bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forecasting of Photovoltaic Power by Means of Non-Linear Auto-Regressive Exogenous Artificial Neural Network and Time Series Analysis
Authors: Louzazni Mohamed , Mosalam Heba , Cotfas Daniel Tudor
Published: August 2021

In this research paper, a nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous input (NARX) model of the nonlinear system based on neural network and time series analysis is proposed to deal with the one-month forecast of the produced power from photovoltaic modules (PVM). The PVM is a monocrystalline cell with a rated production of 175 watts that is placed at Heliopolis University, Bilbéis city, Egypt. The NARX model is considered powerful enough to emulate the nonlinear dynamic state-space model. It is extensively performed to resolve a variety of problems and is mainly important in complex process control. Moreover, the NARX method is selected because of its quick learning and completion times, as well as high appropriateness, and is distinguished by advantageous dynamics and interference resistance. The neural network (NN) is trained and optimized with three algorithms, the Levenberg–Marquardt Algorithm (NARX-LMA), the Bayesian Regularization Algorithm (NARX-BRA) and the Scaled Conjugate Gradient Algorithm (NARX-SCGA), to attain the best performance. The forecasted results using the NARX method based on the three algorithms are compared with experimentally measured data. The NARX-LMA, NARX-BRA and NARX-SCGA models are validated using statistical criteria. In general, weather conditions have a significant impact on the execution and quality of the results.
Effect of Ozone Treatment on the Properties of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Sulfonated Chemi-Mechanical Pulp
Authors: Wan Xing , Ping Yang , Li Jun
Published: August 2021

Oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) as an abundant waste material can be utilized for pulp production to alleviate the shortage of raw materials in the paper industry. Sulfonated chemi-mechanical pulp (SCMP) has great potential in paper making industry. However, its poor performance due to the high surface lignin content limits its application. In this study, we used EFB as raw material to produce SCMP and systematically studied the effect of ozone treatment on pulp properties. Results show that the surface structure and morphology of fibers exhibited distinct differences under different ozone dosage treatments. Compared to the control, the content of surface lignin of pulps was reduced by 2.56%, 4.64%, 13.24% and 25.24% when ozone consumption was 1, 3, 5 and 7 wt%, respectively. Meanwhile, the treated pulp had a lower drainability at the same refining energy level. Moreover, the physical and optical properties of handsheets were improved significantly after ozone treatment. Ozone treatment is a very efficient way to improve the performance of SCMP. Additionally, this method avoids complicated processes and chemical consumption. Therefore, as an effective, environmentally friendly and low-cost treatment method, ozone treatment can improve the performance of EFB SCMP and thus provide a high-quality pulp resource.
Co-Production of Isobutanol and Ethanol from Prairie Grain Starch Using Engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Unaegbunam Ebele , Stuart David T.
Published: August 2021

Isobutanol is an important and valuable platform chemical and an appealing biofuel that is compatible with contemporary combustion engines and existing fuel distribution infrastructure. The present study aimed to compare the potential of triticale, wheat and barley starch as feedstock for isobutanol production using an engineered strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) approach showed that all three starches were viable feedstock for co-production of isobutanol and ethanol and could produce titres similar to that produced using purified sugar as feedstock. A fed-batch process using triticale starch yielded 0.006 g isobutanol and 0.28 g ethanol/g starch. Additionally, it is demonstrated that Fusarium graminearum infected grain starch contaminated with mycotoxin can be used as an effective feedstock for isobutanol and ethanol co-production. These findings demonstrate the potential for triticale as a purpose grown energy crop and show that mycotoxin-contaminated grain starch can be used as feedstock for isobutanol biosynthesis, thus adding value to a grain that would otherwise be of limited use.
Production of L (+) Lactic Acid by Lactobacillus casei Ke11: Fed Batch Fermentation Strategies
Authors: de Oliveira Paola Monteiro , Santos Larissa Provasi , Coelho Luciana Fontes , Avila Neto Paulo Marcelo , Sass Daiane Cristina , Contiero Jonas
Published: August 2021

Lactic acid and its derivatives are widely used in pharmaceutical, leather, textile and food industries. However, until now there have been few systematic reports on fed-batch fermentation for efficient production and high concentration of l-lactic acid by lactic acid bacteria. This study describes the obtainment of L (+) lactic acid from sucrose using the Lactobacillus casei Ke11 strain through different feeding strategies using an accessible pH neutralizer such as CaCO3. The exponential feeding strategy can increase lactic acid production and productivity (175.84 g/L and 3.74 g/L/h, respectively) with a 95% yield, avoiding inhibition by high initial substrate concentration and, combined with the selected agent controller, avoids the cellular stress that could be caused by the high osmotic pressure of the culture media. The purification of the acid using charcoal and celite, followed by the use of a cation exchange column proved to be highly efficient, allowing a high yield of lactic acid, high removal of sugars and proteins. The described process shows great potential for the production of lactic acid, as well as the simple, efficient and low-cost purification method. This way, this work is useful to the large-scale fermentation of L. casei Ke11 for production of l-lactic acid.
Dusky Grouper Epinephelus marginatus Growth and Survival When Exposed to Different Photoperiods
Authors: Aride Paulo Henrique R. , Gomes Maria Fernanda S. , Azevedo Darlan G. , Sangali Gilson R. , Silva Ana Cláudia F. , Lavander Henrique D. , Souza André B. , Polese Marcelo F. , Mattos Douglas C. , Bassul Lucas A. , Cardoso Leonardo D. , Oliveira Adriano T. , Faggio Caterina
Published: August 2021

Photoperiod is considered an environmental factor that influences reproduction and the growth processes of fish throughout the year. In the present study, we subjected dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus to different photoperiods in order to evaluate growth and survival. Juvenile dusky grouper were randomly distributed in twelve 100 L tanks containing four fish per aquarium. The fish were exposed to continuous light, normal photoperiod or continuous darkness for 50 days. Fish were fed 3% of their total biomass, twice a day, and the diet consisted of ground commercial dry pellets (42% crude protein, 12% humidity, 9% ether extract, 15% mineral matter, 4% crude fiber, 3.5% calcium and 3% vitamin C, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions). There was no mortality during the experiment. After 50 days, the best performance was found for exposure to continuous light (24 h artificial light). The final weight of the fish reared under continuous light was significantly higher than that of the fish exposed to continuous darkness. The specific growth rate of the fish exposed to continuous light was significantly higher than that of the fish exposed to the natural photoperiod and to continuous darkness. Modifications to the photoperiod can be a key factor in increasing the efficacy of current production and the improvement of current aquaculture protocols.
A Sensitive SERS Method for Determination of Pymetrozine in Apple and Cabbage Based on an Easily Prepared Substrate
Authors: Pan Ting-Tiao , Guo Mei-Ting , Guo Wang , Lu Ping , Hu De-Yu
Published: August 2021

Residual pesticides are one of the major food safety concerns around the world. There is a demand for simple and reliable methods to monitor pesticide residues in foods. In this study, a sensitive method for determination of pymetrozine in apple and cabbage samples using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) based on decanethiol functionalized silver nanoparticles was established. The proposed method performed satisfactorily with the linear detection range of 0.01–1.00 mg/L and limit of detection (LOD) of 0.01 mg/L in methanol. In addition, it was successfully used to detect pymetrozine in apple and cabbage samples, the LOD was 0.02 and 0.03 mg/L, respectively, and the recoveries of spiked cabbage and apple ranged 70.40–104.00%, with relative standard deviations below 12.18% and 10.33% for intra-day and inter-day tests. Moreover, the results of the correlation test with real cabbage samples of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry showed that they were highly correlated (slope = 0.9895, R2 = 0.9953). This study provides a sensitive approach for detection of pymetrozine in apple and cabbage, which has great potential for determination of pymetrozine residues in food products.
Poly (Amidehydrazide) Hydrogel Particles for Removal of Cu2+ and Cd2+ Ions from Water
Authors: Choi Hojung , Kim Taehyoung , Kim Sang Youl
Published: August 2021

Poly(amidoamine)s (PAMAM) are very effective in the removal of heavy metal ions from water due to their abundant amine and amide functional groups, which have a high binding ability to heavy metal ions. We synthesized a new class of hyperbranched poly(amidehydrazide) (PAMH) hydrogel particles from dihydrazides and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) monomer by using the A2 + B4 polycondensation reaction in an inverse suspension polymerization process. In Cd2+ and Cu2+ ion sorption tests, the synthesized dihydrazide-based PAMH hydrogel particles exhibited sorption capacities of 85 mg/g for copper and 47 mg/g for cadmium. Interestingly, the PAMH showed only a 10% decrease in sorption ability in an acidic condition (pH = 4) compared to the diamine-based hyperbranched PAMAM, which showed a ~90% decrease in sorption ability at pH of 4. In addition, PAMH hydrogel particles remove trace amounts of copper (0.67 ppm) and cadmium (0.5 ppm) in water, below the detection limit.
Analysis of Selected Variants of DRD2 and ANKK1 Genes in Combat Athletes
Authors: Michałowska-Sawczyn Monika , Chmielowiec Krzysztof , Chmielowiec Jolanta , Trybek Grzegorz , Masiak Jolanta , Niewczas Marta , Cieszczyk Paweł , Bajorek Wojciech , Król Paweł , Grzywacz Anna
Published: August 2021

The level of physical activity is conditioned by many different factors, including, among others, the personality traits of a person. Important is the fact that personality traits are a moderately heritable factor and on the basis of the analysis of several genes, various lifetime outcomes can be predicted. One of the most important pathways influencing personality traits is connected to the dopaminergic system; hence, we decided to analyze the DRD2 PROM. rs1799732, DRD2 rs1076560, DRD2 Tag1D rs1800498, DRD2 Ex8 rs6276, DRD2Tag1B rs1079597 and ANKK1 Tag1A rs180049. The research group included 258 male athletes (mean age = 26.02; SD = 8.30), whereas the control group was 284 healthy male volunteers matched for age (mean age = 22.89; SD = 4.78), both of Caucasian origin and without history of substance dependency or psychosis. Genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood using standard procedures. Genotyping was conducted with the real-time PCR method. Differences in the frequency of the DRD2Tag1B rs1079597 gene polymorphism were found between people practicing combat sports and the control group, and the DRD2 PROM. rs1799732, DRD2 rs1076560, DRD2 Tag1D rs1800498, DRD2 Ex8 rs6276, DRD2Tag1B rs1079597 and ANKK1 Tag1A rs1800497 genotypes and allele frequencies in the studied sample did not differ between the analyzed groups. Hence, we considered these polymorphic places as an interesting area for the further search for unambiguous associations between personality traits and attitude towards physical effort.
An Overview of the Genetics of ABCA4 Retinopathies, an Evolving Story
Authors: Al-Khuzaei Saoud , Broadgate Suzanne , Foster Charlotte R. , Shah Mital , Yu Jing , Downes Susan M. , Halford Stephanie
Published: August 2021

Stargardt disease (STGD1) and ABCA4 retinopathies (ABCA4R) are caused by pathogenic variants in the ABCA4 gene inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The gene encodes an importer flippase protein that prevents the build-up of vitamin A derivatives that are toxic to the RPE. Diagnosing ABCA4R is complex due to its phenotypic variability and the presence of other inherited retinal dystrophy phenocopies. ABCA4 is a large gene, comprising 50 exons; to date > 2000 variants have been described. These include missense, nonsense, splicing, structural, and deep intronic variants. Missense variants account for the majority of variants in ABCA4. However, in a significant proportion of patients with an ABCA4R phenotype, a second variant in ABCA4 is not identified. This could be due to the presence of yet unknown variants, or hypomorphic alleles being incorrectly classified as benign, or the possibility that the disease is caused by a variant in another gene. This underlines the importance of accurate genetic testing. The pathogenicity of novel variants can be predicted using in silico programs, but these rely on databases that are not ethnically diverse, thus highlighting the need for studies in differing populations. Functional studies in vitro are useful towards assessing protein function but do not directly measure the flippase activity. Obtaining an accurate molecular diagnosis is becoming increasingly more important as targeted therapeutic options become available; these include pharmacological, gene-based, and cell replacement-based therapies. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the current status of genotyping in ABCA4 and the status of the therapeutic approaches being investigated.
The Morphology of Prometheus, Literary Geography and the Geoethical Project
Authors: Travis Charles
Published: August 2021

This paper explores mappings, musings and ‘thought experiments’ in literary geography to consider how they may contribute to geoethical pedagogy and research. Representations of Prometheus from the fourteenth century onwards have traveled along three broad symbological roads: first, as the creator, and bringer of fire; second as a bound figure in chains, and thirdly, unbound. However, it was the harnessing of fire by our species a millennium prior that gave rise to the myth of Prometheus and set into motion the geophysical process of combustion which “facilitated the transformation of much of the terrestrial surface […] and in the process pushed the parameters of the earth system into a new geological epoch.” As the geophysicist Professor Michael Mann observes, global warming and loss of biodiversity constitutes an ethical problem. The remediation of the Prometheus myth in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; or the modern Prometheus (1818), Jonathan Fetter-Vorm’s Trinity: A Graphic History of the First Atomic Bomb (2012) and William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies (1954) provides the means to explore the geographical, historical and cultural contingencies of geoethical dilemmas contributing to the framing of the Anthropocene and Gaia heuristics. This paper argues for the necessity of scholars in the arts, humanities and geosciences to share and exchange idiographic and nomothetic perspectives in order to forge a geoethical dialectic that fuses poetic and positivistic methods into transcendent ontologies and epistemologies to address the existential questions of global warming and loss of biodiversity as we enter the age of the Anthropocene.
Tectonic Influence on Speleogenesis of Sea Caves on Biševo Island (UNESCO Global Geopark Vis Archipelago, Adriatic Sea, Croatia)
Authors: Mišur Ivan , Budić Marko , Kurečić Tomislav , Korbar Tvrtko
Published: August 2021

A geological and speleological investigation was conducted in the famous Blue Cave (Modra špilja) and the Monk Seal Cave (Medvidina špilja) on Biševo Island (Croatia) to promote the island’s geoheritage through the new Visitor Centre. The island is mainly composed of Cretaceous to Paleogene neritic carbonates, which form the bedrock, whereas parts of the island are covered with thin Quaternary sediments. The caves are of small dimensions and a simple layout, composed of the main channel and few shorter side channels, all positioned in the tidal zone. Thus, the caves are semi-submerged sea caves located along the coastline. The Blue Cave and the Monk Seal Cave developed within the bedrock limestones and dolostones, respectively, within a zone of left-lateral NNE–SSW striking strike-slip faults that belong to the Biševo fault system. Conjugated discontinuities within the carbonate bedrock indicate a specific strike-slip tectonic regime. Additionally, the host rocks were probably also deformed and fractured during the rise of salt diapirs that characterise this part of the Adriatic foreland. Tectonic and bedding discontinuities form the fragments of the host rock, that combined with the impacts of the strong southern waves, significantly influenced the genesis of the caves.
Sustained Crohn’s Disease Remission with an Exclusive Elemental and Exclusion Diet: A Case Report
Authors: Mehrtash Farhad
Published: August 2021

The incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease (CD), is increasing worldwide. Despite several new therapeutics to treat CD, many patients fail to respond to their medications and inevitably face surgical resection. While genetics plays a role in CD, environmental factors are potential triggers. Recent research from the past few years suggest that pro-inflammatory foods are associated with an increased risk of CD. Some studies have shown the benefit of including exclusion diets, such as the specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) and exclusive elemental diets, to induce CD remission, but published data is limited. This case study explores how an exclusive elemental and exclusion diet helped induce clinical and biochemical remission and radiologic healing in a young adult male who had failed to achieve remission using standard medical treatment. C-reactive protein (CRP), fecal calprotectin, and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) served as objective markers of inflammation in this study.
Risk Groups for SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Healthcare Workers: Community Versus Hospital Transmission
Authors: Pınarlık Fatihan , Genç Zeliha , Kapmaz Mahir , Tekin Süda , Ergönül Önder
Published: August 2021

Background: We aimed to detect the risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers (HCWs) in 2020 before the vaccination era. Methods: We surveyed SARS-CoV-2 infection among the HCWs in a hospital through screening for antibody levels and the detection of viral RNA by RT-PCR between May 2020 and December 2020. Occupational and non-occupational potential predictors of disease were surveyed for the HCWs included in this study. Results: Among 1925 personnel in the hospital, 1732 were included to the study with a response rate of 90%. The overall infection rate of HCWs was 16.3% at the end of 2020, before vaccinations started. In the multivariate analysis, being janitorial staff (OR: 2.24, CI: 1.21–4.14, p = 0.011), being a medical secretary (OR: 4.17, CI: 2.12–8.18, p < 0.001), having at least one household member with a COVID-19 diagnosis (OR: 8.98, CI: 6.64–12.15, p < 0.001), and number of household members > 3 (OR: 1.67, CI: 1.26–2.22, p < 0.001) were found to be significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions: Medical secretaries and janitorial staff were under increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The community-hospital gradient can explain the mode of transmission for infection among HCWs. In the setting of this study, community measures were less strict, whereas hospital infection control was adequate and provided necessary personal protective equipment. Increasing risk in larger households and households with diagnosed COVID-19 patient indicates the community-acquired transmission of the infection.
Patterns of Facial Profile Preference in a Large Sample of Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Romsics Lívia , Segatto Angyalka , Boa Kristóf , Becsei Roland , Rózsa Noémi , Párkányi László , Pinke Ildikó , Piffkó József , Segatto Emil
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to explore dental students’ facial profile preferences in a large sample of students. Nine hundred and nineteen dental students of four dental schools were involved. As part of a larger study on dentofacial esthetics, six photo series consisting of one unaltered and four altered variants of the same female profile were distributed among the students. The altered features were ones that are esthetically significant according to the literature. The students had to indicate the photo in each series that they preferred. The data were analyzed in a regression model in which preference in the given photo series was the dependent variable and gender, grade of studies, and dental school were the factors. Eight hundred and sixty-one students (93.7%) responded. Gender and dental school were not associated with the observed preferences, but the grade of studies was associated for three of the modified parameters: chin prominence, the sagittal position of the maxillary dental arch, and the simultaneous modification of the prominence of the chin and the nose. This study has confirmed several earlier observations, and new observations have also been made. We have demonstrated that the anteroposterior position of the maxillary incisors may be an important determinant of profile esthetics, even if this position does not influence the situation of the soft tissues and if the forehead cannot be used as a reference. We have also shown that the harmony between the nose and the chin overrides the importance of their individual dimensions.
Co-Designing Health Service Evaluation Tools That Foreground First Nation Worldviews for Better Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes
Authors: Wright Michael , Getta Aunty , Green Aunty , Kickett Uncle , Kickett Aunty , McNamara Aunty , McNamara Uncle , Newman Aunty , Pell Aunty , Penny Aunty , Wilkes Uncle , Wilkes Aunty , Culbong Tiana , Taylor Kathrine , Brown Alex , Dudgeon Pat , Pearson Glenn , Allsop Steve , Lin Ashleigh , Smith Geoff , Farrant Brad , Mirabella Leanne , O’Connell Margaret
Published: August 2021

It is critical that health service evaluation frameworks include Aboriginal people and their cultural worldviews from design to implementation. During a large participatory action research study, Elders, service leaders and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal researchers co-designed evaluation tools to test the efficacy of a previously co-designed engagement framework. Through a series of co-design workshops, tools were built using innovative collaborative processes that foregrounded Aboriginal worldviews. The workshops resulted in the development of a three-way survey that records the service experiences related to cultural safety from the perspective of Aboriginal clients, their carer/s, and the service staff with whom they work. The surveys centralise the role of relationships in client-service interactions, which strongly reflect their design from an Aboriginal worldview. This paper provides new insights into the reciprocal benefits of engaging community Elders and service leaders to work together to develop new and more meaningful ways of servicing Aboriginal families. Foregrounding relationships in service evaluations reinstates the value of human connection and people-centred engagement in service delivery which are central to rebuilding historically fractured relationships between mainstream services and Aboriginal communities. This benefits not only Aboriginal communities, but also other marginalised populations expanding the remit of mainstream services to be accessed by many.
Impacts from Economic Development and Environmental Factors on Life Expectancy: A Comparative Study Based on Data from Both Developed and Developing Countries from 2004 to 2016
Authors: Chen Zhiheng , Ma Yuting , Hua Junyi , Wang Yuanhong , Guo Hongpeng
Published: August 2021

Both economic development level and environmental factors have significant impacts on life expectancy at birth (LE). This paper takes LE as the research object and selects nine economic and environmental indicators with various impacts on LE. Based on a dataset of economic and environmental indicators of 20 countries from 2004 to 2016, our research uses the Pearson Correlation Coefficient to evaluate the correlation coefficients between the indicators, and we use multiple regression models to measure the impact of each indicator on LE. Based on the results from models and calculations, this study conducts a comparative analysis of the influencing mechanisms of different indicators on LE in both developed and developing countries, with conclusions as follow: (1) GDP per capita and the percentage of forest area to land area have a positive impact on LE in developed countries; however, they have a negative impact on LE in developing countries. Total public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP and fertilizer consumption have a negative impact on LE in developed countries; however, they have a positive impact on LE in developing countries. Gini coefficient and average annual exposure to PM2.5 have no significant effect on LE in developed countries; however, they have a negative impact on LE in developing countries. Current healthcare expenditures per capita have a negative impact on LE in developed countries, and there is no significant impact on LE in developing countries. (2) The urbanization rate has a significant positive impact on LE in both developed countries and developing countries. Carbon dioxide emissions have a negative impact on LE in both developed and developing countries. (3) In developed countries, GDP per capita has the greatest positive impact on LE, while fertilizer consumption has the greatest negative impact on LE. In developing countries, the urbanization rate has the greatest positive impact on LE, while the Gini coefficient has the greatest negative impact on LE. To improve and prolong LE, it is suggested that countries should prioritize increasing GDP per capita and urbanization level. At the same time, countries should also work on reducing the Gini coefficient and formulating appropriate healthcare and education policies. On the other hand, countries should balance between economic development and environmental protection, putting the emphasis more on environmental protection, reducing environmental pollution, and improving the environment’s ability of self-purification.
A Rapid Review on the Influence of COVID-19 Lockdown and Quarantine Measures on Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the General Population
Authors: Freiberg Alice , Schubert Melanie , Romero Starke Karla , Hegewald Janice , Seidler Andreas
Published: August 2021

Preceding coronavirus outbreaks resulted in social isolation, which in turn is associated with cardiovascular consequences. Whether the current COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacts cardiovascular health is unclear. The aim of the rapid review was to investigate, whether COVID-19 lockdown influences modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (i.e., physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour, smoking, alcohol use, unhealthy diet, obesity, bad blood lipids, and hypertension) in the general population. Medline and EMBASE were searched until March 2021. Title, abstracts, and full texts were screened by one reviewer and 20% by a second reviewer. Only studies using probability sampling were included in order to ensure the representativeness of the target population. Data extraction and critical appraisal were done by one reviewer and double-checked by another reviewer. We identified 32 studies that fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Findings show that physical activity decreased, and sedentary behaviour increased among all age groups during the COVID-19 lockdown. Among adults, alcohol consumption increased, dietary quality worsened, and the amount of food intake increased. Some adults reported weight gain. Studies on children and adolescents were sparse. This rapid review found a high number of epidemiological studies on the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, but only a few used probability sampling methods.
A Hybrid Population Distribution Prediction Approach Integrating LSTM and CA Models with Micro-Spatiotemporal Granularity: A Case Study of Chongming District, Shanghai
Authors: Wang Pengyuan , Huang Xiao , Mango Joseph , Zhang Di , Xu Dong , Li Xiang
Published: August 2021

Studying population prediction under micro-spatiotemporal granularity is of great significance for modern and refined urban traffic management and emergency response to disasters. Existing population studies are mostly based on census and statistical yearbook data due to the limitation of data collecting methods. However, with the advent of techniques in this information age, new emerging data sources with fine granularity and large sample sizes have provided rich materials and unique venues for population research. This article presents a new population prediction model with micro-spatiotemporal granularity based on the long short-term memory (LSTM) and cellular automata (CA) models. We aim at designing a hybrid data-driven model with good adaptability and scalability, which can be used in more refined population prediction. We not only try to integrate these two models, aiming to fully mine the spatiotemporal characteristics, but also propose a method that fuses multi-source geographic data. We tested its functionality using the data from Chongming District, Shanghai, China. The results demonstrated that, among all scenarios, the model trained by three consecutive days (ordinary dates), with the granularity of one hour, incorporated with road networks, achieves the best performance (0.905 as the mean absolute error) and generalization capability.
Boron and Gadolinium Loaded Fe3O4 Nanocarriers for Potential Application in Neutron Capture Therapy
Authors: Korolkov Ilya V. , Zibert Alexandr V. , Lissovskaya Lana I. , Ludzik K. , Anisovich M. , Kozlovskiy Artem L. , Shumskaya A. E. , Vasilyeva M. , Shlimas Dmitriy I. , Jażdżewska Monika , Marciniak Beata , Kontek Renata , Chudoba Dorota , Zdorovets Maxim V.
Published: August 2021

In this article, a novel method of simultaneous carborane- and gadolinium-containing compounds as efficient agents for neutron capture therapy (NCT) delivery via magnetic nanocarriers is presented. The presence of both Gd and B increases the efficiency of NCT and using nanocarriers enhances selectivity. These factors make NCT not only efficient, but also safe. Superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were treated with silane and then the polyelectrolytic layer was formed for further immobilization of NCT agents. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) and Mössbauer spectroscopies, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating-sample magnetometry (VSM) were applied for the characterization of the chemical and element composition, structure, morphology and magnetic properties of nanocarriers. The cytotoxicity effect was evaluated on different cell lines: BxPC-3, PC-3 MCF-7, HepG2 and L929, human skin fibroblasts as normal cells. average size of nanoparticles is 110 nm; magnetization at 1T and coercivity is 43.1 emu/g and 8.1, respectively; the amount of B is 0.077 mg/g and the amount of Gd is 0.632 mg/g. Successful immobilization of NCT agents, their low cytotoxicity against normal cells and selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells as well as the superparamagnetic properties of nanocarriers were confirmed by analyses above.
A New Mechanism of the Selective Photodegradation of Antibiotics in the Catalytic System Containing TiO2 and the Inorganic Cations
Authors: Baran Wojciech , Cholewiński Mateusz , Sobczak Andrzej , Adamek Ewa
Published: August 2021

The mechanism of sulfisoxazole (SFF) selective removal by photocatalysis in the presence of titanium (IV) oxide (TiO2) and iron (III) chloride (FeCl3) was explained and the kinetics and degradation pathways of SFF and other antibiotics were compared. The effects of selected inorganic ions, oxygen conditions, pH, sorption processes and formation of coordination compounds on the photocatalytic process in the presence of TiO2 were also determined. The Fe3+ compounds added to the irradiated sulfonamide (SN) solution underwent surface sorption on TiO2 particles and act as acceptors of excited electrons. Most likely, the SFF degradation is also intensified by organic radicals or cation organic radicals. These radicals can be initially generated by reaction with electron holes, hydroxyl radicals and as a result of electron transfer mediated by iron ions and then participate in propagation processes. The high sensitivity of SFF to decomposition caused by organic radicals is associated with the steric effect and the high bond polarity of the amide substituent.
Smectite as a Preventive Oral Treatment to Reduce Clinical Symptoms of DSS Induced Colitis in Balb/c Mice
Authors: Breitrück Anne , Weigel Markus , Hofrichter Jacqueline , Sempert Kai , Kerkhoff Claus , Mohebali Nooshin , Mitzner Steffen , Hain Torsten , Kreikemeyer Bernd
Published: August 2021

Natural smectites have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of diarrhea. The present study evaluated the prophylactic effect of a diosmectite (FI5pp) on the clinical course, colon damage, expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins and the composition of the gut microbiota in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis. Diosmectite was administered daily to Balb/c mice from day 1 to 7 by oral gavage, followed by induction of acute DSS-colitis from day 8 to 14 (“Control”, n = 6; “DSS”, n = 10; “FI5pp + DSS”, n = 11). Mice were sacrificed on day 21. Clinical symptoms (body weight, stool consistency and occult blood) were checked daily after colitis induction. Colon tissue was collected for histological damage scoring and quantification of tight junction protein expression. Stool samples were collected for microbiome analysis. Our study revealed prophylactic diosmectite treatment attenuated the severity of DSS colitis, which was apparent by significantly reduced weight loss (p = 0.022 vs. DSS), disease activity index (p = 0.0025 vs. DSS) and histological damage score (p = 0.023 vs. DSS). No significant effects were obtained for the expression of TJ proteins (claudin-2 and claudin-3) after diosmectite treatment. Characterization of the microbial composition by 16S amplicon NGS showed that diosmectite treatment modified the DSS-associated dysbiosis. Thus, diosmectites are promising candidates for therapeutic approaches to target intestinal inflammation and to identify possible underlying mechanisms of diosmectites in further studies.
Presence, Mode of Action, and Application of Pathway Specific Transcription Factors in Aspergillus Biosynthetic Gene Clusters
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Yu Yuchao , Keller Nancy P. , Wang Pinmei
Published: August 2021

Fungal secondary metabolites are renowned toxins as well as valuable sources of antibiotics, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and immunosuppressants; hence, great efforts were levied to understand how these compounds are genetically regulated. The genes encoding for the enzymes required for synthesizing secondary metabolites are arranged in biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Often, BGCs contain a pathway specific transcription factor (PSTF), a valuable tool in shutting down or turning up production of the BGC product. In this review, we present an in-depth view of PSTFs by examining over 40 characterized BGCs in the well-studied fungal species Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus fumigatus. Herein, we find BGC size is a predictor for presence of PSTFs, consider the number and the relative location of PSTF in regard to the cluster(s) regulated, discuss the function and the evolution of PSTFs, and present application strategies for pathway specific activation of cryptic BGCs.
Regular Physical Exercise Modulates Iron Homeostasis in the 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Belaya Irina , Kucháriková Nina , Górová Veronika , Kysenius Kai , Hare Dominic J. , Crouch Peter J. , Malm Tarja , Atalay Mustafa , White Anthony R. , Liddell Jeffrey R. , Kanninen Katja M.
Published: August 2021

Dysregulation of brain iron metabolism is one of the pathological features of aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive impairment. While physical inactivity is one of the risk factors for AD and regular exercise improves cognitive function and reduces pathology associated with AD, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of the study is to explore the effect of regular physical exercise on modulation of iron homeostasis in the brain and periphery of the 5xFAD mouse model of AD. By using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and a variety of biochemical techniques, we measured total iron content and level of proteins essential in iron homeostasis in the brain and skeletal muscles of sedentary and exercised mice. Long-term voluntary running induced redistribution of iron resulted in altered iron metabolism and trafficking in the brain and increased iron content in skeletal muscle. Exercise reduced levels of cortical hepcidin, a key regulator of iron homeostasis, coupled with interleukin-6 (IL-6) decrease in cortex and plasma. We propose that regular exercise induces a reduction of hepcidin in the brain, possibly via the IL-6/STAT3/JAK1 pathway. These findings indicate that regular exercise modulates iron homeostasis in both wild-type and AD mice.
Physalin A, 13,14-Seco-16, 24-Cyclo-Steroid, Inhibits Stemness of Breast Cancer Cells by Regulation of Hedgehog Signaling Pathway and Yes-Associated Protein 1 (YAP1)
Authors: Ko Yu-Chan , Choi Hack Sun , Liu Ren , Lee Dong-Sun
Published: August 2021

The Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway plays an important role in embryonic development and adult organ homeostasis. Aberrant activity of the Hedgehog signaling pathway induces many developmental disorders and cancers. Recent studies have investigated the relationship of this pathway with various cancers. GPCR-like protein Smoothened (SMO) and the glioma-associated oncogene (GLI1) are the main effectors of Hedgehog signaling. Physalin A, a bioactive substance derived from Physalis alkekengi, inhibits proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells and mammospheres formation. Physalin A-induced apoptosis and growth inhibition of mammospheres, and reduced transcripts of cancer stem cell (CSC) marker genes. Physalin A reduced protein expressions of SMO and GLI1/2. Down-regulation of SMO and GLI1 using siRNA inhibited mammosphere formation. Physalin A reduced mammosphere formation by reducing GLI1 gene expression. Down-regulation of GLI1 reduced CSC marker genes. Physalin A reduced protein level of YAP1. Down-regulation of YAP1 using siRNA inhibited mammosphere formation. Physalin A reduced mammosphere formation through reduction of YAP1 gene expression. Down-regulation of YAP1 reduced CSC marker genes. We showed that treatment of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells with GLI1 siRNA induced inhibition of mammosphere formation and down-regulation of YAP1, a Hippo pathway effector. These results show that Hippo signaling is regulated by the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Physalin A also inhibits the canonical Hedgehog and Hippo signaling pathways, CSC-specific genes, and the formation of mammospheres. These findings suggest that physalin A is a potential therapeutic agent for targeting CSCs.
Acute Inflammatory Response in Osteoporotic Fracture Healing Augmented with Mechanical Stimulation is Regulated In Vivo through the p38-MAPK Pathway
Authors: Chow Simon Kwoon Ho , Cui Can , Cheng Keith Yu Kin , Chim Yu Ning , Wang Jinyu , Wong Carissa Hing Wai , Ng Ka Wai , Wong Ronald Man Yeung , Cheung Wing Hoi
Published: August 2021

Low-magnitude high-frequency vibration (LMHFV) has previously been reported to modulate the acute inflammatory response of ovariectomy-induced osteoporotic fracture healing. However, the underlying mechanisms are not clear. In the present study, we investigated the effect of LMHFV on the inflammatory response and the role of the p38 MAPK mechanical signaling pathway in macrophages during the healing process. A closed femoral fracture SD rat model was used. In vivo results showed that LMHFV enhanced activation of the p38 MAPK pathway at the fracture site. The acute inflammatory response, expression of inflammatory cytokines, and callus formation were suppressed in vivo by p38 MAPK inhibition. However, LMHFV did not show direct in vitro enhancement effects on the polarization of RAW264.7 macrophage from the M1 to M2 phenotype, but instead promoted macrophage enlargement and transformation to dendritic monocytes. The present study demonstrated that p38 MAPK modulated the enhancement effects of mechanical stimulation in vivo only. LMHFV may not have exerted its enhancement effects directly on macrophage, but the exact mechanism may have taken a different pathway that requires further investigation in the various subsets of immune cells.
Prevalence and Clinical Implications of Ascites in Gastric Cancer Patients after Curative Surgery
Authors: Lee Ju-Hee , Kwon Sung-Joon , Kim Mimi , Kang Bo-Kyeong
Published: August 2021

We aimed to determine the frequency and clinical significance of ascites that developed during the follow-up period in patients who underwent curative resection for gastric cancer. The study included 577 patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative gastrectomy. Among them, 184 showed ascites in postoperative follow-up images. Benign ascites was observed in 131 of 490 patients without recurrence, 48 patients (of 87) with recurrence had malignancy-related ascites, and the remaining 5 patients had ascites only prior to recurrence. In most patients without recurrence (97.7%) and in 50% of patients with malignancy-related ascites, the ascites was small in volume and located in the pelvic cavity at the time that it was first identified. However, with the exception of nine patients, malignancy-related pelvic ascites occurred simultaneously or after obvious recurrence. Of those nine patients who had minimal pelvic ascites before obvious recurrence, only one had a clear association with a malignancy-related ascites. In the multivariate analysis, an age of ≤45 was the only independent risk factor for the occurrence of benign ascites. A small volume of pelvic ascites fluid is common in young gastric cancer patients who do not have recurrence after gastrectomy, regardless of sex. It is rare for ascites to be the first manifestation of recurrence.
A Multi-Criteria Assessment Strategy for 3D Printed Porous Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Patient-Specific Implants for Orbital Wall Reconstruction
Authors: Sharma Neha , Welker Dennis , Aghlmandi Soheila , Maintz Michaela , Zeilhofer Hans-Florian , Honigmann Philipp , Seifert Thomas , Thieringer Florian M.
Published: August 2021

Pure orbital blowout fractures occur within the confines of the internal orbital wall. Restoration of orbital form and volume is paramount to prevent functional and esthetic impairment. The anatomical peculiarity of the orbit has encouraged surgeons to develop implants with customized features to restore its architecture. This has resulted in worldwide clinical demand for patient-specific implants (PSIs) designed to fit precisely in the patient’s unique anatomy. Material extrusion or Fused filament fabrication (FFF) three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has enabled the fabrication of implant-grade polymers such as Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), paving the way for a more sophisticated generation of biomaterials. This study evaluates the FFF 3D printed PEEK orbital mesh customized implants with a metric considering the relevant design, biomechanical, and morphological parameters. The performance of the implants is studied as a function of varying thicknesses and porous design constructs through a finite element (FE) based computational model and a decision matrix based statistical approach. The maximum stress values achieved in our results predict the high durability of the implants, and the maximum deformation values were under one-tenth of a millimeter (mm) domain in all the implant profile configurations. The circular patterned implant (0.9 mm) had the best performance score. The study demonstrates that compounding multi-design computational analysis with 3D printing can be beneficial for the optimal restoration of the orbital floor.
New Advances and Future Possibilities in Forming Technology of Hybrid Metal–Polymer Composites Used in Aerospace Applications
Authors: Trzepieciński Tomasz , Najm Sherwan Mohammed , Sbayti Manel , Belhadjsalah Hedi , Szpunar Marcin , Lemu Hirpa G.
Published: August 2021

Fibre metal laminates, hybrid composite materials built up from interlaced layers of thin metals and fibre reinforced adhesives, are future-proof materials used in the production of passenger aircraft, yachts, sailplanes, racing cars, and sports equipment. The most commercially available fibre–metal laminates are carbon reinforced aluminium laminates, aramid reinforced aluminium laminates, and glass reinforced aluminium laminates. This review emphasises the developing technologies for forming hybrid metal–polymer composites (HMPC). New advances and future possibilities in the forming technology for this group of materials is discussed. A brief classification of the currently available types of FMLs and details of their methods of fabrication are also presented. Particular emphasis was placed on the methods of shaping FMLs using plastic working techniques, i.e., incremental sheet forming, shot peening forming, press brake bending, electro-magnetic forming, hydroforming, and stamping. Current progress and the future directions of research on HMPCs are summarised and presented.
Numerical Simulation of Depth Tracking Control of an Underwater Towed System Coupled with Wave–Ship Interference
Authors: Yang Xianyuan , Wu Jiaming , Li Quanlin , Lv Haiyan
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a numerical study of the depth tracking control for an underwater towed system under wave–ship interference condition. To overcome the laminations of ignoring the hydrodynamic factors and wave–ship interference in the existing simulation model for the depth tracking operation of the underwater towed system, a numerical model combining the control system with the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method based on the overset mesh technique is explored and constructed; the influence of towing ship and head waves is introduced into the numerical analysis of the underwater towed system; a depth control system based on the center of gravity adjustment is proposed and its control characteristics are discussed. The fluid motion around the towed vehicle and the towing ship is governed by the Navier–Stokes equations, and the overset mesh technique is applied for the numerical solution of the equations. The towing cable connecting the towed vehicle and towing ship is governed by the quasi-steady-state catenary equations. The depth tracking controller adjusting the longitudinal position of a shifting weight is constructed based on the proportional–integral–derivative (PID) algorithm. The simulation results show that the numerical simulation system is practicable, and the depth tracking control system is feasible, effective, and robust.