bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5-Hydroxymethylcytosine Loss in Conjunctival Melanoma
Authors: Stahl Alexandre , Riggi Nicolo , Nardou Katya , Nicolas Michael , Kaya Gurkan , Moulin Alexandre
Published: June 2021

Aims: Conjunctival and cutaneous melanoma partially share similar clinical and molecular backgrounds. As 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) loss has been demonstrated in cutaneous melanoma, we decided to assess if similar changes were occurring in conjunctival melanoma. Methods: 5-methylcytosine (5-mC), 5-hmC and TET2 were respectively identified by immunohistochemistry and RNA ISH in 40 conjunctival nevi and 37 conjunctival melanomas. Clinicopathological correlations were established. Results: 5-mC, TET2 and 5-hmC were respectively identified in 67.5%, 95% and 100% of conjunctival nevi and in 81.1%, 35.1% and 54% of conjunctival melanomas. A significant 5-hmC and TET2 loss was identified in conjunctival melanoma comparing to nevus, as well as a significant correlation between TET2 and 5-hmC expression. In the melanomas, 5-hmC expression was only significantly associated with local lymphatic invasion, but not with other clinicopathological parameters. There was a correlation between TET2 expression and the localization of the tumors. 5-mC expression was not associated with any clinicopathological parameters. Conclusions: We identified a significant 5-hmC loss in conjunctival melanoma similar to cutaneous melanoma. This loss may possibly be attributed to TET2 loss or IDH1 mutations. 5-hmC loss in conjunctival melanoma may help in the differential diagnosis between atypical conjunctival nevus and conjunctival melanoma.
Quantitative Muscle MRI in Patients with Neuromuscular Diseases—Association of Muscle Proton Density Fat Fraction with Semi-Quantitative Grading of Fatty Infiltration and Muscle Strength at the Thigh Region
Authors: Schlaeger Sarah , Sollmann Nico , Zoffl Agnes , Becherucci Edoardo Aitala , Weidlich Dominik , Kottmaier Elisabeth , Riederer Isabelle , Greve Tobias , Montagnese Federica , Deschauer Marcus , Schoser Benedikt , Zimmer Claus , Karampinos Dimitrios C. , Kirschke Jan S. , Baum Thomas
Published: June 2021

(1) Background and Purpose: The skeletal muscles of patients suffering from neuromuscular diseases (NMD) are affected by atrophy, hypertrophy, fatty infiltration, and edematous changes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important tool for diagnosis and monitoring. Concerning fatty infiltration, T1-weighted or T2-weighted DIXON turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences enable a qualitative assessment of muscle involvement. To achieve higher comparability, semi-quantitative grading scales, such as the four-point Mercuri scale, are commonly applied. However, the evaluation remains investigator-dependent. Therefore, effort is being invested to develop quantitative MRI techniques for determination of imaging markers such as the proton density fat fraction (PDFF). The present work aims to assess the diagnostic value of PDFF in correlation to Mercuri grading and clinically determined muscle strength in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2), limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A (LGMD2A), and adult Pompe disease. (2) Methods: T2-weighted two-dimensional (2D) DIXON TSE and chemical shift encoding-based water-fat MRI were acquired in 13 patients (DM2: n = 5; LGMD2A: n = 5; Pompe disease: n = 3). Nine different thigh muscles were rated in all patients according to the Mercuri grading and segmented to extract PDFF values. Muscle strength was assessed according to the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) scale. For correlation analyses between Mercuri grading, muscle strength, and PDFF, the Spearman correlation coefficient (rs) was computed. (3) Results: Mean PDFF values ranged from 7% to 37% in adults with Pompe disease and DM2 and up to 79% in LGMD2A patients. In all three groups, a strong correlation of the Mercuri grading and PDFF values was observed for almost all muscles (rs > 0.70, p < 0.05). PDFF values correlated significantly to muscle strength for muscle groups responsible for knee flexion (rs = −0.80, p < 0.01). (4) Conclusion: In the small, investigated patient cohort, PDFF offers similar diagnostic precision as the clinically established Mercuri grading. Based on these preliminary data, PDFF could be further considered as an MRI-based biomarker in the assessment of fatty infiltration of muscle tissue in NMD. Further studies with larger patient cohorts are needed to advance PDFF as an MRI-based biomarker in NMD, with advantages such as its greater dynamic range, enabling the assessment of subtler changes, the amplified objectivity, and the potential of direct correlation to muscle function for selected muscles.
3D Printed Personalized External Aortic Root Model in Marfan Syndrome with Isolated Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm Caused by a Novel Pathogenic FBN1 p.Gly1127Cys Variant
Authors: Cho Jung Sun , Park Joonhong , Kwon Jong Bum , Kim Dae-Won , Park Mahn-Won
Published: June 2021

The major cause of death in Marfan syndrome (MFS) is cardiovascular complications, particularly progressive dilatation of the proximal aorta, rendering these patients at risk of aortic dissection or fatal rupture. We report a 3D printed personalized external aortic root model for MFS with an isolated sinus of Valsalva aneurysm caused by a novel pathogenic FBN1 variant. A 67-year-old female with a history of lens dislocation and retinal detachment in the left eye was admitted for the evaluation of resting dyspnea several months prior. Transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe aortic valve regurgitation and a large left coronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm in the proband. Sanger sequencing identified a heterozygous p.Gly1127Cys variant in the FBN1 gene; previously, a mutation at this amino acid position was described as pathogenic (p.Gly1127Ser; rs137854468). A 3D printed personalized external aortic root model based on a multidetector computed tomography scan was constructed to illustrate the location of the ostium of the left main coronary artery on the aneurysm of the left coronary artery cusp. Aortic root replacement with the Bentall procedure matched the exact shape of the 3D printed model. Creation of a 3D printed patient-specific model could be useful in facilitating the development of next-generation medical devices and resolving the risks of postoperative complications and aortic root disease.
On Representations of Divergence Measures and Related Quantities in Exponential Families
Authors: Bedbur Stefan , Kamps Udo
Published: June 2021

Within exponential families, which may consist of multi-parameter and multivariate distributions, a variety of divergence measures, such as the Kullback–Leibler divergence, the Cressie–Read divergence, the Rényi divergence, and the Hellinger metric, can be explicitly expressed in terms of the respective cumulant function and mean value function. Moreover, the same applies to related entropy and affinity measures. We compile representations scattered in the literature and present a unified approach to the derivation in exponential families. As a statistical application, we highlight their use in the construction of confidence regions in a multi-sample setup.
An Observational Narrative of Student Reaction to Video Hooks
Authors: McCauley Veronica , McHugh Martin
Published: June 2021

Digital video has become a dominant form of student learning in and beyond the classroom, and thus its pervasive nature in contemporary learning environments commands scholarly inquiry. In this paper we explore a participatory design-based research approach to the integration of video hook technology in the post-primary science classroom (students aged 12–15). Video hooks were designed with the intention of engaging students and augmenting their interest in science. Teachers across ten schools voluntarily agreed to implement the video hooks, and with their students (N = 128) engage in a qualitative, observational methodology to ascertain their effect. Triangulated data was collected through teacher interviews (N = 10), structured lesson observation and researcher journal documentation. Results reveal that student reaction was instant and impactful with evidence of both triggered and maintained student interest.
Reducing Conducted Emissions at the Output of Full-Bridge DCDC Converters with High Voltage Steps
Authors: González-Vizuete Pablo , Bernal-Méndez Joaquín , Martín-Prats María A.
Published: June 2021

In this work, we analyze the impact of output filter design techniques aimed to reduce conducted emissions at the output of a DCDC power converter. A thorough analysis, based on high-frequency circuit models of the converter, is performed to assess expected improvements offered by different design strategies. This analysis is then confronted with measurements of conducted emissions at the output of a 300 W 48 V to 12 V Phase Shift Full Bridge (PSFB) prototype. Those experimental results demonstrate that a symmetric arrangement of the output LC filter and a direct bonding of the return output terminal of the converter to chassis are effective to reduce common mode conducted emissions at the output. Those results also demonstrate that the symmetry of the output LC filter can reduce conducted emissions in differential mode at high frequencies, where common mode to differential mode conversion is the predominant contribution to differential mode noise. However, direct bonding to chassis of the return output terminal may be ineffective at high frequencies due to the parasitic inductance associated with this connection. Main conclusions drawn for this analysis are applicable in general for isolated converters with a high voltage step between high and low voltage sides. Since the techniques of reduction of conducted emissions studied here do not increase the number of filter components, they are especially suitable for applications where high power density is an important requirement, e.g., aerospace or automotive applications.
Device Optimization of a Lead-Free Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cell with 24.4% Power Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Amri Khaoula , Belghouthi Rabeb , Aillerie Michel , Gharbi Rached
Published: June 2021

In this work, simulations were performed to optimize the parameters of a lead-free perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell for the improved efficiency and stability of commercial devices. The top sub-cell is based on a lead-free perovskite with a large bandgap of 1.8 eV, an electron transport layer of SnO2/PCBM, which is known for its anti-hysteresis effect, and a hole transport layer of NiO to improve stability, whereas the bottom sub-cell is based on n-type silicon to increase the efficiency of the whole cell. First, the two sub-cells were simulated under standalone conditions for calibration purposes. Then, the current matching condition was obtained by optimizing the thicknesses of the absorber layers of both sub-cells and the doping concentration of the back surface field (BSF) layer of the silicon sub-cell. As a result of this optimization phase, thicknesses of 380 nm and 20 µm for the top and bottom sub-cells, respectively, and a doping concentration of 1022 cm–3 were used in the configuration of the tandem cell, yielding a large open-circuit voltage of 1.76 V and a power conversion efficiency of 24.4% for the whole cell. Finally, the effect of the working temperature was evaluated, and the results reveal that the high performance of lead-free perovskite sub-cells is less affected by an increase in temperature compared to lead-based solar cells, such as those based on CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite.
Swarm-Inspired Algorithms to Optimize a Nonlinear Gaussian Adaptive PID Controller
Authors: Puchta Erickson , Bassetto Priscilla , Biuk Lucas , Itaborahy Filho Marco , Converti Attilio , Kaster Mauricio , Siqueira Hugo
Published: June 2021

This work deals with metaheuristic optimization algorithms to derive the best parameters for the Gaussian Adaptive PID controller. This controller represents a multimodal problem, where several distinct solutions can achieve similar best performances, and metaheuristics optimization algorithms can behave differently during the optimization process. Finding the correct proportionality between the parameters is an arduous task that often does not have an algebraic solution. The Gaussian functions of each control action have three parameters, resulting in a total of nine parameters to be defined. In this work, we investigate three bio-inspired optimization methods dealing with this problem: Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm, and the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA). The computational results considering the Buck converter with a resistive and a nonlinear load as a case study demonstrated that the methods were capable of solving the task. The results are presented and compared, and PSO achieved the best results.
Promoting Effect of Ultra-Fine Bubbles on CO2 Hydrate Formation
Authors: Uchida Tsutomu , Miyoshi Hiroshi , Yamazaki Kenji , Gohara Kazutoshi
Published: June 2021

When gas hydrates dissociate into gas and liquid water, many gas bubbles form in the water. The large bubbles disappear after several minutes due to their buoyancy, while a large number of small bubbles (particularly sub-micron-order bubbles known as ultra-fine bubbles (UFBs)) remain in the water for a long time. In our previous studies, we demonstrated that the existence of UFBs is a major factor promoting gas hydrate formation. We then extended our research on this issue to carbon dioxide (CO2) as it forms structure-I hydrates, similar to methane and ethane hydrates explored in previous studies; however, CO2 saturated solutions present severe conditions for the survival of UFBs. The distribution measurements of CO2 UFBs revealed that their average size was larger and number density was smaller than those of other hydrocarbon UFBs. Despite these conditions, the CO2 hydrate formation tests confirmed that CO2 UFBs played important roles in the expression of the promoting effect. The analysis showed that different UFB preparation processes resulted in different promoting effects. These findings can aid in better understanding the mechanism of the promoting (or memory) effect of gas hydrate formation.
Descending Modal Transition Dynamics in a Large Eddy Simulation of a Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine
Authors: Batista Armani , Ross Mathias C. , Lietz Christopher , Hargus William A.
Published: June 2021

Rotating detonation rocket engines (RDREs) exhibit various unsteady phenomena, including modal transitions, that significantly affect their operation, performance and stability. The dynamics of the detonation waves are studied during a descending modal transition (DMT) where four co-rotating detonations waves decrease to three in a gaseous methane-oxygen RDRE. Detonation wave tracking is applied to capture, visualize and analyze unsteady, 3D detonation wave dynamics data within the combustion chamber of the RDRE. The mechanism of a descending modal transition is the failure of a detonation wave in the RDRE, and in this study, the failing wave is identified along with its failure time. The regions upstream of each relative detonation show the mixture and flow-field parameters that drive detonation failure. Additionally, it is shown that descending modal transitions encompass multiple phases of detonation decay and recovery with respect to RDREs. The results show high upstream pressure, heat release and temperature, coupled with insufficient propellants, lead to detonation wave failure and non-recovery of the trailing detonation wave during a descending modal transition. Finally, the Wolanski wave stability criterion regarding detonation critical reactant mixing height provides insight into detonation failure or sustainment.
Adaptive Control Structure with Neural Data Processing Applied for Electrical Drive with Elastic Shaft
Authors: Kamiński Marcin , Szabat Krzysztof
Published: June 2021

This paper presents issues related to the adaptive control of the drive system with an elastic clutch connecting the main motor and the load machine. Firstly, the problems and the main algorithms often implemented for the mentioned object are analyzed. Then, the control concept based on the RNN (recurrent neural network) for the drive system with the flexible coupling is thoroughly described. For this purpose, an adaptive model inspired by the Elman model is selected, which is related to internal feedback in the neural network. The indicated feature improves the processing of dynamic signals. During the design process, for the selection of constant coefficients of the controller, the PSO (particle swarm optimizer) is applied. Moreover, in order to obtain better dynamic properties and improve work in real conditions, one model based on the ADALINE (adaptive linear neuron) is introduced into the structure. Details of the algorithm used for the weights’ adaptation are presented (including stability analysis) to perform the shaft torque signal filtering. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is examined through simulation and experimental studies.
Design of Breakwaters to Minimize Greenwater Loading on Bow Structures of Fixed Vessels
Authors: An Lim Jun , Hannan Mohammed Abdul
Published: June 2021

Greenwater (splashing of water on the deck) loading is a classical problem faced by designers of ship-shaped vessels, which becomes even worse when the vessel operates in harsh weather conditions for an extended period of time. Installation of breakwaters on the deck can play a crucial role in minimizing this impact. However, research on the design and optimization of the breakwater is still in its infancy, and this study aims at shedding further light on this area by proposing and analysing the effectiveness of three breakwater designs on a fixed box-shaped vessel. The commercial CFD software ANSYS Fluent is used for this investigation. The design model (without breakwater) was validated at first against experimental results of greenwater splashing, before performing the actual simulations with the proposed breakwater design. A vertical plate is used as the deck structure, and the greenwater pressure at several locations on that plate is measured to compare the effectiveness of various breakwater designs. Overall, breakwaters with openings (perforations, grillages, etc.) were found to be more effective in minimizing the pressure generated by the greenwater. Nevertheless, there is significant room for improvement on breakwater designs, and some topics for further research are also suggested in this regard.
Cavitation Bubble Cloud Break-Off Mechanisms at Micro-Channels
Authors: McGinn Paul , Pearce Daniel , Hardalupas Yannis , Taylor Alex , Vogiatzaki Konstantina
Published: June 2021

This paper provides new physical insight into the coupling between flow dynamics and cavitation bubble cloud behaviour at conditions relevant to both cavitation inception and the more complex phenomenon of flow “choking” using a multiphase compressible framework. Understanding the cavitation bubble cloud process and the parameters that determine its break-off frequency is important for control of phenomena such as structure vibration and erosion. Initially, the role of the pressure waves in the flow development is investigated. We highlight the differences between “physical” and “artificial” numerical waves by comparing cases with different boundary and differencing schemes. We analyse in detail the prediction of the coupling of flow and cavitation dynamics in a micro-channel 20 μm high containing Diesel at pressure differences 7 MPa and 8.5 MPa, corresponding to cavitation inception and "choking" conditions respectively. The results have a very good agreement with experimental data and demonstrate that pressure wave dynamics, rather than the “re-entrant jet dynamics” suggested by previous studies, determine the characteristics of the bubble cloud dynamics under “choking” conditions.
Correction: López-Prieto et al. Fungistatic and Fungicidal Capacity of a Biosurfactant Extract Obtained from Corn Steep Water. Foods 2020, 9, 662
Authors: López-Prieto Alejandro , Vecino Xanel , Rodríguez-López Lorena , Moldes Ana Belén , Cruz José Manuel
Published: June 2021

The authors would like to make the following correction to the published paper [1]: a few words should be corrected in the abstract, pages 7 and 9 [...]
Microwave Modification as an Excellent Way to Produce Unique Lysozyme with Potential for Food and Human Health
Authors: Yang Tianyu , Leśnierowski Grzegorz
Published: June 2021

Thermal modification is an effective method of converting lysozyme into a protein with a very strong bactericidal effect and a broad multidirectional application potential. In this research, we used our innovative method, which involves the use of microwave radiation, in the lysozyme modification process. With the optimization of modification conditions as the main purpose of the study, we focused on the assessment of the impact of a strongly acidic modification environment and the duration of modification on the effectiveness of the modification of lysozyme. Moreover, an innovation was introduced and included the use of a commercially produced liquid lysozyme concentrate (LLC) as the starting material instead of the dried form that is commonly used. The obtained results showed that the modified preparations contained an abundant amount of oligomers, and the surface hydrophobicity increased by more than 50% compared to the native form of the enzyme, which means that the modification had a strong influence on the effectiveness of the antibacterial activity. Moreover, these changes made it possible to obtain preparations with complete solubility, which could not be obtained with other thermal methods. Thus, using microwave radiation to modify LLC is a unique and effective modification scheme because it can obtain the highest quality of a large number of attractive products in a simple and fast way with multidirectional application potential, especially in food technology, medicine, pharmacology, and veterinary medicine.
Study on the Existence of Solutions for a Class of Nonlinear Neutral Hadamard-Type Fractional Integro-Differential Equation with Infinite Delay
Authors: Zhao Kaihong , Ma Yue
Published: June 2021

The existence of solutions for a class of nonlinear neutral Hadamard-type fractional integro-differential equations with infinite delay is researched in this paper. By constructing an appropriate normed space and utilizing the Banach contraction principle, Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem, we obtain some sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions. Finally, we provide an example to illustrate the validity of our main results.
Comprehensive Care through Family Medicine: Improving the Sustainability of Aging Societies
Authors: Ohta Ryuichi , Ueno Akinori , Kitayuguchi Jun , Moriwaki Yoshihiro , Otani Jun , Sano Chiaki
Published: June 2021

Comprehensive care through family medicine can enhance the approach to multimorbidity, interprofessional collaboration, and community care, and make medical care more sustainable for older people. This study investigated the effect of implementing family medicine and the comprehensiveness of medical care in one of the most rural communities. This implementation research used medical care data from April 2015 to March 2020. Patients’ diagnoses were categorized according to the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems (ICD-10). In 2016, family medicine was implemented in only one general hospital in Unnan. The comprehensiveness rate improved in all ICD-10 disease categories during the study period, especially in the following categories—infections; neoplasms; endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases; mental disorders; nervous system; circulatory system; respiratory system; digestive system; skin and subcutaneous tissue; musculoskeletal system and connective tissue; and the genitourinary system. Implementing family medicine in rural Japanese communities can improve the comprehensiveness of medical care and resolve the issue of fragmentation of care by improving interprofessional collaboration and community care. It can be a solution for the aging of both patient and healthcare professionals. Future research can investigate the relationship between family medicine and patient health outcomes for improved healthcare sustainability.
Characterization of Japanese Apricot (Prunus mume) Floral Bud Development Using a Modified BBCH Scale and Analysis of the Relationship between BBCH Stages and Floral Primordium Development and the Dormancy Phase Transition
Authors: Hsiang Tzu-Fan , Lin Yuan-Jui , Yamane Hisayo , Tao Ryutaro
Published: June 2021

Bud dormancy is an important developmental stage that ensures that trees can tolerate environmental stresses in winter and bloom uniformly in the following spring. Regarding Rosaceae floral buds, exposure to chilling conditions promotes floral primordium development and the transition from endodormancy to ecodormancy. A subsequent period of warm conditions induces blooming. In Japanese apricot (Prunus mume), dormancy progression is accompanied by morphological changes that alter the bud appearance and internal structures. We used a modified BBCH scale and conducted microscopy analyses to elucidate the bud developmental stage of three cultivars with contrasting chilling requirements. The floral bud developmental period corresponding to BBCH stages 51–53 includes the transition from endodormancy to ecodormancy in all three cultivars. Male meiosis and microspore development occurred during this transition in high-chill cultivars, but were detected considerably later than the transition in the low-chill cultivar. A slow or suspended developmental phase was observed only for the high-chill cultivars upon completion of floral primordium organ differentiation, suggesting that chilling may be required to induce floral bud maturation and dormancy release only in high-chill cultivars. Possible relationships among BBCH stages, flowering-related morphological characteristics, and the dormancy phase transition in Japanese apricot are discussed.
Analysis of Hydrogen in Inorganic Materials and Coatings: A Critical Review
Authors: Weiss Zdeněk
Published: June 2021

The currently used bulk analysis and depth profiling methods for hydrogen in inorganic materials and inorganic coatings are reviewed. Bulk analysis of hydrogen is based on fusion of macroscopic samples in an inert gas and the detection of the thereby released gaseous H2 using inert gas fusion (IGF) and thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS). They offer excellent accuracy and sensitivity. Depth profiling methods involve glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (GDOES and GDMS), laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), nuclear reaction analysis (NRA), and elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA). The principles of all these methods are explained in terms of the methodology, calibration procedures, analytical performance, and major application areas. The synergies and the complementarity of various methods of hydrogen analysis are described. The existing literature about these methods is critically evaluated, and major papers concerning each method are listed.
Population Mobility and the Transmission Risk of the COVID-19 in Wuhan, China
Authors: Luo Minghai , Qin Sixian , Tan Bo , Cai Mingming , Yue Yufeng , Xiong Qiangqiang
Published: June 2021

At the beginning of 2020, a suddenly appearing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) rapidly spread around the world. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in China occurred during the Spring Festival when a large number of migrants traveled between cities, which greatly increased the infection risk of COVID-19 across the country. Financially supported by the Wuhan government, and based on cellphone signaling data from Unicom (a mobile phone carrier) and Baidu location-based data, this paper analyzed the effects that city dwellers, non-commuters, commuters, and people seeking medical services had on the transmission risk of COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic in Wuhan. The paper also evaluated the effects of the city lockdown policy on the spread of the pandemic outside and inside Wuhan. The results show that although the daily business activities in the South China Seafood Wholesale Market and nearby commuters’ travel behaviors concentrated in the Hankou area, a certain proportion of these people were distributed in the Wuchang and Hanyang areas. The areas with relatively high infection risks of COVID-19 were scattered across Wuhan during the early outbreak of the pandemic. The lockdown in Wuhan closed the passageways of external transport at the very beginning, largely decreasing migrant population and effectively preventing the spread of the pandemic to the outside. However, the Wuhan lockdown had little effect on preventing the spread of the pandemic within Wuhan at that time. During this period, a large amount of patients who went to hospitals for medical services were exposed to a high risk of cross-infection without precaution awareness. The pandemic kept dispersing in three towns until the improvement of the capacity of medical treatment, the management of closed communities, the national support to Wuhan, and the implementation of a series of emergency responses at the same time. The findings in this paper reveal the spatiotemporal features of the dispersal of infection risk of COVID-19 and the effects of the prevention and control measures during the early days of the pandemic. The findings were adopted by the Wuhan government to make corresponding policies and could also provide supports to the control of the pandemic in the other regions and countries.
Identification of Groundwater Potential Zones Using GIS and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Techniques: A Case Study Upper Coruh River Basin (NE Turkey)
Authors: Yıldırım Ümit
Published: June 2021

In this study, geographic information system (GIS)-based, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) techniques were used to identify groundwater potential zones to provide insight to decisionmakers and local authorities for present and future planning. Ten different geo-environmental factors, such as slope, topographic wetness index, geomorphology, drainage density, lithology, lineament density, rainfall, soil type, soil thickness, and land-use classes were selected as the decision criteria, and related GIS tools were used for creating, analysing and standardising the layers. The final groundwater potential zones map was delineated, using the weighted linear combination (WLC) aggregation method. The map was spatially classified into very high potential, high potential, moderate potential, low potential, and very low potential. The results showed that 21.5% of the basin area is characterised by high to very high groundwater potential. In comparison, the very low to low groundwater potential occupies 57.15%, and the moderate groundwater potential covers 21.4% of the basin area. Finally, the GWPZs map was investigated to validate the model, using discharges and depth to groundwater data related to 22 wells scattered over the basin. The validation results showed that GWPZs classes strongly overlap with the well discharges and groundwater depth located in the given area.
Coming of Age: Cryo-Electron Tomography as a Versatile Tool to Generate High-Resolution Structures at Cellular/Biological Interfaces
Authors: Wang Zuoneng , Zhang Qingyang , Mim Carsten
Published: June 2021

Over the last few years, cryo electron microscopy has become the most important method in structural biology. While 80% of deposited maps are from single particle analysis, electron tomography has grown to become the second most important method. In particular sub-tomogram averaging has matured as a method, delivering structures between 2 and 5 Å from complexes in cells as well as in vitro complexes. While this resolution range is not standard, novel developments point toward a promising future. Here, we provide a guide for the workflow from sample to structure to gain insight into this emerging field.
First Experiences with Newborn Screening for Congenital Hypothyroidism in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Authors: Tsevgee Altantuya , Batjargal Khishigjargal , Munkhchuluun Tsolmon , Khurelbaatar Naranchimeg , Nansal Gerelmaa , Bulgan Oyun-Erdene , Nyamjav Sumberzul , Zagd Gerelmaa , Ganbaatar Erdenetuya
Published: June 2021

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is among the most common conditions leading to intellectual disability, which can be prevented by early detection through newborn screening (NBS). In Mongolia, a regional screening program for CH was launched in 2000, which was supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the Asia Pacific Region. In our present study, a total of 23,002 newborns from nine districts in Ulaanbaatar were screened between 2012 and 2020, by the measurement of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from dried blood spots, sampled 24 to 72 h after birth. The level of TSH was measured by the DELFIA assay. The overall CH prevalence confirmed at birth was 1/2091. The female-to-male ratio for CH cases was 1.8:1. The majority of patients were asymptomatic (72.7% of CH cases); umbilical hernia and cold or mottled skin were reported symptoms in patients with CH (27.3%). Thyroid dysgenesis (hypoplasia and agenesis) was the most common etiology, with a total of nine cases (81.8%) out of the eleven patients. The lapse between the birth date and the initiation of L-thyroxine treatment in CH-positive children was lower than 15 days in 63.64% of cases or 15 to 30 days in 36.36% of children. Further research is required to expand the screening coverage for CH in Mongolia.
A Machine Learning Approach to Improve Turbulence Modelling from DNS Data Using Neural Networks
Authors: Frey Marioni Yuri , de Toledo Ortiz Enrique , Cassinelli Andrea , Montomoli Francesco , Adami Paolo , Vazquez Raul
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we investigate the feasibility of using DNS data and machine learning algorithms to assist RANS turbulence model development. High-fidelity DNS data are generated with the incompressible Navier–Stokes solver implemented in the spectral/hp element software framework Nektar++. Two test cases are considered: a turbulent channel flow and a stationary serpentine passage, representative of internal turbo-machinery cooling flow. The Python framework TensorFlow is chosen to train neural networks in order to address the known limitations of the Boussinesq approximation and a clustering based on flow features is run upfront to enable training on selected areas. The resulting models are implemented in the Rolls-Royce solver HYDRA and a posteriori predictions of velocity field and wall shear stress are compared to baseline RANS. The paper presents the fundamental elements of procedure applied, including a brief description of the tools and methods and improvements achieved.
Modelling Turbine Acoustic Impedance
Authors: Brind James , Pullan Graham
Published: June 2021

We quantify the sensitivity of turbine acoustic impedance to aerodynamic design parameters. Impedance boundary conditions are an influential yet uncertain parameter in predicting the thermoacoustic stability of gas turbine combustors. We extend the semi-actuator disk model to cambered blades, using non-linear time-domain computations of turbine vane and stage cascades with acoustic forcing for validation data. Discretising cambered aerofoils into multiple disks improves reflection coefficient predictions, reducing error by up to an order of magnitude compared to a flat plate assumption. A parametric study of turbine stage designs using the analytical model shows acoustic impedance is a weak function of degree of reaction and polytropic efficiency. The design parameter with the strongest influence is flow coefficient, followed by axial velocity ratio and Mach number. We provide the combustion engineer with improved tools to predict impedance boundary conditions, and suggest thermoacoustic stability is most likely to be compromised by change in turbine flow coefficient.
Impulse Buying Behaviors in Live Streaming Commerce Based on the Stimulus-Organism-Response Framework
Authors: Lee Chao-Hsing , Chen Chien-Wen
Published: June 2021

Live streaming commerce, which evolved from social commerce, has continued to flourish rapidly over the past few years in China. It is a new business model that allows vendors to directly face and interact with consumers. This study focuses on the impulsive buying behavior on consumers in live streaming commerce. We proposed a research model based on the stimulus organism response (S-O-R) framework to explore the reaction and behavior of consumers after certain stimuli factors. A total of 433 valid sample questionnaires with the shopping experience in the live streaming platform were taken. This research adopted PLS-SEM statistical analysis as an empirical research evaluation. After the empirical investigation, we found that perceived enjoyment positively affects the urge to buy impulsively. Perceived usefulness positively affects perceived enjoyment. However, perceived usefulness does not positively affect the urge to buy impulsively. Attractiveness and expertise positively affect perceived enjoyment. Product usefulness and purchase convenience positively affect perceived usefulness. We found that consumers in live streaming commerce are easier to have impulsive buying through the presentation and urging of the live streamer in a short period. In this paper, we build a model for impulsive buying in live streaming commerce. We verify this model under the Chinese context. The findings of this paper provide concrete suggestions to vendors.
Recolonization by Slugs: Vertical and Horizontal Dispersal by the Field Slug, Deroceras reticulatum
Authors: Port Gordon , Craig Alan , Shirley Mark
Published: June 2021

Following treatment with molluscicides or other controls, slugs can recolonize a site very quickly, but the proportion of the colonizing slugs moving from adjacent areas (horizontal dispersal) and the proportion from within the soil (vertical dispersal) has not previously been established. At a grassland site, barriers were used to exclude and trap slugs in order to estimate horizontal and vertical movement over a period of 32 months. For the first 15 months vertical movement made a significant contribution to the slugs recolonizing a grassland area. The ecological mechanisms occurring and the implications for the control of slugs are discussed.
Male-Biased microRNA Discovery in the Pea Aphid
Authors: Liu Xiaomi , Culbert Erica L. , Brisson Jennifer A.
Published: June 2021

Epigenetic mechanisms modulate gene expression levels during development, shaping how a single genome produces a diversity of phenotypes. Here, we begin to explore the epigenetic regulation of sexual dimorphism in pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) by focusing on microRNAs. Previous analyses of microRNAs in aphids have focused solely on females, so we performed deep sequencing of a sample containing early-stage males. We used this sample, plus samples from Genbank, to find 207 novel pea aphid microRNA coding loci. We localized microRNA loci to a chromosome-level assembly of the pea aphid genome and found that those on the X chromosome have lower overall expression compared to those on autosomes. We then identified a set of 19 putative male-biased microRNAs and found them enriched on the X chromosome. Finally, we performed protein-coding RNA-Seq of first instar female and male pea aphids to identify genes with lower expression in males. 10 of these genes were predicted targets of the 19 male-biased microRNAs. Our study provides the most complete set of microRNAs in the pea aphid to date and serves as foundational work for future studies on the epigenetic control of sexual dimorphism.
Assessment of the Wind Energy Potential along the Romanian Coastal Zone
Authors: Girleanu Alina , Onea Florin , Rusu Eugen
Published: June 2021

The present work aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the wind energy potential that characterizes the Romanian coastal environment using in situ measurements and reanalysis of wind data (ERA5) that cover a 42–year time interval (1979–2020). A total of 16 reference points (both land and offshore) equally distributed along the Romanian sector are used to evaluate the local wind energy potential, targeting in this way several sites where a renewable wind project could be established. Compared to the in situ measurements (land points), the ERA5 dataset underestimates the wind speed by at least 11.57%, this value increasing as we approach the coastline. From the analysis of the spatial maps, it is likely that the wind speed steadily increases from onshore to offshore, with a sharp variation near the coastline being reported. Furthermore, the assessment of some state-of-the-art offshore wind turbines was conducted using 12 systems defined by rated capacity ranging from 2 to 10 MW. Some scenarios were proposed to identify sustainable offshore wind projects to be implemented in the Romanian coastal zone based on these results.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Hygiene Behaviours among In-School Adolescents in Ghana
Authors: Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Amu Hubert , Salihu Tarif , Hagan John Elvis , Agbaglo Ebenezer , Amoah Abigail , Abodey Eric , Boateng Margaret Abokoma , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: Despite a global call to act to resolve communicable diseases caused by lack of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, many people in low- and middle-income countries continue to die each year. In this study, we looked at in-school adolescents’ oral and hand hygiene activities in Ghana, as well as the factors that influence them. (2) Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that utilised data on 1348 in-school adolescents from the 2012 global school-based health survey. Using Stata software version 14.2, descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. All statistical analyses were considered significant at p-value < 0.05. (3) Results: The prevalence of good hygiene behaviour was 62.6% and 79.9% for good oral hygiene and good hand hygiene, respectively. In-school adolescents who were truant were 31% (AOR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.51–0.92) and 28% (AOR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.54–0.87), respectively, less likely to practise good hand and oral hygiene compared to those who were not. Adolescents whose parents supervised their homework, however, had higher probabilities of practising good hand (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.64–2.31) and oral (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.80–3.04) hygiene respectively. Adolescents aged 18 years and above were 1.33 times more likely to practice good oral hygiene than younger adolescents (AOR=1.33, 95% CI = 1.07–1.66). Adolescents who were bullied had lower odds of practicing good hand hygiene (AOR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.52–0.94). (4) Conclusions: While good hygiene behaviour remains a major strategy in decreasing the prevalence of communicable diseases, the less than 65% prevalence of hand hygiene we observed in the current study is indicative of the country’s inability to achieve water, hygiene and sanitation for all by the year 2030. To accelerate progress towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goal 6.2, there is a need for the implementation of innovative interventions which seek to promote good hygiene behaviours among adolescents and the expansion of existing interventions, such as the WASH initiative, in schools. Such interventions should focus more on younger adolescents, those who are truant, and adolescents who suffer from bullying in school.
Timing of Bisphosphonate (Alendronate) Initiation after Surgery for Fragility Fracture: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Wu Meng-Huang , Lin Yu-Sheng , Wu Christopher , Lee Ching-Yu , Chen Yi-Chia , Huang Tsung-Jen , Cheng Jur-Shan
Published: June 2021

Bisphosphonates are used as first-line treatment for the prevention of fragility fracture (FF); they act by inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. The timing of their administration after FF surgery is controversial; thus, we compared the incidence of second FF, surgery for second FF, and adverse events associated with early initiation of bisphosphonates (EIBP, within 3 months of FF surgery) and late initiation of bisphosphonates (LIBP, 3 months after FF surgery) in bisphosphonate-naïve patients. This retrospective population-based cohort study used data from Taiwan’s Health and Welfare Data Science Center (2004–2012). A total of 298,377 patients received surgeries for FF between 2006 and 2010; of them, 1209 (937 EIBP and 272 LIBP) received first-time bisphosphonates (oral alendronate, 70 mg, once a week). The incidence of second FF (subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) = 0.509; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.352–0.735), second FF surgery (SHR = 0.452; 95% CI: 0.268–0.763), and adverse events (SHR = 0.728; 95% CI: 0.594–0.893) was significantly lower in the EIBP group than in the LIBP group. Our findings indicate that bisphosphonates should be initiated within 3 months after surgery for FF.
Use of Extracorporeal Life Support for Heart Transplantation: Key Factors to Improve Outcome
Authors: Lee Jun Ho , Choi Nayeon , Kim Yun Jin , Sung Kiick , Kim Wook Sung , Kim Darae , Yang Jeong Hoon , Jeon Eun-Seok , Shinn Sung Ho , Choi Jin-Oh , Cho Yang Hyun
Published: June 2021

Although patients receiving extracorporeal life support (ECLS) as a bridge to transplantation have demonstrated worse outcomes than those without ECLS, we investigated the key factors in the improvement of their posttransplant outcome. From December 2003 to December 2018, 257 adult patients who underwent heart transplantation (HTx) at our institution were included. We identified 100 patients (38.9%) who underwent HTx during ECLS (ECLS group). The primary outcome was 30-day mortality after HTx. The median duration of ECLS was 10.0 days. The 30-day mortality rate was 3.9% (9.2% in peripheral ECLS, 2.9% in central ECLS, and 1.9% in non-ECLS). The use of ECLS was not an independent predictor of 30-day and 1-year mortality (p = 0.248 and p = 0.882, respectively). Independent predictors of 30-day mortality were found to be higher ejection fraction (p < 0.001), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (p < 0.001), and total bilirubin level (p = 0.005). In a subgroup analysis, cannulation type was not a predictor of 30-day mortality (p = 0.275). Early ECLS application to prevent organ failure and sophisticated management of acute heart failure may be important steps in achieving favorable survival after HTx.
A Practical Approach to Management of Acute Pancreatitis: Similarities and Dissimilarities of Disease in Children and Adults
Authors: Sellers Zachary M. , Barakat Monique T. , Abu-El-Haija Maisam
Published: June 2021

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and it substantially contributes to the healthcare burden of gastrointestinal disease and quality of life in children and adults. AP across the lifespan is characterized by similarities and differences in epidemiology, diagnostic modality, etiologies, management, adverse events, long-term outcomes, and areas in greatest need of research. In this review, we touch on each of these shared and distinctive features of AP in children and adults, with an emphasis on recent advances in the conceptualization and management of AP.