bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Calibration of a Conceptual Hydrological Model Based on the Enhanced Gauss–Levenberg–Marquardt Procedure
Authors: Vidmar Andrej , Brilly Mitja , Sapač Klaudija , Kryžanowski Andrej
Published: June 2020

Various models were developed in the past to simulate different hydrological processes. However, discrepancies between simulated and observed values are still significant and pose a challenge to many researchers. Models contain many parameters that cannot be directly measured. The values of most of these parameters are determined in the calibration process conditioning the efficiency of such models. This paper introduces the use of the enhanced Gauss–Levenberg–Marquardt (GLM) procedure in combination with the singular value decomposition (SVD) and Tikhonov regularization to improve the process of hydrological model calibration. The procedure is tested on a freely available hydrological model using a synthetic dataset. Based on several efficiency measures, the GLM procedure, in combination with SVD and Tikhonov regularization, was found to provide efficient model history matching and almost perfect parameter calibration. Moreover, by comparing the results of the proposed procedure with the results of global evolutionary calibration procedures, it was found that the only calibration using the combined GLM procedure gave a perfect fit in low flows. Last but not least, the noise in the calculation results with the combined GLM method was practically the same in either the calibration or validation procedure, suggesting that only computational noise remained in the results.
Automated Detection and Segmentation of Early Gastric Cancer from Endoscopic Images Using Mask R-CNN
Authors: Shibata Tomoyuki , Teramoto Atsushi , Yamada Hyuga , Ohmiya Naoki , Saito Kuniaki , Fujita Hiroshi
Published: June 2020

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is widely conducted for the early detection of gastric cancer. However, it is often difficult to detect early gastric cancer lesions and accurately evaluate the invasive regions. Our study aimed to develop a detection and segmentation method for early gastric cancer regions from gastrointestinal endoscopic images. In this method, we first collected 1208 healthy and 533 cancer images. The gastric cancer region was detected and segmented from endoscopic images using Mask R-CNN, an instance segmentation method. An endoscopic image was provided to the Mask R-CNN, and a bounding box and a label image of the gastric cancer region were obtained. As a performance evaluation via five-fold cross-validation, sensitivity and false positives (FPs) per image were 96.0% and 0.10 FP/image, respectively. In the evaluation of segmentation of the gastric cancer region, the average Dice index was 71%. These results indicate that our proposed scheme may be useful for the detection of gastric cancer and evaluation of the invasive region in gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Bunch Microclimate Affects Carotenoids Evolution in cv. Nebbiolo (V. vinifera L.)
Authors: Asproudi Andriani , Petrozziello Maurizio , Cavalletto Silvia , Ferrandino Alessandra , Mania Elena , Guidoni Silvia
Published: June 2020

This study investigates the impact of bunch microclimate on the evolution of some relevant carotenoids in Nebbiolo grapes. Four bunch-zone microclimates, defined by different vineyard aspect and vine vigor, were characterized by radiation and temperature indices. Berry samples were collected from green phase up to harvest, during two consecutive seasons and carotenoid determination was assessed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). High carotenoid concentrations were highlighted in Nebbiolo. Lutein and neoxanthin contents (μg berry−1) varied similarly in both seasons achieving a concentration peak after veraison especially in the cooler plots while a variety effect on the lutein seasonal trend was presumed. Conversely, β-carotene content remained generally constant during ripening, with the exception of the south plots showing dissimilar evolution between the seasons. Furthermore, higher temperature in the less vigorous and south facing vineyards led to lower amounts of carotenoids, both during ripening and at harvest. Bunch zone temperature and light condition may affect both synthesis and degradation of grape carotenoids determining their amount and profile at harvest. These findings add further knowledge about the influence of climate changes on grape aroma precursors, and are useful to adapt cultural strategies and preserve grape quality consequently.
Recent Advances in Geographic Information System for Earth Sciences
Authors: Choi Yosoon
Published: June 2020

Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer-based technology and methodology for collecting, managing, analyzing, modeling, and presenting geospatial data for a wide range of applications [...]
How to Dismantle a [Theatric] Bomb: Broadway Flops, Broadway Money, and Musical Theater Historiography
Authors: Wollman Elizabeth L.
Published: June 2020

The Broadway musical, balancing as it does artistic expression and commerce, is regularly said to reflect its sociocultural surroundings. Its historiography, however, tends for the most part to emphasize art over commerce, and exceptional productions over all else. Broadway histories tend to prioritize the most artistically valued musicals; occasional lip service, too, is paid to extraordinary commercial successes on the one hand, and lesser productions by creators who are collectively deemed great artists on the other. However, such a historiography provides less a reflection of reality than an idealized and thus somewhat warped portrait of the ways the commercial theater, its gatekeepers, and its chroniclers prioritize certain works and artists over others. Using as examples Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death (1971), Merrily We Roll Along (1981), Carrie (1988), and Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark (2011), I will suggest that a money-minded approach to the study of musicals may help paint a clearer picture of what kinds of shows have been collectively deemed successful enough to remember, and what gets dismissed as worthy of forgetting.
High Resolution Chemistry Transport Modeling with the On-Line CHIMERE-WRF Model over the French Alps—Analysis of a Feedback of Surface Particulate Matter Concentrations on Mountain Meteorology
Authors: Bessagnet Bertrand , Menut Laurent , Lapere Rémy , Couvidat Florian , Jaffrezo Jean-Luc , Mailler Sylvain , Favez Olivier , Pennel Romain , Siour Guillaume
Published: June 2020

Air pollution is of major concern throughout the world and the use of modeling tools to analyze and forecast the pollutant concentrations in complex orographic areas remains challenging. This work proposes an exhaustive framework to analyze the ability of models to simulate the air quality over the French Alps up to 1.2 km resolution over Grenoble and the Arve Valley. The on-line coupled suite of models CHIMERE-WRF is used in its recent version to analyze a 1 month episode in November–December 2013. As expected, an improved resolution increases the concentrations close to the emission areas and reduced the negative bias for Particulate Matter that is the usual weakness of air quality models. However, the nitrate concentrations seem overestimated with at the same time an overestimation of surface temperature in the morning by WRF. Different WRF settings found in the literature are tested to improve the results, particularly the ability of the meteorological model to simulate the strong thermal inversions in the morning. Wood burning is one of the main contributor of air pollution during the period ranging from 80 to 90% of the Organic Matter. The activation of the on-line coupling has a moderate impact on the background concentrations but surprisingly a change of Particulate Matter (PM) concentrations in the valley will affect more the meteorology nearby high altitude areas than in the valley. This phenomenon is the result of a chain of processes involving the radiative effects and the water vapor column gradients in complex orographic areas. At last, the model confirms that the surrounding glaciers are largely impacted by long range transport of desert dust. However, in wintertime some outbreaks of anthropogenic pollution from the valley when the synoptic situation changes can be advected up to the nearby high altitude areas, then deposited.
Sensitivity of Volcanic Ash Dispersion Modelling to Input Grain Size Distribution Based on Hydromagmatic and Magmatic Deposits
Authors: Osman Sara , Beckett Frances , Rust Alison , Snee Eveanjelene
Published: June 2020

The size distribution of volcanic ash is rarely measured in real time and Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres (VAACs) often rely on a default particle size distribution (PSD) to initialise their dispersion models when forecasting the movement of ash clouds. We conducted a sensitivity study to investigate the impact of PSD on model output and consider how best to apply default PSDs in operational dispersion modelling. Compiled grain size data confirm that, when considering particles likely to be in the distal ash cloud (< 125 µm diameter), magma composition and eruption size are the dominant controls on grain size distribution. Constraining the PSD is challenging but we find that the grain size of deposits from large hydromagmatic eruptions remains relatively constant with distance, suggesting that total (whole-deposit) grain size distributions (TGSDs) for these eruptions could be estimated from a few samples. We investigated the sensitivity of modelled ash mass loadings (in the air and on the ground) to input PSDs based on coarse to fine TGSDs from our dataset. We found clear differences between modelled mass loadings and the extent of the plume. Comparing TGSDs based on ground-only and ground-plus-satellite data for the Eyjafjallajökull 2010 eruption, we found that basing input PSDs on TGSDs from deposits alone (likely missing the finest particles) led to lower modelled peak ash concentrations and a smaller plume.
Strong Spatiotemporal Radar Echo Nowcasting Combining 3DCNN and Bi-Directional Convolutional LSTM
Authors: Chen Suting , Zhang Song , Geng Huantong , Chen Yaodeng , Zhang Chuang , Min Jinzhong
Published: June 2020

In order to solve the existing problems of easy spatiotemporal information loss and low forecast accuracy in traditional radar echo nowcasting, this paper proposes an encoding-forecasting model (3DCNN-BCLSTM) combining 3DCNN and bi-directional convolutional long short-term memory. The model first constructs dimensions of input data and gets 3D tensor data with spatiotemporal features, extracts local short-term spatiotemporal features of radar echoes through 3D convolution networks, then utilizes constructed bi-directional convolutional LSTM to learn global long-term spatiotemporal feature dependencies, and finally realizes the forecast of echo image changes by forecasting network. This structure can capture the spatiotemporal correlation of radar echoes in continuous motion fully and realize more accurate forecast of moving trend of short-term radar echoes within a region. The samples of radar echo images recorded by Shenzhen and Hong Kong meteorological stations are used for experiments, the results show that the critical success index (CSI) of this proposed model for eight predicted echoes reaches 0.578 when the echo threshold is 10 dBZ, the false alarm ratio (FAR) is 20% lower than convolutional LSTM network (ConvLSTM), and the mean square error (MSE) is 16% lower than the real-time optical flow by variational method (ROVER), which outperforms the current state-of-the-art radar echo nowcasting methods.
Javamide-II Inhibits IL-6 without Significant Impact on TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in Macrophage-Like Cells
Authors: Park Jae B. , Peters Renee , Pham Quynhchi , Wang Thomas T. Y.
Published: June 2020

The main aim of this study is to find a therapeutic compound to inhibit IL-6, not TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, in macrophage-like cells, because the high-levels of IL-6 production by macrophages are reported to cause unfavorable outcomes under several disease conditions (e.g., autoimmune diseases, and acute viral infections, including COVID-19). In this study, the potential effects of javamide-II on IL-6, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha productions were determined using their ELISA kits in macrophage-like THP-1 cells. Western blots were also performed using the same cells, to determine its effects on signaling pathways (ERK, p38, JNK, c-Fos, ATF-2, c-Jun and NF-κB p65). At concentrations of 0.2–40 µM, javamide-II inhibited IL-6 production significantly in the THP-1 cells (IC50 of 0.8 µM) (P < 0.02). However, javamide-II did not inhibit IL-1beta or TNF-alpha productions much at the same concentrations. In addition, the treatment of javamide-II decreased the phosphorylation of p38 without significant effects on ERK and JNK phosphorylations in the THP-1 cells. Furthermore, the p38 inhibition, followed by the reduction of ATF-2 phosphorylation (not c-Fos, c-Jun or NF-κB p65), led to the suppression of IL-6 mRNA expression in the cells (P < 0.02). The data indicate that javamide-II may be a potent compound to inhibit IL-6 production via suppressing the p38 signal pathway, without significant effects on the productions of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in macrophage-like THP-1 cells.
Identification of Novel Native Autoantigens in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Poulsen Thomas B. G. , Damgaard Dres , Jørgensen Malene Møller , Senolt Ladislav , Blackburn Jonathan M. , Nielsen Claus H. , Stensballe Allan
Published: June 2020

The majority of patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have developed autoantibodies against neoepitopes in proteins that have undergone post-translational modification, e.g., citrullination or carbamylation. There is growing evidence of their molecular relevance and their potential utility to improve diagnosis, patient stratification, and prognosis for precision medicine. Autoantibodies reacting to native proteins may also have a role in RA pathogenesis, however, their reactivity patterns remain much less studied. We hypothesized that a high-density protein array technology could shed light onto the normal and disease-related autoantibodies produced in healthy and RA patient subgroups. In an exploratory study, we investigated the global reactivity of autoantibodies in plasma pools from 15 anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP)-positive and 10 anti-CCP-negative RA patients and 10 healthy donors against more than 1600 native and unmodified human proteins using a high-density protein array. A total of 102 proteins recognized by IgG autoantibodies were identified, hereof 86 were recognized by antibodies from CCP-positive RA patients and 76 from anti-CCP-negative RA patients, but not by antibodies from healthy donors. Twenty-four of the identified autoantigens have previously been identified in synovial fluid. Multiple human proteins in their native conformation are recognized by autoantibodies from anti-CCP-positive as well as anti-CCP-negative RA patients.
RNA Sequencing-Based Identification of Ganglioside GD2-Positive Cancer Phenotype
Authors: Sorokin Maxim , Kholodenko Irina , Kalinovsky Daniel , Shamanskaya Tatyana , Doronin Igor , Konovalov Dmitry , Mironov Aleksei , Kuzmin Denis , Nikitin Daniil , Deyev Sergey , Buzdin Anton , Kholodenko Roman
Published: June 2020

The tumor-associated ganglioside GD2 represents an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. GD2-positive tumors are more responsive to such targeted therapy, and new methods are needed for the screening of GD2 molecular tumor phenotypes. In this work, we built a gene expression-based binary classifier predicting the GD2-positive tumor phenotypes. To this end, we compared RNA sequencing data from human tumor biopsy material from experimental samples and public databases as well as from GD2-positive and GD2-negative cancer cell lines, for expression levels of genes encoding enzymes involved in ganglioside biosynthesis. We identified a 2-gene expression signature combining ganglioside synthase genes ST8SIA1 and B4GALNT1 that serves as a more efficient predictor of GD2-positive phenotype (Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC) 0.32, 0.88, and 0.98 in three independent comparisons) compared to the individual ganglioside biosynthesis genes (MCC 0.02–0.32, 0.1–0.75, and 0.04–1 for the same independent comparisons). No individual gene showed a higher MCC score than the expression signature MCC score in two or more comparisons. Our diagnostic approach can hopefully be applied for pan-cancer prediction of GD2 phenotypes using gene expression data.
Tyramine and Amyloid Beta 42: A Toxic Synergy
Authors: Dhakal Sudip , Macreadie Ian
Published: June 2020

Implicated in various diseases including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, migraines, schizophrenia and increased blood pressure, tyramine plays a crucial role as a neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft by reducing serotonergic and dopaminergic signaling through a trace amine-associated receptor (TAAR1). There appear to be no studies investigating a connection of tyramine to Alzheimer’s disease. This study aimed to examine whether tyramine could be involved in AD pathology by using Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing Aβ42. S. cerevisiae cells producing native Aβ42 were treated with different concentrations of tyramine, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated using flow cytometric cell analysis. There was dose-dependent ROS generation in wild-type yeast cells with tyramine. In yeast producing Aβ42, ROS levels generated were significantly higher than in controls, suggesting a synergistic toxicity of Aβ42 and tyramine. The addition of exogenous reduced glutathione (GSH) was found to rescue the cells with increased ROS, indicating depletion of intracellular GSH due to tyramine and Aβ42. Additionally, tyramine inhibited the respiratory growth of yeast cells producing GFP-Aβ42, while there was no growth inhibition when cells were producing GFP. Tyramine was also demonstrated to cause increased mitochondrial DNA damage, resulting in the formation of petite mutants that lack respiratory function. These findings indicate that there can be a detrimental synergy between Aβ42 and tyramine, which could be considered in Alzheimer’s disease. This work also demonstrates the utility of yeast as a model for studying toxic agents such as Aβ42, tyramine, and agents that might exacerbate AD pathology.
Characteristics of an Extended Gate Field-Effect Transistor for Glucose Sensing Using an Enzyme-Containing Silk Fibroin Membrane as the Bio-Chemical Component
Authors: Koike Kazuto , Sasaki Taihou , Hiraki Kenta , Ike Kodai , Hirofuji Yuichi , Yano Mitsuaki
Published: June 2020

The characteristics of a glucose sensor based on an ion-sensitive TiO2/Ti extended gate electrode field-effect transistor (EGFET) are reported. A glucose oxidase-containing silk fibroin membrane was immobilized on a TiO2/Ti surface as the bio-sensing component. This EGFET-type biosensor was estimated to be able to detect a glucose concentration as low as 0.001 mg/mL in an aqueous electrolyte, which enables the sensing of glucose in the saliva and sweat. The endurance of this sensor was also examined, and it was found that the retention time of the original sensitivity for repeated use at room temperature was more than 30 days, with a high heat tolerance temperature close to 60 °C.
Application of Biosensors for Detection of Pathogenic Food Bacteria: A Review
Authors: Ali Athmar A. , Altemimi Ammar B. , Alhelfi Nawfal , Ibrahim Salam A.
Published: June 2020

The use of biosensors is considered a novel approach for the rapid detection of foodborne pathogens in food products. Biosensors, which can convert biological, chemical, or biochemical signals into measurable electrical signals, are systems containing a biological detection material combined with a chemical or physical transducer. The objective of this review was to present the effectiveness of various forms of sensing technologies for the detection of foodborne pathogens in food products, as well as the criteria for industrial use of this technology. In this article, the principle components and requirements for an ideal biosensor, types, and their applications in the food industry are summarized. This review also focuses in detail on the application of the most widely used biosensor types in food safety.
Sensory Profiles of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder with and without Feeding Problems: A Comparative Study in Sicilian Subjects
Authors: Panerai Simonetta , Ferri Raffaele , Catania Valentina , Zingale Marinella , Ruccella Daniela , Gelardi Donatella , Fasciana Daniela , Elia Maurizio
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study is to better understand the relationship between sensory and feeding problems in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by comparing sensory responsiveness of ASD children with (ASD-W) and without (ASD-WO) feeding problems. The feeding and sensory characteristics of 111 children with ASD (37 ASD-W and 74 ASD-WO) were assessed by using two questionnaires tapping on feeding problems and two on sensory problems. A comparative study was carried out with between-group as well as intra-group comparisons design; a correlation analysis was also added. A statistically significant correlation was found between sensory and feeding problems. ASD-W children showed more severe and extensively impaired sensory responses than ASD-WO, with lower sensory adaptation and more generalized and severe deficits in all subdomains. Taste/Smell sensitivity was strongly impaired only in ASD-W, whereas in ASD-WO it was found to be a point of strength. Both groups showed a Hyporesponsive profile, though it was more marked in ASD-W. Both groups showed strengths in Visual/Auditory sensitivity, Low-Energy/Weak, and Movement sensitivity, again more marked in ASD-WO. These results might prove to be particularly useful for sensory training and psychoeducational treatment.
Methodology for Evaluation and Development of Refurbishment Scenarios for Multi-Story Apartment Buildings, Applied to Two Buildings in Denmark and Switzerland
Authors: Antonov Yovko , Heiselberg Per , Flourentzou Flourentzos , Pomianowski Michal
Published: June 2020

Renovation of existing buildings is an indispensable part of achieving European efficiency and environmental targets. This paper applies different assessment methodologies to find optimal renovation, given different evaluation criteria. The performed literature study identifies the cost-optimal methodology employing Life Cycle Cost (LCC) calculation as one of the most common assessment methods. This paper proposes a new renovation assessment method targeted to the early design phases of specific building projects. The method has a simple structure, and can be used as a roadmap of necessary activities for obtaining solid building knowledge and required energy and cost calculations. The methodology is based on linking economic and energy efficiency parameters into defined cost-effective value, calculated for all investigated renovation actions. The cost-effectiveness value is used for ranking and selecting the most appropriate single renovation actions to form renovation packages, which can be further examined in detail (for example, with LCC). To demonstrate the method, evaluate the strengths, and identify the weaknesses, it is applied to case study buildings in Denmark and Switzerland. The results show that, in the initial stage, the proposed cost-effectiveness representation can be used successfully to compare and evaluate different envelope elements and systems. Cost-effectiveness also provides rational results on a package level. Further work is still required in the area of evaluation of energy supply and renewable energy production systems.
Thermal Post-Treatments to Enhance the Water Stability of NH2-MIL-125(Ti)
Authors: Gómez-Avilés Almudena , Muelas-Ramos Virginia , Bedia Jorge , Rodriguez Juan Jose , Belver Carolina
Published: June 2020

NH2-MIL-125(Ti) is a metal organic framework (MOF) based on Ti-oxo-clusters widely investigated in water-related applications. Such applications require MOFs with an excellent stability in the aqueous phase, but, despite this, the extent of MOFs’ degradation in water is still not yet fully understood. In this study, we report a quantitative study of the water stability of NH2-MIL-125(Ti), analyzing the ligand release along the contact time in water. This study demonstrates that NH2-MIL-125(Ti) easily leached out over time while maintaining its structure. The effect of different thermal treatments applied to NH2-MIL-125(Ti) was investigated to enhance its water stability. The structural and textural properties of those modified MOFs were studied in detail and those maintaining the NH2-MIL-125(Ti) properties were exposed to aqueous medium. The analysis of the released ligand concentration in the filtrate can provide information on the water stability of this material.
A Novel Catalytic Micro-Combustor Inspired by the Nasal Geometry of Reindeer: CFD Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Di Sarli Valeria , Trofa Marco , Di Benedetto Almerinda
Published: June 2020

A three-dimensional CFD model of a novel configuration of catalytic micro-combustor inspired by the nasal geometry of reindeer was developed using the commercial code ANSYS Fluent 19.0. The thermal behavior of this nature-inspired (NI) configuration was investigated through simulations of lean propane/air combustion performed at different values of residence time (i.e., inlet gas velocity) and (external convective) heat transfer coefficient. Simulations at the same conditions were also run for a standard parallel-channel (PC) configuration of equivalent dimensions. Numerical results show that the operating window of stable combustion is wider in the case of the NI configuration. In particular, the blow-out behavior is substantially the same for the two configurations. Conversely, the extinction behavior, which is dominated by competition between the heat losses towards the external environment and the heat produced by combustion, differs. The NI configuration exhibits a greater ability than the PC configuration to keep the heat generated by combustion trapped inside the micro-reactor. As a consequence, extinction occurs at higher values of residence time and heat transfer coefficient for this novel configuration.
VOC Removal from Manure Gaseous Emissions with UV Photolysis and UV-TiO2 Photocatalysis
Authors: Yang Xiuyan , Koziel Jacek A. , Laor Yael , Zhu Wenda , van Leeuwen J. (Hans) , Jenks William S. , Hoff Steven J. , Zimmerman Jeffrey , Zhang Shicheng , Ravid Uzi , Armon Robert
Published: June 2020

Control of gaseous emissions from livestock operations is needed to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability of the industry. The focus of this research was to mitigate livestock odor emissions with UV light. Effects of the UV dose, wavelength, TiO2 catalyst, air temperature, and relative humidity were tested at lab scale on a synthetic mixture of nine odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and real poultry manure offgas. Results show that it was feasible to control odorous VOCs with both photolysis and photocatalysis (synthetic VOCs mixture) and with photocatalysis (manure offgas). The treatment effectiveness R (defined as % conversion), was proportional to the light intensity for synthetic VOCs mixtures and followed an order of UV185+254 + TiO2 > UV254 + TiO2 > UV185+254; no catalyst > UV254; no catalyst. VOC conversion R > 80% was achieved when light energy was >~60 J L−1. The use of deep UV (UV185+254) improved the R, particularly when photolysis was the primary treatment. Odor removal up to ~80% was also observed for a synthetic VOCs mixture, and actual poultry manure offgas. Scale-up studies are warranted.
Variability in the Method of Gastrostomy Placement in Children
Authors: Salazar Jose H. , Spanbauer Charles , Sood Manu R. , Densmore John C. , Van Arendonk Kyle J.
Published: June 2020

Although gastrostomy placement is one of the most common procedures performed in children, the optimal technique remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate variability in the method of gastrostomy tube placement in children in the United States. Patients <18 years old undergoing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) or surgical gastrostomy (SG) (including open or laparoscopic) from 1997 to 2012 were identified using the Kids’ Inpatient Database. Method of gastrostomy placement was evaluated using a multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression model with a random intercept term and a patient-age random-effect term. A total of 67,811 gastrostomy placements were performed during the study period. PEG was used in 36.6% of entries overall and was generally consistent over time. PEG placement was less commonly performed in infants (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.30, 95%CI 0.26–0.33), children at urban hospitals (aOR: 0.38, 95%CI 0.18–0.82), and children cared for at children’s hospitals (aOR 0.57, 95%CI 0.48–0.69) and was more commonly performed in children with private insurance (aOR 1.17, 95%CI 1.09–1.25). Dramatic variability in PEG use was identified between centers, ranging from 0% to 100%. The random intercept and slope terms significantly improved the model, confirming significant center-level variability and increased variability among patients <1 year old. These findings emphasize the need to further evaluate the safest method of gastrostomy placement in children, in particular among the youngest patients in whom practice varies the most.
Non-Linear Thermal Radiations and Mass Transfer Analysis on the Processes of Magnetite Carreau Fluid Flowing Past a Permeable Stretching/Shrinking Surface under Cross Diffusion and Hall Effect
Authors: Ullah Asad , Hafeez Abdul , Mashwani Wali Khan , Ikramullah  , Kumam Wiyada , Kumam Poom , Ayaz Muhammad
Published: June 2020

The flow of conducting Carreau fluid on a permeable stretching/shrinking surface is analytically investigated by considering the thermal radiation, mass transfer, and cross diffusion effects. A uniform external magnetic field is employed which gives rise to Hall current. The nonlinear PDEs are converted to a set of ODEs using similarity transformations. The developed ODEs are solved using the well established mathematical procedure of Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM). The influence of associated parameters over the state variables of the Carreau fluid are analytically studied and discussed through different graphs. It is found that fluid velocity augments (drops) with the rising power law index and Hall parameter (velocity slip and material parameters). The temperature field increases with the higher Dufour number and radiation parameter values, and decreases with larger Prandtl number. The concentration field augments with the larger Soret number and velocity slip parameter values whereas drops with the rising Schmidt number. The variations in skin friction, local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are discussed using tables and it is noticed that the mass and heat energy transfer rates are controlled by the varying values of Dufour and Soret parameters. The comparison between present and published work shows complete agreement.
Evaluation of Semi-Intensive Green Roofs with Drainage Layers Made Out of Recycled and Reused Materials
Authors: Naranjo Alejandra , Colonia Andrés , Mesa Jaime , Maury-Ramírez Aníbal
Published: June 2020

Green roof systems represent an opportunity to mitigate the effect of natural soil loss due to the development of urban infrastructure, which significantly affects natural processes such as the hydrological water cycle. This technology also has the potential to reduce the indoor building temperature and increase the durability of waterproof membranes, reduce run-off water and heat island effects, create meeting places, and allow the development of biological species. However, despite the described benefits, the use of this technology is still limited due to the costs and the environmental impact from using non-renewable building materials. Therefore, this article presents the hydraulic and thermal analysis of different semi-intensive green roofs using recycled (rubber and high density polyethylene (HDPE) trays) and reused materials (polyethylene (PET) bottles) in their drainage layers. Then, three roof systems were evaluated and compared to traditional drainage systems made with natural stone aggregates. Results showed that some systems are more useful when the goal is to reduce temperature, while others are more effective for water retention. Additionally, this study presents evidence of the potential of reducing the dead loads and costs of green roofs by using recycled and reused materials in drainage systems.
Geomicrobial Investigations of Colored Outer Coatings from an Ethiopian Rock Art Gallery
Authors: Wu Ying-Li , Villa Federica , Mugnai Gianmarco , Gallinaro Marina , Spinapolice Enza Elena , Zerboni Andrea
Published: June 2020

The open rock shelter of Yabelo in Ethiopia hosts diverse Holocene paintings of great cultural importance. The paintings are characterized by the presence of different mineral coatings, whose features have not been studied yet. Our goal was to understand whether different rock samples from the Yabelo paintings collected in close proximity may reveal coatings with different minerology and biology. Thus, elemental analyses combined with microscopic and molecular investigations were performed on two coatings, one whitish (sample 1) and one reddish (sample 2). Although both samples were dominated by heterotrophic bacteria, the two coatings showed distinct mineralogical and microbiological characteristics. Sample 1 contained higher amounts of Ca and P than sample 2, which was likely related to the presence of organic matter. Sample 1 hosted bacterial genera that are potentially involved in biomineralization processes, metal redox cycles and metal resistance. In contrast, sample 2 showed mainly pathogenic and commensal bacteria that are characteristic of animal and human microbiota, and other microorganisms that are involved in nitrogen and metal biogeochemical cycles. Overall, our results indicated that the bacterial communities were particular to the coating mineralogy, suggesting a potential role of the biological components in the crust genesis.
Influence of Varying Functionalization on the Peroxidase Activity of Nickel(II)–Pyridine Macrocycle Catalysts: Mechanistic Insights from Density Functional Theory
Authors: Taping Jerwin Jay E. , Billones Junie B. , Organo Voltaire G.
Published: June 2020

Nickel(II) complexes of mono-functionalized pyridine-tetraazamacrocycles (PyMACs) are a new class of catalysts that possess promising activity similar to biological peroxidases. Experimental studies with ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), substrate) and H2O2 (oxidant) proposed that hydrogen-bonding and proton-transfer reactions facilitated by their pendant arm were responsible for their catalytic activity. In this work, density functional theory calculations were performed to unravel the influence of pendant arm functionalization on the catalytic performance of Ni(II)–PyMACs. Generated frontier orbitals suggested that Ni(II)–PyMACs activate H2O2 by satisfying two requirements: (1) the deprotonation of H2O2 to form the highly nucleophilic HOO−, and (2) the generation of low-spin, singlet state Ni(II)–PyMACs to allow the binding of HOO−. COSMO solvation-based energies revealed that the O–O Ni(II)–hydroperoxo bond, regardless of pendant arm type, ruptures favorably via heterolysis to produce high-spin (S = 1) [(L)Ni3+–O·]2+ and HO−. Aqueous solvation was found crucial in the stabilization of charged species, thereby favoring the heterolytic process over homolytic. The redox reaction of [(L)Ni3+–O·]2+ with ABTS obeyed a 1:2 stoichiometric ratio, followed by proton transfer to produce the final intermediate. The regeneration of Ni(II)–PyMACs at the final step involved the liberation of HO−, which was highly favorable when protons were readily available or when the pKa of the pendant arm was low.
Computational View toward the Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein and the 3CL Protease
Authors: Qiao Zhen , Zhang Hongtao , Ji Hai-Feng , Chen Qian
Published: June 2020

Since the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the medical research community is vigorously seeking a treatment to control the infection and save the lives of severely infected patients. The main potential candidates for the control of viruses are virally targeted agents. In this short letter, we report our calculations on the inhibitors for the SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease and the spike protein for the potential treatment of COVID-19. The results show that the most potent inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease include saquinavir, tadalafil, rivaroxaban, sildenafil, dasatinib, etc. Ergotamine, amphotericin b, and vancomycin are most promising to block the interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 S-protein with human ACE-2.
GeoQoE-Vanet: QoE-Aware Geographic Routing Protocol for Video Streaming over Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks
Authors: Benmir Abdelkader , Korichi Ahmed , Bourouis Abdelhabib , Alreshoodi Mohammed , Al-Jobouri Laith
Published: June 2020

Video streaming is one of the challenging issues in vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs) due to their highly dynamic topology and frequent connectivity disruptions. Recent developments in the routing protocol methods used in VANETs have contributed to improvements in the quality of experience (QoE) of the received video. One of these methods is the selection of the next-hop relay vehicle. In this paper, a QoE-aware geographic protocol for video streaming over VANETs is proposed. The selection process of the next relay vehicle is based on a correlated formula of QoE and quality of service (QoS) factors to enhance the users’ QoE. The simulation results show that the proposed GeoQoE-Vanet outperforms both GPSR and GPSR-2P protocols in providing the best end-user QoE of video streaming service.
Connecting the SYK Dots
Authors: Khveshchenko Dmitri V.
Published: June 2020

We study a putative (strange) metal-to-insulator transition in a granular array of the Sachdev–Ye–Kitaev (SYK) quantum dots, each occupied by a large number N ≫ 1 of charge-carrying fermions. Extending the previous studies, we complement the SYK couplings by the physically relevant Coulomb interactions and focus on the effects of charge fluctuations, evaluating the conductivity and density of states. The latter were found to demonstrate marked changes of behavior when the effective inter-site tunneling became comparable to the renormalized Coulomb energy, thereby signifying the transition in question.
Characterization of Biominerals in Cacteae Species by FTIR
Authors: De la Rosa-Tilapa Alejandro , Maceda Agustín , Terrazas Teresa
Published: June 2020

A biomineral is a crystalline or amorphous mineral product of the biochemical activity of an organism and the local accumulation of elements available in the environment. The cactus family has been characterized by accumulating calcium oxalates, although other biominerals have been detected. Five species of Cacteae were studied to find biominerals. For this, anatomical sections and Fourier transform infrared, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry analyses were used. In the studied regions of the five species, they presented prismatic or spherulite dihydrate calcium oxalate crystals, as the predominant biomineral. Anatomical sections of Astrophytum asterias showed prismatic crystals and Echinocactus texensis amorphous silica bodies in the hypodermis. New findings were for Ariocarpus retusus subsp. trigonus peaks assigned to calcium carbonate and for Mammillaria sphaerica peaks belonging to silicates.
Ultrahigh Electromechanical Coupling and Its Thermal Stability in (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3-Based Lead-Free Single Crystals
Authors: Chen Chao , Yang Li , Jiang Xingan , Huang Xiaokun , Gao Xiaoyi , Tu Na , Shu Kaizheng , Jiang Xiangping , Zhang Shujun , Luo Haosu
Published: June 2020

In this work, we report the ultrahigh electromechanical coupling performance of NBT-6BT-KNN lead-free single crystal at room temperature. The thickness mode electromechanical coupling coefficient (kt) and the 31 mode electromechanical coupling coefficient (k31) reach 69.0% and 45.7%, respectively, which are superior to the PZT-5H lead-based ceramics of kt~60% and k31~39%. In addition, the evolution of the crystal structure and domain morphology is revealed by Raman scattering spectra, a polarizing microscope and piezoelectric force microscopy characterization.
Green Synthesis of ZnO Nanostructures Using Salvadora Persica Leaf Extract: Applications for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye
Authors: Alharthi Fahad A. , Alghamdi Abdulaziz Ali , Alothman Asma A. , Almarhoon Zainab M. , Alsulaiman Munairah F. , Al-Zaqri Nabil
Published: June 2020

Various ZnO nanomaterials such as nanorods, nanoparticles, and nanosheets were synthesized using Salvadora persica leaf extract via the sol–gel method. The prepared nanomaterials possess a large number of nanocavities. The synthesized nanomaterials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-visible diffuse reflectance studies (UV-DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HT-TEM), and these nanomaterials were used to test photocatalytic applications for the degradation of highly hazardous methylene blue dye. The degradation efficiency was higher for materials with nanorods and nanosheets with nanocavities; this was due to the presence of the nanocavities, which made the catalyst more sensitive to light absorption. This method offers a green synthesis of different nanomaterials in bulk quantity at low cost.
Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR)—A Useful Spectroscopic Tool in Pharmacy for the Study of Polymorphism
Authors: Trontelj Zvonko , Pirnat Janez , Jazbinšek Vojko , Lužnik Janko , Srčič Stane , Lavrič Zoran , Beguš Samo , Apih Tomaž , Žagar Veselko , Seliger Janez
Published: June 2020

Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) spectroscopy has been known for 70 years. It is suitable for the study of measured (poly)crystalline chemical compounds containing quadrupole nuclei (nuclei with spin I ≥ 1) where the characteristic NQR frequencies represent the fingerprints of these compounds. In several cases, 14N NQR can distinguish between the polymorphic crystalline phases of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). In order to further stimulate 14N NQR studies, we review here several results of API polymorphism studies obtained in Ljubljana laboratories: (a) In sulfanilamide, a clear distinction between three known polymorphs (α, β, γ) was demonstrated. (b) In famotidine, the full spectra of all seven different nitrogen positions were measured; two polymorphs were distinguished. (c) In piroxicam, the 14N NQR data helped in confirming the new polymorphic form V. (d) The compaction pressure in the tablet production of paracetamol, which is connected with linewidth change, can be used to distinguish between producers of paracetamol. We established that paracetamol in the tablets of six different manufacturers can be identified by 14N NQR linewidth. (e) Finally, in order to get an extremely sensitive 14N NQR spectrometer, the optical detection of the 14N NQR signal is mentioned.
Effect of Chitosan Electrospun Fiber Mesh as Template on the Crystallization of Calcium Oxalate
Authors: Butto Nicole , Cotrina Vera Nicole , Díaz-Soler Felipe , Yazdani-Pedram Mehrdad , Neira-Carrillo Andrónico
Published: June 2020

Biominerals fulfill various physiological functions in living organisms, however, pathological mineralization can also occur generating mineral pathologies such as the formation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) calculi in the urinary tract. Inspired by the ability of living organisms to generate biogenic minerals using biological organic matrices, and the need to understand the mechanisms of crystallization, three-dimensional fibrillary meshes based on chitosan fibers with random and controlled topology by electrospinning were manufactured. Chitosan was selected due to its active role on in vitro crystallization and its physicochemical properties, which allows the exposure of their functional chemical groups that could selectively stabilize hydrated crystalline forms of CaOx. CaOx crystals were generated on conductive tin indium oxide (ITO) glass substrates modified with electrospun chitosan fibers by using electrocrystallization (EC) technique. The chitosan fibers and the resulting CaOx crystals were analyzed by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, which demonstrated that the chemical nature and topology of the three-dimensional fibers used as organic template are key factors in the control of type, morphology, and crystallographic orientation of CaOx.
A Practical Review of the Laser-Heated Diamond Anvil Cell for University Laboratories and Synchrotron Applications
Authors: Anzellini Simone , Boccato Silvia
Published: June 2020

In the past couple of decades, the laser-heated diamond anvil cell (combined with in situ techniques) has become an extensively used tool for studying pressure-temperature-induced evolution of various physical (and chemical) properties of materials. In this review, the general challenges associated with the use of the laser-heated diamond anvil cells are discussed together with the recent progress in the use of this tool combined with synchrotron X-ray diffraction and absorption spectroscopy.
A Simple Method for Photoconductivity Measurement in Lithium Niobate
Authors: Bazzan Marco , Guilbert Laurent , Aillerie Michel
Published: June 2020

A simple and effective technique to characterize the photoconductivity (PC) of lithium niobate is presented. The technique is based on the modulation of the external field and on the observation of the optical response of the material as a function of the intensity of a gaussian beam using a Tardy’s polarimetric setup in the r 22 configuration. When the temporal period of the modulation is larger than the Maxwell time of the material, the effect of the PC can be detected observing the kinetics of the screening effect of the external applied field. This approach allows measuring a wide dynamic range up to high light intensities with good accuracy using a standard oscilloscope and with no need for charge collection electrodes. The technique is demonstrated by comparing two samples, the first possessing a standard congruent composition, the second being doped with Zn in order to boost the PC.
Plant-Soil Feedback Effects on Germination and Growth of Native and Non-Native Species Common across Southern California
Authors: Singh Manya , Meyer Wallace M.
Published: June 2020

Changes in plant assemblages can influence biotic and abiotic soil conditions. These changes can cause plant–soil feedbacks that can inhibit or facilitate plant germination and growth. Here, we contribute to a growing literature examining plant–soil feedbacks in the endangered sage scrub ecosystem by examining the germination and growth of Artemisia californica, the dominant native shrub species in the ecosystem, in soil conditioned by two widespread plant invaders (Brassica nigra, Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), and the germination and growth of these invasive species in conspecific and heterospecific soils. Our findings suggest that: (i) A. californica soils can limit establishment of some species (B. nigra) but not others (B. madritensis), (ii) A. californica soil conditions reduce growth of all plant species, and (iii) non-natives are negatively impacted by soil microbes, but in some contexts can do better in heterospecific soil. As our findings were often incongruent with other studies that examined interactions among similar species at other sites, we suggest that we are at our infancy of understanding these complex interactions, and that developing a predictive framework for understanding plant soil feedbacks in the sage scrub ecosystem involves understanding how various plant species respond in different soil contexts within the ecosystem.