bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavior of the voltage produced by an electrode in a membrane by means of the finite element method
Authors: Mesa F , Devia Narvaez D M , Correa Velez G
Published: December 2020

The spatial distribution of an electrical potential in a cell membrane subjected to an electric field was numerically obtained using an equivalent electrical circuit where the spatial variables that depend on the geometry are combined and an electrical circuit that relates the dynamics in the time of said excitation in four branches that represent the middle. It was observed that the potential decreases linearly in the geometry of the membrane due to the characteristics of the medium (sodium, potassium). On the other hand, the finite element method was developed for a two-dimensional domain that represents the geometry of a membrane, in such a way that it is possible to qualitatively analyze the behavior of the potential at any point of the membrane for an electrical pulse (electrode).
Type-2 fuzzy controller’s performance index. Case study: tank level control
Authors: Araujo J E , Diaz Rodriguez J L , Duque O M , Pardo García A
Published: December 2020

This paper deals with the design and implementation of type-2 fuzzy controller, through a tank level control plant as a pilot system to analyze the response using performance indexes. The controller was developed using type-2 fuzzy logic from a mathematical approach and utilizing the identification of the process through a parametric method. Additionally, a classical proportional, integral, and derivative controller was used to generate the bases for the linguistic variables required by the fuzzy controller implementation. Finally, a statistical analysis of the transient and steady-state response margins is performed, which aims to provide a numerical index of the system response performance.
Critical comparison of image analysis workflows for quantitative cell morphological evaluation in assessing cell response to biomaterials
Authors: Ravikumar K , Voigt Sven P , Kalidindi Surya R , Basu Bikramjit
Published: December 2020

Quantitative image analysis is an important tool in understanding cell fate processes through the study of cell morphological changes in terms of size, shape, number, and orientation. In this context, this work explores systematically the main challenges involved in the quantitative analysis of fluorescence microscopy images and also proposes a new protocol while comparing its outcome with the widely used ImageJ analysis. It is important to mention that fluorescence microscopy is by far most widely used in biocompatibility analysis (observing cell fate changes) of implantable biomaterials. In this study, we employed two different image analyses toolsets: (a) the conventionally employed ImageJ software, and (b) a recently developed automated digital image analyses framework, called ImageMKS. While ImageJ offers a powerful toolset for image analyses, it requires sophisticated user expertise to design and iteratively refine the analyses workflow. This workflow primarily comprises a sequence of image transformations that typically involve de-noising and labeling of features. On the other hand, ImageMKS automates the image analyses protocol to a large extent, and thereby mitigates the influence of the user bias on the final results. This aspect is addressed using a case study of C2C12 mouse myoblast cells grown on poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) based polymeric substrates. In particular, we used a number of fluorescence microscopy images of these mouse myoblasts grown on PVDF-based nanobiocomposites under the influence of electric field. In addition to the MKS workflows requiring much less user time because of their automation, it was observed that ImageMKS workflows consistently produced more reliable results that correlated better with the previously reported experimental studies.
Observed rainfall changes in the past century (1901–2019) over the wettest place on Earth
Authors: Kuttippurath J , Murasingh S , Stott P A , Sarojini B Balan , Jha Madan K , Kumar P , Nair P J , Varikoden H , Raj S , Francis P A , Pandey P C
Published: December 2020

Changes in rainfall affect drinking water, river and surface runoff, soil moisture, groundwater reserve, electricity generation, agriculture production and ultimately the economy of a country. Trends in rainfall, therefore, are important for examining the impact of climate change on water resources for its planning and management. Here, as analysed from 119 years of rainfall measurements at 16 different rain gauge stations across northeast India, a significant change in the rainfall pattern is evident after the year 1973, with a decreasing trend in rainfall of about 0.42 ± 0.024 mm dec−1. The wettest place of the world has shifted from Cherrapunji (CHE) to Mawsynram (MAW) (separated by 15 km) in recent decades, consistent with long-term rainfall changes in the region. The annual mean accumulated rainfall was about 12 550 mm at MAW and 11 963 mm at CHE for the period 1989–2010, as deduced from the available measurements at MAW. The changes in the Indian Ocean temperature have a profound effect on the rainfall in the region, and the contribution from the Arabian Sea temperature and moisture is remarkable in this respect, as analysed with a multivariate regression procedure for the period 1973–2019. The changes in land cover are another important aspect of this shift in rainfall pattern, as we find a noticeable reduction in vegetation area in northeast India in the past two decades, implying the human influence on recent climate change.
Coupling of the Chemical Effects of CO and CO2 on Soot Formation in C2H4 Diffusion Flame in O2-CO2 Atmosphere
Authors: Wang Yang , Liu Xiaofang , Gao Yongpan , Gu Mingyan , Lin Yuyu
Published: December 2020

Previous studies found that the chemical effect of CO (CE-CO) enhances the formation of soot in laminar coflow C2H4/air diffusion flames, while the chemical effect of CO2 (CE-CO2) inhibits soot formation. The coupled CE-CO and CE-CO2 on soot formation characteristics is investigated numerically in O2-CO2 atmosphere through blending fuel flow rate with 10%, 30% and 50% CO and virtual CO (FCO) in a laminar C2H4 diffusion flame. The results show that CE-CO increases the flame temperature, while CE-CO2 is opposite; the CE-CO promotes soot formation attributed to soot oxidation process which decreases the mole fraction of OH by OH+CO↔H+CO2, while the CE-CO2 inhibits the formation of soot ascribed to the increase of OH and O2 concentration promoting soot oxidation rate and the decrease of flame temperature, mole fractions of C2H2 and H inhibiting surface growth rate. Moreover, the chemical promotion effect of CO decreases in O2-CO2 atmosphere, and the coupled CE-CO and CE-CO2 suppresses soot formation.
Research on Optimal Control of Air Conditioning in College Classroom in Summer
Authors: Yu Yuan , Yu Kezhi
Published: December 2020

Trnsys software was adopted to study the optimal control method of summer air conditioning system in college classrooms in this paper. Three schemes including schedule control, temperature control and population control were compared with each other. The simulation results show that the average temperature of the population control scheme is closest to the 26 °C for human comfort, and the mean square deviation of the temperature is also the smallest among three schemes. Energy consumption comparisons show that the total energy consumption of the population control scheme is the lowest among three schemes. Therefore, the population control scheme is considered to be the optimal control scheme in the air conditioning system of the college classrooms.
Empirical Analysis on Shandong Industrial Electricity Consumption, GDP, Industrial Goods Export and FDI in Industrial Sector
Authors: Li Bing , Zhang Zhiwei
Published: December 2020

This work is to analyse relations which exist among the consumption in industrial electricity, GDP, industrial goods export and the FDI in industrial sector in Shandong. From the coefficients of VAR model, we can see once there is one per cent growth in GDP in the previous year or two will increase industrial electricity by 0.03%, and a 1 per cent growth in industrial goods export in the previous year or two will increase industrial electricity consumption by 0.2%, and a 1 per cent growth in FDI in industrial sector will increase industrial electricity consumption by 0.2%. As the Granger Causality test shows that increased industrial electricity consumption can be explained as the causes of GDP growth in Shandong. And increased FDI in industrial section can be explained as the causes by industrial electricity consumption growth. While industrial goods export and industrial electricity consumption could not be explained as the causes to the growth of each other under the study significance.
Research Status of Ni-rich Ternary Cathode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Xie Hongyan , Jin Huixin , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Yaqing , Li Yezhu , Li Kaifeng , Bao Chongjun
Published: December 2020

Ternary cathode material LiNixCoyMn1-x-yO2(NCM) has been widely studied as a kind of cathode material with high voltage, high theoretical capacity, good cycling performance and high thermal stability, which is one of the most popular cathode materials for lithium ion battery. Nickle-rich NCM (⩾0.5) can meet the market demand for high-specific capacity power batteries due to its high nickel content and large charge-discharge capacity, But the safety and thermal stability are poor. Therefore, this paper mainly studies how to obtain Ni-rich NCM with high specific capacity and good thermal stability from three aspects of precursor preparation, surface coating and doping.
Research and Practice on the Integrated System of Power Management and Control
Authors: Qian Jie , Jin Wei , Ye Zhihui , Wang Wenjuan , Zhang Chengting
Published: December 2020

This paper describes the power management and control system from the business architecture, technical architecture, application architecture, system integration four parts, and studies each component respectively. Through the current advanced information technology and Internet technology, the platform, covering “acquisition, simulation, early-warn, analysis, and response”, is constructed to effectively improve the level of data management and utilization, which can further improve the intelligent and lean on power management and control in cigarette industrial enterprises.
Connotations, Characteristics and New Identification Method of Leverage Measurements
Authors: Liu Youzhi , Zi Hui , Xiao Jian , Yang Chunqi , Hou Yanqiu , Lin Jikeng
Published: December 2020

Accurately identifying the bad data belonging to the leverage measurements can greatly improve the precision of state estimation. In this paper, we presented the algebraic and geometric characteristics of leverage measurements and proposed a new method to accurately identify the leverage measurements. First, we proved that a measurement infinitely close to the Jacobi matrix column space will be a leverage measurement. Second, we proposed a new method for leverage measurements identification using the modified generalized potential index (GPI). Finally, two cases verified the validity of the proposed method. Compared with other methods, the new method can identify multiple leverage measurements accurately.
Research on neutral point grounding mode and single-phase earth fault location of medium voltage island microgrid
Authors: Kejian Shi , Ye Tian , Jing Wu , Guanhua Li , Haixing Qi , Zhenxin Geng , Jianyuan Xu
Published: December 2020

For medium voltage islanding microgrid, the voltage clamp of the main network neutral arc suppression coil or small resistance is lost. Multiple PTs parallel operation will occur because different entities of a microgrid independently measure the voltage. It is necessary to consider the influence of multi PTs ferroresonance on the neutral grounding mode of islanding microgrid. The neutral point ungrounded, neutral point grounded by arc suppression coil and neutral point grounded by small resistance are analyzed respectively, considering multi PTs ferroresonance and single-phase earth fault location, it is determined that the islanded microgrid adopts neutral point grounded by small resistance. On this basis, the zero sequence current distribution is used to locate the single-phase earth fault. Finally, a simulation example is built to verify the correctness of the proposed method.
Review of geothermal power generation: a case study of ORC geothermal power generation
Authors: Hongmei Yin , Chengjun Li , Yongzhen Wan , Jun Zhao
Published: December 2020

Geothermal energy is a kind of clean and renewable energy with huge resources. Geothermal power generation is a form of efficient utilization of geothermal energy. There is a big gap between the installed capacity of geothermal power generation and the new installed capacity of 500MW in the 13th five year plan. The unclear price mechanism of geothermal power generation is an important reason hindering the development of geothermal power generation. The efficiency of geothermal power generation is relatively low, and the theoretical research and technology of geothermal power generation need to be innovated. In this paper, the empirical correlation of evaporation temperature is obtained based on the cycle splitting method, and the calculation software of electric heating performance of geothermal power generation is developed. The comparison with the actual index of power station shows that the error is less than 10%. Compared with the traditional method, the calculation method based on cycle splitting method is more rapid and convenient, and the accuracy rate is more than 95%.
Sensing Behaviour of V-doped 2D MoS2 in Sarin Detection
Authors: Yangyang Wang , Huaizhang Wang , rui Yan , Ting Liang
Published: December 2020

Although there are excellent properties in gas sensors, two-dimensional MoS2 (2D MoS2) has not been used in the detection of chemical agent sarin. In this paper, pure 2D MoS2 and V-doped 2D MoS2 sensors with few and multi-layers (5 and 10 layers, respectively) were prepared by low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) method. The results of gas sensing tests show that V-MoS2(5 layers) exhibits the best sensing behavior in sarin detection. The low detection limit of V-MoS2(5 layers) (0.02 mg/m3) meets the requirements of on-site identification and detection of sarin agent at trace level.
Effect evaluation of soil erosion control in Xingguo County
Authors: Jiang Keller , Liu Yuqian , Song Yushuo , Liu Guicheng
Published: December 2020

Xingguo county once suffered from serious soil erosion, fragile ecological environment and extreme poverty. After 1980, Xingguo County government adopted a series of measures to control soil erosion, improve people’s life and promote economic development. After nearly 40 years of governance, Xingguo has been lifted out of poverty, and the ecological environment has changed greatly. The strategy of Xingguo County Government to control soil erosion has referenced significance. In this study, GIS technology was used to calculate the current situation of soil and water loss in Xingguo County.
Theoretical Calculation and Numerical Simulation Based on Radial Fin of Triangular Profile
Authors: Yu Wenjie , Chang Limin , Zhang Yongheng
Published: December 2020

In most heat exchange equipment, in order to increase heat dissipation between solid surface and external fluid, the heat transfer surface is often made into finned form. This is because the method of increasing the surface area of the fin wall is used to reduce the heat resistance of the convective heat transfer and enhance the heat transfer. There are various types of fin wall, including straight fin, radial fin and needle fin. The radial fin of triangular profile belongs to the radial fin with variable thickness profile. Based on the theoretical calculation and numerical simulation of the excess temperature distribution and fin efficiency of the radial fin with triangular profile, the excess temperature distribution equation and the calculation formula of fin efficiency on the wall of the radial fin with triangular profile are derived, and the curve of excess temperature distribution and fin efficiency is fitted and output by MATLAB, the theoretical basis for the design and application of this kind of radial fin is provided.
Evolution of Coordination Number of Methane Hydrate Bearing Sediments during Quasi-static Shearing
Authors: Zhou Shichen , Zhou Bo , Xue Shifeng , Jia Peng
Published: December 2020

Quasi-static shearing of methane hydrate bearing sediments (MHBS) was investigated by performing numerical tests using distinct element method (DEM) so as to comprehensively understand mechanical properties of MHBS. Stress-strain response and dilation behaviour of numerical tests were presented and compared with that of physical experiments. And then an examination of the evolution of coordination number (CN) during shearing was also presented, as well as its relation to anisotropy of contact orientations. The research results led us to conclude that (i) DEM can effectively capture the main characteristics of strength and deformation of MHBS; (ii) Distribution of CN shows obvious heterogeneity which is closely associated with shear bands; (iii) The average CN has a strong correlation with total number of contacts, and could be further interpreted from the point of view of anisotropy of contact orientations;
A Preliminary Study on Signal Energy Loss and Crosstalk for Coupled Transmission Lines at 5G Frequency
Authors: Yuan Jingshuo
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we built models incorporating bent high-speed signal transmission lines and study the quality of the received signal by analyzing the crosstalk between the signal lines. We established different models incorporating regularly bent, fillet, and chamfered corners to investigate their effect on signal crosstalk around 5G frequency. The time domain reflectometry and electromagnetic modes are simulated with finite element methods.
Multi-dimensional risk assessment of electricity market based on cloud model
Authors: Zhengnan Gao , Feihang Zhou , Gegentana  , Yaojie Jin , Haili Wang
Published: December 2020

Aiming at various potential risks in the electricity market, this paper establishes a risk assessment index system for the electricity market from four dimensions of structural risk, operation risk, fairness risk, and behavioral risk. The analytic hierarchy process is used to determine the subjective weight of risk evaluation indicators, and the entropy method is used to determine the objective Weight, according to the least squares optimization idea to get the comprehensive weight. Then, the basic theory and calculation method of cloud model are introduced, and the standard cloud of risk level evaluation is constructed. Finally, the analysis of a calculation example shows that the risk evaluation level of the selected regional electricity market is moderate, which verifies the validity and feasibility of the model proposed.
Study of the vegetative cover of the natural monument “Mulin Dol” stow (Bol’shechernigovsky District, Samara Oblast, Russia)
Authors: Lysenko T M , Ivanova A V
Published: December 2020

The “Mulin Dol” stow is a natural monument of regional significance located in the Samara Oblast (Russia). It was established in 1987 in order to protect the natural complex of upland steppes in the southeastern part of the region. The natural monument is located southwards off the Bol’shoi Irgiz River valley, on the slopes of the Siniy Syrt steppe upland, which is a part of the Obshchy Syrt highland area. This protected area is a part of the Irgiz low-plain steppe physical-geographical region of the southern type. The flora and vegetation of this area were little affected by anthropogenic changes, so it attracted our attention. In total, 311 species of higher vascular plants have been registered here as a result of the study of vegetation cover. The Fabaceae-type flora prevails, Asteraceae, Poaceae and Fabaceae are dominant families. Four associations and two sub-associations, belonging to the class Festuco-Brometea, order Tanaceto achilleifolii-Stipetalia lessingianae, alliance Tanaceto achilleifolii-Stipion lessingianae, have been described in accordance to the approach suggested by J. Braun-Blanquet.
On the issue of expanding the boundaries of the Natural Monument “Steppes near the Melovoe village” (Saratov Region, Russia)
Authors: Nevskiy S A , Davidenko O N
Published: December 2020

Conservation of plants species is an integral part of conserving biodiversity in general. Establishing the natural monuments is an efficient method of conserving plant diversity. The aim of this study is to substantiate the need of expanding the boundaries of the natural monument “Steppes near the Melovoe village” in the Saratov Region, Russia. Standard methods of studying plant communities and coenopopulations were applied. The study of the plant communities needing protection was based on the criteria adopted by the Saratov Region Green Data Book. The description of unique communities and plant species needing in territorial protection is given. Currently, two plant communities unique for the region and several significant reference steppe communities bearing large populations of protected plant species (Iris pumila, Convolvulus lineatus, Stipa pennata, Adonis volgensis, Hedysarum grandiflorum) are still beyond the boundaries of this natural monument.
Planktonic ciliates communities of hydrological natural monuments of the Southern Urals, the Lake Kandrykul and the Lake Aslykul, Russia
Authors: Bykova S V
Published: December 2020

A comparative analysis of communities of plankton ciliates has been performed for two large clear-water, slightly alkaline lakes belonging to the hydrological natural monuments of the Southern Urals (Russia). The fauna of ciliates was typical for most oligo-mesotrophic reservoirs. However, in addition to tintinnids and strombidiids, small species of the genera Balanion, Urotricha, and Askenasia had higher abundance in the Lake Kandrykul, and large colonial Epicarchesium pectinatum, in the Lake Aslykul. In general, the ciliates abundance in the lakes did not exceed 789 Cells L1 and 8,978 Cells L1, the biomass, 45 mg m−3 and 70 mg m−3, respectively. The Lake Aslykul had higher water mineralization, a greater presence of mineral suspension, and a smaller area overgrown by higher aquatic vegetation; it was characterized by poor species composition, low taxonomic and structural diversity, and lower abundance and biomass of ciliates. The heterogeneity of the lake structural characteristics was less expressed in the Lake Kandrykul, due to the underwater associations of submerged aquatic plants, which smoothed the differences between ciliates communities in different ecotopes. The mixotrophic ciliates in both lakes contributed 20-25% of total abundance and 13-44% of total biomass. The degree of organic pollution corresponded to the (3-mesosaprobic in both lakes as followed by saprobity indicator species.
Comparison of taxonomic composition of phytoplankton of the floodplain lakes of the buffer zone of the Prisursky State Nature Reserve
Authors: Tarasova N. G. , Ozerova T. S.
Published: December 2020

The data on the phytoplankton composition in the floodplain lakes of the Prisursky State Nature Reserve buffer zone in summer are presented for the first time. During two years of study, 219 taxa of algae (rank below genus) were registered in the phytoplankton. The representatives of the phyla Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta, and Euglenophyta played a dominant role. The larger the lake area, the highest was the species richness of algae. The algal planktonic flora of the lakes characterized by a high species richness had the highest similarity. In small water bodies, specific phytoplankton communities were developed.
Hydrochemical indicators dynamics of the lakes of Volzhsko-Kamsky State Nature Biosphere Reserve
Authors: Unkovskaya E N , Galiakhmetova L K , Shurmina N V , Bogdanova O A , Shakirova I I , Ivanov D V , Unkovskaya M A
Published: December 2020

The article discusses the results of long-term monitoring of the hydrochemical state of different types of lakes in the Raifa part of the Volzhsko-Kamsky State Nature Biosphere Reserve (Republic of Tatarstan). The comparative characteristics of the chemical composition and water quality of flowing and drainless lakes are given, and the multiplicities of exceeding the maximum permissible concentrations of pollutants in the summer period of 2016-2020 are revealed. It is noted that flowing lakes with a swampy catchment area in the Ser-Bulak river valley are most susceptible to biogenic load. High concentrations of heavy metals are associated with the accumulation of organic substances in these reservoirs.
Energy Management Control Strategy Optimization of Full Power Fuel Cell Vehicle Based on Wavelet Transform
Authors: Yang T , Zhang H , Dong M , Wang L , Yue D , Yu P
Published: December 2020

With the development of fuel cell technology, full-power fuel cell vehicles have gradually appeared on the market. Although the configuration of hybrid system can solve part of the durability problem caused by starting and stopping conditions, it faces the durability problem caused by variable load conditions. In this paper, wavelet transform is used to optimize the energy management strategy of a full-power fuel cell vehicle, the fuel cell is responsible for the low frequency part of the total output power, and the battery is responsible for the high-frequency part of the total output power. Thereby the durability of the fuel cell is optimized. In addition, this study also compares the power change rate before and after optimization under different cycling conditions, which illustrates the adaptability of this method. And the more aggressive of the drive pattern for test cycle, the more obvious the effect of this method on improving the durability of fuel cells.
Case Analysis on the Abnormal Heating Defect of a 220kv XLPE Cable Intermediate Joint
Authors: Hao Zhang , Pengfei Li , Guoqing Ma , Zilong Chen , Yubing Duan , Xiaoli Hu
Published: December 2020

In this paper, through the infrared temperature measurement and high frequency partial discharge detection, we found an abnormal heating defect in the intermediate joint of 220kV cable. After dissecting the intermediate joint and measure the insulation resistance of internal epoxy components in the laboratory, the causes of the defects were analyzed. The overall heating of the middle joint of the cable shall be caused by the damp insulation. Partial discharge detection can not detect the cable insulation moisture defects. The effect of The infrared temperature measurement is good. After that, the hidden danger of the equipment was dealt with in time and a serious power grid accident is avoided. This case verifies the practicability of infrared temperature measurement in abnormal heating diagnosis of the cable line, and also verifies the limitations of partial discharge detection for internal damp fault diagnosis. This paper also points out the design defect of intermediate joint of similar structure, which provides the basis and reference for the future work.
Homochiral Metal–Organic Framework [Co(L)(bpe)2(H2O)2]·H2O Used for Separation of Racemates in High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Yu Yunyan , Yuan Baoyan , Hu Cong , Fu Nan , Xu Nayan , Zhang Junhui , Wang Bangjin , Xie Shengming , Yuan Liming
Published: December 2020

A homochiral metal–organic framework (MOF) comprising [Co(L)(bpe)2(H2O)2]·H2O was prepared using (1R,2R)-(−)-1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (H2L) and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)-ethylene as organic ligands. The homochiral MOF [Co(L)(bpe)2(H2O)2]·H2O was explored as chiral stationary phase (CSP) for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation of racemates. Nine racemates including naphthol, alcohol, diol, amine, ketone, ether and organic acid were well separated on the homochiral MOF [Co(L)(bpe)2(H2O)2]·H2O column (250 mm long × 4.6 mm i.d.). The relative standard deviation for five replicate separations of 1,1′-bi-2-naphthol is 0.69% for the retention time, indicating that the good reproducibility and stability of the homochiral MOF column for HPLC enantioseparation. The results indicated that the homochiral MOF as CSP is practical, which promotes the application of homochiral MOFs in HPLC.
“The Other Side of Imperialism”: The Comic Monologue in Angela Carter’s Late Fiction
Authors: Harris Scott
Published: December 2020

This essay takes seriously Angela Carter’s playful treatment of race and imperialism across her late fiction. It argues that Carter’s representation of popular theatrical culture as a demotic variety of Englishness reveals a paradoxical tension at the heart of her politics: namely, the idea that one can sustain a serious antiracist or anti-imperialist politics while simultaneously taking pleasure in the popular forms that underwrite “Englishness” as a demographic category. In reading the comic monologue as a central feature of Carter’s narrative strategy across her last two novels, Nights at the Circus (1984) and Wise Children (1991), and her short story, “Black Venus” (1980), this essay suggests that Carter adopts the critical edge of comic performance to establish a dissenting, oppositional relationship to imperial culture and its legacies.
Teaching-learning: a mutual exchange between high school and graduate students in the field of microbiology
Authors: Crispim Josicelli Souza , Vaz Marcelo Gomes Marçal Vieira , Pereira Kissia Ferreira , da Silva Jéssica Duarte , Duarte Vinícius da Silva , Sanches Newton Moreno , Mantovani Hilário Cuquetto , Teresinha dos Santos Miriam , Peluzio Luciano Esteves , Karla dos Santos Jildete , de Paula Sérgio Oliveira
Published: December 2020

The teaching-learning process becomes more attractive when practical classes are used as part of methodological tools. Aiming (i) to stimulate the interest of high school students in the microbiological world and (ii) to provide didactic experience for microbiology graduate students, practical classes were undertaken. These classes were carried out during 2016 and 2017 using the infrastructure at Universidade Federal de Viçosa. Briefly, laboratory classes were prepared and taught by microbiology graduate students and an evaluation questionnaire was answered by the participants after the classes. Approximately 95% of high school students, from both years, evaluated the experience outside the school routine as very good and good; in detail, 90.09% (2016) and 100% (2017) of graduate students evaluated this experience as very good and good. The relationship between high school and graduate students also increased the curiosity of the former regarding the university environment. Accordingly, information retention regarding the ‘microbiology world’ was verified after 1 year and the students were able to remember important terms related to the microbiology class. In addition, this work allowed graduate and high school students to build a closer relationship and created an excellent teaching-learning strategy for both.
SchistosomaTransmission in a Dynamic Seasonal Environment and its Impact on the Effectiveness of Disease Control
Authors: Huang Qimin , Gurarie David , Ndeffo-Mbah Martial , Li Emily , King Charles H
Published: December 2020

Background

A seasonal transmission environment including seasonal variation of snail population density and human-snail contact patterns can affect the dynamics of Schistosoma infection and the success of control interventions. In projecting control outcomes, conventional modeling approaches have often ignored seasonality by using simplified intermediate-host modeling, or by restricting seasonal effects through use of yearly averaging.

Methods

We used mathematical analysis and numerical simulation to estimate the impact of seasonality on disease dynamics and control outcomes, and to evaluate whether seasonal averaging or intermediate-host reduction can provide reliable predictions of control outcomes. We also examined whether seasonality could be used as leverage in creation of effective control strategies.

Results

We found models that used seasonal averaging could grossly overestimate infection burden and underestimate control outcomes in highly seasonal environments. We showed that proper intraseasonal timing of control measures could make marked improvement on the long-term burden reduction for Schistosoma transmission control, and we identified the optimal timing for each intervention. Seasonal snail control, implemented alone, was less effective than mass drug administration, but could provide additive impact in reaching control and elimination targets.

Conclusions

Seasonal variation makes Schistosoma transmission less sustainable and easier to control than predicted by earlier modeling studies.
Recommendations for the safe, effective use of adaptive CDS in the US healthcare system: an AMIA position paper
Authors: Petersen Carolyn , Smith Jeffery , Freimuth Robert R , Goodman Kenneth W , Jackson Gretchen Purcell , Kannry Joseph , Liu Hongfang , Madhavan Subha , Sittig Dean F , Wright Adam
Published: December 2020

The development and implementation of clinical decision support (CDS) that trains itself and adapts its algorithms based on new data—here referred to as Adaptive CDS—present unique challenges and considerations. Although Adaptive CDS represents an expected progression from earlier work, the activities needed to appropriately manage and support the establishment and evolution of Adaptive CDS require new, coordinated initiatives and oversight that do not currently exist. In this AMIA position paper, the authors describe current and emerging challenges to the safe use of Adaptive CDS and lay out recommendations for the effective management and monitoring of Adaptive CDS.
An Analysis of the Altria-Juul Labs Deal: Antitrust and Population Health Implications
Authors: Levy David T , Sánchez-Romero Luz María , Douglas Clifford E , Sweanor David T
Published: December 2020

On December 19, 2018, Altria announced an offer of $12.8 billion for Juul Labs, combining the largest U.S. cigarette manufacturer with the largest U.S. e-cigarette company. This deal is currently being challenged by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). We consider the antitrust implications. We also consider population health implications, which we argue are essential to a comprehensive analysis of the impact on consumers. Although the FTC antitrust investigation has focused on closed vaping systems, we argue that the relevant market is the broader nicotine delivery product market, which includes all vaping products along with tobacco products. With Altria having a large market share in the key nicotine delivery product submarkets and with important entry barriers, the merger potentially places Altria in a dominant position in the relevant market. In particular, competition in the vaping submarket is reduced, thereby likely to reduce the availability of less harmful alternatives to cigarettes.
A rare cause of acute compartment syndrome in the thigh: a case report
Authors: Slade Henry J T , De Ridder Koen
Published: December 2020

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is an orthopaedic emergency that requires urgent fasciotomy and decompression to avoid significant morbidity. It is most commonly caused by a fracture or crush injury. We present a case of a patient who developed ACS of the posterior compartment of the thigh secondary to a low energy fall and avulsion of sclerotic arterioles. There was no fracture and the patient was not anti-coagulated. They had fasciotomy and embolization of responsible vessels. This case demonstrates the need for high clinical suspicion needed for ACS and the morbidity associated with a delayed fasciotomy. A literature research demonstrated no case reports of a patient developing ACS with no fracture, no crush injury and no history of anti-coagulation.
The Molecular Determinants of Thermoadaptation:Methanococcalesas a Case Study
Authors: Lecocq Michel , Groussin Mathieu , Gouy Manolo , Brochier-Armanet Céline
Published: December 2020

Previous reports have shown that environmental temperature impacts proteome evolution in Bacteria and Archaea. However, it is unknown whether thermoadaptation mainly occurs via the sequential accumulation of substitutions, massive horizontal gene transfers, or both. Measuring the real contribution of amino acid substitution to thermoadaptation is challenging, because of confounding environmental and genetic factors (e.g., pH, salinity, genomic G + C content) that also affect proteome evolution. Here, using Methanococcales, a major archaeal lineage, as a study model, we show that optimal growth temperature is the major factor affecting variations in amino acid frequencies of proteomes. By combining phylogenomic and ancestral sequence reconstruction approaches, we disclose a sequential substitutional scheme in which lysine plays a central role by fine tuning the pool of arginine, serine, threonine, glutamine, and asparagine, whose frequencies are strongly correlated with optimal growth temperature. Finally, we show that colonization to new thermal niches is not associated with high amounts of horizontal gene transfers. Altogether, although the acquisition of a few key proteins through horizontal gene transfer may have favored thermoadaptation in Methanococcales, our findings support sequential amino acid substitutions as the main factor driving thermoadaptation.
Neural evidence for cognitive reappraisal as a strategy to alleviate the effects of math anxiety
Authors: Pizzie Rachel G , McDermott Cassidy L , Salem Tyler G , Kraemer David J M
Published: December 2020

Math anxiety (MA) describes feelings of tension, apprehension and fear that interfere with math performance. High MA (HMA) is correlated with negative consequences, including lower math grades, and ultimately an avoidance of quantitative careers. Given these adverse consequences, it is essential to explore effective intervention strategies to reduce MA. In the present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, we investigated the efficacy of cognitive reappraisal as a strategy to alleviate the effects of MA. Cognitive reappraisal, an emotion regulation strategy, has been shown to decrease negative affect and amygdala responsivity to stimuli that elicit negative emotion. We compared a reappraisal strategy to participants’ natural strategy for solving math problems and analogies. We found that HMA individuals showed an increase in accuracy and a decrease in negative affect during the reappraisal condition as compared to the control condition. During math reappraise trials, increased activity in a network of regions associated with arithmetic correlated with improved performance for HMA individuals. These results suggest that increased engagement of arithmetic regions underlies the performance increases we identify in HMA students when they use reappraisal to augment their math performance. Overall, cognitive reappraisal is a promising strategy for enhancing math performance and reducing anxiety in math anxious individuals.
Development of the Global Mycetoma Working Group
Authors: Traxler Rita M , Beer Karlyn D , Blaney David D , van de Sande Wendy W J , Fahal Ahmed H , Asiedu Kingsley B , Bower William A , Chiller Tom
Published: December 2020

The Global Mycetoma Working Group (GMWG) was formed in January 2018 in response to the declaration of mycetoma as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) by the World Health Assembly. The aim of the working group is to connect experts and public health practitioners around the world to accelerate mycetoma prevention activities and reduce the impact of mycetoma on patients, healthcare providers and society in the endemic regions. The working group has made tangible contributions to mycetoma programming, awareness and coordination among scientists, clinicians and public health professionals. The group's connectivity has enabled rapid response and review of NTD documents in development, has created a network of public health professionals to provide regional mycetoma expertise and has enabled mycetoma to be represented within broader NTD organizations. The GMWG will continue to serve as a hub for networking and building collaborations for the advancement of mycetoma clinical management and treatment, research and public health programming.
Control of Meloidogyne incognita in Three-Dimensional Model Systems and Pot Experiments by the Attract-and-Kill Effect of Furfural Acetone
Authors: Cheng Wanli , Chen Zhen , Zeng Li , Yang Xue , Huang Dian , Zhai Yile , Cai Minmin , Zheng Longyu , Thomashow Linda S. , Weller David M. , Yu Ziniu , Zhang Jibin
Published: December 2020

Meloidogyne incognita causes large-scale losses of agricultural crops worldwide. The natural metabolite furfural acetone has been reported to attract and kill M. incognita, but whether the attractant and nematicidal activities of furfural acetone on M. incognita function simultaneously in the same system, especially in three-dimensional spaces or in soil, is still unknown. Here, we used 23% Pluronic F-127 gel and a soil simulation device to demonstrate that furfural acetone has a significant attract-and-kill effect on M. incognita in both three-dimensional model systems. At 24 h, the chemotaxis index and the corrected mortality of nematodes exposed to 60 mg/ml of furfural acetone in 23% Pluronic F-127 gel were as high as 0.82 and 74.44%, respectively. Soil simulation experiments in moist sand showed that at 48 h, the chemotaxis index and the corrected mortality of the nematode toward furfural acetone reached 0.63 and 82.12%, respectively, and the effect persisted in the presence of tomato plants. In choice experiments, nematodes selected furfural acetone over plant roots and were subsequently killed. In pot studies, furfural acetone had a control rate of 82.80% against M. incognita. Collectively, these results provide compelling evidence for further investigation of furfural acetone as a novel nematode control agent.
First Draft Genome Sequence Resource of Colletotrichum liriopes Causing Leaf Anthracnose on Ophiopogon japonicus
Authors: Wang Mingshuang , Luo Xiujun , Wang Huizhong
Published: December 2020

Leaf anthracnose of Ophiopogon japonicus is an important disease that can significantly reduce the quality and economic value of this traditional Chinese medicinal plant. The disease is caused by Colletotrichum liriopes, a necrotrophic fungus that belongs to the Glomerellaceae family of the Sordariomycetes class. Here, we present the draft whole-genome sequence of the C. liriopes strain A2 that caused leaf anthracnose on O. japonicus. The assembly consists of 407 contigs with an estimated genome size of 53.1 Mb. Furthermore, we identified 670 carbohydrate-active enzymes, 1,377 secreted proteins, and 60 secondary metabolite gene clusters, which may be associated with the pathogenicity of this pathogen. This genome resource will provide a valuable resource for future research on the pathogenesis of C. liriopes and comparative genome analyses within genus Colletotrichum.
Virus-Infected Melon Plants Emit Volatiles that Induce Gene Deregulation in Neighboring Healthy Plants
Authors: López-Berenguer Carmen , Donaire Livia , González-Ibeas Daniel , Gómez-Aix Cristina , Truniger Verónica , Pechar Giuliano S. , Aranda Miguel A.
Published: December 2020

It is well described that viral infections stimulate the emission of plant volatiles able to recruit viral vectors thereby promoting virus spread. In contrast, much less is known on the effects that emitted volatiles may have on the metabolism of healthy neighboring plants, which are potential targets for new infections through vector transmission. Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) (genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae) is an aphid-transmitted virus endemic in cucurbit crops worldwide. We have compared gene expression profiles of WMV-infected melon plants with those of healthy or healthy-but-cohabited-with-infected plants. Pathogenesis-related (PR) and small heat shock protein encoding genes were deregulated in cohabited plants, and PR deregulation depended on the distance to the infected plant. The signaling was short distance in the experimental conditions used, and cohabiting had a moderate effect on the plant susceptibility to WMV. Static headspace experiments showed that benzaldehyde and γ-butyrolactone were significantly over-emitted by WMV-infected plants. Altogether, our data suggest that perception of a volatile signal encoded by WMV-infected tissues triggers a response to prepare healthy tissues or/and healthy neighboring plants for the incoming infections.
C5a complement and cytokine signaling mediate the pronociceptive effects of complex regional pain syndrome patient IgM in fracture mice
Authors: Shi Xiaoyou , Guo Tian-zhi , Li Wen-wu , Birklein Frank , Escolano Fabiola L. , Herrnberger Myriam , Clark J. David , Kingery Wade S.
Published: December 2020

It has been proposed that complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a posttraumatic autoimmune disease. Previously, we observed that B cells contribute to CRPS-like changes in a mouse tibia fracture model, and that early (<12 months duration) CRPS patient IgM antibodies have pronociceptive effects in the skin and spinal cord of muMT fracture mice lacking B cells. The current study evaluated the pronociceptive effects of intraplantar or intrathecal injections of early CRPS IgM (5 µg) in muMT fracture mice. Skin and lumbar spinal cord were collected for immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction analyses. Wild-type mice exhibited postfracture increases in complement component C5a and its receptor expression in skin and spinal cord, predominantly on dermal macrophages and spinal microglia. Intraplantar IgM injection caused nociceptive sensitization in muMT fracture mice with increased complement component C1q and inflammatory cytokine expression, and these IgM effects were blocked by a C5a receptor antagonist (PMX53) or a global cytokine inhibitor (pentoxifylline). Intrathecal IgM injection also had pronociceptive effects with increased spinal cytokine expression, effects that were blocked by PMX53 or pentoxifylline treatment. Intrathecal injection of chronic (>12 months duration) CRPS patient IgM (but not IgG) caused nociceptive sensitization in muMT fracture mice, but intraplantar injection of chronic CRPS IgM or IgG had no effect. We postulate that CRPS IgM antibodies bind to neoantigens in the fracture limb skin and corresponding spinal cord to activate C5a complement signaling in macrophages and microglia, evoking proinflammatory cytokine expression contributing to nociceptive sensitization in the injured limb.
Mental Health Impacts From COVID-19 and the Necessary Public Health Measures
Authors: Rea Deirdre O.
Published: December 2020

Coronavirus-19 erupted in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, rapidly spreading globally until it was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. With no known treatment in place, the world could only respond with symptom management and public health measures to contain the spread of the lethal virus. In its wake, both the pandemic and the interventions have left a significant negative impact on the mental health of the population that may rise to its own level of epidemic. Exploration and recognition of the various factors involved in creating this impact can assist in identifying both strengths and areas in need of more formal intervention. Treatment modalities range from resiliency techniques to trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy to pharmacotherapy. Assessment and monitoring over time for lasting sequelae will be important for all healthcare disciplines.