bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of hypertension with the severity and fatality of SARS-CoV-2 infection: A meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Jingqi , Wu Jing , Sun Xiaohua , Xue Hong , Shao Jianguo , Cai Weihua , Jing Yang , Yue Ming , Dong Chen
Published: May 2020

Hypertension is a common comorbidity in COVID-19 patients. However, the association of hypertension with the severity and fatality of COVID-19 remain unclear. In the present meta-analysis, relevant studies reported the impacts of hypertension on SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified by searching PubMed, Elsevier Science Direct, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, Embase and CNKI up to 20 March 2020. As the results shown, 12 publications with 2389 COVID-19 patients (674 severe cases) were included for the analysis of disease severity. The severity rate of COVID-19 in hypertensive patients was much higher than in non-hypertensive cases (37.58%vs19.73%, pooled OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.80–2.86). Moreover, the pooled ORs of COVID-19 severity for hypertensionvs.non-hypertension was 2.21 (95% CI: 1.58–3.10) and 2.32 (95% CI: 1.70–3.17) in age <50 years and ⩾50 years patients, respectively. Additionally, six studies with 151 deaths of 2116 COVID-19 cases were included for the analysis of disease fatality. The results showed that hypertensive patients carried a nearly 3.48-fold higher risk of dying from COVID-19 (95% CI: 1.72–7.08). Meanwhile, the pooled ORs of COVID-19 fatality for hypertensionvs.non-hypertension was 6.43 (95% CI: 3.40–12.17) and 2.66 (95% CI: 1.27–5.57) in age <50 years and ⩾50 years patients, respectively. Neither considerable heterogeneity nor publication bias was observed in the present analysis. Therefore, our present results provided further evidence that hypertension could significantly increase the risks of severity and fatality of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Astrobiology and its influence on the renewal of the way we see the world from the teloempathic, educational and astrotheological perspective
Authors: Chon Torres Octavio A.
Published: May 2020

There is a record of the positive effects of astrobiological research for the natural sciences and eventually for their technological use on Earth. However, on the philosophical effects, this is not as visible as the other sciences, which is why it can be assumed that it is a waste of time speculating on astrobioethics or also on the philosophy of astrobiology. This is the reason why this work seeks to identify and sustain the philosophical utility of astrobioethics. To achieve this, this article focuses on three essential aspects: teloempathy, education and astrotheology. Russell's argument about the value of philosophy will be used as a fundamental basis for the usefulness of astrobioethics.
Temperature Variability in Titan's Upper Atmosphere: The Role of Wave Dissipation
Authors: Wang Xing , Lian Yuan , Cui Jun , Richardson Mark , Wu Zhaopeng , Li Jing
Published: May 2020

The Cassini spacecraft detected a surprisingly large temporal temperature variability of 60 Kin Titan's upper atmosphere during multiple flybys. Previous efforts examining such a variability focused on the role of radiative heating but were unable to explain the observations. Analytic estimates of the wave energy fluxes have suggested that wave heating might be an important process affecting the thermal structure of the upper atmosphere. However, approaches to date have been highly idealized and have not described wave propagation rigorously. Here, we implement an anelastic linearized wave model adopting the Wentzel‐Kramers‐Brillouin approximation that adequately describes wave propagation in Titan's upper atmosphere, where the observed vertical wavelengths are several times larger than the density scale height. Our results show that the wave heating and cooling rates generated by molecular diffusion of monochromatic waves are larger than those found in previous studies. The energy fluxes associated with wave dissipation can exceed that of the combined solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) heating and HCN rotational line cooling. Compared to the wave‐free, mean‐state temperature, the wave energy fluxes associated with certain wave modes can produce a temperature variability as large as 20 K, which is larger than that driven by magnetospheric particle precipitation but still smaller than that observed. Our results suggest that wave heating and cooling are important processes that can modify the thermal structure of Titan's upper atmosphere and also suggest that additional processes such as wave breaking and molecular diffusion of a spectrum of waves should be considered in future studies.
Grain Size Dependence of Brightness Phase Curves of the Lunar Surface
Authors: Jeong Minsup , Choi Young‐Jun , Kim Sungsoo S. , Shkuratov Yuriy G.
Published: May 2020

The lunar opposition effect is the increase of brightness on the lunar surface when the phase angle approaches 0°, which is caused mainly by shadow‐hiding and coherent backscattering. However, the contribution of coherent backscattering is not yet well established. This study analyzes the contribution of coherent backscattering to the opposition effect using the correlation between the contribution of increased brightness of the theoretical coherent backscattering and the grain size of the reflecting surface. We analyze the correlation between the two using data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Wide Angle Camera and median grain size d calculated by linear polarization observations. The size of effective scatterers of coherent backscattering is similar to the observation wavelength. In this case, the effective scatterer size for coherent backscattering is 0.6 μm. The results of our analyses show that there is no correlation between d and reflectance phase curve in the phase angle range from 0° to 6°. In addition, we analyze the distribution of grain size of lunar samples collected during the Apollo and Luna missions. We find an inversely proportional correlation between mean grain sizes and submicron grain content in the lunar samples. Therefore, d seems to indicate the content of effective scatterer. The strength of the coherent backscattering opposition effect seems to be affected by the content of the submicron grains. Thus, the lack of correlation between d and the opposition effect seems to imply minimal contribution of coherent backscattering to the lunar opposition effect.
How Is the Pandemic Affecting AGU Journal Article Submissions?
Authors: Wooden Paige
Published: May 2020

AGU journal submissions have not seen a significant decrease in the proportion of female corresponding authors.
Seismicity in Strike‐Slip Foreland Faults (Central Betic Cordillera Front): Evidence of Indentation Tectonics
Authors: Tendero‐Salmerón Víctor , Galindo‐Zaldivar Jesus , Peláez José A. , Martínez‐Martos Manuel , Henares Jesús , Marín‐Lechado Carlos , Gil Antonio J. , López‐Garrido Ángel Carlos
Published: May 2020

Unexpected seismicity has been detected in the past few years along the northern Guadiana Menor River (Guadalquivir foreland basin) at the northern boundary of the Betic Cordillera. Earthquake focal mechanisms evidence the activity of N‐S to NNE‐SSW sinistral faults in the basement. Yet continuous GPS (CGPS) data show a westward movement in both the Prebetic Arc and the eastern Guadalquivir basin infill, which disagrees with the strike‐slip faults. To more precisely describe the structure and evolution of the area, new Bouguer anomaly data from the southeastern basin combined with seismicity data, electric resistivity tomography profiles (ERT), and surface studies are provided. Given the soft consistency of the sedimentary infill in the area, surface evidence of faulting is scarce, limited to elongated channel and minor vertical faults affecting Quaternary sediments, where ERT profiles suggested the presence of faults. These results suggest that the Guadalquivir basin infill, the Prebetic Arc and the central Betic Cordillera move towards the west, independent from the Iberian crust, but indicating to some extent an upward propagation of the basement deformation. However, the basement is coupled with the Alboran Domain and undergoes NNW‐SSE Eurasia‐Nubia convergence and orthogonal extension. This scenario is suggestive of the initial stages of indentation tectonics, better developed in the eastern Betic Cordillera and the central Alboran Sea.
Identification and characterization of mammaglobin-A epitope in heterogenous breast cancers for enhancing tumor-targeting therapy
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Yang Xiqin , Duan Cuimi , Li Jiangxue , Tong Rongsheng , Fan Yuting , Feng Jiannan , Cao Ruiyuan , Zhong Wu , Feng Xiaoyan , Zhang Heqiu , Cai Lulu
Published: May 2020

Although targeted therapy has been extensively investigated for breast cancers, a molecular target with broad application is currently unavailable due to the high heterogeneity of these cancers. Mammaglobin-A (Mam-A), which is overexpressed in most breast carcinomas, has been proposed as a promising target. However, the lack of specific targeting moieties due to uncertain binding epitopes hampers further translational study. Here, seven potential epitopes of Mam-A were disclosed, and a unique epitope was then identified in most types of breast cancers, despite the genotypic heterogeneity. With phage display technology, the epitope was determined to be N-terminal amino acids 42–51 of Mam-A (N42–51). Then, the N42–51 epitope-specific monoclonal antibody, mAb785, was conjugated to poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with therapeutic agents, thereby enhancing the drug uptake and therapeutic efficacy in different genotypes of breast cancers. The computer simulation of the N42–51 epitope and the mAb785 structures, as well as their interactions, further revealed the specific targeting mechanism of the mAb785-conjugated nanoparticles to breast cancers.
The association of diabetes with risk of prostate cancer defined by clinical and molecular features
Authors: Feng Xiaoshuang , Song Mingyang , Preston Mark A. , Ma Wenjie , Hu Yang , Pernar Claire H. , Stopsack Konrad H. , Ebot Ericka M. , Fu Benjamin C. , Zhang Yiwen , Li Ni , Dai Min , Liu Lydia , Giovannucci Edward L. , Mucci Lorelei A.
Published: May 2020

Background

To prospectively examine the association between diabetes and risk of prostate cancer defined by clinical and molecular features.

Methods

A total of 49,392 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) were followed from 1986 to 2014. Data on self-reported diabetes were collected at baseline and updated biennially. Clinical features of prostate cancer included localised, advanced, lethal, low-grade, intermediate-grade, and high-grade. Molecular features included TMPRSS2: ERG and PTEN subtypes. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the association between diabetes and incidence of subtype-specific prostate cancer.

Results

During 28 years of follow-up, we documented 6733 incident prostate cancer cases. Relative to men free from diabetes, men with diabetes had lower risks of total (HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.75–0.90), localised (HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.74–0.92), low-and intermediate-grade prostate cancer (HR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.66–0.90; HR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.65–0.91, respectively). For molecular subtypes, the HRs for ERG-negative and ERG-positive cases were 0.63 (0.42–0.95) and 0.72 (0.46–1.12); and for PTEN-intact and PTEN-loss cases were 0.69 (0.48–0.98) and 0.52 (0.19–1.41), respectively.

Conclusion

Besides providing advanced evidence for the inverse association between diabetes and prostate cancer, this study is the first to report associations between diabetes and ERG/PTEN defined prostate cancers.
Synergistic antifibrotic effects of miR-451 with miR-185 partly by co-targeting EphB2 on hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Chen Xiaogang , Zhang Dan , Wang Yi , Chen Ke , Zhao Limeng , Xu Yating , Jiang Hulin , Wang Shuzhen
Published: May 2020

Liver fibrosis is a global health problem currently without clinically approved drugs. It is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) mainly produced by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Uncovering the mechanisms underlying the fibrogenic responses in HSCs may have profound translational implications. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor B2 (EphB2) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that has been indicated to be a novel profibrotic factor involved in liver fibrogenesis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of miR-451 and miR-185 on the expression of EphB2 and their roles in liver fibrogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. We found that EphB2 upregulation is a direct downstream molecular event of decreased expression of miR-451 and miR-185 in the process of liver fibrosis. Moreover, miR-451 was unexpectedly found to upregulate miR-185 expression at the post-transcriptional level by directly targeting the nuclear export receptor exportin 1 (XPO-1) and synergistically suppress HSCs activation with miR-185. To investigate the clinical potential of these miRNAs, miR-451/miR-185 agomirs were injected individually or jointly into CCl4-treated mice. The results showed that coadministration of these agomirs synergistically alleviated liver fibrosis in vivo. These findings indicate that miR-451 and miR-451/XPO-1/miR-185 axis play important and synergistic regulatory roles in hepatic fibrosis partly through co-targeting EphB2, which provides a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
Correlated plasmons in the topological insulator Bi2Se3 induced by long-range electron correlations
Authors: Whitcher Thomas J. , Silly Mathieu G. , Yang Ming , Das Pranab Kumar , Peyrot David , Chi Xiao , Eddrief Mahmoud , Moon Jisoo , Oh Seongshik , Castro-Neto Antonio H. , Breese Mark B. H. , Wee Andrew T. S. , Silly Fabien , Rusydi Andrivo
Published: May 2020

Recently, electron correlation has been shown to play an important role in unconventional plasmon generation in highly correlated electron systems. Electrons in topological insulators, on the other hand, are massless and insensitive to nonmagnetic scattering due to their protection by time-reversal symmetry, which makes these materials appealing platforms for hosting exotic plasmonic excitations. Here, using a combination of angle-dependent spectroscopic ellipsometry and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy as a function of temperature supported by first-principles calculations, we reveal a new pair of correlated plasmonic excitations at 1.04 and 1.52 eV and a significant Fermi level shift of 0.12 eV accompanied by spectral weight transfer in the topological insulator bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3). Interestingly, such a spectral weight transfer over a broad energy range causes a drastic change in the charge carrier density whereby the contribution of charge carriers in the bulk starts to rival those in the surface states and Bi2Se3 becomes more uniformly conducting. Our results show the importance of electronic correlations in determining the electronic structure and appearance of correlated plasmons in topological insulators and their potential applications in plasmonics.
Inversion probability of three-bladed self-propelled rotors after forced stops of different durations
Authors: Nakata Satoshi , Matsufuji Takero , Gorecki Jerzy , Kitahata Hiroyuki , Nishimori Hiraku
Published: May 2020

We investigated self-propelled rotation of a symmetric three-bladed rotor on water under periodic halt and release operations.
Arsenic induces mTOR-dependent autophagy, whereas it impairs the autophagy–lysosome pathway and the potential role of TFEB in cultured dendritic cells
Authors: Zhao Lu , Liu Xuping , Xu Guowei , Guo Yuanyuan , Sun Lin , Zhang Chenchen , Li Xin , Li Bing
Published: May 2020

Arsenic is a toxic metalloid, which also compromises immunity and causes various immunological disorders. Exposure to arsenic exerts the immunosuppressive properties of dendritic cells (DCs). Autophagy is a self-renewal process of cells, which degrades damaged macromolecules and organelles through the lysosomal pathway. Thus, herein, we attempt to clarify the impacts of autophagy and the autophagy–lysosome pathway on arsenic-exposed DCs. Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were exposed to different concentrations of arsenic (0.25, 0.5 and 1 μM) with or without LPS stimulation. Initially, we observed that arsenic induced autophagosome accumulation, significantly enhanced the LC3 II and p62 expressions and down-regulated the p-mTOR protein levels. We also determined that arsenic-induced autophagy occurred via an mTOR pathway. The results further revealed that arsenic inhibited autophagic flux in LPS-stimulated BMDCs using the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ). Meanwhile, arsenic significantly decreased the number of lysosomes, protein expression of lysosomal-specific markers LAMP1 and LAMP2, and the protein levels of lysosomal cysteine cathepsins (CTSD and CTSL). Moreover, the overexpression of transcription factor EB (TFEB), the master transcriptional regulator of autophagy and lysosome biogenesis, partially relieved arsenic-inhibited lysosomal CTSD and CTSL expressions, recovered the disorder of autophagic flux, promoted the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12, and reduced anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 secretion. In summary, our results support the idea that arsenic induces autophagy through an mTOR-dependent pathway in cultured BMDCs. Meanwhile, arsenic weakens the process of autophagic flux, which may be partially due to lysosomal dysfunction. Furthermore, we also suggest that TFEB can positively act on the autophagy–lysosome pathway and influence the expression of immunocytokines in DCs.
Probing emission and defects in BaWxMo1–xO4 solid solutions: achieving color tunable luminescence by W/Mo ratio and size manipulation
Authors: Das Debarati , Gupta Santosh K. , Srivastava A. P. , Utpalla P. , Sudarshan K.
Published: May 2020

This work highlights the size, structure, and composition manipulation for designing color-tunable phosphors based on doped scheelite micro- and nanocrystals.
Association between melatonin receptor gene polymorphisms and polycystic ovarian syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yi Shiqi , Xu Jiawei , Shi Hao , Li Wenbo , Li Qian , Sun Ying-pu
Published: May 2020

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a kind of common gynecological endocrine disorder. And the mutations of melatonin receptor (MTNR) genes are related to the occurrence of PCOS. But previous researches have shown opposite results. So, the object of our systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the relationship between MTNR 1A/B polymorphisms and PCOS.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, Ovid, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and three Chinese databases (VIP, CNKI and Wanfang) were used to retrieve eligible articles published between January 1980 and February 2020. And we used the odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) to investigate the strength of the association by six genetic models, allelic, codominant (homozygous and heterozygous), dominant, recessive and superdominant models. Review Manager 5.3, IBM SPSS statistics 25 and Stata MP 16.0 software were used to do this meta-analysis.

Results: Our meta-analysis involved 2553 PCOS patients and 3152 controls, for two single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs10830963 C> G in MTNR1B and rs2119882 T> C in MTNR1A) and significant associations were found in some genetic models of these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). For rs10830963, strongly significant was found in the heterozygote model (GC vs. CC, P=0.02). Additionally, a slight trend was detected in the allelic (G vs. C), homozygote (GG vs. CC) and dominant (GG+GC vs. CC) model of rs10830963 (P=0.05). And after further sensitivity analysis, a study with high heterogeneity was removed. In the allelic (P=0.000), homozygote (P=0.001), dominant (P=0.000) and recessive (GG vs. GC+CC, P=0.001) model, strong associations between rs10830963 and PCOS were found. Moreover, for rs2119882, five genetic models, allelic (C vs. T, P=0.000), codominant (the homozygote (CC vs. TT, P=0.000) and heterozygote model (CT vs. TT, P=0.02), dominant (CC + CT vs. TT, P=0.03) and recessive model (CC vs. CT + TT, P=0.000) showed significant statistical associations with PCOS.

Conclusion: MTNR1B rs10830963 and MTNR1B rs2119882 polymorphisms are associated with PCOS risk. However, the above conclusions still require being confirmed by much larger multi-ethnic studies.
A Systematic Review of the Physiological Effects of the Effortful Swallow Maneuver in Adults With Normal and Disordered Swallowing
Authors: Bahia Mariana M. , Lowell Soren Y.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This systematic review summarizes the biomechanical and functional effects of the effortful swallow in adults with and without dysphagia, highlighting clinical implications and future research needs. Specifically, the effects of the effortful swallow on swallowing physiology, safety, and efficiency were identified, as well as the strengths and limitations of current research.

Method

Recommendations specified by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses were followed. A literature search of three databases and relevant articles cited in the searched studies was performed. Two evaluators independently analyzed the studies for eligibility criteria, and final inclusion of studies was decided by consensus. Evaluators also assessed each study for quality of evidence.

Results

Twenty-three studies were included in this systematic review. Main findings indicated that the effortful swallow generated greater pressures in the tongue-to-palate, pharynx, upper esophageal sphincter, and esophageal regions. Inconsistent results for hyolaryngeal excursion were reported, as well as for swallowing function. Instructions of the effortful swallow varied greatly across studies. Two of the 23 studies were judged to be of high quality, and the remaining studies were of medium quality based on the quality indicators of this review.

Conclusions

Biomechanical effects of the effortful swallow included increased pressures in the oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal regions. Future investigations should address the effects of the effortful swallow in individuals with dysphagia and its potential role as a rehabilitative maneuver. Moreover, standardization of the effortful swallow instructions based on its physiological and functional effects is essential.
Enrichment of the HR 8799 planets by minor bodies and dust
Authors: Frantseva K. , Mueller M. , Pokorný P. , van der Tak F. F. S. , ten Kate I. L.
Published: May 2020

Context. In the Solar System, minor bodies and dust deliver various materials to planetary surfaces. Several exoplanetary systems are known to host inner and outer belts, analogues of the main asteroid belt and the Kuiper belt, respectively.

Aims. We study the possibility that exominor bodies and exodust deliver volatiles and refractories to the exoplanets in the well-characterised system HR 8799.

Methods. We performed N-body simulations to study the impact rates of minor bodies in the system HR 8799. The model consists of the host star, four giant planets (HR 8799 e, d, c, and b), 650 000 test particles representing the inner belt, and 1 450 000 test particles representing the outer belt. Moreover we modelled dust populations that originate from both belts.

Results. Within a million years, the two belts evolve towards the expected dynamical structure (also derived in other works), where mean-motion resonances with the planets carve the analogues of Kirkwood gaps. We find that, after this point, the planets suffer impacts by objects from the inner and outer belt at rates that are essentially constant with time, while dust populations do not contribute significantly to the delivery process. We convert the impact rates to volatile and refractory delivery rates using our best estimates of the total mass contained in the belts and their volatile and refractory content. Over their lifetime, the four giant planets receive between 10−4 and 10−3 M⊕ of material from both belts.

Conclusions. The total amount of delivered volatiles and refractories, 5 × 10−3 M⊕, is small compared to the total mass of the planets, 11 × 103 M⊕. However, if the planets were formed to be volatile-rich, their exogenous enrichment in refractory material may well be significant and observable, for example with JWST-MIRI. If terrestrial planets exist within the snow line of the system, volatile delivery would be an important astrobiological mechanism and may be observable as atmospheric trace gases.
Influence of fertilizers on harvest yield, uptake of nutrients, and "raw" protein content in winter rye grains of Vologda region
Authors: Chukhina Olga , Karbasnikova Elena , Obriaeva Oksana
Published: May 2020

Based on results of the research done during 2017–2019 on the sod-podzolic medium loamy soil of the Vologda region, when applying the estimated doses of fertilizers N90P40K100-120 we can achieve 67–79% increased yields of winter rye grains compared to the control. When applying fertilizers with the dose N12P16K16, yield of winter rye straw increases by 25%. With full estimated doses of fertilizer N90P40K100-120, straw yields increase by 74–87% compared to control. Uptake of nutrients of 1 ton of winter rye with respective amount of straw when applying estimated doses of fertilizers compared to control, increases by 4 kg for nitrogen, 3–4 kg for potassium and does not change for phosphorus. With N12P16K16, the "raw" protein is increased by 0.4% in absolute units or 3% in relative units compared to control, and with N90P40K100-120 –by 1.8–2.0% in absolute units or by 16-17% in relative units.
The effect of combinations of cyproconazole and fludioxonil on infestation of wheat and barley grains
Authors: Baybakova E. V. , Nefed’eva E.E. , Okolelova A. A. , Zheltobriukhov V. F. , Ermoshina E. S.
Published: May 2020

The most popular and affordable means to protect plants from fungal diseases are fungicides. Development of new products is aimed at preparation of the composition of several substances to achieve the effect of mutual enhancement of action. We used the grains of wheat (Triticum sp. variety Julius) and barley (Hordeum sativum variety Gloria), they were significantly infected with phytopathogenic fungi, which allows us to get reliable data on the effectiveness of active substances of fungicides. All wheat grains treated with fungicides were infected less than the control ones. Analysis of the effect of individual fungicides demonstrated that the fungi were more sensitive to fludioxonil, especially at doses of CF 0: 2 (56.7% of infected grains) and CF 0:4 (36.7% of infected grains) 5.0 and 10.0 g/t. After the treatment of cyproconazole, the smallest number of infected grains was obtained when grains were treated at a dose 5.0 g/t (80.0 % of infected grains). The fungistatic effect of cyproconazole (C) and fludioxonil (F) was greatest when ratios of C : F were 2.5:10; 5:10; 10:2.5; 10:5; 10:10 g/t.
Numerical study of the effect of DSF walls geometrical shape on heat transfer
Authors: GHEDHAB Mohamed Elamine , El ABBASSI Ikram , ABSI Rafik , MÉLINGE Yannick
Published: May 2020

The building envelope is an important element that influences energy performance, both in terms of gains and losses. Indeed, much research has focused on improving and optimizing this element. The façade represents the main component of the envelope; it plays a crucial role lying in the protection of the internal environment of the building from external climate variations, by providing thermal comfort to its occupants. In order to gain in energy efficiency, a numerical investigation (CFD) on the influence of the geometric shape of façades on heat exchange in the building is carried out in this work. More particularly, the study will be established on double skin façades (DSF) representing the most commonly used facade typology on high-rise buildings. The simulations will be carried out taking into account the climate in Paris region. The first part will be dedicated to the definition of the basic model, which will be considered as a reference case with plan surfaces on the outside and inside of the building. In the second part, the influence of the shape of the external façade on heat exchange will be discussed.
Reduce energy consumption using efficient temperature Control inside building
Authors: Yarramsetty Subbarao , Sharma Divyesh , Siva Kumar MVN
Published: May 2020

One of the biggest problems we have in front of us today is climate change. However, this problem can be solved if we can take right steps individually. One of the major steps which can be taken is to reduce energy consumptions in the houses by automatic control of ACs according to users’ comfort which will help in energy consumption. It is observed that a huge difference can be created by using automated temperature control system in respect to energy consumption. This paper contains study of indoor environment of the rooms in 1.8K Hostel and classrooms of Department of Civil Engineering in the Campus of NIT WARANGAL is done to analyse the comfort temperature inside the rooms for the efficient use of energy. Questionnaire survey-based study was adopted for this paper to analyse the range of thermal comfort of the students.
Comparative Investigations on Mahua Biodiesel-Diesel - Alcohol Low Percentage Blends with a VCR Diesel Engine
Authors: Chavan Nikhil D , Pandhare Amar P.
Published: May 2020

In this analysis mahua oil biodiesel isselected as one of the best alternative fuel to diesel.Transesterficiation processisusedforbiodieselproduction.Serious concern on the emissions, in particularthe nitrogen oxides (NOx), PM (particulate matters) and carbondioxide (CO2)led to think about additives to improve the overall performance. In this investigation additives are used to improve the performance, combustion and emission characteristics of Mahua biodiesel (B) and Diesel (D) blends. B20 blend is used as basic blend to compare the performance.Ethanol (E) and Propanol (P) used as additives indiesel-biodiesel blend with 5%,10% and 15%and tested in VCR diesel engine. Ethanol shown better performance in particular as compare to Propanol. The reduction of NOx, CO, CO2, HC emission in diesel engine and also increase performance in addition of 10% ethanol. From this conclude the result ethanol is alternative to improve efficiency of diesel engine by using the blended biodiesel.
Optimization and Techno-Economic Analysis of PV-Wind Power Systems for Rural Location in India.
Authors: Kaldate Avinash , Kanase-Patil Amarsingh , Lokhande Shashikant
Published: May 2020

One downside to Green Energy is that it cannot be estimated. Therefore, determining the optimum planning and perfect working strategies for the resources to be included in the hybrid system is very important. HOMER software has been used in this research paper to solve the case study of the hybrid renewable energy system. Due to its extensive analytical capabilities and advanced prediction capabilities based on the sensitivity of variables, HOMER is one of the most used software for optimal planning purposes. A case study for the sizing of a renewable energy-based hybrid system is solved in this article, using the Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software. Photovoltaic panels (PV panels), wind turbines (WT), batteries, converters, electric charge and grid are used in case study. The results of the simulation are presented in graphical form and tabulated for better system visualization. The design of a system to supply 6.8 KWh/d whereas the peak is 1.04 KW electric loads has been performed using HOMER software. In order to allow the user to choose the most suitable option, a comparative analysis has made, showing the pros and cons of cases. Optimum construction conditions help to lower operating costs.
A review on some investigations into sustainable machining techniques
Authors: Gunjal Shrikant , Sanap Sudarshan
Published: May 2020

Machining plays a crucial role in process of economy through the way it contributes around 5% of the country’s total economy. The method of machining has been changed through the last periods due to the competition within the market to urge more profit and High Speed Machining (HSM) plays the vital role to realize the equivalent. Hence, many researchers are working on reduction of the machining cost and consumption of energy. Hard to cut materials have long list of practical applications, which is the main reason to consider their research and development aspects. Thus, it’s important to review the consequences of process parameters mainly like cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut so as to determine the correlation with reference to key measuring parameters like tool life, surface roughness and tool wear. The authentication of this approach must be proved in future, using different experimental data as high speed machining leads to extreme machining temperature, sudden tool failure and subsequent adverse effects on overall machining performance in all the aspects. Sustainable machining techniques have the effective answer to avoid the adverse consequences of HSM. This paper emphasizes upon the review of application of various sustainable machining techniques like Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL), Cryogenic Technique, and Compressed Gas into the high-speed machining of hard to cut materials. Further, the appliance of vegetable based lubricants is highlighted for better comparison.
Doctors+
Authors: Shukla Vishwam , Ray Sudeshna , Kaur Sukhpreet
Published: May 2020

“Doctors+”. The primary goal of our project is to give up to 90% of paper-less hospitals. It expects to give minimal effort solid mechanization of existing frameworks. The framework gives incredible assurance of information at each degree of a client framework collaboration.
Management of Various Safety Parameters in Tunnel Construction: A Critical Review
Authors: Omar Priyanka , Siva Kumar MVN. , Yarramsetty Subbarao
Published: May 2020

Population is growing rapidly and so are vehicles on roads. This leads to enormous need of tunnels and subways for easy locomotion and mobilization. From conventional tunnels, for sewage and water facilities to modern electrified tunnels, for mass transit and underwater highways, method of construction of a tunnel to its safety inspection and maintenance has taken a wide leap. Tunnel construction requires wide range of resources like human, technology, machinery, materials, energy, and finance. To handle all these resources simultaneously becomes complex and requires good management. Even with good management, accidents and hazards might occur. A critical review of various safety parameters while constructing a tunnel and its management is presented in this paper. This review paper discusses the history of safety of tunnels till present safety measures and techniques adopted around the world for different tunnels; various critical factors which affect the safety in tunnels; the extent of damage occurring due to these factors; numerous preventive measures which are adopted around the world to prevent loss of property and lives in tunnels; and advanced technology and software, which are being used in modern era to enhance safety in tunnel construction. The study from manual horse drawn-tramway to autonomous robotic system has been done. This paper also considers various tunnels around the world and gives a summary of factors for safety focused on for making these tunnels, with its adopted remedy.
Stellenwert der Bildgebung für das Re-Staging von Halslymphknotenmetastasen nach primärer Strahlentherapie − HN-Onkoimage-1
Authors: Seebauer Caroline , Hagemann Jan , Symeou Luisa , Bozzato Alessandro , Wirth Gesine , Miederer Matthias , Künzel Julian
Published: May 2020

Derzeit existieren für Kopf- und Halskarzinome (HNSCC) keine evidenzbasierten Leitlinien für das Re-Staging oder die Tumornachsorge nach primärer Radio(chemo)therapie. In Deutschland ist die hochauflösende Sonografie mit Verwendung von Farbduplexverfahren neben der Computertomografie (CT) und der Magnetresonanztomografie (MRT) ein bewährtes Verfahren zur Therapiekontrolle (Re-Staging) im Rahmen der Tumornachsorge nach der Primärtherapie von Kopf-Hals-Karzinomen. Die PET/CT gilt seit Kurzem als Standard. Es fehlt an klaren Empfehlungen, wie sich die unterschiedlichen in der Routine angewendeten Verfahren ergänzen. Außerdem fehlt es an validen Selektionsalgorithmen für die Indikation zur PET/CT. Indikationen für und wider eine Salvage Neck Dissection werden häufig als Einzelfallentscheidung getroffen. Dieser Artikel soll die gängigen Re-Staging Modalitäten darstellen und ein aktuelles Studienkonzept kurz erläutern.
Ambulante Finanzierung von PET/CT-Untersuchungen
Authors: Mohnike Wolfgang , Mohnike Konrad , Lampe Matthias , Dresel Stefan , Müller Frank H. H.
Published: May 2020

Ambulante PET/CT-Leistungen sind für gesetzlich Versicherte nur für eine begrenzte Anzahl an Indikationen über den EBM erstattungsfähig. Für andere wichtige Indikationen erweist sich der Prozess der Beurteilung und Aufnahme in den EBM als außerordentlich langwierig, sodass über die Einzelfallentscheidung hinaus Sonderwege etabliert wurden, durch die sich Betroffene einer PET/CT-Untersuchung zulasten der GKV unterziehen können. Hierzu gehören die Besondere Versorgung, die ASV und Erprobungsstudien. Zusätzlich zur komplexen Erstattungssituation hat der Gesetzgeber den PET-Anwendern Qualitätssicherungsmaßnahmen auferlegt, deren Nichteinhaltung Sanktionen nach sich zieht. Dieser Artikel soll einen Überblick über die Möglichkeiten, Anforderungen und Hürden bieten, ambulante PET-Diagnostik über die GKV abzurechnen.
Neue Therapieoption zur individualisierten Titration von Levodopa
Authors: Jost Wolfgang H. , Ebersbach Georg , Kassubek Jan , Klebe Stephan , Tönges Lars
Published: May 2020

L-Dopa ist das wirksamste Medikament zur Therapie des idiopathischen Parkinson-Syndroms. Im Verlauf der Erkrankung lässt die Speicherfähigkeit dopaminerger Neurone nach, weshalb sich die Wirkdauer der Halbwertszeit angleicht. Daraus resultieren Wirkfluktuationen, und als weitere Konsequenz des engen therapeutischen Fensters treten Dyskinesien auf. Therapeutisch wird die L-Dopa-Gabe weiter fraktioniert und die Einzeldosis reduziert. Mit den herkömmlichen L-Dopa-Formulierungen ist dies nur sehr beschränkt möglich. Deshalb darf die Einführung von wasserlöslichen Mikrotabletten à 5 / 1,25 mg L-Dopa/Carbidopa als hilfreiche Erweiterung angesehen werden, die eine Feintitrierung der dopaminergen Stimulation erlaubt. Wir stellen dieses neue Therapieprinzip, die vorliegenden Daten sowie Konzepte der klinischen Umsetzung dar.
Stochastic dynamics of quantized vortices: Continuum and discrete approaches
Authors: Nemirovskii S. K.
Published: May 2020

The thermodynamic equilibrium in a system of randomly quantized vortices in superfluid helium with counterflow between the normal and superfluid components is considered. Both continuum and discrete approaches are studied. Even when using the continuum approach for the system as a whole, the partition function for the various vortex loop configurations can only be calculated by involving the discrete approach. It is obvious that discretization is important to numerical studies. Numerical simulation is the main tool for solving the stochastic dynamics of quantum vortex filaments subject to random force, due to their complexity. Some physical consequences of the results are discussed.
Collective-mode dispersion of atomic Fermi gases in a honeycomb optical lattice: Speed of sound of the attractive Kane–Mele–Hubbard model at half filling
Authors: Koinov Zlatko
Published: May 2020

We examine the superfluid states that emerge in the Kane–Mele model as a result of the on-site short-range attractive interaction U. The collective-mode dispersion is defined by the solutions of the Bethe–Salpeter (BS) equation in the generalized random phase approximation. The slope of the low-energy (Goldstone) mode and the corresponding sound velocity at half filling, calculated within the BS formalism, has been compared with the corresponding results obtained previously by the T-matrix approximation. The difference between the two approaches is that the T-matrix approximation takes into account only the ladder diagrams, and neglects the bubble ones. For this reason, the sound velocity in the direction toward point M, calculated within the T-matrix approximation, is about 4% less than the result obtained by employing the BS equation.
Anatomical, morphological and growth responses of Thinopyrum ponticum plants subjected to partial and complete submergence during early stages of development
Authors: Iturralde Elortegui María del Rosario M. , Berone Germán D. , Striker Gustavo G. , Martinefsky María J. , Monterubbianesi María G. , Assuero Silvia G.
Published: May 2020

Seedling recruitment and growth of forage grasses in flood-prone grasslands is often impaired by submergence. We evaluate the responses of Thinopyrum ponticum (Podp.) Barkw. & Dewey to partial and complete submergence at two early stages of development. Two greenhouse experiments were carried out with plants at three expanded leaves (Experiment 1) or five expanded leaves stage (Experiment 2). In each case, three treatments were applied for 14 days: control (C), partial submergence (PS; water level to half plant height), and complete submergence (CS; water level to 1.5 times plant height). Submergence was followed by a recovery period of 14 days at well drained conditions. Assessments included plant survival, height, leaf blade and pseudostem length, soluble carbohydrates in pseudostem, and shoot and root dry mass accumulation at the beginning and end of the submergence, and at the end of the recovery period. Root aerenchyma formation was determined on day 14 in both experiments. Under PS all plants survived, and the impact of the stress was related to the plants’ developmental stage. However, plants with five expanded leaves increased total plant biomass with respect to control by 48%, plants with three expanded leaves reduced it by the same percentage. This response could be related to a higher ability to form root aerenchyma (17 vs 10%), and an enhanced leaf de-submergence capacity due to promoted leaf blade and pseudostem lengthening. Complete submergence treatment compromised the survival of 70% of the individuals with three expanded leaves but did not affect the survival at the five expanded leaves stage. In any developmental stage (three or five expanded leaves) plants fail to promote enough elongation of leaf blades or pseudostems to emerge from the water, so that always remained below the water surface. Root aerenchyma was not increased by CS at either of these two plant developmental stages. The high amount and concentration of pseudostem total soluble carbohydrates of the larger (five expanded leaves) plants facilitated their recovery growth after submergence. Our results predict the successful introduction of this species in areas where water excesses can cause soil waterlogging or shallow-partial plant submergence, but suggest avoidance of areas prone to suffer high-intensity flooding that lead to full plant submergence as this would highly constrain plant recruitment.
Force and phosphate release from Arp2/3 complex promote dissociation of actin filament branches
Authors: Pandit Nandan G. , Cao Wenxiang , Bibeau Jeffrey , Johnson-Chavarria Eric M. , Taylor Edwin W. , Pollard Thomas D. , De La Cruz Enrique M.
Published: May 2020

Significance

Arp2/3 complex is an ATPase that binds to the side of a preexisting actin filament and nucleates an actin filament branch. Growing branched networks experience variable resistance and respond by adapting growth speed, power, and architecture. How force influences the dissociation of actin filament branches was not known. We used microfluidics to show that mechanical force promotes the dissociation of actin filament branches and that Arp2/3 complex adopts two distinct mechanical states with different responses to force. Phosphate release from Arp2/3 complex increases the sensitivity to both force and the debranching protein GMF. Thus, phosphate release from Arp2/3 complex may regulate debranching by force and debranching proteins.
Semisynthesis of an evasin from tick saliva reveals a critical role of tyrosine sulfation for chemokine binding and inhibition
Authors: Franck Charlotte , Foster Simon R. , Johansen-Leete Jason , Chowdhury Sayeeda , Cielesh Michelle , Bhusal Ram Prasad , Mackay Joel P. , Larance Mark , Stone Martin J. , Payne Richard J.
Published: May 2020

Blood-feeding arthropods produce antiinflammatory salivary proteins called evasins that function through inhibition of chemokine-receptor signaling in the host. Herein, we show that the evasin ACA-01 from theAmblyomma cajennensetick can be posttranslationally sulfated at two tyrosine residues, albeit as a mixture of sulfated variants. Homogenously sulfated variants of the proteins were efficiently assembled via a semisynthetic native chemical ligation strategy. Sulfation significantly improved the binding affinity of ACA-01 for a range of proinflammatory chemokines and enhanced the ability of ACA-01 to inhibit chemokine signaling through cognate receptors. Comparisons of evasin sequences and structural data suggest that tyrosine sulfation serves as a receptor mimetic strategy for recognizing and suppressing the proinflammatory activity of a wide variety of mammalian chemokines. As such, the incorporation of this posttranslational modification (PTM) or mimics thereof into evasins may provide a strategy to optimize tick salivary proteins for antiinflammatory applications.
A linear threshold model for optimal stopping behavior
Authors: Baumann Christiane , Singmann Henrik , Gershman Samuel J. , von Helversen Bettina
Published: May 2020

In many real-life decisions, options are distributed in space and time, making it necessary to search sequentially through them, often without a chance to return to a rejected option. The optimal strategy in these tasks is to choose the first option that is above a threshold that depends on the current position in the sequence. The implicit decision-making strategies by humans vary but largely diverge from this optimal strategy. The reasons for this divergence remain unknown. We present a model of human stopping decisions in sequential decision-making tasks based on a linear threshold heuristic. The first two studies demonstrate that the linear threshold model accounts better for sequential decision making than existing models. Moreover, we show that the model accurately predicts participants’ search behavior in different environments. In the third study, we confirm that the model generalizes to a real-world problem, thus providing an important step toward understanding human sequential decision making.
Bonded but un-bonded
Authors: Takekuro Makiko
Published: May 2020

Based on
naturally-occurring conversations and interview
narratives collected on Ishigaki Island in Japan’s
Okinawa Prefecture, this chapter presents
instances of “bonded but un-bonded” experience.
Drawing on the notion of discordance (Takekuro
2018), the chapter will bring unexpressed
conflicts into sharp focus. Through participants’
comments that suggest that they were not as bonded
as it seemed in their interaction, I will show
that aspects of bonding and un-bonding (defined as
a lack of or the opposites of bonding) are
intertwined in social life. Exploring the
resulting ambiguity of the two aspects, I attempt
to emphasize the importance of ethnographic
research and of incorporating the opposites of
bonding in considering how bonds are created and
maintained.