bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Priming of the cGAS-STING-TBK1 Pathway Enhances LPS-Induced Release of Type I Interferons
Authors: Tesser Alessandra , Piperno Giulia Maria , Pin Alessia , Piscianz Elisa , Boz Valentina , Benvenuti Federica , Tommasini Alberto
Published: April 2021

Cytoplasmic nucleic acids sensing through cGAS-STING-TBK1 pathway is crucial for the production of antiviral interferons (IFNs). IFN production can also be induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation through Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in appropriate conditions. Of note, both IFN production and dysregulated LPS-response could play a role in the pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Indeed, LPS can trigger SLE in lupus-prone mice and bacterial infections can induce disease flares in human SLE. However, the interactions between cGAS and TLR4 pathways to IFNs have been poorly investigated. To address this issue, we studied LPS-stimulation in cellular models with a primed cGAS-STING-TBK1 pathway. cGAS-stimulation was naturally sustained by undigested self-nucleic acids in fibroblasts from DNase2-deficiency interferonopathy, whilst it was pharmacologically obtained by cGAMP-stimulation in THP1 cells and murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. We showed that cells with a primed cGAS-STING-TBK1 pathway displayed enhanced IFNs production after TLR4-challenge. STING-inhibition did not affect IFN production after LPS alone, but prevented the amplified IFN production in cGAMP-primed cells, suggesting that functional STING is required for priming-dependent enhancement. Furthermore, we speculated that an increased PIK3AP1 expression in DNase2-deficient fibroblasts may link cGAMP-priming with increased LPS-induced IFN production. We showed that both the hyper-expression of PIK3API and the enhanced LPS-induced IFN production can be contrasted by STING inhibitors. Our results may explain how bacterial LPS can synergize with cGAS-pathway in promoting the development of SLE-like autoimmunity.
Artificial Intelligence & Tissue Biomarkers: Advantages, Risks and Perspectives for Pathology
Authors: Lancellotti Cesare , Cancian Pierandrea , Savevski Victor , Kotha Soumya Rupa Reddy , Fraggetta Filippo , Graziano Paolo , Di Tommaso Luca
Published: April 2021

Tissue Biomarkers are information written in the tissue and used in Pathology to recognize specific subsets of patients with diagnostic, prognostic or predictive purposes, thus representing the key elements of Personalized Medicine. The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises to further reinforce the role of Pathology in the scenario of Personalized Medicine: AI-based devices are expected to standardize the evaluation of tissue biomarkers and also to discover novel information, which would otherwise be ignored by human review, and use them to make specific predictions. In this review we will present how AI has been used to support Tissue Biomarkers evaluation in the specific field of Pathology, give an insight to the intriguing field of AI-based biomarkers and discuss possible advantages, risk and perspectives for Pathology.
Protein Binding Partners of Dysregulated miRNAs in Parkinson’s Disease Serum
Authors: Ruf Wolfgang P. , Freischmidt Axel , Grozdanov Veselin , Roth Valerie , Brockmann Sarah J. , Mollenhauer Brit , Martin Dorothea , Haslinger Bernhard , Fundel-Clemens Katrin , Otto Markus , Arnim Christine von , Holzmann Karlheinz , Ludolph Albert C. , Weishaupt Jochen H. , Danzer Karin M.
Published: April 2021

Accumulating evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) are a contributing factor to neurodegenerative diseases. Although altered miRNA profiles in serum or plasma have been reported for several neurodegenerative diseases, little is known about the interaction between dysregulated miRNAs and their protein binding partners. We found significant alterations of the miRNA abundance pattern in serum and in isolated serum-derived extracellular vesicles of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. The differential expression of miRNA in PD patients was more robust in serum than in isolated extracellular vesicles and could separate PD patients from healthy controls in an unsupervised approach to a high degree. We identified a novel protein interaction partner for the strongly dysregulated hsa-mir-4745-5p. Our study provides further evidence for the involvement of miRNAs and HNF4a in PD. The demonstration that miRNA-protein binding might mediate the pathologic effects of HNF4a both by direct binding to it and by binding to proteins regulated by it suggests a complex role for miRNAs in pathology beyond the dysregulation of transcription.
Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell-Derived Smooth Muscle Cells Increase Angiogenesis to Treat Hindlimb Ischemia
Authors: Gao Xixiang , Gao Mingjie , Gorecka Jolanta , Langford John , Liu Jia , Luo Jiesi , Taniguchi Ryosuke , Matsubara Yutaka , Liu Hao , Guo Lianrui , Gu Yongquan , Qyang Yibing , Dardik Alan
Published: April 2021

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) represent an innovative, somatic cell-derived, easily obtained and renewable stem cell source without considerable ethical issues. iPSC and their derived cells may have enhanced therapeutic and translational potential compared with other stem cells. We previously showed that human iPSC-derived smooth muscle cells (hiPSC-SMC) promote angiogenesis and wound healing. Accordingly, we hypothesized that hiPSC-SMC may be a novel treatment for human patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia who have no standard options for therapy. We determined the angiogenic potential of hiPSC-SMC in a murine hindlimb ischemia model. hiPSC-SMC were injected intramuscularly into nude mice after creation of hindlimb ischemia. Functional outcomes and perfusion were measured using standardized scores, laser Doppler imaging, microCT, histology and immunofluorescence. Functional outcomes and blood flow were improved in hiPSC-SMC-treated mice compared with controls (Tarlov score, p < 0.05; Faber score, p < 0.05; flow, p = 0.054). hiPSC-SMC-treated mice showed fewer gastrocnemius fibers (p < 0.0001), increased fiber area (p < 0.0001), and enhanced capillary density (p < 0.01); microCT showed more arterioles (<96 μm). hiPSC-SMC treatment was associated with fewer numbers of macrophages, decreased numbers of M1-type (p < 0.05) and increased numbers of M2-type macrophages (p < 0.0001). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in ischemic limbs was significantly elevated with hiPSC-SMC treatment (p < 0.05), and inhibition of VEGFR-2 with SU5416 was associated with fewer capillaries in hiPSC-SMC-treated limbs (p < 0.0001). hiPSC-SMC promote VEGF-mediated angiogenesis, leading to improved hindlimb ischemia. Stem cell therapy using iPSC-derived cells may represent a novel and potentially translatable therapy for limb-threatening ischemia.
Comparative Neurodevelopment Effects of Bisphenol A and Bisphenol F on Rat Fetal Neural Stem Cell Models
Authors: Gill Santokh , Kumara V. M. Ruvin
Published: April 2021

Bisphenol A (BPA) is considered as one of the most extensively synthesized and used chemicals for industrial and consumer products. Previous investigations have established that exposure to BPA has been linked to developmental, reproductive, cardiovascular, immune, and metabolic effects. Several jurisdictions have imposed restrictions and/or have banned the use of BPA in packaging material and other consumer goods. Hence, manufacturers have replaced BPA with its analogues that have a similar chemical structure. Some of these analogues have shown similar endocrine effects as BPA, while others have not been assessed. In this investigation, we compared the neurodevelopmental effects of BPA and its major replacement Bisphenol F (BPF) on rat fetal neural stem cells (rNSCs). rNSCs were exposed to cell-specific differentiation media with non-cytotoxic doses of BPA or BPF at the range of 0.05 M to 100 M concentrations and measured the degree of cell proliferation, differentiation, and morphometric parameters. Both of these compounds increased cell proliferation and impacted the differentiation rates of oligodendrocytes and neurons, in a concentration-dependent manner. Further, there were concentration-dependent decreases in the maturation of oligodendrocytes and neurons, with a concomitant increase in immature oligodendrocytes and neurons. In contrast, neither BPA nor BPF had any overall effect on cellular proliferation or the cytotoxicity of astrocytes. However, there was a concentration-dependent increase in astrocyte differentiation and morphological changes. Morphometric analysis for the astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neurons showed a reduction in the arborization. These data show that fetal rNSCs exposed to either BPA or BPF lead to comparable changes in the cellular differentiation, proliferation, and arborization processes.
Does Hyperglycemia Cause Oxidative Stress in the Diabetic Rat Retina?
Authors: Ola Mohammad Shamsul
Published: April 2021

Diabetes, being a metabolic disease dysregulates a large number of metabolites and factors. However, among those altered metabolites, hyperglycemia is considered as the major factor to cause an increase in oxidative stress that initiates the pathophysiology of retinal damage leading to diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes-induced oxidative stress in the diabetic retina and its damaging effects are well known, but still, the exact source and the mechanism of hyperglycemia-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation especially through mitochondria remains uncertain. In this study, we analyzed precisely the generation of ROS and the antioxidant capacity of enzymes in a real-time situation under ex vivo and in vivo conditions in the control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat retinas. We also measured the rate of flux through the citric acid cycle by determining the oxidation of glucose to CO2 and glutamate, under ex vivo conditions in the control and diabetic retinas. Measurements of H2O2 clearance from the ex vivo control and diabetic retinas indicated that activities of mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes are intact in the diabetic retina. Short-term hyperglycemia seems to influence a decrease in ROS generation in the diabetic retina compared to controls, which is also correlated with a decreased oxidation rate of glucose in the diabetic retina. However, an increase in the formation of ROS was observed in the diabetic retinas compared to controls under in vivo conditions. Thus, our results suggest of diabetes/hyperglycemia-induced non-mitochondrial sources may serve as major sources of ROS generation in the diabetic retina as opposed to widely believed hyperglycemia-induced mitochondrial sources of excess ROS. Therefore, hyperglycemia per se may not cause an increase in oxidative stress, especially through mitochondria to damage the retina as in the case of diabetic retinopathy.
Use of Paclitaxel to Successfully Treat Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Kaposi Sarcoma in Southwestern Tanzania
Authors: Adinani Hamidu , Campbell Liane , El-Mallawany Nader Kim , Slone Jeremy , Mehta Parth , Bacha Jason
Published: April 2021

Treating Kaposi sarcoma (KS) in children, adolescents, and young adults (AYA) remains a challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) where chemotherapy options and availability are limited. We describe a retrospective cohort review of pediatric patients with KS treated with paclitaxel in Mbeya, Tanzania, between 1 March 2011 and 31 December 2019. Paclitaxel was given to patients who had KS relapse, a contraindication to bleomycin, vincristine, and doxorubicin (ABV), special circumstances in which a clinician determined that paclitaxel was preferable to ABV, or experienced treatment failure, defined as persistent KS symptoms at the completion of treatment. All patients also received multidisciplinary palliative care. Seventeen patients aged 5.1–21.3 years received paclitaxel, of whom 47.1% (8/17) had treatment failure, 29.4% (5/17) received paclitaxel as initial treatment, and 23.5% (4/17) had relapsed. All HIV positive patients (16/17) were given anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and 87.5% (14/16) achieved viral load <1000 cp/mL. At censure, 82.3% (14/17) of patients were alive—71.4% (10/14) achieved complete clinical remission and 28.6% (4/14) achieved a partial response. The median follow up was 37.3 months (range 8.0–83.5, IQR 19.7–41.6), and no patients were lost to follow up. In this cohort, high rates of long-term survival and favorable outcomes were possible with paclitaxel treatment.
High Stability of Liquid-Typed White Light-Emitting Diode with Zn0.8Cd0.2S White Quantum Dots
Authors: Huang Chin-Chuan , Chu Kuo-Hsiung , Sher Chin-Wei , Lin Chun-Liang , Su Yan-Kuin , Sun Chia-Wei , Kuo Hao-Chung
Published: April 2021

In this study, we demonstrate a new design of white light-emitting diode (WLED) with high stability and luminous efficiency as well as positive aging. Colloidal ternary Zn0.8Cd0.2S (named Zn0.8) white quantum dots (WQDs) were prepared by chemical route and dispersed in xylene, integrating them into an ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV-LED) to form WQD-white light emitting diode (WQD-WLED). High efficiency, high color quality and excellent reliability of WQD-WLED with neutral white correlated color temperature (CCT) can be obtained. The experimental results indicate that the stability of relative luminous efficiency and color rendering index (CRI) of the WQD-WLED can reach up to 160 and 82%, respectively. Moreover, the WQD-WLED can operate more than 1000 h under 100 mA, and the quantity of WQDs in the glass package can be reduced.
Experimental Evidence of Generation and Reception by a Transluminal Axisymmetric Shear Wave Elastography Prototype
Authors: Gomez Antonio , Hurtado Manuel , Callejas Antonio , Torres Jorge , Saffari Nader , Rus Guillermo
Published: April 2021

Experimental evidence on testing a non-ultrasonic-based probe for a new approach in transluminal elastography was presented. The proposed modality generated shear waves by inducing oscillatory rotation on the lumen wall. Detection of the propagated waves was achieved at a set of receivers in mechanical contact with the lumen wall. The excitation element of the probe was an electromagnetic rotational actuator whilst the sensing element was comprised by a uniform anglewise arrangement of four piezoelectric receivers. The prototype was tested in two soft-tissue-mimicking phantoms that contained lumenlike conduits and stiffer inclusions. The shear wave speed of the different components of the phantoms was characterized using shear wave elastography. These values were used to estimate the time-of-flight of the expected reflections. Ultrafast ultrasound imaging, based on Loupas’ algorithm, was used to estimate the displacement field in transversal planes to the lumenlike conduit and to compare against the readouts from the transluminal transmission–reception tests. Experimental observations between ultrafast imaging and the transluminal probe were in good agreement, and reflections due to the stiffer inclusions were detected by the transluminal probe. The obtained experimental evidence provided proof-of-concept for the transluminal elastography probe and encouraged further exploration of clinical applications.
Debiased/Double Machine Learning for Instrumental Variable Quantile Regressions
Authors: Chen Jau-er , Huang Chien-Hsun , Tien Jia-Jyun
Published: April 2021

In this study, we investigate the estimation and inference on a low-dimensional causal parameter in the presence of high-dimensional controls in an instrumental variable quantile regression. Our proposed econometric procedure builds on the Neyman-type orthogonal moment conditions of a previous study (Chernozhukov et al. 2018) and is thus relatively insensitive to the estimation of the nuisance parameters. The Monte Carlo experiments show that the estimator copes well with high-dimensional controls. We also apply the procedure to empirically reinvestigate the quantile treatment effect of 401(k) participation on accumulated wealth.
Redesigning Mathematical Curriculum for Blended Learning
Authors: Stahl Gerry
Published: April 2021

The Coronavirus pandemic has thrown public schooling into crisis, trying to juggle shifting instructional modes: classrooms, online, home-schooling, student pods, hybrid and blends of these. This poses an urgent need to redesign curriculum using available technology to implement approaches that incorporate the findings of the learning sciences, including the emphasis on collaborative learning, computer mediation, student discourse and embodied feedback. This paper proposes a model of such learning, illustrated using existing dynamic-geometry technology to translate Euclidean geometry study into collaborative learning by student pods. The technology allows teachers and students to interact with the same material in multiple modes, so that blended approaches can be flexibly adapted to students with diverse preferred learning approaches or needs and structured into parallel or successive phases of blended learning. The technology can be used by online students, co-located small groups and school classrooms, with teachers and students having shared access to materials and to student work across interaction modes.
The Role of Competitive Robotics in Providing Context to Classroom Learning and Technical Skill Development in School Age Students—A Survey of Current Avenues, Assessment, and Path Forward with Systematic Implementation
Authors: Dwivedi Rajeev , Kumar Arpan , Babu Bharathy , Grandhi Nipun , Meka Rishi , Ahuja Varun
Published: April 2021

Finding context, examples, and ample hands-on experimentation is fundamental for understanding complex ideas in subjects such as science and math. Recent popularity of competitive robotics has become a catalyst in the development of DIY and hobby kits. Manufacturers have made available easy to work, re-configurable, and functional, structural elements as well as control electronics. Additionally, extensive participation from the open-source software community is providing cutting edge and effective software. Despite all the right ingredients, competitive robotics continues to be unregulated and non-standardized. Additionally, in absence of regulations and standards, the organizers, suppliers, educators, and participants are left to their own means and resources that necessarily may not align with systematic learning. The cost of approved competitive kits as well as field kits becomes inhibitive for students from poorer communities. This paper surveys a wide range of competitive robotics avenues available to school-age students. A survey with various stake holders including participants, mentors, referees, and organizers is done and findings are included. A path for standardizing competitive robotics within the framework of the World Robotics League is found to be an effective tool to train the students. A description of the World Robotics League framework and initial findings are reported.
CoLL-IoT: A Collaborative Intruder Detection System for Internet of Things Devices
Authors: Alshahrani Hani Mohammed
Published: April 2021

The Internet of Things (IoT) and its applications are becoming popular among many users nowadays, as it makes their life easier. Because of its popularity, attacks that target these devices have increased dramatically, which might cause the entire system to be unavailable. Some of these attacks are denial of service attack, sybil attack, man in the middle attack, and replay attack. Therefore, as the attacks have increased, the detection solutions to detect malware in the IoT have also increased. Most of the current solutions often have very serious limitations, and malware is becoming more apt in taking advantage of them. Therefore, it is important to develop a tool to overcome the existing limitations of current detection systems. This paper presents CoLL-IoT, a CoLLaborative intruder detection system that detects malicious activities in IoT devices. CoLL-IoT consists of the following four main layers: IoT layer, network layer, fog layer, and cloud layer. All of the layers work collaboratively by monitoring and analyzing all of the network traffic generated and received by IoT devices. CoLL-IoT brings the detection system close to the IoT devices by taking the advantage of edge computing and fog computing paradigms. The proposed system was evaluated on the UNSW-NB15 dataset that has more than 175,000 records and achieved an accuracy of up to 98% with low type II error rate of 0.01. The evaluation results showed that CoLL-IoT outperformed the other existing tools, such as Dendron, which was also evaluated on the UNSW-NB15 dataset.
Informing Piano Multi-Pitch Estimation with Inferred Local Polyphony Based on Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Taenzer Michael , Mimilakis Stylianos I. , Abeßer Jakob
Published: April 2021

In this work, we propose considering the information from a polyphony for multi-pitch estimation (MPE) in piano music recordings. To that aim, we propose a method for local polyphony estimation (LPE), which is based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) trained in a supervised fashion to explicitly predict the degree of polyphony. We investigate two feature representations as inputs to our method, in particular, the Constant-Q Transform (CQT) and its recent extension Folded-CQT (F-CQT). To evaluate the performance of our method, we conduct a series of experiments on real and synthetic piano recordings based on the MIDI Aligned Piano Sounds (MAPS) and the Saarland Music Data (SMD) datasets. We compare our approaches with a state-of-the art piano transcription method by informing said method with the LPE knowledge in a postprocessing stage. The experimental results suggest that using explicit LPE information can refine MPE predictions. Furthermore, it is shown that, on average, the CQT representation is preferred over F-CQT for LPE.
Human Signature Identification Using IoT Technology and Gait Recognition
Authors: Hnatiuc Mihaela , Geman Oana , Avram Andrei George , Gupta Deepak , Shankar K.
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to develop an autonomous design system for recognizing the subject by gait posture. Gait posture is a type of non-verbal communication characteristic of each person, and can be considered a signature used in identification. This system can be used for diagnosis. The system helps aging or disabled subjects to identify incorrect posture to recover the gait. Gait posture gives information for subject identification using leg movements and step distance as characteristic parameters. In the current study, the inertial measurement units (IMUs) located in a mobile phone were used to provide information about the movement of the upper and lower leg parts. A resistive flex sensor (RFS) was used to obtain information about the foot contact with the ground. The data were collected from a target group comprising subjects of different age, height, and mass. A comparative study was undertaken to identify the subject after the gait posture. Statistical analysis and a machine learning algorithm were used for data processing. The errors obtained after training data are presented at the end of the paper and the obtained results are encouraging. This article proposes a method of acquiring data available to anyone by using indispensable devices purchased by all users such as mobile phones.
One Process Does Not Make a Life Cycle—Comment to Marcinkowski and Kopania
Authors: Heijungs Reinout , Cucurachi Stefano
Published: April 2021

In a recent contribution, Ref. [1] study the life cycle impacts of a noise-reducing technology for a combined heat and power plant [...]
Zeolite NaY-Copper Composites Produced by Sintering Processes for Adsorption Heat Transformation—Technology, Structure and Performance
Authors: Velte Andreas , Weise Jörg , Laurenz Eric , Baumeister Joachim , Füldner Gerrit
Published: April 2021

In adsorption heat pumps, the adsorbent is typically combined with heat conducting structures in order to ensure high power output. A new approach for the direct integration of zeolite granules into a copper structure made of short copper fibers is presented here. Zeolite NaY granules with two different grain sizes are coated with copper fibers and powder and sintered to larger structures. The sorption dynamics of these structures were measured and evaluated in terms of heat and mass transfer resistances and compared to the loose grain configuration of the same material. We found that the thermal conductivity of such a composite structure is approximately 10 times higher than the thermal conductivity of an adsorbent bed with NaY granules. Sorption equilibrium measurements with a volumetric method indicate that the maximum uptake is not altered by the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the impact of the adsorbent–metal structure on the total thermal mass of an adsorption heat exchanger is evaluated. The price of the superior thermal conductivity is a 40% higher thermal mass of the adsorption heat exchanger compared to the loose grain configuration.
Optimization and Influence of Micro-Chamfering on Oil Film Lubrication Characteristics of Slipper/Swashplate Interface within Axial Piston Pump
Authors: Jiang Jihai , Wang Zebo
Published: April 2021

The overturning and eccentric abrasion of the slipper worsens the lubrication characteristics and increases the friction power loss and kinetic energy consumption of the slipper/swashplate interface to reduce the axial piston pump efficiency. A coupling lubrication numerical model and algorithm and a micro-chamfering structure are developed and proposed to predict more precisely and improve the lubrication characteristics of the slipper/swashplate interface. The simulation results reveal that the slipper without micro-chamfering overturns and contacts with the swashplate, while the one with micro-chamfering forms a certain oil film thickness to prevent this contact effectively. The minimum total power loss of the slipper/swashplate interface has to be effectively ensured under the worst working conditions, such as the high pressure, the low speed, the maximum swashplate inclination angle and the minimum house pressure. The optimal micro-chamfering width and depth are 1.2 mm and 3.5 μm or C1.2-3.5, the simulation average oil film thickness of which is approximately equal to the optimal analytical value. The experimental friction power loss of the slipper/swashplate interface is basically consistent with the simulation one, confirming the correctness and effectiveness of the coupling lubrication numerical model, and the optimization method and providing the further design direction of axial piston pumps.
Path Planning for a Solar-Powered UAV Inspecting Mountain Sites for Safety and Rescue
Authors: Huang Hailong , Savkin Andrey V.
Published: April 2021

This paper focuses on the application using a solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to inspect mountain sites for the purpose of safety and rescue. An inspection path planning problem is formulated, which looks for the path for an UAV to visit a set of sites where people may appear while avoiding collisions with mountains and maintaining positive residual energy. A rapidly exploring random tree (RRT)-based planning method is proposed. This method firstly finds a feasible path that satisfies the residual energy requirement and then shortens the path if there is some abundant residual energy at the end. Computer simulations are conducted to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method.
Estimating the Thermal Properties of the Cover and the Floor in a Plastic Greenhouse
Authors: Kim Hyung-Kweon , Ryou Young-Sun , Kim Young-Hwa , Lee Tae-Seok , Oh Sung-Sik , Kim Yong-Hyeon
Published: April 2021

This study comprehensively analyzed the heat loss and total heat transfer coefficient (U-value) of a single-span experimental plastic greenhouse covered with a double layer of 0.1 mm thick polyethylene. The air temperature and heat flux (W m−2) of the greenhouse components were measured from 18:00 to 06:00, and the energy balance equations under steady-state conditions were determined. The heat flux and U-value of the roof, sides, front and rear, and floor of the greenhouse were determined and compared. The results showed that these values for the roof play an important role in determining the heat load in the greenhouse, and that the average heat transfer through the floor is very small. The average U-value of the greenhouse cover is a comprehensive value which takes the U-values of the roof, sides, and front and rear into account through the use of an area–weighted average method. Finally, an average U-value of 3.69 W m−2 °C −1 was obtained through the analysis of the variations in the U-value, as it is related to the difference in air temperature between the interior and exterior of the greenhouse, as well as to the outdoor wind speed. The relationships between the average U-value and those of the roof, sides, and front and rear of the experimental greenhouse were modeled, and were shown to have a highly linear relationship.
Eccentricity in Induction Machines—A Useful Tool for Assessing Its Level
Authors: Petryna Janusz , Duda Arkadiusz , Sułowicz Maciej
Published: April 2021

In the condition monitoring of induction machines operating in various industry sectors, the assessment of eccentricity is as important as the assessment of the condition of windings, bearings, mechanical vibrations or noise. The reasons for the eccentricity can be various; for example, rotor imbalance, damage or wear of the bearings, improper alignment of the rotor and the load machine and finally, assembly errors after overhaul. Disregard of this phenomenon during routine tests may result in the development of vibrations transmitted to the stator windings, faster wear of the bearings and even, in extreme cases, rubbing of the rotor against the stator surface and damage to the windings and local overheating of the machine core. On the basis of years of experience in the diagnosis of large induction machines operating in various industries, the article deals with the problem of developing reliable indicators for assessing the levels of commonly accepted types of eccentricity. Starting from field calculations and analyzing various cases of eccentricity, the methodology for determining the indicators for evaluation from the stator current spectrum is shown. The changes in the values of these indices for various cases of simultaneous occurrence of static and dynamic eccentricity are shown. The calculation results were verified in the laboratory. Also shown are three interesting cases from diagnostic practice in the evaluation of high-power machines in the industry. It has been shown that the proposed indicators are useful and enable an accurate diagnosis of levels of eccentricity.
Synergism of the Binary Wear Process of Machinery Elements Used for Gaining Energy Raw Materials
Authors: Wieczorek Andrzej N. , Wójcicki Mateusz
Published: April 2021

During an in-situ operation of machines, used for the exploitation of energy raw materials, a damaging impact of the environment on the components of these machines is experienced. The action of degrading factors is mostly shown in the form of a clear synergistic effect. In particular, this effect can be seen during an exploitation of driving elements of scraper conveyors, used as one of the basic machines in the hard coal mining process. In the article, the subject–matter, connected with an operation of sprockets in scraper conveyors, is presented. Special attention is paid to a mutual reaction of the mineral abrasive and the presence of mine water. The main objective of the research work was a determination of the interactive component of the factor causing an abrasive wear–quartz abrasive connected with the associated action and the factor intensifying electrochemical corrosion–water with and without the NaCl salt content. Experimental tests were conducted in the conditions similar to the reality, with the use of a test rig in the form of a short scraper conveyor. Within the framework of the test abrasive wear rates for the case of the abrasive presence itself and a mixture of the abrasive, salt and water were determined. Based on the obtained results, it appears that there is a synergistic impact of abrasive–corrosive mixtures on the wear of the surface layer of the chain sprockets under testing, and also, the causes of the interactive component values in the function of hardness and maximum strength of the materials under investigation are presented.
Associations between Meteorological Factors and Reported Mumps Cases from 1999 to 2020 in Japan
Authors: Mise Keiji , Sumi Ayako , Takatsuka Shintaro , Toyoda Shin-ichi
Published: April 2021

The present study investigated associations between epidemiological mumps patterns and meteorological factors in Japan. We used mumps surveillance data and meteorological data from all 47 prefectures of Japan from 1999 to 2020. A time-series analysis incorporating spectral analysis and the least-squares method was adopted. In all power spectral densities for the 47 prefectures, spectral lines were observed at frequency positions corresponding to 1-year and 6-month cycles. Optimum least-squares fitting (LSF) curves calculated with the 1-year and 6-month cycles explained the underlying variation in the mumps data. The LSF curves reproduced bimodal and unimodal cycles that are clearly observed in northern and southern Japan, respectively. In investigating factors associated with the seasonality of mumps epidemics, we defined the contribution ratios of a 1-year cycle (Q1) and 6-month cycle (Q2) as the contributions of amplitudes of 1-year and 6-month cycles, respectively, to the entire amplitude of the time series data. Q1 and Q2 were significantly correlated with annual mean temperature. The vaccine coverage rate of a measles–mumps–rubella vaccine might not have affected the 1-year and 6-month modes of the time series data. The results of the study suggest an association between mean temperature and mumps epidemics in Japan.
A Hybrid Continuum-Particle Approach for Fluid-Structure Interaction Simulation of Red Blood Cells in Fluid Flows
Authors: Akerkouch Lahcen , Le Trung Bao
Published: April 2021

Transport of cells in fluid flow plays a critical role in many physiological processes of the human body. Recent developments of in vitro techniques have enabled the understanding of cellular dynamics in laboratory conditions. However, it is challenging to obtain precise characteristics of cellular dynamics using experimental method alone, especially under in vivo conditions. This challenge motivates new developments of computational methods to provide complementary data that experimental techniques are not able to provide. Since there exists a large disparity in spatial and temporal scales in this problem, which requires a large number of cells to be simulated, it is highly desirable to develop an efficient numerical method for the interaction of cells and fluid flows. In this work, a new Fluid-Structure Interaction formulation is proposed based on the use of hybrid continuum-particle approach, which can resolve local dynamics of cells while providing large-scale flow patterns in the vascular vessel. Here, the Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) model for the cellular membrane is used in conjunction with the Immersed Boundary Method (IBM) for the fluid plasma. Our results show that the new formulation is highly efficient in computing the deformation of cells within fluid flow while satisfying the incompressibility constraints of the fluid. We demonstrate that it is possible to couple the DPD with the IBM to simulate the complex dynamics of Red Blood Cells (RBC) such as parachuting. Our key observation is that the proposed coupling enables the simulation of RBC dynamics in realistic arterioles while ensuring the incompressibility constraint for fluid plasma. Therefore, the proposed method allows an accurate estimation of fluid shear stresses on the surface of simulated RBC. Our results suggest that this hybrid methodology can be extended for a variety of cells in physiological conditions.
The Influence of Dietary Fibers on Physicochemical Properties of Acid Casein Processed Cheese Sauces Obtained with Whey Proteins and Coconut Oil or Anhydrous Milk Fat
Authors: Szafrańska Jagoda O. , Muszyński Siemowit , Tomasevic Igor , Sołowiej Bartosz G.
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to evaluate different fibers (acacia, bamboo, citrus or potato) on texture, rheological properties, color, density, and water activity of processed cheese sauces (PCS) based on acid casein, WPC80 and anhydrous milk fat or organic coconut oil. The interaction between the type of oil/fat, the fiber type and the fiber content was significant regarding almost all parameters studied. The computer vision system (CVS) showed that color changes of sauces could be noticeable by consumers. The main factor influencing the change in all products’ hardness was not fat/oil, but added fibers and their concentrations. The highest increase in hardness, adhesiveness and viscosity was observed in products with potato fiber. The value of storage modulus (G′) was higher than the loss modulus (G″) and tan (δ) < 1 for all samples. Different fibers and their amounts did not influence the water activity of cheese sauces obtained with organic coconut oil (OCO) or anhydrous milk fat (AMF).
Kinetics and Topology of DNA Associated with Circulating Extracellular Vesicles Released during Exercise
Authors: Neuberger Elmo W. I. , Hillen Barlo , Mayr Katharina , Simon Perikles , Krämer-Albers Eva-Maria , Brahmer Alexandra
Published: April 2021

Although it is widely accepted that cancer-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry DNA cargo, the association of cell-free circulating DNA (cfDNA) and EVs in plasma of healthy humans remains elusive. Using a physiological exercise model, where EVs and cfDNA are synchronously released, we aimed to characterize the kinetics and localization of DNA associated with EVs. EVs were separated from human plasma using size exclusion chromatography or immuno-affinity capture for CD9+, CD63+, and CD81+ EVs. DNA was quantified with an ultra-sensitive qPCR assay targeting repetitive LINE elements, with or without DNase digestion. This model shows that a minute part of circulating cell-free DNA is associated with EVs. During rest and following exercise, only 0.12% of the total cfDNA occurs in association with CD9+/CD63+/CD81+EVs. DNase digestion experiments indicate that the largest part of EV associated DNA is sensitive to DNase digestion and only ~20% are protected within the lumen of the separated EVs. A single bout of running or cycling exercise increases the levels of EVs, cfDNA, and EV-associated DNA. While EV surface DNA is increasing, DNAse-resistant DNA remains at resting levels, indicating that EVs released during exercise (ExerVs) do not contain DNA. Consequently, DNA is largely associated with the outer surface of circulating EVs. ExerVs recruit cfDNA to their corona, but do not carry DNA in their lumen.
Age, Frailty, Resuscitation and Intensive Care: With Reference to COVID-19
Authors: Smithard David G , Abdelhameed Nadir , Han Thwe , Pieris Angelo
Published: April 2021

Discussion regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation and admission to an intensive care unit is frequently fraught in the context of older age. It is complicated by the fact that the presence of multiple comorbidities and frailty adversely impact on prognosis. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and mechanical ventilation are not appropriate for all. Who decides and how? This paper discusses the issues, biases, and potential harms involved in decision-making. The basis of decision making requires fairness in the distribution of resources/healthcare (distributive justice), yet much of the printed guidance has taken a utilitarian approach (getting the most from the resource provided). The challenge is to provide a balance between justice for the individual and population justice.
Comparison of Activation in the Prefrontal Cortex of Native Speakers of Mandarin by Ability of Japanese as a Second Language Using a Novel Speaking Task
Authors: Cong Li , Miyaguchi Hideki , Ishizuki Chinami
Published: April 2021

Evidence shows that second language (L2) learning affects cognitive function. Here in this work, we compared brain activation in native speakers of Mandarin (L1) who speak Japanese (L2) between and within two groups (high and low L2 ability) to determine the effect of L2 ability in L1 and L2 speaking tasks, and to map brain regions involved in both tasks. The brain activation during task performance was determined using prefrontal cortex blood flow as a proxy, measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). People with low L2 ability showed much more brain activation when speaking L2 than when speaking L1. People with high L2 ability showed high-level brain activation when speaking either L2 or L1. Almost the same high-level brain activation was observed in both ability groups when speaking L2. The high level of activation in people with high L2 ability when speaking either L2 or L1 suggested strong inhibition of the non-spoken language. A wider area of brain activation in people with low compared with high L2 ability when speaking L2 is considered to be attributed to the cognitive load involved in code-switching L1 to L2 with strong inhibition of L1 and the cognitive load involved in using L2.
Rangeland Management and Ecological Adaptation Analysis Model for Astragalus curvirostris Boiss
Authors: Aghajanlou Farhad , Mirdavoudi Hamidreza , Shojaee Mohammad , Mac Sweeney Eileen , Mastinu Andrea , Moradi Parviz
Published: April 2021

The present study investigates the ecological requirements of Astragalus curvirostris Boiss, with emphasis on determining the ecological factors that affect the distribution of plant species, and the species’ response to changes in ecological factors using a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) in the Iranian Province of Zanjan from 2017 to 2019. Randomized-systematic sampling was used to collect vegetation data. Data analysis was performed using SPSS17 and CANOC4.5 software. The results showed that the growth and development of A. curvirostris change according to environmental factors linked to the composition of the soil and the variety of the other species present. This model is indicative of a competitive limitation along the environmental gradient. By understanding all environmental parameters, the necessary steps could be taken towards planning proper management programs, including rangeland grazing management and determining the proper moment for seed collection, which will result in the conservation, improvement, and restoration of rangelands.
Effects of Plant Age and Root Damage on Internalization of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Leafy Vegetables and Herbs
Authors: Wang Yi-Ju , J. Deering Amanda , Kim Hye-Ji
Published: April 2021

Our previous study reported that fresh produce grown in aquaponic and hydroponic systems can pose potential food safety hazards due to an accidental introduction of contaminated fish and cross-contamination between the systems. In this study, we examined the effects of plant species and age on the likelihood and level of internalization of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in aquaponic and hydroponic systems. Four plant species, basil (Ocimum basilicum L. cv. Genovese), cilantro (Coriandrum Sativum L.), lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. Cherokee), and kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica), received root damage treatment as seedlings before transplanting or mature plants at three weeks after transplanting by cutting off 1-cm tips of one-third of the roots. Enrichments and selective media were used for the isolation, and presumptive positive colonies were confirmed by PCR for the presence of stx1 gene in plant tissues, recirculating water, and fish feces collected at four weeks after transplanting. In hydroponic systems, STEC was found neither in the solution nor in the roots and leaves of all four plant species, possibly through improved sanitation and hygiene practices. However, consistent with our previous findings, STEC was found in the water, on the plant roots, and in the fish feces in aquaponic systems, even after thorough sanitation prior to the study. Regardless of plant age, STEC was internalized in the roots of all plant species when the roots were damaged, but there was no difference in the degree of internalization with STEC among plant species. STEC was present in the leaves only when seedlings received root damage treatment and were grown to maturity, indicating that root damage allows STEC to internalize in the roots within a week, but a longer period is required for STEC to internalize into the leaves. We concluded that root damage on seedlings can cause the internalization of E. coli O157:H7 in the edible parts of leafy vegetables and herbs in soilless production systems.
System Dynamics Modeling for Evaluating Regional Hydrologic and Economic Effects of Irrigation Efficiency Policy
Authors: Bai Yining , Langarudi Saeed P. , Fernald Alexander G.
Published: April 2021

Exploring the dynamic mechanisms of coupled sociohydrologic systems is necessary to solve future water sustainability issues. This paper employs system dynamics modeling to determine hydrologic and economic implications of an irrigation efficiency (IE) policy (increased conveyance efficiency and field efficiency) in a coupled sociohydrologic system with three climate scenarios. Simulations are conducted within the lower Rio Grande region (LRG) of New Mexico for the years 1969 to 2099, including water, land, capital, and population modules. Quadrant analysis is utilized to compare the IE policy outcomes with the base case and to categorize results of simulations according to hydrologic and economic sustainability. The four categories are beneficial, unacceptable, unsustainable agricultural development, and unsustainable hydrology. Simulation results for the IE policy analyzed here fall into the categories of unsustainable agricultural development or unacceptable, suggesting there are long-term negative effects to regional economies in all scenarios with mixed results for hydrologic variables. IE policy can yield water for redistribution as increased unit water supply in the field produces more deep percolation; however, IE policy sacrifices regional connectivity. Specifically, simulation results show that the policy increases abundance by 4.7–74.5% and return flow by −3.0–9.9%. These positive results, however, come at the cost of decreased hydrologic connectivity (−31.5 to −25.1%) and negative economic impacts (−32.7 to −5.7%). Long-term net depletions in groundwater are also observed from loss of hydrologic connectivity and increased agricultural water demand from projections of increased consumptive use of crops. Adaptive water management that limits water use in drought years and replenishes groundwater in abundant years as well as economic incentives to offset the costs of infrastructure improvements will be necessary for the IE policy to result in sustainable agriculture and water resources.