bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transverse distribution of cyanobacteria in a regulated urban river
Authors: Yan Huaiyu , Wang Hua , He Xinchen , Liu Yulin , Tang Quanyin , Yang Yeye , Yuan Weihao
Published: December 2020

River eutrophication and CyanoHABs are severe problems that are often ignored because of high current speed and strong self‐purification. In this paper, Liangxi River, Taihu Basin, was selected as the research area. Combined with field investigation, a 2D water environment mathematical model was developed to simulate the chl‐a distribution in Liangxi River. An indicator (Transverse Distribution Center, TDC) and its normalized form (NTDC) to quantitatively represent material transverse distribution in rivers is proposed and coupled in the model. The calculation showed that TDC and NTDC had the property of random fluctuation, seasonal consistency, and water transfer dependence. The multiple regression equation with normalized data indicated that the maximum offset, average variation rate, and average reverting rate of Liangxi River chl‐a NTDC were most affected by the chl‐a dry matter flux ratio between tributaries and the mainstream, followed by flow and chl‐a concentration ratio. From the perspective of river morphology, for different river width change modes and river bending directions, when water flows into and out of these river sections, the chl‐a transverse distribution is subject to different specific effects. In addition, the position of nutrients and dissolved oxygen significantly affected the position of chl‐a growth when the N/P ratio was not very high. Conversely, a high N/P ratio may contribute to decrease of the chl‐a concentration. Proliferation with abundant nutrients may cause the settlement of chl‐a resulting in a decrease of chl‐a in the water column.
Oscillatory and structural signatures of language plasticity in brain tumor patients: A longitudinal study
Authors: Amoruso Lucia , Geng Shuang , Molinaro Nicola , Timofeeva Polina , Gisbert‐Muñoz Sandra , Gil‐Robles Santiago , Pomposo Iñigo , Quiñones Ileana , Carreiras Manuel
Published: December 2020

Recent evidence suggests that damage to the language network triggers its functional reorganization. Yet, the spectro‐temporal fingerprints of this plastic rearrangement and its relation to anatomical changes is less well understood. Here, we combined magnetoencephalographic recordings with a proxy measure of white matter to investigate oscillatory activity supporting language plasticity and its relation to structural reshaping. First, cortical dynamics were acquired in a group of healthy controls during object and action naming. Results showed segregated beta (13–28 Hz) power decreases in left ventral and dorsal pathways, in a time‐window associated to lexico‐semantic processing (~250–500 ms). Six patients with left tumors invading either ventral or dorsal regions performed the same naming task before and 3 months after surgery for tumor resection. When longitudinally comparing patients' responses we found beta compensation mimicking the category‐based segregation showed by controls, with ventral and dorsal damage leading to selective compensation for object and action naming, respectively. At the structural level, all patients showed preoperative changes in white matter tracts possibly linked to plasticity triggered by tumor growth. Furthermore, in some patients, structural changes were also evident after surgery and showed associations with longitudinal changes in beta power lateralization toward the contralesional hemisphere. Overall, our findings support the existence of anatomo‐functional dependencies in language reorganization and highlight the potential role of oscillatory markers in tracking longitudinal plasticity in brain tumor patients. By doing so, they provide valuable information for mapping preoperative and postoperative neural reshaping and plan surgical strategies to preserve language function and patient's quality of life.
Simulation of a set of large‐size thermal enclosures by a substructured reduced‐order model
Authors: Gaume Benjamin , Joly Frédéric , Quéméner Olivier
Published: December 2020

In the context of simulations of coupled thermal enclosures, we present here a substructuring technique adapted to the amalgam reduced‐order modal model (AROMM). This technique consists of splitting the geometry into different zones. A modal model is then applied to each zone, and the coupling of the resulting models is performed via a thermal contact resistance. This technique allows the consideration of physical thermal resistances between different components of the geometry, as well as the making of fictitious cuts within a continuous domain, when its large size causes difficulties in obtaining the global reduced model. Applied to the simulation of a simplified component of a liquefied natural gas carrier, the use of a substructured model with 200 modes allows an access to the whole temperature field with a maximum difference near 1 K and an average difference of the order of 0.2 K, compared with a conventional Lagrange finite‐element model of shell type, which requires 60 times longer calculation.
Nonlinear free convection flow of micropolar nanofluid over a cylinder
Authors: Ibrahim Wubshe , Zemedu Chaluma
Published: December 2020

Buoyancy‐determined steady, laminar nonlinear convection flow of micropolar nanofluid with Soret effect, viscous dissipation over a cylinder were evaluated numerically using method bvp4c from matlab software for assorted quantities of leading parameters. Mathematical modeling for the flow problem has been completed with fitting resemblance change and dimensionless variable. A variable similarity solution is offered that bases on various quantities of leading parameters. Influences of these parameters on , are tested and displayed with the charts and graphs. The convergence test has been continued; for quantity of spots larger than suitable mesh number of points. The correctness is unchanged, but it takes time. Also, a comparison with prior study reachable in the literature has been offered with very good conformity is got. The findings show that the existence of Soret number agrees to enhance concentration profile , Wall couple stress coefficient and Nusselt number . But the presence of Eckert Number Ec, allows declining velocity, microrotation, temperature, and concentration profiles.
Abrogating GPT2 in triple‐negative breast cancer inhibits tumor growth and promotes autophagy
Authors: Mitra Devina , Vega‐Rubin‐de‐Celis Silvia , Royla Nadine , Bernhardt Stephan , Wilhelm Heike , Tarade Nooraldeen , Poschet Gernot , Buettner Michael , Binenbaum Ilona , Borgoni Simone , Vetter Martina , Kantelhardt Eva Johanna , Thomssen Christoph , Chatziioannou Aristotelis , Hell Rüdiger , Kempa Stefan , Müller‐Decker Karin , Wiemann Stefan
Published: December 2020

Uncontrolled proliferation and altered metabolic reprogramming are hallmarks of cancer. Active glycolysis and glutaminolysis are characteristic features of these hallmarks and required for tumorigenesis. A fine balance between cancer metabolism and autophagy is a prerequisite of homeostasis within cancer cells. Here we show that glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2), which serves as a pivot between glycolysis and glutaminolysis, is highly upregulated in aggressive breast cancers, particularly the triple‐negative breast cancer subtype. Abrogation of this enzyme results in decreased tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, which promotes the rewiring of glucose carbon atoms and alterations in nutrient levels. Concordantly, loss of GPT2 results in an impairment of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 activity as well as the induction of autophagy. Furthermore, in vivo xenograft studies have shown that autophagy induction correlates with decreased tumor growth and that markers of induced autophagy correlate with low GPT2 levels in patient samples. Taken together, these findings indicate that cancer cells have a close network between metabolic and nutrient sensing pathways necessary to sustain tumorigenesis and that aminotransferase reactions play an important role in maintaining this balance.
Gene‐ and pathway‐level analyses of iCOGS variants highlight novel signaling pathways underlying familial breast cancer susceptibility
Authors: Lonjou Christine , Eon‐Marchais Séverine , Truong Thérèse , Dondon Marie‐Gabrielle , Karimi Mojgan , Jiao Yue , Damiola Francesca , Barjhoux Laure , Le Gal Dorothée , Beauvallet Juana , Mebirouk Noura , Cavaciuti Eve , Chiesa Jean , Floquet Anne , Audebert‐Bellanger Séverine , Giraud Sophie , Frebourg Thierry , Limacher Jean‐Marc , Gladieff Laurence , Mortemousque Isabelle , Dreyfus Hélène , Lejeune‐Dumoulin Sophie , Lasset Christine , Venat‐Bouvet Laurence , Bignon Yves‐Jean , Pujol Pascal , Maugard Christine M. , Luporsi Elisabeth , Bonadona Valérie , Noguès Catherine , Berthet Pascaline , Delnatte Capucine , Gesta Paul , Lortholary Alain , Faivre Laurence , Buecher Bruno , Caron Olivier , Gauthier‐Villars Marion , Coupier Isabelle , Mazoyer Sylvie , Monraz Luis‐Cristobal , Kondratova Maria , Kuperstein Inna , Guénel Pascal , Barillot Emmanuel , Stoppa‐Lyonnet Dominique , Andrieu Nadine , Lesueur Fabienne
Published: December 2020

Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in over 180 loci have been associated with breast cancer (BC) through genome‐wide association studies involving mostly unselected population‐based case‐control series. Some of them modify BC risk of women carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) mutation and may also explain BC risk variability in BC‐prone families with no BRCA1/2 mutation. Here, we assessed the contribution of SNPs of the iCOGS array in GENESIS consisting of BC cases with no BRCA1/2 mutation and a sister with BC, and population controls. Genotyping data were available for 1281 index cases, 731 sisters with BC, 457 unaffected sisters and 1272 controls. In addition to the standard SNP‐level analysis using index cases and controls, we performed pedigree‐based association tests to capture transmission information in the sibships. We also performed gene‐ and pathway‐level analyses to maximize the power to detect associations with lower‐frequency SNPs or those with modest effect sizes. While SNP‐level analyses identified 18 loci, gene‐level analyses identified 112 genes. Furthermore, 31 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and 7 Atlas of Cancer Signaling Network pathways were highlighted (false discovery rate of 5%). Using results from the “index case‐control” analysis, we built pathway‐derived polygenic risk scores (PRS) and assessed their performance in the population‐based CECILE study and in a data set composed of GENESIS‐affected sisters and CECILE controls. Although these PRS had poor predictive value in the general population, they performed better than a PRS built using our SNP‐level findings, and we found that the joint effect of family history and PRS needs to be considered in risk prediction models.
Single‐cell transcriptome analysis reveals that maternal obesity affects DNA repair, histone methylation, and autophagy level in mouse embryos
Authors: Pan Meng‐Hao , Zhu Cheng‐Cheng , Ju Jia‐Qian , Xu Yi , Luo Shi‐Ming , Sun Shao‐Chen , Ou Xiang‐Hong
Published: December 2020

Obesity causes many reproductive dysfunctions such as reduced conception, infertility, and early pregnancy loss, and this is largely due to the negative effects of obesity on oocyte and embryo quality. In the present study, we employed single‐cell RNA transcriptome sequencing to investigate the potential causes for the maternal obesity effects on mouse embryos. Our results showed that the 4‐cell and morula/blastocyst rates were all significantly decreased during embryo development in obese mice. Genome‐wide analysis indicated that obesity altered the expression of more than 1100 genes in 2‐cell embryos, including the genes which were related to the p53 signaling pathway and apoptosis. Further analysis showed that the expression of 47 genes related to DNA damage was changed, and a positive γH2A signal and the altered expression of Rad51 and Tex15 were observed in the obese embryos. Obesity also affected histone methylation, shown by the decrease of the H3K4‐me2 level. Besides this, we observed the occurrence of autophagy and apoptosis in the embryos of obese mice. There were 42 genes that were related to autophagy/apoptosis that showed aberrant expression, and the positive LC3 signal and the decrease of Clec16a, Rraga, and Atg10 level were also observed. In summary, our study suggested that obesity affected early embryonic development by inducing DNA damage, aberrant histone methylation, and autophagy levels in mice.
Antegrade slow pathway mapping of typical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia based on direct slow pathway capture
Authors: Tobiume Takeshi , Kato Ritsushi , Matsuura Tomomi , Matsumoto Kazuhisa , Hara Motoki , Takamori Nobuyuki , Taketani Yoshio , Okawa Keisuke , Ise Takayuki , Kusunose Kenya , Yamaguchi Koji , Yagi Shusuke , Fukuda Daijyu , Yamada Hirotsugu , Wakatsuki Tetsuzo , Soeki Takeshi , Sata Masataka , Matsumoto Kazuo
Published: December 2020

Background

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation of typical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (tAVNRT) is performed without revealing out the location of antegrade slow pathway (ASp). In this study, we studied a new electrophysiological method of identifying the site of ASp.

Methods

This study included 19 patients. Repeated series of very high‐output single extrastimulations (VhoSESts) were delivered at the anatomical slow pathway region during tAVNRT. Tachycardia cycle length (TCL), coupling interval (CI), and return cycle (RC) were measured and the prematurity of VhoSESts [ΔPM (= TCL – CI)] and the prolongation of RCs [ΔPL (= RC – TCL)] were calculated. Pacing sites were classified into two categories: (i) ASp capture sites [DSPC(+) sites], where two different RCs were shown, and ASp non‐capture sites [DSPC(‐) sites], where only one RC was shown. RF ablation was performed at DSPC(+) sites and/or sites with catheter‐induced mechanical trauma (CIMT) to ASp.

Results

DSPC(+) sites were shown in 13 patients (68%). RF ablation was successful in all patients without any degree of atrioventricular block nor recurrence. Total number of RF applications was 1.8 ± 1.1. Minimal distance between successful ablation sites and DSPC(+)/CIMT sites and His bundle (HB) electrogram recording sites was 1.9 ± 0.8 mm and 19.8 ± 6.1 mm, respectively. ΔPL of more than 92.5 ms, ΔPL/TCL of more than 0.286, and ΔPL/ΔPM of more than 1.565 could identify ASp with sensitivity of 100%, 91.1%, and 88.9% and specificity of 92.9%, 97.0%, and 97.6%, respectively.

Conclusions

Sites with ASp capture and CIMT were close to successful ablation sites and could be useful indicators of tAVNRT ablation.
Brugada phenocopy or congenital Brugada syndrome in a patient with spontaneous pneumopericardium and pericarditis
Authors: Khmao Pichmanil , Long Vannak , Ku No , Lim Sivutha
Published: December 2020

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is characterized by coved ST segment elevation in the right precordial lead (V1‐V3). Previous reports have described type‐1 or type‐2 Brugada ECG pattern as a Brugada phenocopy (BrP) in various clinical condition and once the etiology is resolved, the BrP ECG pattern normalizes. We describe a case report of type‐1 Brugada ECG pattern in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and active pulmonary tuberculosis, which developed to spontaneous pneumopericardium and pericarditis. The coexistence of type‐1 Brugada ECG pattern with spontaneous pneumopericardium and pericarditis is an extremely rare pathological condition that has not been previously described.
Extreme heat events from an object viewpoint with application to south‐east Australia
Authors: King Malcolm J. , Reeder Michael J.
Published: December 2020

Surface high temperature extremes have a large impact on society and environment, and their relationship to the large‐scale circulation has been explored in detail. However, most of these studies have investigated these relationships in a single location or region, and focused on events that persist at this location sufficiently long to be considered heatwave‐like events. Moreover, few studies have explored the full lifecycle of extreme temperature events. The present study introduces a simple object that can be used to follow areas of extreme temperature that moves through time, and presents a basic global climatology of these objects, showing that shorter high temperature objects are more frequently found in the tropics and longer objects are more likely along the mid‐latitude jet regions. Heatwave‐length (three or more days) high temperature events in the south‐eastern part of Australia are also explored using this object approach, showing that while many shorter length objects in the area form and decay within the region, longer objects tend to first appear along the coast west of much of the south‐east Australian region and decay mostly over the ocean to the south‐east of the region. The area affected by the objects is closely associated to the propagation of circulation anomalies, moving from west to east with surface temperature extremes slightly to the west of upper‐level anticyclonic anomalies and in between a surface high to the east and a trough/low/cold front to the west. The large‐scale circulation anomalies are similar in structure but differ in magnitude for different lengths of objects that affect south‐east Australia, although longer‐lived objects have upper‐level anticyclonic anomalies located further north than the shorter heatwave‐length objects. Objects that affect both far western and south‐eastern Australia closely resemble the longer south‐eastern Australian heatwave‐length objects.
A triple‐component deep inferior epigastric artery perforator chimeric free flap for three‐dimensional reconstruction of a complex knee defect complicated with patella osteomyelitis
Authors: Yamamoto Takumi , Yamamoto Nana
Published: December 2020

Reconstruction of a complex knee defect is challenging, especially when complicated with osteomyelitis. Complex knee defect requires multi‐component three‐dimensional reconstruction using a chimeric flap. Although anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is the most workhorse chimeric flap, another chimeric flap is required when ALT flap is not available. In this report, we present a case of complex knee defect successfully treated with a free triple‐component chimeric deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap transfer. A 36 year‐old male sustained right above‐knee amputation and Gustilo IIIB open fracture of the left patella after being run over by a train. Stump formation was performed for the right limb amputation, and the left knee wound resulted in skin necrosis complicated with patella osteomyelitis. After debridement, the left knee wound showed a 3 × 2 cm articular capsule defect, 5 × 2 cm exposed patella stump, and a 16 × 9 cm skin defect. A triple‐component chimeric DIEP flap, containing a 7 × 3 cm rectus abdominis muscle (RAM), a 3 × 2 cm RAM's fascia, and a 23 × 10 cm skin was transferred. The RAM's fascia was used to reconstruct the joint, the RAM to cover the exposed patella's stump and the reconstructed joint, and the skin paddle to cover the skin defect. Six months after the surgery, the patient could walk without osteomyelitis recurrence, and there was no limitation in the left knee joint's range of motion. Although indication is limited, a multi‐component chimeric DIEP flap may be an option for three‐dimensional reconstruction of a complex defect.
Symptom cluster profiles following traumatic orthopedic injuries: A protocol
Authors: Breazeale Stephen , Dorsey Susan G. , Kearney Joan , Conley Samantha , Jeon Sangchoon , Yoo Brad , Redeker Nancy S.
Published: December 2020

Traumatic injuries affect millions of Americans annually, resulting in $671 billion in healthcare costs and lost productivity. Postinjury symptoms, like pain, sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, and stressor‐related disorders are highly prevalent following traumatic orthopedic injuries (TOI) and may contribute to negative long‐term outcomes. Symptoms rarely present in isolation, but in clusters of two or more symptoms that co‐occur to affect health in aggregate. Identifying symptom cluster profiles following TOI may identify those at highest risk for negative outcomes. Dysregulation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a potential biological mechanism responsible for symptom cluster profile membership after TOI and may be targeted in future precision‐health applications. The purpose of this paper is to present the protocol of a cross‐sectional study designed to identify symptom cluster profiles and measure the extent to which the BDNF val66met mutation and serum concentration of BDNF are associated with membership in symptom cluster profiles. We plan to recruit 150 TOI survivors within the first 72 h of injury. The study aims are to (1) describe TOI survivors’ membership in symptom cluster profiles, indicated by pain, sleep disturbance, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stressor‐related disorders, immediately following a TOI; (2) examine associations between demographic and clinical factors and symptom cluster profile membership among TOI survivors; (3) test the hypothesis that low serum concentrations of BDNF are associated with membership among symptom cluster profiles following TOI; and (4) test the hypothesis that the presence of the val66met mutation on one or both alleles of the BDNF gene is associated with membership among symptom cluster profiles following TOI.
NtRBP45, a nuclear RNA‐binding protein of Nicotiana tabacum, facilitates post‐transcriptional gene silencing
Authors: Zhang Wangbin , Zhu Zongcai , Du Peixiu , Zhang Chao , Yan Hailin , Wang Wenguo , Li Weimin
Published: December 2020

The tobacco RBP45 is a nuclear RNA binding protein (RBP). In this study, we identified that the gene expression of NtRBP45 was significantly up‐regulated upon the Tobacco mosaic virus infection and the central region of the protein accounted for its nuclear localization. In particular, using a green fluorescent protein‐based transient suppression assay, we uncovered that the transiently overexpressed NtRBP45 was able to enhance local post‐transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS), facilitate siRNA accumulation, and compromise the RNA silencing suppression mediated by Tomato aspermy virus 2b protein. Deletion mutagenesis showed that both the N‐ and C‐terminal regions of NtRBP45 were necessary for enhancing PTGS. The data overall indicated a novel RNA silencing factor that might participate in antiviral defense.
First‐principle study of the properties in BaTiO3 and the electronic structure of H2O adsorption on BaTiO3
Authors: Wang Jiao , Xing Zhiguo , Lu Zhenlin , Ding Kaining , Wang Haidou
Published: December 2020

The properties of BaTiO3 and the electronic structure of H2O adsorption on BaTiO3 were investigated by using first principle calculations based on density functional theory. The calculated results show that the orbital hybridization between Ti and O is stronger than that between Ba and O. With the increase of energy, reflex points in the form of random fluctuation and the anisotropy of crystal clear. Enthalpy and heat capacity varies with temperature rise, while free energy fall. H bonds are formed between the hydrogen of water and the surface oxygen of BaTiO3 and between the hydrogen of hydroxyl and the surface oxygen of BaTiO3. The adsorption process of BaTiO3 adsorbing H2O is a physical process and ΔH < 0, ΔS < 0.
Controlling organic interference in determination of soil mineral nitrogen
Authors: Nunes Vander L. N. , Mulvaney Richard L.
Published: December 2020

Inorganic nitrogen (N) in the form of exchangeable ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3−), or nitrite (NO2−) is normally extracted by shaking soil with a neutral salt solution and is subject to interference by soluble organic N (SON). After optimizing sequential diffusion methods to expedite recovery of NH4+–N and (NO3− + NO2−)‐N, 15N‐tracer studies were conducted to ascertain whether extraction is quantitative when performed on soils amended with 2 g 15N kg−1 using 0.2, 1, and 2 M potassium chloride (KCl) and can be carried out by a simple leaching method instead of conventional shaking‐filtration. The results verified a significant decrease in SON interference with the optimized diffusion procedures and showed that (a) interference is more serious for NH4+–N than for (NO3− + NO2−)‐N, (b) 2 M KCl is required for quantitative recovery of 15NH4+–N, and (c) leaching virtually eliminates organic interference during diffusion of (NO3− + NO2−)‐N. The leaching‐diffusion approach minimizes the inflating effect of SON on soil inorganic N analyses and will be especially useful in N isotope studies.
Commentary on Professor Austin Bradford Hill's Alfred Watson Memorial Lecture
Authors: Hubbard Rebecca A.
Published: December 2020

As availability of health care data for research opens up new frontiers in medical statistics, keeping a focus on the science behind the data is more important than ever to promote sound research and protect the validity of research results. Though the electronic databases currently amassed for research far exceed in scale and scope the observational research Professor Hill likely conceived of, his guidance to statisticians to ground our work in the biological and medical processes behind the data remains salient across the decades.
Biodynamic signatures from ex vivo bone marrow aspirates are associated with chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia in cancer‐bearing dogs
Authors: Marcum Blake A. , Li Zhe , Turek John J. , Moore George E. , Nolte David D. , Childress Michael O.
Published: December 2020

Background

Neutropenia is the most common dose‐limiting side effect of cytotoxic chemotherapy in cancer‐bearing dogs. Biodynamic imaging (BDI) is a functional imaging technology that measures dynamic light scattering from living, three‐dimensional tissues to characterize intracellular motion within those tissues. Previous studies have associated BDI biomarkers with tumour sensitivity to chemotherapy agents in dogs with naturally occurring cancer. We hypothesized that BDI, performed ex vivo on bone marrow aspirate samples, would identify dynamic biomarkers associated with the occurrence of specific degrees of neutropenia in tumour‐bearing dogs receiving doxorubicin chemotherapy.

Materials and Methods

Bone marrow aspirates were collected from 10 dogs with naturally occurring cancers prior to initiation of doxorubicin treatment. BDI was performed on bone marrow samples treated ex vivo with doxorubicin at 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 μM along with 0.1% DMSO as a control. Dogs then were treated with doxorubicin (30 mg/m2, intravenously). Peripheral blood neutrophil counts were obtained on the day of treatment and again 7 days later. Receiver operating characteristic curves identified provisional breakpoints for BDI biomarkers that correlated with specific changes in neutrophil counts between the two time points.

Results

Provisional breakpoints for several BDI biomarkers were identified, specifying dogs with the largest proportionate change in neutrophils and with neutropenia that was grade 2 or higher following doxorubicin treatment.

Conclusions

Biodynamic imaging of bone marrow aspirates may identify those dogs at greater risk for neutropenia following doxorubicin chemotherapy. This approach may be useful for pre‐emptively modifying chemotherapy dosing in dogs to avoid unacceptable side effects.
Lensing Effect of Black Carbon With Brown Coatings: Dominant Microphysics and Parameterization
Authors: Zhang Xiaolin , Mao Mao , Chen Hongbin , Yin Yan , Tang Shihao
Published: December 2020

Absorption enhancements of polydisperse black carbon (BC) aggregates with brown coatings, decomposed into those due to lensing effect (Elen) and blocking effect (Eblo), are numerically studied based on recent observations with an accurate multiple‐sphere T‐matrix method. Both Elen and Eblo of BC with brown coating are predominantly determined by coated volume fraction of BC in ultraviolet and visible spectral regions, and the impacts of other microphysical parameters of coated BC are trivial if BC is no more than half encapsulated. If more volume fraction of BC is coated, scattering coating can focus more photons onto BC core with stronger lensing effect whereas absorptive coating blocks more photons originally induced by lensing effect onto BC core. The Elen may not be further enhanced with increased shell/core ratio after reaching a threshold, whereas the Eblo has sizable wavelength dependence and becomes close to the Elen in ultraviolet region. Moreover, the lensing and blocking effects of BC with brown coatings are simply parameterized, and the convenient treatments are expected to find wide applications for BC absorption enhancements due to coating.
The Influence of a Fluid Core and a Solid Inner Core on the Cassini State of Mercury
Authors: Dumberry Mathieu
Published: December 2020

We present a model of the Cassini state of Mercury that comprises an inner core, a fluid core, and a mantle. Our model includes inertial and gravitational torques between interior regions, and viscous and electromagnetic (EM) coupling at the boundaries of the fluid core. We show that the coupling between Mercury's interior regions is sufficiently strong that the obliquity of the mantle spin axis deviates from that of a rigid planet by no more than 0.01 arcmin. The mantle obliquity decreases with increasing inner core size, but the change between a large and no inner core is limited to 0.015 arcmin. EM coupling is stronger than viscous coupling at the inner core boundary and, if the core magnetic field strength is above 0.3 mT, locks the fluid and solid cores into a common precession motion. Because of the strong gravitational coupling between the mantle and inner core, the larger the inner core is, the more this coprecessing core is brought into an alignment with the mantle, and the more the obliquity of the polar moment of inertia approaches that expected for a rigid planet. The misalignment between the polar moment of inertia and mantle spin axis increases with inner core size, but is limited to 0.007 arcmin. Our results imply that the measured obliquities of the mantle spin axis and polar moment of inertia should coincide at the present‐day level of measurement errors, and cannot be distinguished from the obliquity of a rigid planet.
Three-dimensional morphological asymmetries in the ejecta of Cassiopeia A using a component separation method in X-rays
Authors: Picquenot A. , Acero F. , Holland-Ashford T. , Lopez L. A. , Bobin J.
Published: December 2020

Recent simulations have shown that asymmetries in the ejecta distribution of supernova remnants can still reflect asymmetries from the initial supernova explosion. Thus, their study provides a great means to test and constrain model predictions in relation to the distributions of heavy elements or the neutron star kicks, both of which are key to better understanding the explosion mechanisms in core-collapse supernovae. The use of a novel blind source separation method applied to the megasecond X-ray observations of the well-known Cassiopeia A supernova remnant has revealed maps of the distribution of the ejecta endowed with an unprecedented level of detail and clearly separated from continuum emission. Our method also provides a three-dimensional view of the ejecta by disentangling the red- and blue-shifted spectral components and associated images of the Si, S, Ar, Ca and Fe, providing insights into the morphology of the ejecta distribution in Cassiopeia A. These mappings allow us to thoroughly investigate the asymmetries in the heavy elements distribution and probe simulation predictions about the neutron star kicks and the relative asymmetries between the different elements. We find in our study that most of the ejecta X-ray flux stems from the red-shifted component, suggesting an asymmetry in the explosion. In addition, the red-shifted ejecta can physically be described as a broad, relatively symmetric plume, whereas the blue-shifted ejecta is more similar to a dense knot. The neutron star also moves directly opposite to the red-shifted parts of the ejecta similar to what is seen with44Ti. Regarding the morphological asymmetries, it appears that heavier elements have more asymmetrical distributions, which confirms predictions made by simulations. This study is a showcase of the capacities of new analysis methods to revisit archival observations to fully exploit their scientific content.
Inveterated Facial Palsy Correction with Endoscopically Assisted Multiple Muscle Transposition and Lifts: The EMTL Procedure
Authors: Borsetti Marco , Gangemi Ezio Nicola , Germano Silvia , Clemente Alessandra , Devalle Luca , Cerato Claudia , Merlino Giorgio
Published: December 2020

Introduction The aim of the present analysis was to study the safety and efficacy associated with reanimation in facial nerve palsy by the endoscopically assisted multiple muscle transposition and lifts (EMTL).

Patients and Methods The study sample included all patients who had undergone a facial reanimation by EMTL procedure from September 2015 to May 2019. The patients were analyzed retrospectively, with more than 1 year of follow-up, and were evaluated in terms of functional-aesthetic results and postoperative complications. The outcome was evaluated with the Sunnybrook scale.

Results Fourteen patients were included in the present study. They were all inveterate palsies with minimum 4 years from the initial injury. The preoperative Sunnybrook score ranged from 0 to 5 and the postoperative ranged from 30 to 65. Spontaneous smile achievement was obtained in 10 patients and only mild restoration in one patient. The scar and static correction were satisfactory in all patients. Eye protection was improved in all cases with some form of active blinking in six cases.

Conclusion This study showed that facial palsy correction with EMTL procedure offers a promising alternative treatment for patients with facial palsy not suitable for microsurgical muscle transposition.
Site Suitability Assessment for Neelambur Panchayat using GIS and AHP Techniques
Authors: Navin Ganesh V , Sachin E , Ravikumar R , Sanjay Kumar S , Vijayakumar S
Published: December 2020

The rapid urbanization in the fast growing cities is posing a major problem for the planning authorities. Most of this urbanization is experienced in the peri-urban areas which refer to the settlements beyond, about or around cities. They are characterized by the changing economic and employment structure along with rapid population growth, changing spatial development patterns, unregulated growth, haphazard developments, low quality housing and inadequate infrastructure facilities. Proper site suitability assessment involving detailed investigation of the land parcels with respect to the available resources required for the urban settlements which will lead to sustainable growth of the peri-urban area is required. In the current research study, site suitability assessment has been carried out for Neelambur, one of the peri-urban areas of Coimbatore city. The factors considered for identifying the land parcels suitable for urban settlement included the land-use of the study area, proximity of sites to the nearest road, proximity of sites to the nearest facilities of importance and slope of the study area. The Analytical Hierarchy Process based Weighted Overlay Method was used in Geographic Information System to identify the land parcels suitable for urban settlements in order to ensure a sustainable development in the study area.The results indicated that 5.29 sq.km of the study area was classified as highly suitable for urban settlements. The results of the current study can be used by the local planning authorities in establishing development control norms for ensuring the sustainable growth of Neelambur.
Finite Element Analysis on Shear Strength of a Castellated Beam with Hexagonal Web Opening
Authors: Deepha R , Jayalekshmi S
Published: December 2020

A beam (flexural member) with several regular openings with different shapes is called a castellated beam. The castellated beams are well accepted in the industry, multi-story buildings, and power plants due to their increased depth of the section along with the web results in increased strength and stiffness. Though numerous simulation and experimental analyses have been made on the castellated beam, with intermediate transverse stiffener, bearing stiffener and torsion stiffener are used to increase a load-bearing capacity of the beam, but the study on the understanding of diagonal stiffener in the opening is very meager. The objective of the research is to investigate the linear behavior – ISMB150 and IC225 castellated beam of hexagonal openings with and without diagonal stiffeners and the effect of fillet radius at the corner of the openings is studied. Using finite element analysis software,Hyper works, with OptiStruct as a solver, under simply supported beam construction with four-point loading conditions was analyzed by developing an efficient 3D model for the analysis. Due to the openings in the section, the sharp corner of the opening is subjected to Vierendeel failure by the formation of plastic hinges at the corners, which makes critical hence by providing diagonal stiffener in the direction of diagonal tension and diagonal compression for the smooth flow of shear forces. The results show an improvement in load-bearing capacity of 1.51 times in the castellated beam than the parent section ISMB150. The stiffener provided further enhances the same to 1.45 times compared to the ISMB150 section. The linear results show lesser stress concentrations at the web opening corners, thus reducing the prominence of failure at the corners.
Theoretical Investigation on Pervious Concrete Pavement (PCP) as Sustainable Pavement Technology (SPT)
Authors: Gireesh Kumar Pala , Priyanka Pathivada Abhirami , Jyothishma Himaja Velugoti Sasi , Rachana Tejaswi Korukonda , Keerthi Liniya Garapati
Published: December 2020

A pavement has always been in trend with lots of amelioration and furtherance. From gravel and cobblestone pavements to asphalt and concrete pavements, the world has seen a lot of new design criteria with the theoretical, field, and laboratory test analysis. From ages, the concept of Pavement has been holding on to improvising its esteemed characteristics such as compressive strength, durability, and life span. With varying mix designs and new methodologies of pavement evaluation and improvisation, the concept of sustainable pavements has gained enough priority. Better and durable quality with economical benefit and ecological balance is a much-needed pavement as per the present scenario of Mother-Earth. For a tidier society, the need for a new advancement in pavements has become crucial. With the rising revolution, Pervious Concrete Pavement (PCP) has paved its way straight to the top with an exceptional working mechanism in the category of Sustainable Pavement Technology (SPT). PCP has gained its empowered usage with beneficiary factors such as controlling storm-water runoff, reduction in pavement noise, providing vehicle-friendly pavements with a good riding platform, and being budget-friendly. With various conceptual studies and from several literature reviews, it is proven that PCP has become the future of pavement engineering with more add-ons and advantages. Therefore, this review paper, in particular, deals with the advancements of pavements, the necessity of sustainable pavements and, the transmogrification of Pervious Concrete Pavement. Following the theoretical concepts, the reviewed articles and proven test results will be scrutinized. This study concludes that available design mixes will be concentrated and accentuated for further analysis thus, proving PCP to be more efficacious in SPT.
Level of Service of Urban and Rural Roads- A Case study in Bhimavaram
Authors: Gireesh Kumar Pala , Ranjan Samal Sathya , Prasanthi L. , Bhavitha V. , Mounika Devi J.
Published: December 2020

With rapid growth of population in urban and rural areas, purchase of motorized vehicles is also grown and the demand for proper transportation network which can give good compatibility to the road users has become a major challenge in India. Level of Service (LOS) is one such parameter in terms of compatibility that gives a quality measure for the operational conditions within a traffic stream, i.e., generally in terms of service that is provided by the road to the user. This paper investigates on the existing level of service models for urban and rural roads given by researchers globally. To determine the Level of service of a particular road section, there are few commonly used methods like, Cluster Analysis, Genetic Algorithm, Fuzzy Set Theory and Neural Network etc., which are used, were discussed and reported in this paper. A new approach for finding level of service was introduced, i.e., using volume to capacity ratio (v/c), average speed of the vehicles, percentage speed reduction is also discussed and presented. This paper brings out the collective information on LOS and its findings using analytical models which can estimate/predict compatibility levels of various road users in heterogeneous traffic conditions in urban environment. The objective of this project is to study Los for various selected roads were obtained and discussed. Research work was carried in Bhimavaram (India) town, Ramayanpuram, Jaganadhapuram villages. Both study area-1,3 was observed to have LOS-D grade whereas study area-2,4 was observed to have LOS-E grade. Some of the remedial measures were given in order to increase its Los grades towards better satisfaction of traffic conditions.
Effects of Corn Cob Ash as Mineral Admixture on Mechanical and Durability Properties of Concrete – A Review
Authors: Murthi P , Poongodi K , Gobinath R
Published: December 2020

Concrete is the second most consumed product next to water on earth. Cement is the key ingredient for making concrete. India is the second largest cement producer in the world. The production of cement is emitting an equal amount of CO2 in to the atmosphere and is accounted as about 8% of the world’s total emissions. The addition of mineral additives as supplementary cementitious materials in concrete is one of the solution to avoid such environmental pollution. The natural mineral admixture obtained from the novel agricultural by-product, namely corn cob ash (CCA), is being utilized in cement manufacturing and concrete construction. The similarities in both physical and chemical properties of CCA were established when compared to the decade old agro-based mineral admixtures like rice husk ash (RHA) and sugar cane bagasse ash (BA) through research findings. The results are mentioned that the CCA can be used as chemically active mineral admixture and micro-filler in concrete. With this background, the paper presents a review on the effect of substituting CCA in fresh, mechanical and durability properties of concrete.
Future Traffic Prediction from Short Period Traffic Data
Authors: Srinivasula Reddy I , Mendi Vikas
Published: December 2020

Prediction of future traffic is a complicated process which requires logical prediction methods and experience. The present study focused on the prediction of future traffic from the AADT data which is estimated from the one week continuous traffic data collected from the selected study area. State wise traffic contributions are estimated from the one-day number plate survey data and major states effecting the traffic in the study area are observed. The population data, vehicle registration data and economic data of the major states which are observed through number plate survey are used for the prediction of future traffic data. The vehicle growth rates were calculated using average vehicle registration growth rate method and nonlinear regression (power regression). Finally, the growth rates were decided according to the traffic design norms provided by NHAI. The year wise future traffic was predicted and presented in this paper from the year 2013 to 2040. The changes in Level of Service (LOS) of the NH 8A for four lane and six lane configuration is detailed for the future scenario.
Prediction of Compressive Strength with the Variation of Steel Fiber in the Concrete by Using ANN
Authors: Haripriya Sandela , Ikramullah Khan Md , Swetha D , Alok G , Bhaskar Bandi , Sudheer Kumar P , Pranay Kumar T
Published: December 2020

The compressive strength of concrete up on replacement by silica fume and the adding of steel fiber has been predicted by using artificial neural networking in this investigation. Compressive strength was measured at 7, 14, and 28 days by using these data ANN model has been constructed. The input parameters which are considered as the particulars in the artificial neural networking model have been set out in a form are cement, silica fume, and steel fiber and the compressive strength of concrete is an output variable. The results exhibited that the envision of the compressive strength of concrete by ANN can be another approach.
Effect of Metallic and Non-Metallic Fibre and Recycled Aggregate on High Strength Concrete
Authors: Sebastin S , Ram Kumar S M Murali , Franchis David M
Published: December 2020

The most prominent building material utilized within the field of civil engineering was concrete. Among structural elements concrete have very poor scrap value, so that it cannot be used anywhere. This paper deals about the possibility of utilizing the structural waste as replacement for ingredients used in concrete. Recycled aggregate were replaced of about 20%, 30%, 40% in the coarse aggregate. In order to increase the strength of concrete, the fibres like steel fibre, polypropylene fibre and glass fibre were used. They are all added of 0.5% each from the total weight of cement. Additional admixtures like lime and silica fume were incorporated to expand the strength of the concrete. The specimens were casted to consider its mechanical properties. By comparing the consequences of various proportions the specimens having 20% of Recycled aggregate has accomplished the best compressive strength of 62.2 N/mm2. The result is of 8.86% not exactly typical mix. This proportion also shows great outcome for split tensile strength and flexural strength (i.e., 5.10 N/mm2 and 5.6N/mm2). Thus by expanding the level of reused aggregate, the strength of concrete is tends to decrease.
Effects of Admixtures on the Self Compacting Concrete State of the Art Report
Authors: Christopher Gnanaraj S , Babu Chokkalingam Ramesh , LiziaThankam G
Published: December 2020

In concrete, many properties influence the strength parameters, among that most important parameter is proper compaction. Complete compaction is not possible using conventional concrete with hand compaction or machine vibration in structural element like long column and beam column joints. In these cases, self-compacting concrete (SCC) plays a vital role. It gives full compaction without any external effort. This type of concrete compacts by its own weight, another important advantage with SCC is the absence of segregation. Hence SCC usage has increased enormously in the last few decades. Having lot of merits SCC also has few demerits. One important demerit is that, to prepare SCC lot of cement content is needed compare to conventional concrete; this may increase the CO2 emission also it leads to higher heat of hydration this may cause shrinkage cracks if adequate curing is not provided. This study is an attempt to review the influence of different types of mineral admixtures and chemical admixtures used in self compacting concrete along with a brief knowledge about the change in mechanical behaviour with respect to the influence of these admixtures.