bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon-Based Materials for the Development of Highly Dispersed Metal Catalysts: Towards Highly Performant Catalysts for Fine Chemical Synthesis
Authors: Pérez-Mayoral Elena , Matos Ines , Bernardo María , Ventura Marcia , Fonseca Isabel M.
Published: December 2020

Single-atom catalysts (SACs), consisting of metals atomically dispersed on a support, are considered as advanced materials bridging homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, representing the catalysis at the limit. The enhanced performance of these catalysts is due to the combination of distinct factors such as well-defined active sites, comprising metal single atoms in different coordination environments also varying its valence state and strongly interacting with the support, in this case porous carbons, maximizing then the metal efficiency in comparison with other metal surfaces consisting of metal clusters and/or metal nanoparticles. The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent advances in terms of both synthetic strategies of producing porous carbon-derived SACs but also its application to green synthesis of highly valuable compounds, an area in which the homogeneous catalysts are classically used. Porous carbon-derived SACs emerge as a type of new and eco-friendly catalysts with great potential. Different types of carbon forms, such as multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), graphene and graphitic carbon nitride or even others porous carbons derived from Metal–Organic-Frameworks (MOFs) are recognized. Although it represents an area of expansion, experimentally and theoretically, much more future efforts are needed to explore them in green fine chemical synthesis.
Alterations of the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Calcium Signaling Molecular Components in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Chami Mounia , Checler Frédéric
Published: December 2020

Sustained imbalance in intracellular calcium (Ca2+) entry and clearance alters cellular integrity, ultimately leading to cellular homeostasis disequilibrium and cell death. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. Beside the major pathological features associated with AD-linked toxic amyloid beta (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau), several studies suggested the contribution of altered Ca2+ handling in AD development. These studies documented physical or functional interactions of Aβ with several Ca2+ handling proteins located either at the plasma membrane or in intracellular organelles including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), considered the major intracellular Ca2+ pool. In this review, we describe the cellular components of ER Ca2+ dysregulations likely responsible for AD. These include alterations of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors’ (IP3Rs) and ryanodine receptors’ (RyRs) expression and function, dysfunction of the sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) activity and upregulation of its truncated isoform (S1T), as well as presenilin (PS1, PS2)-mediated ER Ca2+ leak/ER Ca2+ release potentiation. Finally, we highlight the functional consequences of alterations of these ER Ca2+ components in AD pathology and unravel the potential benefit of targeting ER Ca2+ homeostasis as a tool to alleviate AD pathogenesis.
Manufacturing Execution Systems for the Food and Beverage Industry: A Model-Driven Approach
Authors: Chen Xinyu , Nophut Christoph , Voigt Tobias
Published: December 2020

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) are process-oriented information-technology (IT) solutions for collecting and managing information from manufacturing processes. Due to the individual programming effort and the complex integration with other manufacturing systems, though the food and beverage manufacturers can benefit from the MES, its implementation is not widespread in this industry. To simplify the implementation and engineering process, the concept of model-driven engineering (MDE) is considered as a solution. However, a feasible model-driven approach for MES engineering has not been established, not to mention for the food and beverage industry. This paper presents an approach for the automatic MES generation according to the MDE concept providing MES functions that are relevant to the food and beverage manufacturing processes primarily. It consists of necessary phases to cover the whole engineering process of the MES. Based on the application of the presented approach to the brewing process in a brewhouse, the feasibility and practicality of this approach were proven.
Keyword Search in Decentralized Storage Systems
Authors: Zhu Liyan , Xiao Chuqiao , Gong Xueqing
Published: December 2020

The emerging decentralized storage systems (DSSs), such as InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), Storj, and Sia, provide people with a new storage model. Instead of being centrally managed, the data are sliced up and distributed across the nodes of the network. Furthermore, each data object is uniquely identified by a cryptographic hash (ObjectId) and can only be retrieved by ObjectId. Compared with the search functions provided by the existing centralized storage systems, the application scenarios of the DSSs are subject to certain restrictions. In this paper, we first apply decentralized B+Tree and HashMap to the DSSs to provide keyword search. Both indexes are kept in blocks. Since these blocks may be scattered on multiple nodes, we ensure that all operations involve as few blocks as possible to reduce network cost and response time. In addition, the version control and version merging algorithms are designed to effectively organize the indexes and facilitate data integration. The experimental results prove that our indexes have excellent availability and scalability.
Techno-Economic Optimization of Small-Scale Hybrid Energy Systems Using Manta Ray Foraging Optimizer
Authors: A. Alturki Fahd , M. H. Farh Hassan , A. Al-Shamma’a Abdullrahman , AlSharabi Khalil
Published: December 2020

Hybrid energy systems (HESs) are becoming popular for electrifying remote and rural regions to overcome the conventional energy generation system shortcomings and attain favorable technical and economic benefits. An optimal sizing of an autonomous HES consisting of photovoltaic technology, wind turbine generator, battery bank, and diesel generator is achieved by employing a new soft computing/metaheuristic algorithm called manta ray foraging optimizer (MRFO). This optimization problem is implemented and solved by employing MRFO based on minimizing the annualized system cost (ASC) and enhancing the system reliability in order to supply an off-grid northern area in Saudi Arabia. The hourly wind speed, solar irradiance, and load behavior over one year are used in this optimization problem. As for result verification, the MRFO is compared with five other soft computing algorithms, which are particle swarm optimization (PSO), genetic algorithm (GA), grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA), big-bang-big-crunch (BBBC) algorithm, and Harris hawks optimization (HHO). The findings showed that the MRFO algorithm converges faster than all other five soft computing algorithms followed by PSO, and GOA, respectively. In addition, MRFO, PSO, and GOA can follow the optimal global solution while the HHO, GA and BBBC may fall into the local solution and take a longer time to converge. The MRFO provided the optimum sizing of the HES at the lowest ASC (USD 104,324.1), followed by GOA (USD 104,347.7) and PSO (USD 104,342.2) for a 0% loss of power supply probability. These optimization findings confirmed the supremacy of the MRFO algorithm over the other five soft computing techniques in terms of global solution capture and the convergence time.
An MPPT Control of a PMSG-Based WECS with Disturbance Compensation and Wind Speed Estimation
Authors: Baran Janusz , Jąderko Andrzej
Published: December 2020

The paper presents simulation research on a variable structure control scheme of a small variable-speed fixed-pitch wind energy conversion system (WECS) with a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) in variable wind conditions. The WECS is connected to a power grid through two back-to-back voltage source converters (VSCs) with a DC link. The presented control algorithm is based on feedforward compensation of the wind turbine aerodynamic torque estimated using a linear disturbance observer (DOB). The torque estimate is employed to determine the effective wind speed, required for setting the reference angular speed, using numerical zero search of a nonlinear function. The simulation model, built in the Matlab/Simulink environment using the Simscape Electrical toolbox, includes the field-oriented control of the PMSG via the machine VSC, performed by cascaded angular velocity and current/torque PI controllers, as well as synchronization with the grid and the reactive power control via the grid VSC. The presented results are focused on the performance of the proposed control in the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) operating region of the WECS for various wind speed profiles.
Effective Combustion of Glycerol in a Compression Ignition Engine Equipped with Double Direct Fuel Injection
Authors: Gruca Michal , Pyrc Michal , Szwaja Magdalena , Szwaja Stanislaw
Published: December 2020

The paper presents results from an investigation focused on toxicity content in the exhaust gases emitted by an internal combustion compression ignition engine fueled with glycerol-ethanol blends at ratio of 50/50% by volume. The innovative issue of this engine is the application of two high pressure injectors for injecting both glycerol-ethanol blend and diesel pilot fuel at high pressure (over 200 MPa). As known, glycerol is considered a byproduct from biodiesel production technologies, hence its cost is relatively low compared to other renewable alternative fuels which can be applied as fuels to the reciprocating piston engines. It was found that the toxic components UHC, NOx and CO were below the maximum allowed limits. Both NOx and smoke emissions were strongly reduced with increasing glycerol-ethanol fraction in the fuel. Summarizing, a fueling strategy such as that proposed in this paper makes it possible to effectively and environmentally friendly combust crude glycerol in compression ignition engines working in a heat and power cogeneration unit. Exhaust gas emission tests conducted in this case confirmed the usability of this technology to be implemented into practice.
The Economic Effects of New Patterns of Energy Efficiency and Heat Sources in Rural Single-Family Houses in Poland
Authors: Księżopolski Krzysztof , Drygas Mirosław , Pronińska Kamila , Nurzyńska Iwona
Published: December 2020

In the face of severe air pollution and implementation of energy and climate policy, it remains a challenge to develop effective strategies addressing the problem of solid fuels use in single-family houses (SFH) in rural areas in Poland. This study investigated the correlations between thermal modernization of SFH, the changes of heat sources from coal to clean energy, including heat pumps driven by prosumers’ photovoltaic (PV) installation, and the disposable income of households in Polish rural areas. It also provided an analysis of the current support mechanisms promoting energy efficiency and PV development. The application of simulation modelling of energy consumption and costs in the research has proved that comprehensive thermal modernization of rural SFH constructed in the period of 1945–1970 and investments supporting PV/heat pump systems would enable the most cost-effective way of heating to be implemented. Considering that, today, spending on energy for heat puts a burden on the budget of rural households, especially those living in the SFH aged 50 years and more that dominate rural areas in Poland, the changes in energy supply–demand patterns would be an enhancement of their economic, energy and environmental security. The research argued that, in the wider process of energy transformation and solving air pollution problems, the role of rural households should not be neglected in public policy.
Evaluation of Two-Column Air Separation Processes Based on Exergy Analysis
Authors: Hamayun Muhammad Haris , Ramzan Naveed , Hussain Murid , Faheem Muhammad
Published: December 2020

Cryogenic air separation processes are widely used for the large-scale production of nitrogen and oxygen. The most widely used design for this process involves two distillation columns operating at different pressures. This work focuses on the selection of suitable cryogenic air separation process by evaluating seven alternative designs of the two-column air separation process based on detailed exergy analysis. The feed conditions (500 tons/h, and 50% relative humidity of air), product purities (99 mole% for both nitrogen and oxygen), and operational conditions (pressures of both distillation columns) are kept same in all designs. The two cryogenic distillation columns in each configuration are heat-integrated to eliminate the need for external utilities. Steady-state simulation results are used to calculate the exergy efficiency (%) of each equipment as well as its contribution toward the overall exergy destruction rate (kW) of the process. The results show that the compression section is a major source of exergy destruction, followed by the low-pressure column, and the multi-stream heat exchanger. A Petlyuk-like configuration, labeled as C1, provides the lowest exergy destruction rate.
An Analysis, Numerical Modeling and Experimental Verification of Low-Temperature Thermofoil Heaters
Authors: Dimitrov Borislav
Published: December 2020

In this paper, an analysis of the geometry, numerical modeling, and experimental verification of thermofoil heaters for low-temperature applications is presented. The research suggests a calculation procedure of the thermofoil traces’ geometry, comprising the necessary electrical and thermal parameters in order for the characteristics of the heater to be fully defined according to the stipulated conditions required. The derived heaters’ geometry analysis procedure is depicted with two case studies, giving the sequence of the necessary calculations and their applications as part of a design task. Its continuation, the design approach, is developed with numerical modeling, based on Finite Element Methods (FEM) used for multiphysics simulations, including the thermal and electrical heaters parameters. The realized 3D models are used to depict the uniformity of the thermal field in the system heatsink-thermofoil heater. The results from analysis, modeling, and simulations are tested experimentally. The suggested geometry analysis and modeling approach are experimentally verified. The final results demonstrate satisfactory precision with a simulation–experiment mismatch in a range of 5–7%. As a vital product of experimental research, the maximum power density for the studied thermofoil heaters is derived for a range of temperatures and material characteristics.
Elimination of Aflatoxins B1 and B2 in White and Red Wines by Bentonite Fining. Efficiency and Impact on Wine Quality
Authors: Cosme Fernanda , Inês António , Ferreira Beatriz , Silva Davide , Filipe-Ribeiro Luís , Abrunhosa Luís , Nunes Fernando M.
Published: December 2020

Aflatoxins B1 and B2 are two highly toxic mycotoxins that have been sometimes found in wines. Currently, no technological solution is available to reduce or eliminate aflatoxins from wines when they are present. Therefore, this work aims to study the efficiency of already approved wine fining agents like activated carbon, potassium caseinate, chitosan, and bentonite for aflatoxins B1 and B2 removal from white and red wines. It was observed that the fining agents’ efficiency in removing aflatoxins was dependent on the wine matrix, being higher in white than in red wine. Bentonite was the most efficient fining agent, removing both aflatoxins (10 μg/L total) from the white wine and 100% of aflatoxin B1 and 82% of aflatoxin B2 from red wine. The impact of bentonite on white wine chromatic characteristics was low (color difference, ΔE* = 1.35). For red wine, bentonite addition caused a higher impact on wine’ chromatic characteristics (ΔE* = 4.80) due to the decrease in total anthocyanins, although this decrease was only 1.5 points of color intensity. Considering the high efficiency of bentonite in aflatoxins B1 and B2 removal and despite the impact on red wine color, bentonite is a very good technological solution for aflatoxin removal in white and red wines.
Improving Polyphenolic Compounds: Antioxidant Activity in Chickpea Sprouts through Elicitation with Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: León-López Liliana , Escobar-Zúñiga Yudith , Salazar-Salas Nancy Yareli , Mora Rochín Saraid , Cuevas-Rodríguez Edith Oliva , Reyes-Moreno Cuauhtémoc , Milán-Carrillo Jorge
Published: December 2020

Elicitation appears to be a promising alternative to enhance the bioactive compound content and biological activities of legume sprouts. Multi-response optimization by response surface methodology (RSM) with desirability function (DF) was used to optimize the elicitor concentration (hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)) and germination time in order to maximize total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (AOX) of chickpea sprouts. Chemical, antinutritional, and nutraceutical properties of optimized chickpea sprouts (OCS) were also determined. The predicted regression models developed were efficiently fitted to the experimental data. The results of the desirability function revealed that optimum attributes in chickpea sprouts can be achieved by the application of 30 mM H2O2 and 72 h of germination time, with global desirability value D = 0.893. These OCS had higher (p < 0.05) TPC (7.4%), total iso-flavonoids (16.5%), AOX (14.8%), and lower phytic acid (16.1%) and saponins (21.8%) compared to H2O2 non-treated chickpea sprouts. Optimized germination conditions slightly modified the flavonoid profile in chickpea; eight iso-flavonoids were identified in OCS, including formononetin and biochanin A, which were identified as the major compounds. Results from this study support elicitation with H2O2 as an effective approach to improve phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in chickpea sprouts.
Oral Status in Pregnant Women from Post-Industrial Areas of Upper Silesia in Reference to Occurrence of: Preterm Labors, Low Birth Weight and Type of Labor
Authors: Katarzyńska-Konwa Marta , Obersztyn Izabela , Trzcionka Agata , Mocny-Pachońska Katarzyna , Mosler Bartosz , Tanasiewicz Marta
Published: December 2020

Increased levels of steroid hormones, action of local irritants and the lack of proper hygiene measures are of great importance in the development of dental caries, gingivitis and inflammation of the periodontal area in pregnant women. The aim of the study was to evaluate the state of oral hygiene and the periodontal area is such a population and assess the effectiveness of performed hygiene treatments and analyse changes in hygiene habits after oral hygiene instructions. The study was performed in two parts on a group of 50 pregnant women. The first part took place between the 14th and 17th week of pregnancy. The control study was conducted between the 27th and 30th week of pregnancy. Patients were subjected to a dental examination. Poor oral hygiene was observed among the examined patients. After the first examination, oral hygiene instruction was provided to 25 randomly selected pregnant patients. The effect of periodontal diseases on the time of labor was observed. Oral hygiene instructions significantly affected the state of the periodontal area of pregnant women for whom it was performed. It was confirmed that the advancement of pregnancy influences deterioration of the periodontium and also term of childbirth. Undoubtedly, pregnant women receive insufficient dental care. Priority should be given to dental care education of for pregnant women and alleviating the impact of oral diseases on the organism of a pregnant woman.
Towards a Sustainable Public Transportation: Replacing the Conventional Taxis by a Hybrid Taxi Fleet in the West Bank, Palestine
Authors: Hassouna Fady M. A. , Assad Mahmoud
Published: December 2020

Recently, developing sustainable public transportation systems has been highlighted by decision makers and transportation agencies, due to the development of urban areas and the related environmental problems. Implementing new vehicle technologies has been introduced as an appropriate alternative to the conventional taxis. Hybrid electrical vehicles (HEVs) have been the potential candidates for replacing the conventional taxis, since they are more eco-friendly than conventional ones and even more reliable than electric vehicles (EVs) as a mode of public transportation. In this study, current and future environmental impact assessments have been determined for the taxi fleet in the West Bank, Palestine, and the implications of using new vehicle technologies (hybrid taxis) as a replacement of the conventional taxi fleet have been investigated. In order to perform this study, firstly, the data of the number of taxis for the period of 1994–2018 have been collected and a prediction model for the future number of taxis has been developed. The expected total amounts of consumed fuels have been then estimated. Finally, the current and the future N2O and CO2, and emissions, have been estimated and the expected influences of hybrid taxis have been determined. The results of the analysis have concluded that replacing 50% of conventional taxis with a hybrid fleet could achieve 42.3% and 28% reductions in N2O and CO2, respectively, in the next 10 years. A 395% increase in CH4 could be obtained due to the higher amount of CH4 that is produced by the gasoline combustion compared to the diesel fuel, since hybrid vehicles have gasoline-based engines (GHG in terms of CO2-equivalent could be increased by 28.2%).
Occupational Noise: Auditory and Non-Auditory Consequences
Authors: Sheppard Adam , Ralli Massimo , Gilardi Antonio , Salvi Richard
Published: December 2020

Occupational noise exposure accounts for approximately 16% of all disabling hearing losses, but the true value and societal costs may be grossly underestimated because current regulations only identify hearing impairments in the workplace if exposures result in audiometric threshold shifts within a limited frequency region. Research over the past several decades indicates that occupational noise exposures can cause other serious auditory deficits such as tinnitus, hyperacusis, extended high-frequency hearing loss, and poor speech perception in noise. Beyond the audiogram, there is growing awareness that hearing loss is a significant risk factor for other debilitating and potentially life-threatening disorders such as cardiovascular disease and dementia. This review discusses some of the shortcomings and limitations of current noise regulations in the United States and Europe.
Effects of Different Undersizing Site Preparations on Implant Stability
Authors: Lemos Bernardo Ferreira , Lopez-Jarana Paula , Falcao Carlos , Ríos-Carrasco Blanca , Gil Javier , Ríos-Santos José Vicente , Herrero-Climent Mariano
Published: December 2020

As immediate loading protocols are becoming more frequent, the primary stability of implants has become an essential criterion for the osseointegration of dental implants. Based on this, the objective of this study was to understand the influence of different undersized surgical preparation sites on the insertion torque (IT) and implant stability quotient (ISQ). Four different site-preparation protocols were performed on fresh humid type III bovine bone: one control, the standard protocol recommended by the manufacturer (P1), and three variations of undersized techniques (P2, P3 and P4). The implant used was VEGA by Klockner Implant System. The sample size was n = 40 for each of the four groups. A torquemeter was used to measure the IT, and the ISQ was measured with a Penguin RFA. Both variables showed a tendency to increase as the preparation technique was reduced, although not all the values were statistically significant (p < 0.05) when comparing with the standard preparation. The preparations without a cortical drill, P2 and P4, showed better results than those with a cortical drill. Given the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that reducing the implant preparation can increase both the IT and ISQ. Removing the cortical drill is an effective method for increasing implant stability, although it should be used carefully.
Factors Associated with Rural Residents’ Contract Behavior with Village Doctors in Three Counties: A Cross-Sectional Study from China
Authors: Gu Linni , Zhu Rui , Li Zhen , Zhang Shengfa , Li Jing , Tian Donghua , Sun Zhijun
Published: December 2020

Historically, cooperative medical insurance and village doctors are considered two powerful factors in protecting rural residents’ health. However, with the central government of China’s implementation of new economic policies in the 1980s, cooperative medical insurance collapsed and rural residents fell into poverty because of sickness. In 2009, the New Rural Cooperative Medical Insurance (NRCMI) was implemented to provide healthcare for rural residents. Moreover, the National Basic Drug System was implemented in the same year to protect rural residents’ right to basic drugs. In 2013, a village doctor contract service was implemented after the publication of the Guidance on Pilot Contract Services for Rural Doctors. This contract service aimed to retain patients in rural primary healthcare systems and change private practice village doctors into general practitioners (GPs) under government management. Objectives: This study investigates the factors associated with rural residents’ contract behavior toward village doctors. Further, we explore the relationships between trust, NRCMI reimbursement rate, and drug treatment effect. We used a qualitative approach, and twenty-five village clinics were chosen from three counties as our study sites using a random sampling method. A total of 625 villagers participated in the investigation. Descriptive analysis, chi-squared test, t-test, and hierarchical logistic analyses were used to analyze the data. Results: The chi-squared test showed no significant difference in demographic characteristics, and the t-test showed a significant difference between signed and unsigned contract services. The results of the hierarchical logistic analysis showed that trust significantly influenced patients’ willingness to contract services, and the drug treatment effect and NRCMI reimbursement rate moderated the influence of trust. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the government should aim to strengthen trust in the doctor–patient relationship in rural areas and increase the NRCMI reimbursement rate. Moreover, health officers should perfect the contract service package by offering tailored contract services or expanding service packages.
Indoor Exposure to Selected Air Pollutants in the Home Environment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vardoulakis Sotiris , Giagloglou Evanthia , Steinle Susanne , Davis Alice , Sleeuwenhoek Anne , Galea Karen S. , Dixon Ken , Crawford Joanne O.
Published: December 2020

(1) Background: There is increasing awareness that the quality of the indoor environment affects our health and well-being. Indoor air quality (IAQ) in particular has an impact on multiple health outcomes, including respiratory and cardiovascular illness, allergic symptoms, cancers, and premature mortality. (2) Methods: We carried out a global systematic literature review on indoor exposure to selected air pollutants associated with adverse health effects, and related household characteristics, seasonal influences and occupancy patterns. We screened records from six bibliographic databases: ABI/INFORM, Environment Abstracts, Pollution Abstracts, PubMed, ProQuest Biological and Health Professional, and Scopus. (3) Results: Information on indoor exposure levels and determinants, emission sources, and associated health effects was extracted from 141 studies from 29 countries. The most-studied pollutants were particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10); nitrogen dioxide (NO2); volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including benzene, toluene, xylenes and formaldehyde; and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) including naphthalene. Identified indoor PM2.5 sources include smoking, cooking, heating, use of incense, candles, and insecticides, while cleaning, housework, presence of pets and movement of people were the main sources of coarse particles. Outdoor air is a major PM2.5 source in rooms with natural ventilation in roadside households. Major sources of NO2 indoors are unvented gas heaters and cookers. Predictors of indoor NO2 are ventilation, season, and outdoor NO2 levels. VOCs are emitted from a wide range of indoor and outdoor sources, including smoking, solvent use, renovations, and household products. Formaldehyde levels are higher in newer houses and in the presence of new furniture, while PAH levels are higher in smoking households. High indoor particulate matter, NO2 and VOC levels were typically associated with respiratory symptoms, particularly asthma symptoms in children. (4) Conclusions: Household characteristics and occupant activities play a large role in indoor exposure, particularly cigarette smoking for PM2.5, gas appliances for NO2, and household products for VOCs and PAHs. Home location near high-traffic-density roads, redecoration, and small house size contribute to high indoor air pollution. In most studies, air exchange rates are negatively associated with indoor air pollution. These findings can inform interventions aiming to improve IAQ in residential properties in a variety of settings.
Intracity Pandemic Risk Evaluation Using Mobile Phone Data: The Case of Shanghai during COVID-19
Authors: Gan Tian , Li Weifeng , He Linghui , Li Jian
Published: December 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has provided an opportunity to rethink the development of a sustainable and resilient city. A framework for comprehensive intracity pandemic risk evaluation using mobile phone data is proposed in this study. Four steps were included in the framework: identification of high-risk groups, calculation of dynamic population flow and construction of a human mobility network, exposure and transmission risk assessment, and pandemic prevention guidelines. First, high-risk groups were extracted from mobile phone data based on multi-day activity chains. Second, daily human mobility networks were created by aggregating population and origin-destination (OD) flows. Third, clustering analysis, time series analysis, and network analysis were employed to evaluate pandemic risk. Finally, several solutions are proposed to control the pandemic. The outbreak period of COVID-19 in Shanghai was used to verify the proposed framework and methodology. The results show that the evaluation method is able to reflect the different spatiotemporal patterns of pandemic risk. The proposed framework and methodology may help prevent future public health emergencies and localized epidemics from evolving into global pandemics.
Form Follows Content: An Empirical Study on Symbol-Content (In)Congruences in Thematic Maps
Authors: Klettner Silvia
Published: December 2020

Through signs and symbols, maps represent geographic space in a generalized and abstracted way. Cartographic research is, therefore, concerned with establishing a mutually shared set of signs and semiotic rules to communicate geospatial information successfully. While cartographers generally strive for cognitively congruent maps, empirical research has only started to explore the different facets and levels of correspondences between external cartographic representations and processes of human cognition. This research, therefore, draws attention to the principle of contextual congruence to study the correspondences between shape symbols and different geospatial content. An empirical study was carried out to explore the (in)congruence of cartographic point symbols with respect to positive, neutral, and negative geospatial topics in monothematic maps. In an online survey, 72 thematic maps (i.e., 12 map topics × 6 symbols) were evaluated by 116 participants in a between-groups design. The point symbols comprised five symmetric shapes (i.e., Circle, Triangle, Square, Rhomb, Star) and one Asymmetric Star shape. The study revealed detailed symbol-content congruences for each map topic as well as on an aggregated level, i.e., by positive, neutral, and negative topic clusters. Asymmetric Star symbols generally showed to be highly incongruent with positive and neutral topics, while highly congruent with negative map topics. Symmetric shapes, on the other hand, emerged to be of high congruence with positive and neutral map topics, whilst incongruent with negative topics. As the meaning of point symbols showed to be susceptible to context, the findings lead to the conclusion that cognitively congruent maps require profound context-specific considerations when designing and employing map symbols.
Isocyanide Multicomponent Reactions on Solid Phase: State of the Art and Future Application
Authors: Cankařová Naděžda , Krchňák Viktor
Published: December 2020

Drug discovery efforts largely depend on access to structural diversity. Multicomponent reactions allow for time-efficient chemical transformations and provide advanced intermediates with three or four points of diversification for further expansion to a structural variety of organic molecules. This review is aimed at solid-phase syntheses of small molecules involving isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions. The majority of all reported syntheses employ the Ugi four-component reaction. The review also covers the Passerini and Groebke-Blackburn-Bienaymé reactions. To date, the main advantages of the solid-phase approach are the ability to prepare chemical libraries intended for biological screening and elimination of the isocyanide odor. However, the potential of multicomponent reactions has not been fully exploited. The unexplored avenues of these reactions, including chiral frameworks, DNA-encoded libraries, eco-friendly synthesis, and chiral auxiliary reactions, are briefly outlined.
Effects of Synthesis Conditions on the Formation of Si-Substituted Alpha Tricalcium Phosphates
Authors: Szurkowska Katarzyna , Szeleszczuk Łukasz , Kolmas Joanna
Published: December 2020

Powders of α-TCP containing various amounts of silicon were synthesized by two different methods: Wet chemical precipitation and solid-state synthesis. The obtained powders were then physico–chemically studied using different methods: Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD), infrared and Raman spectroscopies (FT-IR and R), and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR). The study showed that the method of synthesis affects the morphology of the obtained particles, the homogeneity of crystalline phase and the efficiency of Si substitution. Solid-state synthesis leads to particles with a low tendency to agglomerate compared to the precipitation method. However, the powders obtained by the solid-state method are less homogeneous and contain a significant amount of other crystalline phase, silicocarnotite (up to 7.33%). Moreover, the microcrystals from this method are more disordered. This might be caused by more efficient substitution of silicate ions: The silicon content of the samples obtained by the solid-state method is almost equal to the nominal values.
Organic Cation Transporters in the Lung—Current and Emerging (Patho)Physiological and Pharmacological Concepts
Authors: Selo Mohammed Ali , Sake Johannes A. , Ehrhardt Carsten , Salomon Johanna J.
Published: December 2020

Organic cation transporters (OCT) 1, 2 and 3 and novel organic cation transporters (OCTN) 1 and 2 of the solute carrier 22 (SLC22) family are involved in the cellular transport of endogenous compounds such as neurotransmitters, l-carnitine and ergothioneine. OCT/Ns have also been implicated in the transport of xenobiotics across various biological barriers, for example biguanides and histamine receptor antagonists. In addition, several drugs used in the treatment of respiratory disorders are cations at physiological pH and potential substrates of OCT/Ns. OCT/Ns may also be associated with the development of chronic lung diseases such as allergic asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and, thus, are possible new drug targets. As part of the Special Issue “Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology of Transporters for Organic Cations”, this review provides an overview of recent findings on the (patho)physiological and pharmacological functions of organic cation transporters in the lung.
The Impact of Human Lipoaspirate and Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells Contact Culture on Breast Cancer Cells: Implications in Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Ejaz Asim , Yang Katherine S. , Venkatesh Kaushik P. , Chinnapaka Somaiah , Kokai Lauren E. , Rubin J. Peter
Published: December 2020

Background: Autologous fat transfer in the form of lipoaspirates for the reconstruction of the breast after breast cancer surgery is a commonly used procedure in plastic surgery. However, concerns regarding the oncologic risk of nutrient-rich fat tissue are widely debated. Previous studies have primarily focused on studying the interaction between adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and breast cancer cells. Methods: In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the paracrine- and contact-based interactions between lipoaspirates, ASCs and breast cancer cell lines. An inverted flask culture method was used to study the contact-based interaction between lipoaspirates and breast cancer cells, while GFP-expressing breast cancer cell lines were generated to study the cell–cell contact interaction with ASCs. Three different human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and BT-474, were studied. We analyzed the impact of these interactions on the proliferation, cell cycle and epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) transition of the breast cancer cells. Results: Our results revealed that both lipoaspirates and ASCs do not increase the proliferation rate of the breast cancer cells either through paracrine- or contact-dependent interactions. We observed that lipoaspirates selectively inhibit the proliferation of MCF-7 cells in contact co-culture, driven by the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein activity mediating cell cycle arrest. Additionally, ASCs inhibited MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell proliferation in cell–cell contact-dependent interactions. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed no significant increase in the EMT-related genes in breast cancer cells upon co-culture with ASCs. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study provides evidence of the non-oncogenic character of lipoaspirates and supports the safety of clinical fat grafting in breast reconstruction after oncological surgical procedures. In vivo studies in appropriate animal models and long-term post-operative clinical data from patients are essential to reach the final safety recommendations.
Oxytocin-Dependent Regulation of TRPs Expression in Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons Attenuates Orofacial Neuropathic Pain following Infraorbital Nerve Injury in Rats
Authors: Ando Masatoshi , Hayashi Yoshinori , Hitomi Suzuro , Shibuta Ikuko , Furukawa Akihiko , Oto Tatsuki , Inada Takanobu , Matsui Tomoyuki , Fukaya Chikashi , Noma Noboru , Okubo Masakazu , Yonehara Yoshiyuki , Kaneko Tadayoshi , Iwata Koichi , Shinoda Masamichi
Published: December 2020

We evaluated the mechanisms underlying the oxytocin (OXT)-induced analgesic effect on orofacial neuropathic pain following infraorbital nerve injury (IONI). IONI was established through tight ligation of one-third of the infraorbital nerve thickness. Subsequently, the head withdrawal threshold for mechanical stimulation (MHWT) of the whisker pad skin was measured using a von Frey filament. Trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons innervating the whisker pad skin were identified using a retrograde labeling technique. OXT receptor-immunoreactive (IR), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)-IR, and TRPV4-IR TG neurons innervating the whisker pad skin were examined on post-IONI day 5. The MHWT remarkably decreased from post-IONI day 1 onward. OXT application to the nerve-injured site attenuated the decrease in MHWT from day 5 onward. TRPV1 or TRPV4 antagonism significantly suppressed the decrement of MHWT following IONI. OXT receptors were expressed in the uninjured and Fluoro-Gold (FG)-labeled TG neurons. Furthermore, there was an increase in the number of FG-labeled TRPV1-IR and TRPV4-IR TG neurons, which was inhibited by administering OXT. This inhibition was suppressed by co-administration with an OXT receptor antagonist. These findings suggest that OXT application inhibits the increase in TRPV1-IR and TRPV4-IR TG neurons innervating the whisker pad skin, which attenuates post-IONI orofacial mechanical allodynia.
Novel Neuroprotective Agents to Treat Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: Inter-Alpha Inhibitor Proteins
Authors: Koehn Liam M. , Chen Xiaodi , Logsdon Aric F. , Lim Yow-Pin , Stonestreet Barbara S.
Published: December 2020

Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is a major cause of brain injury and mortality in neonates. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) predisposes infants to long-term cognitive deficits that influence their quality of life and place a large burden on society. The only approved treatment to protect the brain after HI is therapeutic hypothermia, which has limited effectiveness, a narrow therapeutic time window, and is not considered safe for treatment of premature infants. Alternative or adjunctive therapies are needed to improve outcomes of full-term and premature infants after exposure to HI. Inter-alpha inhibitor proteins (IAIPs) are immunomodulatory molecules that are proposed to limit the progression of neonatal inflammatory conditions, such as sepsis. Inflammation exacerbates neonatal HIE and suggests that IAIPs could attenuate HI-related brain injury and improve cognitive outcomes associated with HIE. Recent studies have shown that intraperitoneal treatment with IAIPs can decrease neuronal and non-neuronal cell death, attenuate glial responses and leukocyte invasion, and provide long-term behavioral benefits in neonatal rat models of HI-related brain injury. The present review summarizes these findings and outlines the remaining experimental analyses necessary to determine the clinical applicability of this promising neuroprotective treatment for neonatal HI-related brain injury.
The Dichotomous Role of Bone Marrow Derived Cells in the Chemotherapy-Treated Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Vorontsova Avital , Kan Tal , Raviv Ziv , Shaked Yuval
Published: December 2020

Bone marrow derived cells (BMDCs) play a wide variety of pro- and anti-tumorigenic roles in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and in the metastatic process. In response to chemotherapy, the anti-tumorigenic function of BMDCs can be enhanced due to chemotherapy-induced immunogenic cell death. However, in recent years, a growing body of evidence suggests that chemotherapy or other anti-cancer drugs can also facilitate a pro-tumorigenic function in BMDCs. This includes elevated angiogenesis, tumor cell proliferation and pro-tumorigenic immune modulation, ultimately contributing to therapy resistance. Such effects do not only contribute to the re-growth of primary tumors but can also support metastasis. Thus, the delicate balance of BMDC activities in the TME is violated following tumor perturbation, further requiring a better understanding of the complex crosstalk between tumor cells and BMDCs. In this review, we discuss the different types of BMDCs that reside in the TME and their activities in tumors following chemotherapy, with a major focus on their pro-tumorigenic role. We also cover aspects of rationally designed combination treatments that target or manipulate specific BMDC types to improve therapy outcomes.
The Anatomy of the Circle of Willis Is Not a Strong Enough Predictive Factor for the Prognosis of Cross-Clamping Intolerance during Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Myrcha Piotr , Lewczuk Andrzej , Jakuciński Maciej , Kozak Mariusz , Siemieniuk Dawid , Różański Dorota , Koziorowski Dariusz , Woźniak Witold
Published: December 2020

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is safe and effective in reducing the risk of stroke in symptomatic severe carotid artery stenosis. Having information about cross-clamping (CC) intolerance before surgery may reduce the complication rate. The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and magnetic resonance angiography perfusion (P-MR) in determining the risk of CC intolerance during CEA. Material and methods: 40 patients after CEA with CC intolerance were included in Group I, and 15 with CC tolerance in Group II. All patients underwent MRA of the circle of Willis (CoW), P-MR with or without Acetazolamide; P(A)-MR in the postoperative period. Results: CoW was normal in the MRA in three cases (7.5%) in Group I, and in eight (53%) in Group II. We found P-MR abnormalities in all patients from Group I and in 40% from Group II. Using a calculated cut-off point of 0.322, the patients were classified as CC tolerant with 100% sensitivity or as CC intolerant with 95% specificity. After evaluating P-MR or MRA alone, the percentage of false negative results significantly increased. Conclusion: The highest value in predicting cross-clamping intolerance is achieved by using analysis of P(A)-MR and MRA of the CoW in combination.
Contrasting Hydrodynamic Responses to Atmospheric Systems with Different Scales: Impact of Cold Fronts vs. That of a Hurricane
Authors: Huang Wei , Li Chunyan
Published: December 2020

In this paper, subtidal responses of Barataria Bay to an atmospheric cold front in 2014 and Hurricane Barry of 2019 are studied. The cold fronts had shorter influencing periods (1 to 3 days), while Hurricane Barry had a much longer influencing period (about 1 week). Wind direction usually changes from southern quadrants to northern quadrants before and after a cold front’s passage. For a hurricane making its landfall at the norther Gulf of Mexico coast, wind variation is dependent on the location relative to the location of landfall. Consequently, water level usually reaches a trough after the maximum cold front wind usually; while after the maximum wind during a hurricane, water level mostly has a surge, especially on the right-hand side of the hurricane. Water level variation induced by Hurricane Barry is about 3 times of that induced by a cold front event. Water volume flux also shows differences under these two weather types: the volume transport during Hurricane Barry was 4 times of that during a cold front. On the other hand, cold front events are much more frequent (30–40 times a year), and they lead to more frequent exchange between Barataria Bay and the coastal ocean.
Soil Penetration Resistance after One-Time Inversion Tillage: A Spatio-Temporal Analysis at the Field Scale
Authors: Kuhwald Michael , Hamer Wolfgang B. , Brunotte Joachim , Duttmann Rainer
Published: December 2020

Conservation agriculture may lead to increased penetration resistance due to soil compaction. To loosen the topsoil and lower the compaction, one-time inversion tillage (OTIT) is a measure frequently used in conservation agriculture. However, the duration of the positive effects of this measure on penetration resistance is sparsely known. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the spatio-temporal behavior of penetration resistance after OTIT as an indicator for soil compaction. A field subdivided into three differently tilled plots (conventional tillage with moldboard plough to 30 cm depth (CT), reduced tillage with chisel plough to 25 cm depth (RT1) and reduced tillage with disk harrow to 10 cm depth (RT2)) served as study area. In 2014, the entire field was tilled by moldboard plough and penetration resistance was recorded in the following 5 years. The results showed that OTIT reduced the penetration resistance in both RT-plots and led to an approximation in all three plots. However, after 18 (RT2) and 30 months (RT1), the differences in penetration resistance were higher (p < 0.01) in both RT-plots compared to CT. Consequently, OTIT can effectively remove the compacted layer developed in conservation agriculture. However, the lasting effect seems to be relatively short.