bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution and Assessment of Trace Elements Contamination in Sediments of Conceição River Basin, Brazil
Authors: Leão Lucas Pereira , da Costa Raphael de Vicq Ferreira , Leite Mariângela Garcia Praça , Nalini Júnior Hermínio Arias , Fonseca Rita Maria Ferreira
Published: May 2021

The Conceição river basin, in Quadrilátero Ferrífero (Iron Quadrangle), Brazil, has a long mining history which dates back to the late 17th century, with large gold and iron mines. These activities may be associated with river sediment contamination by trace elements, which were evaluated in this paper by the enrichment factor (EF) and contamination factor (CF). Potential ecological risks, assessed by combining sediment quality control guidelines (SQCG) and potential ecological risk indexes (Er and RI), are presented. Anomalous values for As (92.5 mg·kg−1), Cd (22.49 mg·kg−1), Cr (2582 mg·kg−1), Cu (65.9 mg·kg−1), Pb (58.6 mg·kg−1) and Zn (133.4 mg·kg−1) are observed. The EF and CF indexes indicate contamination by Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn in at least one site, with the highest values for Fe and Mn downstream of the iron mines, and Cr and Ni close to the gold mines. According to the SQGC and Er, As, Cd, Cr, and Ni are the most probable to result in adverse effects on sediment-dwelling organisms in this study. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) indicate distinct lithological units as sources of the analyzed elements, which, associated with the indexes, made it possible for the first time to delimit and classify the high concentrations of some analyzed elements as contamination in the Conceição river basin.
Hepatitis C Virus Prevalence and Risk Factors in a Village in Northeastern Romania—A Population-Based Screening—The First Step to Viral Micro-Elimination
Authors: Huiban Laura , Stanciu Carol , Muzica Cristina Maria , Cuciureanu Tudor , Chiriac Stefan , Zenovia Sebastian , Burduloi Vladut Mirel , Petrea Oana , Sîngeap Ana Maria , Gîrleanu Irina , Sfarti Cătălin , Cojocariu Camelia , Trifan Anca
Published: May 2021

(1) Background: The World Health Organization adopted a strategy for the Global Health Sector on Viral Hepatitis in 2016, with the main objective of eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HCV infection and risk factors in a Romanian village using population-based screening as part of the global C virus eradication program. (2) Methods: We conducted a prospective study from March 2019 to February 2020, based on a strategy as part of a project designed to educate, screen, treat and eliminate HCV infection in all adults in a village located in Northeastern Romania. (3) Results: In total, 3507 subjects were invited to be screened by rapid diagnostic orientation tests (RDOT). Overall, 2945 (84%) subjects were tested, out of whom 78 (2.64%) were found to have positive HCV antibodies and were scheduled for further evaluation in a tertiary center of gastroenterology/hepatology in order to be linked to care. In total, 66 (85%) subjects presented for evaluation and 55 (83%) had detectable HCV RNA. Of these, 54 (98%) completed antiviral treatment and 53 (99%) obtained a sustained virological response. (4) Conclusions: The elimination of hepatitis C worldwide has a higher chance of success if micro-elimination strategies based on mass screening are adopted.
Mitigation of Airborne Contaminant Spread through Simple Interventions in an Occupied Single-Family Home
Authors: Khan Tanvir R. , Parker Danny S. , Withers Charles
Published: May 2021

Historically, reducing aerosol-based transmission of respired viruses in indoor environments has been of importance for controlling influenza viruses and common-cold rhinoviruses. The present public health emergency associated with SARS-CoV-2 makes this topic critically important. Yet to be tested is the potential effectiveness of simple interventions that create an isolation zone (IZ) for a suspected/confirmed sick or sensitive person requiring quarantine. The intent in existing homes is to find a practical means to mitigate exposure to airborne contaminants. In creating an IZ in an occupied single-family home in the study, four simple strategies were tested. The test configurations were: (1) IZ windows closed with IZ bathroom exhaust ventilation fan off, (2) IZ windows closed with IZ exhaust fan on, (3) IZ window open with IZ exhaust fan off, and (4) IZ window open with IZ exhaust fan on. Incense-generated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was used as a marker for virus transmission. The measured transfer of PM2.5 from the IZ into the main zone (MZ) of the house enabled us to determine the relative effectiveness of four containment strategies. Collectively, the data from pressure differential (across zones) and PM2.5 measurements suggested that the best containment strategy was achieved through continuously operating the bathroom exhaust fan while keeping the windows closed in the IZ (configuration 2). Interventions using open windows were found to be less reliable, due to variability in wind speed and direction, resulting in an unpredictable and sometimes detrimental pressure differential in the IZ with reference to MZ. Our findings strongly suggest a simple IZ exhaust ventilation strategy has the potential for mitigating the risk from the airborne spread of contaminants, such as SARS-CoV-2.
Comparing High Accuracy t-LiDAR and UAV-SfM Derived Point Clouds for Geomorphological Change Detection
Authors: Alexiou Simoni , Deligiannakis Georgios , Pallikarakis Aggelos , Papanikolaou Ioannis , Psomiadis Emmanouil , Reicherter Klaus
Published: May 2021

Analysis of two small semi-mountainous catchments in central Evia island, Greece, highlights the advantages of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) based change detection methods. We use point clouds derived by both methods in two sites (S1 & S2), to analyse the effects of a recent wildfire on soil erosion. Results indicate that topsoil’s movements in the order of a few centimetres, occurring within a few months, can be estimated. Erosion at S2 is precisely delineated by both methods, yielding a mean value of 1.5 cm within four months. At S1, UAV-derived point clouds’ comparison quantifies annual soil erosion more accurately, showing a maximum annual erosion rate of 48 cm. UAV-derived point clouds appear to be more accurate for channel erosion display and measurement, while the slope wash is more precisely estimated using TLS. Analysis of Point Cloud time series is a reliable and fast process for soil erosion assessment, especially in rapidly changing environments with difficult access for direct measurement methods. This study will contribute to proper georesource management by defining the best-suited methodology for soil erosion assessment after a wildfire in Mediterranean environments.
Influence of the Passive Stabilization of the Trunk and Upper Limb on Selected Parameters of the Hand Motor Coordination, Grip Strength and Muscle Tension, in Post-Stroke Patients
Authors: Olczak Anna , Truszczyńska-Baszak Aleksandra
Published: May 2021

Objective: Assessment of the influence of a stable trunk and the affected upper limb (dominant or non-dominant) on the parameters of the wrist and hand motor coordination, grip strength and muscle tension in patients in the subacute post-stroke stage compared to healthy subjects. Design: An observational study. Setting: Stroke Rehabilitation Department. Subjects: Thirty-four subjects after ischemic cerebral stroke and control group-32 subjects without neurological deficits, age and body mass/ height matched were included. Main measures: The tone of the multifidus, transverse abdominal and supraspinatus muscles were assessed by Luna EMG device. A HandTutor device were used to measure motor coordination parameters (e.g., range of movement, frequency of movement), and a manual dynamometer for measuring the strength of a hand grip. Subjects were examined in two positions: sitting without back support (non-stabilized) and lying with stabilization of the trunk and the upper limb. Results: Passive stabilization of the trunk and the upper extremity caused a significant improvement in motor coordination of the fingers (p ˂ 0.001) and the wrist (p < 0.001) in patients after stroke. Improved motor coordination of the upper extremity was associated with an increased tone of the supraspinatus muscle. Conclusions: Passive stabilization of the trunk and the upper limb improved the hand and wrist coordination in patients following a stroke. Placing patients in a supine position with the stability of the affected upper limb during rehabilitation exercises may help them to access latent movement patterns lost due to neurological impairment after a stroke.
Subcutaneous Bupivacaine Infiltration Is Not Effective to Support Control of Postoperative Pain in Paediatric Patients Undergoing Spinal Surgery
Authors: Danielewicz Anna , Fatyga Marek , Starobrat Grzegorz , Różańska-Boczula Monika , Wójciak Magdalena , Sowa Ireneusz , Dresler Sławomir , Latalski Michał
Published: May 2021

Spinal deformity corrections in paediatric patients are long-lasting procedures involving damage to many tissues and long pain exposure; therefore, effective pain management after surgical treatment is an important issue. In this study, the effect of inclusion of local infiltration analgesia, as an integral part of the scheme in postoperative pain control, in children and adolescents, subjected to the spinal deformity correction procedure, was assessed. Thirty patients, aged 8 to 17 years, undergoing spinal deformity correction were divided into a study group, receiving a 0.25% bupivacaine solution before wound closure, and a control group (no local analgesic agent). Morphine, at the doses of 0.10 mg/kg of body weight, was administered to the patients when pain occurred. Pain scores, morphine administration, and bleeding were observed during 48 postoperative hours. The pain scores were slightly lower in a 0–4 h period in patients who received bupivacaine compared with those in the control group. However, no differences were observed in a longer period of time and in the total opioid consumption. Moreover, increasing bleeding was observed in the bupivacaine-treated patients (study group) vs. the control. Bupivacaine only modestly affects analgesia and, due to the increased bleeding observed, it should not to be part of pain control management in young patients after spinal deformity correction.
Evaluation of Oropharyngeal pH-Monitoring in the Assessment of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
Authors: Horvath Lukas , Hagmann Patricia , Burri Emanuel , Kraft Marcel
Published: May 2021

Background: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a prevalent disorder. The aim of the present retrospective cohort study was to evaluate oropharyngeal pH-monitoring using a novel scoring system for LPR. Methods: In a total of 180 consecutive patients with possible LPR, reflux symptom index (RSI), reflux finding score (RFS), oropharyngeal pH-monitoring and transnasal esophagoscopy were carried out for further investigation. Results: In our series, 99 (55%) patients had severe LPR, 29 (16%) cases presented with moderate and 23 (13%) with mild severity, 9 (5%) subjects revealed neutral values, and 7 (4%) individuals were alkaline, while 13 (7%) patients had no LPR. In detecting LPR, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of oropharyngeal pH-monitoring was 95%, 93% and 94%, respectively. Conclusion: Oropharyngeal pH-monitoring is a reliable tool in the assessment of LPR, but the pH graphs have to be precisely analyzed and interpreted in context with other validated diagnostic tests.
How Did COVID-19 Affect Suicidality? Data from a Multicentric Study in Lombardy
Authors: Gesi Camilla , Grasso Federico , Dragogna Filippo , Vercesi Marco , Paletta Silvia , Politi Pierluigi , Mencacci Claudio , Cerveri Giancarlo
Published: May 2021

The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of subjects accessing the emergency rooms for suicidal behavior during the first epidemic wave of COVID-19 in three Emergency Departments (EDs) in Lombardy (Italy). A retrospective chart review was conducted for the period 8 March–3 June 2020, and during the same time frame in 2019. For all subjects accessing for suicidality, socio-demographic and clinical data were collected and compared between the two years. The proportion of subjects accessing for suicidality was significantly higher in 2020 than in 2019 (13.0 vs. 17.2%, p = 0.03). No differences between the two years were found for sex, triage priority level, history of substance abuse, factor triggering suicidality and discharge diagnosis. During 2020 a greater proportion of subjects did not show any mental disorders and were psychotropic drug-free. Women were more likely than men to receive inpatient psychiatric treatment, while men were more likely to be discharged with a diagnosis of acute alcohol/drug intoxication. Our study provides hints for managing suicidal behaviors during the still ongoing emergency and may be primary ground for further studies on suicidality in the course of or after massive infectious outbreaks.
Effects of Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus on Coagulation and Hemostasis
Authors: Li Xiaoling , Weber Nina C. , Cohn Danny M. , Hollmann Markus W. , DeVries J. Hans , Hermanides Jeroen , Preckel Benedikt
Published: May 2021

In patients with diabetes, metabolic disorders disturb the physiological balance of coagulation and fibrinolysis, leading to a prothrombotic state characterized by platelet hypersensitivity, coagulation disorders and hypofibrinolysis. Hyperglycemia and insulin resistance cause changes in platelet number and activation, as well as qualitative and/or quantitative modifications of coagulatory and fibrinolytic factors, resulting in the formation of fibrinolysis-resistant clots in patients with diabetes. Other coexisting factors like hypoglycemia, obesity and dyslipidemia also contribute to coagulation disorders in patients with diabetes. Management of the prothrombotic state includes antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapies for diabetes patients with either a history of cardiovascular disease or prone to a higher risk of thrombus generation, but current guidelines lack recommendations on the optimal antithrombotic treatment for these patients. Metabolic optimizations like glucose control, lipid-lowering, and weight loss also improve coagulation disorders of diabetes patients. Intriguing, glucose-lowering drugs, especially cardiovascular beneficial agents, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium glucose co-transporter inhibitors, have been shown to exert direct anticoagulation effects in patients with diabetes. This review focuses on the most recent progress in the development and management of diabetes related prothrombotic state.
Comparison of Long-Term Outcomes of the Lamellar and Penetrating Keratoplasty Approaches in Patients with Keratoconus
Authors: Janiszewska-Bil Dominika , Czarnota-Nowakowska Barbara , Krysik Katarzyna , Lyssek-Boroń Anita , Dobrowolski Dariusz , Grabarek Beniamin Oskar , Wylęgała Edward
Published: May 2021

We compared the visual and refractive outcomes, intraocular pressure (IOP), endothelial cell loss (ECL), and adverse events in keratoconus patients after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PK) with the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) below 0.3 (logMAR 0.52). This is a prospective, comparative cohort study of 90 eyes (90 patients) with a clinical diagnosis of keratoconus. Patients underwent a complete eye examination before the surgical approach, 6 and 12 months postoperatively that consisted of BCVA, refractive astigmatism (AS), central corneal thickness (CCT), IOP, and ECL. Secondary outcomes were adverse events related to the surgical procedure. With lower ECL and less adverse events, DALK was revealed to be beneficial over PK with similar visual outcomes. Results: There was no significant difference between the BCVA in the DALK and PK groups (at 6 months: 0.49 ± 0.17 vs. 0.48 ± 0.17; p = 0.48; at 12 months: 0.54 ± 0.17 vs. 0.52 ± 0.14; p = 0.41). The mean value of AS was significantly lower after the PK procedure when compared to DALK, after both 6 and 12 months of follow up (p < 0.001). The CCT in the DALK group was significantly lower when compared to the PK group (at 6 months: 452.1 ± 89.1 µm vs. 528.9 ± 69.9 µm, p < 0.0001; at 12 months: 451.6 ± 83.5 µm vs. 525.5 ± 37.1 µm). The endothelial cell loss at 12 months after surgery was significantly lower after DALK when compared to PK (p < 0.0001). DALK transplantation should be considered as an alternative procedure in the surgical treatment of keratoconus.
Atypical Clinical Presentation of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: A 5-Year Case Series
Authors: Lechien Jerome R. , Hans Stéphane , Bobin Francois , Calvo-Henriquez Christian , Saussez Sven , Karkos Petros D.
Published: May 2021

Background: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a common disease in otolaryngology characterized by an inflammatory reaction of the mucosa of the upper aerodigestive tract caused by digestive refluxate enzymes. LPR has been identified as the etiological or favoring factor of laryngeal, oral, sinonasal, or otological diseases. In this case series, we reported the atypical clinical presentation of LPR in patients presenting in our clinic with reflux. Methods: A retrospective medical chart review of 351 patients with LPR treated in the European Reflux Clinic in Brussels, Poitiers and Paris was performed. In order to be included, patients had to report an atypical clinical presentation of LPR, consisting of symptoms or findings that are not described in the reflux symptom score and reflux sign assessment. The LPR diagnosis was confirmed with a 24 h hypopharyngeal-esophageal impedance pH study, and patients were treated with a combination of diet, proton pump inhibitors, and alginates. The atypical symptoms or findings had to be resolved from pre- to posttreatment. Results: From 2017 to 2021, 21 patients with atypical LPR were treated in our center. The clinical presentation consisted of recurrent aphthosis or burning mouth (N = 9), recurrent burps and abdominal disorders (N = 2), posterior nasal obstruction (N = 2), recurrent acute suppurative otitis media (N = 2), severe vocal fold dysplasia (N = 2), and recurrent acute rhinopharyngitis (N = 1), tearing (N = 1), aspirations (N = 1), or tracheobronchitis (N = 1). Abnormal upper aerodigestive tract reflux events were identified in all of these patients. Atypical clinical findings resolved and did not recur after an adequate antireflux treatment. Conclusion: LPR may present with various clinical presentations, including mouth, eye, tracheobronchial, nasal, or laryngeal findings, which may all regress with adequate treatment. Future studies are needed to better specify the relationship between LPR and these atypical findings through analyses identifying gastroduodenal enzymes in the inflamed tissue.
EffUnet-SpaGen: An Efficient and Spatial Generative Approach to Glaucoma Detection
Authors: Krishna Adithya Venkatesh , Williams Bryan M. , Czanner Silvester , Kavitha Srinivasan , Friedman David S. , Willoughby Colin E. , Venkatesh Rengaraj , Czanner Gabriela
Published: May 2021

Current research in automated disease detection focuses on making algorithms “slimmer” reducing the need for large training datasets and accelerating recalibration for new data while achieving high accuracy. The development of slimmer models has become a hot research topic in medical imaging. In this work, we develop a two-phase model for glaucoma detection, identifying and exploiting a redundancy in fundus image data relating particularly to the geometry. We propose a novel algorithm for the cup and disc segmentation “EffUnet” with an efficient convolution block and combine this with an extended spatial generative approach for geometry modelling and classification, termed “SpaGen” We demonstrate the high accuracy achievable by EffUnet in detecting the optic disc and cup boundaries and show how our algorithm can be quickly trained with new data by recalibrating the EffUnet layer only. Our resulting glaucoma detection algorithm, “EffUnet-SpaGen”, is optimized to significantly reduce the computational burden while at the same time surpassing the current state-of-art in glaucoma detection algorithms with AUROC 0.997 and 0.969 in the benchmark online datasets ORIGA and DRISHTI, respectively. Our algorithm also allows deformed areas of the optic rim to be displayed and investigated, providing explainability, which is crucial to successful adoption and implementation in clinical settings.
Pressing and Infiltration of Metal Matrix Nanocomposites
Authors: Porter Quinton , Li Xiaochun , Ma Chao
Published: May 2021

The ability to produce metal matrix nanocomposites via pressing and infiltration was validated. Al/TiC nanocomposite was used as the model material. Pressing the powder in a die yielded cylindrical specimens with a green density of 1.98 ± 0.05 g/cm3, which was increased to only 2.11 ± 0.12 g/cm3 by sintering. Direct infiltration of the pressed specimens at 1050 °C for 3.5 h yielded specimens with a density of 3.07 ± 0.08 g/cm3, an open porosity of 3.06 ± 1.40%, and an areal void fraction of 8.09 ± 2.67%. The TiC nanoparticles were verified to be well dispersed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The measured hardness of 64 ± 3 HRA makes it a promising material for structural applications in industries such as aerospace and automotive.
Occurrence and Distribution of Strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in China Seas
Authors: Tian Bai-Chuan , Liu Guang-Lei , Chi Zhe , Hu Zhong , Chi Zhen-Ming
Published: May 2021

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been widely applied in fermentation industries, chemical industries and biological research and it is widespread in different environments, especially in sugar-rich environments. However, little is known about the occurrence, distribution and roles of S. cerevisiae in marine environments. In this study, only 10 strains among all the yeasts isolated from different marine environments belonged to S. cerevisiae. It was found that most of the strains of S. cerevisiae in marine environments occurred in guts, the surface of marine fish and mangrove trees. In contrast, they were not found in seawater and sediments. All the strains of S. cerevisiae isolated from the marine environments had a lower ability to produce ethanol than the highly alcohol-producing yeast Saccharomyces sp. W0 isolated from fermented rice, but the strains 2E00400, 2E00558, 2E00498, 2E00723, 2E00724 could produce higher concentrations of ethanol than any other marine-derived strains of S. cerevisiae obtained in this study. However, some of them had higher ethanol tolerance and higher trehalose content than Saccharomyces sp. W0. In particular, ethanol tolerance of the yeast strain 2E00498 was higher than that of Saccharomyces sp. W0. This may be related to the harsh marine environments from which they were isolated. Such yeast strains with higher alcohol tolerance could be used to further improve the alcohol tolerance of Saccharomyces sp. W0.
Maritime Robotics and Autonomous Systems Operations: Exploring Pathways for Overcoming International Techno-Regulatory Data Barriers
Authors: Johansson Tafsir Matin , Dalaklis Dimitrios , Pastra Aspasia
Published: May 2021

The current regulatory landscape that applies to maritime service robotics, aptly termed as robotics and autonomous systems (RAS), is quite complex. When it comes to patents, there are multifarious considerations in relation to vessel survey, inspection, and maintenance processes under national and international law. Adherence is challenging, given that the traditional delivery methods are viewed as unsafe, strenuous, and laborious. Service robotics, namely micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) or drones, magnetic-wheeled crawlers (crawlers), and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), function by relying on the architecture of the Internet of Robotic Things. The aforementioned are being introduced as time-saving apparatuses, accompanied by the promise to acquire concrete and sufficient data for the identification of vessel structural weaknesses with the highest level of accuracy to facilitate decision-making processes upon which temporary and permanent measures are contingent. Nonetheless, a noticeable critical issue associated with RAS effective deployment revolves around non-personal data governance, which comprises the main analytical focus of this research effort. The impetus behind this study stems from the need to enquire whether “data” provisions within the realm of international technological regulatory (techno-regulatory) framework is sufficient, well organized, and harmonized so that there are no current or future conflicts with promulgated theoretical dimensions of data that drive all subject matter-oriented actions. As is noted from the relevant expository research, the challenges are many. Engineering RAS to perfection is not the end-all and be-all. Collateral impediments must be avoided. A safety net needs to be devised to protect non-personal data. The results here indicate that established data decision dimensions call for data security and protection, as well as a consideration of ownership and liability details. An analysis of the state-of-the-art and the comparative results assert that the abovementioned remain neglected in the current international setting. The findings reveal specific data barriers within the existing international framework. The ways forward include strategic actions to remove data barriers towards overall efficacy of maritime RAS operations. The overall findings indicate that an effective transition to RAS operations requires optimizing the international regulatory framework for opening the pathways for effective RAS operations. Conclusions were drawn based on the premise that policy reform is inevitable in order to push the RAS agenda forward before the emanation of 6G and the era of the Internet of Everything, with harmonization and further standardization being very high priority issues.
A Ship Routing System Applied to the Statistical Analysis of the Western Mediterranean Wave Trends
Authors: Osés Francesc Xavier Martínez de , Ventura Jariod Elisenda , Belmonte López Román
Published: May 2021

The Western Mediterranean basin is a busy route by Short Sea Shipping with an important route between Barcelona (Spain) and Genoa (Italy), where climatic patterns show similarities but vary during the year. One essential topic for Short Sea Shipping competitiveness is the time because distances use to be covered in approximately 24–30 h. To optimize the transit time, meteorological variables must be kept in mind. In this contribution, we compare data collected by buoys and data simulated using the SIMROUTE (ship weather routing software), to draw a map of wave tendencies during the year. The resulting map of the investigation shows the wave height in percent. The results can be used to optimize the existing routes between Barcelona and Genoa improving his competitiveness and safety.
Artificial Intelligence Application on Sediment Transport
Authors: Kim Hyun Dong , Aoki Shin-ichi
Published: May 2021

When erosion occurs, sand beaches cannot maintain sufficient sand width, foreshore slopes become steeper due to frequent erosion effects, and beaches are trapped in a vicious cycle of vulnerability due to incident waves. Accordingly, beach nourishment can be used as a countermeasure to simultaneously minimize environmental impacts. However, beach nourishment is not a permanent solution and requires periodic renourishment after several years. To address this problem, minimizing the period of renourishment is an economical alternative. In the present study, using the Tuvaluan coast with its cross-sectional gravel nourishment site, four different test cases were selected for the hydraulic model experiment aimed at discovering an effective nourishment strategy to determine effective alternative methods. Numerical simulations were performed to reproduce gravel nourishment; however, none of these models simultaneously simulated the sediment transport of gravel and sand. Thus, an artificial neural network, a deep learning model, was developed using hydraulic model experiments as training datasets to analyze the possibility of simultaneously accomplishing the sediment transport of sand and gravel and supplement the shortcomings of the numerical models.
Citronellal Exerts Its Antifungal Activity by Targeting Ergosterol Biosynthesis in Penicillium digitatum
Authors: OuYang Qiuli , Liu Yangmei , Oketch Okwong Reymick , Zhang Miaoling , Shao Xingfeng , Tao Nengguo
Published: May 2021

Ergosterol (ERG) is a potential target for the development of antifungal agents against Penicillium digitatum, the pathogen of green mold in citrus fruits. This study examined the mechanism by which citronellal, a typical terpenoid of Cymbopogon nardus essential oil, acts on ergosterol to exhibit its antifungal activity against P. digitatum. We previously reported that citronellal inhibited the growth of P. digitatum with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of 1.36 and 2.72 mg/mL, respectively. In citronellal-treated cells, the membrane integrity and ergosterol contents significantly decreased, whereas lanosterol, which serves as a precursor for ergosterol biosynthesis, massively accumulated. Addition of 150 mg/L of exogenous ergosterol decreased the inhibitory rate of citronellal, restoring the ergosterol content and hence the membrane structure to normal levels, and triggered expression of nearly all ERG genes. Based on our findings, we deduce that citronellal damages the cell membrane integrity of P. digitatum by down-regulating the ERG genes responsible for conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol, the key downregulated gene being ERG3, due to the observed accumulation of ergosta-7,22-dienol.
In Silico Analysis of Functionalized Hydrocarbon Production Using Ehrlich Pathway and Fatty Acid Derivatives in an Endophytic Fungus
Authors: Hunt Kristopher A. , Mallette Natasha D. , Peyton Brent M. , Carlson Ross P.
Published: May 2021

Functionalized hydrocarbons have various ecological and industrial uses, from signaling molecules and antifungal/antibacterial agents to fuels and specialty chemicals. The potential to produce functionalized hydrocarbons using the cellulolytic, endophytic fungus, Ascocoryne sarcoides, was quantified using genome-enabled, stoichiometric modeling. In silico analysis identified available routes to produce these hydrocarbons, including both anabolic- and catabolic-associated strategies, and determined correlations between the type and size of the hydrocarbons and culturing conditions. The analysis quantified the limits of the wild-type metabolic network to produce functionalized hydrocarbons from cellulose-based substrates and identified metabolic engineering targets, including cellobiose phosphorylase (CP) and cytosolic pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHcyt). CP and PDHcyt activity increased the theoretical production limits under anoxic conditions where less energy was extracted from the substrate. The incorporation of both engineering targets resulted in near-complete conservation of substrate electrons in functionalized hydrocarbons. The in silico framework was integrated with in vitro fungal batch growth experiments to support O2 limitation and functionalized hydrocarbon production predictions. The metabolic reconstruction of this endophytic filamentous fungus describes pathways for both specific and general production strategies of 161 functionalized hydrocarbons applicable to many eukaryotic hosts.
Reflections on Menisporopsis, Multiguttulispora and Tainosphaeria Using Molecular and Morphological Data
Authors: Réblová Martina , Nekvindová Jana , Hernández-Restrepo Margarita
Published: May 2021

The genera Menisporopsis, Multiguttulispora and Tainosphaeria (Chaetosphaeriaceae) are saprobes inhabiting decaying plant material. This study is based on an integrated morpho-molecular characterisation to assess their generic concepts and explore phylogenetic relationships. Menisporopsis is revealed as polyphyletic, and species with 1-septate conidia and synnemata growing unilaterally along the seta are placed in the new segregate genus Arcuatospora. Codinaea dimorpha and C. triseptata are shown to be congeneric with Multiguttulispora sympodialis, the type species. Two new combinations are proposed: M. sympodialis is found conspecific with M. dimorpha. The Tainosphaeria complex is resolved into three genera. We found that the morphological separation of three groups within the genus is consistent with phylogenetic relationships. Tainosphaeria s. str. is accepted with five species. Tainosphaeria aseptata and T. lunata are transferred to the newly erected Phialoturbella, whereas T. obclavata is revealed as conspecific with Phialogeniculata guadalcanalensis, reducing it to a synonym. A new genus Flectospora is erected for a chloridium-like fungus nested in the Tainosphaeria clade. Based on molecular evidence, we show that asymmetrical, scolecosporous ascospores are a unique teleomorphic characteristic among family members. Therefore, we propose new combinations for Chaetosphaeria hispida in Paragaeumannomyces and Ch. spinosa in the new genus Ericiosphaeria, both exhibiting this rare morphotype.
Prevalence of Pulmonary Hypertension in an Unselected Community-Based Population: A Retrospective Echocardiographic Study—RES-PH Study
Authors: Imbalzano Egidio , Vatrano Marco , Lo Gullo Alberto , Orlando Luana , Mazza Alberto , Ciconte Vincenzo Antonio , Russo Vincenzo , Giuffrida Clemente , Di Micco Pierpaolo , Versace Antonio Giovanni , Mandraffino Giuseppe , Squadrito Giovanni
Published: May 2021

Introduction. The actual prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in Italy is unknown. Echocardiography is useful in the screening of patients with suspected PH by estimation of the pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) from the regurgitant tricuspid flow velocity evaluation, according to the simplified Bernoulli equation. Objectives. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of suspected PH among unselected patients. Methods. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional database search of 7005 patients, who underwent echocardiography, to estimate the prevalence of PH, between January 2013 and December 2014. Medical and echocardiographic data were collected from a stratified etiological group of PH, using criteria of the European Society of Cardiology classifications. Results. The mean age of the study population was 57.1 ± 20.5 years, of which 55.3% were male. The prevalence of intermediate probability of PH was 8.6%, with nearly equal distribution between men and women (51.3 vs. 48.7%; p = 0.873). The prevalence of high probability of PH was 4.3%, with slightly but not significant higher prevalence in female patients (43.2 vs. 56.8%; p = 0.671). PH is predominant in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or left ventricle (LV) systolic dysfunction and related with age. PASP was significantly linked with left atrial increase and left ventricular ejection fraction. In addition, an increased PASP was related to an enlargement of the right heart chamber. Conclusions. PH has a frequency of 4.3% in our unselected population, but the prevalence may be more relevant in specific subgroups. A larger epidemiological registry could be an adequate strategy to increase quality control and identify weak points in the evaluation and treatment of these patients.
The Incidence of Spillover Effects during the Unconventional Monetary Policies Era
Authors: Lacava Demetrio , Scaffidi Domianello Luca
Published: May 2021

In a context characterized by an increasing integration among financial markets, we aim to analyze whether the ECB unconventional monetary policy shields the Eurozone stock markets against spillovers of volatility from the US stock market. We augment the Markov switching Asymmetric Multiplicative Error Model (MS-AMEM) with exogenous variables to measure transmissions of volatility from the S&P500 index, on the one hand, and the announcement and implementation effects of unconventional policy, on the other hand. By estimating our model, the MS-AMEMX, on a sample of daily observations of the realized volatility of four Eurozone stock indices (CAC40, DAX30, FTSEMIB and IBEX35), we find how the increase in volatility brought about by volatility spillovers was mitigated by the implementation of unconventional policy, with a higher benefit for high-debt countries’ stock indices (FTSEMIB and IBEX35). Finally, the out-of-sample analysis certifies the suitability of our proxies also for forecasting purposes.
Shifting Patterns of House Structures during the Neolithic-Bronze Age in the Yellow River Basin: An Environmental Perspective
Authors: Lu Peng , Tian Yan , Storozum Michael , Chen Panpan , Wang Hui , Wang Xia , Xu Junjie , Jing Lei , Yan Lijie , Zhang Li , Mo Duowen
Published: May 2021

The emergence of houses is a social revolution around the world. Over the past several decades, Chinese archaeologists have excavated many Neolithic to Bronze Age houses, but there is still a great amount of uncertainty about the social and environmental factors driving the differences between these house structures in the Yellow River Basin. In this paper, we summarize data from excavation reports on the shape and size of Neolithic-Bronze Age houses in the upper, middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, respectively, to identify some social and environmental factors that may have affected the development of house structures across northern China. Our results show that the shape and size of the houses developed at a different pace, but in general followed a similar developmental sequence: (1) 10–8 ka BP, the bud of settlements emerged in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River; (2) 8–7 ka BP, people started to construct small pithouses without walls; (3) 7–6 ka BP, people made medium-sized pithouses with low walls, and surface buildings were made with a wood skeleton and mud walls; (4) 6–5 ka BP, ultra-large houses emerged; (5) 5–4 ka BP, house form became more varied, including pithouses, cave dwellings and surface buildings with a wood skeleton mud wall, rammed earth wall, piled mud-grass mixed walls and adobe walls; and (6) 4–3 ka BP, original palaces emerged. Our analyses indicate that the environment played an essential role in determining the house changes over time and that the early to middle Holocene’s warm and humid climate provided excellent conditions for the emergence of settlements throughout the region. Due to the shortage of trees, people chose to change their house construction methods to accommodate the growing lumber shortage. In conclusion, the rapid shift in house construction methods reflects the changing ecological condition as well as a feedback cycle between the environment and social practices driven by resource limitations.
The Flows of Nature to People, and of People to Nature: Applying Movement Concepts to Ecosystem Services
Authors: Dolan Rachel , Bullock James M. , Jones Julia P. G. , Athanasiadis Ioannis N. , Martinez-Lopez Javier , Willcock Simon
Published: May 2021

To date, the provision of ecosystem services has largely been estimated based on spatial patterns of land cover alone, using benefit transfer analysis. Although it is increasingly being recognised that the distribution of the human population affects whether a potential service translates into a realised service, this misses key steps in the process and assumes that everyone accesses ecosystem services in the same way. Here we describe a conceptual approach to ecosystem services in terms of movement and flows. We highlight that ecosystem service flows can be broken down into ‘nature to people’ (the movement of nature towards beneficiaries) and ‘people to nature’ (the movement of beneficiaries towards nature). The former has been relatively well described. Here, we explore the latter by reviewing research on human migration, animal foraging and landscape connectivity. We assess if and how existing theories might be useful in describing how people seek out ecosystem services. We consider some of the ways in which flows of people to nature can be measured. Such measurements may reveal which movement theories best represent how people seek out and access ecosystem services. Overall, our review aims to improve the future modelling of ecosystem services by more explicitly considering how people access potential services and therefore realise them.
Introductory Article: French in Second Language Acquisition Research
Authors: Howard Martin
Published: May 2021

Emerging in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the ground-breaking work of Stephen Pit Corder, followed by Larry Selinker’s (1972) conceptualisation of ‘interlanguage’, second language acquisition (SLA) has developed into a highly buoyant independent field within the wider terrain that is applied linguistics [...]
Functional Analysis of Brain Imaging Suggests Changes in the Availability of mGluR5 and Altered Connectivity in the Cerebral Cortex of Long-Term Abstaining Males with Alcohol Dependence: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Joo Yo-Han , Kim Jeong-Hee , Kim Hang-Keun , Son Young-Don , Cumming Paul , Kim Jong-Hoon
Published: May 2021

Direct in vivo evidence of altered metabotropic glutamate receptor-5 (mGluR5) availability in alcohol-related disorders is lacking. We performed [11C]ABP688 positron emission tomography (PET) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) in prolonged abstinent subjects with alcohol dependence to examine alterations of mGluR5 availability, and to investigate their functional significance relating to neural systems-level changes. Twelve prolonged abstinent male subjects with alcohol dependence (median abstinence duration: six months) and ten healthy male controls underwent [11C]ABP688 PET imaging and 3-Tesla MRI. For mGluR5 availability, binding potential (BPND) was calculated using the simplified reference tissue model with cerebellar gray matter as the reference region. The initial region-of-interest (ROI)-based analysis yielded no significant group differences in mGluR5 availability. The voxel-based analysis revealed significantly lower [11C]ABP688 BPND in the middle temporal and inferior parietal cortices, and higher BPND in the superior temporal cortex in the alcohol dependence group compared with controls. Functional connectivity analysis of the rs-fMRI data employed seed regions identified from the quantitative [11C]ABP688 PET analysis, which revealed significantly altered functional connectivity from the inferior parietal cortex seed to the occipital pole and dorsal visual cortex in the alcohol dependence group compared with the control group. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the combined analysis of mGluR5 PET imaging and rs-fMRI in subjects with alcohol dependence. These preliminary results suggest the possibility of region-specific alterations of mGluR5 availability in vivo and related functional connectivity perturbations in prolonged abstinent subjects.
Quasi-Static Tensile Properties of Unalloyed Copper Produced by Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Tarafder Prithwish , Rock Christopher , Horn Timothy
Published: May 2021

Mechanical properties of powder bed fusion processed unalloyed copper are reported majorly in the as-fabricated condition, and the effect of post-processes, common to additive manufacturing, is not well documented. In this study, mechanical properties of unalloyed copper processed by electron beam powder bed fusion are characterized via room temperature quasi-static uniaxial tensile test and Vickers microhardness. Tensile samples were extracted both perpendicular and parallel to the build direction and assigned to three different conditions: as-fabricated, hot isostatic pressing (HIP), and vacuum annealing. In the as-fabricated condition, the highest UTS and lowest elongation were obtained in the samples oriented perpendicular to the build direction. These were observed to have clear trends between sample orientation caused primarily by the interdependencies between the epitaxial columnar grain morphology and dislocation movement during the tensile test. Texture was insignificant in the as-fabricated condition, and its effect on the mechanical properties was outweighed by the orientation anisotropy. The fractographs revealed a ductile mode of failure with varying dimple sizes where more shallow and finely spaced dimples were observed in the samples oriented perpendicular to the build direction. EDS maps reveal that grain boundary oxides coalesce and grow in HIP and vacuum-annealed specimens which are seen inside the ductile dimples and contribute to their increased ductility. Overall, for the post-process parameters chosen in this study, HIP was observed to slightly increase the sample’s density while vacuum annealing reduced the oxygen content in the specimens.
Effect of Steel Surface Roughness and Expanded Graphite Condition on Sliding Layer Formation
Authors: Rewolińska Aleksandra , Perz Karolina , Kinal Grzegorz
Published: May 2021

The aim of the research was to evaluate the influence of the initial roughness of a steel pin cooperating with a graphite ring—dry and wet—on the mechanism of sliding layer formation. A ring–pin friction pair was used for the study, where the rings were made of expanded graphite, while the pins were made of acid-resistant steel. In the first case, the steel pin interacted with a dry graphite ring, and in the second case, the graphite rings were moist. To determine the effect of initial surface roughness, the pins were divided into three roughness groups. To determine changes in surface geometry due to material transfer, the Ra and Rz parameters were measured. This project investigated how the initial roughness value of the steel surface pin cooperating with expanded graphite influences the formation of the sliding layer. Increasing the initial roughness of the steel surface interacting with the graphite contributes to faster layer formation and reduced roughness. The state of the expanded graphite—dry and wet—influences the formation of the sliding layer of graphite—a wet graphite component causes a faster smoothing of the steel surface. The running time of the wear apparatus has an effect on the resulting layer. The highest roughness group is the most favorable from the viewpoint of sliding layer formation.
Revision of Pseudo-Ultrametric Spaces Based on m-Polar T-Equivalences and Its Application in Decision Making
Authors: Zahedi Khameneh Azadeh , Kilicman Adem , Md Ali Fadzilah
Published: May 2021

In mathematics, distance and similarity are known as dual concepts. However, the concept of similarity is interpreted as fuzzy similarity or T-equivalence relation, where T is a triangular norm (t-norm in brief), when we discuss a fuzzy environment. Dealing with multi-polarity in practical examples with fuzzy data leadsus to introduce a new concept called m-polar T-equivalence relations based on a finitely multivalued t-norm T, and to study the metric behavior of such relations. First, we study the new operators including the m-polar triangular norm T and conorm S as well as m-polar implication I and m-polar negation N, acting on the Cartesian product of [0,1]m-times.Then, using the m-polar negations N, we provide a method to construct a new type of metric spaces, called m-polar S-pseudo-ultrametric, from the m-polar T-equivalences, and reciprocally for constructing m-polar T-equivalences based on the m-polar S-pseudo-ultrametrics. Finally, the link between fuzzy graphs and m-polar S-pseudo-ultrametrics is considered. An algorithm is designed to plot a fuzzy graph based on the m-polar SL-pseudo-ultrametric, where SL is the m-polar Lukasiewicz t-conorm, and is illustrated by a numerical example which verifies our method.