development through artificial intelligence and deep learning. These latest findings emphasize the growing applicability and role of noninvasive imaging in managing PDR with the added benefit of avoiding the repetition of invasive conventional FA.
Development and Clinical Validation of the LymphMonitor Technology to Quantitatively Assess Lymphatic Function
Authors: Polomska Anna , Gousopoulos Epameinondas , Fehr Daniel , Bachmann Andreas , Bonmarin Mathias , Detmar Michael , Lindenblatt Nicole
Published: October 2021

Current diagnostic methods for evaluating the functionality of the lymphatic vascular system usually do not provide quantitative data and suffer from many limitations including high costs, complexity, and the need to perform them in hospital settings. In this work, we present a quantitative, simple outpatient technology named LymphMonitor to quantitatively assess lymphatic function. This method is based on the painless injection of the lymphatic-specific near-infrared fluorescent tracer indocyanine green complexed with human serum albumin, using MicronJet600TM microneedles, and monitoring the disappearance of the fluorescence signal at the injection site over time using a portable detection device named LymphMeter. This technology was investigated in 10 patients with unilateral leg or arm lymphedema. After injection of a tracer solution into each limb, the signal was measured over 3 h and the area under the normalized clearance curve was calculated to quantify the lymphatic function. A statistically significant difference in lymphatic clearance in the healthy versus the lymphedema extremities was found, based on the obtained area under curves of the normalized clearance curves. This study provides the first evidence that the LymphMonitor technology has the potential to diagnose and monitor the lymphatic function in patients.
Assessing PD-L1 Expression Level via Preoperative MRI in HCC Based on Integrating Deep Learning and Radiomics Features
Authors: Tian Yuchi , Komolafe Temitope Emmanuel , Zheng Jian , Zhou Guofeng , Chen Tao , Zhou Bo , Yang Xiaodong
Published: October 2021

To assess if quantitative integrated deep learning and radiomics features can predict the PD-L1 expression level in preoperative MRI of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The data in this study consist of 103 hepatocellular carcinoma patients who received immunotherapy in a single center. These patients were divided into a high PD-L1 expression group (30 patients) and a low PD-L1 expression group (73 patients). Both radiomics and deep learning features were extracted from their MRI sequence of T2-WI, which were merged into an integrative feature space for machine learning for the prediction of PD-L1 expression. The five-fold cross-validation was adopted to validate the performance of the model, while the AUC was used to assess the predictive ability of the model. Based on the five-fold cross-validation, the integrated model achieved the best prediction performance, with an AUC score of 0.897 ± 0.084, followed by the deep learning-based model with an AUC of 0.852 ± 0.043 then the radiomics-based model with AUC of 0.794 ± 0.035. The feature set integrating radiomics and deep learning features is more effective in predicting PD-L1 expression level than only one feature type. The integrated model can achieve fast and accurate prediction of PD-L1 expression status in preoperative MRI of HCC patients.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Krogh-Poulsen Test for the Diagnosis of the Temporomandibular Disorders
Authors: Ibáñez-Vera Alfonso Javier , Alonso-Royo Roger , Sánchez-Torrelo Carmen María , Zagalaz-Anula Noelia , López-Collantes Jesús , Lomas-Vega Rafael
Published: October 2021

The Krogh-Poulsen Test is a classic instrument to measure dysfunction of the stomatognathic system whose psychometric properties are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Krogh-Poulsen Test for the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). A cross-sectional study was designed, including 119 patients (63 patients with TMD and 56 healthy controls). Factorial validity, inter-rater reliability, error of measurement, diagnostic validity of the Krogh-Poulsen Test, and concurrent validity were analyzed. The Krogh-Poulsen Test showed a three-factor structure. The inter-rater agreement could be considered very good with a kappa index of 0.87 (95% CI 0.83–0.90) and Standard Error of Measurement of 0.79. Correlations were strong with other orofacial instruments, moderate with instruments measuring TMD-related disorders such as neck pain, headache, or dizziness, and poor with generic quality of life instruments. The Area Under the Curve ROC was 0.928 showing, for a cut-off point >1, a sensitivity of 90.48 (95% CI 80.4–96.4) and a specificity of 85.71 (95% CI 73.8–93.6) for the diagnosis of TMD disorders. The Krogh-Poulsen Test showed a three-factor structure, very good inter-rater reliability, a strong correlation with other orofacial instruments, and an excellent capacity to discriminate between patients with or without TMD.
In Search of a Unifying Concept in Human Diseases
Authors: Trosko James Edward
Published: October 2021

Throughout the history of biological/medicine sciences, there has been opposing strategies to find solutions to complex human disease problems. Both empirical and deductive approaches have led to major insights and concepts that have led to practical preventive and therapeutic benefits for the human population. The classic definitions of “science” (to know) has been paired with the classic definition of technology (to do). One knew more as the technology developed, and that development was often based on science. In other words, one could do more if science could improve the technology. In turn, this made possible to know more science with improved technology. However, with the development of new technologies of today in biology and medicine, major advances have been made, such as the information from the Human Genome Project, genetic engineering techniques and the use of bioinformatic uses of sophisticated computer analyses. This has led to the renewed idea that Precision Medicine, while raising some serious ethical concerns, also raises the expectation of improved potential of risk predictions for prevention and treatment of various genetically and environmentally influenced human diseases. This new field Artificial Intelligence, as a major handmaiden to Precision Medicine, is significantly altering the fundamental means of biological discovery. However, can today’s fundamental premise of “Artificial Intelligence”, based on identifying DNA, as the primary nexus of human health and disease, provide the practical solutions to complex human diseases that involve the interaction of those genes with the broad spectrum of “environmental factors”? Will it be “precise” enough to provide practical solutions for prevention and treatments of diseases? In this “Commentary”, with the example of human carcinogenesis, it will be challenged that, without the integration of mechanistic and hypothesis-driven approaches with the “unbiased” empirical analyses of large numbers of data, the Artificial Intelligence approach with fall short.
Small RNAs Worm Up Transgenerational Epigenetics Research
Authors: Grishok Alla
Published: October 2021

DNA is central to the propagation and evolution of most living organisms due to the essential process of its self-replication. Yet it also encodes factors that permit epigenetic (not included in DNA sequence) flow of information from parents to their offspring and beyond. The known mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance include chemical modifications of DNA and chromatin, as well as regulatory RNAs. All these factors can modulate gene expression programs in the ensuing generations. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is recognized as a pioneer organism in transgenerational epigenetic inheritance research. Recent advances in C. elegans epigenetics include the discoveries of control mechanisms that limit the duration of RNA-based epigenetic inheritance, periodic DNA motifs that counteract epigenetic silencing establishment, new mechanistic insights into epigenetic inheritance carried by sperm, and the tantalizing examples of inheritance of sensory experiences. This review aims to highlight new findings in epigenetics research in C. elegans with the main focus on transgenerational epigenetic phenomena dependent on small RNAs.
Sex-Determination Mechanisms among Populations within Cryptic Species Complex of Calotes (Squamata: Agamidae: Draconinae)
Authors: Alam Shayer Mahmood Ibney , Prasongmaneerut Tulyawat , Gleeson Dianne , Georges Arthur , Sarre Stephen D. , Srikulnath Kornsorn , Ezaz Tariq
Published: October 2021

Sex-determination mechanisms and sex chromosomes are known to vary among reptile species and, in a few celebrated examples, within populations of the same species. The oriental garden lizard, Calotes versicolor, is one of the most intriguing species in this regard, exhibiting evidence of multiple sex-determination modes within a single species. One possible explanation for this unusual distribution is that in C. versicolor, different modes of sex determination are confined to a particular population or a species within a cryptic species complex. Here, we report on a population genetic analysis using SNP data from a methylation-sensitive DArT sequencing analysis and mitochondrial DNA data obtained from samples collected from six locations: three from Bangladesh and three from Thailand. Our aim was to determine whether C. versicolor is best described as a single species with multiple lineages or as multiple species, as well as if its sex-determination mechanisms vary within or between species. We present evidence that the latter possibility is the case and that C. versicolor comprises a complex of cryptic species. We also identify sex-linked markers within these species and use them to identify modes of sex determination. Overall, our results suggest that different sex-determination modes have evolved among closely related species and within populations of Agamid lizards.
The Relativity of Indeterminacy
Authors: Del Santo Flavio , Gisin Nicolas
Published: October 2021

A long-standing tradition, largely present in both the physical and the philosophical literature, regards the advent of (special) relativity—with its block-universe picture—as the failure of any indeterministic program in physics. On the contrary, in this paper, we note that upholding reasonable principles of finiteness of information hints at a picture of the physical world that should be both relativistic and indeterministic. We thus rebut the block-universe picture by assuming that fundamental indeterminacy itself should also be regarded as a relative property when considered in a relativistic scenario. We discuss the consequence that this view may have when correlated randomness is introduced, both in the classical case and in the quantum one.
Multi-Source Coupling Based Analysis of the Acoustic Radiation Characteristics of the Wheel–Rail Region of High-Speed Railways
Authors: Hou Bowen , Li Jiajing , Gao Liang , Wang Di
Published: October 2021

Based on elastic mechanics, the fluid–structure coupling theory and the finite element method, a high-speed railway wheel-rail rolling-aerodynamic noise model is established to realize the combined simulation and prediction of the vibrations, rolling noise and aerodynamic noise in wheel-rail systems. The field test data of the Beijing–Shenyang line are considered to verify the model reliability. In addition, the directivity of each sound source at different frequencies is analyzed. Based on this analysis, noise reduction measures are proposed. At a low frequency of 300 Hz, the wheel-rail area mainly contributes to the aerodynamic noise, and as the frequency increases, the wheel-rail rolling noise becomes dominant. When the frequency is less than 1000 Hz, the radiated noise fluctuates around the cylindrical surface, and the directivity of the sound is ambiguous. When the frequency is in the middle- and high-frequency bands, exceeding 1000 Hz, both the rolling and total noise exhibit a notable directivity in the directions of 20–30° and 70–90°, and thus, noise reduction measures can be implemented in these directions.
PAC-Bayes Unleashed: Generalisation Bounds with Unbounded Losses
Authors: Haddouche Maxime , Guedj Benjamin , Rivasplata Omar , Shawe-Taylor John
Published: October 2021

We present new PAC-Bayesian generalisation bounds for learning problems with unbounded loss functions. This extends the relevance and applicability of the PAC-Bayes learning framework, where most of the existing literature focuses on supervised learning problems with a bounded loss function (typically assumed to take values in the interval [0;1]). In order to relax this classical assumption, we propose to allow the range of the loss to depend on each predictor. This relaxation is captured by our new notion of HYPothesis-dependent rangE (HYPE). Based on this, we derive a novel PAC-Bayesian generalisation bound for unbounded loss functions, and we instantiate it on a linear regression problem. To make our theory usable by the largest audience possible, we include discussions on actual computation, practicality and limitations of our assumptions.
A Review of Transport Policies in Support of Climate Actions in Asian Cities and Countries
Authors: Regmi Madan B.
Published: October 2021

Asia is one of the continents that is the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Asian countries need to take climate actions and mitigate emissions from the urban passenger transport sector. Despite some progress in improving urban mobility in Asian cities, greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector continue to rise. Policy makers who are responsible for managing mobilities must play a major role in decarbonizing the transport sector. In this context, this paper reviews the efforts of selected Asian countries and cities towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the urban transport sector. It will analyze their pledges in the Nationally Determined Contributions submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and will review their relevant transport sector strategies, policies, and practices. It will also look at trends in transport sector emissions and air pollution in different cities, including the short-term impacts of COVID-19. Lastly, it reviews governance issues and the roles that institutions should play to implement polices to decarbonize transport. Based on this analysis, this paper offers policy suggestions to accelerate actions, enhance cross-sectoral coordination, and move towards carbon neutrality in the transport sector in Asia.
Carbon Nanotubes Blended Nematic Liquid Crystal for Display and Electro-Optical Applications
Authors: Singh Bhupendra Pratap , Sikarwar Samiksha , Pandey Kamal Kumar , Manohar Rajiv , Depriester Michael , Singh Dharmendra Pratap
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we investigate a commercial nematic liquid crystal (LC) mixture namely E7 dispersed with small concentrations of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The dielectric and electro-optical characterizations have been carried out in the homogeneously and vertically aligned LC cells. The electro-optical response of LC molecules has been enhanced by 60% after the addition of MWCNTs, which is attributed to the reduced rotational viscosity in the composites. MWCNTs act like barricades for ionic impurities by reducing them up to ∼34.3% within the dispersion limit of 0.05 wt%. The nematic–isotropic phase transition temperature (TNI) of the E7 LC has also been shifted towards the higher temperature, resulting in a more ordered nematic phase. The enhanced birefringence and orientational order parameter in the LC-MWCNTs are attributed to π-π electron stacking between the LC molecules and the MWCNTs. The outlined merits of the LC-MWCNTs composites evince their suitability for ultrafast nematic-based electro-optical devices.
Energy Urbanity and Active Citizen Participation
Authors: Mee Alan , Lyes Madeleine , Crowe Philip
Published: October 2021

This paper poses the question: ‘can energy innovation initiatives in Innovation Playgrounds foster a new ‘energy urbanity’ through active citizen participation in the energy transition?’ The concept of ‘Innovation Playgrounds’ and an accompanying Framework are described and linked to implementation evidence of the EU H2020 positive energy research and innovation project +CityxChange, related to emergent active citizen participation in two cities: Limerick, Ireland and Trondheim, Norway. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate that spatially clustered energy innovation initiatives in urban areas involving active citizen participation contribute to a new ‘energy urbanity’ for the energy transition. The research methods are based on a comparative case study approach and close observation of two case sites, with a focus on the ‘Innovation Playground’ area of each city. The article’s three main conclusions are: that a Framework approach to active citizen participation in energy innovation initiatives in urban areas facilitates new models of active citizen and community participation around energy innovation; emergent active citizen participation in energy innovation initiatives in urban areas suggests a new type of engagement that is information-rich, blended, action-led, citizen-focused, and spatial; and that a new paradigm of ‘energy urbanity’ for the energy transition can be proposed.
A Review of Hot Gas Cleaning Techniques for Hydrogen Chloride Removal from Biomass-Derived Syngas
Authors: Marcantonio Vera , Müller Michael , Bocci Enrico
Published: October 2021

Considering the pressing challenges of supply security and climate change, advanced processes to produce electricity and biofuels from biomass have to be developed. Biomass gasification is a very promising technology, but there is a lack of comprehensive reviews, specifically on the technologies for hydrogen chloride hot gas cleanup, which are necessary in order to work at the same temperature and respect the limits of advanced downstream components. In this review, the Cl content of the main biomasses in Europe is given, and data on syngas content and the tolerance of downstream equipment are highlighted. Hot gas cleaning technologies, which have the advantage of improved thermal efficiency are reviewed, analyzing the thermodynamic and primary and secondary methods. This review identifies NaAlO2 and Na2CO3 within 450–550 °C as the most effective sorbents, which are able to reduce the concentration of HCl below 1 ppm. Nevertheless, H2S cannot be simultaneously removed and has to be removed first, because it reduces the HCl adsorption sorbent capacity.
Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature and Wood Species on the Properties of Biochar Pellets
Authors: Arous Safa , Koubaa Ahmed , Bouafif Hassine , Bouslimi Besma , Braghiroli Flavia Lega , Bradai Chedly
Published: October 2021

Thermal treatments such as torrefaction and fast pyrolysis are commonly employed methods to produce biofuels with high-energetic properties. In this study, wood chips were heat-treated at different temperatures of torrefaction (315 °C) and fast pyrolysis (400 and 454 °C) to form energetic pellets. Three softwoods, jack pine (JP), balsam fir (BF), and black spruce (BS), were evaluated. Pellets are produced using 20% moisture content and 15% pyrolytic lignin as a binder. Untreated- and treated-wood residues were characterized by surface chemistry, elemental analysis, and chemical composition, whereas all pellets were characterized in terms of density, high heat value (HHV), and durability. Results showed that both thermal treatments caused significant changes in the physicochemical structure of wood residues. Using temperatures higher than 315 °C leads to the disappearance of hydroxyl groups, a decrease in oxygen and hydrogen contents, and an increase in carbon content. Regardless of the treatment temperature, pellets made from heat-treated JP had the best durability (93%). In contrast, the calorific values of wood-treated pellets reached up to 31 MJ/kg, compared to untreated-wood pellets (19 MJ/kg). Thus, the densification of the thermal-treated wood residues represents a potential approach for producing biofuels with high energetic value.
Potential for the Integrated Production of Biojet Fuel in Swedish Plant Infrastructures
Authors: Ericsson Karin
Published: October 2021

Replacing fossil jet fuel with biojet fuel is an important step towards reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from aviation. To this end, Sweden has adopted a GHG mandate on jet fuel, complementing those on petrol and diesel. The GHG mandate on jet fuel requires a gradual reduction in the fuel’s GHG emissions to up to 27% by 2030. This paper estimates the potential production of biojet fuel in Sweden for six integrated production pathways and analyzes what they entail with regard to net biomass input and the amount of hydrogen required for upgrading to fuel quality. Integrated production of biofuel intermediates from forestry residues and by-products at combined heat and power plants as well as at the forest industry, followed by upgrading to biojet fuel and other transportation fuels at a petroleum refinery, was assumed in all the pathways. The potential output of bio-based transportation fuels was estimated to 90 PJ/y, including 22 PJ/y of biojet fuel. The results indicate that it will be possible to meet the Swedish GHG mandate for jet fuel for 2030, although it will be difficult to simultaneously achieve the GHG mandates for road transportation fuels. This highlights the importance of pursuing complementary strategies for bio-based fuels.
Optimization of Lumped Parameter Models to Mitigate Numerical Oscillations in the Transient Responses of Short Transmission Lines
Authors: Colqui Jaimis S. L. , de Araújo Anderson R. J. , Kurokawa Sérgio , Filho José Pissolato
Published: October 2021

The Lumped Parameter Model (LPM) is a known approach to represent overhead transmission lines (TLs), especially when these elements comprehend a few tens of kilometers. LPMs employ a large number of cascaded π-circuits to compute accurately the transient responses. These responses contain numerical spurious oscillations (NSO) characterized by erroneous peaks which distort the transient responses, mainly their peak values. Two modified LPM topologies composed of damping resistances inserted along the longitudinal or transversal branches of the cascaded π-circuits offer significant mitigations in the NSO. In this paper, in an effort to have the maximum mitigation of the NSO and low distortion in the transient responses, two modified topologies with optimized damping resistances are proposed to represent short TLs. Results demonstrate expressive attenuation in the peaks of NSO which reflect good agreement in comparison with the responses computed by the Bergeron’s line model. The mitigation of the NSO is carried out directly in the time domain and it does not require either analog or digital filters.Furthermore, no frequency-to-time transformations are necessary in this procedure. These alternative topologies can be incorporated into any electromagnetic transient program to study switching operations in power systems.