bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of Metabolic Reprogramming in Cancer Cells Supporting Enhanced Growth and Proliferation
Authors: Schiliro Chelsea , Firestein Bonnie L.
Published: April 2021

Cancer cells alter metabolic processes to sustain their characteristic uncontrolled growth and proliferation. These metabolic alterations include (1) a shift from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis to support the increased need for ATP, (2) increased glutaminolysis for NADPH regeneration, (3) altered flux through the pentose phosphate pathway and the tricarboxylic acid cycle for macromolecule generation, (4) increased lipid uptake, lipogenesis, and cholesterol synthesis, (5) upregulation of one-carbon metabolism for the production of ATP, NADH/NADPH, nucleotides, and glutathione, (6) altered amino acid metabolism, (7) metabolism-based regulation of apoptosis, and (8) the utilization of alternative substrates, such as lactate and acetate. Altered metabolic flux in cancer is controlled by tumor-host cell interactions, key oncogenes, tumor suppressors, and other regulatory molecules, including non-coding RNAs. Changes to metabolic pathways in cancer are dynamic, exhibit plasticity, and are often dependent on the type of tumor and the tumor microenvironment, leading in a shift of thought from the Warburg Effect and the “reverse Warburg Effect” to metabolic plasticity. Understanding the complex nature of altered flux through these multiple pathways in cancer cells can support the development of new therapies.
Oral Administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Ameliorates the Progression of Osteoarthritis by Inhibiting Joint Pain and Inflammation
Authors: Jhun JooYeon , Cho Keun-Hyung , Lee Dong-Hwan , Kwon Ji Ye , Woo Jin Seok , Kim Jiyoung , Na Hyun Sik , Park Sung-Hwan , Kim Seok Jung , Cho Mi-La
Published: April 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and age-related degenerative joint disorder, which adversely affects quality of life and causes disability. However, the pathogenesis of OA remains unclear. This study was performed to examine the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus in OA progression. OA was induced in 6-week-old male Wistar rats by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) injection, and the effects of oral administration of L. rhamnosus were examined in this OA rat model. Pain severity, cartilage destruction, and inflammation were measured in MIA-induced OA rats. The small intestines were isolated from OA rats, and the intestinal structure and inflammation were measured. Protein expression in the dorsal root ganglion was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The effects of L. rhamnosus on mRNA and protein expression in chondrocytes stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1β and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pain severity was decreased in L. rhamnosus-treated MIA-induced OA rats. The levels of expression of MCP-1, a potential inflammatory cytokine, and its receptor, CCR2, were decreased, and GABA and PPAR-γ expression were increased in L. rhamnosus-treated OA rats. The inflammation, as determined by IL-1β, and cartilage destruction, as determined by MMP3, were also significantly decreased by L. rhamnosus in OA rats. Additionally, intestinal damage and inflammation were improved by L. rhamnosus. In human OA chondrocytes, TIMP1, TIMP3, SOX9, and COL2A1 which are tissue inhibitors of MMP, and IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, were increased by L. rhamnosus. L. rhamnosus treatment led to decreased pain severity and cartilage destruction in a rat model of OA. Intestinal damage and inflammation were also decreased by L. rhamnosus treatment. Our findings suggested the therapeutic potential of L. rhamnosus in OA.
Family Food Environment during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hammons Amber J. , Robart Ryan
Published: April 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, with its cyclical lockdown restrictions and school closures, has influenced family life. The home, work, and school environments have collided and merged to form a new normal for many families. This merging extends into the family food environment, and little is known about how families are currently navigating this landscape. The objective of the present study was to describe families’ adaptations in the family food environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Parents participated in one of 14 virtual focus groups (conducted in English and Spanish between December 2020 and February 2021). Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcripts. Results: Forty-eight parents (81% Hispanic and SES diverse) participated. Five themes and one subtheme were identified around changes in eating habits and mealtime frequency, increases in snacking, family connectedness at mealtimes, and use of screens at meals. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the family food environment. Families shared how their eating habits have changed and that device usage increased at mealtimes. Some changes (e.g., weight gain) may have lasting health implications for both children and parents. Public health officials, pediatricians, and schools should work with families to resume healthy habits post pandemic.
Adverse Events of Mind-Body Interventions in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lyszczyk Meagan , Karkhaneh Mohammad , Gladwin Kerri , Funabashi Martha , Zorzela Liliane , Vohra Sunita
Published: April 2021

Mind-body interventions (MBIs) are one of the top ten complementary approaches utilized in pediatrics, but there is limited knowledge on associated adverse events (AE). The objective of this review was to systematically review AEs reported in association with MBIs in children. In this systematic review the electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, CDSR, and CCRCT were searched from inception to August 2018. We included primary studies on participants ≤ 21 years of age that used an MBI. Experimental studies were assessed for whether AEs were reported on or not, and all other study designs were included only if they reported an AE. A total of 441 were included as primary pediatric MBI studies. Of these, 377 (85.5%) did not explicitly report the presence/absence of AEs or a safety assessment. There were 64 included studies: 43 experimental studies reported that no AE occurred, and 21 studies reported AEs. There were 37 AEs found, of which the most serious were grade 3. Most of the studies reporting AEs did not report on severity (81.0%) or duration of AEs (52.4%). MBIs are popularly used in children; however associated harms are often not reported and lack important information for meaningful assessment.
Effect of Rejuvenating Agent on the Pavement Properties of Cold Recycled Mixture with Bitmen Emulsion
Authors: Li Chun , Ouyang Jian , Cao Peng , Shi Jingtao , Yang Wenting , Sha Yuqi
Published: April 2021

A traditional cold recycled mixture with bitumen emulsion (CRMB) has a relatively low cracking resistance and moisture susceptibility, which greatly limits its application scope. A rejuvenating agent was employed to improve the pavement properties of CRMB. To avoid the rejuvenating agent having an adverse effect on the new bitumen, reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) was firstly treated by the rejuvenating agent, and the effect of rejuvenating time on the pavement properties of CRMB was investigated. Results indicate that the addition of a rejuvenating agent can greatly improve the ductility and moisture susceptibility of CRMB. Meanwhile, although the rejuvenating agent can soften aged bitumen, the addition of a rejuvenating agent can still increase the indirect tensile strength of CRMB and does not greatly reduce the rutting resistance of CRMB. This phenomenon exists because the rejuvenating agent can be both beneficial to the membrane structure of the bitumen emulsion mastic and aged bitumen. It can also greatly improve the bonding interface between RAP and the bitumen emulsion mastic. The rejuvenating time between RAP and the rejuvenating agent can affect the pavement properties of CRMB. To obtain better pavement properties, the optimum recommended rejuvenating time is between 5 and 7 days. Overall, the addition of rejuvenating agent can be a good choice to improve the pavement properties of CRMB.
Preparation of Super-Hydrophobic 3D Porous Nanocomposites by One Step Reaction at Room Temperature for Water Treatment
Authors: Ding Liping , Su Jianmin , Cao Zeyu , Zhu Peng , Liu Yuan
Published: April 2021

Melamine sponge (MS) has the characteristics of multilayer network structure, high porosity, adjustable pore structure, and low price, which is considered to be an ideal material for oil leakage treatment. Here, a facile, economical, environmental friendly, and one step reaction was developed to fabricate Ag nanoparticles (NPs) decorated MS composite with tannic acid (TA) as a reducing agent. By reduction reaction, the super-hydrophobic and super-oleophylic surface of the MS–TA–Ag composite was formed, demonstrating a single selectivity for oil and water. Thus, the adsorption capacity of MS–TA–Ag composites for various oils/organic solvents can reach 48~129 times its own weight and and display superior efficiency to separate oil/organic solvent from the water. In addition, the MS–TA–Ag composite has stable super-hydrophobicity and reusability. It is exciting that modified MS exhibits excellent chemical stability properties after a long processing time with strong alkali, strong acids, and salt solutions. The simple strategy provides a method for the preparation of large-scale oil spill cleaning and recovery materials.
Effects of Surface Engineering of Copper Catalyst on the CVD Growth of Boron-Doped Graphene with a Solid Carbon and Boron Source
Authors: Wang Cong , Xu Chengchen
Published: April 2021

Chemical doping of boron atoms is essential to modify the electrical properties of graphene films. The synthesis of large-scale boron-doped graphene with high uniformity and good electrical properties is still a great challenge. To improve the quality and uniformity of boron-doped graphene, we introduced several methods to engineer the surface of the copper catalyst for chemical vapor deposition. The ethylic acid treatment proved to be more effective to remove surface impurities than the hydrochloric acid treatment. Moreover, electrochemical polishing showed the best performance in reducing the impurities and surface roughness in all the methods. The sheet resistance and carrier mobility of the boron-doped graphene film grown on the electropolished copper foil were 2.35 kΩ/□ and 1.15 × 103 cm2·V−1·s−1 at room temperature, respectively. Our results suggest that the boron-doped graphene grown on the electropolished copper catalyst possesses a high carrier mobility and less structural defects, which makes it suitable for application in optoelectronics.
Deposition of Nb-Si-C Thin Films by Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Li Zifeng , Liu Guotan , Liu Guanqi , Zhu Xiaoshuo , Fu Yudong
Published: April 2021

Nb-Si-C thin films were deposited onto Si(001) substrates by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering using individual Nb, Si, and C targets. The effects of varying the sputtering power on the phase composition of the new thin films were studied. The structure, chemical components, and morphology of the thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The experimental results and first-principles calculations indicate that a new MAX phase (Nb4SiC3) can be synthesized at a sputtering power of 65 W. The four-point probe test showed that the resistivity of the film containing Nb4SiC3 phase was 0.99 μΩ·m. A nano-indentation test showed that the hardness of the film containing Nb4SiC3 phase was 15 GPa, and the elastic modulus was 200 GPa.
Life Cycle Assessment of Olive Pomace as a Reinforcement in Polypropylene and Polyethylene Biocomposite Materials: A New Perspective for the Valorization of This Agricultural By-Product
Authors: Espadas-Aldana Gabriela , Guaygua-Amaguaña Priscila , Vialle Claire , Belaud Jean-Pierre , Evon Philippe , Sablayrolles Caroline
Published: April 2021

The main environmental impact of olive oil production is the disposal of residues such as pomace and water vegetation. During the olive oil extraction process, the olive stone is milled and discharged within the olive pomace. However, olive stone flour can be valorized as filler for polymeric composites. A life cycle assessment of the olive pomace valorization was carried out by focusing on the manufacturing process of a biocomposite made of two different thermoplastic matrices, i.e., polyethylene and polypropylene. The functional unit is the production of 1 m2 of a lath made of an olive pomace-based biocomposite. The analysis was carried out with the SimaPro PhD 9.1.1.1 software, and the database used for the modeling was Ecoinvent 3.6. The obtained results reveal that the hotspot of the whole process is the twin-screw compounding of the olive stone fraction, with the polymeric matrix and coupling agent, and that human health is the most affected damage category. It represents 89% for both scenarios studied: olive stone fraction/polypropylene (OSF/PP) and olive stone fraction/polyethylene (OSF/PE). Further research directions include the use of biosourced polymer matrices, which could reduce the impact of olive pomace-based composite manufacturing.
Effect of Current Density on the Wear Resistance of Ni–P Alloy Coating Prepared through Immersion-Assisted Jet-Electrodeposition
Authors: Xian Jieyu , Shen Zhenyu , Zhang Zhengwei , Wu Hongbin , Jin Meifu , Jiang Minjie
Published: April 2021

To improve the wear resistance of 45 steel surfaces, a Ni−P alloy coating was prepared on the surface of 45 steel with an immersion-assisted jet-electrodeposition technology. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, X-ray diffraction and confocal microscopy were used in testing the surface morphology, composition, structure, grain size, and wear scar parameters of the coating. The effect of immersion-assisted jet-electrodeposition on the wear resistance of Ni−P alloy coating at current densities of 20–60 A·cm−2 were explored and analyzed. Results showed that the surface quality, microhardness, and wear resistance of Ni−P alloy coatings prepared through immersion-assisted jet-electrodeposition were improved compared with those of the coatings prepared through traditional jet-electrodeposition. With the increase in the current density, the surface cell structure of the alloy coating was refined, the flatness was improved, the surface Ni content was increased, the grain size was refined, and the coating thickness, the microhardness, and wear resistance showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The best surface quality of the coating was observed at a current density of 50 A·cm−2. Moreover, the unit cell structure was obvious, the surface was flat and dense, the coating thickness was the largest, reaching 21.42 μm, the highest Ni content was obtained (98.25 wt.%), the smallest grain size (6.6 nm) was obtained, the microhardness of the coating reached a maximum value (725.58 HV0.1), and the best wear resistance was observed.
Magnetized Dissipative Soret Effect on Chemically Reactive Maxwell Fluid over a Stretching Sheet with Joule Heating
Authors: Suraiah Palaiah Suresha , Basha Hussain , Reddy Gudala Janardhana , Sheremet Mikhail A.
Published: April 2021

The present research paper deals with the study of heat and mass transfer characteristics of steady viscous incompressible two-dimensional Maxwell fluid flow past a stretching sheet under the influence of magnetic field and the Soret effect. A well-known non-Newtonian Maxwell fluid flow model is used to differentiate it from the Newtonian fluids. The present physical problem gives the set of highly nonlinear-coupled partial differential equations that are not amenable to any of the direct techniques. The resultant nonlinear system of partial differential equations is reduced to a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations by using suitable similarity transformations. Due to the inadequacy of analytical techniques, a bvp4c MATLAB function is used to solve the developed nonlinear system of equations. The simulated results are shown for various values of physical parameters in the flow regime. Additionally, the numerical values of skin-friction coefficient, heat, and mass transfer rates are calculated and tabularized. From the present investigation, it is observed that the normal and axial velocity profiles decreased for the enhancing values of the magnetic parameter. Increasing the Prandtl and Schmidt numbers reduces the temperature and concentration profiles in the flow region, respectively. Increasing the Maxwell fluid parameter decreases the velocity profile and magnifies the temperature field. Additionally, increasing the Soret number increases the concentration profile in the flow regime. Comparison of current similarity solutions with available results indicates the accuracy and guarantee of the present numerical results and the used method.
Research and Prediction of Wettability of Irregular Square Column Structure on Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) Surface Prepared by Femtosecond Laser
Authors: Wang Bangfu , Song Juan
Published: April 2021

Based on the contact angle prediction model of a traditional square column structure, the prediction models for wettability of a parallelogram square column structure (PSCS) on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) surface prepared by femtosecond laser were established. An experiment was conducted to analyze the rationality of the established complete wetting model and incomplete wetting model. It was found that the incomplete wetting prediction model of the square column structure was more in line with the actual situation. For PSCS, the length of both the long and short sides of the boss and the width of the groove exerted an impact on the contact angle prediction results. Under the condition that the length of the long and short sides of the boss remained unchanged and the groove width increased, the contact angle increased under complete wetting and incomplete wetting. In contrast, under the condition that the long side length of the boss and the groove width remained unchanged and the short side length of the boss increased, the contact angle increased under complete wetting but decreased under incomplete wetting. The maximum contact angle reached 135.65°, indicating that PSCS on PMMA surface enhanced the surface hydrophobicity of the material.
Quaternary Oxidized Carbon Nanohorns—Based Nanohybrid as Sensing Coating for Room Temperature Resistive Humidity Monitoring
Authors: Serban Bogdan-Catalin , Cobianu Cornel , Buiu Octavian , Bumbac Marius , Dumbravescu Niculae , Avramescu Viorel , Nicolescu Cristina Mihaela , Brezeanu Mihai , Radulescu Cristiana , Craciun Gabriel , Romanitan Cosmin , Comanescu Florin
Published: April 2021

We report the relative humidity (RH) sensing response of a resistive sensor, employing sensing layers, based on a quaternary organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposite comprising oxidized carbon nanohorns (CNHox), graphene oxide (GO), tin dioxide, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), at 1/1/1/1 and 0.75/0.75/1/1/1 mass ratios. The sensing structure comprises a silicon substrate, a SiO2 layer, and interdigitated transducer (IDT) electrodes. The sensing film was deposited via the drop-casting method on the sensing structure. The morphology and the composition of the sensing layers were investigated through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and RAMAN spectroscopy. The organic–inorganic quaternary hybrid-based thin film’s resistance increased when the sensors were exposed to relative humidity ranging from 0 to 100%. The manufactured devices show a room temperature response comparable to that of a commercial capacitive humidity sensor and characterized by excellent linearity, rapid response and recovery times, and good sensitivity. While the sensor with CNHox/GO/SnO2/PVP at 0.75/0.75/1/1 as the sensing layer has the best performance in terms of linearity and recovery time, the structures employing the CNHox/GO/SnO2/PVP at 1/1/1/1 (mass ratio) have a better performance in terms of relative sensitivity. We explained each constituent of the quaternary hybrid nanocomposites’ sensing role based on their chemical and physical properties, and mutual interactions. Different alternative mechanisms were taken into consideration and discussed. Based on the sensing results, we presume that the effect of the p-type semiconductor behavior of CNHox and GO, correlated with swelling of PVP, dominates and leads to the overall increasing resistance of the sensing layer. The hard–soft acid–base (HSAB) principle also supports this mechanism.
Development of DLC-Coated Solid SiAlON/TiN Ceramic End Mills for Nickel Alloy Machining: Problems and Prospects
Authors: Grigoriev Sergey N. , Volosova Marina A. , Fedorov Sergey V. , Okunkova Anna A. , Pivkin Petr M. , Peretyagin Pavel Y. , Ershov Artem
Published: April 2021

The study is devoted to the development and testing of technological principles for the manufacture of solid end mills from ceramics based on a powder composition of α-SiAlON, β-SiAlON, and TiN additives, including spark plasma sintering powder composition, diamond sharpening of sintered ceramic blanks for shaping the cutting part of mills and deposition of anti-friction Si-containing diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings in the final stage. A rational relationship between the components of the powder composition at spark plasma sintering was established. The influence of optimum temperature, which is the most critical sintering parameter, on ceramic samples’ basic physical and mechanical properties was investigated. DLC coatings’ role in changing the surface properties of ceramics based on SiAlON, such as microrelief, friction coefficient, et cetera, was studied. A comparative analysis of the efficiency of two tool options, such as developed samples of experimental mills made of SiAlON/TiN and commercial samples ceramic mills based on SiAlON, doped with stabilizing additives containing Yb when processing nickel alloys (NiCr20TiAl alloy was used as an example). DLC coatings’ contribution to the quantitative indicators of the durability of ceramic mills and the surface quality of machined products made of nickel alloy is shown.
Scyphomedusae and Ctenophora of the Eastern Adriatic: Historical Overview and New Data
Authors: Pestorić Branka , Lučić Davor , Bojanić Natalia , Vodopivec Martin , Kogovšek Tjaša , Violić Ivana , Paliaga Paolo , Malej Alenka
Published: April 2021

One of the obstacles to detecting regional trends in jellyfish populations is the lack of a defined baseline. In the Adriatic Sea, the jellyfish fauna (Scyphozoa and Ctenophora) is poorly studied compared to other taxa. Therefore, our goal was to collect and systematize all available data and provide a baseline for future studies. Here we present phenological data and relative abundances of jellyfish based on 2010–2019 scientific surveys and a “citizen science” sighting program along the eastern Adriatic. Inter-annual variability, seasonality and spatial distribution patterns of Scyphomedusae and Ctenophore species were described and compared with existing historical literature. Mass occurrences with a clear seasonal pattern and related to the geographical location were observed for meroplanktonic Scyphomedusae Aurelia solida, Rhizostoma pulmo, and to a lesser extent Chrysaora hysoscella, Cotylorhiza tuberculata and Discomedusa lobata. Holoplanktonic Pelagia noctiluca also formed large aggregations, which were seasonally less predictable and restricted to the central and southern Adriatic. Four species of Ctenophora produced blooms limited to a few areas: Bolinopsis vitrea, Leucothea multicornis, Cestum veneris and the non-native Mnemiopsis leidyi. However, differences between Adriatic subregions have become less pronounced since 2014. Our results suggest that gelatinous organisms are assuming an increasingly important role in the Adriatic ecosystem, which may alter the balance of the food web and lead to harmful and undesirable effects.
Diversity of Seahorse Species (Hippocampus spp.) in the International Aquarium Trade
Authors: Koning Sasha , Hoeksema Bert W.
Published: April 2021

Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) are threatened as a result of habitat degradation and overfishing. They have commercial value as traditional medicine, curio objects, and pets in the aquarium industry. There are 48 valid species, 27 of which are represented in the international aquarium trade. Most species in the aquarium industry are relatively large and were described early in the history of seahorse taxonomy. In 2002, seahorses became the first marine fishes for which the international trade became regulated by CITES (Convention for the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), with implementation in 2004. Since then, aquaculture has been developed to improve the sustainability of the seahorse trade. This review provides analyses of the roles of wild-caught and cultured individuals in the international aquarium trade of various Hippocampus species for the period 1997–2018. For all species, trade numbers declined after 2011. The proportion of cultured seahorses in the aquarium trade increased rapidly after their listing in CITES, although the industry is still struggling to produce large numbers of young in a cost-effective way, and its economic viability is technically challenging in terms of diet and disease. Whether seahorse aquaculture can benefit wild populations will largely depend on its capacity to provide an alternative livelihood for subsistence fishers in the source countries. For most species, CITES trade records of live animals in the aquarium industry started a few years earlier than those of dead bodies in the traditional medicine trade, despite the latter being 15 times higher in number. The use of DNA analysis in the species identification of seahorses has predominantly been applied to animals in the traditional medicine market, but not to the aquarium trade. Genetic tools have already been used in the description of new species and will also help to discover new species and in various other kinds of applications.
Owners’ Perceptions Do Not Match Actual Ground-Dwelling Invertebrate Diversity in Their Gardens
Authors: Braschler Brigitte , Zwahlen Valerie , Gilgado José D. , Rusterholz Hans-Peter , Baur Bruno
Published: April 2021

Urban gardens are important for human well-being, biodiversity and other ecosystem functions. Biodiversity-promoting initiatives would benefit from their owners being aware of the state of biodiversity in their gardens. We examined whether garden owners’ perceptions match actual biodiversity in their gardens and whether perceptions are influenced by the owners’ ecological knowledge. We used a structured interview to assess the motivations and biodiversity knowledge of owners of 33 domestic gardens in the city of Basel (Switzerland) and related them to a survey of native plants and several groups of ground-dwelling invertebrates in their gardens. Owners showed different priorities, with promotion of habitat for biodiversity, receiving, on average, higher scores than cultivation, recreation and garden designing. Owners prioritizing biodiversity promotion had gardens with high habitat richness. The garden owners’ perceptions of both native plant and overall invertebrate diversity were not correlated with actual diversity data for native plants and ground-dwelling invertebrates. The perceptions of the abundance of invertebrate groups by garden owners with good biodiversity knowledge were not more accurate than those from owners with less knowledge. Despite their willingness, many owners do not know all the opportunities to promote biodiversity. Initiatives to further biodiversity-friendly gardening should thus transfer knowledge.
Mining Sorghum Biodiversity—Potential of Dual-Purpose Hybrids for Bio-Economy
Authors: Kanbar Adnan , Flubacher Noemi , Hermuth Jiří , Kosová Klára , Horn Thomas , Nick Peter
Published: April 2021

Sweet, grain, and dual-purpose sorghums differ in a number of important traits, including biomass production, total solutes in the stem juice, and sugar accumulation across the stem. Ten dual-purpose hybrids, two sweet genotypes, and two grain landraces of sorghums were characterized under temperate environmental conditions to determine their potential for bioethanol production. Five sorghum hybrids (Ganymed, Hannibal, Tarzan, Merlin, and Zerberus) performed better with respect to cane yield, juice yield, potential sugar, and ethanol yields compared to sweet and grain genotypes. While the sweet genotype KIT1 produced the highest sugar concentration in the stem, the lowest concentration was produced by the grain landrace Razinieh. The study showed that plant height, leaf number, leaf weight, cane yield, and juice yield were positively correlated with the sugar yield in fresh stalk. Sugar accumulation was higher in the central internodes of all genotypes. Clustering analysis showed that sweet genotypes are located more closely to dual-purpose hybrids than grain landraces. We discuss the results with respect to the potential of dual-purpose sorghum hybrids for bio-economy in Germany.
Retinal and Optic Disc Vascular Changes in Patients Using Long-Term Tadalafil: A Prospective Non-Randomized Matched-Pair Study
Authors: Capece Marco , Montorio Daniela , Comune Chiara , Aveta Achille , Melchionna Alberto , Celentano Giuseppe , Imbimbo Ciro , Crocetto Felice , Califano Gianluigi , Cennamo Gilda
Published: April 2021

Retinal, choroidal and optic disc vascularity has never been evaluated in patients taking PDE5is long-term. The aim of our study was to evaluate the neurostructural and vascular changes after long-term use of tadalafil, using spectral domain (SD)-optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). In the present clinical trial, 27 patients who have been taking tadalafil 20 mg on alternate days (OAD) for at least 6 months (Group A) were enrolled. The matched group consisted of 27 healthy men (Group B). Both groups of patients underwent SD-OCT to study ganglion cell complex (GCC), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and choroidal thickness and OCTA for the evaluation of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), choriocapillaris (CC) and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC). A reduction in SCP, DCP and RPC vessel density was found in patients using tadalafil long-term. Retinal and optic disc toxicity may be detected using modifications of capillary vessel density. Further studies are needed to investigate the possibility of a causal association.
Risk Minimization of Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn Using Droplet Digital PCR Method for Accurate Fetal Genotype Assessment of RHD, KEL, and RHCE from Cell-Free Fetal DNA of Maternal Plasma
Authors: Vodicka Radek , Bohmova Jana , Holuskova Iva , Krejcirikova Eva , Prochazka Martin , Vrtel Radek
Published: April 2021

The molecular pathology of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) is determined by different RHD, RHCE, and KEL genotypes and by blood group incompatibility between the mother and fetus that is caused by erythrocyte antigen presence/absence on the cell surface. In the Czech Republic, clinically significant antierythrocyte alloantibodies include anti-D, anti-K, anti C/c, and anti-E. Deletion of the RHD gene and then three single nucleotide polymorphisms in the RHCE and KEL genes (rs676785, rs609320, and rs8176058) are the most common. The aim of this study is to develop effective and precise monitoring of fetal genotypes from maternal plasma of these polymorphisms using droplet digital (dd)PCR. Fifty-three plasma DNA samples (from 10 to 18 weeks of gestation) were analyzed (10 RHD, 33 RHCE, and 10 KEL). The ddPCR methodology was validated on the basis of the already elaborated and established method of minisequencing and real-time PCR and with newborn phenotype confirmation. The results of ddPCR were in 100% agreement with minisequencing and real-time PCR and also with newborn phenotype. ddPCR can fully replace the reliable but more time-consuming method of minisequencing and real-time PCR RHD examination. Accurate and rapid noninvasive fetal genotyping minimizes the possibility of HDFN developing.
Fecal Metabolomics Reveals Distinct Profiles of Kidney Transplant Recipients and Healthy Controls
Authors: Kouidhi Soumaya , Zidi Oumaima , Alhujaily Muhanad , Souai Nessrine , Mosbah Amor , Belali Tareg M. , Ghedira Kais , El Kossai Imene , El Manaa Jamelddine , Mnif Wissem , Cherif Ameur
Published: April 2021

Monitoring graft recipients remains dependent on traditional biomarkers and old technologies lacking specificity, sensitivity, or accuracy. Recently, metabolomics is becoming a promising approach that may offer to kidney transplants a more effective and specific monitoring. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggested a fundamental role of gut microbiota as an important determinant of patients’ metabolomes. In the current study, we enrolled forty stable renal allografts recipients compared to twenty healthy individuals. Samples were taken at different time points from patient to patient following transplantation surgery, which varied from 3 months to 22 years post-graft. All patients started the immunosuppression therapy immediately following kidney graft (Day 0). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was employed to perform untargeted analysis of fecal metabolites. Globally, the fecal metabolic signature was significantly different between kidney transplants and the control group. Fecal metabolome was dominated by lipids (sterols and fatty acids) in the stable transplant group compared to the controls (p < 0.05). Overall, 18 metabolites were significantly altered within kidney transplant recipients. Furthermore, the most notable altered metabolic pathways in kidney transplants include ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis, tyrosine metabolism, tryptophan biosynthesis, and primary bile acid biosynthesis. Fecal metabolites could effectively distinguish stable transplant recipients from controls, supporting the potential utility of metabolomics in rapid and non-invasive diagnosis to produce relevant biomarkers and to help clinicians in monitoring kidney transplants. Further investigations are needed to clarify the physiological relevance of fecal metabolome and to assess the impact of microbiota modulation.
Evaluating Retinal and Choroidal Perfusion Changes after Isometric and Dynamic Activity Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Brinkmann Max Philipp , Kibele Nikolas Xavier , Prasuhn Michelle , Kakkassery Vinodh , Toro Mario Damiano , Ranjbar Mahdy , Grisanti Salvatore , Becker Matthias , Rommel Felix
Published: April 2021

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a non-invasive tool for imaging and quantifying the retinal and choroidal perfusion state in vivo. This study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of isometric and dynamic exercise on retinal and choroidal sublayer perfusion using OCTA. A pilot study was conducted on young, healthy participants, each of whom performed a specific isometric exercise on the first day and a dynamic exercise the day after. At baseline and immediately after the exercise, heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), superficial capillary plexus perfusion (SCPP), deep capillary plexus perfusion (DCPP), choriocapillaris perfusion (CCP), Sattlers’s layer perfusion (SLP), and Haller’s layer perfusion (HLP) were recorded. A total of 34 eyes of 34 subjects with a mean age of 32.35 ± 7.87 years were included. HR as well as MAP increased significantly after both types of exercise. Both SCPP and DCPP did not show any significant alteration due to isometric or dynamic exercise. After performing dynamic exercise, CCP, SLP, as well as HLP significantly increased. Changes in MAP correlated significantly with changes in HLP after the dynamic activity. OCTA-based analysis in healthy adults following physical activity demonstrated a constant retinal perfusion, supporting the theory of autoregulatory mechanisms. Dynamic exercise, as opposed to isometric activity, significantly changed choroidal perfusion. OCTA imaging may represent a novel and sensitive tool to expand the diagnostic spectrum in the field of sports medicine.
Efficacy of the RtI Model in the Treatment of Reading Learning Disabilities
Authors: Arias-Gundín Olga , García Llamazares Ana
Published: April 2021

(1) Background: The response to intervention (RtI) model makes possible the early detection of reading problems and early intervention for students at risk. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effective measures that identify struggling readers and the most effective practices of the RtI model in reading in Primary Education. (2) Method: A systematic review of the literature published between 2010 and 2020 was performed, analyzing in the 31 selected articles, the identification and monitoring methods and the interventions at the different tiers of the RtI model. (3) Results: There are different methods to identify struggling readers, and there is no consensus on the matter. There are also many differences in the implementation of the different tiers of the RtI model; however, its effectiveness is demonstrated. (4) Conclusions: The implementation of the RtI model in a flexible way adapted to the circumstances of each moment, and can be considered as a highly effective resource in the prevention and early detection of reading learning problems.
Improving the Efficiency of Partially Shaded Photovoltaic Modules without Bypass Diodes
Authors: Tarabsheh Anas Al , Akmal Muhammad , Ghazal Mohammed
Published: April 2021

Photovoltaic (PV) modules comprise bypass diodes to limit hotspot formation. However, they suffer from performance reduction in the presence of partial shading. This paper proposes external circuitry to control the connection type (series/parallel) of the PV cells through a pair of on/off switches resulting in three different operation modes. Mode 1 represents the typical 36 series-connected cells, while mode 2 represents two parallel-connected strings, and mode 3 maximizes the output current where the four strings are connected in parallel. The added values of the approach are that (1) the output current of the PV module can be increased without the need for a buck-boost converter and (2) the partial shading has less impact on the output power than the adoption of bypass diodes. This work shows that simulating three monocrystalline PV modules (120 W, 200 W, and 241 W), consisting of 36, 60, and 72 series-connected cells, lose about 74% when one cell has 80% shading in the absence of bypass diodes. The application of a bypass diode for each pair of strings in the PV module improves this decrease to 61.89%, 40.66%, and 39.47%, respectively. According to our proposed approach, this power loss can be significantly decreased to 19.59%, 50%, and 50.01% for the three PV modules, respectively, representing more than a 42% improvement compared to bypass diodes.
A Novel Method for Establishing an Efficiency Map of IPMSMs for EV Propulsion Based on the Finite-Element Method and a Neural Network
Authors: Jun Sung-Bae , Kim Chan-Ho , Cha JuKyung , Lee Jin Hwan , Kim Yong-Jae , Jung Sang-Yong
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we introduce a novel method for establishing an efficiency map of interior permanent-magnet synchronous motors that are used for electric vehicle propulsion, by employing the finite-element method (FEM) and a neural network (NN) to reduce the analysis time. The electro-magnetic analysis of motors using the FEM, particularly iron loss analysis, is significantly time-consuming owing to the nonlinearity and the post-processing. Moreover, to obtain an efficiency map, a data map of the d-q flux linkages based on the d-q currents should be established. At this stage, we compute the flux densities in all the elements, and they are learned by the NN to obtain a function of the d-q currents. Subsequently, the iron losses at all operating points are calculated using the learned data via the harmonic loss method. The results of the proposed method indicate that the time required to obtain the efficiency map is reduced; furthermore, the results are validated via a comparison with the FEM results.
An Autonomous Grape-Harvester Robot: Integrated System Architecture
Authors: Vrochidou Eleni , Tziridis Konstantinos , Nikolaou Alexandros , Kalampokas Theofanis , Papakostas George A. , Pachidis Theodore P. , Mamalis Spyridon , Koundouras Stefanos , Kaburlasos Vassilis G.
Published: April 2021

This work pursues the potential of extending “Industry 4.0” practices to farming toward achieving “Agriculture 4.0”. Our interest is in fruit harvesting, motivated by the problem of addressing the shortage of seasonal labor. In particular, here we present an integrated system architecture of an Autonomous Robot for Grape harvesting (ARG). The overall system consists of three interdependent units: (1) an aerial unit, (2) a remote-control unit and (3) the ARG ground unit. Special attention is paid to the ARG; the latter is designed and built to carry out three viticultural operations, namely harvest, green harvest and defoliation. We present an overview of the multi-purpose overall system, the specific design of each unit of the system and the integration of all subsystems. In addition, the fully sensory-based sensing system architecture and the underlying vision system are analyzed. Due to its modular design, the proposed system can be extended to a variety of different crops and/or orchards.
Collaborative Ontology Engineering Methodologies for the Development of Decision Support Systems: Case Studies in the Healthcare Domain
Authors: Spoladore Daniele , Pessot Elena
Published: April 2021

New models and technological advances are driving the digital transformation of healthcare systems. Ontologies and Semantic Web have been recognized among the most valuable solutions to manage the massive, various, and complex healthcare data deriving from different sources, thus acting as backbones for ontology-based Decision Support Systems (DSSs). Several contributions in the literature propose Ontology engineering methodologies (OEMs) to assist the formalization and development of ontologies, by providing guidelines on tasks, activities, and stakeholders’ participation. Nevertheless, existing OEMs differ widely according to their approach, and often lack of sufficient details to support ontology engineers. This paper performs a meta-review of the main criteria adopted for assessing OEMs, and major issues and shortcomings identified in existing methodologies. The key issues requiring specific attention (i.e., the delivery of a feasibility study, the introduction of project management processes, the support for reuse, and the involvement of stakeholders) are then explored into three use cases of semantic-based DSS in health-related fields. Results contribute to the literature on OEMs by providing insights on specific tools and approaches to be used when tackling these issues in the development of collaborative OEMs supporting DSS.
Linear Induction Motors in Transportation Systems
Authors: Palka Ryszard , Woronowicz Konrad
Published: April 2021

This paper provides an overview of the Linear Transportation System (LTS) and focuses on the application of a Linear Induction Motor (LIM) as a major constituent of LTS propulsion. Due to their physical characteristics, linear induction motors introduce many physical phenomena and design constraints that do not occur in the application of the rotary motor equivalent. The efficiency of the LIM is lower than that of the equivalent rotary machine, but, when the motors are compared as integrated constituents of the broader transportation system, the rotary motor’s efficiency advantage diminishes entirely. Against this background, several solutions to the problems still existing in the application of traction linear induction motors are presented based on the scientific research of the authors. Thus, solutions to the following problems are presented here: (a) development of new analytical solutions and finite element methods for LIM evaluation; (b) comparison between the analytical and numerical results, performed with commercial and self-developed software, showing an exceptionally good agreement; (c) self-developed LIM adaptive control methods; (d) LIM performance under voltage supply (non-symmetrical phase current values); (e) method for the power loss evaluation in the LIM reaction rail and the temperature rise prediction method of a traction LIM; and (f) discussion of the performance of the superconducting LIM. The addressed research topics have been chosen for their practical impact on the advancement of a LIM as the preferred urban transport propulsion motor.
An Energy-Harvesting System Using MPPT at Shock Absorber for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Lee Jinkyu , Chun Yondo , Kim Jiwon , Park Byounggun
Published: April 2021

This paper investigates an energy-harvesting system that uses of vibration energy at a shock absorber for electric vehicles. This system mainly comprises a linear electromagnetic generator and synchronous buck converter. To obtain the electrical energy through a linear electromagnetic generator, the perturb and observe maximum power point tracking (P&O MPPT) scheme is applied at the converter. The power converter circuit is designed with a diode rectifier and synchronous buck converter. The generated electric power is able to transmit to the battery and the damping force of the shock absorber is adjusted by the controlled current of generator. The linear electromagnetic generator was designed as a single phase eight-slot eight-pole tubular permanent magnet machine. The performance of the proposed energy-harvesting system was verified through simulations and experiments.
Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Hydrate-Bearing Sand: The Influence of Sand-Water Mixing Methods
Authors: Liu Weiguo , Pan Dedong , Shen Shi , You Zeshao , Zhao Yuechao , Sun Xiang
Published: April 2021

Laboratory-synthesized specimens are employed for an experimental study on the mechanical properties of hydrate-bearing sediments (HBS) due to the difficulty of field coring. A representative synthesized sample for the analysis of the mechanical properties of HBS in the experimental study requires evenly distributed hydrates in the pores of the sample. However, a specimen made with an improper sand–water mixing method might have an uneven water distribution, resulting in an uneven hydrate distribution when applying the ice-seeding method for hydrate formation. This study adopted three kinds of methods to mix sand and water before forming hydrates and applied the low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique to investigate how these methods affect the hydrate distribution, further affecting the mechanical properties. To analyze the mechanical properties of HBS, we conducted drained triaxial tests. As shown in low-field NMR, when we compacted a sample of the sand–water mixture and froze it upside-down before hydrate formation, a sample with an even water distribution was obtained. Subsequently, the hydrate in HBS distributed also evenly. The stress-strain curves present different strain softening and hardening patterns due to the different hydrate distributions. Moreover, the samples with the evenly distributed hydrates have higher initial elastic modulus and strength than the ones made with other methods.