bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cloud Load Forecasting Model with Nonlinear Changes using Whale Optimization Algorithm Hybrid Strategy - extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Peng Hua , Wen Wu-Shao , Tseng Ming-Lang , Li Ling-Ling
Published: April 2021

This study proposes a novel cloud load prediction model and combines hybrid whale optimizer (HWOA) and extreme learning machine (ELM) together for strong nonlinear mapping ability. Accurate cloud load prediction improves the cloud service efficiency and serves as the foundation for network scheme due to traditional linear forecasting models are unable to predict cloud computing resources with nonlinear changes on massive multiplication and cloud computing data complexity, effectively. The proposed cloud load forecasting model is to employ HWOA optimizer to optimize the ELM model random parameters. The contributions of this study are as follows. (1) the HWOA optimizer is to solve the whale optimizer local extremum problem; (2) the proposed HWOA optimizer reduces the ELM random parameters on cloud load forecasting; (3) the convergence performance verifies the benchmark testing functions; and (4) three simulation experiments are conducted to test the cloud load forecast effect. The result indicated that the convergence analysis reveals the HWOA optimizer outperforms the prior optimizers. The proposed cloud load prediction model obtains better forecasting results. The mean absolute percentage error and root mean square error of the proposed model are less than 14% and 11, respectively. Accurate cloud load forecasting lays a foundation for effective deployment of cloud computing resources and maximization of economic benefits.
Harnessing of Newly Tailored Poly (Acrylonitrile)-Starch Nanoparticle Graft Copolymer for Copper Ion Removal via Oximation Reaction
Authors: Mostafa khaled , Ameen H. , Ebessy A. , El-Sanabary A.
Published: April 2021

Our recently tailored and fully characterized poly (AN)-starch nanoparticle graft copolymer having 60.1 G.Y. % was used as a starting substrate for copper ions removal from waste water effluent after chemical modification with hydroxyl amine via oximation reaction. This was done to change the abundant nitrile groups in the above copolymer into amidoxime one and the resultant poly (amidoxime) resin was used as adsorbent for copper ions. The resin was characterized qualitatively via rapid vanadium ion test and instrumentally by FT-IR spectra and SEM morphological analysis to confirm the presence of amidoxime groups. The adsorption capacity of the resin was done using the batch technique, whereas the residual copper ions content in the filtrate before and after adsorption was measured using atomic adsorption spectrometry. It was found that the maximum adsorption capacity of poly (amidoxime) resin was 115.2 mg/g at pH 7, 400ppm copper ions concentration and 0.25 g adsorbent at room temperature. The adsorption, kinetics and isothermal study of the process is scrutinized using different variables, such as pH, contact time, copper ion concentration and adsorbent dosage. Different kinetics models comprising the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order have been applied to the experimental data to envisage the adsorption kinetics. It was found from kinetic study that pseudo-second-order rate equation was better than pseudo-first-order supporting the formation of chemisorption process. While, in case of isothermal study, the examination of calculated correlation coefficient (R2) values showed that the Langmuir model provide the best fit to experimental data than Freundlich one.
Efficacy and Safety of Susu Xiao`er Zhike Granules for Treating Acute Cough Due to Common Cold in Children: A Chinese Patent Medicine Study Protocol for Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hu Siyuan , CAI Qiuhan , LI Xinmin , ZHONG Chengliang , WANG Youpeng , YAN Yongbin , LIU Rui , LI Xuan , GUO Shengxuan
Published: April 2021

Background: Cough is the most bothersome symptom, while more than two-thirds of children with common cold have to endure it for weeks. Susu xiao`er zhike granules (Susu) which used to be a clinical experienced herb formula for treating cough caused by common cold, is reproduced into a patent medicine for meeting market demands as a new drug. This protocol is designed with the aim of exploring the efficacy of Susu on shortening duration and reducing severity of cough, and observe the safety used in children. Methods/design: This is a protocol for a randomized, double-blind, dose exploration, multicenter clinical trial. A total of 240 children aged 6-14 years old (<14y) with acute cough caused by common cold will be randomly assigned to one of three groups, respectively take Susu of high dose (double-dose), medium dose (recommended dose) and very low dose (5% recommended dose) for 5 days. The primary outcome is clinical cure time of cough. Secondary outcomes will include clinical cure rate, onset time, AUC of cough severity VAS score-time, PAC-QoL, PGA, cure rate of symptoms and efficacy of traditional Chinese syndrome. For safety assessment, adverse events, laboratory tests and vital signs will be observed. Participants will complete the trial after 1-day follow up assessment. We collect the main data from subject diary. Discussion: The study is a phase II clinical trial that will evaluate the efficacy of a Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of cough in children.Trial registration: Chinese clinical trial registry, ChiCTR1900028377. Registered 20 December 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=46643
Chronic Colitis Exacerbates Nlrp3-dependent Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Impairment in Middle-aged Brain
Authors: He Xiao-fei , Li Li-li , Xian Wen-biao , Li Ming-yue , Zhang Li-ying , Xu Jing-hui , Pei Zhong , Zheng Hai-qing , Hu Xiquan
Published: April 2021

Background: Neuroinflammation is a major driver of age-related brain degeneration and concomitant functional impairment. In patients with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of age-related dementia, factors that enhance neuroinflammation may exacerbate disease progression, in part by impairing the glymphatic system responsible for clearance of pathogenic beta-amyloid. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) induce neuroinflammation and exacerbate cognitive impairment in the elderly. The NACHT-LRR and pyrin (PYD) domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome have been implicated in neuroinflammation. We therefore examined if the NLRP3 inflammasome contributed to glymphatic dysfunction and cognitive impairment in an aging mouse model of IBD.Methods: Sixteen-month-old C57BL/6J and NLRP3 knockout (KO) mice received 1% wt/vol dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water to model IBD. The Morris water maze was used to examine spatial cognition, in vivo two-photon imaging to examine glymphatic clearance, and immunofluorescence staining and western blotting to detect markers of neuroinflammation. Results: Administration of DSS induced colitis, impaired spatial cognition, activated microglia and increased A1-like astrocyte numbers. In addition, DSS treatment impaired glymphatic clearance, aggravated amyloid plaque accumulation, and induced neuronal loss in cortex and hippocampus. These neurodegenerative responses were associated with increased NLRP3 inflammasome expression and accumulation of gut-derived T lymphocytes along meningeal lymphatic vessels. Conversely NLRP3 depletion protected against cognitive dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and neurological damage induced by DSS.Conclusions: Colitis can exacerbate age-related neuropathology, while suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activity may protect against these deleterious effects of colitis.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 11 (FGF11) Promotes Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Progression by Regulating Hypoxia Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wu Xiaowei , Li Minjie , Deng Yu , Ke Shun , Li Fan , Wang Yujin , zhou shuchang
Published: April 2021

Background: Recently, accumulating studies highlight the critical regulatory roles of fibroblast growth factors (FGF), and a series of FGF, participated in the progression of multiple human cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Gene transcriptome analysis was used to identify the differential expression of FGF11 in NSCLC tumor tissues, GSE75037 and GSE81089 database analysis was performed on NSCLC tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues to validate the expression of FGF11. Then, we selected 100 cases of NSCLC tumor tissues and 30 cases of matched adjacent normal tissues to confirm the mRNA and protein level of FGF11 by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter analysis was also performed to examine the direct regulatory of FGF11 by miR-525-5p. CCK-8 and transwell assay was also performed to detect the cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Signal pathway analysis was also investigated the effect of FGF11 on NSCLC cell proliferation was associated with the hypoxia signaling pathway. The role of FGF11 in NSCLC tumor growth was further explored by in vivo study.Results: FGF11 was overexpressed in NSCLC tumor tissues and tumor cell lines, the high expression of FGF11 was closely associated with poor overall survival of NSCLC patients. In vitro loss- and gain- of function experiments demonstrated that FGF11 knockdown inhibited, whereas FGF11 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. The dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed that FGF11 was downregulated by miR-525-5p, and the effect of FGF11 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion could be interfered by miR-525-5p. We further found that FGF11 had significant correlation with hypoxia signaling pathway activation, meanwhile regulating HIF-1α. Further experiments implicated that the oncogenic role of FGF11 could be blocked via interfering of HIF-1α in NSCLC cells. Moreover, knockdown of FGF11 suppressed NSCLC tumor growth whereas overexpression of FGF11 promoted tumor growth in vivo. Conclusions: FGF11 might be functioned as an oncogene in tumor development, the findings of our study revealed a novel regulatory mechanism of FGF11 involved in hypoxia signaling pathway, which offers novel strategies for the treatment of NSCLC.
Science Operation Plan of Phobos and Deimos From the MMX Spacecraft
Authors: Nakamura Tomoki , Ikeda Hitoshi , Kouyama Toru , Nakagawa Hiromu , Kusano Hiroki , Senshu Hiroki , Kameda Shingo , Matsumoto Koji , Gonzalez-Franquesa Ferran , Ozaki Naoya , Takeo Yosuke , Baresi Nicola , Oki Yusuke , Lawrence David J. , Chabot Nancy L. , Peplowski Patrick N. , Barucci Maria Antonietta , Sawyer Eric , Yokota Shoichiro , Terada Naoki , Ulamec Stephan , Michel Patrick , Kobayashi Masanori , Sasaki Sho , Hirata Naru , Wada Koji , Miyamoto Hideaki , Imamura Takeshi , Ogawa Naoko , Ogawa Kazunori , Iwata Takahiro , Imada Takane , Otake Hisashi , Canalias Elisabet , Lorda Laurence , Tardivel Simon , Mary Stéphane , Kunugi Makoto , Mitsuhashi Seiji , Doressoundiram Alain , Merlin Frédéric , Fornasier Sonia , Reess Jean-Michel , Bernardi Pernelle , Imai Shigeru , Ito Yasuyuki , Ishida Hatsumi , Kuramoto Kiyoshi , Kawakatsu Yasuhiro
Published: April 2021

The science operations of the spacecraft and remote sensing instruments for the MMX (Martian Moon eXploration) mission are discussed by the mission operation working team. In this paper, we describe the Phobos observations during the first 1.5 years of the spacecraft's stay around Mars, and the Deimos observations before leaving the Martian system. In the Phobos observation, the spacecraft will be placed in low-altitude quasi-satellite orbits on the equatorial plane of Phobos and will make high-resolution topographic and spectroscopic observations of the Phobos surface from five different altitudes orbits. The spacecraft will also attempt to observe polar regions of Phobos from a three-dimensional quasi-satellite orbit moving out of the equatorial plane of Phobos. From these observations, we will constrain the origin of Phobos and Deimos and select places for landing site candidates for sample collection. For the Deimos observations, the spacecraft will be injected into two resonant orbits and will perform many flybys to observe the surface of Deimos over as large an area as possible. (166 words)
Structure and Electrical Resistance of the Passivating ZnSe Layer on Ge
Authors: Maslov Volodymyr , Fedorenko Artem , Kladko Vasyl , Gudymenko Alexandr , Zashchepkina Nataliia , Bozhko Kostiantin
Published: April 2021

When creating a passivating ZnSe layer on Ge, which is used in p-i-n Ge photodetector, we found two additional phases GeSe and GeSe2 that does not contradict with their state diagram. The above phases can have an essential effect on performances of the passivating layer. Therefore, to study the electrical resistance of this layer we prepared model samples of layers containing the GeSe and GeSe2 with the thickness 0.5…1.8 µm and area 1 cm2. To measure the electrical resistance of these layers, we used elastic contacts. The performed measurements have shown that Se layers on Ge have an intermediate resistance between that of ZnSe on Ge and pure Ge, and, therefore, the effect of additional phases practically does not worsen the passivating properties of the ZnSe layer on Ge.
Antioxidant Capacity and Hepatoprotective Effect of Silymarin Against Salinomycin – Induced Toxicity in Adult Rabbits
Authors: ghonaim Ahmed Hamdy , Hopo Mai G , AboElnaga tarek , Elgawish Rania Abdelrahman , Abdou RH , Elhady Kawther A.
Published: April 2021

Salinomycin was evaluated for its toxicity and silymarin for prophylactic management in male rabbits. Male rabbits were randomly divided into 7 groups with 7 rabbits / each. Groups 1, 2, 3 were kept as control group, salinomycin (20 mg / kg ration) and salinomycin (40 mg / kg ration), respectively. Group 4 was fed on feed containing salinomycin (20 mg / kg ration) and silymarin (6.5 mg / kg body weight). Group 5 received feed containing salinomycin (40 mg / kg ration) and silymarin (13 mg / kg body weight). Groups 6 and 7 were nourished feed containing silymarin (6.5 and 13 mg / kg body weight), respectively. Duration of the experiment was 28 days. Weekly body weights showed a significant reduction in the 3rd group when compared with control group. The activity of Malondialdhyde and the values of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, urea and creatinine were significantly elevated in 2nd and 3rd group while glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase and high density lipoprotein were significantly lowered when compared with control group. Thus, it is clarified that salinomycin toxicity is owed to oxidative damage and the usage of silymarin in feed tends to treat and prevent any accidental toxicity. Relative weight of the liver increased significantly in 3rd group. There were mild pathologic changes in liver of 2nd group while there were sever pathologic changes at 3rd group when compared with control group.
DFT Study of Se and Te Doped SrTiO 3 for Enhanced Visible-Light Driven Phtocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: BENTOUR Hakim , Boujnah Mourad , Houmad Mohamed , Yadari Mourad El , BENYOUSSEF Abdelilah , Kenz Abdallah El
Published: April 2021

The pure STiO3 has been experimentally demonstrated to catalyze H2 production using water splitting, but the reaction can only be driven by Ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to the large band gap of SrTiO3. This motivated us to search efficient strategy to tune its band gap, so that it can function in the visible region of the solar spectrum. In this study, the electronic, optical and photocatalytic properties of Se-doped, and Te-doped SrTiO3 has been investigated using density functional theory (DFT) within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). Our results reveal that the effect of doping can lead to band gap narrowing without introducing any isolated mid-gap states. This improves greatly the visible light activity of SrTiO3 and depresses the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Furthermore, the locations of calculated band edges relative to the water reduction and oxidation levels for doped systems meet the water-splitting requirements. Consequently, our results show that the performance of SrTiO3 for hydrogen generation by photocatalytic water splitting is significantly enhanced with Se and Te doping. In particular, Te doping can enhance greatly the visible light photocatalytic activity of SrTiO3. We expect this study can provide a theoretical basis for a prospective experimental works.
Approximate Solutions for the Ion-Laser Interaction in the High Intensity Regime: Matrix Method Perturbative Analysis
Authors: Martínez Braulio Misael Villegas , Cessa Héctor Manuel Moya , Eguibar Francisco Soto
Published: April 2021

We provide an explicit expression for the second-order perturbative solution of a single trapped-ion interactingwith a lser field in the strong excitation regime. From the perturbative analytical solution, based on a matrix methodand a final normalization of the perturbed solutions, we show that the probability to find the ion in its excited statefits well with former results.
Theoretical modeling and experimental research on the depth of radial material removal for flexible grinding
Authors: Zheng Gang , Chen Keyan , Zhang Xiaojian
Published: April 2021

Abrasive belt flap wheel has large elastic deformation, which can better fit the surface of aero-engine blades. Reasonable control of the depth of radial material removal can effectively improve the grinding efficiency and profile accuracy of the blade surface. The depth of radial material removal for flexible grinding was studied through the process parameters in this article. First, the material removal rate model was established based on Hertz elastic contact theory and Preston equation. Then, according to the principle of equivalent material removal volume, a noval approach to determine the depth of radial material removal was proposed. Finally, the experiments for both plane and surface were implemented on a vertical machining center. The results indicate that the proposed method can improve the accuracy and consistency for flexible grinding.
A method of thermal error prediction modeling for CNC machine tool spindle system
Authors: Cao Wenjie , Li Haolin , Li Qiang
Published: April 2021

In order to improve the machining accuracy of the thermal error prediction model of CNC machine tools, a new method for calculating the position of the measuring points optimal combination researched on linear correlation is proposed, according to the thermal-mechanical finite element analysis(FEA) model of spindle system established after analyzing the thermal characteristics of heat source temperature field of CNC machine tool spindle system. Based on the correlation analysis(CA) of the finite element model of heat source temperature field of CNC machine tool spindle system, combined with the concept of mutual information (MI), this method measures the information of the measurement point variables including the thermal error variables and uses principal component analysis (PCA) to eliminate the collinearity effect within measuring point variables. By using multilinear regression(MR), The thermal error prediction model(CAMI-PCAMR) is established. The accuracy of the prediction model is verified by comparing the actual measurement thermal error with the predicted thermal error through the experimental measurement and analysis of the thermal error of the CNC end grinder test machine tool system. That the axial prediction accuracy of this method can reach 1.099 \(\mu m\), and the prediction radial accuracy can reach 1.28 \(\mu m\) under the variable ambient condition, so as to provide parameters and theoretical guidance for embedding temperature sensors in the machine tool to compensate thermal error in the design stage. And the experimental results also show that the CAMI-PCAMR method is superior to the gray correlation and fuzzy clustering(FC-GCA) modeling method.
3D implicit modeling applied to the evaluation of CO2 geological storage in the shales of the Irati Formation, Paraná Basin, Southeastern Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Saulo B. , Tassinari Colombo C. G. , A-A. Richardson M. , Torresi Ignacio
Published: April 2021

The Paris Agreement established global ambitious targets for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, requiring the rapid and extensive development of low carbon technologies, and one of the most efficient is CO2 geological storage. Among the deep geological formations used for CO2 storage, the shale layers have been a new emerging topic showing to be efficient because they are abundant and have a high content of organic matter, being favorable for CO2 retention. However, one of the challenges in evaluating a location for possible reservoirs is the adequate geological characterization and storage volume estimates. This research evaluated the Irati Formation of the Paraná Basin, through the information from hydrocarbon exploration wells in Southeastern Brazil, where most stationary sources of carbon emissions are located. Three-dimensional (3D) implicit modeling techniques were applied not only for the volume calculation purpose, but also in the site selection stage, generating thematic 3D models of thickness, depth, structures, and distance to aquifer systems. The limestones, shales, and black shales of the Irati Formation were locally divided into six units according to geological composition and spatial continuity. The E black shale unit was considered for CO2 geological storage indicating a theoretical capacity of 1.85 Gt of CO2. The potential of the achieved capacity is promising not only for been greater than the total of CO2 locally produced but also for supporting the implantation of new projects in this region.
COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, barriers and facilitators among healthcare workers in Pakistan
Authors: Rehman Khalid , Hakim Muhammad , Arif Nauman , Islam Siraj Ul , Saboor Abdul , Asif Muhammad , Ramharter Michael
Published: April 2021

Background
Vaccines are one of the main cornerstones in the global initiatives to control the COVID-19 pandemic. National vaccination programs largely depend on vaccine availability and acceptance by a large proportion of the population to confer a measurable impact on SARS-CoV-2 transmission. In this study we determine the acceptance, barriers and facilitators of COVID-19 vaccination amongst healthcare workers (HCWs) in Pakistan
Methods
A structured and validated questionnaire was used in an online cross-sectional study. Health care workers residing in Pakistan were invited between 31st January to 9th February to participate in this survey.
Results
A total of 436 health-care workers took part in this survey and among those 327 (75%) were doctors. 260 (60%) health-care workers indicated that they would accept vaccination against COVID-19. 308 (71%) were completely confident or confident in using USA, UK manufactured COVID-19 vaccine. The acceptance concerning a potential Chinese vaccine was 267 (61%). 292 (67%) strongly agreed or agreed that they are concerned about the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination while the concerns for safety were 293 (67%).
Conclusions
About a third of HCWs, a group generally biased towards early acceptance of health interventions – expressed concerns or refusal of vaccination against COVID-19 in this survey. A dedicated communication plan and information campaign addressing the issues of efficacy, quality, logistics and religious concerns is needed to address these hurdles to allow for a successful national vaccination campaign.
Analysis of Screw Extrusion of Thermoplastics for AM
Authors: Mittal Yash Gopal , Prajapati Shivam , Kamble Pushkar , Trushnikov Dmitriy , Bernard Alain , P. Karunakaran K.
Published: April 2021

3D printing is an Additive Manufacturing (AM) process that enables physical realization of a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) model. 3D printing can be classified into several variants; Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing (MEAM) is the most versatile and widely used. MEAM is a continuous extrusion and selective deposition process commonly used for thermoplastics. Screw Extrusion Additive Manufacturing (SEAM), a sub-domain of MEAM, uses an extruder screw to push the polymer-melt out of the nozzle. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis of a single screw extrusion of thermoplastics is presented in this paper. The effect of various control parameters like screw rotation, wall heat flux/temperature profile, screw geometry, etc., has been studied on the required output parameters like productivity, torque capacity, power requirement, metering efficiency, etc. It is found that the incrementally-variable-pitch screw geometry provides the best metering characteristics. However, every screw design is a compromise between melt temperature, productivity, and power requirements.
Meteorology and Climatology of Historical Weekly Wind and Solar Power Resource Droughts over western North America in ERA5
Authors: Brown Patrick T , Farnham David J. , Caldeira Ken
Published: April 2021

Wind and solar electricity generation is projected to expand substantially over the next several decades due both to rapid cost declines as well as regulation designed to achieve climate targets. With increasing reliance on wind and solar generation, future energy systems may be vulnerable to previously underappreciated synoptic-scale variations characterized by low wind and/or surface solar radiation. Here we use western North America as a case study region to investigate the historical meteorology of weekly-scale “droughts” in potential wind power, potential solar power and their compound occurrence. We also investigate the covariability between wind and solar droughts with potential stresses on energy demand due to temperature deviations away human comfort levels. We find that wind power drought weeks tend to occur in late summer and are characterized by a mid-level atmospheric ridge centered over British Columbia and high sea level pressure on the lee side of the Rockies. Solar power drought weeks tend to occur near winter solstice when the seasonal minimum in incoming solar radiation co-occurs with the tendency for mid-level troughs and low pressure systems over the U.S. southwest. Compound wind and solar power drought weeks consist of the aforementioned synoptic pattern associated with wind droughts occurring near winter solstice when the solar resource is at its seasonal minimum. We find that wind drought weeks are associated with high solar power (and vice versa) both seasonally and in terms of synoptic meteorology, which supports the notion that wind and solar power generation can play complementary roles in a diversified energy portfolio at synoptic spatiotemporal scales over Western North America.
CD80 and CD86: expression and prognostic value in newly diagnosed glioblastoma
Authors: Ahmed Mohammed , Hernández-Verdin Isaias , Verreault Maite , Bielle Franck , Lerond Julie , Alentorn Agusti , Sanson Marc , Idbaih Ahmed
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Strategies to modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME), including the vascular and immune components, have opened new therapeutic avenues with dramatic yet heterogeneous intertumor efficacy in multiple cancers, including brain malignancies. Therefore, investigating molecular actors of TME may help understand the interactions between tumor cells and TME. Immune checkpoint proteins such as a Cluster of Differentiation 80 (CD80) and CD86 are expressed on the surface of tumor cells and infiltrative tumor lymphocytes. However, their expression and prognostic value in glioblastoma (GBM) is still unclear.

Methods

In this study, we have investigated, in a retrospective local discovery cohort and a validation TCGA dataset, expression of CD80 and CD86 at mRNA level and their prognostic significance in response to standard of care. CD80 and CD86 at the protein level were also investigated in the discovery cohort.

Results

Both CD80 and CD86 are expressed heterogeneously in GBM at mRNA and protein levels. In a univariate analysis, the mRNA expression of CD80 and CD86 was not significantly correlated with OS in both ONT and TCGA datasets. On the other hand, CD80 and CD86 mRNA high expression was significantly associated with shorter PFS (p<0.05). These findings were validated using the TCGA cohort; higher CD80 and CD86 expressions were correlated with shorter PFS (p<0.05). In multivariate analysis, CD86 mRNA expression was an independent prognostic factor for PFS in the TCGA dataset only (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Additional studies are warranted to validate our findings and to explore the expression of CD80 and CD86 in GBM patients treated with immunotherapy and, more specifically, with CTLA-4 inhibitors.
Effects of Terminalia chebula Retz. on the Secretion of Somatostatin in the Small Intestine in Mice
Authors: He Min , Zhao Si-Qi , Guo Xi-Yan
Published: April 2021

Objective: This study investigated the effects of Terminalia chebula Retz. (TC) and its two processed products Rubia cordifolia L. per Terminalia chebula Retz. (RTC) and Euphorbia fischeriana Steud per Terminalia chebula Retz. (ETC) on the secretory activity of somatostatin cells in the small intestine in mice. Methods: A total of 168 twenty-day-old SPF Kunming mice were randomly divided into seven groups, i.e., the control (saline, 0.1 g/kg), high TC, RTC, ETC and low TC, RTC, and ETC groups, and administered drugs for 28 days. The cellular localization and expression of SS in the small intestine were assessed by immunohistochemistry after drug delivery for 7, 14, 21 or 28 days. Results: The somatostatin（SS）protein was widely distributed in the small intestines of mice. Immunoreactivity gradually decreased in the duodenum to the ileum. SS immunoreactivity was significantly lower in the high TC, RTC, ETC and low RTC, and ETC groups compared with the control group after drug delivery for 28 days. The efficacy of RTC was better than that of ETC and obviously better than that of TC. The efficacies of high dosages of TC and its processed products were better than those of low dosages of the drugs. SS cells of various shapes, including cone-, spindle-, and ellipse-shaped SS cells, were observed. A large number of SS cells were found in the intestinal gland epithelium and intestinal lamina propria in the control group, and these cells were widely distributed in epithelial cells in the intestinal mucosa and intestinal gland epithelium in the experimental groups. Conclusions: This study indicates that TC and its processed products play an important role in inhibiting the secretion of SS to different degrees. The effect of the RTC at a dosage of 4.0 g·kg–1 BW is the best.
Review of Bounding Box Algorithm Based on 3D Point Cloud
Authors: Siwei He , Baolong Liu
Published: April 2021

Collision detection is mainly to judge whether there is intersection between virtual models, which means there is collision. Bounding box is one of the important methods of collision detection. It uses regular geometry with simple structure to replace the complex model to be detected. A simple point cloud model usually contains hundreds or thousands of polygons when meshed. When collision tests are performed directly on the geometry of two model objects, the calculation process is relatively complex. In order to reduce the computational cost, the bounding box test of the model was performed before the geometry intersection test. Only when the bounding box has a collision, can further accurate intersection detection be carried out. This paper mainly introduces the content and significance of the bounding box, and compares four kinds of common bounding boxes and their advantages and disadvantages as well as the application scenarios of the bounding box. Firstly, the content and significance of the bounding box are expounded. Secondly, it is analyzed according to different bounding boxes. Finally, the different bounding box algorithms are summarized, and the advantages and disadvantages of different bounding boxes and application scenarios are pointed out.
Release of chromite nanoparticles and their alteration in the presence of Mn-oxides
Authors: McClenaghan Neal W. , Schindler Michael
Published: April 2021

The discovery of chromite nanoparticles in silicates of ultramafic rocks may change our approach on the environmental risk assessment of mine waste associated with chromitite mining. This experimental study shows for the first time that the alteration of Cr-rich silicates results in the release of chromite nanoparticles and that their interaction with oxidizing Mn-oxide nanoparticles causes the dissolution of chromite and Mn-oxide nanoparticles and the precipitation of Fe3+- and Cr3+-hydroxides. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in combination with ultra-microtomy, centrifugation, chromatography, ICP-MS, and UV-VIS is used to characterize release and alteration of chromite nanoparticles and the concentrations and speciation of Cr aqueous species. Alteration of clinochlore grains containing chromite nanoparticles results in the release of the nanoparticles and their attachment to Si-bearing Alhydroxide colloids. Chromite nanoparticles with the end-member composition FeCr2O4 are synthesized, and their interaction with Mn-oxide nanoparticles (hausmannite, Mn3O4), Fe2+-silicates (chamosite, [(Fe3.9Mg0.62Al0.48)Al(Si3Al)O10(OH)8] and organic matter is studied over a period of six to nine months in suspensions of pH = 5. The interaction of chromite and hausmannite nanoparticles is facilitated by the aggregation of the nanoparticles and dissolution-precipitation processes. Processes on the surfaces of the hausmannite nanoparticles include the reductive dissolution of the substrate (reduction of Mn3+ to Mn2+ by Fe2+ species) and its replacement by amorphous or nanocrystalline Cr3+-bearing Fe3+-hydroxides. Processes on the surfaces of the chromite nanoparticles involve the attachment of hausmannite nanoparticles, the oxidative dissolution of the substrate (oxidation of Fe2+ and perhaps Cr3+ by Mn3+ species), its replacement by an amorphous or nanocrystalline Mn-bearing Cr3+-hydroxide matrix and the formation of the Cr3+-hydroxides bracewellite and grimaldite within the latter matrix. Analyses of the suspensions indicate only minor amounts of Cr6+ in the suspensions (<5 µg kg−1) suggesting that formation or occurrence of Cr6+ species can be limited in complex geochemical and mineralogical systems even in the presence of hausmannite nanoparticles.
Water in the crystal structure of CaSiO3 perovskite
Authors: Shim Sang-Heon , Chizmeshya Andrew , Leinenweber Kurt
Published: April 2021

While the water storage capacities of the upper 700 km depths of the mantle have been constrained by high-pressure experiments and diamond inclusion studies, the storage capacity of the lower mantle remains controversial. A recent high-pressure experimental study on CaSiO3 perovskite, which is the third most abundant mineral in the lower mantle, reported possible storage of H2O up to a few weight percent. However, the substitution mechanism for H in this phase remains unknown. We have conducted a series of density functional theory calculations under static-lattice conditions and high pressures to elucidate hydration mechanisms at the atomic scale. All of the possible dodecahedral (Ca2+ → 2H+) and octahedral (Si4+ → 4H+) substitution configurations for a tetragonal perovskite lattice have very small energy differences, suggesting the coexistence of multiples of H configurations in CaSiO3 perovskite at mantle pressures and temperatures. The dodecahedral substitutions decrease the bulk modulus, resulting in a smaller unit-cell volume of hydrous CaSiO3 perovskite under pressure, consistent with the experimental observations. Although the octahedral substitutions also decrease the bulk modulus, they increase the unit-cell volume at 1 bar. The H atoms substituted in the dodecahedral sites develop much less hydrogen bonding with O atoms, leading to a large distortion in the neighboring SiO6 octahedra. Such distortion may be responsible for the non-cubic peak splittings observed in experiments on hydrous CaSiO3 perovskite. Our calculated infrared spectra suggest that the observed broad OH modes in CaSiO3 perovskite can result from the existence of multiples of H configurations in the phase. Combined with the recent experimental results, our study suggests that CaSiO3 can be an important mineral phase to consider for the H2O storage in the lower mantle.
Effect of variation of strain rate on the tensile properties of Coconut leaf midrib - A sustainable material for ground improvement
Authors: Jishnu V P , Sankar N , Chandrakaran S
Published: April 2021

This paper aims at introducing a new natural fibers used as ground improvement material, which enables to improve the engineering properties of poor soil in an economical and sustainable manner. An investigation of extraction procedure of coconut leaf midrib has been undertaken. The study of tensile behavior of ground improvement material with different strain rate is very significant since, the small strain rate study simulates long term loading and large strain rate study simulates impact loading condition. The strain rate chosen for the present study were in terms of percentage of gauge length of specimen per minute. Moreover, the optimum strain rate and characteristic tensile strength of coconut leaf midrib was established by using Weibull parameters.
A Review on sustainable reuse of dredged sediments in earthwork infrastructures
Authors: S Athira , E.A Subaida
Published: April 2021

Earth structures like embankments involve the use of a huge quantity of soil. Major sources of borrow soil are natural hills and embankments which are to be preserved to prevent structural instability and environmental problems. Bulk quantities of soil are dredged out from various waterfront projects, but poor engineering properties limit their use in construction projects. Stabilization of sediments with suitable reagents to use in embankment construction is considered a sustainable approach. With this motive, many studies are being conducted focusing on finding solutions to propose a sustainable alternative for earthwork infrastructural materials. Latest studies are developing engineering improvement of dredged sediments as a solution for the scarcity of earthen resources for construction.
Strength Characterisation of Nanochemical Stabilized Kuttanad Clay for Pavement Construction
Authors: Mohan Regi P. , P Adarsh
Published: April 2021

Kuttanad clays are low strength, soft, organic clay deposits found in the Kuttanad areas of the Alappuzha district, Kerala. Lots of failures have been reported to the structures built over it due to its swelling - shrinking characteristics. To enhance the load-bearing capacity and decrease the settlement characteristics, the addition of appropriate stabilizing agents is considered the most efficient technique in soil stabilization applications. Soil stabilization techniques using traditional stabilizers in mass projects have become costly due to the increase in the cost of materials like cement, lime, fly ash, etc. Moreover, cement production also accounts for global warming due to the emission of carbon gas. Hence studies are going on regarding the effectiveness of using non-traditional materials that can react faster as stabilizing agents and thus reducing the cost of construction. This paper focuses on studying the suitability of a non-traditional nanotechnology-based organo-silane compound in the treatment of Kuttanad clay soils. Observations were made for the variation in the strength characteristics of the soil such as maximum dry density, optimum moisture content, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), California Bearing Ratio (CBR) strength of samples stabilized with varying dosages of nanochemical for curing periods up to 28days.
Barriers to Adoption of Precast Concrete Construction in Buildings
Authors: Ittyeipe Alan Verghese , Thomas Anu V.
Published: April 2021

The increasing demands for housing the burgeoning urban population in developing countries like India has impelled the need to shift to mechanised construction practices like Precast Concrete Construction (PCCon) for faster supply of projects. PCCon has been successfully implemented in developed countries to meet the once prevalent housing shortages and is still being adopted extensively in high rise residential building projects in these countries. PCCon offers several benefits compared to cast in situ construction practices such as reduced construction time, time and cost certainty, improved quality control and improved health and safety. PCCon also promotes environment friendly construction, addresses shortage of skills and results in minimisation of life cycle costs.
Flood Risk Assessment of Thiruvananthapuram City, Kerala
Authors: Niranjana J S , Paul Feba , Nambiar Hridya D , Joy Ashly , Roy Neethu
Published: April 2021

Flood is one of the most dangerous and deadliest natural hazards in the world which devastates both life and economy to a very large extent. In Kerala, climate change induced floods are becoming an annual problem. In the midyear of 2018 and 2019, Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, witnessed heavy rainfall and strong winds which resulted in widespread damage in various parts of the City. Flood risk assessment study provides a comprehensive detail of geographic areas and elements that are vulnerable to the particular hazard. As far as Thiruvananthapuram is considered, most of the flood risk assessment studies available were found to be based only on a specific catchment or stream. This paper discusses the need of flood risk assessment study of Thiruvananthapuram City and also focuses on estimating the intensity of storm causing flood. In this work, the major natural drains and the places prone to drainage concentration are delineated from Digital Elevation Model of the study area. The drainage map and land use map are prepared using ArcGIS and ERDAS software respectively. The hydraulic modeling is done using HEC-RAS software and simulations for different rainfall intensities are carried out to estimate the magnitude of flood and to identify the major flood prone areas in the City. This study presents a systematic methodology that can be adopted for flood risk assessment of urban cities, especially when there is less available data.
Bioremediation of hydrocarbon-rich wastewater by aerobic granules of oil degrading bacterial strains in salinity influence
Authors: Ghosh Sayanti , Chakraborty Saswati
Published: April 2021

Granulation of sewage and brewery sludge isolated oil degrader Brevibacterium and Staphylococcus were investigated in hydrocarbon-rich wastewater with 280 mg/L of hydrocarbon at 10-25 g/L NaCl salinity influence. Brevibacterium and Staphylococcus cultures were inoculated in aerobic granular reactors (AGRs) R1 and R2 which were operated with 24 h cycle time and 2 L/min air flow rate. Yellowish matured granules appeared within 15 days. R1 granules achieved stability till 15 g/L NaCl concentration but faced disintegration between 15-20 mg/L NaCl exposure which reduced granule size and hydrocarbon removal from 2.15-1.7 mm and 78-73%. R2 granules were more salt tolerant providing 2.5±0.5 mm granule size with 4±1 g/L volatile suspended solids (VSS) and 201±1 mg/g VSS extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) content achieving 81±0.7% hydrocarbon removal in 30 days. High granule stability and biomass concentration ensured less biomass washout from reactors. Granule settling velocity (GSV) in R1 and R2 reached 20±1 and 32±0.8 m/h which corresponded with granule size profiles. Kinetics analysis showed that at steady state, R1 and R2 were capable of 72 and 91% phenol removals in 30 and 24 h, respectively. Hence, the study provided salt tolerant oil degrading granules for refinery wastewater treatment.
Prediction of Groundwater Quality Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Joseph Rita Maria , Manjaly Alna D , Unni Sreeram , E C Able , Sharon Vinitha
Published: April 2021

Assessment and prediction of water quality is a vital tool for the management of water resources systems. It is necessitous for human existence, agriculture and industry. This project delves into the prediction of groundwater quality parameters and groundwater quality criterion based on the Artificial Neural Network Modelling with the study area as Kerala, a state of India. Two models were developed. The first model employs the water quality parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total hardness as the input parameters and calcium, magnesium, chloride, fluoride, nitrate concentration as the output parameters. The second model was designed by giving input as, input values and the predicted output values of the first model, and groundwater quality criterion corresponding to each location as the target values. The output qualitative parameters were estimated and compared with the measured values, to evaluate the influence of key input parameters. The number of neurons to be given in the hidden layer was decided by the trial-and-error method. Data of 506 water samples from all over Kerala were collected for modelling.
Comparative Study on Performance of Precast Structural Insulated Panels with Different Shear Connectors
Authors: M Ajith , Raj Bharati , Simon Keerthy M
Published: April 2021

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) made by sandwiching an insulating material from both sides have been used in buildings to enhance thermal resistance without loss in structural integrity. New innovations to improve its compositeness are also being explored. One method is to use shear connector made of high thermal resistant and ductile materials. This connects two outer wythes through insulation layer. The outer material can be of any type of high compressive strength concrete. These are usually reinforced with steel or carbon or glass fiber. The use of light weight and high strength materials helps to reduce the overall thickness of the structure. As the material of shear connector acts as a thermal bridge across the outer wythes, materials with low U value (thermal transmittance) are preferred. In this paper, an attempt has been made to carry out a comparative study on the performance of SIPs with shear connectors manufactured using different materials.
Deconstrucción de las garantías constitucionales de la seguridad social de los informales en Colombia, utopía o realidad.
Authors: Moreno Villamizar Manuel Mauricio
Published: April 2021

El presente artículo de reflexión tiene como objetivo estudiar la realidad de los trabajadores que se encuentran en la economía informal en situación de exclusión, precarización y pobreza, quienes no pueden seguir siendo discriminados del sistema general de seguridad social integral por estar vinculados en el ordenamiento jurídico interno e internacional por los principios rectores de eficiencia, solidaridad y universalidad del sistema, y de esta forma brindar garantías mínimas constitucionales y legales propias del Estado Social de Derecho que busca defender y proteger de derechos inherentes a la condición humana. La seguridad social tiene un carácter vinculante y fundamental en el Estado Social de Derecho que contrasta con la realidad, y de forma concreta en el contexto laboral y de la seguridad social por parte de los trabajadores que se encuentran en la economía informal.
La economía informal en Colombia es un reflejo de la injusticia y desigualdad social como consecuencia del fenómeno de la globalización y flexibilización laboral que conduce a una precarización laboral en aumento, al restringir y limitar derechos por parte del Estado con una serie de medidas y política pública excluyente y alienante al otorgar primacía al modelo económico neoliberal, con el amparo del legalismo jurídico imperante. Se elige como referente de investigación el modelo de investigación aplicada al correlacionarse con otras disciplinas del conocimiento y realidades que se articulan con las ciencias sociales, asumiendo un enfoque de carácter iusfilosófico que busca el análisis de las normas jurídicas, su correspondencia o discrepancia frente al conjunto de valores y principios de la sociedad, al determinar como eje central de la investigación la relación que existe entre el derecho y la justicia. La informalidad requiere ser analizada, reconstruida e interpretada desde la filosofía del derecho como deconstrucción al resignificar el derecho laboral y seguridad social como derechos inherentes al hombre.