bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bamboo Biochar and a Nopal-Based Biofertilizer as Improvers of Alkaline Soils with Low Buffer Capacity
Authors: Cruz-Méndez Addi Santiago , Ortega-Ramírez Esaú , Lucho-Constantino Carlos Alexander , Arce-Cervantes Oscar , Vázquez-Rodríguez Gabriela Alejandra , Coronel-Olivares Claudia , Beltrán-Hernández Rosa Icela
Published: July 2021

Alkaline soils with low buffering capacity are susceptible to amendments such as biochar or biofertilizers, which could drastically alter their pH. For that, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a low biochar and biofertilizer addition to improve soil characteristics and the use of nutrients to reduce the doses of chemical fertilizer. For that, we measured the initial effect of biochar addition on the soil characteristics. Then, to evaluate the changes produced by biochar and biofertilizer on cultivated soil, we carried out a greenhouse experiment with Physalis ixocarpa for two crop cycles. We also studied the nutrient use efficiency, comparing chemical fertilization at 100% (without biochar) against 50% and 20% with biochar on crop yield, plant height, fruit weight, and root length. Finally, we compared the combination of biochar and biofertilizer with the treatments mentioned earlier. The results showed that after adding 0.2% of bamboo biochar, bulk density (BD) decreased while CEC, as well as OM, Pav, Fe, and Cu contents, increased in the soil. The combination of biochar and biofertilizer improved WHC, Pav, and OM comparing to the soil added with biochar. We found that the bamboo biochar and nopal-based fertilizer are suitable improvers for the studied soil.
Research on Fish Slicing Method Based on Simulated Annealing Algorithm
Authors: Liu Shuo , Wang Hao , Cai Yong
Published: July 2021

Multiobjective optimization is a common problem in the field of industrial cutting. In actual production settings, it is necessary to rely on the experience of skilled workers to achieve multiobjective collaborative optimization. The process of industrial intelligence is to perceive the parameters of a cut object through sensors and use machines instead of manual decision making. However, the traditional sequential algorithm cannot satisfy multiobjective optimization problems. This paper studies the multiobjective optimization problem of irregular objects in the field of aquatic product processing and uses the information guidance strategy to develop a simulated annealing algorithm to solve the problem according to the characteristics of the object itself. By optimizing the mutation strategy, the ability of the simulated annealing algorithm to jump out of the local optimal solution is improved. The project team developed an experimental prototype to verify the algorithm. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional sequential algorithm method, the simulated degradation algorithm designed in this paper effectively improves the quality of the target solution and greatly enhances the economic value of the product by addressing the multiobjective optimization problem of squid cutting. At the end of the article, the cutting error is analyzed.
Structural Damage Identification Using a Modified Directional Bat Algorithm
Authors: Su Yonghui , Liu Lijun , Lei Ying
Published: July 2021

Bat algorithm (BA) has been widely used to solve optimization problems in different fields. However, there are still some shortcomings of standard BA, such as premature convergence and lack of diversity. To solve this problem, a modified directional bat algorithm (MDBA) is proposed in this paper. Based on the directional bat algorithm (DBA), the individual optimal updating mechanism is employed to update a bat’s position by using its own optimal solution. Then, an elimination strategy is introduced to increase the diversity of the population, in which individuals with poor fitness values are eliminated, and new individuals are randomly generated. The proposed algorithm is applied to the structural damage identification and to an objective function composed of the actual modal information and the calculated modal information. Finally, the proposed MDBA is used to solve the damage detection of a beam-type bridge and a truss-type bridge, and the results are compared with those of other swarm intelligence algorithms and other variants of BA. The results show that in the case of the same small population number and few iterations, MDBA has more accurate identification and better convergence than other algorithms. Moreover, the study on anti-noise performance of the MDBA shows that the maximum relative error is only 5.64% at 5% noise level in the beam-type bridge, and 6.53% at 3% noise in the truss-type bridge, which shows good robustness.
Stimulation of Myofascial Trigger Points in the Sternocleidomastoid Evokes Facial Thermal Response Correlated with the Referred Pain
Authors: Caroccia Francesco , Raimondi Lucia , Moscagiuri Francesco , D’Attilio Michele
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this research is to identify and correlate the referred pain evocated by myofascial trigger points (TrPs) pressure pain threshold (PPT) in the sternocleidomastoid muscle using thermal infrared imaging (IR). Facial IR images of 46 volunteers (21 male and 25 female, average age 32 ± 6.3) undergoing PPT of five TrPs locations on the sternocleidomastoid belly were recorded. Each PPT lasted 10 s, with an interstimulus interval of 2 min. Sixteen thermal IR images were recorded for each subject: at baseline (t0), 2 s before PPT (t1), 2 s (t2) and 60 s (t3) after PPT of each TrPs location. During the interstimulus interval, subjects were asked to draw over a head–neck template displayed on a computer screen the areas of referred pain eventually evoked by the stimulation and the referred pain intensity by means of a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The VAS template was then superimposed with the IR records. Two temperature (T) variations were calculated: ΔT1 = T(t2) − T(t1) and ΔT2 = T(t3) − T(t1). Differences in ∆T range ≥ 0.2 °C have been considered significant. In 77% of the superimpositions, the referred pain area corresponded to a ΔT2 ≥ 0.2 °C while only the 59% corresponded to a ΔT1 ≥ 0.2 °C. In 19% of superimpositions, a ΔT2 ≥ 0.2 °C did not correspond to a referred pain area indicated by the patient, and this percentage lowers to 4% for ΔT1 ≥ 0.2 °C. None of the areas that reported a VAS of 0 or 1 showed a ΔT1 ≥ 0.2 °C or a ΔT2 ≥ 0.2 °C. Considering the limitations of this pilot study, IR could be used to identify referred pain evocated by TrPs on sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Dimensionless Correlations for Natural Convection Heat Transfer from a Pair of Vertical Staggered Plates Suspended in Free Air
Authors: Quintino Alessandro , Cianfrini Marta , Petracci Ivano , Spena Vincenzo Andrea , Corcione Massimo
Published: July 2021

Buoyancy-induced convection from a pair of staggered heated vertical plates suspended in free air is studied numerically with the main scope to investigate the basic heat and momentum transfer features and to determine in what measure any independent variable affects the thermal performance of each plate and both plates. A computational code based on the SIMPLE-C algorithm for pressure-velocity coupling is used to solve the system of the governing conservation equations of mass, momentum and energy. Numerical simulations are carried out for different values of the Rayleigh number based on the plate length, as well as of the horizontal separation distance between the plates and their vertical alignment, which are both normalized by the plate length. It is observed that an optimal separation distance between the plates for the maximum heat transfer rate related to the Rayleigh number and the vertical alignment of the plates does exist. Based on the results obtained, suitable dimensionless heat transfer correlations are developed for each plate and for the entire system.
New Stable Non-Vector Control Structure for Induction Motor Drive
Authors: Fedor Pavol , Perdukova Daniela , Bober Peter , Fedor Marek
Published: July 2021

The article focuses on a design and experimental verification of continuous nonlinear systems control based on a new control structure based on a linear reference model. An application of Lyapunov’s second method ensures its asymptotic stability conditions. The basic idea in the development of the control structure consists of utilizing additional information from a newly introduced state variable. The structure is applied for angular speed control of an induction motor (IM) drive representing a higher-order nonlinear system. The developed control algorithm helps to achieve the zero steady-state control deviation of the IM drive angular speed. Simulations and experiments performed in various operating states of the IM drive confirm the advantages of the new control structure. Except for set dynamics, the method ensures that the system is stable, invariant to disturbances, and is robust against variations of the parameters. When comparing the obtained control structure of the IM control with the classical vector control, the proposed control structure is simpler. In addition, the proposed control structure is linear, robust against variation in important parameters and invariant against external disturbances. The main advantage over conventional control techniques consists of the fact that the controller design does not require any exact knowledge of the system parameters and, moreover, it does not suffer from system stability problems. The method will find a wide applicability not only in the field of AC controlled drives with IM but also generally in control of industry applications.
Stiffening Effect of Fillers Based on Rheology and Micromechanics Models
Authors: Rahim Abdur , Milad Abdalrhman , Yusoff Nur Izzi Md , Airey Gordon , Thom Nick
Published: July 2021

The aggregate in an asphalt mixture is coated with mastic consisting of bitumen (dilute phase) and filler (particulates phase). The interaction of bitumen and filler and packing of filler plays an important role in the properties of mastics. The micromechanics models from composite rheology can be used to predict the stiffening effect of a suspension. In this research, the stiffening effect of fillers was investigated based on the rheology of mastic. The frequency sweep tests in a dynamic shear rheometer at different temperatures were performed within a linear viscoelastic range to construct the master curves. The volume fractions were expressed as compositional volumes of filler in mastic. The particle shape and surface texture are determined through microscopy. We used six micromechanics-based models to predict the stiffening potential of fillers in mastics. The models include Maron–Pierce, Lewis Nielsen, Mooney, Krieger–Dougherty, Chong, Robinson, and Hashin Models. The results show that the same volume content of filler has a different effective volume. The fillers increase the stiffening effect of the composite, especially at high temperatures. The behaviour of fillers with similar effective volume and packing is identical. The filler type affects the stiffening of mastics. Micromechanics modelling results show that most models show an accurate stiffening effect at lower concentrations with the exception of the Chong Model. The Maron–Pierce Model under-estimates the stiffening potential for granite mastic at higher concentrations beyond the 30% filler content fraction. The value of maximum packing fraction (ϕm) and Einstien coefficient (KE) in the Mooney model are significantly different from other models for limestone and granite, respectively. The line of equality graph shows good agreement of measured and predicted stiffness. It is difficult to precisely model the mastic data with any single model due to the presence of complex stiffening effects beyond volume filling.
Correction: Terunuma et al. A Cohort Study on Respiratory Symptoms and Diseases Caused by Toner-Handling Work: Longitudinal Analyses from 2003 to 2013. Atmosphere 2019, 10, 647
Authors: Terunuma Niina , Ikegami Kazunori , Kitamura Hiroko , Ando Hajime , Kurosaki Shizuka , Masuda Masashi , Kochi Takeshi , Yanagi Nobuaki , Ogami Akira , Higashi Toshiaki
Published: July 2021

There were errors in the original article [1] [...]
Deposition of Smoke Particles in Human Airways with Realistic Waveform
Authors: Paul Akshoy Ranjan , Khan Firoz , Jain Anuj , Saha Suvash Chandra
Published: July 2021

Exposure to toxic particles from smoke generated either from bush fire, stable burning, or direct smoking is very harmful to our health. The tiny particles easily penetrate deep into the lungs after exposure and damage the airways. Tobacco smoking causes the direct emission of 2.6 million tons of CO2 and 5.2 million tons of methane annually into the atmosphere. Nevertheless, it is one of the significant contributors to various respiratory diseases leading to lung cancer. These particles’ deposition in the human airway is computed in the present article for refining our understanding of the adverse health effects due to smoke particle inhalation, especially cigarette smoke. Until recently, little work has been reported to account for the transient flow pattern of cigarette smoking. Consideration of transient flow may change the deposition pattern of the particle. A high-resolution CT scan image of the respiratory tract model consisting of the oral cavity, throat, trachea, and first to sixth generations of the lungs helps predict cigarette smoke particle (CSP) deposition. With the same scan, a realistic geometric model of the human airways of an adult subject is used to simulate the transport of air and particle. The CSP deposition is determined at different locations from the oral cavity to the sixth generation of the bronchi. In addition, an unsteady breathing curve indicative of realistic smoking behavior is utilized to represent the breathing conditions accurately. The discrete phase model (DPM) technique is used to determine smoke particle deposition in the human airways. It is found that the deposition increases with the size of the smoke particle. Particles tend to deposit in the oral cavity around the bifurcation junction of the airways. The deposition fraction of CSP with the realistic waveform of smoking is found to be smaller compared to that during the stable flow condition. It is also observed that the fine particles (0.1–1.0 micron) escape to lower generations, leading to higher deposition of fine particles in the deeper airways. The outcome of the study is helpful for understanding smoke-related pulmonary complications.
Chemical Composition of Gas and Particle Phase Products of Toluene Photooxidation Reaction under High OH Exposure Condition
Authors: Lau Yik-Sze , Chan Man-Nin , Poon Hon-Yin , Tan Yan , Lee Shun-Cheng , Li Jianjun , Ho Kin-Fai
Published: July 2021

In the current study, the photooxidation reaction of toluene (C7H8) was investigated in a Potential Aerosol Mass Oxidation Flow Reactor (PAM OFR). The hydroxyl radical (OH) exposure of toluene in the PAM OFR ranged from 0.4 to 1.4 × 1012 molec cm−3 s, which is equivalent to 3 to 12 days of atmospheric oxidation. A proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometer (PTR-MS) and a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) were used to study the gas-phase products formed and particle number changes of the oxidation reaction in PAM OFR. The secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formed in the PAM OFR was also collected for off-line chemical analysis. Key gas-phase reaction products of toluene, including glyoxal, methyl glyoxal, unsaturated carbonyl compounds, and benzaldehyde, were identified by the PTR-MS. Second generation products, including acetic acid, formaldehyde, formic acid, and acetaldehyde, were also detected. By comparing the mass spectrums obtained under different OH exposures and relative humidity (RH), changes in the two parameters have minimal effects on the composition of gas-phase products formed, expect for the spectrum obtained at OH exposure of 0.4 × 1012 cm−3 s and RH = 17%, which is slightly different from other spectrums. SMPS results showed that particle mass concentration increases with increasing OH exposure, while particle number concentration first increases and then decreases with increasing OH exposure. This result probably suggests the formation of oligomers at high OH exposure conditions. Off-line chemical analysis of the SOA sample was dominated by C4 diacids, including malic acid, citramalic acid, and tartaric acid. The well-known toluene SOA marker 2,3-Dihydroxy-4-oxopentanoic acid, as well as 2,3-dihydroxyglutaric acid, which has not been identified in previous toluene photooxidation experiments, were also detected in the SOA sample. Our results showed good agreements with the results of previous smog chamber studies of toluene photooxidation reaction, and they suggested that using PAM OFR for studies of oxidation reaction of different VOCs can be atmospherically relevant.
HIF-1α as a Target Molecule in the Use of Triazino-Indole Derivative on the Acoustic Trauma Model
Authors: Pastushenkov Vladimir L. , Buynov Leonid G. , Kuznetsov Maksim S. , Dvorianchikov Vladimir V. , Glaznikov Lev A. , Pastushenkov Aleksandr L.
Published: July 2021

The effect of triazino-indole derivative (Trisan) on hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) expression level in the organ of Corti, when administering it for therapeutic and preventive purposes, was investigated using an acoustic trauma model in experimental animals (female F1 hybrids of CBA and C57BL/6 lines). Cytoflavin was used as a comparator product. Study product Trisan (1% solution) was injected intravenously, intramuscularly and intraperitoneally, in the dose of 5, 7 and 10 mg/kg 2 h after the acoustic trauma for therapeutic purposes and in the dose of 5, 7 and 10 mg/kg for 3 days before the acoustic trauma for preventive purposes. IHC methods were used to investigate the organ of Corti. Trisan was observed to increase HIF expression in hair cells and neurons of the spiral ganglion in case of acoustic trauma. Depending on the dose, the increased HIF-1 expression in hair cells and spiral ganglion occurred both after therapeutic and preventive use of Trisan. Maximum HIF expression in hair cells and ganglion was noted at the therapeutic and preventive drug dose of 10 mg/kg. Following experimental results, we conclude that the otoprotective effect of triazino-indole derivative is realized via its effect on HIF metabolism, which makes it a target molecule for the drug.
Versatile AC Current Control Technique for a Battery Using Power Converters
Authors: Islam S. M. Rakiul , Park Sung-Yeul
Published: July 2021

Although a battery is a DC device, AC current is often necessary for testing, preheating, impedance spectroscopy, and advanced charging. This paper presents a versatile control technique to inject AC current to a battery. Synchronous buck and H-bridge topologies are operated in bidirectional mode and controlled by uni-polar and bi-polar pulse width modulation techniques for the AC current injection. The input and output passive circuits are specially designed considering AC current and the properties of the battery. A controller is proposed considering a small internal impedance, small AC ripple voltage, and variable DC offset voltage of a battery. The controller is capable of maintaining stable operation of AC current injection in two power quadrant within a small DC voltage boundary of a battery. The controller is comprised of a feedback compensator, a feedforward term, and an estimator. The feedback gain is designed considering the internal impedance. The feedforward gain is designed based on estimated open circuit battery voltage and input voltage. The open circuit voltage estimator is designed based on filters and battery model. For validation, AC current is injected to a Valence U-12XP battery. The battery is rated for 40 Ah nominal capacity and 13.8 V nominal voltage The controller successfully injected AC current to a battery with +10 A, 0 A and −10 A DC currents. The magnitude and frequency of the AC current was up to 5 A and 2 kHz respectively.
Clozapine: Why Is It So Uniquely Effective in the Treatment of a Range of Neuropsychiatric Disorders?
Authors: Gammon Dara , Cheng Catherine , Volkovinskaia Anna , Baker Glen B. , Dursun Serdar M.
Published: July 2021

Clozapine is superior to other antipsychotics as a therapy for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder with increased risk of suicidal behavior. This drug has also been used in the off-label treatment of bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Although usually reserved for severe and treatment-refractory cases, it is interesting that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has also been used in the treatment of these psychiatric disorders, suggesting some common or related mechanisms. A literature review on the applications of clozapine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to the disorders mentioned above was undertaken, and this narrative review was prepared. Although both treatments have multiple actions, evidence to date suggests that the ability to elicit epileptiform activity and alter EEG activity, to increase neuroplasticity and elevate brain levels of neurotrophic factors, to affect imbalances in the relationship between glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and to reduce inflammation through effects on neuron–glia interactions are common underlying mechanisms of these two treatments. This evidence may explain why clozapine is effective in a range of neuropsychiatric disorders. Future increased investigations into epigenetic and connectomic changes produced by clozapine and ECT should provide valuable information about these two treatments and the disorders they are used to treat.
A Comparative Perspective on Functionally-Related, Intracellular Calcium Channels: The Insect Ryanodine and Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors
Authors: Toprak Umut , Doğan Cansu , Hegedus Dwayne
Published: July 2021

Calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis is vital for insect development and metabolism, and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a major intracellular reservoir for Ca2+. The inositol 1,4,5- triphosphate receptor (IP3R) and ryanodine receptor (RyR) are large homotetrameric channels associated with the ER and serve as two major actors in ER-derived Ca2+ supply. Most of the knowledge on these receptors derives from mammalian systems that possess three genes for each receptor. These studies have inspired work on synonymous receptors in insects, which encode a single IP3R and RyR. In the current review, we focus on a fundamental, common question: “why do insect cells possess two Ca2+ channel receptors in the ER?”. Through a comparative approach, this review covers the discovery of RyRs and IP3Rs, examines their structures/functions, the pathways that they interact with, and their potential as target sites in pest control. Although insects RyRs and IP3Rs share structural similarities, they are phylogenetically distinct, have their own structural organization, regulatory mechanisms, and expression patterns, which explains their functional distinction. Nevertheless, both have great potential as target sites in pest control, with RyRs currently being targeted by commercial insecticide, the diamides.
Functional and Stress Response Analysis of Heat Shock Proteins 40 and 90 of Giant River Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) under Temperature and Pathogenic Bacterial Exposure Stimuli
Authors: Ju-Ngam Tanya , McMillan Nichanun , Yoshimizu Mamoru , Kasai Hisae , Wongpanya Ratree , Srisapoome Prapansak
Published: July 2021

The aims of this research were to perform molecular characterization and biofunctional analyses of giant river prawn Hsp40 and Hsp90 genes (Mr-hsp40 and Mr-hsp90) under various stress conditions. Comparisons of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of Mr-hsp40 and Mr-hsp90 with those of other species showed the highest similarity scores with crustaceans. Under normal conditions, expression analysis using quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) indicated that Mr-hsp40 was highly expressed in the gills and testis, and Mr-hsp90 expression was observed in all tissues, with the highest expression in the ovary. The expression patterns of Mr-hsp40 and Mr-hsp90 transcripts under Aeromonas hydrophila challenge and heat–cold shock conditions were examined in gills, the hepatopancreas and hemocytes, at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 h by qRT-PCR. Under bacterial challenge, Mr-hsp40 displayed variable expression patterns in all tissues examined during the tested periods. In contrast, upregulated expression of Mr-hsp90 was quickly observed from 3 to 12 h in the gills and hepatopancreas, whereas obviously significant upregulation of Mr-hsp90 was observed in hemocytes at 12–96 h. Under temperature shock conditions, upregulation of Mr-hsp40 expression was detected in all tested tissues, while Mr-hsp90 expression was quickly upregulated at 3–48 h in all tissues in response to 35 °C conditions, and conditions of 35 and 25 °C stimulated its expression in gills and the hepatopancreas at 12 and 48 h, respectively. Silencing analyses of these two genes were successfully conducted under normal, high-temperature (35 °C) and A. hydrophila infection conditions. Overall, knockdown of Mr-hsp40 and Mr-hsp90 effectively induced more rapid and higher mortality than in the PBS control and GFP induction groups in temperature and infectious treatments. Evidence from this study clearly demonstrated the significant functional roles of Mr-hsp40 and Mr-hsp90, which are crucially involved in cellular stress responses to both temperature and pathogenic bacterial stimuli.
A Study on the Changes in Sharehouse Design in Korea
Authors: Lee Sungkyun
Published: July 2021

Among Korea’s household types, the demand for one-person housing, such as sharehouses, is noticeably increasing as lifestyle factors evolve. Sharehouses feature private bedrooms with communal spaces such as living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. This housing type has been supplied since 2010, yet its changes over time to meet demand have been underexplored. This study assesses the changing patterns of sharehouses by exploring six examples built between 2011 and 2019 and analyzing the changes in terms of communal space, personal space, and operating method. The results found that the later sharehouses eliminated the earlier sharehouses’ approach to uniform space configuration and operating methods, and manifested many changes (addition of work and cultural spaces; independent bathrooms and skip-floors to enhance privacy; and selection of residents being tailored to specific business/culture fields). Based on the findings, this study makes four suggestions to inform future spatial planning of sharehouses: (1) Spatial planning should reflect trends; (2) the target requirements for residents and ownership of sharehouses should be broadened; (3) operations and community programs should be developed; and (4) new laws and regulations specifically for sharehouses should be created.
Advanced Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems and Their Cellular Evaluation for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment
Authors: Mohtar Noratiqah , Parumasivam Thaigarajan , Gazzali Amirah Mohd , Tan Chu Shan , Tan Mei Lan , Othman Rozana , Fazalul Rahiman Siti Sarah , Wahab Habibah A.
Published: July 2021

Lung cancers, the number one cancer killer, can be broadly divided into small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with NSCLC being the most commonly diagnosed type. Anticancer agents for NSCLC suffer from various limitations that can be partly overcome by the application of nanomedicines. Nanoparticles is a branch within nanomedicine that can improve the delivery of anticancer drugs, whilst ensuring the stability and sufficient bioavailability following administration. There are many publications available in the literature exploring different types of nanoparticles from different materials. The effectiveness of a treatment option needs to be validated in suitable in vitro and/or in vivo models. This includes the developed nanoparticles, to prove their safety and efficacy. Many researchers have turned towards in vitro models that use normal cells or specific cells from diseased tissues. However, in cellular works, the physiological dynamics that is available in the body could not be mimicked entirely, and hence, there is still possible development of false positive or false negative results from the in vitro models. This article provides an overview of NSCLC, the different nanoparticles available to date, and in vitro evaluation of the nanoparticles. Different types of cells suitable for in vitro study and the important precautions to limit the development of false results are also extensively discussed.
Trastuzumab Mechanism of Action; 20 Years of Research to Unravel a Dilemma
Authors: Maadi Hamid , Soheilifar Mohammad Hasan , Choi Won-Shik , Moshtaghian Abdolvahab , Wang Zhixiang
Published: July 2021

Trastuzumab as a first HER2-targeted therapy for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer patients was introduced in 1998. Although trastuzumab has opened a new avenue to treat patients with HER2-positive breast cancer and other types of cancer, some patients are not responsive or become resistant to this treatment. So far, several mechanisms have been suggested for the mode of action of trastuzumab; however, the findings regarding these mechanisms are controversial. In this review, we aimed to provide a detailed insight into the various mechanisms of action of trastuzumab.
MiRNA Profiling in Plasma and Placenta of SARS-CoV-2-Infected Pregnant Women
Authors: Saulle Irma , Garziano Micaela , Fenizia Claudio , Cappelletti Gioia , Parisi Francesca , Clerici Mario , Cetin Irene , Savasi Valeria , Biasin Mara
Published: July 2021

MicroRNAs are gene expression regulators associated with several human pathologies, including those generated by viral infections. Their role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 has been investigated and reviewed in many informative studies; however, a thorough miRNA outline in SARS-CoV-2-infected pregnant women (SIPW), at both systemic and placental levels, is missing. To fill this gap, blood and placenta biopsies collected at delivery from 15 asymptomatic SIPW were immediately analysed for: miRNA expression (n = 84) (QPCR array), antiviral/immune mRNA target expression (n = 74) (QGene) and cytokine/chemokines production (n = 27) (Multiplex ELISA). By comparing these results with those obtained from six uninfected pregnant women (UPW), we observed that, following SARS-CoV-2 infection, the transcriptomic profile of pregnant women is significantly altered in different anatomical districts, even in the absence of clinical symptoms and vertical transmission. This characteristic combination of miRNA and antiviral/immune factors seems to control both the infection and the dysfunctional immune reaction, thus representing a positive correlate of protection and a potential therapeutic target against SARS-CoV-2.
Unveiling the Roles of Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein 6 in Intestinal Homeostasis, Regeneration and Oncogenesis
Authors: Raisch Jennifer , Côté-Biron Anthony , Langlois Marie-Josée , Leblanc Caroline , Rivard Nathalie
Published: July 2021

Intestinal epithelial self-renewal is tightly regulated by signaling pathways controlling stem cell proliferation, determination and differentiation. In particular, Wnt/β-catenin signaling controls intestinal crypt cell division, survival and maintenance of the stem cell niche. Most colorectal cancers are initiated by mutations activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Wnt signals are transduced through Frizzled receptors and LRP5/LRP6 coreceptors to downregulate GSK3β activity, resulting in increased nuclear β-catenin. Herein, we explored if LRP6 expression is required for maintenance of intestinal homeostasis, regeneration and oncogenesis. Mice with an intestinal epithelial cell-specific deletion of Lrp6 (Lrp6IEC-KO) were generated and their phenotype analyzed. No difference in intestinal architecture nor in proliferative and stem cell numbers was found in Lrp6IEC-KO mice in comparison to controls. Nevertheless, using ex vivo intestinal organoid cultures, we found that LRP6 expression was critical for crypt cell proliferation and stem cell maintenance. When exposed to dextran sodium sulfate, Lrp6IEC-KO mice developed more severe colitis than control mice. However, loss of LRP6 did not affect tumorigenesis in ApcMin/+ mice nor growth of human colorectal cancer cells. By contrast, Lrp6 silencing diminished anchorage-independent growth of BRafV600E-transformed intestinal epithelial cells (IEC). Thus, LRP6 controls intestinal stem cell functionality and is necessary for BRAF-induced IEC oncogenesis.
Development of Solid–Fluid Reaction Models—A Literature Review
Authors: Dong Leilei , Mazzarino Italo , Alexiadis Alessio
Published: July 2021

A comprehensive review is carried out on the models and correlations for solid/fluid reactions that result from a complex multi-scale physicochemical process. A simulation of this process with CFD requires various complicated submodels and significant computational time, which often makes it undesirable and impractical in many industrial activities requiring a quick solution within a limited time frame, such as new product/process design, feasibility studies, and the evaluation or optimization of the existing processes, etc. In these circumstances, the existing models and correlations developed in the last few decades are of significant relevance and become a useful simulation tool. However, despite the increasing research interests in this area in the last thirty years, there is no comprehensive review available. This paper is thus motivated to review the models developed so far, as well as provide the selection guidance for model and correlations for the specific application to help engineers and researchers choose the most appropriate model for feasible solutions. Therefore, this review is also of practical relevance to professionals who need to perform engineering design or simulation work. The areas needing further development in solid–fluid reaction modelling are also identified and discussed.
Functional Data Visualization and Outlier Detection on the Anomaly of El Niño Southern Oscillation
Authors: Suhaila Jamaludin
Published: July 2021

The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a well-known cause of year-to-year climatic variations on Earth. Floods, droughts, and other natural disasters have been linked to the ENSO in various parts of the world. Hence, modeling the ENSO’s effects and the anomaly of the ENSO phenomenon has become a main research interest. Statistical methods, including linear and nonlinear models, have intensively been used in modeling the ENSO index. However, these models are unable to capture sufficient information on ENSO index variability, particularly on its temporal aspects. Hence, this study adopted functional data analysis theory by representing a multivariate ENSO index (MEI) as functional data in climate applications. This study included the functional principal component, which is purposefully designed to find new functions that reveal the most important type of variation in the MEI curve. Simultaneously, graphical methods were also used to visualize functional data and capture outliers that may not have been apparent from the original data plot. The findings suggest that the outliers obtained from the functional plot are then related to the El Niño and La Niña phenomena. In conclusion, the functional framework was found to be more flexible in representing the climate phenomenon as a whole.
Molecular and Supramolecular Structures of Cd(II) Complexes with Hydralazine-Based Ligands; A New Example for Cyclization of Hydrazonophthalazine to Triazolophthalazine
Authors: Soliman Saied M. , Massoud Raghdaa A. , Al-Rasheed Hessa H. , El-Faham Ayman
Published: July 2021

Molecular and supramolecular structures of two polymeric and one trinuclear Cd(II) complex with hydralazine-type ligands were presented. Self-assembly of E-1-(2-(thiophen-2-ylmethylene)hydrazinyl)phthalazine (HL) and CdCl2 gave the 1D coordination polymer [Cd(H2L)Cl3]n*H2O, 1, in which the Cd(II) ion is hexa-coordinated with one cationic monodentate ligand (H2L+) and five chloride ions, two of them acting as connectors between Cd(II) centers, leading to the formation of a 1D coordination polymer along the a-direction. Using DFT calculations, the cationic ligand (H2L+) could be described as a protonated HL with an extra proton at the hydrazone moiety. Repeating the same reaction by heating under reflux conditions in the presence of 1 mL saturated aqueous KSCN solution, the ligand HL underwent cyclization to the corresponding [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]phthalazine-3(2H)-thione (TPT) followed by the formation of [Cd(TPT)(SCN)2]n*H2O, 2, a 1D coordination polymer. In this complex, the Cd(II) is coordinated with one NS-donor TPT bidentate chelate and two bridged μ(1,3)-thiocyanate ions connecting the Cd(II) centers forming the 1D polymer array along the b-direction. Heating E-2-(1-(2-(phthalazin-1-yl)hydrazono)ethyl)phenol HLOH with CdCl2 under reflux condition gave the trinuclear complex [Cd3(Hydralazine)2(H2O)2Cl6], 3, indicating the hydrolysis of the hydrazonophthalazine ligand HLOH during the course of the reaction. Due to symmetry considerations, there are only two different Cd(II) centers having CdN2Cl3O and CdN2Cl4 coordination environments. Hirshfeld topology analysis was used to analyze the solid-state supramolecular structure of the studied complexes.
Nematodes of Amphibians from the South American Chaco: Distribution, Host Specificity and Ecological Aspects
Authors: González Cynthya E. , Hamann Monika I. , Duré Marta I.
Published: July 2021

This is the first review of the nematode parasites of amphibians from Dry Chaco (DC) and Humid Chaco (HC) ecoregions of South America, covering aspects related to their systematics, distribution, host range and ecology, including their life cycles. Of approximately 100 species of amphibians that inhabit these ecoregions, the nematode parasites of 32 species are known. The parasite species consisted of 51 taxa: 27 in HC and 18 in DC. The family Cosmocercidae alone included 18 species. Aplectana hylambatis and Cosmocerca podicipinus showed the widest geographical and host distribution. Leptodactylus bufonius and Rhinella major presented a high number of nematode parasites. The species richness of nematodes was related to the host body sizes and to the strategy to obtain prey. The mean species richness was higher in terrestrial amphibians with intermediate characteristics in the generalist–specialist spectrum in terms of diet, and in amphibians with intermediate characteristics between actively foraging and the “sit-and-wait” approach in terms of searching for prey. The patterns of similarity among amphibian species showed groups linking with their habitats. Nematodes usually have direct life cycles with the infectious form entering the host passively or actively. However, many amphibians are also involved in heteroxenous cycles that develop in the aquatic environment.
The Shannon–McMillan Theorem Proves Convergence to Equiprobability of Boltzmann’s Microstates
Authors: Spalvieri Arnaldo
Published: July 2021

This paper shows that, for a large number of particles and for distinguishable and non-interacting identical particles, convergence to equiprobability of the W microstates of the famous Boltzmann–Planck entropy formula S = k log(W) is proved by the Shannon–McMillan theorem, a cornerstone of information theory. This result further strengthens the link between information theory and statistical mechanics.
Possibilities of Practical Use of Historical Distributions of Ash, Sulfur and Mercury Contents in Commercial Steam Coal of the USCB
Authors: Pyka Ireneusz , Kempa Wojciech , Wierzchowski Krzysztof
Published: July 2021

In the process of extracting hard coal, extensive databases are created on its quality parameters. A statistical assessment was made of the ash, sulfur, and mercury content of commercial coals produced in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB). The statistical methods applied: non-parametric tests of compatibility for two populations, parametric significance tests, and non-parametric tests of compatibility for the three populations, showed that the distributions of ash and sulfur content in 2014 and 2015 are comparable and the average values are similar. Statistical tests indicated significant differences in the mercury content distributions and their variances. This demonstrates the need for ongoing monitoring of mercury content in commercial coals, as a prediction of mercury content from historical data is hardly possible.
Prediction of Liner Metal Temperature of an Aeroengine Combustor with Multi-Physics Scale-Resolving CFD
Authors: Bertini Davide , Mazzei Lorenzo , Andreini Antonio
Published: July 2021

Computational Fluid Dynamics is a fundamental tool to simulate the flow field and the multi-physics nature of the phenomena involved in gas turbine combustors, supporting their design since the very preliminary phases. Standard steady state RANS turbulence models provide a reasonable prediction, despite some well-known limitations in reproducing the turbulent mixing in highly unsteady flows. Their affordable cost is ideal in the preliminary design steps, whereas, in the detailed phase of the design process, turbulence scale-resolving methods (such as LES or similar approaches) can be preferred to significantly improve the accuracy. Despite that, in dealing with multi-physics and multi-scale problems, as for Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT) in presence of radiation, transient approaches are not always affordable and appropriate numerical treatments are necessary to properly account for the huge range of characteristics scales in space and time that occur when turbulence is resolved and heat conduction is simulated contextually. The present work describes an innovative methodology to perform CHT simulations accounting for multi-physics and multi-scale problems. Such methodology, named U-THERM3D, is applied for the metal temperature prediction of an annular aeroengine lean burn combustor. The theoretical formulations of the tool are described, together with its numerical implementation in the commercial CFD code ANSYS Fluent. The proposed approach is based on a time de-synchronization of the involved time dependent physics permitting to significantly speed up the calculation with respect to fully coupled strategy, preserving at the same time the effect of unsteady heat transfer on the final time averaged predicted metal temperature. The results of some preliminary assessment tests of its consistency and accuracy are reported before showing its exploitation on the real combustor. The results are compared against steady-state calculations and experimental data obtained by full annular tests at real scale conditions. The work confirms the importance of high-fidelity CFD approaches for the aerothermal prediction of liner metal temperature.
Gaussian Belief Propagation on a Field-Programmable Gate Array for Solving Linear Equation Systems
Authors: Wiedemann Thomas , Spengler Julian
Published: July 2021

Solving Linear Equation System (LESs) is a common problem in numerous fields of science. Even though the problem is well studied and powerful solvers are available nowadays, solving LES is still a bottleneck in many numerical applications concerning computation time. This issue especially pertains to applications in mobile robotics constrained by real-time requirements, where on-top power consumption and weight play an important role. This paper provides a general framework to approximately solve large LESs by Gaussian Belief Propagation (GaBP), which is extremely suitable for parallelization and implementation in hardware on a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). We derive the simple update rules of the Message Passing Algorithm for GaBP and show how to implement the approach efficiently on a System on a Programmable Chip (SoPC). In particular, multiple dedicated co-processors take care of recurring computations in GaBP. Exploiting multiple Direct Memory Access (DMA) controllers in scatter-gather mode and available arithmetic logic slices for numerical calculations accelerate the algorithm. Presented evaluations demonstrate that the approach does not only provide an accurate approximative solution of the LES. It also outperforms traditional solvers with respect to computation time for certain LESs.
Energy Security and Portfolio Diversification: Conventional and Novel Perspectives
Authors: Bollino Carlo Andrea , Galkin Philipp
Published: July 2021

Despite the recent expansion of the scope, the main pillars of energy security remain physical supply and price components. This paper highlights the novel developments of this notion, including the exporters’ perspective, relevant challenges, indicators, and policies. Furthermore, we apply the portfolio theory approach to five Gulf Cooperation Council countries to construct portfolios representing the trade-offs between maximizing returns (oil export growth or export prices) and minimizing risks (standard deviation of return variables). We assess portfolios’ resilience to external demand and logistical shocks by running several disruptive scenarios. We find that oil exporters adopt a balanced approach to the risks associated with export volume growth and pricing, which is different from some major oil importers that prioritize either the physical supply or price stability. Simulation scenarios of increasing oil exports to China would have a significant impact mainly on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but not on the others, while scenarios of reduced oil exports to the United States would impact mainly Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. A blockade of the Malacca Strait would reduce export volumes and increase portfolio risks for all five economies, with Kuwait and Oman most affected.
Research on Blade Design of Lift–Drag-Composite Tidal-Energy Turbine at Low Flow Velocity
Authors: Jiang Chuhua , Shu Xuedao , Chen Junhua , Bao Lingjie , Xu Yawen
Published: July 2021

The research on tidal-current energy-capture technology mainly focuses on the conditions of high flow velocity, focusing on the use of differential pressure lift, while the average flow velocity in most sea areas of China is less than 1.5 m/s, especially in the marine aquaculture area, where tidal-current energy is needed to provide green energy locally. Due to the low flow velocity of this type of sea area, it seriously affects the effect of differential pressure lift, which is conducive to exerting the effect of impact resistance. In this regard, the coupling effect of the differential pressure lift and the impact resistance on the blade torque is comprehensively considered, this research puts forward the design method of the lift-–drag-composite thin-plate arc turbine blade. Based on the blade element momentum (BEM) theory and Bernoulli’s principle, the turbine dynamic model was established, and the nonlinear optimization method was used to solve the shape parameters of the turbine blades, and the thin-plate arc and NACA airfoil blade turbines were trial-produced under the same conditions. A model experiment was carried out in the experimental pool, and the Xiangshan sea area in Ningbo, East China Sea was taken as the experimental sea area. The results of the two experiments showed the same trend, indicating that the energy-harvesting performance of the lift–drag-composite blade was significantly better than that of the lift blade under the conditions of low flow velocity and small radius, which verified the correctness of the blade design method, and can promote the research and development of tidal energy under the conditions of low flow velocity and small radius.