bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of wall mounted type power scrubber cleaning device
Authors: Silkson John J. , Thanigaivelan V , Krishna M , Joshua A
Published: April 2021

This article presents a design scheme for a scrubber pertaining to the classes of cleaning devices for washing household utensils. The power scrubber is wall-mounted preferably near a kitchen sink and can be operated with a foot pedal for hand-free operation. The scrubbing device comes with various attachments, which could be used alternatively based on the dishwashing needs. It has been estimated that an average household utilizes almost 50 individual pieces of utensils to cook and serve food items, washing them requires huge amounts of water and is somewhat labour intensive due to the scrubbing action that is necessary to clean utensils. Though there are dishwashing machines available in the market, they are quite bulky and expensive for the common household in India, moreover they consume a lot of power and is not suited for washing single utensils and even has restrictions on the types of utensils to be washed. It has been realized by us that the utensil scrubbing is the most important task in the process. The power scrubber is a wall-mounted scrubber and is also capable of dispensing soap and in-turn reduce water usage.
FEM analysis of novel Fresnel sheet solar concentrating system for TEG
Authors: Babu S , Sashvat R R Shyam , Susai Daniel , Ajay N
Published: April 2021

The expensive manufacturing process and low efficiency at the high working temperature of photovoltaic cells necessitate the need for an alternate solar energy generation system. In this study, a concentrated solar thermal system that works on the principle of the Seebeck effect has been selected for electical energy conversion. Standard Thermal Electric Generator (TEG) of material Bismuth Telluride is considered for harvesting energy from concentrated solar irradiance. In this research work, a Fresnel sheet concentrator has been used as the concentrating medium due to its low weight and easy installation. The solar simulator experiment is carried out on the Bismuth Telluride TEG module (type TEP1-12656-0.6) to find out its output characteristics curve with respect to irradiance. In this connection, high temperature is maintained at the top of the TEG by using fresnel concentrator and low temperature is maintained at the bottom by utilising the Flow Channel concept. Analysis of the flow channel is done in detail using ANSYS version 15. Results are discussed. Based on this result, the water flow rate has been optimised and it is found that the high temperature at the top of the TEG is not constant due to solar irradient uncertainity. A complete cost analysis is performed and the payback period of the proposed model is found out to be considerably less compared to the conventional solar panel system. Hence, in this manner, the most abundant renewable energy like solar energy is made use efficiently as well as economically, without causing any harm to the environmental well-being.
Solidification characteristics of deionized water in a spherical capsule using bio-additives: An experimental study
Authors: Premnath D , Chandrasekaran P , Ganapathy Subramanian L.R
Published: April 2021

The present work investigates the solidification activity of deionized water as phase change material dispersed with various bio-additives such as gelatin and corn starch in a spherical capsule immersed in a constant temperature bath. Tests are carried out at two different bath temperatures (-6°C and -9°C) and it was noted that deionized water undergoes a subcooling of -3.8°C at a bath temperature of -6°C. However, no subcooling is reported for the deionized water with a concentration of 0.1wt.% for both the additives. A maximum reduction of 51% and 45% in total solidification time is observed for gelatin solution at bath temperatures of -6°C and -9°C respectively. A significant reduction of 82% is observed while considering 50% of phase change material(PCM) mass at a bath temperature of -6°C. Hence, it is concluded that reducing subcooling and partial charging of water-based PCMs would help to increase the Cool Thermal Energy Storage (CTES) system’s energy efficiency.
Experimental Investigation on Thermal Performance of Evaporator using PCM
Authors: Panneerselvam S , Mathanraj V
Published: April 2021

The project is mainly focused on improving the performance of evaporator using the phase change materials (PCM) associated with the evaporator in a refrigeration system. The usage of phase change material (PCM) to improve the with stand time of the evaporator temperature and also enhances the heat transfer rate thus improve the COP (Coefficient of performance) of refrigeration. Using Sodium chloride, Magnesium Chloride and Diethylene glycol as PCM and for a certain thermal load it is found that with stand time of evaporator increased by 48 minutes and the COP (Coefficient of performance) of the conventional refrigerator increased up to 35 per cent. Here the phase change material (PCM) used in a chamber built manually and which surrounds the Evaporator chamber of a refrigeration system. On considering the PCMs with remarkable properties such as low freezing point, increases with stand time remarkably and also improves the COP (Coefficient of performance) the refrigeration system. Also, performance range of the refrigerant R407c And R134a has been studied along with the effects of the PCM named above in the both systems.
Turbocharger Lag Mitigation System
Authors: Soundararaju Ponsankar , Roy Bikram , Tiwari Anshul
Published: April 2021

A Turbocharger mitigation system was designed for vehicular operations and simulated in lab conditions. In production cars, a huge loss of power is noticed under 1500 rpm which is termed as “turbo-lag”. The effects of turbo lag include increased fuel consumption, lesser efficiency, brake power loss and more emissions. A complete analysis of the existing system was done and the parameters were measured for a wide range of engine rpm. A servo motor actuation system was mated with the turbocharger. The control algorithm and principles were programmed in Arduino software. After successful implementation, the results were compared with the previous setup in MS Excel software.
A solution approach for a multi-objective fuzzy generalized assignment problem
Authors: Vinoliah E. Melita , Ganesan K.
Published: April 2021

We consider a multi-objective generalized assignment problem in which the costs are fuzzy numbers. The generalized assignment problem has gained its significance in the fuzzy environment. We have represented the fuzzy numbers in their parametric form and then solved it through ones assignment method. To the best of our knowledge, most of the authors have obtained the solution by converting the problem to its crisp form. We have recommended an algorithm where we have used the ranking method and arithmetic operations to obtain a desirable solution without converting to an equivalent crisp form. The solution we acquired is represented in terms of location index and fuzziness index functions which enables the decision maker to decide his/her preference of solution. An example is given to explain the proposed methodology.
Experimental Study of Heat Transfer in Concentric Triple Pipe Heat Exchanger
Authors: Tanish P , Ramanathan N R , Balasekhar C S K , Manikandaraja G
Published: April 2021

Heat exchangers are devices which are used to transfer the thermal energy between two or more fluids. They are used in various industries for space heating, air conditioning and chemical processing. Some heat exchangers which are experienced in our daily lives include pasteurization, radiators and oil coolers in automobiles Heat exchangers have been divided in several ways, based on its flow direction which are parallel or counter flow, types of construction of the heat exchanger like tubular or plate heat exchanger, the ways of contact between the fluids i.e. direct or indirect.

The heat exchangers performance is usually depending upon the physical characteristics of the fluid and the material. When a concentric tube is added in the intermediate space of a double pipe heat exchanger, we obtain a triple pipe heat exchanger, we obtain a triple pipe heat exchanger. The performance of the triple is better than the double pipe, as it provides better heat transfer efficiencies. Basically, the additional pipe improves the heat transfer by providing an additional flow passage and a larger area for heat transfer area per unit length of the exchanger.
Solving System of Interval Linear Equations by Gauss Jordon Method Using Generalized Interval Arithmetic
Authors: Nirmala T. , Ganesan K.
Published: April 2021

We introduce an interval version of Gauss Jordon method for solving system of interval linear equations involving generalized interval numbers by applying the generalized interval arithmetic operations. The given interval system is solved without converting to equivalent crisp linear systems. Also numerical example is given to support the proposed algorithm.
Study of Thermal Transport Properties of Carbon Based NFPCM (Graphene) For Space Cooling Applications
Authors: Sathishkumar A. , Mohammed Hasan , Saxena Namit , Cheralathan M.
Published: April 2021

This examination is planned to research the hardening conduct of water scattered with Graphene nano particles in a circular holder during cementing. The examinations were directed with unadulterated water and nanofluid stage change materials (NFPCMs) with GNP mass grouping of 0.35 %, 0.7 % and 1.05 %. The NFPCM was set up by scattering graphene nanoparticles and a nucleating specialist in the base PCM (stage change material). Nanoparticle’s (GNP) go about as a nucleating specialist to help the quick development of precious stones in cementing processes. The expansion of GNPs came about with an apparent decrease in the sub cooling of water from - 12 °C to - 2.5 °C alongside decrease of 25 % in cementing time attributable to its high warm conductivity and bigger explicit surface region. The expansion of the Nucleating operator lessens the serious situation of sub-cooling in the PCM, all things considered, which improves the exhibition of evaporator in a refrigeration framework. In addition, NFPCM with upgraded heat move rate and without sub-cooling can be valuable in numerous CTES (Cool Thermal Energy Storage) applications. The beginning of hardening progressed on account of NFPCM because of higher cooling rate in the sub cooling district for some random driving potential. The quickened method of vitality charging happened during 78 % of all out cementing time.
Experimental Investigation of CI Engine Fueled with Diesel Blended Mahua Oil with DEE and Kerosene as Additives
Authors: Siva Chidambaram M , Sai Sriharsha A V , Srinath Aditya , Malarmannan S , Manikandaraja G
Published: April 2021

Biodiesel is a possible substitute to traditional diesel fuel produced from renewable resources, like non-edible vegetable oils. An increase in energy demand, stringent emission norms, and reduction of oil resources led to finding alternative fuels for internal combustion engines. In this paper, we study the performance and emission characteristics of CI engine fueled with Mahua oil Blended in the blending ratio B10, B20, B30, B10+5DEE, B20+5DEE, B30+5DEE, B10+5KER, B20+5KER, B30+5KER. The experiment was carried out in a four-stroke, single cylinder diesel engine by varying the load from 4kg to 16 kg. The result shows that the addition of Mahua oil increases the Brake thermal efficiency with a reduction in specific fuel consumption and exhaust gas temperature.
Studies on properties of concrete prepared with partial replacement of Coarse aggregate by Electric Arc Furnace Slag
Authors: Sathiya M , Umamaheswari N
Published: April 2021

In recent decades, the construction industry is facing a difficulty arising out of decline in the availability of natural resource material for the preparation of concrete due to depletion. An investigation is carried out on the reuse of waste slag as an alternative material to natural material in concrete production, satisfying relevant international standards. Electric Arc Furnace Slag (EAFS) is a material which is obtained from the steel industry during the production of steel from its raw ore. It can be used as both fine and coarse aggregate in concrete. This paper presents about the usage of EAFS in concrete preparation and results of some tests conducted on it. This study concentrates on 50% replacement of EAFS as coarse aggregate in concrete preparation. The mechanical properties of the EAFS is addressed. The compressive and split tensile strength is analysed for the age of 7, 14 and 28 days. The test results revealed that partial replacement of EAFS as coarse aggregate showed more or less similar results when compared to conventional concrete. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques are used to study topographic, crystallographic of material and chemical composition of slag and the corresponding results are included.
Micro-level studies of fly ash and GGBS—based geopolymer concrete using SEM and XRD
Authors: Rajini B. , Narasimha Rao A.V. , Sashidhar C.
Published: April 2021

In order to recognize the features contributing to strength (geo polymerization) for higher grade of geopolymer concrete, characterization of concrete specimens is needed. Fly Ash (FA) and Ground Granular Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) based geopolymer concrete is tested for 28 days’ compressive strength. And the mixes were characterized by adopting various physical-chemical methods such as X-Ray Diffraction analysis (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) This information helps to recognize the contribution of ingredients of mix to strength and resultant properties from the mix in a better way.
A Modified Method for Finding Initial Basic Feasible Solution for Fuzzy Transportation Problems Involving Generalized Trapezoidal Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Uma Maheswari P. , Vidhya V. , Ganesan K.
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we propose a modified method for finding an initial basic feasible solution(IBFS) for fuzzy transportation problem(FTP) involving generalized trapezoidal fuzzy numbers(GTFNS). Without disturbing the fuzzy nature, using the parametric representation of fuzzy numbers, the optimal solution of the FTPP is obtained. A numerical illustration is given to demonstrate the suitability and efficiency of the proposed procedure and the solution is compared with the existing methods.
Personalized Dynamic User Interfaces
Authors: Sankar Sasirekha , Amudha S , Madhavan P. , Lamba Dev Krishna
Published: April 2021

We live in an era where most organizations tend to pay the utmost significance to the customer. Most organizations will position their business models to align with the demands put forth by the customer and hence, better cater them. However, more often than not, these organizations fail to accommodate the individuality of each of their customers. While the actual functionality of an application holds prime importance to the user, the presented interface that a user engages with to achieve these functionalities is equally essential. If the user isn’t able to comprehend how to accomplish the functionality as mentioned earlier, the application, more or less, becomes redundant. This consideration can be augmented by simple facts that no two customers will ever be the same and that none of them will ever share a commonality amongst them as to how they interact, manipulate and communicate with an application. This very fact, however, is often overlooked. This very aspect of un-tailored experiences of almost all commercially available applications can hurt business for the worse. A lot can be done simply by learning from user preferences and applying these learned preferences to predict what a user may or may not like.
Experimental Investigation on Effect of LHR in Diesel Engine Fuelled with Waste Cooking Oil Biodiesel
Authors: Solomon Jenoris Muthiya , Singh Krishna Pratap , Sawant Laxmikant Damodar , Dhanraj Joshuva Arockia , Subramaniam Mohankumar , Manoj Samson R
Published: April 2021

Diesel-powered engines are best suitable for light and heavy-duty vehicles. Because of the high thermal efficiency, it is widely used in the transportation sector. The rapid increase in global fossil fuel demand has raised fuel prices and causes a huge demand for petroleum fuels. And the stringent Emission norms increased the need for a highly efficient engine. In this work, a low heat rejection diesel engine coated with thermal barrier coating is used to test the biodiesel obtained from waste cooking oil. The Thermal barrier coating is given for 30pm, 40 pm, and 60 pm with yttrium stabilized zirconia. It is observed that the thermal barrier coating with 30pm shows better results. The brake thermal efficiency of the engine with LHR and biodiesel observed an increase in its efficiency. And emission concentrations were increasing with respect to waste cooking oil biodiesel when compared with diesel. The experiment was performed in the laboratory with a single-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine. The emission concentrations are measured with a portable emission analyzer.
Energy Efficient Medium-Term Wind Speed Prediction System using Machine Learning Models
Authors: Sankar Sasirekha , Amudha S. , Madhavan P. , Lamba Dev Krishna
Published: April 2021

With the day by day exhausting nonrenewable resources, it becomes crucial to focus on the renewable sources of energy and to get the maximum output from them. Wind energy is a major source of energy in many parts of India. Other such renewable sources of energy are solar energy, biomass energy etc. Our major objective during this project was to predict the wind speed for medium-term so as to help wind farms in channelizing the wind energy in an efficient manner and to get the maximum throughput from the wind farms.
Temporary mechanized gate roof support in the YapiTec mine
Authors: Korski J
Published: April 2021

For more than sixty years in all the world are trials of gateroad temporary mechanized roof supports in mechanized development operation have been conducted unsuccessfully. A case study - temporary mechanized gateroad roof support implemented in one of the entrances/drifts development in the turkish coal mine Yapi Tec Maden from the construction to 12-month practical experiences in practical use as described in the article. The review of gateroad roof support for different purposes is presented in article as a background or circumstances for the described case study. The YapiTec trial of the company own temporary mechanized gateroad roof support is discussed in comparison with second mechanized gateroad face without temporary mechanized roof support and same mining conditions during comparable time.
Tests of electric properties of supply-control system of mining floor-loader
Authors: Niedworok A , Lesiak K , Orzech Ł , Talarek M
Published: April 2021

Tests of electric properties of the supply-control system designed for a floor-loader operated in underground mine workings, are presented in the article. The tests included functionality of the machine power electronics systems, consisting of the inverter controlling the induction motor and the charger of lithium-ion battery. The tests were concentrated on a verification of functional correctness of the system managing an operation of the battery (BMS) and its collaboration with the superordinated floor-loader control system. The obtained test results enabled to verify the accepted technical and functional assumptions of the supply-control system as well as to confirm a possibility of its safe operation in underground conditions (including the zones where an explosion hazard occurs). The supply-control system of the floor-loader is developed within the framework of the HYDKOM 75 project number POIR.04.01.02-00-0102/16, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
Predicting Sex-Specific Nonfatal Suicide Attempt Risk Using Machine Learning and Data From Danish National Registries
Authors: Gradus Jaimie L , Rosellini Anthony J , Horváth-Puhó Erzsébet , Jiang Tammy , Street Amy E , Galatzer-Levy Isaac , Lash Timothy L , Sørensen Henrik T
Published: April 2021

Suicide attempts are a leading cause of injury globally. Accurate prediction of suicide attempts might offer opportunities for prevention. This case-cohort study used machine learning to examine sex-specific risk profiles for suicide attempts in Danish nationwide registry data. Cases were all persons who made a nonfatal suicide attempt between 1995 and 2015 (n = 22,974); the subcohort was a 5% random sample of the population at risk on January 1, 1995 (n = 265,183). We developed sex-stratified classification trees and random forests using 1,458 predictors, including demographic factors, family histories, psychiatric and physical health diagnoses, surgery, and prescribed medications. We found that substance use disorders/treatment, prescribed psychiatric medications, previous poisoning diagnoses, and stress disorders were important factors for predicting suicide attempts among men and women. Individuals in the top 5% of predicted risk accounted for 44.7% of all suicide attempts among men and 43.2% of all attempts among women. Our findings illuminate novel risk factors and interactions that are most predictive of nonfatal suicide attempts, while consistency between our findings and previous work in this area adds to the call to move machine learning suicide research toward the examination of high-risk subpopulations.
Global Commitments to Conserving and Monitoring Genetic Diversity Are Now Necessary and Feasible
Authors: Hoban Sean , Bruford Michael W , Funk W Chris , Galbusera Peter , Griffith M Patrick , Grueber Catherine E , Heuertz Myriam , Hunter Margaret E , Hvilsom Christina , Stroil Belma Kalamujic , Kershaw Francine , Khoury Colin K , Laikre Linda , Lopes-Fernandes Margarida , MacDonald Anna J , Mergeay Joachim , Meek Mariah , Mittan Cinnamon , Mukassabi Tarek A , O'Brien David , Ogden Rob , PALMA-SILVA Clarisse , Ramakrishnan Uma , Segelbacher Gernot , Shaw Robyn E , Sjögren-Gulve Per , Veličković Nevena , Vernesi Cristiano
Published: April 2021

Global conservation policy and action have largely neglected protecting and monitoring genetic diversity—one of the three main pillars of biodiversity. Genetic diversity (diversity within species) underlies species’ adaptation and survival, ecosystem resilience, and societal innovation. The low priority given to genetic diversity has largely been due to knowledge gaps in key areas, including the importance of genetic diversity and the trends in genetic diversity change; the perceived high expense and low availability and the scattered nature of genetic data; and complicated concepts and information that are inaccessible to policymakers. However, numerous recent advances in knowledge, technology, databases, practice, and capacity have now set the stage for better integration of genetic diversity in policy instruments and conservation efforts. We review these developments and explore how they can support improved consideration of genetic diversity in global conservation policy commitments and enable countries to monitor, report on, and take action to maintain or restore genetic diversity.
Providing Social Care following Release from Prison: Emerging Practice Arrangements Further to the Introduction of the 2014 Care Act
Authors: Robinson Louise , Tucker Sue , Hargreaves Claire , Roberts Amy , Shaw Jennifer , Challis David
Published: April 2021

Although prisoners have significant care needs and are particularly vulnerable following release, there have been longstanding concerns about their social care. Among its provisions, the 2014 Care Act defined the responsibilities of local authorities for identifying and meeting the social care needs of prisoners. Here, we report the findings of a national survey of local authorities undertaken in 2016, which explored the early arrangements put in place following the Care Act for prisoners on release. Eighty-eight of 158 local authorities responded, including 81 per cent of those with prisons in their catchment area. Key themes included difficulties with case finding, with a reliance on referrals from other agencies, although provision for those already known to local authorities generally worked well. Other themes were difficulties in sharing assessments and information between local authorities, and problems with care planning and co-ordination with other agencies. We discuss some of the tensions and challenges inherent in implementing the Act and highlight areas requiring attention, including the need for more robust case finding and systems for information transfer. We also suggest measures to strengthen arrangements.
The Causal Role of Three Frontal Cortical Areas in Grasping
Authors: Caprara I , Janssen P
Published: April 2021

Efficient object grasping requires the continuous control of arm and hand movements based on visual information. Previous studies have identified a network of parietal and frontal areas that is crucial for the visual control of prehension movements. Electrical microstimulation of 3D shape-selective clusters in AIP during functional magnetic resonance imaging activates areas F5a and 45B, suggesting that these frontal areas may represent important downstream areas for object processing during grasping, but the role of area F5a and 45B in grasping is unknown. To assess their causal role in the frontal grasping network, we reversibly inactivated 45B, F5a, and F5p during visually guided grasping in macaque monkeys. First, we recorded single neuron activity in 45B, F5a, and F5p to identify sites with object responses during grasping. Then, we injected muscimol or saline to measure the grasping deficit induced by the temporary disruption of each of these three nodes in the grasping network. The inactivation of all three areas resulted in a significant increase in the grasping time in both animals, with the strongest effect observed in area F5p. These results not only confirm a clear involvement of F5p, but also indicate causal contributions of area F5a and 45B in visually guided object grasping.
Impact of Convalescent Plasma Therapy on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Antibody Profile in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Patients
Authors: Tang Juanjie , Grubbs Gabrielle , Lee Youri , Golding Hana , Khurana Surender
Published: April 2021

Convalescent plasma (CP) have been used for treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but their effectiveness varies significantly. Moreover, the impact of CP treatment on the composition of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in COVID-19 patients and antibody markers that differentiate between those who survive and those who succumb to the COVID-19 disease are not well understood. Herein, we performed longitudinal analysis of antibody profile on 115 sequential plasma samples from 16 hospitalized COVID-19 patients treated with either CP or standard of care, only half of them survived. Differential antibody kinetics was observed for antibody binding, immunoglobulin M/immunoglobulin G/immunoglobulin A (IgM/IgG/IgA) distribution, and affinity maturation in “survived” versus “fatal” COVID-19 patients. Surprisingly, CP treatment did not predict survival. Strikingly, marked decline in neutralization titers was observed in the fatal patients prior to death, and convalescent plasma treatment did not reverse this trend. Furthermore, irrespective of CP treatment, higher antibody affinity to the SARS-CoV-2 prefusion spike was associated with survival outcome. Additionally, sustained elevated IgA response was associated with fatal outcome in these COVID-19 patients. These findings propose that treatment of COVID-19 patients with convalescent plasma should be carefully targeted, and effectiveness of treatment may depend on the clinical and immunological status of COVID-19 patients, as well as the quality of the antibodies in the convalescent plasma.
Greening the cloud: oligopoly-driven institutional transformations of the US electricity grid for commercial and industrial power purchases
Authors: Patchell Jerry , Hayter Roger
Published: April 2021

To power cloud data centres (DCs) with renewable energy (RE) Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google and Microsoft negotiated innovative long-term contracts that opened up regional vertically integrated electricity utilities to allow new roles for large-scale suppliers and buyers of electricity. This transformation is explained using Williamson’s framework of institutional change linking the four interdependent institutional levels of embedded values, regulatory environment, (interfirm) governance and resource allocation. This framework is extended geographically by incorporating the regional and national interactions necessary for locating and spatially diffusing RE-driven DCs across the USA based on new power purchases and green tariff contractural agreements.
Technique of open and minimally invasive intrathoracic reconstruction following esophagectomy—an expert consensus based on a modified Delphi process
Authors: Bartella Isabel , Fransen Laura F C , Gutschow Christian A , Bruns Christiane J , van Berge Henegouwen Mark L , Chaudry M Asif , Cheong Edward , Cuesta Miguel A , Van Daele Elke , Gisbertz Suzanne S , van Hillegersberg Richard , Hölscher Arnulf , Mercer Stuart , Moorthy Krishna , Nafteux Philippe , Nilsson Magnus , Pattyn Piet , Piessen Guillaume , Räsanen Jari , Rosman Camiel , Ruurda Jelle P , Schneider Paul M , Sgromo Bruno , Nieuwenhuijzen Grard A , Luyer Misha D P , Schröder Wolfgang
Published: April 2021

Background: In recent years, minimally invasive Ivor Lewis (IL) esophagectomy with high intrathoracic anastomosis has emerged as surgical standard of care for esophageal cancer in expert centers. Alongside this process, many divergent technical aspects of this procedure have been devised in different centers. This study aims at achieving international consensus on the surgical steps of IL reconstruction using Delphi methodology.

Methods: The expert panel consisted of specialized esophageal surgeons from 8 European countries. During a two-round Delphi process, a detailed analysis and consensus on key steps of intrathoracic gastric tube reconstruction (IL esophagectomy) was performed.

Results: Response rates in Delphi rounds 1 and 2 were 100% (22 of 22 experts) and 83.3% (20 of 24 experts), respectively. Three essential technical areas of intrathoracic gastric tube reconstruction were identified: first, vascularization of the gastric conduit, second, gastric mobilization, tube formation and pull-up, and third, anastomotic technique. In addition, 3 main techniques for minimally invasive intrathoracic anastomosis are currently practiced: (i) end-to-side circular stapled, (ii) end-to-side double stapling, and (iii) side-to-side linear stapled technique. The step-by-step procedural analysis unveiled common approaches but also different expert practice.

Conclusion: This precise technical description may serve as a clinical guideline for intrathoracic reconstruction after esophagectomy. In addition, the results may aid to harmonize the technical evolution of this complex surgical procedure and thereby facilitate surgical training.
Oral CBD-rich Cannabis Induces Clinical but Not Endoscopic Response in Patients with Crohn’s Disease, a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Naftali Timna , Bar-Lev Schleider Lihi , Almog Shlomo , Meiri David , Konikoff Fred M
Published: April 2021

Aims

Despite reports that medical cannabis improves symptoms in Crohn’s disease [CD], controlled studies evaluating disease response are lacking. This study assessed the effect of cannabidiol [CBD]-rich cannabis oil for induction of remission in CD.

Methods

In a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, single-centre trial, patients received orally either cannabis oil containing160/40 mg/ml cannabidiol/tetrahydrocannabinol [CBD/THC] or placebo for 8 weeks. Disease parameters, including the CD activity index [CDAI], and simple endoscopic score for CD [SES-CD], were assessed before and after treatment. In a subgroup of patients, blood samples were collected for CBD and THC plasma levels.

Results

The study included 56 patients, age 34.5 ± 11 years, men/women 30/26 [54/46%],30 in cannabis and 26 in placebo groups. CDAI at recruitment and after 8 weeks was 282 (interquartile range [IQR] 243-342) and 166 [IQR 82–226], and 264 [IQR 234–320] and 237 [IQR 121–271] [p <0.05] in the cannabis and placebo groups, respectively. Median quality of life [QOL] score improved from 74 for both groups at baseline to 91 [IQR 85–102] and 75 [IQR 69–88] after 8 weeks in the cannabis and placebo groups, respectively [p = 0.004]. SES-CD was 10 [IQR 7–14] and 11 [IQR7-14], and 7 [4–14] and 8 [IQR 4–12] [p = 0.75] before and after treatment, in the cannabis and placebo groups, respectively. Inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP], calprotectin) remained unchanged.

Conclusions

Eight weeks of CBD-rich cannabis treatment induced significant clinical and QOL improvement without significant changes in inflammatory parameters or endoscopic scores. The oral CBD-rich cannabis extract was well absorbed. Until further studies are available, cannabis treatment in Crohn’s disease should be used only in the context of clinical trials.
Time Preferences Across Language Groups: Evidence on Intertemporal Choices from the Swiss Language Border
Authors: Herz Holger , Huber Martin , Maillard-Bjedov Tjaša , Tyahlo Svitlana
Published: April 2021

Differences in patience across language groups have recently received increased attention in the literature. We provide evidence on this issue by measuring time preferences of French and German speakers from a bilingual municipality in Switzerland where institutions are shared and socio-economic conditions are very similar across the two language groups. We find that French speakers are significantly more impatient than German speakers, and differences are particularly pronounced when payments in the present are involved. Estimates of preference parameters of a quasi-hyperbolic discounting model suggest significant differences in both present bias (β) and the long-run discount factor (δ) across language groups.
Cardiac mortality in patients randomised to elective coronary revascularisation plus medical therapy or medical therapy alone: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Navarese Eliano P , Lansky Alexandra J , Kereiakes Dean J , Kubica Jacek , Gurbel Paul A , Gorog Diana A , Valgimigli Marco , Curzen Nick , Kandzari David E , Bonaca Marc P , Brouwer Marc , Umińska Julia , Jaguszewski Milosz J , Raggi Paolo , Waksman Ron , Leon Martin B , Wijns William , Andreotti Felicita
Published: April 2021

Aims

The value of elective coronary revascularisation plus medical therapy over medical therapy alone in managing stable patients with coronary artery disease is debated. We reviewed all trials comparing the two strategies in this population.

Methods and results

From inception through November 2020, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and other databases were searched for randomised trials comparing revascularisation against medical therapy alone in clinically stable coronary artery disease patients. Treatment effects were measured by rate ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals, using random-effects models. Cardiac mortality was the pre-specified primary endpoint. Spontaneous myocardial infarction (MI) and its association with cardiac mortality were secondary endpoints. Further endpoints included all-cause mortality, any MI, and stroke. Longest follow-up data were abstracted. The study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021225598). Twenty-five trials involving 19 806 patients (10 023 randomised to revascularisation plus medical therapy and 9783 to medical therapy alone) were included. Compared with medical therapy alone, revascularisation yielded a lower risk of cardiac death [RR 0.79 (0.67–0.93), P < 0.01] and spontaneous MI [RR 0.74 (0.64–0.86), P < 0.01]. By meta-regression, the cardiac death risk reduction after revascularisation, compared with medical therapy alone, was linearly associated with follow-up duration [RR per 4-year follow-up: 0.81 (0.69–0.96), P = 0.008], spontaneous MI absolute difference (P = 0.01) and percentage of multivessel disease at baseline (P = 0.004). Trial sequential and sensitivity analyses confirmed the reliability of the cardiac mortality findings. All-cause mortality [0.94 (0.87–1.01), P = 0.11], any MI (P = 0.14), and stroke risk (P = 0.30) did not differ significantly between strategies.

Conclusion

In stable coronary artery disease patients, randomisation to elective coronary revascularisation plus medical therapy led to reduced cardiac mortality compared with medical therapy alone. The cardiac survival benefit after revascularisation improved with longer follow-up times and was associated with fewer spontaneous MIs.
Characteristics and motives of non-responders in a stepwise cardiometabolic disease prevention program in primary care
Authors: Badenbroek Ilse F , Nielen Markus M J , Hollander Monika , Stol Daphne M , de Wit Niek J , Schellevis François G
Published: April 2021

Background

A high response rate is an important condition for effective prevention programs. We aimed at gaining insight into the characteristics and motives of non-responders in different stages of a stepwise prevention program for cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) in primary care.

Methods

We performed a non-response analysis within a randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of a stepwise CMD prevention program in the Netherlands. Patients between 45 and 70 years without known CMD were invited for stage 1 of the program, completing a CMD risk score. Patients with an increased risk were advised to visit their general practice for additional measurements, stage 2 of the program. We analyzed determinants of non-response using data from the risk score, electronic medical records, questionnaires and Statistics Netherlands.

Results

Non-response in stage 1 was associated with a younger age, male sex, a migration background, a low prosperity score, self-employment, being single and having lower consultations rates in general practice. Non-response in stage 2 was associated with a low prosperity score, being employed, having no chronic illness, smoking, a normal waist circumference, a negative family history for cardiovascular disease or diabetes and having a lower consultation rate. More than half of the non-responders in stage 2 reported not visiting the GP because they did not expect to have any CMD, despite their increased risk.

Conclusions

To achieve a larger and more equal uptake of prevention programs for CMD, we should use methods adapted to characteristics of non-responders, such as targeted invitation methods and improved risk communication.
Universal Constraints on Protein Evolution in the Long-Term Evolution Experiment with Escherichia coli
Authors: Maddamsetti Rohan
Published: April 2021

Although it is well known that abundant proteins evolve slowly across the tree of life, there is little consensus for why this is true. Here, I report that abundant proteins evolve slowly in the hypermutator populations of Lenski’s long-term evolution experiment with Escherichia coli (LTEE). Specifically, the density of all observed mutations per gene, as measured in metagenomic time series covering 60,000 generations of the LTEE, significantly anticorrelates with mRNA abundance, protein abundance, and degree of protein–protein interaction. The same pattern holds for nonsynonymous mutation density. However, synonymous mutation density, measured across the LTEE hypermutator populations, positively correlates with protein abundance. These results show that universal constraints on protein evolution are visible in data spanning three decades of experimental evolution. Therefore, it should be possible to design experiments to answer why abundant proteins evolve slowly.
Conserved Regions of the timeless (tim) Clock Gene in Drosophila Analyzed Through Phylogenetic and Functional Studies
Authors: Ousley Andrea , Zafarullah Khaja , Chen Yifeng , Emerson Mark , Hickman Lesley , Sehgal Amita
Published: April 2021

Circadian (~24-hr) rhythms in Drosophila melanogaster depend upon cyclic expression of the period (per) and timeless (tim) genes, which encode interacting components of the endogenous clock. The per gene has been isolated from other insects and, more recently, a per ortholog was found in mammals where its expression oscillates in a circadian fashion. We report here the complete sequence of a tim gene from another species, Drosophila virilis. TIM is better conserved than the PER protein is between these two species (76 vs. 54% overall amino acid identity), and putative functional domains, such as the PER interaction domains and the nuclear localization signal, are highly conserved. The acidic domain and the cytoplasmic localization domain, however, are within the least conserved regions. In addition, the initiating methionine in the D. virilis gene lies downstream of the proposed translation start for the original D. melanogaster tim cDNA and corresponds to the one used by D. simulans and D. yakuba. Among the most conserved parts of TIM is a region of unknown function near the N terminus. We show here that deletion of a 32 amino acid segment within this region affects rescue of rhythms in arrhythmic tim01 flies. Flies carrying a full-length tim transgene displayed rhythms with ~24-hr periods, indicating that a fully functional clock can be restored in tim01 flies through expression of a tim transgene. Deletion of the segment mentioned above resulted in very long activity rhythms with periods ranging from 30.5 to 48 hr.
Intraspecific Variation in Symbiont Genomes: Bottlenecks and the Aphid-Buchnera Association
Authors: Funk Daniel J , Wernegreen Jennifer J , Moran Nancy A
Published: April 2021

Buchnera are maternally transmitted bacterial endosymbionts that synthesize amino acids that are limiting in the diet of their aphid hosts. Previous studies demonstrated accelerated sequence evolution in Buchnera compared to free-living bacteria, especially for nonsynonymous substitutions. Two mechanisms may explain this acceleration: relaxed purifying selection and increased fixation of slightly deleterious alleles under drift. Here, we test the divergent predictions of these hypotheses for intraspecific polymorphism using Buchnera associated with natural populations of the ragweed aphid, Uroleucon ambrosiae. Contrary to expectations under relaxed selection, U. ambrosiae from across the United States yielded strikingly low sequence diversity at three Buchnera loci (dnaN, trpBC, trpEG), revealing polymorphism three orders of magnitude lower than in enteric bacteria. An excess of nonsynonymous polymorphism and of rare alleles was also observed. Local sampling of additional dnaN sequences revealed similar patterns of polymorphism and no evidence of food plant-associated genetic structure. Aphid mitochondrial sequences further suggested that host bottlenecks and large-scale dispersal may contribute to genetic homogenization of aphids and symbionts. Together, our results support reduced Ne as a primary cause of accelerated sequence evolution in Buchnera. However, our study cannot rule out the possibility that mechanisms other than bottlenecks also contribute to reduced Ne at aphid and endosymbiont loci.
Fine Structure Analysis of the Yeast Centrin, Cdc31p, Identifies Residues Specific for Cell Morphology and Spindle Pole Body Duplication
Authors: Ivanovska Irena , Rose Mark D
Published: April 2021

Centrin/Cdc31p is a Ca2+-binding protein related to calmodulin found in the MTOC of diverse organisms. In yeast, Cdc31p localizes to the SPB where it interacts with Kar1p and is required for SPB duplication. Recent findings suggest that centrin also functions elsewhere in the cell. To dissect the functions of Cdc31p, we generated cdc31 mutations chosen only for temperature sensitivity, but otherwise unbiased as to phenotype. Three phenotypes of the cdc31 mutants, temperature sensitivity, G2/M arrest, and cell lysis, were not well correlated, indicating that the mutations may differentially affect Cdc31p's interactions with other proteins. Alleles near the C-terminal region exhibited high G2/M arrest and genetic interactions with kar1-Δ17, suggesting that this region modulates an SPB-related function. Alleles causing high lysis and reduced Kic1p kinase activity mapped to the middle of the gene, suggesting disruption of a KIC1-like function and defects in activating Kic1p. A third region conferred temperature sensitivity without affecting cell lysis or G2/M arrest, suggesting that it defines a third function. Mutations in the C-terminal region were also defective for interaction with Kic1p. Mapping the alleles onto a predicted structure of Cdc31p, we have identified surfaces likely to be important for interacting with both Kar1p and Kic1p.
Cell Polarity and Hyphal Morphogenesis Are Controlled by Multiple Rho-Protein Modules in the Filamentous Ascomycete Ashbya gossypii
Authors: Wendland J , Philippsen P
Published: April 2021

Polarized cell growth requires a polarized organization of the actin cytoskeleton. Small GTP-binding proteins of the Rho-family have been shown to be involved in the regulation of actin polarization as well as other processes. Hyphal growth in filamentous fungi represents an ideal model to investigate mechanisms involved in generating cell polarity and establishing polarized cell growth. Since a potential role of Rho-proteins has not been studied so far in filamentous fungi we isolated and characterized the Ashbya gossypii homologs of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC42, CDC24, RHO1, and RHO3 genes. The AgCDC42 and AgCDC24 genes can both complement conditional mutations in the S. cerevisiae CDC42 and CDC24 genes and both proteins are required for the establishment of actin polarization in A. gossypii germ cells. Agrho1 mutants show a cell lysis phenotype. Null mutant strains of Agrho3 show periodic swelling of hyphal tips that is overcome by repolarization and polar hyphal growth in a manner resembling the germination pattern of spores. Thus different Rho-protein modules are required for distinct steps during polarized hyphal growth of A. gossypii.
ND9P, a Novel Protein With Armadillo-like Repeats Involved in Exocytosis: Physiological Studies Using Allelic Mutants in Paramecium
Authors: Froissard Marine , Keller Anne-Marie , Cohen Jean
Published: April 2021

In Paramecium, a number of mutants affected in the exocytotic membrane fusion step of the regulated secretory pathway have been obtained. Here, we report the isolation of one of the corresponding genes, ND9, previously suspected to encode a soluble protein interacting with both plasma and trichocyst membranes. Nd9p is a novel polypeptide that contains C-terminal Armadillo-like repeats. Point mutations were found in the first N-terminal quarter of the molecule and in the last putative Armadillo repeat, respectively, for the two thermosensitive mutants, nd9-1 and nd9-2. The different behaviors of these mutants in recovery experiments upon temperature shifts suggest that the N-terminal domain of the molecule may be involved in membrane binding activity, whereas the C-terminal domain is a candidate for protein-protein interactions. The nonsense nd9-3 mutation that produces a short N-terminal peptide has a dominant negative effect on the nd9-1 allele. We show here that, when overexpressed, the dominant negative effect can be produced even on the wild-type allele, suggesting competition for a common target. We suggest that Nd9p could act, like some SNARE proteins, at the membrane-cytosol interface to promote membrane fusion.