bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Steel Slag Filler and Its Effect on Aging Resistance of Asphalt Mastic with Various Aging Methods
Authors: Wei Minghua , Wu Shaopeng , Xu Haiqin , Li Hechuan , Yang Chao
Published: February 2021

Steel slag is the by-product of the steelmaking industry, the negative influences of which prompt more investigation into the recycling methods of steel slag. The purpose of this study is to characterize steel slag filler and study its feasibility of replacing limestone filler in asphalt concrete by evaluating the resistance of asphalt mastic under various aging methods. Firstly, steel slag filler, limestone filler, virgin asphalt, steel slag filler asphalt mastic and limestone filler asphalt mastic were prepared. Subsequently, particle size distribution, surface characterization and pore characterization of the fillers were evaluated. Finally, rheological property, self-healing property and chemical functional groups of the asphalt mastics with various aging methods were tested via dynamic shear rheometer and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The results show that there are similar particle size distributions, however, different surface characterization and pore characterization in the fillers. The analysis to asphalt mastics demonstrates how the addition of steel slag filler contributes to the resistance of asphalt mastic under the environment of acid and alkaline but is harmful under UV radiation especially. In addition, the pore structure in steel slag filler should be a potential explanation for the changing resistance of the asphalt mastics. In conclusion, steel slag filler is suggested to replace limestone filler under the environment of acid and alkaline, and environmental factor should be taken into consideration when steel slag filler is applied to replace natural fillers in asphalt mastic.
Dentin Phosphophoryn-Derived Peptide Promotes Odontoblast Differentiation In Vitro and Dentin Regeneration In Vivo
Authors: Altankhishig Bayarchimeg , Polan Mohammad Ali Akbor , Qiu Youjing , Hasan Md Riasat , Saito Takashi
Published: February 2021

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of a peptide (i.e., SESDNNSSSRGDASYNSDES) derived from dentin phosphophoryn (DPP) with arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) motifs on odontoblast differentiation in vitro and to compare it with calcium hydroxide—a material used conventionally for vital pulp therapy—in terms of reparative dentin formation and pulp inflammation in vivo. Alkaline phosphatase activity assay and alizarin red S staining were performed to evaluate odontoblast-differentiation in cell culturing experiments. To observe the reparative dentin formation and pulp inflammation animal experiment was performed and examined by histological methods. The difference between the experimental group and the control group was analyzed statistically using a one-way ANOVA test. The results revealed that the DPP-derived RGD-containing peptide triggered odontoblast differentiation and mineralization in vitro. In rats undergoing direct pulp capping, the DPP-derived RGD-containing peptide was found to induce intensively formed reparative dentin with high compactness at week 4. On histological and morphometrical examinations, a smaller degree of pulpitis was observed in the specimens treated with the peptide than in those treated with calcium hydroxide. This study suggests that the DPP-derived RGD-containing peptide is a biocompatible, biodegradable and bioactive material for dentin regeneration.
Analysis of the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of TiBw/Ti-6Al-4V Ti Matrix Composite Joint Fabricated Using TiCuNiZr Amorphous Brazing Filler Metal
Authors: Tian Hao , He Jianchao , Hou Jinbao , Lv Yanlong
Published: February 2021

TiB crystal whiskers (TiBw) can be synthesized in situ in Ti alloy matrix through powder metallurgy for the preparation of a new type of ceramic fiber-reinforced Ti matrix composite (TMC) TiBw/Ti-6Al-4V. In the TiBw/Ti-6Al-4V TMC, the reinforced phase/matrix interface is clean and has superior comprehensive mechanical properties, but its machinability is degraded. Hence, the bonding of reliable materials is important. To further optimize the TiBw/Ti-6Al-4V brazing technology and determine the relationship between the microstructure and tensile property of the brazed joint, results demonstrate that the elements of brazing filler metal are under sufficient and uniform diffusion, the microstructure is the typical Widmanstätten structure, and fine granular compounds in β phase are observed. The average tensile strength of the brazing specimen is 998 MPa under room temperature, which is 97.3% of that of the base metal. During the high-temperature (400 °C) tensile process, a fracture occurred at the base metal of the highest tensile test specimen with strength reaching 689 MPa, and the tensile fracture involved a combination of intergranular and transgranular modes at both room temperature and 400 °C. The fracture surface has dimples, secondary cracks are generated by the fracture of TiB whiskers, and large holes form when whole TiB whiskers are removed. The proposed algorithm provides evidence for promoting the application of TiBw/Ti-6Al-4V TMCs in practical production.
Clinical Features and Outcome of Infective Endocarditis in a University Hospital in Romania
Authors: Babeș Emilia Elena , Lucuța Diana Anca , Petcheși Codruța Diana , Zaha Andreea Atena , Ilyes Cristian , Jurca Alexandru Daniel , Vesa Cosmin Mihai , Zaha Dana Carmen , Babeș Vlad Victor
Published: February 2021

Background and Objectives: Characterization of patients with endocarditis regarding demographic, clinical, biological and imagistic data, blood culture results and possible correlation between different etiologic factors and host status characteristics. Material and methods: This is a retrospective observational descriptive study conducted on patients older than 18 years admitted in the past 10 years, in the Cardiology Clinic of the Clinical County Emergency Hospital Oradea Romania, with clinical suspicion of bacterial endocarditis. Demographic data, clinical, paraclinical investigations and outcome were registered and analyzed. Results: 92 patients with definite infective endocarditis (IE) according to modified Duke criteria were included. The mean age of patients was 63.80 ± 13.45 years. A percent of 32.6% had health care associated invasive procedure performed in the 6 months before diagnosis of endocarditis. Charlson’s comorbidity index number was 3.53 ± 2.029. Most common clinical symptoms and signs were: shortness of breath, cardiac murmur, fever. Sixty-six patients had native valve endocarditis, 26 patients had prosthetic valve endocarditis and one patient was with congenital heart disease. Blood cultures were positive in 61 patients. Among positive culture patient’s staphylococcus group was the most frequently involved: Staphylococcus aureus (19.6%) and coagulase negative Staphylococcus (18.5%). Most frequent complications were heart failure, acute renal failure and embolic events. Conclusions: Staphylococcus aureus IE was associated with the presence of large vegetations, prosthetic valve endocarditis and intracardiac abscess. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) infection was associated with prosthetic valve dysfunction. Streptococcus gallolyticus etiology correlated with ischemic embolic stroke and the presence of large vegetations. Cardiovascular surgery was recommended in 67.4% of patients but was performed only on half of them. In hospital death occurred in 33.7% of patients and independent predictors of mortality were congestive heart failure and septic shock.
CD133 Expression in Placenta Chorioangioma Presenting as a Giant Asymptomatic Mass
Authors: Di Massa Gianluca , Stabile Guglielmo , Romano Federico , Balduit Andrea , Mangogna Alessandro , Belmonte Beatrice , Canu Pina , Bertucci Emma , Ricci Giuseppe , Salviato Tiziana
Published: February 2021

Background: Placental chorioangioma is the most common benign non-trophoblastic neoplasm of the placenta. Its clinical relevance lies in the size of the tumor since larger masses cause pregnancy complications, including an unfavorable neonatal outcome. Case presentation: We report the case of a 34-year-old second gravida and nullipara at the 35th week of gestation, admitted to the gynecological department for antibiotic-resistant fever. The cardiotocography performed during hospitalization showed an abnormal fetal pattern. A 2250 g newborn was delivered by cesarean section. No complications were observed during childbirth and postpartum was insignificant. On gross inspection a white fleshy intraparenchymal mass blooming on the maternal surface was noted; routinely stained sections revealed features consistent with chorioangioma with vascular channels lined by inconspicuous endothelial cells immunoreactive for CD31 and CD133. Focal expression of CD133 was also observed in placental villi. Discussion: CD133 expression indicated the presence of stem cells in chorioangioma, suggesting their possible role in the development of mesenchymal lesions including chorioangioma.
Fast Identification of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) of Digestive and Nervous Systems of Organic Drugs by In Silico Models
Authors: Chen Meimei , Yang Zhaoyang , Gao Yuxing , Li Candong
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to discover concurrences of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and derive models of the most frequent items of ADRs based on the SIDER database, which included 1430 marketed drugs and 5868 ADRs. First, common ADRs of organic drugs were manually reclassified according to side effects in the human system and followed by an association rule analysis, which found ADRs of digestive and nervous systems often occurred at the same time with a good association rule. Then, three algorithms, linear discriminant analysis (LDA), support vector machine (SVM) and deep learning, were used to derive models of ADRs of digestive and nervous systems based on 497 organic monomer drugs and to identify key structural features in defining these ADRs. The statistical results indicated that these kinds of QSAR models were good tools for screening ADRs of digestive and nervous systems, which gave the ROC AUC values of 81.5%, 98.9%, 91.5%, 69.5%, 78.4% and 78.8%, respectively. Then, these models were applied to investigate ADRs of 1536 organic compounds with four phase and zero rule-of-five (RO5) violations from the ChEMBL database. Based on the consensus ADRs’ predictions of models, 58.1% and 42.6% of compounds were predicted to cause these two ADRs, respectively, indicating the significance of initial assessment of ADRs in early drug discovery.
Plant Natural Products: Promising Resources for Cancer Chemoprevention
Authors: Ma Li , Zhang Mengmeng , Zhao Rong , Wang Dan , Ma Yuerong , Ai Li
Published: February 2021

Cancer is a major factor threatening human health and life safety, and there is a lack of safe and effective therapeutic drugs. Intervention and prevention in premalignant process are effective ways to reverse carcinogenesis and prevent cancer from occurring. Plant natural products are rich in sources and are a promising source for cancer chemoprevention. This article reviews the chemopreventive effects of natural products, especially focused on polyphenols, flavonoids, monoterpene and triterpenoids, sulfur compounds, and cellulose. Meanwhile, the main mechanisms include induction of apoptosis, antiproliferation and inhibition of metastasis are briefly summarized. In conclusion, this article provides evidence for natural products remaining a prominent source of cancer chemoprevention.
Chemical Constituent Profiling of Phyllostachys heterocycla var. Pubescens with Selective Cytotoxic Polar Fraction through EGFR Inhibition in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Abdelhameed Reda F. A. , Habib Eman S. , Ibrahim Ahmed K. , Yamada Koji , Abdel-Kader Maged S. , Ahmed Safwat A. , Ibrahim Amany K. , Badr Jihan M. , Nafie Mohamed S.
Published: February 2021

Different extracts of the Bamboo shoot skin Phyllostachys heterocycla var. pubescens were screened against panel of cancer cell lines and normal one. The cell viability results exhibited that the ethyl acetate extract showed the least vitality percentage of 2.14% of HepG2 cells. Accordingly, it was subjected to chromatographic separation, which resulted in the isolation of a new natural product; 7-hydroxy, 5-methoxy, methyl cinnamate (1), together with four known compounds. The structures of the pure isolated compounds were deduced based on different spectroscopic data. The new compound (1) was screened against the HepG2 and MCF-7 cells and showed IC50 values of 7.43 and 10.65 µM, respectively. It induced apoptotic cell death in HepG2 with total apoptotic cell death of 58.6% (12.44-fold) compared to 4.71% in control by arresting cell cycle progression at the G1 phase. Finally, compound 1 was validated as EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor in both enzymatic levels (IC50 = 98.65 nM compared to Erlotinib (IC50 = 78.65 nM). Finally, in silico studies of compound 1 through the molecular docking indicated its high binding affinity towards EGFR protein and the ADME pharmacokinetics indicated it as a drug-like.
Stingless Bee-Collected Pollen (Bee Bread): Chemical and Microbiology Properties and Health Benefits
Authors: Mohammad Salma Malihah , Mahmud-Ab-Rashid Nor-Khaizura , Zawawi Norhasnida
Published: February 2021

Stingless bee-collected pollen (bee bread) is a mixture of bee pollen, bee salivary enzymes, and regurgitated honey, fermented by indigenous microbes during storage in the cerumen pot. Current literature data for bee bread is overshadowed by bee pollen, particularly of honeybee Apis. In regions such as South America, Australia, and Southeast Asia, information on stingless bee bee bread is mainly sought to promote the meliponiculture industry for socioeconomic development. This review aims to highlight the physicochemical properties and health benefits of bee bread from the stingless bee. In addition, it describes the current progress on identification of beneficial microbes associated with bee bread and its relation to the bee gut. This review provides the basis for promoting research on stingless bee bee bread, its nutrients, and microbes for application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Chlortetracycline, a Novel Arf Inhibitor That Decreases the Arf6-Dependent Invasive Properties of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Macia Eric , Vazquez-Rojas Monserrat , Robiolo Alessia , Fayad Racha , Abélanet Sophie , Mus-Veteau Isabelle , Fontaine-Vive Fabien , Mehiri Mohamed , Luton Frédéric , Franco Michel
Published: February 2021

Breast cancer is a major disease for women worldwide, where mortality is associated with tumour cell dissemination to distant organs. While the number of efficient anticancer therapies increased in the past 20 years, treatments targeting the invasive properties of metastatic tumour cells are still awaited. Various studies analysing invasive breast cancer cell lines have demonstrated that Arf6 is an important player of the migratory and invasive processes. These observations make Arf6 and its regulators potential therapeutic targets. As of today, no drug effective against Arf6 has been identified, with one explanation being that the activation of Arf6 is dependent on the presence of lipid membranes that are rarely included in drug screening. To overcome this issue we have set up a fluorescence-based high throughput screening that follows overtime the activation of Arf6 at the surface of lipid membranes. Using this unique screening assay, we isolated several compounds that affect Arf6 activation, among which the antibiotic chlortetracycline (CTC) appeared to be the most promising. In this report, we describe CTC in vitro biochemical characterization and show that it blocks both the Arf6-stimulated collective migration and cell invasion in a 3D collagen I gel of the invasive breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Thus, CTC appears as a promising hit to target deadly metastatic dissemination and a powerful tool to unravel the molecular mechanisms of Arf6-mediated invasive processes.
On the Protein Fibrillation Pathway: Oligomer Intermediates Detection Using ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Milošević Jelica , Prodanović Radivoje , Polović Natalija
Published: February 2021

Oligomeric intermediates on the pathway of amyloid fibrillation are suspected as the main cytotoxins responsible for amyloid-related pathogenicity. As they appear to be a part of the lag phase of amyloid fibrillation when analyzed using standard methods such as Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence, a more sensitive method is needed for their detection. Here we apply Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mode for fast and cheap analysis of destabilized hen-egg-white lysozyme solution and detection of oligomer intermediates of amyloid fibrillation. Standard methods of protein aggregation analysis— Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulphonic acid (ANS) fluorescence were applied and compared to FTIR spectroscopy data. Results show the great potential of FTIR for both, qualitative and quantitative monitoring of oligomer formation based on the secondary structure changes. While oligomer intermediates do not induce significant changes in ThT fluorescence, their secondary structure changes were very prominent. Normalization of specific Amide I region peak intensities by using Amide II peak intensity as an internal standard provides an opportunity to use FTIR spectroscopy for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of biological samples and detection of potentially toxic oligomers, as well as for screening of efficiency of fibrillation procedures.
Orienting the Pore Morphology of Core-Shell Magnetic Mesoporous Silica with the Sol-Gel Temperature. Influence on MRI and Magnetic Hyperthermia Properties
Authors: Adam Alexandre , Parkhomenko Ksenia , Duenas-Ramirez Paula , Nadal Clémence , Cotin Geoffrey , Zorn Pierre-Emmanuel , Choquet Philippe , Bégin-Colin Sylvie , Mertz Damien
Published: February 2021

The controlled design of robust, well reproducible, and functional nanomaterials made according to simple processes is of key importance to envision future applications. In the field of porous materials, tuning nanoparticle features such as specific area, pore size and morphology by adjusting simple parameters such as pH, temperature or solvent is highly needed. In this work, we address the tunable control of the pore morphology of mesoporous silica (MS) nanoparticles (NPs) with the sol-gel reaction temperature (Tsg). We show that the pore morphology of MS NPs alone or of MS shell covering iron oxide nanoparticles (IO NPs) can be easily tailored with Tsg orienting either towards stellar (ST) morphology (large radial pore of around 10 nm) below 80 °C or towards a worm-like (WL) morphology (small randomly oriented pores channel network, of 3–4 nm pore size) above 80 °C. The relaxometric and magnetothermal features of IO@STMS or IO@WLMS core shell NPs having respectively stellar or worm-like morphologies are compared and discussed to understand the role of the pore structure for MRI and magnetic hyperthermia applications.
Unlocking the Secrets of Cancer Stem Cells with γ-Secretase Inhibitors: A Novel Anticancer Strategy
Authors: Ghanbari-Movahed Maryam , Ghanbari-Movahed Zahra , Momtaz Saeideh , Kilpatrick Kaitlyn L. , Farzaei Mohammad Hosein , Bishayee Anupam
Published: February 2021

The dysregulation of Notch signaling is associated with a wide variety of different human cancers. Notch signaling activation mostly relies on the activity of the γ-secretase enzyme that cleaves the Notch receptors and releases the active intracellular domain. It is well-documented that γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) block the Notch activity, mainly by inhibiting the oncogenic activity of this pathway. To date, several GSIs have been introduced clinically for the treatment of various diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and various cancers, and their impacts on Notch inhibition have been found to be promising. Therefore, GSIs are of great interest for cancer therapy. The objective of this review is to provide a systematic review of in vitro and in vivo studies for investigating the effect of GSIs on various cancer stem cells (CSCs), mainly by modulation of the Notch signaling pathway. Various scholarly electronic databases were searched and relevant studies published in the English language were collected up to February 2020. Herein, we conclude that GSIs can be potential candidates for CSC-targeting therapy. The outcome of our study also indicates that GSIs in combination with anticancer drugs have a greater inhibitory effect on CSCs.
Volcanic Rock Materials for Defluoridation of Water in Fixed-Bed Column Systems
Authors: Geleta Wondwosen Sime , Alemayehu Esayas , Lennartz Bernd
Published: February 2021

Consumption of drinking water with a high concentration of fluoride (>1.5 mg/L) causes detrimental health problems and is a challenging issue in various regions around the globe. In this study, a continuous fixed-bed column adsorption system was employed for defluoridation of water using volcanic rocks, virgin pumice (VPum) and virgin scoria (VSco), as adsorbents. The XRD, SEM, FTIR, BET, XRF, ICP-OES, and pH Point of Zero Charges (pHPZC) analysis were performed for both adsorbents to elucidate the adsorption mechanisms and the suitability for fluoride removal. The effects of particle size of adsorbents, solution pH, and flow rate on the adsorption performance of the column were assessed at room temperature, constant initial concentration, and bed depth. The maximum removal capacity of 110 mg/kg for VPum and 22 mg/kg for VSco were achieved at particle sizes of 0.075–0.425 mm and <0.075 mm, respectively, at a low solution pH (2.00) and flow rate (1.25 mL/min). The fluoride breakthrough occurred late and the treated water volume was higher at a low pH and flow rate for both adsorbents. The Thomas and Adams–Bohart models were utilized and fitted well with the experimental kinetic data and the entire breakthrough curves for both adsorbents. Overall, the results revealed that the developed column is effective in handling water containing excess fluoride. Additional testing of the adsorbents including regeneration options is, however, required to confirm that the defluoridation of groundwater employing volcanic rocks is a safe and sustainable method.
Tuning π-Acceptor/σ-Donor Ratio of the 2-Isocyanoazulene Ligand: Non-Fluorinated Rival of Pentafluorophenyl Isocyanide and Trifluorovinyl Isocyanide Discovered
Authors: Hart Mason D. , Meyers John J. , Wood Zachary A. , Nakakita Toshinori , Applegate Jason C. , Erickson Nathan R. , Gerasimchuk Nikolay N. , Barybin Mikhail V.
Published: February 2021

Isocyanoazulenes (CNAz) constitute a relatively new class of isocyanoarenes that offers rich structural and electronic diversification of the organic isocyanide ligand platform. This article considers a series of 2-isocyano-1,3-X2-azulene ligands (X = H, Me, CO2Et, Br, and CN) and the corresponding zero-valent complexes thereof, [(OC)5Cr(2-isocyano-1,3-X2-azulene)]. Air- and thermally stable, X-ray structurally characterized 2-isocyano-1,3-dimethylazulene may be viewed as a non-benzenoid aromatic congener of 2,6-dimethyphenyl isocyanide (2,6-xylyl isocyanide), a longtime “workhorse” aryl isocyanide ligand in coordination chemistry. Single crystal X-ray crystallographic {Cr–CNAz bond distances}, cyclic voltametric {E1/2(Cr0/1+)}, 13C NMR {δ(13CN), δ(13CO)}, UV-vis {dπ(Cr) → pπ*(CNAz) Metal-to-Ligand Charge Transfer}, and FTIR {νN≡C, νC≡O, kC≡O} analyses of the [(OC)5Cr(2-isocyano-1,3-X2-azulene)] complexes provided a multifaceted, quantitative assessment of the π-acceptor/σ-donor characteristics of the above five 2-isocyanoazulenes. In particular, the following inverse linear relationships were documented: δ(13COtrans) vs. δ(13CN), δ(13COcis) vs. δ(13CN), and δ(13COtrans) vs. kC≡O,trans force constant. Remarkably, the net electron withdrawing capability of the 2-isocyano-1,3-dicyanoazulene ligand rivals those of perfluorinated isocyanides CNC6F5 and CNC2F3.
Specific Assay of Negative Strand Template to Quantify Intracellular Levels of Rhinovirus Double-Stranded RNA
Authors: Wiehler Shahina , Proud David
Published: February 2021

Human rhinovirus infections are a major trigger for acute exacerbations of lower airway diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Disease exacerbation is thought to be regulated via double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-mediated signaling of proinflammatory and host defense responses in airway epithelial cells. Despite the central role of dsRNA in regulating host cell responses, no method for the quantitative assessment of dsRNA levels during HRV infections has been developed. Conventional RT-PCR for the negative strand template is not effective as self-priming results in apparent signals, even in the absence of primer during reverse transcription. To avoid these issues, we developed a selective assay for the negative strand template that uses a chimeric primer containing a 5′ non-viral sequence for reverse transcription and a primer using the non-viral sequence during subsequent PCR. We established that this assay avoided issues of self-priming and is strand specific, as it is unaffected even in the presence of a 1000-fold excess of positive strand. Assays in primary human airway epithelial cells showed that negative strand was detectable within 6 h of virus exposure and peaked at 18 h after virus exposure. The temporal pattern of negative strand induction mirrored that of genomic RNA but was always 1000-fold lower than positive strand, indicating that the negative strand levels regulate levels of dsRNA formation. This assay will permit relative quantification of dsRNA during studies of HRV regulation of epithelial cell function.
Pain Sensitivity in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Narrative Review of Recent Work
Authors: González-Rodríguez Alexandre , Labad Javier , Seeman Mary V.
Published: February 2021

Many patients with schizophrenia seem relatively immune to physical pain while others complain of constant pain. This may result from disturbances or alterations of the sensory threshold for pain in populations with psychosis, a possibility for which there is some preliminary evidence. The inconsistency in pain perception may, in part, be explained by the treatments patients receive, but treatment-naïve patients also exhibit differences in response to pain. This suggests that decreased pain sensitivity may represent a specific psychosis endophenotype. Thus far, few experimental studies have investigated sensory thresholds, pain modalities, or other factors contributing to the perception or expression of physical pain in psychosis. A digital search for information on this topic was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar. The result is a non-systematic, narrative review focusing on recent clinical and experimental findings of pain sensitivity in patients with psychosis. Importantly, physical and mental pain are closely connected constructs that may be difficult to differentiate. Our hope is that the review provides some clarity to the field in the specific context of schizophrenia.
Research on a Measurement Method for Downhole Drill String Eccentricity Based on a Multi-Sensor Layout
Authors: Li Hongqiang , Wang Ruihe
Published: February 2021

The drill string used in drilling is in a complex motion state downhole for several kilometers. The operating attitude and eccentricity of the downhole drill string play important roles in avoiding downhole risks and correcting the output of the imaging measurement sensor while drilling (IMWD). This paper proposes a method for measuring eccentricity while drilling using two sets of caliper sensors coupled with a fiber-optic gyroscope for continuous attitude measurement, which is used to solve the problem of the quantitative measurement of complex eccentricity that changes in real-time downhole. According to the measurement and calculation methods involved in this article, we performed simulations of the attitude of the drill string near where the IMWD tool is located in the wellbore under a variety of complex downhole conditions, such as centering, eccentricity, tilt, buckling, rotation, revolution, etc. The simulation and field test results prove that the distance between the imaging while drilling sensor and the borehole wall is greatly affected by the downhole attitude and revolution. The multi-sensor layout measurement scheme and the data processing based on the above-mentioned measurement involved can push the drill collar movement and eccentricity matrix specifically studied downhole from only qualitative estimation to real-time measurement and quantitative calculation. The above measurement and data processing methods can accurately measure and identify the local operating posture of the drill string where the IMWD sensor is located, and quantitatively give the eccentric distance matrix from the measuring point to the borehole wall required for environmental correction of the IMWD sensor.
Characterization of Tiled Architecture for C-Band 1-Bit Beam-Steering Transmitarray
Authors: Kozlov Dmitry , Munina Irina , Turalchuk Pavel , Kirillov Vitalii , Shitvov Alexey , Zelenchuk Dmitry
Published: February 2021

A new implementation of a beam-steering transmitarray is proposed based on the tiled array architecture. Each pixel of the transmitarray is manufactured as a standalone unit which can be hard-wired for specific transmission characteristics. A set of complementary units, providing reciprocal phase-shifts, can be assembled in a prescribed spatial phase-modulation pattern to perform beam steering and beam forming in a broad spatial range. A compact circuit model of the tiled unit cell is proposed and characterized with full-wave electromagnetic simulations. Waveguide measurements of a prototype unit cell have been carried out. A design example of a tiled 10 × 10-element 1-bit beam-steering transmitarray is presented and its performance benchmarked against the conventional single-panel, i.e., unibody, counterpart. Prototypes of the tiled and single-panel C-band transmitarrays have been fabricated and tested, demonstrating their close performance, good agreement with simulations and a weak effect of fabrication tolerances. The proposed transmitarray antenna configuration has great potential for fifth-generation (5G) communication systems.
Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes-Based Sensors for Strain Sensing Applications
Authors: Nag Anindya , Alahi Md. Eshrat E , Mukhopadhyay Subhas Chandra , Liu Zhi
Published: February 2021

The use of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-based sensors for strain–strain applications is showcased in this paper. Extensive use of MWCNTs has been done for the fabrication and implementation of flexible sensors due to their enhanced electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. These nanotubes have been deployed both in pure and composite forms for obtaining highly efficient sensors in terms of sensitivity, robustness, and longevity. Among the wide range of applications that MWCNTs have been exploited for, strain-sensing has been one of the most popular ones due to the high mechanical flexibility of these carbon allotropes. The MWCNT-based sensors have been able to deduce a broad spectrum of macro- and micro-scaled tensions through structural changes. This paper highlights some of the well-approved conjugations of MWCNTs with different kinds of polymers and other conductive nanomaterials to form the electrodes of the strain sensors. It also underlines some of the measures that can be taken in the future to improve the quality of these MWCNT-based sensors for strain-related applications.
Microbial Electrochemical Systems: Principles, Construction and Biosensing Applications
Authors: Hassan Rabeay Y.A. , Febbraio Ferdinando , Andreescu Silvana
Published: February 2021

Microbial electrochemical systems are a fast emerging technology that use microorganisms to harvest the chemical energy from bioorganic materials to produce electrical power. Due to their flexibility and the wide variety of materials that can be used as a source, these devices show promise for applications in many fields including energy, environment and sensing. Microbial electrochemical systems rely on the integration of microbial cells, bioelectrochemistry, material science and electrochemical technologies to achieve effective conversion of the chemical energy stored in organic materials into electrical power. Therefore, the interaction between microorganisms and electrodes and their operation at physiological important potentials are critical for their development. This article provides an overview of the principles and applications of microbial electrochemical systems, their development status and potential for implementation in the biosensing field. It also provides a discussion of the recent developments in the selection of electrode materials to improve electron transfer using nanomaterials along with challenges for achieving practical implementation, and examples of applications in the biosensing field.
The Application of a CMR-B-Scalar Sensor for the Investigation of the Electromagnetic Acceleration of Type II Superconductors
Authors: Vertelis Vilius , Balevicius Saulius , Stankevic Voitech , Zurauskiene Nerija , Schneider Markus
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we investigated the behavior of a type II superconducting armature when accelerated by a pulsed magnetic field generated by a single-stage pancake coil. While conducting this investigation, we performed a numerical finite element simulation and an experimental study of the magnetic field dynamics at the edge of the pancake coil when the payload was a superconducting disc made from YBa2Cu3O7−x, cooled down to 77 K. The magnetic field measurements were performed using a CMR-B-scalar sensor, which was able to measure the absolute magnitude of the magnetic field and was specifically manufactured in order to increase the sensor’s sensitivity up to 500 mT. It was obtained that type II superconducting armatures can outperform normal metals when the launch conditions are tailored to their electromagnetic properties.
Influence of Citrus Flavor Addition in Brewing Process: Characterization of the Volatile and Non-Volatile Profile to Prevent Frauds and Adulterations
Authors: Trovato Emanuela , Arigò Adriana , Vento Federica , Micalizzi Giuseppe , Dugo Paola , Mondello Luigi
Published: February 2021

In the last few years, the flavored beer market has increased significantly. In particular, consumers showed a growing interest in citrus-flavored beers. Citrus fruits contain, among other class of compounds, terpenes and terpenoids and oxygenated heterocyclic compounds. The absence of a specific legislation concerning beer flavored production and ingredients reported on the labels makes these beers subject to possible adulterations. Solid phase micro extraction (SPME) followed by gas chromatographic–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatographic-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) analysis of the volatile profile together with the characterization of the oxygen heterocyclic compounds through high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) demonstrated to be a powerful analytical strategy for quality control. In this study, we combined the volatile and non-volatile profiles of “citrus flavored mainstream beers”, in order to evaluate the authenticity and determine markers to prevent food frauds. The changes in the aroma composition of the unflavored types after the addition of peel, or citrus essential oil were also evaluated. The linear retention index (LRI) system was used for both techniques; in particular, its application in liquid chromatography is still limited and represents a novelty. The coupling of the high sensitivity of the HPLC MS/MS method with the LRI system, it has made possible for the first time a reliable identification and an accurate quantification of furocoumarins in citrus-flavored beers.
3D Object Detection Using Frustums and Attention Modules for Images and Point Clouds
Authors: Li Yiran , Xie Han , Shin Hyunchul
Published: February 2021

Three-dimensional (3D) object detection is essential in autonomous driving. Three-dimensional (3D) Lidar sensor can capture three-dimensional objects, such as vehicles, cycles, pedestrians, and other objects on the road. Although Lidar can generate point clouds in 3D space, it still lacks the fine resolution of 2D information. Therefore, Lidar and camera fusion has gradually become a practical method for 3D object detection. Previous strategies focused on the extraction of voxel points and the fusion of feature maps. However, the biggest challenge is in extracting enough edge information to detect small objects. To solve this problem, we found that attention modules are beneficial in detecting small objects. In this work, we developed Frustum ConvNet and attention modules for the fusion of images from a camera and point clouds from a Lidar. Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) and tanh activation functions were used in the attention modules. Furthermore, the attention modules were designed on PointNet to perform multilayer edge detection for 3D object detection. Compared with a previous well-known method, Frustum ConvNet, our method achieved competitive results, with an improvement of 0.27%, 0.43%, and 0.36% in Average Precision (AP) for 3D object detection in easy, moderate, and hard cases, respectively, and an improvement of 0.21%, 0.27%, and 0.01% in AP for Bird’s Eye View (BEV) object detection in easy, moderate, and hard cases, respectively, on the KITTI detection benchmarks. Our method also obtained the best results in four cases in AP on the indoor SUN-RGBD dataset for 3D object detection.
Textiles: Multidisciplinary Open Access Journal in Research and Innovation of Textiles
Authors: Boisse Philippe
Published: February 2021

The Textiles journal is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal [...]
Comparing World Health Organization/International Society of Urological Pathology Grading and Fuhrman Grading with the Prognostic Value of Nuclear Area in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Rabjerg Maj , Gerke Oke , Engvad Birte , Marcussen Niels
Published: February 2021

This study was undertaken to compare Fuhrman grading with World Health Organization/International Society of Urological Pathology (WHO/ISUP) grading and stereologically measured nuclear area in patients with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) or Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma (PRCC) and to evaluate the independent predictive value of Fuhrman, WHO/ISUP and stereologically measured nuclear area combined with necrosis in a series of patients with ccRCC in relation to cancer-specific survival. In all, 124 cases of ccRCC and PRCC were included. All slides were blindly scored by two trained pathologists according to the Fuhrman and WHO/ISUP grading systems. Nuclear measurements were performed on digitally scanned slides in Visiopharm® and correlated to survival. Analysis of ccRCC and PRCC cases showed that application of WHO/ISUP grading resulted in a significant downgrading of cases from G2 to G1, when comparing with Fuhrman grading. Neither of these patients experienced progression. Cancer specific survival estimates in 101 ccRCC patients showed that WHO/ISUP grading was slightly superior in predicting cancer-specific survival. Novel models included WHO/ISUP grading and mean nuclear area (MNA) each of which combined with necrosis. Both demonstrated an increased ability to predict cancer-specific survival. The study demonstrates that WHO/ISUP grading provides superior prognostic information compared to Fuhrman grading and stereologically measured nuclear area. Necrosis in combination with either WHO/ISUP grading or MNA adds additional prognostic information.
Effect of Impeller Diameter on Dynamic Response of a Centrifugal Pump Rotor
Authors: Shooshtari Alireza , Karimi Mahdi , Shemshadi Mehrdad , Seraj Sareh
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates the effect of impeller diameter on the dynamic response of a centrifugal pump using an inverse dynamic method. For this purpose, the equations of motion of the shaft and the impeller are derived based on Timoshenko beam theory considering the impeller as a concentrated mass disk. For practical modeling, the model of Jones and Harris is added to the equation to include the effect of bearings. As a case study, the model is applied to a process pump used in an oil refinery. Computing the eigenvalues of the model and comparing them with the natural frequencies of the structure, the model updating of the problem is performed through an indirect method. Three impellers with different diameters are applied to the updated model. The results show that increasing the diameter of the pump impeller can increase the amplitude of vibration up to 52% at critical speeds of the rotor. It is found that in addition to the hydraulic condition and efficiency, the impeller diameter should be considered as an important factor in the selection of centrifugal pumps.
Interdisciplinary Analysis of Social Acceptance Regarding Electric Vehicles with a Focus on Charging Infrastructure and Driving Range in Germany
Authors: Burkert Amelie , Fechtner Heiko , Schmuelling Benedikt
Published: February 2021

A variety of measures are currently being taken on both the national and international levels in order to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. The promotion of electric mobility is one such measure for the transport sector. As a key component in a more environmentally-friendly, resource-saving, and efficient transport sector, electric mobility promises to create better sustainability. Several challenges still need to be met to exploit its full potential. This requires adapting the car technology, the value chain of vehicles, loads on the electricity network, the power generation for the drive, traffic, and charging infrastructure. The challenges to this endeavor are not only technical in nature, but they also include social acceptance, concerns, and economic, as well as ecological, aspects. This paper seeks to discuss and elucidate these problems, giving special focus to the issues of driving range, phenomenon of range anxiety, charging time, and complexity of the charging infrastructure in Germany. Finally, the development of social acceptance in Germany from 2011 to 2020 is investigated.
Integración familia y escuela en Educación Inicial a favor del proceso de aprendizaje de los niños
Authors: Ferrer Iris
Published: February 2021

El presente trabajo tuvo como propósito determinar el nivel de integración de los padres y representantes con la escuela para promover el proceso de aprendizaje de los niños de 4 a 6 años. Se empleó la metodología cuantitativa y el diseño de la investigación fue el de una investigación de campo de carácter descriptivo. La institución seleccionada fue el Centro Educativo Integral Calixto Suárez Gómez, ubicado en Los Jardines de El Valle, Caracas. La muestra estuvo integrada por veinticinco (25) padres y representantes de la sección H. Entre los resultados se encontró que los padres delegan la responsabilidad del aprendizaje solo a los maestros. No existe un compromiso para ayudar a sus hijos con las actividades que propone la escuela. Todo esto trae como consecuencia la poca integración al ámbito escolar. De allí que con estos resultados se podrán diseñar estrategias, a favor de un mejor aprendizaje de sus hijos.
Desarrollo de momentos metodológicos a partir del Proyecto Socio Productivo “Clasificación de los residuos sólidos de la basura en la comunidad” como medio de aprendizaje en el Centro de Enseñanza Alternativa
Authors: Copacondo Alaro Jael Raquel , Copacondo Alaro Orpha
Published: February 2021

La experiencia pedagógica tiene como objetivo analizar la articulación de los momentos metodológicos en el proceso del desarrollo curricular, en función del Proyecto Socio Productivo “Clasificación de los residuos sólidos de la basura en la comunidad” La indagación, la observación y la recolección de la información con técnicas y herramientas (reuniones, entrevistas, encuestas revisión audio visual y documentos) permitieron recolectar la información. En la sistematización que realizaron los facilitadores y facilitadoras del Centro de Enseñanza Alternativa “La Florida” se trabajó el Plan de Desarrollo Curricular con integración de áreas donde se concretizaron los momentos metodológicos práctica, teoría, valoración y producción. Con este producto se pudo desarrollar la experiencia, articular contenidos y temas generadores referentes al Proyecto Socio Productivo, que la unidad educativa junto con la comunidad decidieron trabajar para un bien común, que fue el de transformar la realidad respetando a la madre tierra y el cosmos para el vivir bien.
Cuestiones de aula. Gestión curricular
Authors: Siñani Alaro Eloy Omar
Published: February 2021

El liderazgo educativo es la influencia interpersonal ejercida en un determinado espacio de interacción social, dirigida a través del proceso de comunicación humana a la consecución de uno o diversos objetivos específicos dentro de la institución educativa. La presente investigación se realiza en el aula del 3er año de escolaridad de la Unidad Educativa Álvaro García Linera, Distrito Educativo Vinto, para conocer la percepción de los estudiantes sobre el liderazgo del director, ya que esto repercute en la gestión educativa. Este trabajo buscó responder a las siguientes interrogantes: ¿Cómo es el liderazgo del director desde la percepción de los estudiantes? ¿Cuáles son los rasgos del liderazgo del director? La propuesta que se presenta es un aporte teórico-práctico que posibilitará contribuir en alguna medida con esta problemática, a través de la capacitación que se desarrolla en cuatro talleres sobre: relaciones humanas, comunicación, liderazgo educativo, cultura organizacional y clima laboral.
Estrategias lúdicas dirigidas a la enseñanza de la matemática a nivel de Educación Primaria
Authors: Zulay Quintanilla Neila
Published: February 2021

La investigación tuvo como finalidad proponer estrategias lúdicas dirigidas a la enseñanza de la matemática a nivel del primer grado de educación primaria de la Escuela Básica Estadal “Profesora Teresa de Jesús Narza”. Se enmarcó en un diseño no experimental de campo, nivel descriptivo bajo la modalidad de un proyecto factible. La muestra estuvo conformada por los seis (6) docentes del primer grado. La técnica aplicada fue la encuesta y el instrumento el cuestionario. Se concluyó que hay una carencia en la aplicación de estrategias lúdicas, que los docentes reconocen que la enseñanza de la matemática en los niños debe ser orientada de forma práctica y mediante el uso del juego, pero ellos no poseen las estrategias necesarias o desconocen cuál aplicar. Esta realidad sustentó la propuesta de conformar una serie de estrategias lúdicas, divertidas y pertinentes para brindar un aprendizaje significativo de la matemática.
Estrategias de enseñanza para la integración del conocimiento autodidacta y académico en Educación Musical
Authors: Linares Blanco Sergio
Published: February 2021

Durante la facilitación del curso Lenguaje y Percepción Musical de la carrera Educación Musical del Instituto Pedagógico de Miranda de la UPEL, se detectaron deficiencias de aprendizaje a causa del desencuentro entre los conocimientos musicales autodidacta y académico de los estudiantes. Con el propósito de integrar dichos conocimientos se diseñó y aplicó una propuesta instruccional en tres sesiones estratégicas para el desarrollo rítmico, melódico y armónico. La modalidad empleada fue el proyecto factible, apoyado en una investigación de campo con una metodología mixta de carácter explicativo secuencial. Se utilizó como técnica de recolección de datos la encuesta y como instrumento el cuestionario. Luego del análisis de los resultados del diagnóstico, la elaboración, presentación del diseño instruccional original y la experiencia de aula, se experimentó el proceso de aprendizaje de los elementos de la música a partir de la relación entre sus conocimientos previos con la nueva información académica.