bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design Options to Improve the Dynamic Behavior and the Control of Small H-Darrieus VAWTs
Authors: Battisti Lorenzo
Published: October 2021

H-VAWTs or straight blades VAWTs are the most common turbine architecture employed for small VAWTs. The manufacture of straight, constant chord blades, coupled with the transport advantages, make this choice technologically simpler, compared to curved (eggbeater) type or curved-bent (Gorlov) type, allowing a large selection of materials, and design solutions. Recently, the strategies to accomplish the task of zero-emission buildings identified wind energy exploitation in the urban environment as one of the most promising. Micro and mini wind turbines installed on buildings (BAWT—building-augmented wind turbines) are considered the candidate technology after that of photovoltaic panels; under certain conditions, these technologies can be combined to obtain the maximum natural resources exploitation in the urban environment. VAWT, compared to HAWT, would ideally perform better in the fast-changing, turbulent winds, typical of the built environment. Additionally, its 3D shape favors a better architectonic integration with the volumes of the building. Nevertheless, despite these claimed advantages, this architecture did still not come to the expected fruition and experience, which revealed that the stochastic nature of the wind resource in the built environment determines a quite challenging context, reflecting not only the structural endurance, but also the operations and the annual energy production. These site characteristics stress the detrimental effect of the high polar inertia of this architecture hampering, be it a reduction in the acceleration and deceleration capability of the rotor, the required adaptation of the rotational speed to the varying wind conditions, or compromising any form of robust control. This leads to poor aerodynamic performance and potential structural damages. This paper contributes to mitigating the issue of the high rotor polar inertia of the H-VAWT without affecting other essential design requirements (strength, performances, needs of smooth control). The work identifies the design parameters governing the rotor acceleration and deceleration and develops a rational design procedure aimed at improving the H-VAWT control and performance.
Performance Testing and Evaluation of Drum-Type Stem-Separation Device for Pepper Harvester
Authors: Shin Seo-Yong , Kim Myoung-Ho , Cho Yongjin , Kim Dae-Cheol
Published: October 2021

The chili pepper harvester has shown potential problems of low pepper stem separation and a high pepper damage rate. The low pepper stem separation has required additional labor, which consists of separating the pepper and stem after pepper harvesting. To improve the stem separation and sorting function of pepper harvesters, three-shaft and four-shaft drum-type stem-separation devices were manufactured, and performance tests were conducted to assess these devices. In an attempt to reduce the damage rate, a brush was used as the teeth in the drum-type stem-separation device. In the factor test, the rotational speeds of shaft 1(A), shaft 2(B), shaft 3(C), and the conveyor for the three-shaft drum were 0.9, 2.7, 1.3, and 0.5 m/s, respectively. The rotational speed of the four-shaft drum was the same as that of the three-shaft drum except for shaft 4(D), and the rotational speed of this additional D was set to 1.3 m/s, which was the same as that of C. In the non-moving status during the non-picking operation of the pepper harvester, the average stem-separation efficiency (SSE) of the four-shaft drum increased by 1.2%, the average pepper with twig rate (PTR) decreased by 5.9%, and the average damage rate (DR) increased by 3.7% compared to the three-shaft drum. In the moving status during the picking operation of the pepper harvester, the SSE of the four-shaft drum increased by 3.6%, the PTR decreased by 9.1%, and the DR increased by 3.8% compared to the three-shaft drum, so an improvement in the pepper stem-separation capacity was observed.
Prediction and Remediation of Groundwater Pollution in a Dynamic and Complex Hydrologic Environment of an Illegal Waste Dumping Site
Authors: Pongritsakda Thatthep , Nakamura Kengo , Wang Jiajie , Watanabe Noriaki , Komai Takeshi
Published: October 2021

The characteristics of groundwater pollution caused by illegal waste dumping and methods for predicting and remediating it are still poorly understood. Serious 1,4-dioxane groundwater pollution—which has multiple sources—has been occurring at an illegal waste dumping site in the Tohoku region of Japan. So far, anti-pollution countermeasures have been taken including the installation of an impermeable wall and the excavation of soils and waste as well as the monitoring of contamination concentrations. The objective of this numerical study was to clarify the possibility of predicting pollutant transport in such dynamic and complex hydrologic environments, and to investigate the characteristics of pollutant transport under both naturally occurring and artificially induced groundwater flow (i.e., pumping for remediation). We first tried to reproduce the changes in 1,4-dioxane concentrations in groundwater observed in monitoring wells using a quasi-3D flow and transport simulation considering the multiple sources and spatiotemporal changes in hydrologic conditions. Consequently, we were able to reproduce the long-term trends of concentration changes in each monitoring well. With the predicted pollutant distribution, we conducted simulations for remediation such as pollutant removal using pumping wells. The results of the prediction and remediation simulations revealed the highly complex nature of 1,4-dioxane transport in the dumping site under both naturally occurring and artificially induced groundwater flows. The present study suggests possibilities for the prediction and remediation of pollution at illegal waste dumping sites, but further extensive studies are encouraged for better prediction and remediation.
Adsorption of Anionic Dyes from Wastewater onto Magnetic Nanocomposite Powders Synthesized by Combustion Method
Authors: Nistor Maria-Andreea , Muntean Simona Gabriela , Ianoș Robert , Racoviceanu Roxana , Ianași Cătălin , Cseh Liliana
Published: October 2021

In the present study, new magnetic nanocomposites were successfully prepared by combustion method, characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, magnetic measurements, N2 adsorption–desorption thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy, and tested as adsorbents for the removal of anionic dyes (Acid Yellow 42 and Acid Red 213) from aqueous solutions. The influence of process variables solution pH, adsorbent dose, initial dye concentration and temperature on the adsorption was evaluated. The best kinetic model that fitted with experimental data was a pseudo-second order model, and the equilibrium data were correlated by Langmuir isotherm model for the investigated dyes. Maximum removal efficiencies of 98.54% and 97.58% was obtained for Acid Yellow 42 and Acid Red 213, respectively, indicating the superior adsorption capacity of the new synthesized magnetic nanocomposites. The thermodynamic parameters indicated the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption process.
Revisit of the Photoirradiation of α-Lipoic Acid—Role of Hydrogen Sulfide Produced in the Reaction
Authors: Wada Naoki , Matsugo Seiichi
Published: October 2021

α-Lipoic acid (LA) has the specific absorption band at 330 nm and is quite vulnerable to UV irradiation, affording a variety of compounds including polymeric materials and hydrogen sulfide. A better understanding of the photochemical reaction of LA has already been carried out focusing mainly on the reaction product analysis derived from LA. We re-investigated the photochemical reaction of LA focusing our attention on the fate of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) produced in the photochemical reaction procedure. The photoirradiation of LA in the presence of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) formed glutathione trisulfide (GSSSG) and a reduced form of glutathione (GSH). Similar results were obtained in the co-presence of cystine and dimethyl disulfide. The concentration of H2S was reaching the maximum concentration, which was gradually decreasing within 10 min after photoirradiation, while the concentration of GSSSG was increasing with the decrease of H2S concentration. The structural confirmation of GSSSG and the plausible mechanism for the formation of GSSSG are proposed based on the time-dependent and pH-dependent profile of the photoirradiation.
Extracting Features from Poincaré Plots to Distinguish Congestive Heart Failure Patients According to NYHA Classes
Authors: D’Addio Giovanni , Donisi Leandro , Cesarelli Giuseppe , Amitrano Federica , Coccia Armando , La Rovere Maria Teresa , Ricciardi Carlo
Published: October 2021

Heart-rate variability has proved a valid tool in prognosis definition of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Previous research has documented Poincaré plot analysis as a valuable approach to study heart-rate variability performance among different subjects. In this paper, we explored the possibility to feed machine-learning (ML) algorithms using unconventional quantitative parameters extracted from Poincaré plots (generated from 24-h electrocardiogram recordings) to classify patients with CHF belonging to different New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes. We performed in sequence the following investigations: first, a statistical analysis was carried out on 9 morphological parameters, automatically measured from Poincaré plots. Subsequently, a feature selection through a wrapper with a 10-fold cross-validation method was performed to find the best subset of features which maximized the classification accuracy for each considered ML algorithm. Finally, patient classification was assessed through a ML analysis using AdaBoost of Decision Tree, k-Nearest Neighbors and Naive Bayes algorithms. A univariate statistical analysis proved 5 out of 9 parameters presented statistically significant differences among patients of distinct NYHA classes; similarly, a multivariate logistic regression confirmed the importance of the parameter ρy in the separability between low-risk and high-risk classes. The ML analysis achieved promising results in terms of evaluation metrics (especially the Naive Bayes algorithm), with accuracies greater than 80% and Area Under the Receiver Operating Curve indices greater than 0.7 for the overall three algorithms. The study indicates the proposed features have a predictive power to discriminate the NYHA classes, to which the features seem evenly correlated. Despite the NYHA classification being subjective and easily recognized by cardiologists, the potential relevance in the clinical cardiology of the proposed features and the promising ML results implies the methodology could be a valuable approach to automatically classify CHF. Future investigations on enriched datasets may further confirm the presented evidence.
Designing a Multi-Epitope Vaccine against Chlamydia trachomatis by Employing Integrated Core Proteomics, Immuno-Informatics and In Silico Approaches
Authors: Aslam Sidra , Ahmad Sajjad , Noor Fatima , Ashfaq Usman Ali , Shahid Farah , Rehman Abdur , Tahir ul Qamar Muhammad , Alatawi Eid A. , Alshabrmi Fahad M. , Allemailem Khaled S.
Published: October 2021

Chlamydia trachomatis, a Gram-negative bacterium that infects the rectum, urethra, congenital sites, and columnar epithelium of the cervix. It is a major cause of preventable blindness, ectopic pregnancy, and bacterial sexually transmitted infections worldwide. There is currently no licensed multi-epitope vaccination available for this pathogen. This study used core proteomics, immuno-informatics, and subtractive proteomics approaches to identify the best antigenic candidates for the development of a multi-epitope-based vaccine (MEBV). These approaches resulted in six vaccine candidates: Type III secretion system translocon subunit CopD2, SctW family type III secretion system gatekeeper subunit CopN, SycD/LcrH family type III secretion system chaperone Scc2, CT847 family type III secretion system effector, hypothetical protein CTDEC_0668, and CHLPN 76kDa-like protein. A variety of immuno-informatics tools were used to predict B and T cell epitopes from vaccine candidate proteins. An in silico vaccine was developed using carefully selected epitopes (11 CTL, 2 HTL & 10 LBL) and then docked with the MHC molecules (MHC I & MHC II) and human TLR4. The vaccine was coupled with Cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) adjuvant to boost the immune response. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, molecular docking, and MMGBSA analysis were carried out to analyze the molecular interactions and binding affinity of MEBV with TLR4 and MHC molecules. To achieve the highest level of vaccine protein expression, the MEBV was cloned and reverse-translated in Escherichia coli. The highest level of expression was achieved, and a CAI score of 0.97 was reported. Further experimental validation of the MEBV is required to prove its efficacy. The vaccine developed will be useful in preventing infections caused by C. trachomatis.
Risk Assessment of Anopheles philippinensis and Anopheles nivipes (Diptera: Culicidae) Invading China under Climate Change
Authors: Li Chao , Gao Yuan , Chang Nan , Ma Delong , Zhou Ruobing , Zhao Zhe , Wang Jun , Zhang Qinfeng , Liu Qiyong
Published: October 2021

Background: Anopheles philippinensis and Anopheles nivipes are morphologically similar and are considered to be effective vectors of malaria transmission in northeastern India. Environmental factors such as temperature and rainfall have a significant impact on the temporal and spatial distribution of disease vectors driven by future climate change. Methods: In this study, we used the maximum entropy model to predict the potential global distribution of the two mosquito species in the near future and the trend of future distribution in China. Based on the contribution rate of environmental factors, we analyzed the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of the two mosquito species. We also constructed a disease vector risk assessment index system to calculate the comprehensive risk value of the invasive species. Results: Precipitation has a significant effect on the distribution of potentially suitable areas for Anopheles philippinensis and Anopheles nivipes. The two mosquito species may spread in the suitable areas of China in the future. The results of the risk assessment index system showed that the two mosquito species belong to the moderate invasion risk level for China. Conclusions: China should improve the mosquito vector monitoring system, formulate scientific prevention and control strategies and strictly prevent foreign imports.
Design of Inhibitors of the Intrinsically Disordered Protein NUPR1: Balance between Drug Affinity and Target Function
Authors: Rizzuti Bruno , Lan Wenjun , Santofimia-Castaño Patricia , Zhou Zhengwei , Velázquez-Campoy Adrián , Abián Olga , Peng Ling , Neira José L. , Xia Yi , Iovanna Juan L.
Published: October 2021

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are emerging as attractive drug targets by virtue of their physiological ubiquity and their prevalence in various diseases, including cancer. NUPR1 is an IDP that localizes throughout the whole cell, and is involved in the development and progression of several tumors. We have previously repurposed trifluoperazine (TFP) as a drug targeting NUPR1 and, by using a ligand-based approach, designed the drug ZZW-115 starting from the TFP scaffold. Such derivative compound hinders the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in mice, by hampering nuclear translocation of NUPR1. Aiming to further improve the activity of ZZW-115, here we have used an indirect drug design approach to modify its chemical features, by changing the substituent attached to the piperazine ring. As a result, we have synthesized a series of compounds based on the same chemical scaffold. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) showed that, with the exception of the compound preserving the same chemical moiety at the end of the alkyl chain as ZZW-115, an increase of the length by a single methylene group (i.e., ethyl to propyl) significantly decreased the affinity towards NUPR1 measured in vitro, whereas maintaining the same length of the alkyl chain and adding heterocycles favored the binding affinity. However, small improvements of the compound affinity towards NUPR1, as measured by ITC, did not result in a corresponding improvement in their inhibitory properties and in cellulo functions, as proved by measuring three different biological effects: hindrance of the nuclear translocation of the protein, sensitization of cells against DNA damage mediated by NUPR1, and prevention of cancer cell growth. Our findings suggest that a delicate compromise between favoring ligand affinity and controlling protein function may be required to successfully design drugs against NUPR1, and likely other IDPs.
Versatile Cell and Animal Models for Advanced Investigation of Lead Poisoning
Authors: Yang De-Ming , Chang Yu-Fen
Published: October 2021

The heavy metal, lead (Pb) can irreversibly damage the human nervous system. To help understand Pb-induced damage, we applied a genetically encoded Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based Pb biosensor Met-lead 1.44 M1 to two living systems to monitor the concentration of Pb: induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes as a semi-tissue platform and Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies as an in vivo animal model. Different FRET imaging modalities were used to obtain FRET signals, which represented the presence of Pb in the tested samples in different spatial dimensions. Using iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, the relationship between beating activity (20–24 beats per minute, bpm) determined from the fluctuation of fluorescent signals and the concentrations of Pb represented by the FRET emission ratio values of Met-lead 1.44 M1 was revealed from simultaneous measurements. Pb (50 μM) affected the beating activity of cardiomyocytes, whereas two drugs that stop the entry of Pb differentially affected this beating activity: verapamil (2 μM) did not reverse the cessation of beating, whereas 2-APB (50 μM) partially restored this activity (16 bpm). The results clearly demonstrate the potential of this biosensor system as an anti-Pb drug screening application. In the Drosophila model, Pb was detected within the adult brain or larval central nervous system (Cha-gal4 > UAS-Met-lead 1.44 M1) using fast epifluorescence and high-resolution two-photon 3D FRET ratio image systems. The tissue-specific expression of Pb biosensors provides an excellent opportunity to explore the possible Pb-specific populations within living organisms. We believe that this integrated Pb biosensor system can be applied to the prevention of Pb poisoning and advanced research on Pb neurotoxicology.
‘Off-the-Shelf’ Immunotherapy: Manufacture of CD8+ T Cells Derived from Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Boyd Nicholas , Cartledge Kellie , Cao Huimin , Evtimov Vera , Pupovac Aleta , Trounson Alan , Boyd Richard
Published: October 2021

Cellular immunotherapy is revolutionizing cancer treatment. However, autologous transplants are complex, costly, and limited by the number and quality of T cells that can be isolated from and expanded for re-infusion into each patient. This paper demonstrates a stromal support cell-free in vitro method for the differentiation of T cells from umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). For each single HSC cell input, approximately 5 × 104 T cells were created with an initial five days of HSC expansion and subsequent T cell differentiation over 49 days. When the induced in vitro differentiated T cells were activated by cytokines and anti-CD3/CD28 beads, CD8+ T cell receptor (TCR) γδ+ T cells were preferentially generated and elicited cytotoxic function against ovarian cancer cells in vitro. This process of inducing de novo functional T cells offers a possible strategy to increase T cell yields, simplify manufacturing, and reduce costs with application potential for conversion into chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells for cancer immunotherapy and for allogeneic transplantation to restore immune competence.
Roles of Crosstalk between Astrocytes and Microglia in Triggering Neuroinflammation and Brain Edema Formation in 1,2-Dichloroethane-Intoxicated Mice
Authors: Yang Jinhan , Wang Tong , Jin Xiaoxia , Wang Gaoyang , Zhao Fenghong , Jin Yaping
Published: October 2021

We have previously reported that the activation of astrocytes and microglia may lead to the overproduction of proinflammatory mediators, which could induce neuroinflammation and cause brain edema in 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE)-intoxicated mice. In this research, we further hypothesized that astrocyte–microglia crosstalk might trigger neuroinflammation and contribute to brain edema in 1,2-DCE-intoxicated mice. The present research revealed, for the first time, that subacute intoxication with 1,2-DCE might provoke the proinflammatory polarization of microglia, and pretreatment with minocycline, a specific inhibitor of microglial activation, may attenuate the enhanced protein levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule1 (Iba-1), cluster of differentiation 11b (CD11b), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), soluble calcium-binding protein 100B (S100B), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), MyD88, and p-p65, and ameliorate the suppressed protein expression levels of occludin and claudin 5; we also observed changes in water content and made pathological observations on edema in the brains of 1,2-DCE-intoxicated mice. Moreover, pretreatment with fluorocitrate, an inhibitor of reactive astrocytes, could also reverse the alteration in protein expression levels of GFAP, S100B, Iba-1, CD11b, TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, MMP-9, occludin, and claudin 5 in the brain of 1,2-DCE intoxicated mice. Furthermore, pretreatment with melatonin, a well-known anti-inflammatory drug, could also attenuate the above-mentioned changes in the brains of 1,2-DCE-intoxicated mice. Altogether, the findings from this research indicated that microglial activation might play an important role in triggering neuroinflammation, and hence may contribute to brain edema formation; additionally, the findings suggested that molecular crosstalk between reactive astrocytes and activated microglia may amplify the neuroinflammatory reaction, which could induce secondary brain injury in 1,2-DCE-intoxicated mice.
Antibiotics Treatment Modulates Microglia–Synapses Interaction
Authors: Cordella Federica , Sanchini Caterina , Rosito Maria , Ferrucci Laura , Pediconi Natalia , Cortese Barbara , Guerrieri Francesca , Pascucci Giuseppe Rubens , Antonangeli Fabrizio , Peruzzi Giovanna , Giubettini Maria , Basilico Bernadette , Pagani Francesca , Grimaldi Alfonso , D’Alessandro Giuseppina , Limatola Cristina , Ragozzino Davide , Di Angelantonio Silvia
Published: October 2021

‘Dysbiosis’ of the adult gut microbiota, in response to challenges such as infection, altered diet, stress, and antibiotics treatment has been recently linked to pathological alteration of brain function and behavior. Moreover, gut microbiota composition constantly controls microglia maturation, as revealed by morphological observations and gene expression analysis. However, it is unclear whether microglia functional properties and crosstalk with neurons, known to shape and modulate synaptic development and function, are influenced by the gut microbiota. Here, we investigated how antibiotic-mediated alteration of the gut microbiota influences microglial and neuronal functions in adult mice hippocampus. Hippocampal microglia from adult mice treated with oral antibiotics exhibited increased microglia density, altered basal patrolling activity, and impaired process rearrangement in response to damage. Patch clamp recordings at CA3-CA1 synapses revealed that antibiotics treatment alters neuronal functions, reducing spontaneous postsynaptic glutamatergic currents and decreasing synaptic connectivity, without reducing dendritic spines density. Antibiotics treatment was unable to modulate synaptic function in CX3CR1-deficient mice, pointing to an involvement of microglia–neuron crosstalk through the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis in the effect of dysbiosis on neuronal functions. Together, our findings show that antibiotic alteration of gut microbiota impairs synaptic efficacy, suggesting that CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling supporting microglia is a major player in in the gut–brain axis, and in particular in the gut microbiota-to-neuron communication pathway.
N-myc Downstream-Regulated Gene 2 (NDRG2) Function as a Positive Regulator of Apoptosis: A New Insight into NDRG2 as a Tumor Suppressor
Authors: Kim Gayeon , Lim Seyeon , Kim Kwang Dong
Published: October 2021

N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) is a tumor suppressor gene that increases tumor sensitivity to anticancer drugs, slows tumor progression, and inhibits metastasis. NDRG2 is suppressed in various aggressive tumor positions, whereas NDRG2 expression is associated with patient prognosis, such as an improved survival rate. In this review, we summarize the tumor suppressor mechanism of NDRG2 and provide information on the function of NDRG2 concerning the susceptibility of cells to apoptosis. NDRG2 increases the susceptibility to apoptosis in various physiological environments of cells, such as development, hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, and cancer drug treatment. Although the molecular and cell biological mechanisms of NDRG2 have not been fully elucidated, we provide information on the mechanisms of NDRG2 in relation to apoptosis in various environments. This review can assist the design of research regarding NDRG2 function and suggests the potential of NDRG2 as a molecular target for cancer patients.
Cytogenetic Evidence Clarifies the Phylogeny of the Family Rhynchocyclidae (Aves: Passeriformes)
Authors: Kretschmer Rafael , Franz Ismael , de Souza Marcelo Santos , Garnero Analía Del Valle , Gunski Ricardo José , de Oliveira Edivaldo Herculano Corrêa , O’Connor Rebecca E. , Griffin Darren K. , de Freitas Thales Renato Ochotorena
Published: October 2021

The phylogenetic position and taxonomic status of Rhynchocyclidae (Aves: Passeriformes) have been the subject of debate since their first description. In most models, Rhynchocyclidae represents a subfamily-level taxon placed within the Tyrant Flycatchers (Tyrannidae). Considering that this classification does not include cytotaxonomic characters, we tested the hypothesis that the chromosome organization of Rhynchocyclidae members differs from that of Tyrannidae. Hence, we selected two species, Tolmomyias sulphurescens, and Pitangus sulphuratus, representing Rhynchocyclidae and Tyrannidae, respectively. Results revealed a diploid number (2n) of 60 in T. sulphurescens and 2n = 80 in P. sulphuratus, indicating significant chromosomal differences. Chromosome mapping of Gallus gallus (GGA) and Taeniopygia guttata bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) corresponding to chromosomes GGA1-28 (except 16) revealed that the genome evolution of T. sulphurescens involved extensive chromosome fusions of macrochromosomes and microchromosomes. On the other hand, P. sulphuratus retained the ancestral pattern of organization of macrochromosomes (except the centric fission involving GGA1) and microchromosomes. In conclusion, comparing our results with previous studies in Tyrant Flycatchers and allies indicates that P. sulphuratus has similar karyotypes to other Tyrannidae members. However, T. sulphurescens does not resemble the Tyrannidae family, reinforcing family status to the clade named Rhynchocyclidae.
Individualized Bleeding Risk Assessment through Thromboelastography: A Case Report of May–Hegglin Anomaly in Preterm Twin Neonates
Authors: Amodeo Ilaria , Raffaeli Genny , Vianello Federica , Cavallaro Giacomo , Cortesi Valeria , Manzoni Francesca , Amelio Giacomo S. , Gulden Silvia , Mosca Fabio , Ghirardello Stefano
Published: October 2021

May–Hegglin anomaly (MHA) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder in the spectrum of myosin heavy chain-related disorders (MYH9-RD), characterized by congenital macrothrombocytopenia and white blood cell inclusions. MHA carries a potential risk of hemorrhagic complications. Bleeding diathesis is usually mild, but sporadic, life-threatening events have been reported. Data regarding the clinical course and outcomes of neonatal MYH9-RD are limited, and specific guidelines on platelet transfusion in asymptomatic patients are lacking. We present monochorionic twins born preterm at 32 weeks of gestation to an MHA mother; both presented with severe thrombocytopenia at birth. Peripheral blood smear demonstrated the presence of macrothrombocytes, and immunofluorescence confirmed the diagnosis of MHA. Close clinical monitoring excluded bleeding complications, and serial hemostatic assessments through a viscoelastic system demonstrated functionally normal primary hemostasis in both patients. Therefore, prophylactic platelet transfusions were avoided. Whole DNA sequencing confirmed the pathogenetic variant of MHA of maternal origin in both twins. Thromboelastography allowed real-time bedside bleeding risk assessment and supported individualized transfusion management in preterm newborns at risk of hemostatic impairment. This report suggests that dynamic and appropriate clotting monitoring may contribute to the more rational use of platelets’ transfusions while preserving patients with hemorrhagic complications and potential transfusion-related side effects.
Growth Retardation in the Course of Fanconi Syndrome Caused by the 4977-bp Mitochondrial DNA Deletion: A Case Report
Authors: Li Ting , Lu Zhihong , Wang Jingjing , Chen Junyi , Fu Haidong , Mao Jianhua
Published: October 2021

Fanconi syndrome is one of the primary renal manifestations of mitochondrial cytopathies caused by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation. The common 4977-bp mtDNA deletion has been reported to be associated with aging and diseases involving multiple extrarenal organs. Cases of Fanconi syndrome caused by the 4977-bp deletion were rarely reported previously. Here, we report a 6-year-old girl with growth retardation in the course of Fanconi syndrome. She had mild ptosis and pigmented retinopathy. Abnormal biochemical findings included low-molecular-weight proteinuria, normoglycemic glycosuria, increased urine phosphorus excretion, metabolic acidosis, and hypophosphatemia. Growth records showed that her body weight and height were normal in the first year and failed to thrive after the age of three. Using a highly sensitive mtDNA analysis methodology, she was identified to possess the common 4977-bp mtDNA deletion. The mutation rate was 84.7% in the urine exfoliated cells, 78.67% in the oral mucosal cells, and 23.99% in the blood sample. After three months of oral coenzyme Q10 and levocarnitine treatment in combination with standard electrolyte supplement, her condition was improved. This is a report of growth retardation as the initial major clinical presentation of Fanconi syndrome caused by the deletion of the 4977-bp fragment. Renal tubular abnormality without any other extrarenal dysfunction may be an initial clinical sign of mitochondrial disorders. Moreover, considering the heterogeneity of the phenotypes associated with mtDNA mutations, the risk of developing Kearns–Sayre syndrome (KSS) with age in this patient should be noted because she had ptosis, retinal involvement, and changes in the brain and skeletal muscle.
Application of Vegetal Oils in Developing Bioactive Paper-Based Materials for Food Packaging
Authors: Irimia Anamaria , Stoleru Elena , Vasile Cornelia , Bele Adrian , Brebu Mihai
Published: October 2021

A major disadvantage of conventional food packaging materials is the difficulty in disposal and recycling, due to their high stability to environmental and thermal stress. The trend now is to develop new eco-friendly food packaging that can substitute fossil fuel derived materials. Cellulose, the main constituent of paper-based food packages, is a favorable starting material for such purpose. In this study we present a new method to obtain bioactive paper based materials suitable for food packaging applications. By combining eco-friendly activation processes (cold plasma or gamma irradiation) and bioactive plant oils (clove essential oil and rosehip seeds vegetal oil) for modification of kraft paper, new materials with antioxidant and antibacterial activity were obtained. The oil-loaded bioactive paper based materials presented increased hydrophobicity (from 97° contact angle in the case of kraft paper to 115° for oil-loaded sample) and decreased water adsorption (a one-quarter decrease). Due to various interactions with the functional groups of plant oils, the modified kraft paper presents different antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Essential clove oil imprinted higher antioxidant activity (owing to the high content in eugenol and eugenol acetate phenolic compounds) and was more efficient in reducing the bacterial growth on fresh beef meat and on fresh curd cheese. The cold pressed rosehip seeds oil acted as aslightly better antibacterial agent against Listeria monocytogenes (+), Salmonella enteritidis (−) and Escherichia coli (−) bacterial strains. Thus, the newly developed bioactive paper could be used as effective packaging material that can help preserving food quality for longer time.
Microstructure, Mechanical and Antibacterial Properties of TiNb-Based Alloy Implanted by Silver Ions
Authors: Tian Tian , Dang Bo , Li Fengkun , Yang Kai , Wei Dongbo , Zhang Pingze
Published: October 2021

In this study, in order to obtain an antibacterial property for the TiNb-based alloy, the metal vapor vacuum arc (MEVVA) ion implantation technology was applied to implant the silver on the surface of TiNb-based alloy, which brought the change of the microstructures and mechanical properties for the surface of substrate. It was found that the diffusely distributed silver nanoparticles generated on the outermost surface of the implanted layer and the Ag element exist as a solid-solution state in the implanted layer. Meanwhile, the region of the implanted layer mainly constituted nanocrystalline structures based on the analyses of microstructures. Hence, the nanocrystalline strengthening effect formed by high-energy ion bombardment and the solid solution strengthening effect of silver atoms made contributions to the increase of surface comprehensive mechanical properties, including the surface hardness and elastic modulus. Finally, the suitable Ag-implanted specimen can obtain excellent antibacterial ability. Except for the antibacterial mechanism of silver ions release, the dispersed silver nanoparticles on the surface also provide the contact antimicrobial mechanism, which is the Schottky barrier–dependent antimicrobial efficacy of silver nanoparticles.
Sintering Modeling of Thermal Barrier Coatings at Elevated Temperatures: A Review of Recent Advances
Authors: Yan Jinrong , Wang Xin , Chen Kuiying , Lee Kang N.
Published: October 2021

To achieve a higher efficiency in gas turbine engine by increasing the inlet-temperature of burning gas is one of the primary goals in aviation industry. The development of thermal barrier coating system (TBCs) continuously raises the inlet-temperature of gas turbine engine in the past decades. Due to the complexity of TBCs and harsh operation environments, the degradation and failure mechanisms of hot section components have not been fully understood, and consequently limits the application of TBCs. It was identified that high-temperature sintering of the topcoat in a typical TBC could be one of the major sources of its failure since the microstructures of the constituent coating layers evolve dynamically during the service period, resulting in significant changes of mechanical and thermal physical properties of the coating system. This paper intends to review recent advances of analytical and numerical modeling of sintering of topcoat in TBCs including the modeling methodology and applications of the models, particularly the implementation of finite element combined with specific materials constitutive functions. Critical remarks on the future development and applications of these models are also discussed in the end.
Analytical and Numerical Evaluation of Co-Scheduling Strategies and Their Application
Authors: Kuchumov Ruslan , Korkhov Vladimir
Published: October 2021

Applications in high-performance computing (HPC) may not use all available computational resources, leaving some of them underutilized. By co-scheduling, i.e., running more than one application on the same computational node, it is possible to improve resource utilization and overall throughput. Some applications may have conflicting requirements on resources and co-scheduling may cause performance degradation, so it is important to take it into account in scheduling decisions. In this paper, we formalize the co-scheduling problem and propose multiple scheduling strategies to solve it: an optimal strategy, an online strategy and heuristic strategies. These strategies vary in terms of the optimality of the solution they produce and a priori information about the system they require. We show theoretically that the online strategy provides schedules with a competitive ratio that has a constant upper limit. This allows us to solve the co-scheduling problem using heuristic strategies that approximate this online strategy. Numerical simulations show how heuristic strategies compare to the optimal strategy for different input systems. We propose a method for measuring input parameters of the model in practice and evaluate this method on HPC benchmark applications. We show the high accuracy of the measurement method, which allows us to apply the proposed scheduling strategies in the scheduler implementation.
Molecular Dynamics Study of Collective Behavior of Carbon Nanotori in Columnar Phase
Authors: Lun-Fu Aleksandr V. , Bubenchikov Alexey M. , Bubenchikov Mikhail A. , Ovchinnikov Vyacheslav A.
Published: October 2021

Supramolecular interaction of carbon nanotori in a columnar phase is described using the methods of classical molecular dynamics. The collective behavior and dynamic properties of toroidal molecules arising under the action of the van der Waals forces are studied. The conditions under which columnar structures based on molecular tori become unstable and rearrange into another structure are investigated. The reasons for the appearance of two types of directed rotational motion from the chaotic motion of molecules are discussed.
Intraoperative Radiotherapy with Balloon-Based Electronic Brachytherapy System—A Systematic Review and First Bulgarian Experience in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Kostova-Lefterova Desislava , Vasileva-Slaveva Mariela , Maslyankov Svilen , Konsoulova Assia , Atanasova Margarita , Paycheva Tsvetelina , Vlahova Alexandrina , Genadieva-Yordanova Marusya , Prodanova Ginka , Zahariev Zahari , Pavlov Vasil , Todorov Georgi , Vasilev Boris , Angelov Kostadin , Deliyski Tashko , Petrova Ivelina , Hitova Desislava , Petrov Ivo
Published: October 2021

(1) Background: We aimed to analyze currently available studies with intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) as a choice of treatment where the Xoft Axxent® electronic brachytherapy (eBx) system was used as a single-dose irradiation and an exclusive radiotherapy approach at the time of surgery in patients with early breast cancer (EBC). We also compared the results of the systematic review to the Bulgarian experience. (2) Methods and Materials: We performed a systematic review of the studies published before February 2021, which investigate the application of a single-fraction 20 Gy radiation treatment, delivered at the time of lumpectomy in EBC patients with the Xoft Axxent® eBx System. A systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect was performed. The results are reported following the PRISMA guidelines. The criteria on patients’ selection for IORT (the additional need for EBRT), cosmetic outcomes, and recurrence rate from the eligible studies are compared to the treatment results in Bulgarian patients. (3) Results: We searched through 1032 results to find 17 eligible studies. There are no published outcomes from randomized trials. When reported, the cosmetic outcomes in most of the studies are defined as excellent. The observed recurrence rate is low (1–5.8%). Still, the number of patients additionally referred to postoperative external breast radiotherapy (EBRT) is up to 31%. Amongst the 20 patients treated in Bulgaria, the cosmetic outcomes are also evaluated as excellent, five of which (25%) are referred for EBRT. Within median follow-up of 39 months, there was one local and one distal recurrence. (4) Conclusions: Current evidence demonstrates the Xoft Axxent® eBx system as a safe and feasible technique for IORT delivery in EBC patients. There are no randomized controlled trials conducted at this time point to prove its long-term effectiveness. Better patient selection and a reimbursement strategy have to be proposed to extend the application of this technique in Bulgaria.
Multiparametric MRI and Radiomics in Prostate Cancer: A Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Midiri Federico , Vernuccio Federica , Purpura Pierpaolo , Alongi Pierpaolo , Bartolotta Tommaso Vincenzo
Published: October 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) represents the fourth most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death of men worldwide. Multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) has high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of PCa, and it is currently the most widely used imaging technique for tumor localization and cancer staging. mp-MRI plays a key role in risk stratification of naïve patients, in active surveillance for low-risk patients, and in monitoring recurrence after definitive therapy. Radiomics is an emerging and promising tool which allows a quantitative tumor evaluation from radiological images via conversion of digital images into mineable high-dimensional data. The purpose of radiomics is to increase the features available to detect PCa, to avoid unnecessary biopsies, to define tumor aggressiveness, and to monitor post-treatment recurrence of PCa. The integration of radiomics data, including different imaging modalities (such as PET-CT) and other clinical and histopathological data, could improve the prediction of tumor aggressiveness as well as guide clinical decisions and patient management. The purpose of this review is to describe the current research applications of radiomics in PCa on MR images.
Deep-Learning-Based Hair Damage Diagnosis Method Applying Scanning Electron Microscopy Images
Authors: Zhang Lintong , Man Qiaoyue , Cho Young Im
Published: October 2021

In recent years, with the gradual development of medicine and deep learning, many technologies have been developed. In the field of beauty services or medicine, it is particularly important to judge the degree of hair damage. Because people in modern society pay more attention to their own dressing and makeup, changes in the shape of their hair have become more frequent, e.g., owing to a perm or dyeing. Thus, the hair is severely damaged through this process. Because hair is relatively thin, a quick determination of the degree of damage has also become a major problem. Currently, there are three specific methods for this purpose. In the first method, professionals engaged in the beauty service industry make a direct judgement with the naked eye. The second way is to observe the damaged cuticle layers of the hair using a microscope, and then make a judgment. The third approach is to conduct experimental tests using physical and chemical methods. However, all of these methods entail certain limitations, inconveniences, and a high complexity and time consumption. Therefore, our proposed method is to use scanning electron microscope to collect various hair sample images, combined with deep learning to identify and judge the degree of hair damage. This method will be used for hair quality diagnosis. Experiment on the data set we made, compared with the experimental results of other lightweight networks, our method showed the highest accuracy rate of 94.8%.
A Novel Modelling Process in Chemistry: Merging Biological and Mathematical Perspectives to Develop Modelling Competences
Authors: Lang Vanessa , Eckert Christine , Perels Franziska , Kay Christopher W. M. , Seibert Johann
Published: October 2021

Models are essential in science and therefore in scientific literacy. Therefore, pupils need to attain competency in the appropriate use of models. This so-called model–methodical competence distinguishes between model competence (the conceptual part) and modelling competence (the procedural part), wherefrom a definition follows a general overview of the concept of models in this article. Based on this, modelling processes enable the promotion of the modelling competence. In this context, two established approaches mainly applied in other disciplines (biology and mathematics) and a survey among chemistry teachers and employees of chemistry education departments (N = 98) form the starting point for developing a chemistry modelling process. The article concludes with a description of the developed modelling process, which by its design, provides an opportunity to develop students’ modelling competence.
Load-Independent Voltage Balancing of Multi-Level Flying Capacitor Converters in Quasi-2-Level Operation
Authors: Czyz Piotr , Papamanolis Panteleimon , Trunas Bruguera Francesc , Guillod Thomas , Krismer Florian , Lazarevic Vladan , Huber Jonas , Kolar Johann W.
Published: October 2021

Quasi-2-level (Q2L) operation of multi-level bridge-legs, especially of flying-capacitor converters (FCC), is an interesting option for realizing single-cell power conversion in applications whose system voltages exceed the ratings of available power semiconductors. To ensure equal voltage sharing among a Q2L-FCC’s switches, the voltages of a Q2L-FCC’s minimized flying capacitors (FCs) must always be balanced. Thus, we propose a concept for load-independent FC voltage balancing: For non-zero load current, we use a model predictive control (MPC) approach to identify the commutation sequence of the individual switches within a Q2L transition that minimizes the FC or cell voltage errors. In case of zero load current, we employ a novel MPC-based approach using cell multiple switching (CMS), i.e., the insertion of additional zero-current commutations within a Q2L transition, to exchange charge between the FCs via the charging currents of the switches’ parasitic capacitances. Experiments with a 5-level FCC half-bridge demonstrator confirm the validity of the derived models and verify the performance of the proposed load-independent balancing concept.
An Estimation Method of an Electrical Equivalent Circuit Considering Acoustic Radiation Efficiency for a Multiple Resonant Transducer
Authors: Lee Byung-Hwa , Lee Jeong-Min , Baek Ji-Eun , Sim Jae-Yoon
Published: October 2021

The electrical equivalent model of an underwater acoustic transducer must be exactly defined in the operating frequency band to improve the driving efficiency between a sonar transmitter and a transducer. This paper used the PSO (particle swarm optimization) algorithm to estimate electrical equivalent circuit parameters of a transducer that has multiple resonant modes. The proposed method used a new fitness function to minimize the estimation error between the measured impedance of the transducer and the estimated impedance. The difference to the previous method is that the proposed method considered interference effects of the adjacent resonant modes. Additionally, this paper analyzed the effective power and separated the mechanical and acoustical resistance by considering the acoustic radiation efficiency of the transducer. As a result, the proposed method estimated all parameters at the resonance points which are influenced by the adjacent resonant modes.