bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coconut Shell Feedstock Based Top Lit Updraft Gasifier for Biochar and Heat Cogeneration
Authors: Atienza A. H. , Orcullo J. , Salamat C. , Wassmer C.
Published: April 2020

Biomass is not new in the field of renewable energy and has been in use for decades now. Coconut shell is one of those. It comes from the coconut tree which is a member of the palm tree family or Arecaceae. It is also used for the bio charcoal. Biochar is a carbonaceous solid that is done through the process of pyrolysis. It is a process in which the biomass feedstock is heated with little to no air in a closed container. It can be used as a soil nutrient amendment and can also be processed into briquettes for fuel. The researchers designed a coconut shell-based biochar feedstock in which the heat that is being generated during the process of pyrolysis is extracted and used for cooking means. A top-lit updraft design has been considered for the project. The components of the project such as the outer chamber which houses the whole design, the combustion chamber with slanted row holes which the vaporization process occurs and the blower fan for the vaporization period to aide with the continuous burning and to eliminate the emission of smoke. The gathered data from the experiments were analyzed and it shows that turning the coconut shells into biochar can be done in less than 2 hours with highest inside temperature of 352.32°C at an air flow rate of 0.013 m3/s. The heat it produced is suitable for simple household stove usage without the emission of harmful smoke with the aid of the blower fan during the whole process. The produced coconut shell bio charcoal was later sent to Calaca Power Complex coal testing laboratories for determination of the biochar’s characteristics such as its calorific value and volatile matter. The laboratory results reveal that the produced bio charcoal has a calorific value of 30.865 MJ/Kg.
Response Performance Characteristics of LRB Base Isolator for Cyclotron Building Due to Parts Sizing
Authors: Gunawan Hyundianto Arif , Nirbito Wahyu
Published: April 2020

Study of the effects of part sizing on Lead Rubber Bearing Base (LRB) isolator for cyclotron building foundation application has been carried out. The cyclotron building design must be able to withstand earthquake loads without damaging either the structural integrity or the functionality of the building as the shielding against the radiation rays generated when the cyclotron operates. Lead Rubber Bearing (LRB) base isolators are designed for the cyclotron building foundation to provide structural integrity and reliability against earthquakes. The LRB base isolator constructed as a stack of flat rubber and steel ring plates with lead in the center. Variation of the sizes of the LRB parts are bringing up the necessity to investigate further the response characteristics of the cyclotron building due to an earthquake excitation. Parts sizing of the LRB are of the steel plates thickness, the rubber layer thickness as well as the diameter of the leads. From the simulation then it is revealed that every configuration size is giving different effective stiffness, vertical stiffness as well as damping values in vibration isolation percentage value. Results from an LRB static analysis then are included as well in the dynamic analysis to determine differences in cyclotron building responses. The computer FEA simulation running on Abaqus and Solid Work® 3D FEM software platform revealed that changes in the thickness of the plate, rubber layer and lead diameter affected the dynamic responses of the cyclotron buildings when subjected to earthquake loads.
Effect of Combination Yaw Angle Variation and Base Bleeding for Tractor-Trailer Drag Reduction through Experimental Investigation and CFD
Authors: Assim  , Al-Daraje H. Yousif , Alderoubi Nabeh N.
Published: April 2020

This study focuses on the effect of variations in yaw angle and base bleeding configuration on the reduction of tractor-trailer drag. Detailed experimental and CFD investigations are introduced. Crosswind is used to simulate the yawed flow conditions. Three bleeding hole settings are arranged in the tractor base area. Experiments and CFD are done using 1:32 scale model, after validating the results of the CFD extended to a full-scale model. In the CFD investigation, the structure and rotation of the flow around the tractor-trailer and the gap area are examined. Experimental investigations was Carried out in an open jet wind tunnel. The results showed that when the yaw angle is greater than 3 a drag reduction is clearly observed. At the yaw angle of 12 ° maximum drag reduction occurs in the form of drag coefficient is 19%, 21% and 23% for bleeding coefficient of 0.04, 0.05 and 0.06. Through the results of CFD predictions, the effects of bleed increase entrainment flow in the gap and reduce the wake area on the leeward side of the trailer and consequently produce a significant reduction in drag. This result is caused by a large flow separation zone that forms along the underside of the trailer when there is no bleeding which increases vehicle drag. The appropriate bleeding area of the tractor base is an alternative that allows in reducing the drag in the tractor- trailer gap.
Analysis of the Influence of Camber on Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Airfoil Based on FLUENT
Authors: Yining Yang
Published: April 2020

Based on hydraulic machinery blades airfoil design, numerical simulation was carried out for the hydrodynamics force of airfoil with different camber at Re = 107. Firstly, the numerical simulation of airfoil was performed with structured grid and the Reynolds-averaged Navier-stokes-method, which coupled with the k – ε turbulence model. Secondly, the drag and lift characteristics of airfoil with different camber were analysed. Finally, the flow field and pressure distribution of the airfoil was discussed. The result shows that as camber increases, drag, lift and lift-to-drag ratio increase, while the attack angle corresponding to maximum lift-to-drag ratio decreases. The results are useful for understanding the hydrodynamic performance of the airfoil, and provide an important theoretical basis for the design, selection and development of the airfoil in hydraulic machine.
A Road Identification Method Based on Road Slope Information for Four-Wheel Independent Drive Electric Vehicles
Authors: Guo Luole , Xu Hongbing , Zou Jianxiao , Jie Hongyu
Published: April 2020

Four-wheel independent drive electric vehicles (4WID EV) drive safely and stably, which depends on current road conditions, especially road friction coefficient and slope, and different driving control strategies are used according to road conditions. Therefore, a road identification method is proposed to estimate the road information. Firstly, we design a road identification algorithm to identify the current road conditions of 4WID EV, and calculate the optimal slip ratio of the current road surface by curve fitting method. When the wheel slip ratio is controlled near the optimal slip ratio, the wheel adhesion coefficient can be maximized to prevent the wheel from slipping. Then, a slope identification algorithm based on Luenberger state observer is designed to identify the various slopes of uphill and downhill, and it provides a reference for the calculation of the slope compensation torque. Finally, through the joint simulation platform of MATLAB/Simulink and Carsim, it shows that the proposed road identification can identify the current road conditions and slope effectively.
Imidazoline-lauric derivative synthesis using MAOS (microwave assisted organic synthesis) method and its activity as corrosion inhibitor towards carbon steel
Authors: Andreana B , Rahayu D U C , Nurani D A , Krisnandi Y K , Budianto E
Published: April 2020

Imidazoline is a heterocyclic compound containing nitrogen atom, which is wellknown in industry, especially in petroleum field as a corrosion inhibitor of oil refineries in sea environment. In searching of potential organic compounds for corrosion inhibitor, imidazoline-lauric derivative had been successfully synthesized by reacting triethylenetetramine (TETA) and lauric acid (LA) with solvent free and variation of reaction time using MAOS (Microwave Assisted Organic Synthesis) method. The optimum yield of TETA-LA imidazoline was 72.6 % at 7 min reaction time in 800 watts. TETA-LA imidazoline was identified using TLC and melting point analyzer while its structure had been confirmed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), UV-Vis, Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR), and Mass Spectrometry (MS) spectral data. The highest percentage of inhibition efficiency (% IE) using Tafel polarization method was 74.5 % at 500 ppm of TETA-LA imidazoline. It can be concluded that imidazoline-lauric derivative is potent to be developed as corrosion inhibitor towards carbon steel.
Sodium alginate-TiO2-bentonite nanocomposite synthesis for photocatalysis of methylene blue dye removal
Authors: Subekti R , Helmiyati H
Published: April 2020

In this study, nanocomposite based on biopolymer using sodium alginate (NaAlg) and bentonite intercalated by TiO2 was synthesized. Bentonite in the nanocomposite was used as a template for TiO2 nanoparticles formation through in-situ method and NaAlg was used as catalyst supporter in order to obtain nanocomposite material, which was expected as dye waste removal. The nanocomposite was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) and Tunneling Electron Microscopy (TEM). The obtained nanocomposite had TiO2 average nanoparticles size around 35 nm. Nanocomposite was applied for photocatalysis to remove the dye waste of methylene blue (MB). Degradation percentage was achieved at 90.50 % with the optimum condition at pH 8 with photocatalysis time at 30 min and 30 mg nanocomposite mass. Biopolymer-based sodium alginate and TiO2-bentonite nanocomposite can be applied to reduce dyestuff that is biodegradable and environmentally friendly waste.
Synthesis of Mn3O4/ZSM-5 zeolite from natural aluminosilicate minerals and its application as heterogeneous catalyst for α-cellulose conversion to levulinic acid
Authors: Fhaza S F , Krisnandi Y K , Rahayu D U C
Published: April 2020

Microporous ZSM-5 was successfully synthesized using Bayat-Klaten natural zeolite and Belitung kaolin as its mineral source through 2 stages of treatment, i.e. pre-treatment of natural zeolite and kaolin followed by synthesis of ZSM-5 zeolite. Bayat-Klaten natural zeolite as source of Si and Al was first treated as follows: activation, purification, fragmentation, and dealumination, whereas Belitung kaolin as the source of Si, to cover Si deficiency in the synthesis, was treated as follows: activation, purification, and Si extraction. Based on Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) analysis, the Si/Al ratio was 24.8 in dealuminated natural zeolite and 98 % of Si after kaolin extraction. ZSM-5 zeolite was synthesized and characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The XRD pattern showed a similarity with typical ZSM-5 zeolites. Impregnation with Mn(II) followed by calcination at 550 °C giving Mn3O4/ZSM-5 (2.2 wt.% of Mn), that then employed as catalyst for α-cellulose conversion to levulinic acid. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis in product reaction showed that the conversion reaction for 6 h resulting in the highest yield of levulinic acid (7.2 %). Therefore, it was revealed that the natural mineral-based ZSM-5 has potential to be used as heterogeneous catalyst.
Study of urinary 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in rats (Rattus norvegicus) due to bisphenol A (BPA) exposure based on fenton-like reaction
Authors: Franklyn H , Budiawan B , Handayani S , Dani I C
Published: April 2020

This study was conducted to analyze the formation of DNA adduct 8-OHdG due to oxidative damage of DNA caused by Bisphenol (BPA) and chromium (VI) exposure. The in vivo study was conducted in the rat (Rattus norvegicus) group with exposure of BPA (2 mg/kg BW), the mixture of BPA (2 mg/kg BW) and Cr (VI) (1.28 µg/kg BW) for 28 days, respectively. Urine of rats was collected every week as samples for tracking the 8-OHdG compounds. The formation of 8-OHdG in urine samples was analyzed using LC-MS/MS with reverse-phase chromatography. Mixture of ammonium acetate pH 4.0 20 mM and acetonitrile were used as mobile phase in LC-MS/MS for an elution gradient. The results showed that the exposure of BPA, the mixture of BPA and Cr (VI) might cause the formation of urinary 8-OHdG in rats. The longer exposure time causes the increase level of urinary 8-OHdG formations. The study also showed that urinary 8-OHdG concentration increases due to synergistic effect between BPA and Cr (VI) exposure.
The effects of PMSF and cysteine addition into partially purified bromelain from pineapple (Ananas comosus [L] Merr) cores to its kinetics behaviour
Authors: Setiasih S , Putri M , Handayani S , Hudiyono S
Published: April 2020

Bromelain found in various tissues in the pineapple plant (Ananas Comusus [L] Merr. The bromelain will be taken from pineapple cores for kinetic study. The effect of addition organic compounds, such as phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and cysteine on its kinetics behaviour will be determined by proteolytic activities of the bromelain. The stages of this study were started from isolation of crude enzyme, fractionation with ammonium sulphate salt, dialysis, and ion-exchange column chromatography with CM sephadex C-50 for enzyme purification. The obtained enzyme fractions from crude enzyme, ammonium sulphate, dialysis, and CM-sephadex C-50 ion exchange chromatography have specific activities of 45.39, 238.31, 311.16, and 427.13 U/mg, respectively. The purification stages result in increasing of the bromelain specific activities by 9 times compared to the crude enzyme. The Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) value for the purified bromelain was 0.85 % casein and the Vmax value was 0.41 U/min. Addition of PMSF and cysteine compound effect on its Vmax and Km with various trends. The Vmax value will be decreased by addition of PMSF and increased by addition of cysteine. Thus, proteolytic activity of bromelain from pineapple cores can be significantly increased by the addition of cysteine compounds and inhibited by the addition of PMSF.
Calcium alginate-TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposite for glucose conversion to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Lestari I , Helmiyati H
Published: April 2020

The sodium alginate biopolymer used to form calcium alginate-TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposite has been successfully synthesized. The first stage is synthesis of TiO2/SiO2 composites by the sol-gel method using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and titanium isopropoxide (TTIP) precursors. Calcium alginate nanocomposite is formed from the crosslinking process between Ca2+ ions from CaCl2.2H2O with sodium alginate combined with TiO2/SiO2 composites, characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Tunneling Electron Microscopy (TEM). The average particle size of TiO2/SiO2 composite on the surface of calcium alginate obtained by TEM is about 50 nm. The application of calcium alginate-TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposite as catalyst is used for conversion of glucose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solvents. The best glucose conversion obtained at 140 °C for 4 hours is 97 % and optimum HMF yield obtained at 140 °C and 5 hours is 40 %. Nanocomposites based on sodium alginate biopolymers combined with TiO2/SiO2 composites can be developed as new superior materials and promising catalysts because it is easily obtained and biodegradable.
Dissolution profile of partially purified bromelain from pineapple core encapsulated in alginate-guar gum with in vitro study of antiplatelet activity
Authors: Irfan A A , Setiasih S , Hudiyono S
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study is to maintain the antiplatelet activity of pineapple core bromelain from degradation in gastric fluid by encapsulating the enzyme in alginate-guar gum crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. Bromelain isolation was followed by purification process such as ammonium sulfate precipitation and dialysis. The specific activity obtained showed an enhancement started for crude enzyme (20.11 U/mg), ammonium sulfate fraction (190.64 U/mg), and dialysis fraction (229.77 U/mg). Dialysis fraction was encapsulated by in situ loading method in alginate-guar gum hydrogel with 1.25% (v/v) glutaraldehyde concentration. The swelling ratio of the hydrogel is 234.37 % in acidity of 1.2; and 1375.91 % in acidity of 7.4; while the encapsulation efficiency amount was 60.42%. I n addition, maximum concentration of bromelain released in dissolution test was higher in artificial intestinal environment (1.79 mg/L) than in artificial gastric fluid (0.13 mg/L), with maximum proteolytic activity of 1.2 U/mL and 0.11 U/mL, respectively. In vitro study of antiplatelet activity showed a good inhibition for dialysis fraction (50.6 %) and dissolution fraction (34.86 %), indicating that the hydrogel is good enough to maintain the activity of bromelain.
Gold nanoparticles supported on Al2O3 using Tabebuia aurea leaf extract and catalytic properties for methylene blue reduction
Authors: Maulidya A , Yulizar Y , Utari T , Apriandanu D O B
Published: April 2020

In this research, we reported a cost-effective and an environmentally friendly technique for synthesis of gold nanoparticles supported on alumina (Al2O3/AuNPs) using Tabebuia aurea leaf extract (TAE) as non-toxic reducing agent, efficient stabilizer, and weak base source without adding any surfactants. Al2O3/AuNPs was characterized using various techniques including UV-Visible Spectrophotometer, Fourier-transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction (XRD), and Particle Size Analyzer (PSA). AuNPs was successfully synthesized using HAuCl4 as precursor. The characterization of UV-Vis Spectrophotometer shows that AuNPs colloidal was formed at 0.15 % TAE. FTIR characterization of Al2O3 shows Al-OH band at 1505 cm−1 and Al-O band at 680 cm−1. Phase of Al2O3 was amorphous confirmed by XRD. The particle size distribution average of Al2O3/AuNPs was about 43 nm. The reduction percentage of methylene blue using Al2O3/AuNPs catalyst was 70.41 % for 120 min.
The influence of gap spacing in localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectra of Ag nanorod-coupled with end-to-end assembly using boundary element method
Authors: Fitria N , Sujak M , Djuhana D
Published: April 2020

We have systematically investigated the Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) of Ag nanorod-coupled with end-to-end assembly and influence distance between nanorod using metallic nanoparticle based on the boundary element method (MNPBEM). We focused on the extinction curve of LSPR spectra for investigating the effect of gap spacing for this work. It was found that the extinction curve showed two behaviours, for lower wavelength known as the transversal mode and higher wavelength as the longitudinal mode. For further understanding, we also analyzed the electric field related to LSPR spectra of Ag nanorod-coupled. In end-to-end assembly, the resonance peak of transversal mode shifted to lower wavelength (blue-shift) while for longitudinal mode shifted to higher wavelength (red-shift), both as the spacing gap decreased. Interestingly, for the case in parallel polarization, the peaks of wavelength decay as the gap spacing increased followed a plasmon ruler. We observed the dipole-dipole interaction was the influence in LSPR spectra of Ag nanorod-coupled. According to this result, it is essential to understand the distance dependence in LSPR spectra in coupled noble particle system.
Hysteresis loops observation of FePt and FePd square ferromagnets using micromagnetic simulation
Authors: Fadhilah U , Kurniawan C , Djuhana D
Published: April 2020

In this study, we have investigated magnetic hysteresis loops of squared model FePt and FePd ferromagnets by a public micromagnetic simulation based on Landau-Lifshitz Gilbert (LLG) equation. The hysteresis loops of FePt and FePd ferromagnets are generated by in-plane and out-plane applied field with respect to the size and thickness variation. It is found that the coercivity field for both FePt and FePd squared ferromagnets exhibited different behavior for the size of ferromagnets around 50–100 nm and more than 100 nm. The results showed that the hysteresis loops produced a large coercivity when the in-plane field was applied and zero coercivity for external out-plane field. Interestingly, coercivity field was still observed for materials with size below 100 nm with ranging values between 20–40 mT. From this result, certain values of the coercivity field appeared for out-plane applied field at small thickness indicates a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) behavior in FePt and FePd ferromagnets.
Convergence analysis of quasi-Monte Carlo sampling for quantile and expected shortfall
Authors: He Zhijian , Wang Xiaoqun
Published: April 2020

Quantiles and expected shortfalls are usually used to measure risks of stochastic systems, which are often estimated by Monte Carlo methods. This paper focuses on the use of the quasi-Monte Carlo (QMC) method, whose convergence rate is asymptotically better than Monte Carlo in the numerical integration. We first prove the convergence of QMC-based quantile estimates under very mild conditions, and then establish a deterministic error bound of

O
(

N

−
1

/

d

)

O(N^{-1/d})

for the quantile estimates, where

d
d

is the dimension of the QMC point sets used in the simulation and

N
N

is the sample size. Under certain conditions, we show that the mean squared error (MSE) of the randomized QMC estimate for expected shortfall is

o
(

N

−
1

)

o(N^{-1})

. Moreover, under stronger conditions the MSE can be improved to

O
(

N

−
1
−
1

/

(
2
d
−
1
)
+
ϵ

)

O(N^{-1-1/(2d-1)+\epsilon })

for arbitrarily small

ϵ
>
0

\epsilon >0

.
Does the public feel prepared to be substitute decision-makers? Gaps in preparedness and support for a high school curriculum: a national survey
Authors: Wong Michael K Y , Jiang Mengzhu , Medor Maria Cassandre , Labre Katerina Yelle , Frank Jason R , Fischer Lisa M , Cheung Warren J
Published: April 2020

Background

Substitute decision-makers (SDMs) make decisions on behalf of patients who do not have capacity, in line with previously expressed wishes, values and beliefs. However, miscommunications and poor awareness of previous wishes often lead to inappropriate care. Increasing public preparedness to communicate on behalf of loved ones may improve care in patients requiring an SDM.

Methods

We conducted an online survey in January 2019 with a representative sample of the Canadian population. The primary outcome was self-reported preparedness to be an SDM. The secondary outcome was support for a high school curriculum on the role of SDMs. The effect of socio-demographics, known enablers and barriers to acting as an SDM, and attitudes towards a high school curriculum were assessed using multivariate analysis.

Results

Of 1,000 participants, 53.1% felt prepared to be an SDM, and 75.4% stated they understood their loved one’s values. However, only 55.6% reported having had a meaningful conversation with their loved one about values and wishes, and only 61.7% reported understanding the SDM role. Engagement in advance care planning for oneself was low (23.1%). Age, experience, training and comfort with communication were associated with preparedness in our multivariate analysis. A high school curriculum was supported by 61.1% of respondents, with 28.3% neutral and 10.6% against it.

Interpretation

There is a gap between perceived and actual preparedness to be an SDM. Many report understanding their loved one’s values yet have not asked them about wishes in illness or end of life. The majority of respondents support high school education to improve preparedness.
Empagliflozin for Patients With Presumed Resistant Hypertension: A Post Hoc Analysis of the EMPA-REG OUTCOME Trial
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Fitchett David , Ofstad Anne Pernille , Kraus Bettina Johanna , Wanner Christoph , Zwiener Isabella , Zinman Bernard , Lauer Sabine , George Jyothis T , Rossignol Patrick , Zannad Faiez
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and resistant hypertension often coexist, greatly increasing risk of target-organ damage and death. We explored the effects of empagliflozin in patients with and without presumed resistant hypertension (prHT) in a post hoc analysis of EMPA-REG OUTCOME (NCT01131676).

METHODS

Overall, 7,020 patients received empagliflozin 10, 25 mg, or placebo with median follow-up of 3.1 years. We defined baseline prHT as ≥3 classes of antihypertensive drugs including a diuretic and uncontrolled blood pressure (BP; systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg) or ≥4 classes of antihypertensive, including a diuretic, and controlled BP. We explored the effect of empagliflozin on cardiovascular (CV) death, heart failure (HF) hospitalization, 3-point major adverse cardiac events, all-cause death, and incident/worsening nephropathy by Cox regression and BP over time by a mixed-repeated-measures-model analysis.

RESULTS

1,579 (22.5%) patients had prHT. The mean difference in change in SBP from baseline to week 12 vs. placebo was −4.5 (95% confidence interval, −5.9 to −3.1) mm Hg (P < 0.001) in prHT and −3.7 (−4.5, −2.9) mm Hg (P < 0.001) in patients without prHT. SBP was more frequently controlled (<130/80 mm Hg) with empagliflozin than with placebo. Patients with prHT had 1.5- to 2-fold greater risk of HF hospitalization, incident/worsening nephropathy, and CV death compared with those without prHT. Empagliflozin improved all outcomes in patients with and without prHT (interaction P > 0.1 for all outcomes).

CONCLUSIONS

Empagliflozin induced a clinically relevant reduction in SBP and consistently improved all outcomes regardless of prHT status. Due to these dual effects, empagliflozin should be considered for patients with hypertension and T2D.
Grounding and propositional identity
Authors: Wilhelm Isaac
Published: April 2020

I show that standard grounding conditions contradict standard conditions for the identities of propositions.
RaacLogo: a new sequence logo generator by using reduced amino acid clusters
Authors: Zheng Lei , Liu Dongyang , Yang Wuritu , Yang Lei , Zuo Yongchun
Published: April 2020

Sequence logos give a fast and concise display in visualizing consensus sequence. Protein exhibits greater complexity and diversity than DNA, which usually affects the graphical representation of the logo. Reduced amino acids perform powerful ability for simplifying complexity of sequence alignment, which motivated us to establish RaacLogo. As a new sequence logo generator by using reduced amino acid alphabets, RaacLogo can easily generate many different simplified logos tailored to users by selecting various reduced amino acid alphabets that consisted of more than 40 clustering algorithms. This current web server provides 74 types of reduced amino acid alphabet, which were manually extracted to generate 673 reduced amino acid clusters (RAACs) for dealing with protein alignment. A two-dimensional selector was proposed for easily selecting desired RAACs with underlying biology knowledge. It is anticipated that the RaacLogo web server will play more high-potential roles for protein sequence alignment, topological estimation and protein design experiments. RaacLogo is freely available at http://bioinfor.imu.edu.cn/raaclogo.
Population history of the golden eagle inferred from whole-genome sequencing of three of its subspecies
Authors: Sato Yu , Ogden Rob , Kishida Takushi , Nakajima Nobuyoshi , Maeda Taku , Inoue-Murayama Miho
Published: April 2020

The application of evolutionary genetic research to investigate the potential for endangered species to adapt to changing environments is important for conservation biology. Effective population size (Ne) is informative for understanding adaptive potential as it refers to the genetic variation in breeding individuals who have contributed to contemporary and historic population diversity. We reconstruct fluctuations in Ne in three golden eagle subspecies (Japanese, Scottish, North American) using the pairwise sequential Markovian coalescent (PSMC) model based on whole-genome sequence data. Our results indicate the timing of subspeciation events and suggest significant ongoing demographic reductions since the start of the Last Glacial Period. Importantly, we find evidence for gene flow from continental populations into the ancestral Japanese population resulting in a short, sharp recovery in genetic diversity. Timing agrees with the palaeogeographic estimates of land bridge connections between the Japanese archipelago and Asian continent and matches a similar Ne spike in the Scottish population, but not in the North American population. Given contemporary declines in isolated Japanese and UK island populations, our study highlights a concerning loss of local genetic diversity, but also indicates the likely response of populations to genetic reinforcement from neighbouring subspecies, increasing management options and encouraging a range-wide species conservation approach.
A role of the frontotemporal lobar degeneration risk factor TMEM106B in myelination
Authors: Feng Tuancheng , Sheng Rory R , Solé-Domènech Santiago , Ullah Mohammed , Zhou Xiaolai , Mendoza Christina S , Enriquez Laura Camila Martinez , Katz Isabel Iscol , Paushter Daniel H , Sullivan Peter M , Wu Xiaochun , Maxfield Frederick R , Hu Fenghua
Published: April 2020

TMEM106B encodes a lysosomal membrane protein and was initially identified as a risk factor for frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Recently, a dominant D252N mutation in TMEM106B was shown to cause hypomyelinating leukodystrophy. However, how TMEM106B regulates myelination is still unclear. Here we show that TMEM106B is expressed and localized to the lysosome compartment in oligodendrocytes. TMEM106B deficiency in mice results in myelination defects with a significant reduction of protein levels of proteolipid protein (PLP) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), the membrane proteins found in the myelin sheath. The levels of many lysosome proteins are significantly decreased in the TMEM106B-deficient Oli-neu oligodendroglial precursor cell line. TMEM106B physically interacts with the lysosomal protease cathepsin D and is required to maintain proper cathepsin D levels in oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, we found that TMEM106B deficiency results in lysosome clustering in the perinuclear region and a decrease in lysosome exocytosis and cell surface PLP levels. Moreover, we found that the D252N mutation abolished lysosome enlargement and lysosome acidification induced by wild-type TMEM106B overexpression. Instead, it stimulates lysosome clustering near the nucleus as seen in TMEM106B-deficient cells. Our results support that TMEM106B regulates myelination through modulation of lysosome function in oligodendrocytes.
Coronavirus Disease 2019, Superinfections, and Antimicrobial Development: What Can We Expect?
Authors: Clancy Cornelius J , Nguyen M Hong
Published: April 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) arose at a time of great concern about antimicrobial resistance (AMR). No studies have specifically assessed COVID-19–associated superinfections or AMR. Based on limited data from case series, it is reasonable to anticipate that an appreciable minority of patients with severe COVID-19 will develop superinfections, most commonly pneumonia due to nosocomial bacteria and Aspergillus. Microbiology and AMR patterns are likely to reflect institutional ecology. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial use is likely to be widespread among hospitalized patients, both as directed and empiric therapy. Stewardship will have a crucial role in limiting unnecessary antimicrobial use and AMR. Congressional COVID-19 relief bills are considering antimicrobial reimbursement reforms and antimicrobial subscription models, but it is unclear if these will be included in final legislation. Prospective studies on COVID-19 superinfections are needed, data from which can inform rational antimicrobial treatment and stewardship strategies, and models for market reform and sustainable drug development.
Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Luers Jan C , Rokohl Alexander C , Loreck Niklas , Wawer Matos Philomena A , Augustin Max , Dewald Felix , Klein Florian , Lehmann Clara , Heindl Ludwig M
Published: April 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread rapidly worldwide. Given scarce resources, nonlaboratory diagnostics are crucial. In this cross-sectional study, two-thirds of European patients with confirmed COVID-19 reported olfactory and gustatory dysfunction, indicating the significance of these symptoms in early diagnostics.
Dispute Settlement in the Belt and Road Initiative: Lessons from the Singapore Experience
Authors: Chong Justice Steven
Published: April 2020

Historically, Singapore has played an important role in the growth and success of the old maritime Silk Road. Today, Singapore remains an important stop on the Belt and Road, though its advantages now also lie in its position as a trusted, neutral forum for the efficient resolution of disputes as well as a platform for the sharing of ideas for the development of a legal framework for dispute resolution in the Belt and Road Initiative. Three initiatives have been taken by Singapore to strengthen its new position, including the Asian Business Law Institute, the Singapore International Commercial Court, and the Singapore–China Annual Legal and Judicial Roundtable.
The Effects of a Vocabulary Intervention on Teaching Multiple-Meaning Words to Students Who Are d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Authors: Alqraini Faisl M , Paul Peter V
Published: April 2020

Building vocabulary knowledge, especially breadth and depth of word meanings, is a crucial step in assisting students to read and comprehend print independently. A large body of research has documented the low reading achievement levels of a number of Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) students. The goal of the present study was to examine the effects of a vocabulary intervention to teach 24 multiple-meaning words to fourth-grade DHH students in Saudi Arabia by utilizing a single-case experimental design (multiple probe design across participants). A total of 5 students with a profound hearing loss participated in the study. About 3 of 5 received the intervention, whereas two other students served as an additional control component and were administered the pretest and posttest only. The data showed that there was a significant improvement in the recognition and comprehension scores of students who received the intervention. In contrast, students who did not receive the intervention showed no significant improvement on the posttest.
Pharmacological cancer treatment and venous thromboembolism risk
Authors: Muñoz Martín Andrés J , Ramírez Sara Pérez , Morán Laura Ortega , Zamorano Magdalena Ruiz , Benéitez María Carmen Viñuela , Salcedo Inmaculada Aparicio , Escobar Ignacio García , Fernández José Manuel Soria
Published: April 2020

Risk factors for cancer-associated thrombosis are commonly divided into three categories: patient-, cancer-, and treatment-related factors. Currently, different types of drugs are used in cancer treatment. Chemotherapy has been identified as an independent risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, it should be noted, that the risk of VTE is not consistent among all cytotoxic agents. In addition, different supportive care drugs, such as erythropoiesis stimulating agents or granulocyte colony stimulating factors, and hormonotherapy have been associated to an increased risk of VTE. Immunotherapy and molecular-targeted therapies have significantly changed the treatment of cancer over the past decade. The main subtypes include tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, small molecules, and immunomodulatory agents. The relationship between VTE and targeted therapies remains largely unknown.
Bayesian network analysis of plasma microRNA sequencing data in patients with venous thrombosis
Authors: Thibord Florian , Munsch Gaëlle , Perret Claire , Suchon Pierre , Roux Maguelonne , Ibrahim-Kosta Manal , Goumidi Louisa , Deleuze Jean-François , Morange Pierre-Emmanuel , Trégouët David-Alexandre
Published: April 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs participating to several biological processes and known to be involved in various pathologies. Measurable in body fluids, miRNAs have been proposed to serve as efficient biomarkers for diseases and/or associated traits. Here, we performed a next-generation-sequencing based profiling of plasma miRNAs in 344 patients with venous thrombosis (VT) and assessed the association of plasma miRNA levels with several haemostatic traits and the risk of VT recurrence. Among the most significant findings, we detected an association between hsa-miR-199b-3p and haematocrit levels (P = 0.0016), these two markers having both been independently reported to associate with VT risk. We also observed suggestive evidence for association of hsa-miR-370-3p (P = 0.019), hsa-miR-27b-3p (P = 0.016) and hsa-miR-222-3p (P = 0.049) with VT recurrence, the observations at the latter two miRNAs confirming the recent findings of Wang et al. Besides, by conducting Genome-Wide Association Studies on miRNA levels and meta-analyzing our results with some publicly available, we identified 21 new associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms with plasma miRNA levels at the statistical significance threshold of P < 5 × 10−8, some of these associations pertaining to thrombosis associated mechanisms. In conclusion, this study provides novel data about the impact of miRNAs’ variability in haemostasis and new arguments supporting the association of few miRNAs with the risk of recurrence in patients with venous thrombosis.
Vegetation type determines spore deposition within a forest–agricultural mosaic landscape
Authors: Redondo Miguel A , Berlin Anna , Boberg Johanna , Oliva Jonàs
Published: April 2020

Predicting fungal community assembly is partly limited by our understanding of the factors driving the composition of deposited spores. We studied the relative contribution of vegetation, geographical distance, seasonality and weather to fungal spore deposition across three vegetation types. Active and passive spore traps were established in agricultural fields, deciduous forests and coniferous forests across a geographic gradient of ∼600 km. Active traps captured the spore community suspended in air, reflecting the potential deposition, whereas passive traps reflected realized deposition. Fungal species were identified by metabarcoding of the ITS2 region. The composition of spore communities captured by passive traps differed more between vegetation types than across regions separated by >100 km, indicating that vegetation type was the strongest driver of composition of deposited spores. By contrast, vegetation contributed less to potential deposition, which followed a seasonal pattern. Within the same site, the spore communities captured by active traps differed from those captured by passive traps. Realized deposition tended to be dominated by spores of species related to vegetation. Temperature was negatively correlated with the fungal species richness of both potential and realized deposition. Our results indicate that vegetation may be able to maintain similar fungal communities across distances, and likely be the driving factor of fungal spore deposition at landscape level.
Drivers of Frailty from Adulthood into Old Age: Results from a 27-Year Longitudinal Population-Based Study in Sweden
Authors: Raymond Emma , Reynolds Chandra A , Dahl Aslan Anna K , Finkel Deborah , Ericsson Malin , Hägg Sara , Pedersen Nancy L , Jylhävä Juulia
Published: April 2020

Background

Frailty is a strong predictor of adverse outcomes. However, longitudinal drivers of frailty are not well understood. This study aimed at investigating the longitudinal trajectories of a frailty index (FI) from adulthood to late life and identifying the factors associated with the level and rate of change in FI.

Methods

An age-based latent growth curve analysis was performed in the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging (N = 1,842; aged 29–102 years) using data from up to 15 measurement waves across 27 years. A 42-item FI was used to measure frailty at each wave.

Results

A bilinear, two-slope model with a turning point at age 65 best described the age-related change in FI, showing that the increase in frailty was more than twice as fast after age 65. Underweight, obesity, female sex, overweight, being separated from one’s co-twin during childhood, smoking, poor social support, and low physical activity were associated with a higher FI at age 65, with underweight having the largest effect size. When tested as time-varying covariates, underweight and higher social support were associated with a steeper increase in FI before age 65, whereas overweight and obesity were associated with less steep increase in FI after age 65.

Conclusions

Factors associated with the level and rate of change in frailty are largely actionable and could provide targets for intervention. As deviations from normal weight showed the strongest associations with frailty, future public health programs could benefit from monitoring of individuals with abnormal BMI, especially those who are underweight.
Life Course Pathways From Childhood Socioeconomic Status to Later-Life Cognition: Evidence From the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study
Authors: Greenfield Emily A , Moorman Sara , Rieger Annika
Published: April 2020

Objectives

A growing body of research indicates that older adults are at greater risk for poorer cognition if they experienced low socioeconomic status (SES) as children. Guided by life course epidemiology, this study aimed to advance understanding of processes through which childhood SES influences cognition decades later, with attention to the role of scholastic performance in adolescence and SES in midlife.

Method

We used data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS), which has followed a cohort of high school graduates since they were 18 years old in 1957. Childhood SES was measured prospectively in adolescence, and measures of memory and language/executive functioning were based on neurocognitive assessments at age 72. We used participants’ scores on a statewide standardized test in high school as an indicator of scholastic performance in adolescence. The measure of SES in midlife included years of postsecondary education, income, and occupation status at age 53.

Results

Findings from structural equation models indicated that scholastic performance in adolescence and midlife status attainment together fully mediated associations between childhood SES and both memory and language/executive functioning at age 72. Adolescent scholastic performance was directly associated with later-life cognition, as well as indirectly through midlife status attainment.

Discussion

Findings provide support for both latency and social pathway processes when considering how SES in childhood influences later-life cognition. Results contribute to growing calls for social policies and programs to support optimal brain health at multiple phases throughout the life course, especially among individuals with lower SES as children.
Q values and wave inhomogeneity parameters of reflected inhomogeneous P and S waves at the free surface of an effective Biot solid
Authors: Liu Xu , Greenhalgh Stewart , Zhou Bing , Ren Zhengyong , Li Huijian
Published: April 2020

In this study, new methods are developed to estimate the dissipation factors, inhomogeneity parameters and phase velocities of the reflected waves at the free surface of a poro-viscoelastic solid in which the seismic wave propagation is described by effective Biot theory. The Christoffel equations of an effective Biot medium are solved for a general harmonic plane wave and the three complex velocities obtained corresponding to the shear wave (SV), fast-P wave and slow-P wave, together with their polarizations. Based on the complex form of the energy balance equation in an effective Biot material, expressions are derived for the energy ratios at the free surface. Moreover, the equations for the inhomogeneity parameters are derived as functions of the complex slowness or the unit polarization vectors. Based on the implicit and the explicit dissipation factor expressions, two methods are developed to obtain the dissipation factors, the inhomogeneity parameters and the phase velocities of mode-converted waves. These methods are illustrated by numerical examples which show that the dissipation factors, inhomogeneity parameters and phase velocities of reflected waves can strongly depend on the incidence angle (also reflected angle), the incident wave inhomogeneity parameter and the wave frequency. Ignoring these dependencies and using dissipation factors only valid for homogeneous waves can cause discrepancies in computed phase velocities and dissipation factors for interface generated (reflected/transmitted) inhomogeneous waves.
Giant right ventricle infiltrative lipoma—a surgical success report
Authors: Mizrahi Michelle , Jimenez-Becerra Silvia , Castro-Lozano Guillermo E , Gómez-Sánchez Mario
Published: April 2020

Benign primary cardiac tumours are rare, with lipomas accounting for <9% of them. Their presentation varies depending on the size and location of the tumour, with the majority of the cases being asymptomatic. We are presenting a case of an extremely rare primary heart-tumour infiltrating the right ventricle (RV) compromising its function. RV lipomas are so unusual that there are no clear treatment guidelines. In this case, we decided to treat the patient with surgical resection of the tumour. Although a total resection was not possible, due to the tumoural proximity to vital structures, a great portion of the tumour was removed, alleviating the patient’s symptoms.
A review of coupled heat and mass transfer in adiabatic liquid desiccant dehumidification and regeneration systems; advances and opportunities
Authors: Oyieke Andrew A Y , Inambao Freddie L
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a comprehensive technical review of liquid desiccant (LD) dehumidification and regeneration techniques is presented. The operational features, processes and performance indices of various flow configurations of adiabatic dehumidifier and regenerator are extensively covered. The heat and mass transfer assessment is presented in terms of past experimental and modelling evaluations and procedures. The existing adiabatic dehumidifier/regenerator heat and mass transfer models are categorized into finite difference, effectiveness-number of transfer units and simple empirical correlation models. The respective performance prediction models are critically analysed in details and compared in terms of assumptions, iterative procedures, solution methods, accuracy, computation time, output variables and applications. The solar regenerator models are also highlighted with a focus on the collector module. The ideal settings, formulation procedures, current state-of-the-art and opportunities for improvements are outlined. The review provides meaningful insight into the research status and available opportunities in the LD adiabatic dehumidifier and regenerator modelling and optimization as well as conceptualization of the applicable models. Finally, some very impactful suggestions for improvement and further research are outlined.