bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemically enhanced primary treatment of municipal wastewater with ferrate(VI)
Authors: Zheng Lei , Feng Huan , Liu Yueqiang , Gao Jinshan , Sarkar Dibyendu , Deng Yang
Published: November 2020

Chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) with ferrate(VI), a multifunctional treatment agent, was investigated for the treatment of municipal wastewater in a laboratory‐scale study. The treatment performance was evaluated at different ferrate(VI) doses (0.0–9.0 mg/L as Fe) and pH (6.0 and 7.5). The optimal removals of total suspended solids (TSS) (52%), total chemical oxygen demand (COD) (34%), and total phosphorus (47%) were achieved at the highest ferrate(VI) dose (9.0 mg/L as Fe) and the weakly alkaline condition (pH 7.5). The pollutant abatements principally ascribed to the formation of large‐sized aggregate and ensuing sedimentation fell within the reported ranges of CEPT with traditional coagulants. However, different from conventional CEPT, ferrate(VI) appreciably removed recalcitrant dissolved organic phosphorus (49%) and simultaneously inactivated total coliform (3.30 log removal) and Escherichia coli (3.67 log removal) at 9.0 mg/L Fe(VI) and pH 7.5. The CEPT with ferrate(VI) offers an innovative alternative for improving municipal wastewater treatment.

Practitioner points

Ferrate(VI) represents a promising agent for chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) of municipal wastewater.

CEPT with ferrate(VI) can effectively alleviate TSS, total COD, and total P via the formation of large‐sized aggregates and ensuing sedimentation.

Ferrate(VI) can substantially remove recalcitrant dissolved organic phosphorus in municipal wastewater.

Different from other CEPT coagulants, ferrate(VI) can appreciably inactivate bacterial indicators during CEPT.

Higher ferrate(VI) dose and weakly alkaline pH favor the performance of ferrate(VI) CEPT.
On the efficient optimization of optical properties of particulate monolayers by a hybrid finite element approach
Authors: Semmler Johannes , Stingl Michael
Published: November 2020

This article addresses the numerical simulation and optimization of the optical properties of mono-layered nano-particulate films. The particular optical property of interest is the so-called haze factor, for which a model close to an experimental setup is derived. The numerical solution becomes very involved due to the resulting size of computational domain in comparison to the wave length, rendering the direct simulation method infeasible. As a remedy, a hybrid method is suggested, which in essence consistently combines analytical solutions for the far field with finite element-based solutions for the near field. Using a series of algebraic reformulations, a model with an off- and online component is developed, which results in the computational complexity being reduced by several orders of magnitude. Based on the suggested hybrid numerical scheme, which is not limited to the haze factor as objective function, structural optimization problems covering geometrical and topological parametrizations are formulated. These allow the influence of different particle arrangements to be studied. The article is complemented by several numerical experiments underlining the strength of the method.
Impact of solitary pulmonary nodule size on qualitative and quantitative assessment using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT: the SPUTNIK trial
Authors:   on behalf of the SPUtNIk investigators, Weir-McCall J. R. , Harris S. , Miles K. A. , Qureshi N. R. , Rintoul R. C. , Dizdarevic S. , Pike L. , Cheow Heok K. , Gilbert Fiona J.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To compare qualitative and semi-quantitative PET/CT criteria, and the impact of nodule size on the diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules in a prospective multicentre trial.

Methods

Patients with an SPN on CT ≥ 8 and ≤ 30 mm were recruited to the SPUTNIK trial at 16 sites accredited by the UK PET Core Lab. Qualitative assessment used a five-point ordinal PET-grade compared to the mediastinal blood pool, and a combined PET/CT grade using the CT features. Semi-quantitative measures included SUVmax of the nodule, and as an uptake ratio to the mediastinal blood pool (SURBLOOD) or liver (SURLIVER). The endpoints were diagnosis of lung cancer via biopsy/histology or completion of 2-year follow-up. Impact of nodule size was analysed by comparison between nodule size tertiles.

Results

Three hundred fifty-five participants completed PET/CT and 2-year follow-up, with 59% (209/355) malignant nodules. The AUCs of the three techniques were SUVmax 0.87 (95% CI 0.83;0.91); SURBLOOD 0.87 (95% CI 0.83; 0.91, p = 0.30 versus SUVmax); and SURLIVER 0.87 (95% CI 0.83; 0.91, p = 0.09 vs. SUVmax). The AUCs for all techniques remained stable across size tertiles (p > 0.1 for difference), although the optimal diagnostic threshold varied by size. For nodules < 12 mm, an SUVmax of 1.75 or visual uptake equal to the mediastinum yielded the highest accuracy. For nodules > 16 mm, an SUVmax ≥ 3.6 or visual PET uptake greater than the mediastinum was the most accurate.

Conclusion

In this multicentre trial, SUVmax was the most accurate technique for the diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules. Diagnostic thresholds should be altered according to nodule size.

Trial registration

ISRCTN - ISRCTN30784948. ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT02013063
Retrospective analysis of free temporoparietal fascial flap for defect reconstruction of the hand and the distal upper extremity
Authors: Müller-Seubert Wibke , Horch Raymund E. , Schmidt Vanessa Franziska , Ludolph Ingo , Schmitz Marweh , Arkudas Andreas
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Soft tissue reconstruction of the hand and distal upper extremity is challenging to preserve the function of the hand as good as possible. Therefore, a thin flap has been shown to be useful. In this retrospective study, we aimed to show the use of the free temporoparietal fascial flap in soft tissue reconstruction of the hand and distal upper extremity.

Methods

We analysed the outcome of free temporoparietal fascial flaps that were used between the years 2007and 2016 at our institution. Major and minor complications, defect location and donor site morbidity were the main fields of interest.

Results

14 patients received a free temporoparietal fascial flap for soft tissue reconstruction of the distal upper extremity. Minor complications were noted in three patients and major complications in two patients. Total flap necrosis occurred in one patient.

Conclusion

The free temporoparietal fascial flap is a useful tool in reconstructive surgery of the hand and the distal upper extremity with a low donor site morbidity and moderate rates of major and minor complications.
Nitric oxide controls excitatory/inhibitory balance in the hypoglossal nucleus during early postnatal development
Authors: Portillo Federico , Moreno-López Bernardo
Published: November 2020

Synaptic remodeling during early postnatal development lies behind neuronal networks refinement and nervous system maturation. In particular, the respiratory system is immature at birth and is subjected to significant postnatal development. In this context, the excitatory/inhibitory balance dramatically changes in the respiratory-related hypoglossal nucleus (HN) during the 3 perinatal weeks. Since, development abnormalities of hypoglossal motor neurons (HMNs) are associated with sudden infant death syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea, deciphering molecular partners behind synaptic remodeling in the HN is of basic and clinical relevance. Interestingly, a transient expression of the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) occurs in HMNs at neonatal stage that disappears before postnatal day 21 (P21). NO, in turn, is a determining factor for synaptic refinement in several physiopathological conditions. Here, intracerebroventricular chronic administration (P7–P21) of the broad spectrum NOS inhibitorl-NAME (N(ω)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester) differentially affected excitatory and inhibitory rearrangement during this neonatal interval in the rat. Whilstl-NAME led to a reduction in the number of excitatory structures, inhibitory synaptic puncta were increased at P21 in comparison to administration of the inactive stereoisomerd-NAME. Finally,l-NAME decreased levels of the phosphorylated form of myosin light chain in the nucleus, which is known to regulate the actomyosin contraction apparatus. These outcomes indicate that physiologically synthesized NO modulates excitatory/inhibitory balance during early postnatal development by acting as an anti-synaptotrophic and/or synaptotoxic factor for inhibitory synapses, and as a synaptotrophin for excitatory ones. The mechanism of action could rely on the modulation of the actomyosin contraction apparatus.
A Non-Spatial Reality
Authors: de Bianchi Massimiliano Sassoli
Published: November 2020

It is generally assumed, and usually taken for granted, that reality is fully contained in space. However, when taking a closer look at the strange behavior of the entities of the micro-world, we are forced to abandon such a prejudice and recognize that space is just a temporary crystallization of a small theatre for reality, where the material entities can take a place and meet with each other. More precisely, phenomena like quantum entanglement, quantum interference effects and quantum indistinguishability, when analyzed attentively, tell us that there is much more in our physical reality than what meets our three-dimensional human eyes. But if the building blocks of our physical reality are non-spatial, what does it mean? Can we understand what the nature of a non-spatial entity is? And if so, what are the consequences for our view of the world in which we live and evolve as a species? This article was written having in mind one of the objectives of the Center Leo Apostel for Interdisciplinary Studies, that of a broad dissemination of scientific knowledge. Hence, it addresses a transversal audience of readers, both academic and nonacademic, hoping to stimulate in this way the interdisciplinary dialogue about foundational issues in science.
Time-resolution of the shoot and root growth of the model cereal Brachypodium in response to inoculation with Azospirillum bacteria at low phosphorus and temperature
Authors: Schillaci Martino , Arsova Borjana , Walker Robert , Smith Penelope M. C. , Nagel Kerstin A. , Roessner Ute , Watt Michelle
Published: November 2020

A non-invasive plant phenotyping platform, GrowScreen-PaGe, was used to resolve the dynamics of shoot and root growth of the model cereal Brachypodium (Brachypodium distachyon Bd21-3) in response to the plant growth promoting (PGP) bacteria Azospirillum (Azospirillum brasilense Sp245). Inoculated Brachypodium plants had greater early vigor and higher P use efficiency than non-inoculated Brachypodium at low P and low temperature conditions. Root systems were imaged non-invasively at eight time points and data combined with leaf area, shoot biomass and nutrient content from destructive subsamples at 7, 14 and 21 days after inoculation (DAI). Azospirillum colonisation of roots improved Brachypodium shoot and, to a greater degree, root growth in three independent experiments. Inoculation promoted P use efficiency in shoots but not P concentration or uptake, despite increased total root length. Longer roots in inoculated plants arose from twofold faster branch root growth but slower axile root growth, detected at 11 DAI. Analysis of the spatio-temporal phenotypes indicated that the effects of Azospirillum inoculation increased as shoot P concentration declined, but the magnitude depended on the time after inoculation and growth rate of branch roots compared to axile roots. High throughput plant phenotyping platforms allow the details of plant-microorganism symbioses to be resolved, offering insights into the timing of changes in different tissues to allow molecular mechanisms to be determined.
Catalytic and antimicrobial properties of α-amylase immobilised on the surface of metal oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Długosz Olga , Matysik Julia , Matyjasik Wiktoria , Banach Marcin
Published: November 2020

New methods of obtaining products containing enzymes reduce the costs associated with obtaining them, increase the efficiency of processes and stabilize the created biocatalytic systems. In the study a catalytic system containing the enzyme α-amylase immobilized on ZnO nanoparticle and Fe3O4 nanoparticles was created. The efficiency of the processes was obtained with variables: concentrations of enzymes, temperatures and times, to define the best conditions for running the process, for which were determined equilibrium and kinetics of adsorption. The most effective parameters of α-amylase immobilization on metal oxides were determined, obtaining 100.8 mg/g sorption capacity for ZnO and 102.9 mg/g for Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Base on the best parameters, ZnO-α-amylase was investigated as an antimicrobial agent and Fe3O4-α-amylase was tested as a catalyst in the process of starch hydrolysis. As a result of the conducted experiments, it was found that α-amylase immobilized on Fe3O4 nanoparticles maintained high catalytic activity (the reaction rate constant KM = 0.7799 [g/dm3] and the maximum reaction rate Vmax = 8.660 [g/(dm3min)]).
Characterization of Organoid Cultures to Study the Effects of Pregnancy Hormones on the Epigenome and Transcriptional Output of Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Ciccone Michael F. , Trousdell Marygrace C. , dos Santos Camila O.
Published: November 2020

The use of mouse derived mammary organoids can provide a unique strategy to study mammary gland development across a normal life cycle, as well as offering insights into how malignancies form and progress. Substantial cellular and epigenomic changes are triggered in response to pregnancy hormones, a reaction that engages molecular and cellular changes that transform the mammary epithelial cells into “milk producing machines”. Such epigenomic alterations remain stable in post-involution mammary epithelial cells and control the reactivation of gene transcription in response to re-exposure to pregnancy hormones. Thus, a system that tightly controls exposure to pregnancy hormones, epigenomic alterations, and activation of transcription will allow for a better understanding of such molecular switches. Here, we describe the characterization of ex vivo cultures to mimic the response of mammary organoid cultures to pregnancy hormones and to understand gene regulation and epigenomic reprogramming on consecutive hormone exposure. Our findings suggest that this system yields similar epigenetic modifications to those reported in vivo, thus representing a suitable model to closely track epigenomic rearrangement and define unknown players of pregnancy-induced development.
Multi-hazard climate risk projections for the United States
Authors: KC Binita , Shepherd J. M. , King Anthony W. , Johnson Gaither Cassandra
Published: November 2020

Climate risk is a consequence of climate hazards, exposure, and the vulnerability (IPCC 2014). Here, we assess future (2040–2049) climate risk for the entire contiguous US at the county level with a novel climate risk index integrating multiple hazards, exposures and vulnerabilities. Future, weather and climate hazards are characterized as frequency of heat wave, cold spells, dryer, and heavy precipitation events along with anomalies of temperature and precipitation using high resolution (4 km) downscaled climate projections. Exposure is characterized by projections of population, infrastructure, and built surfaces prone to multiple hazards including sea level rise and storm surges. Vulnerability is characterized by projections of demographic groups most sensitive to climate hazards. We found Florida, California, the central Gulf Coast, and North Atlantic at high climate risk in the future. However, the contributions to this risk vary regionally. Florida is projected to be equally hard hit by the three components of climate risk. The coastal counties in the Gulf states of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama are at high climate risk due to high exposure and hazard. High exposure and vulnerability drive high climate risk in California counties. This approach can guide planners in targeting counties at most risk and where adaptation strategies to reduce exposure or protect vulnerable populations might be best applied.
Elderly people are inherently sensitive to the pharmacological activity of rivaroxaban: implications for DOAC prescribing
Authors: Kampouraki Emmanouela , Abohelaika Salah , Avery Peter , Biss Tina , Murphy Paul , Wynne Hilary , Kamali Farhad
Published: November 2020

According to both trial and clinical data on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) elderly patients are at greatest risk of bleeding. It is unclear whether ageintrinsicallyaffects anticoagulation response. To investigate the age-related sensitivity to DOACs, we compared the pharmacological activity of the direct factor Xa inhibitor, rivaroxaban, between young and elderly subjects ex-vivo. 36 fit elderly and 30 fit young subjects [median (IQR) age: 83(75–87) vs 30(26–38) years] provided a blood sample. Clotting parameters were measured in the resultant plasma samples incubated with rivaroxaban (100–500 ng/ml). Parametric, non-parametric tests and regression lines adjusted for rivaroxaban concentration and baseline values were used to compare data. Rivaroxaban produced a greater prolongation of both Prothrombin Time (PT) and modified Prothrombin Time (mPT) (both p < 0.001) in the elderly compared to young subjects (with difference in mean PT increasing from 1.6 to 6.1s and for mPT from 23.5 to 71.1s at 100 ng/ml and 500 ng/ml plasma rivaroxaban concentration, respectively). Factor X and factor II activity was significantly lower in the elderly in the presence of rivaroxaban (p < 0.001 for both). Rivaroxaban prolonged time-based parameters and suppressed the amount of thrombin generation to a significantly greater extent in the elderly compared to young subjects [%change from baseline for Endogenous Thrombin Potential (ETP): − 35.0 ± 4.4 vs − 29.8 ± 7.4 nM*min; p = 0.002]. The use of validated DOAC assays will be of considerable benefit for monitoring elderly patients who, because of their increased sensitivity to rivaroxaban, may require lower doses of the drug for therapeutic anticoagulation.
Health-Related Quality of Life of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Germany: a Cross-Sectional Study with Data from the German Socio-Economic Panel
Authors: Grochtdreis Thomas , König Hans-Helmut , Riedel-Heller Steffi G. , Dams Judith
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study was to estimate the health-related quality of life (HrQoL) of asylum seekers and refugees that arrived during the European migrant and refugee crisis in Germany between 2014 and 2017. The analysis was based on the 2016 and 2017 refugee samples of the German Socio-Economic Panel (n = 6821). HrQoL was measured using a modified version of the SF-12v2 questionnaire and presented as physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary scores. PCS and MCS scores for the total sample, males and females were calculated by sociodemographic characteristics. Associations between PCS and MCS scores and sociodemographic variables were examined by a linear regression with bootstrapped standard errors. The mean PCS and MCS scores of the sample were 53.4 and 47.9, respectively. Female sex was statistically significantly associated with lower PCS and MCS scores. The SF-12 subscale general health was valued highest with a score of 55.4, whereas the subscale role emotional was valued lowest with a score of 46.9. Employment was statistically significantly associated with higher PCS and MCS scores. Persons from Afghanistan had statistically significantly lower MCS scores than persons from Syria, whereas MCS scores were statistically significantly higher for persons from Eritrea. Physical and mental HrQoL of asylum seekers and refugees that arrived during the European migrant and refugee crisis in Germany between 2014 and 2017 was higher and lower than the German norm, respectively. Female sex, older age, unemployment and being separated, divorced or widowed were negatively associated with HrQoL. The three largest ethnical groups of asylum seekers and refugees, Syrians, Afghans and Eritreans, differ inherently in their HrQoL.
Perioperative diagnostics of patients referred for radioiodine therapy of differentiated thyroid carcinoma: referral center experience in an iodine-insufficient country
Authors: Eilsberger Friederike , Tuttle R. Michael , Librizzi Damiano , Pfestroff Andreas , Luster Markus , Verburg Frederik A.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The interdisciplinary “Martinique-Principles” of four international professional societies concerned with the patient management of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients were agreed upon. Differences in perioperative diagnostics can lead to differences in clinical decision founding regarding the treatment of thyroid carcinoma. Our aim was to analyze the perioperative diagnostics of patients referred for postoperative I-131 therapy of DTC.

Methods

We retrospectively examined the data of 142 patients who were referred to our center for the first course of postsurgical I-131 therapy. We extracted data on perioperative diagnostics.

Results

Fine-needle biopsy (FNB) was performed in 27/142 patients. In 17 patients, FNB yielded findings suspicious of malignancy, in 3 patients a follicular lesion was reported. An intraoperative frozen section analysis was performed in 79/142 patients. 5/63 patients showed already a cytologically proven malignancy. In 10/79 patients, the frozen section had a nonmalignant result, although DTC was found on final assessment. In 2/79 patients, frozen section analysis was indecisive, although the final report confirmed DTC. In the remaining 67 patients, frozen section yielded DTC.

Conclusions

There is room for improvement in perioperative diagnostics surrounding thyroid surgery, currently many procedures are performed without adequate information on potential presence of thyroid cancer. More frequent use of FNB might be able to decrease the number of unnecessary thyroid surgeries, increased use of frozen section might decrease the number of second operations and might contribute to less discordance between experts in the field of DTC treatment.
Positive mental health mediates the relationship between physical activity and suicide-related outcomes: a three-year follow-up study
Authors: Brailovskaia Julia , Teismann Tobias , Margraf Jürgen
Published: November 2020

Suicide belongs to the leading causes of death worldwide. The present longitudinal study investigated physical activity (for example jogging, cycling) and positive mental health (PMH) as potential factors that can reduce the risk of suicide ideation and suicidal behavior. Data of 223 participants (79.4% women; Mage(SDage) = 22.85 (4.05)) were assessed at two measurement time points over a three-year period (2016: first measurement = baseline (BL); 2019: second measurement = follow-up (FU)) via online surveys. The results reveal a significant positive relationship between higher physical activity (BL) and higher PMH (BL). Higher scores of both variables were significantly negatively linked to lower suicide-related outcomes (FU). Moreover, the association between higher physical activity (BL) and lower suicide-related outcomes (FU) was significantly mediated by higher PMH (BL). The current findings demonstrate that physical activity in combination with PMH can reduce the risk of suicide-related outcomes. Fostering physical activity and PMH may be relevant strategies in the prevention of suicide ideation and suicide behavior.
Correction to: The Case for a Critical Zone Science Approach to Research on Estuarine and Coastal Wetlands in the Anthropocene
Authors: Liu Min , Hou Lijun , Yang Yi , Zhou Limin , Meadows Michael E.
Published: November 2020

In the original version of the article Min Liu’s first and last names were transposed. It is correct as shown here.
The potential of using blood circular RNA as liquid biopsy biomarker for human diseases
Authors: Wen Guoxia , Zhou Tong , Gu Wanjun
Published: November 2020

Circular RNA (circRNA) is a novel class of single-stranded RNAs with a closed loop structure. The majority of circRNAs are formed by a back-splicing process in pre-mRNA splicing. Their expression is dynamically regulated and shows spatiotemporal patterns among cell types, tissues and developmental stages. CircRNAs have important biological functions in many physiological processes, and their aberrant expression is implicated in many human diseases. Due to their high stability, circRNAs are becoming promising biomarkers in many human diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases and human cancers. In this review, we focus on the translational potential of using human blood circRNAs as liquid biopsy biomarkers for human diseases. We highlight their abundant expression, essential biological functions and significant correlations to human diseases in various components of peripheral blood, including whole blood, blood cells and extracellular vesicles. In addition, we summarize the current knowledge of blood circRNA biomarkers for disease diagnosis or prognosis.
Perturbed eigenvalue problems for the Robin p-Laplacian plus an indefinite potential
Authors: Vetro Calogero
Published: November 2020

We consider a parametric nonlinear Robin problem driven by the negativep-Laplacian plus an indefinite potential. The equation can be thought as a perturbation of the usual eigenvalue problem. We consider the case where the perturbation$$f(z,\cdot )$$f(z,·)is$$(p-1)$$(p-1)-sublinear and then the case where it is$$(p-1)$$(p-1)-superlinear but without satisfying the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition. We establish existence and uniqueness or multiplicity of positive solutions for certain admissible range for the parameter$$\lambda \in {\mathbb {R}}$$λ∈Rwhich we specify exactly in terms of principal eigenvalue of the differential operator.
Digital control of cable vibration with time delay
Authors: Kollár László E.
Published: November 2020

A simplified model for active control of vibration of a suspended cable is proposed. The model is constructed so that it considers the dynamic characteristics of the cable at the location where a vibration absorber is attached together with the absorber itself. The control is applicable for attenuating high-frequency, low-amplitude cable vibration due to periodic excitation that may model the wind effect. The methodology to choose control parameters is based on the dynamics of the vibration absorber and the stability analysis of the controlled system. The model takes into account the time delay that is always present in digital control due to sampling. Results reveal that the application of active control reduces vibration amplitude significantly provided that samples are taken in short time intervals. Increasing time delay reduces the effects of control and above a critical value, the vibration amplitude becomes even greater than without control. The importance of time delay grows with increasing excitation frequency, which means a limitation of the application of the control methodology developed. This limitation concerns the highest excitation frequencies.
Self-lubrication of tribologically-induced oxidation during dry reciprocating sliding of aged Ti-Ni51.5 at% alloy
Authors: Yang Rui , Ma Wei , Duan Chunjian , Li Song , Wang Tingmei , Wang Qihua
Published: November 2020

The tribological behaviors of Ti-Ni51.5 at% alloy strengthened by finely dispersed Ni4Ti3 particles in reciprocating sliding against GCr15, Al2O3, and ZrO2 at room temperature were studied. Interestingly, the coefficient of friction (COF) suffered a sheer drop (from 0.9 to 0.2) when the aged alloy slid against GCr15 at a frequency of 20 Hz under a 20 N load without lubrication. However, severe-mild wear transition disappeared when a solutionized alloy was used. Moreover, the COF stabilized at a relatively high level when Al2O3 and ZrO2 were used as counterparts, although their wear mechanisms showed signs of oxidation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray element mappings of the wear scars of the counterparts clearly indicate that the formation of well-distributed tribo-layer and material transfer between the ball and disk are pivotal to the severe-to-mild wear transition in the aged Ti-Ni51.5 at% alloy/GCr15 friction pair. The higher microhardness and superelasticity of the aged alloy significantly accelerate the material transfer from GCr15 to the disk, forming a glazed protective tribo-layer containing Fe-rich oxides.
Some novel features of Pythagorean m-polar fuzzy sets with applications
Authors: Naeem Khalid , Riaz Muhammad , Karaaslan Faruk
Published: November 2020

We face many situations in day to day life where multi-polar statistics is offered. The prevailing models like Pythagorean fuzzy sets and m-polar fuzzy sets become inoperable in handling such situation efficiently e.g. if someone wishes to invest his capital in some scheme, he would for sure like to know repeated information about pros and cons of that scheme. Pythagorean m-polar fuzzy sets (PmFSs) serve as the most appropriate model to cope with such situations. The motivation behind this article is to extend the notions of PmFSs coined by Naeem et al. (J Intell Fuzzy Syst 37(6): 8441–8458, 2019) and introduce some new operations and results on PmFSs. Owing to the idea of Pythagorean m-polar fuzzy relation, we render an application in the selection of most appropriate life partner.
Physical simulation and dilatometric study of double-step heat treatment of medium-Mn steel
Authors: Skowronek A. , Morawiec M. , Ruiz-Jimenez V. , Garcia-Mateo C. , Grajcar A.
Published: November 2020

The work addresses physical simulation and dilatometric study of one-step and double-step heat treatments of medium-Mn steel designed for automotive sheets. The conventional one-step isothermal bainitic transformation was applied as the reference heat treatment. The newly implemented heat treatment consisted of isothermal holding in a bainitic region followed by additional holding of the material at reduced temperature also in the bainitic range. This step was added to refine the microstructure, which led to the stabilization of the retained austenite. Calculations of equilibrium state and non-equilibrium cooling and simulations of the developed thermal cycles were performed using the thermodynamic JMatPro software. The physical simulations of the heat treatment were performed in the dilatometer. The obtained samples were subjected to microscopic observations using light and SEM microscopy. One- and two-step heat treatments allowed to obtain bainitic structures with high contents of retained austenite. Lowering the temperature of one-step isothermal holding resulted in the bainite refinement and adjacent retained austenite. The increased Mn content in steel increased its susceptibility to form coalesced bainite resulting in the partial formation of thicker plates despite a decrease in a process temperature.
Intra‐ and Inter‐Annual Variability of North Brazil Current Rings Using Angular Momentum Eddy Detection and Tracking Algorithm: Observations From 1993 to 2016
Authors: Aroucha L. C. , Veleda D. , Lopes F. S. , Tyaquiçã P. , Lefèvre N. , Araujo M.
Published: November 2020

In order to investigate intra‐ and inter‐annual variability of North Brazil Current (NBC) rings, angular momentum eddy detection and tracking algorithm (AMEDA) was used for identification of their occurrence, trajectories, and parameters. Based on 24 years (1993–2016) of geopotential height and geostrophic current fields reanalysis data from ARMOR 3D (¼°), we identified an average rate of five NBC rings shed by year. The rings present an average lifetime of 15.3 (±5.4) weeks, average speed‐based radius (Rmax) of 139.8 (±23.6) km, and mean sea surface height anomaly (SSHa) of 9.4 (±4.0) cm. The mean observed maximum azimuthal velocity (Vmax) was 0.27 (±0.08) m/s, while the averaged Rossby number (Ro) value was 0.08 (±0.04) and averaged kinetic energy (KE) was of 255.3 (±154.8) cm2/s2. NBC rings have larger dimensions, rotate faster, live less, and transfer more energy in boreal winter months. In contrast, those shed during boreal summer and early fall last longer, have smaller diameters and carry less energy. Besides, the analysis of ring merging pointed that the interaction between NBC rings generated a significantly increase in ring energy (52%), and velocity (22%). Finally, we observed the vertical anomalies temperature and salinity profiles, which indicated a thermocline deepening and sinking of coastal and tropical waters due to NBC rings downwelling. This study emphasizes the robustness and efficiency of AMEDA for studying rings in the ocean and further theorizes possible impacts of NBC ring on ocean physical and biogeochemical features in the Western Tropical North Atlantic.
Modeled Microbial Dynamics Explain the Apparent Temperature Sensitivity of Wetland Methane Emissions
Authors: Chadburn Sarah E. , Aalto Tuula , Aurela Mika , Baldocchi Dennis , Biasi Christina , Boike Julia , Burke Eleanor J. , Comyn‐Platt Edward , Dolman A. Johannes , Duran‐Rojas Carolina , Fan Yuanchao , Friborg Thomas , Gao Yao , Gedney Nicola , Göckede Mathias , Hayman Garry D. , Holl David , Hugelius Gustaf , Kutzbach Lars , Lee Hanna , Lohila Annalea , Parmentier Frans‐Jan W. , Sachs Torsten , Shurpali Narasinha J. , Westermann Sebastian
Published: November 2020

Methane emissions from natural wetlands tend to increase with temperature and therefore may lead to a positive feedback under future climate change. However, their temperature response includes confounding factors and appears to differ on different time scales. Observed methane emissions depend strongly on temperature on a seasonal basis, but if the annual mean emissions are compared between sites, there is only a small temperature effect. We hypothesize that microbial dynamics are a major driver of the seasonal cycle and that they can explain this apparent discrepancy. We introduce a relatively simple model of methanogenic growth and dormancy into a wetland methane scheme that is used in an Earth system model. We show that this addition is sufficient to reproduce the observed seasonal dynamics of methane emissions in fully saturated wetland sites, at the same time as reproducing the annual mean emissions. We find that a more complex scheme used in recent Earth system models does not add predictive power. The sites used span a range of climatic conditions, with the majority in high latitudes. The difference in apparent temperature sensitivity seasonally versus spatially cannot be recreated by the non‐microbial schemes tested. We therefore conclude that microbial dynamics are a strong candidate to be driving the seasonal cycle of wetland methane emissions. We quantify longer‐term temperature sensitivity using this scheme and show that it gives approximately a 12% increase in emissions per degree of warming globally. This is in addition to any hydrological changes, which could also impact future methane emissions.
Tidal Geopotential Dependence on Earth Ellipticity and Seawater Density and Its Detection With the GRACE Follow‐On Laser Ranging Interferometer
Authors: Han Shin‐Chan , Ghobadi‐Far Khosro , Ray Richard D. , Papanikolaou Thomas
Published: November 2020

Ocean tides produce significant gravitational perturbations that affect near‐Earth orbiting spacecraft. The gravitational potential induced by tidal mass redistribution is routinely modeled for global gravity analysis and orbit determination, although generally by assuming a spherical Earth and a uniform seawater density. The inadequacy of these simplifications is here addressed. We have developed an accurate yet efficient algorithm to compute the ocean tidal geopotential, allowing for Earth's elliptical shape and variable seawater density. Using this new computation, we find that (1) the effect of ellipticity is several percent of the tide signal over mid to high‐latitude regions, which is comparable to elevation error in the state‐of‐the‐art ocean tide models; (2) the effect of seawater density variations on the potential is as large as 2–3 cm in water‐height equivalent, primarily in deep water where density increases 2%–3% from compressibility. Our analysis of new Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow‐On (GRACE‐FO) laser ranging interferometer measurements reveals evident errors when ellipticity and density variations are ignored. When accounted for, the GRACE‐FO residual tidal gravity perturbations are reduced by half, depending on the adopted tide model; only the remaining half likely represents actual model elevation error. The use of a spherical surface and a uniform seawater density is no longer tenable given the precision of gravity measurements from GRACE and GRACE‐FO satellites.
Gray Zone Partitioning Functions and Parameterization of Turbulence Fluxes in the Convective Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Authors: Senel Cem Berk , Temel Orkun , Muñoz‐Esparza Domingo , Parente Alessandro , van Beeck Jeroen
Published: November 2020

Here, we present the first attempt to fully represent three‐dimensional turbulence fluxes in the “Terra Incognita” or the gray zone in other words. In order to derive partitioning functions, representing the partitioning between subgrid and total fluxes, we make use of high‐resolution large‐eddy simulations (LES), which are performed with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. LES computations are performed for various levels of convective instability, ranging from pure buoyant to strongly sheared convection. Then, the resulting reference‐LES fields are successively coarse grained from its original microscale grid spacing (
 m) up to typical mesoscale grid spacings (
 km). The given process is applied by means of an advanced filter, that is, the Butterworth filter. It enables a clear scale‐specific filtering that results in a more controlled energy transition from lower to higher wavenumbers, unlike the drawbacks of current filters in use. Finally, we parameterize the subgrid scale (SGS) partitioning functions of 10 SGS turbulence quantities: momentum fluxes (τij, six terms), heat fluxes (qj, three terms), and turbulence kinetic energy (k). Turbulence partitioning relations are parameterized in a scale‐aware, stability‐dependent, and height‐dependent form, using the sigmoidal Gompertz function. Thus, the new gray zone model provides a framework that bridges the mesoscale and microscale limits and that is suitable for the development of next generation three‐dimensional, multiscale turbulence parameterization methods or planetary boundary layer schemes.
Scattering From a Strip With Mixed Boundary Conditions
Authors: Emets V. F. , Rogowski J.
Published: November 2020

This paper applies the collocation method to the modeling and simulation of scattering from a strip with the Dirichlet boundary condition on the upper interface and the Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions on the two subintervals along the lower interface. Green's theorem is used to reduce the mixed boundary value problem to the system of three coupled hypersingular and singular integral equations. The numerical results of the backscattering field characteristics are presented and compared with the high‐frequency approximations.
Semi‐Analytical Model of the Rician K‐Factor
Authors: Alayón Glazunov Andrés , Razavi Aidin , Maaskant Rob , Yang Jian
Published: November 2020

The analysis of the performance of 5G wireless communication systems employing Massive MIMO at millimeter‐wave frequencies is of great practical relevance. Of special relevance are the signal fluctuations. In the present paper, we introduce a semi‐analytical model for a generic scattering environment by using randomly distributed resonant scatterers to investigate the impact of the size of the scattering environment, the scatterer density, and the number of scatterers on the signal variability in terms of the Rician K‐factor as a function of frequency. We further present an investigation of the impact of scattering on the frequency dependence of the signal fading statistics in the 500 MHz–100 GHz band. The simplified model is also verified against full‐wave simulation using the Method of Moments (MoM).
Predicting Water and Sediment Partitioning in a Delta Channel Network Under Varying Discharge Conditions
Authors: Dong Tian Y. , Nittrouer Jeffrey A. , McElroy Brandon , Il'icheva Elena , Pavlov Maksim , Ma Hongbo , Moodie Andrew J. , Moreido Vsevolod M.
Published: November 2020

Channel bifurcations control the distribution of water and sediment in deltas, and the routing of these materials facilitates land building in coastal regions. Yet few practical methods exist to provide accurate predictions of flow partitioning at multiple bifurcations within a distributary channel network. Herein, multiple nodal relations that predict flow partitioning at individual bifurcations, utilizing various hydraulic and channel planform parameters, are tested against field data collected from the Selenga River delta, Russia. The data set includes 2.5 months of time‐continuous, synoptic measurements of water and sediment discharge partitioning covering a flood hydrograph. Results show that width, sinuosity, and bifurcation angle are the best remotely sensed, while cross‐sectional area and flow depth are the best field measured nodal relation variables to predict flow partitioning. These nodal relations are incorporated into a graph model, thus developing a generalized framework that predicts partitioning of water discharge and total, suspended, and bedload sediment discharge in deltas. Results from the model tested well against field data produced for the Wax Lake, Selenga, and Lena River deltas. When solely using remotely sensed variables, the generalized framework is especially suitable for modeling applications in large‐scale delta systems, where data and field accessibility are limited.
TGR5 deficiency aggravates hepatic ischemic/reperfusion injury via inhibiting SIRT3/FOXO3/HIF-1ɑ pathway
Authors: Wang Qi , Wei Song , Li Lei , Qiu Jiannan , Zhou Shun , Shi Chengyu , Shi Yong , Zhou Haoming , Lu Ling
Published: November 2020

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is responsible for liver injury during hepatic resection and liver transplantation. The plasma membrane-bound G protein-coupled bile acid receptor (TGR5) could regulate immune response in multiple liver diseases. Nevertheless, the underlying role of TGR5 in hepatic I/R injury remains largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of TGR5 in hepatic I/R injury. Wild-type (WT) and TGR5 knockout (TGR5KO) mice were used to perform hepatic I/R, and macrophages were isolated from mice for in vitro experiments. The results demonstrated that knockout of TGR5 in mice significantly exacerbated liver injury and inflammatory response. TGR5KO mice infused with WT macrophages showed relieved liver injury. Further study revealed that TGR5 knockout inhibited sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) and forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) expression. In vitro experiments indicated that SIRT3 inhibited acetylation, ubiquitination and degradation of FOXO3. FOXO3 inhibited HIF-1α transcription by binding to its promoter. TGR5 knockout inhibited SIRT3 expression, thus promoted the acetylation, ubiquitination, and degradation of FOXO3, which resulted in increased HIF-1α transcription and macrophages proinflammatory response. Collectively, TGR5 plays a critical protective role in hepatic I/R injury. FOXO3 deacetylation mediated by SIRT3 can attenuate hepatic I/R injury. TGR5 deficiency aggravates hepatic I/R injury via inhibiting SIRT3/FOXO3/HIF-1α pathway.
MiR396 is involved in plant response to vernalization and flower development in Agrostis stolonifera
Authors: Yuan Shuangrong , Li Zhigang , Yuan Ning , Hu Qian , Zhou Man , Zhao Junming , Li Dayong , Luo Hong
Published: November 2020

MicroRNA396 (miR396) has been demonstrated to regulate flower development by targeting growth-regulating factors (GRFs) in annual species. However, its role in perennial grasses and its potential involvement in flowering time control remain unexplored. Here we report that overexpression of miR396 in a perennial species, creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.), alters flower development. Most significantly, transgenic (TG) plants bypass the vernalization requirement for flowering. Gene expression analysis reveals that miR396 is induced by long-day (LD) photoperiod and vernalization. Further study identifies VRN1, VRN2, and VRN3 homologs whose expression patterns in wild-type (WT) plants are similar to those observed in wheat and barley during transition from short-day (SD) to LD, and SD to cold conditions. However, compared to WT controls, TG plants overexpressing miR396 exhibit significantly enhanced VRN1 and VRN3 expression, but repressed VRN2 expression under SD to LD conditions without vernalization, which might be associated with modified expression of methyltransferase genes. Collectively, our results unveil a potentially novel mechanism by which miR396 suppresses the vernalization requirement for flowering which might be related to the epigenetic regulation of VRN genes and provide important new insight into critical roles of a miRNA in regulating vernalization-mediated transition from vegetative to reproductive growth in monocots.
The role of arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) in fruit ripening—a review
Authors: Leszczuk Agata , Kalaitzis Panagiotis , Blazakis Konstantinos N. , Zdunek Artur
Published: November 2020

Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are proteoglycans challenging researchers for decades. However, despite the extremely interesting polydispersity of their structure and essential application potential, studies of AGPs in fruit are limited, and only a few groups deal with this scientific subject. Here, we summarise the results of pioneering studies on AGPs in fruit tissue with their structure, specific localization pattern, stress factors influencing their presence, and a focus on recent advances. We discuss the properties of AGPs, i.e., binding calcium ions, ability to aggregate, adhesive nature, and crosslinking with other cell wall components that may also be implicated in fruit metabolism. The aim of this review is an attempt to associate well-known features and properties of AGPs with their putative roles in fruit ripening. The putative physiological significance of AGPs might provide additional targets of regulation for fruit developmental programme. A comprehensive understanding of the AGP expression, structure, and untypical features may give new information for agronomic, horticulture, and renewable biomaterial applications.