bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Allelic Heterozygosity in BoLA-DRB3 and Proviral Loads in Bovine Leukemia Virus-Infected Cattle
Authors: Daous Hala El , Mitoma Shuya , Elhanafy Eslam , Thi Nguyen Huyen , Thi Mai Ngan , Notsu Kosuke , Kaneko Chiho , Norimine Junzo , Sekiguchi Satoshi
Published: March 2021

Enzootic bovine leukosis is a lethal neoplastic disease caused by bovine leukemia virus (BLV), belongs to family Retroviridae. The BLV proviral load (PVL) represents the quantity of BLV genome that has integrated into the host’s genome in BLV-infected cells. Bovine leukocyte antigen (BoLA) class II allelic polymorphisms are associated with PVLs in BLV-infected cattle. We sought to identify relationships between BoLA-DRB3 allelic heterozygosity and BLV PVLs among different cattle breeds. Blood samples from 598 BLV-infected cattle were quantified to determine their PVLs by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results were confirmed by a BLV-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction identified 22 BoLA-DRB3 alleles. Multivariate negative binomial regression modeling was used to test for associations between BLV PVLs and BoLA-DRB3 alleles. BoLA-DRB3.2*3, *7, *8, *11, *22, *24, and *28 alleles were significantly associated with low PVLs. BoLA-DRB3.2*10 was significantly associated with high PVLs. Some heterozygous allele combinations were associated with low PVLs (*3/*28, *7/*8, *8/*11, *10/*11, and *11/*16); others were associated with high PVLs (*1/*41, *10/*16, *10/*41, *16/*27, and *22/*27). Interestingly, the BoLA-DRB3.2*11 heterozygous allele was always strongly and independently associated with low PVLs. This is the first reported evidence of an association between heterozygous allelic combinations and BLV PVLs.
Spatially Related Sampling Uncertainty in the Assessment of Labile Soil Carbon and Nitrogen in an Irish Forest Plantation
Authors: Zou Junliang , Osborne Bruce
Published: March 2021

The importance of labile soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in soil biogeochemical processes is now well recognized. However, the quantification of labile soil C and N in soils and the assessment of their contribution to ecosystem C and N budgets is often constrained by limited information on spatial variability. To address this, we examined spatial variability in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved total nitrogen (DTN) in a Sitka spruce forest in central Ireland. The results showed moderate variations in the concentrations of DOC and DTN based on the mean, minimum, and maximum, as well as the coefficients of variation. Residual values of DOC and DTN were shown to have moderate spatial autocorrelations, and the nugget sill ratios were 0.09% and 0.10%, respectively. Distribution maps revealed that both DOC and DTN concentrations in the study area decreased from the southeast. The variability of both DOC and DTN increased as the sampling area expanded and could be well parameterized as a power function of the sampling area. The cokriging technique performed better than the ordinary kriging for predictions of DOC and DTN, which are highly correlated. This study provides a statistically based assessment of spatial variations in DOC and DTN and identifies the sampling effort required for their accurate quantification, leading to improved assessments of forest ecosystem C and N budgets.
Probing Laser Plasma Dynamics Using High-Order Harmonics Generation in Carbon-Containing Nanomaterials
Authors: Ganeev Rashid A. , Kim Vyacheslav V. , Rao Konda Srinivasa , Guo Chunlei
Published: March 2021

We study high-order harmonics generation from plasmas generated from graphite, fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, diamond nanoparticles, and graphene. Our approach utilizes a heating nanosecond laser pulse to produce plasmas that serve as the media for high harmonic generation from a subsequent driven femtosecond laser pulse. High harmonics are generated at different time delays following the plasma formation, which allows us to analyze the spreading of species with different masses. We analyze the harmonic yields from species of single carbon atom, 60 atoms (fullerene), 106 atoms (diamond nanoparticles), 109 atoms (CNTs and CNFs), and even much larger species of graphene sheets. The harmonic yields are analyzed in the range of 100 ns–1 ms delays. The harmonic yields were significantly higher within the 200 ns–0.5 µs range, but no harmonic is observed between 10 µs–1 ms. Our observations show that, at the optimal ablation of atoms and clusters, the laser-induced plasmas produced on the surfaces of different carbon-contained species spread out from targets with the comparable velocities.
Optimal Reconfiguration in Distribution Systems with Distributed Generations Based on Modified Sequential Switch Opening and Exchange
Authors: Vai Vannak , Suk Sievlong , Lorm Rathana , Chhlonh Chhith , Eng Samphors , Bun Long
Published: March 2021

The distribution systems operate radially with meshed topologies thanks to tie-switches and sectionalizing switches consisting of the systems. The power distribution systems are undergoing evolutions strongly toward active distribution systems for reliability and quality of service enhancements through reconfiguration. The distributed generations are also one effective solution for the above objectives. A consumption time is one of the considerable issues that many existing methods have not been achieved for reconfiguration purpose. This paper brings an adaptive solution called modified sequential switch opening and exchange (MSSOE), which is carried out with MATLAB and MATPOWER tool, to overcome these issues. The fundamental loop has been proposed for the MSSOE method to reduce search space in the iteration process. In each step of the searching process, MSSOE observes that if any switches within the same loop of the selected tie-switch are deleted to avoid opening those switches in the next iteration. The process of MSSOE is done when the radial topology is given. The proposed method is tested with the standard IEEE 33-bus, IEEE 69-bus, and IEEE 119-bus distribution systems to observe the effectiveness of the MSSOE algorithm. Comparison to existing algorithms in terms of global solution and computation time conclude that the MSSOE is the best method.
Improvement of Boeing Bump Method Considering Aircraft Vibration Superposition Effect
Authors: Liu Shifu , Tian Yu , Liu Le , Xiang Peng , Zhang Zhekai
Published: March 2021

Pavement evaluation is critical for the decision-making process of pavement preservation and rehabilitation. Roughness is a key airport pavement characteristic that has been linked to impacts such as safety and service life. The Boeing Bump is one of the few roughness evaluation methods that has been developed specifically for runways. Although it is superior to the widely used International Roughness Index (IRI), it does not take into account the superposition effect of continuous runway bumps. Based on the ADAMS/Aircraft virtual prototype platform, this paper establishes and verifies five typical models (B737, B747, B757, B777, and B787) and then analyzes the most unfavorable speed (in terms of aircraft vibration) of each model and the dynamic responses caused by multiple bumps. The original Boeing Bump is improved and optimized by determining dynamic response thresholds for the various aircraft types. The results show that the revised Boeing Bump is more realistic than the original version, especially with regard to medium and long wave bands.
A Mobility Prediction-Based Relay Cluster Strategy for Content Delivery in Urban Vehicular Networks
Authors: Yue Shaoqi , Zhu Qi
Published: March 2021

In recent years, cache-enabled vehicles have been introduced to improve the efficiency of content delivery in vehicular networks. However, because of the high dynamic of network topology, it is a big challenge to increase the success probability of content delivery. In this paper, we propose a relay strategy based on cluster’s prediction trajectory for the situation of no cache near the request vehicles. In our strategy, the roadside unit (RSU) divides vehicles into clusters by their prediction trajectory, and then proactively caches contents at a cluster that will be about to meet the request vehicle. In order to decrease the probability of unsuccessful content delivery caused by communication duration that is too short between the request vehicle and content source vehicle, RSU caches content chunks at multiple vehicles in a cluster. By letting the request vehicle communicate with vehicle-caching content chunks one by one, our strategy enlarges the communication duration and increases the success probability. Our strategy also maximizes the success probability by optimizing the number of vehicles selected to cache content chunks. Besides, based on statistical characteristics of vehicles’ speed, we derive the formula of success probability of content delivery. The simulation results show that our strategy can increase the success probability of content delivery, as well as decrease time delay, for example. For example, we increase the success probability by about 20%. Since the trajectory prediction-based cluster-dividing mechanism can improve clusters’ stability at intersections, this method is well suited for urban road scenarios.
Effect of a Urethane Acrylate-Based Photosensitive Coating on the Reliability of Ag Nanowire Transparent Electrodes
Authors: Ha Heebo , Seo Yeongjae , Matteini Paolo , Qi Xue , Lim Sooman , Hwang Byungil
Published: March 2021

Due to the susceptibility of Ag nanowires to external mechanical and chemical damage, maintaining high optical performance and ambient and mechanical stability during the fabrication process is important for the industrial use of Ag nanowire transparent electrodes (TEs). In this study, urethane acrylate-based photosensitive resin (UAPR) is used as the coating material for Ag nanowire TEs to improve their optical transmittance, ambient stability, and resistance to external wiping damage. In the proposed method, UV-curable UAPR is coated onto Ag nanowire TEs using a simple doctor blade, forming a protective coating that increases the optical transmittance of the electrodes due to the refractive index of the UAPR between the air and the substrate. The UAPR coating successfully protects the Ag nanowires from corrosion in ambient air, with no significant change in their optical or electrical properties observed after 180 h of exposure to ambient air. Mechanical wiping tests also confirm that the UAPR coating is effective in protecting the Ag nanowires from external wiping damage, with no degradation of the optical or electrical properties observed after six wiping cycles.
Development of an Automatic Low-Cost Air Quality Control System: A Radon Application
Authors: Alvarellos Alberto , Chao Andrea Lopez , Rabuñal Juan Ramón , García-Vidaurrázaga María D. , Pazos Alejandro
Published: March 2021

Air pollution is the fourth-largest overall risk factor for human health worldwide. Ambient air pollution (outdoors) and household air pollution (indoors) cause about 6.5 million premature deaths. The World Health Organization has established that between 3% and 14% of lung cancer cases are due to radon gas, making it the most important cause of lung cancer after smoking. This work presents a fully automated, low-cost indoor air quality control system that can monitor temperature, pressure, humidity, total volatile organic compounds (TOVC), and radon concentration. Using the radon concentration as an air quality measure, we created a prediction algorithm. The system uses those predictions to control a ventilation system automatically. We tested the algorithm for different prediction windows and compared the results with those without the ventilation system in a radon research room. In this room, the radon concentration is high 100% of the time, reaching a level eleven times higher than the recommended limit. The results show that the system can achieve an 86% reduction of the radon concentration, maintaining it low 90% of the time while having the ventilation system on during only 34% of the time. This work demonstrates that we can control air quality using low-cost resources, keeping a household or workplace safe but comfortable.
Fetal Macrophages Exposed to Salmonella Antigens Elicit Protective Immunity Against Overwhelming Salmonella Challenge in A Murine Model
Authors: Chen Jeng-Chang , Ou Liang-Shiou , Kuo Ming-Ling , Tseng Li-Yun , Chang Hsueh-Ling , Chen Shiang-Chi , Chiu Cheng-Hsun
Published: March 2021

Despite the evidence for fetal immunization following maternal infection, it remained a mystery how the fetal immune system was primed by vertically-transmitted pathogens or microbial antigens, especially before its full maturation. We previously demonstrated the capacity of fetal macrophages for endocytosing oncoprotein and allergens to bridge towards adaptive immunity in postnatal life. To investigate the immunological consequences of fetal contact with microbial antigens and the role of fetal macrophages in the defense against infection before T-cell development, we exposed gestational day 14 murine fetuses and their macrophages to flagellin and heat-killed Salmonella Typhimurium. Recipients with in utero exposure to Salmonella antigens or adoptive transfer of microbial antigen-loaded fetal macrophages were examined for immune responses to Salmonella antigens and resistance to virulent Salmonella challenge. Fetal exposure to microbial antigens or adoptive transfer of microbial antigen-loaded fetal macrophages could confer antigen-specific adaptive immunity. However, protective immunity against lethal Salmonella challenge was only granted to those receiving heat-killed Salmonella antigens, presenting as heightened recall responses of serum anti-lipopolysaccharide immunoglobulins and interferon-gamma. In immunized recipients surviving Salmonella challenge, their serum transfer to succeeding recipients provided immediate protection from lethal Salmonella challenge in preference to lymphocyte transfer, indicating a more active role of humoral immunity in the prevention of Salmonella invasiveness. Our study sheds insight on the role of fetal macrophages in immunogenicity to transplacental pathogens regardless of fetal lymphocyte maturity, paving the way for fetal macrophage therapies to enhance vaccine responsiveness or increase resistance to pathogenic microorganisms in perinatal life.
The Stress–Strain State of Three-Layer Precast Flexural Concrete Enclosure Structures with the Contact Interlayers
Authors: Tho Vu , Korol Elena , Vatin Nikolai , Duc Hoang
Published: March 2021

The research object was three-layer reinforced precast concrete enclosure structures. The structures consist of heavy concrete B25 in the external layers and polystyrene concrete B1 in the internal layer. The stress–strain state of precast concrete structures during crack formation was studied by considering the influence of contact interlayers between different types of concretes. Stereoscopic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used in the experimental study of multilayer concrete blocks. Samples were made with a varied break time from 30 min to two hours between the previous and the next concrete layer placings. The experimental results showed that the contact interlayer with mutual penetration of aggregates into the adjacent concrete layers is formed in the successive layer-by-layer placing of various concretes. The thickness of the contact interlayer was up to 1 cm. The contact interlayer affects the solidity of the concrete layers’ connection and the structure’s stress–strain state. A model and method for calculating cracking in three-layer reinforced concrete structures with contact interlayers based on analytical and numerical calculations are proposed. Experimental data confirm the proposed calculation method. The results of three-layer reinforced concrete beams calculations show that: (i) the difference of the moment during crack formation in three-layer reinforced concrete beams schemes with and without taking into account the contact interlayer can reach 9.9%; (ii) the moment during crack formation obtained according to the proposed method is greater than that obtained according to the scheme of the cross-section conversion from 7.4% to 9.1%.
A Structural Grammar Approach for the Generative Design of Diagrid-Like Structures
Authors: Cascone Francesco , Faiella Diana , Tomei Valentina , Mele Elena
Published: March 2021

An innovative generative design strategy, based on shape grammar, is proposed for the minimum-weight design of diagrid tall buildings. By considering the building as a three-dimensional vertical cantilever beam with a tubular section under horizontal load, it is evident that bending and shear stiffness demands vary along the width and elevation of the building. Further, while the structural design of tall buildings is usually governed by stiffness, the predominant design criterion for diagrids could be the local strength demand, especially for low slenderness values, thanks to the inherent rigidity of the triangular pattern. Starting from these considerations, in this paper, a generative design strategy is proposed, able to find diagrid patterns that accommodate the differentiated stiffness demand along width/elevation and satisfy the predominant design criterion, stiffness or strength. The design strategy is applied to tall building models characterised by different slenderness values. The comparison to diagrid patterns analysed in previous literature works in terms of structural weight and performance parameters highlights the effectiveness of the design strategy and the efficiency of the generated patterns.
Fluorescent Detection of Carbon Disulfide by a Highly Emissive and Robust Isoreticular Series of Zr-Based Luminescent Metal Organic Frameworks (LMOFs)
Authors: Velasco Ever , Osumi Yuki , Teat Simon J. , Jensen Stephanie , Tan Kui , Thonhauser Timo , Li Jing
Published: March 2021

Carbon disulfide (CS2) is a highly volatile neurotoxic species. It is known to cause atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease and contributes significantly to sulfur-based pollutants. Therefore, effective detection and capture of carbon disulfide represents an important aspect of research efforts for the protection of human and environmental health. In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of two strongly luminescent and robust isoreticular metal organic frameworks (MOFs) Zr6(µ3-O)4(OH)8(tcbpe)2(H2O)4 (here termed 1) and Zr6(µ3-O)4(OH)8(tcbpe-f)2(H2O)4 (here termed 2) and their use as fluorescent sensors for the detection of carbon disulfide. Both MOFs demonstrate a calorimetric bathochromic shift in the optical bandgap and strong luminescence quenching upon exposure to carbon disulfide. The interactions between carbon disulfide and the frameworks are analyzed by in-situ infrared spectroscopy and computational modelling by density functional theory. These results reveal that both the Zr metal node and organic ligand act as the preferential binding sites and interact strongly with carbon disulfide.
Highly Selective Recognition of Pyrophosphate by a Novel Coumarin-Iron (III) Complex and the Application in Living Cells
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhao Hongren , Zhao Bing , Liu Huimin , Liu Qinglei , Gao Yan
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a novel NL-Fe3+ ensemble was designed as a fluorescent chemosensor for highly selective detection of pyrophosphate (PPi) in DMSO/H2O (2:8/v:v, pH = 7.2) solution and living cells. NL showed a strong affinity for Fe3+ and was accompanied by obvious fluorescence quenching. Upon the addition of PPi to the generated NL-Fe3+ ensemble, the fluorescence and absorption spectra were recovered completely. Spectroscopic investigation showed that the interference provoked by common anions such as adenosine-triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and phosphates (Pi) can be ignored. The detection limit of NL-Fe3+ to PPi was calculated to be 1.45 × 10−8 M. Intracellular imaging showed that NL-Fe3+ has good membrane permeability and could be used for the detection of PPi in living cells. A B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) basis set was used to optimize NL and NL-Fe3+ complex.
Label-Free Electrochemical Biosensor Based on Au@MoS₂–PANI for Escherichia coli Detection
Authors: Raj Pushap , Oh Man Hwan , Han Kyudong , Lee Tae Yoon
Published: March 2021

Bacterial infections have become a significant challenge in terms of public health, the food industry, and the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to address these challenges by developing a rapid, cost-effective, and easy-to-use biosensor for early diagnosis of bacterial pathogens. Herein, we developed a simple, label-free, and highly sensitive immunosensor based on electrochemical detection using the Au@MoS₂–PANI nanocomposite. The conductivity of the glassy carbon electrode is greatly enhanced using the Au@MoS₂–PANI nanocomposite and a self-assembled monolayer of mercaptopropionic acid on the gold nanoparticle surface was employed for the covalent immobilization of antibodies to minimize the nonspecific adsorption of bacterial pathogens on the electrode surface. The biosensor established a high selectivity and sensitivity with a low limit of detection of 10 CFU/mL, and detected Escherichia coli within 30 min. Moreover, the developed biosensor demonstrated a good linear detection range, practical utility in urine samples, and electrode regenerative studies.
Introduction of Pediatric Robot-Assisted Pyeloplasty in A Low-Volume Centre
Authors: Pakkasjärvi Niklas , Taskinen Seppo
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: This study investigated the introduction of pediatric robot-assisted pyeloplasty in a low-volume centre with reference to open pyeloplasty with regards to operative times, length of stay (LOS) and outcomes and cost analysis. (2) Methods: Data from 10 consecutive robot-assisted pyeloplasties was compared retrospectively to an age and weight matched cohort of open pyeloplasties operated on during two previous years. Operative times were analyzed in conjunction with LOS, outcomes and cost-analysis from patient records. (3) Results: Operative times remain longer in robot-assisted pyeloplasties (168 (IQR 68) vs. 141 (IQR 51) min), but patients are discharged from the hospital earlier and may return to daily activities earlier. In our hospital, the difference in LOS levels to some degree the cost difference between operations. (4) Conclusions: Robot-assisted pyeloplasty can be safely and economically introduced and maintained in a low-volume centre.
Energy Band Gap Modeling of Doped Bismuth Ferrite Multifunctional Material Using Gravitational Search Algorithm Optimized Support Vector Regression
Authors: Owolabi Taoreed O. , Abd Rahman Mohd Amiruddin
Published: March 2021

Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) is a promising multiferroic and multifunctional inorganic chemical compound with many fascinating application potentials in sensors, photo-catalysis, optical devices, spintronics, and information storage, among others. This class of material has special advantages in the photocatalytic field due to its narrow energy band gap as well as the possibility of the internal polarization suppression of the electron-hole recombination rate. However, the narrow light absorption range, which results in a low degradation efficiency, limits the practical application of the compound. Experimental chemical doping through which the energy band gap of bismuth ferrite compound is tailored to the desired value suitable for a particular application is frequently accompanied by the lattice distortion of the rhombohedral crystal structure. The energy band gap of doped bismuth ferrite is modeled in this contribution through the fusion of a support vector regression (SVR) algorithm with a gravitational search algorithm (GSA) using crystal lattice distortion as a predictor. The proposed hybrid gravitational search based support vector regression HGS-SVR model was evaluated by its mean squared error (MSE), correlation coefficient (CC), and root mean square error (RMSE). The proposed HGS-SVR has an estimation capacity with an up to 98.06% accuracy, as obtained from the correlation coefficient on the testing dataset. The proposed hybrid model has a low MSE and RMSE of 0.0092 ev and 0.0958 ev, respectively. The hybridized algorithm further models the impact of several doping materials on the energy band gap of bismuth ferrite, and the predicted energy gaps are in excellent agreement with the measured values. The precision and robustness exhibited by the developed model substantiate its significance in predicting the energy band gap of doped bismuth ferrite at a relatively low cost while the experimental stress is circumvented.
Development of Red Clay Ultrafiltration Membranes for Oil-Water Separation
Authors: Aljlil Saad A.
Published: March 2021

In this study, a red clay/nano-activated carbon membrane was investigated for the removal of oil from industrial wastewater. The sintering temperature was minimized using CaF2 powder as a binder. The fabricated membrane was characterized by its mechanical properties, average pore size, and hydrophilicity. A contact angle of 67.3° and membrane spore size of 95.46 nm were obtained. The prepared membrane was tested by a cross-flow filtration process using an oil-water emulsion, and showed a promising permeate flux and oil rejection results. During the separation of oil from water, the flux increased from 191.38 to 284.99 L/m2 on increasing the applied pressure from 3 to 6 bar. In addition, high water permeability was obtained for the fabricated membrane at low operating pressure. However, the membrane flux decreased from 490.28 to 367.32 L/m2·h due to oil deposition on the membrane surface; regardless, the maximum oil rejection was 99.96% at an oil concentration of 80 NTU and a pressure of 5 bar. The fabricated membrane was negatively charged, as were the oil droplets, thereby facilitating membrane purification through backwashing. The obtained ceramic membrane functioned well as a hydrophilic membrane and showed potential for use in oil wastewater treatment.
LncRNA MALAT1: A Potential Fibrosis Biomarker and Therapeutic Target
Authors: Li Yijie , Liu Fenglin , Cai Yunzhou , Yang Yanqing , Wang Yuehong
Published: March 2021

Due to the lack of an effective method for the treatment of fibrosis, there are numerous patients suffering from the effects of fibrosis. Severe fibrosis can cause dysfunction of relevant organs characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components. Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is a long non-coding RNA that is widely expressed and highly conserved in human tissues. It can regulate gene expression at various molecular levels, involved in the fibrosis of the liver, heart, lung, and kidney. In this review, we first described the pathogenesis by which MALAT1 promotes fibrosis. Furthermore, we summarized current studies of MALAT1 in the fibrosis of various organs. Hope this review will contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of fibrosis and the potential of MALAT1 as a novel therapeutic target for fibrosis.
Robustness of Deep Learning Algorithm to Varying Imaging Conditions in Detecting Low Contrast Objects in Computed Tomography Phantom Images: In Comparison to 12 Radiologists
Authors: Kim Hae Young , Lee Kyeorye , Chang Won , Kim Youngjune , Lee Sungsoo , Oh Dong Yul , Sunwoo Leonard , Lee Yoon Jin , Kim Young Hoon
Published: March 2021

The performance of deep learning algorithm (DLA) to that of radiologists was compared in detecting low contrast objects in CT phantom images under various imaging conditions. For training, 10,000 images were created using American College of Radiology CT phantom as the background. In half of the images, objects of 3–20 mm size and 5–30 HU contrast difference were generated in random locations. Binary responses were used as the ground truth. For testing, 640 images of Catphan® phantom were used, half of which had objects of either 5 or 9 mm size with 10 HU contrast difference. Twelve radiologists evaluated the presence of objects on a five-point scale. The performances of the DLA and radiologists were compared across different imaging conditions in terms of area under receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC). Multi-reader multi-case AUC and Hanley and McNeil tests were used. We performed post-hoc analysis using bootstrapping and verified that the DLA is less affected by the changing imaging conditions. The AUC of DLA was consistently higher than those of the radiologists across different imaging conditions (p < 0.0001), and it was less affected by varying imaging conditions. The DLA outperformed the radiologists and showed more robust performance under varying imaging conditions.
On the Shoulders of a Giant: Contributions of Thomas Grogan, MD to Hematopathology
Authors: Natkunam Yasodha , Warnke Roger A.
Published: March 2021

The story of Thomas Grogan, MD is one of the most compelling narratives in the modern history of pathology. Progressing from a quintessential academic pathologist to an entrepreneur and a renowned inventor, his remarkable journey is one of creativity, courage, and a keen focus on improving the care of cancer patients. By enabling precision health and empowering the pathologist in that mission, he transformed the landscape of diagnostic pathology. In this review, we describe some of his salient contributions and how his vision has shaped and continues to shape hematopathology today.
Development of the Activity of Parents of Young Children on Social Networks
Authors: Syrovátková Jana , Pavlíček Antonín
Published: March 2021

The paper analyzes the behavior and habits of expectant and new mothers on a specialized pregnancy/parenthood-oriented social network, especially whether and how the pregnancy, and later the age of infants, impact the online activity of mothers. The authors compared almost 5000 parents divided into 23 “term groups”—long-term discussion platforms of parents with the same due month. The age of the child (due date) was taken as the basis for the activity analysis—determining the phases in which the users were more or less active online. Results are shown as charts supported by verification of the following statistical hypotheses: (a) users in later-term groups are less active than those in earlier ones; (b) users’ activity peaks around their due dates; (c) users are still very active six months after the due date; (d) activity shortly rises again around the child’s first birthday. We concluded that expectant mothers were most active two months before their due dates and around their due dates. After that, the observed activity decreased, with a slight increase around the child’s first birthday. Our findings can be useful for sociological and psychological studies, as well as for marketing purposes.
In Situ Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste Using Membrane Interface Probe (MIP) and Hydraulic Profiling Tool (HPT) in an Active and Closed Landfill
Authors: Mousavi M. Sina , Feng Yuan , McCann Josh , Eun Jongwan
Published: March 2021

Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills near a metropolitan area are renewable energy resources to produce heat and methane that can generate electricity. However, it is difficult to use those sources productively because disposed MSW in landfills are spatially and temporally heterogeneous. Regarding the prediction of the sources, the analysis of in situ MSW properties is an alternative way to reduce the uncertainty and to understand complex processes undergoing in the landfill effectively. A hydraulic profiling tool (HPT) and membrane interface probe (MIP) test measures the continuous profile of MSW properties with depth, including hydraulic pressure, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), and the relative concentration of methane at the field. In this study, we conducted a series of the tests to investigate the MSW characteristics of active and closed landfills. MIP results showed that the methane existed closer to right below the top cover in the active landfill and several peak concentrations at different layers of the closed landfill. As the depth and age of the waste increased, the hydraulic pressure increased for both landfills. The average EC results showed that the electrical conductivity decreased with the landfill age. The results of hydraulic properties, temperature, and EC obtained from active and closed sites could be used to estimate the waste age and help designing energy recovery systems.
Chance or Necessity—The Fungi Co−Occurring with Formica polyctena Ants
Authors: Siedlecki Igor , Gorczak Michał , Okrasińska Alicja , Wrzosek Marta
Published: March 2021

Studies on carton nesting ants and domatia−dwelling ants have shown that ant–fungi interactions may be much more common and widespread than previously thought. Until now, studies focused predominantly on parasitic and mutualistic fungi–ant interactions occurring mostly in the tropics, neglecting less−obvious interactions involving the fungi common in ants’ surroundings in temperate climates. In our study, we characterized the mycobiota of the surroundings of Formica polyctena ants by identifying nearly 600 fungal colonies that were isolated externally from the bodies of F. polyctena workers. The ants were collected from mounds found in northern and central Poland. Isolated fungi were assigned to 20 genera via molecular identification (ITS rDNA barcoding). Among these, Penicillium strains were the most frequent, belonging to eight different taxonomic sections. Other common and widespread members of Eurotiales, such as Aspergillus spp., were isolated very rarely. In our study, we managed to characterize the genera of fungi commonly present on F. polyctena workers. Our results suggest that Penicillium, Trichoderma, Mucor, Schwanniomyces and Entomortierella are commonly present in F. polyctena surroundings. Additionally, the high diversity and high frequency of Penicillium colonies isolated from ants in this study suggest that representatives of this genus may be adapted to survive in ant nests environment better than the other fungal groups, or that they are preferentially sustained by the insects in nests.
Metabarcoding in Diet Assessment of Heterotrigona itama Based on trnL Marker towards Domestication Program
Authors: Fahimee Jaapar , Badrulisham Aqilah Sakinah , Zulidzham Mohd Sani , Reward Nurul Farisa , Muzammil Nizar , Jajuli Rosliza , Md-Zain Badrul Munir , Yaakop Salmah
Published: March 2021

Honey quality is the main criterion used for evaluating honey production in the stingless bee Heterotrigona itama, and it is correlated with the plant species consumed as its main diet. The objective of this study was to obtain the metabarcode data from 12 populations of H. itama species throughout Malaysia (Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia) using the trnL marker. A total of 262 species under 70 families and five phyla of plants were foraged by H. itama in the studied populations. Spermatophyta and Magnoliophyta were recorded as the two most abundant phyla foraged, at 55.95% and 32.39%, respectively. Four species, Garcinia oblongifolia, Muntingia calabura, Mallotus pellatus, and Pinus squamata, occurred abundantly and were consumed by H. itama in all the populations. These data are considered as a fundamental finding that is specific to the diet of H. itama for strategizing the management of the domestication process specifically in a mono-cropping system and in a netted structure. Thus, based on these findings, we recommend Momordica charantia, Melastoma sp., and Cucumis sativa as the best choices of food plant species to be planted and utilized by H. itama in meliponiculture.
Turbine Blade Tip Repair by Laser Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing Using a Rene 142–MERL 72 Powder Blend
Authors: Keshavarz Mohsen K. , Gontcharov Alexandre , Lowden Paul , Chan Anthony , Kulkarni Devesh , Brochu Mathieu
Published: March 2021

Laser directed energy deposition (LDED) was used with a powder blend comprising 75 wt.% Rene 142 and 25 wt.% of Merl 72 (4275M72) for turbine blade tip repair applications. Sound samples could be deposited at ambient temperature on Haynes 230. The microstructural analyses showed the presence of fine gamma prime precipitates in the as-deposited samples, while after aging, the alloy possessed around 40 vol.% with a bimodal precipitate size distribution. Also, the alloy contained Ta-Hf-W carbides in different sizes and shapes. Tensile testing from room temperature up to 1366 K was performed. The 4275M72 deposits possessed higher tensile properties compared to Rene 80 in this temperature range but lower elongations at the elevated temperatures. The creep properties of 4275M72 samples at 1255 K were superior to Rene 80. Also, the oxidation resistance of deposited 4275M72 was similar to Rene 142. The combination of high mechanical properties, creep behavior, and oxidation resistance of LDEDed 4275M72 makes it a suitable alloy for tip repair of turbine blades.
Neutrosophic Completion Technique for Incomplete Higher-Order AHP Comparison Matrices
Authors: Navarro Ignacio J. , Martí José V. , Yepes Víctor
Published: March 2021

After the recent establishment of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Agenda 2030, the sustainable design of products in general and infrastructures in particular emerge as a challenging field for the development and application of multicriteria decision-making tools. Sustainability-related decision problems usually involve, by definition, a wide variety in number and nature of conflicting criteria, thus pushing the limits of conventional multicriteria decision-making tools practices. The greater the number of criteria and the more complex the relations existing between them in a decisional problem, the less accurate and certain are the judgments required by usual methods, such as the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The present paper proposes a neutrosophic AHP completion methodology to reduce the number of judgments required to be emitted by the decision maker. This increases the consistency of their responses, while accounting for uncertainties associated to the fuzziness of human thinking. The method is applied to a sustainable-design problem, resulting in weight estimations that allow for a reduction of up to 22% of the conventionally required comparisons, with an average accuracy below 10% between estimates and the weights resulting from a conventionally completed AHP matrix, and a root mean standard error below 15%.
Transcriptomics of Long-Term Meditation Practice: Evidence for Prevention or Reversal of Stress Effects Harmful to Health
Authors: Wenuganen Supaya , Walton Kenneth G. , Katta Shilpa , Dalgard Clifton L. , Sukumar Gauthaman , Starr Joshua , Travis Frederick T. , Wallace Robert Keith , Morehead Paul , Lonsdorf Nancy K. , Srivastava Meera , Fagan John
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives: Stress can overload adaptive mechanisms, leading to epigenetic effects harmful to health. Research on the reversal of these effects is in its infancy. Early results suggest some meditation techniques have health benefits that grow with repeated practice. This study focused on possible transcriptomic effects of 38 years of twice-daily Transcendental Meditation® (TM®) practice. Materials and Methods: First, using Illumina® BeadChip microarray technology, differences in global gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were sought between healthy practitioners and tightly matched controls (n = 12, age 65). Second, these microarray results were verified on a subset of genes using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and were validated using qPCR in larger TM and control groups (n = 45, age 63). Bioinformatics investigation employed Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis (IPA®), DAVID, Genomatix, and R packages. Results: The 200 genes and loci found to meet strict criteria for differential expression in the microarray experiment showed contrasting patterns of expression that distinguished the two groups. Differential expression relating to immune function and energy efficiency were most apparent. In the TM group, relative to the control, all 49 genes associated with inflammation were downregulated, while genes associated with antiviral and antibody components of the defense response were upregulated. The largest expression differences were shown by six genes related to erythrocyte function that appeared to reflect a condition of lower energy efficiency in the control group. Results supporting these gene expression differences were obtained with qPCR-measured expression both in the well-matched microarray groups and in the larger, less well-matched groups. Conclusions: These findings are consistent with predictions based on results from earlier randomized trials of meditation and may provide evidence for stress-related molecular mechanisms underlying reductions in anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and other chronic disorders and diseases.
Earing Reduction by Varying Blank Holding Force in Deep Drawing with Deep Neural Network
Authors: Tran Minh Tien , Shan Zhengtong , Lee Ho Won , Kim Dong-Kyu
Published: March 2021

In the present study, we propose a novel method of varying blank holding force (BHF) with the segmental blank holder and investigated its influence on the earing reduction in the circular deep drawing process of an aluminum alloy sheet. Based on the analysis of cup height profile, the principle of varying BHF using segmental blank holder was presented and analyzed by analytical theory and numerical simulation. The optimal varying BHF was reasonably determined and compared by using the analytical model and deep neural network (DNN) model integrated with genetic algorithm (GA). The integrated DNN-GA model revealed an accurate prediction and optimization of varying BHF for the minimum earing height variation, which showed a superior result to the analytical model. The optimal varying BHF exhibited a significant influence on the earing formation, resulting in the noticeable decrease of earing height variation. For volume consistency, it was found that an increase in thickness at the cup wall region predicted with the optimal varying BHF was achieved in the transverse direction, which implies an improvement of deep-drawability. Such results indicate that the varying BHF is more reasonable and effective than the uniform BHF. Furthermore, the material properties of the blank sheet also affected the reduction of earing in the deep drawing with varying BHF. The present study revealed that the lower the material strength, the more significant the earing reduction in the deep drawing with varying BHF will be.
Analysis of Spatter Removal by Sieving during a Powder-Bed Fusion Manufacturing Campaign in Grade 23 Titanium Alloy
Authors: Harkin Ryan , Wu Hao , Nikam Sagar , Quinn Justin , McFadden Shaun
Published: March 2021

The Laser-based Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) process uses a laser beam to selectively melt powder particles deposited in a layer-wise fashion to manufacture components derived from Computer-Aided Design (CAD) information. During laser processing, material is ejected from the melt pool and is known as spatter. Spatter particles can have undesirable geometries for the L-PBF process, thereby compromising the quality of the powder for further reuse. An integral step in any powder replenishing and reuse procedure is the sieving process. The sieving process captures spatter particles within the exposed powder that have a diameter larger than a defined mesh size. This manuscript reports on Ti6Al4V (Grade 23) alloy powder that had been subjected to seven reuse iterations, focusing on the characterisation of powder particles that had been captured (i.e., removed) by the sieving processes. Characterisation included chemical composition focusing upon interstitial elements O, N and H (wt.%), particle morphology and particle size analysis. On review of the compositional analysis, the oxygen contents were 0.43 wt.% and 0.40 wt.% within the 63 µm and 50 µm sieve-captured powder, respectively. Additionally, it was found that a minimum of 79% and 63% of spatter particles were present within the captured powder removed by the 63 µm and 50 µm sieves, respectively.
Numerical Simulation and Verification of Laser-Polishing Free Surface of S136D Die Steel
Authors: Zhou Hao , Zhou Houming , Zhao Zhenyu , Li Kai , Yin Jie
Published: March 2021

As a novel polishing technology, polishing by laser beam radiation can be used to improve the sample surface finish without causing material losses. In order to study the effect of laser polishing on the surface morphology of S136D die steel, an L16(44) orthogonal experiment was designed to describe the variation trend of surface roughness with energy density. The two-dimensional transient model of laser polishing was established to simulate the evolution process of material surface morphology during laser polishing by combining numerical simulation with the experiment. The model uses a moving laser heat source to study the effects of capillary pressure and thermocapillary pressure in the laser polishing process. The experimental results show that the minimum roughness can be reduced to 0.764 μm, and the error between the actual molten pool depth and the simulated molten pool depth is 5.3%.
Weldability Evaluation of Alloy 718 Investment Castings with Different Si Contents and Thermal Stories and Hot Cracking Mechanism in Their Laser Beam Welds
Authors: Álvarez Pedro , Cobos Alberto , Vázquez Lexuri , Ruiz Noelia , Rodríguez Pedro Pablo , Magaña Ana , Niklas Andrea , Santos Fernando
Published: March 2021

In this work, weldability and hot cracking susceptibility of five alloy 718 investment castings in laser beam welding (LBW) were investigated. Influence of chemical composition, with varying Si contents from 0.05 to 0.17 wt %, solidification rate, and pre-weld heat treatment were studied by carrying out three different weldability tests, i.e., hot ductility, Varestraint, and bead-on-plate tests, after hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and solution annealing treatment. Onset of hot ductility drop was directly related to the presence of residual Laves phase, whereas the hot ductility recovery behaviour was connected to the Si content and γ grain size. LBW Varestraint tests gave rise to enhanced fusion zone (FZ) cracking with much more reduced heat-affected zone (HAZ) cracking that was mostly independent of Si content and residual Laves phase. Microstructural characterisation of bead-on-plate welding samples showed that HAZ cracking susceptibility was closely related to welding morphology. Multiple HAZ cracks were detected in nail or mushroom welding shapes, typical in keyhole mode LBW, irrespective of the chemical composition and thermal story of castings. In all LBW welds, Laves phase with a composition similar to the eutectic of the pseudo-binary equilibrium diagram of alloy 718 was formed in the FZ. The composition of this regenerated Laves phase matched with the continuous Laves phase film observed along HAZ cracks. This was strong evidence of backfilling mechanism, which is described as wetting and infiltration of terminal liquid along γ grain boundaries of parent material. The current results suggest that this cracking mechanism was activated in three-point intersections resulting from perpendicular crossing of columnar grain boundaries with fusion line and was enhanced by nail or mushroom weld shapes and narrow and columnar γ grain characteristics of castings. Neither Varestraint nor hot ductility weldability tests can reproduce this particular cracking mechanism.