bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Abundance of All Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem Indicator Taxa Inadequate as Sole Determiner of Vulnerability, Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Lockhart Susanne J. , Hocevar John
Published: September 2021

In order to achieve conservation objectives and preserve the biodiversity of the Southern Ocean, a variety of ecosystems must be protected. This holds especially true for the benthic communities of this region that are characteristically mosaic in their spatial distributions. As such, disparate communities cannot be comprehensively assessed by a single blanket methodology. Herein, evidence appropriate to the diverse characteristics of the communities encountered during a submarine expedition demonstrates the particular vulnerability of four sites that exemplify VMEs as defined by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) and the UN’s Fisheries and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Three sites are identified as VMEs based on highly significant abundances of indicator taxa. A fourth is identified based on a high density of cold-water coral taxa, many of which were not observed in abundance at the sites that were triggered as vulnerable by a significantly high abundance of all indicator taxa. The VME at this latter site was richly diverse in coral taxa, many of which are considered particularly vulnerable to climate change, as well as critical for their potential for genuine blue carbon sequestration. As of November, 2018, all four sites are now registered with CCAMLR as VMEs and thus, are afforded protection from all bottom fishing activities. However, if consideration isn’t given to the composition and/or diversity of VME indicator taxa present, in addition to overall abundance/density, some of the most vulnerable communities are left at risk. A blanket threshold for all VME taxa adhered to in fisheries management of the Southern Ocean, and other high seas areas, is grossly insufficient. Without taking a more precautionary approach to identifying and protecting VMEs, CCAMLR will not be able to meet its conservation objectives and may even be putting Antarctic fisheries at risk.
Snow Temperature Behind Sliding Skis as an Indicator for Frictional Meltwater
Authors: Hasler M  , Jud W  , Nachbauer W
Published: September 2021

For many years, a frictional meltwater film has been assumed to be the reason for the low friction between skis and snow, but experimental studies have been inconclusive. Therefore, the aim of our study was to find indications or evidence for the presence of frictional meltwater. The friction between snow at −4°C and an XC ski as well as a flat ski was measured on a large-scale linear snow tribometer at realistic skiing speeds from 5 to 25 m/s. We used an infrared camera to analyze the snow temperature behind the skis. From the maximum snow surface temperature, we estimated the temperature at the spots where ski and snow contacted. Assuming that the contact spot temperature does not notably exceed 0°C, we calculated the relative contact area between ski and snow. Maximum snow surface temperatures were very close to 0°C. Given that not the entire snow surface is in contact with the ski, this finding is a strong indication for snow melting. Heat flow considerations led to the conclusion that there must be energy dissipation beyond the heat flow into ski and snow. The most obvious mechanism for the additional energy dissipation is snow melting. Presuming that the contact spot temperatures are at most slightly above 0°C, we calculated relative contact areas of 21–98%. Previous research has reported much lower values; however, most studies were conducted under conditions that are not realistic for skiing.
Can High b Value Diffusion Be a Surrogate Marker for PET—A MR/PET Study in Neurooncology Set Up
Authors: Mangalore Sandhya , Vankayalapati Sriharish , Jabeen Shumyla , Kumar Gupta Arun , Kumar Pardeep
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Hybrid whole-body magnetic resonance/positron emission tomography (MR/PET) systems are new diagnostic tools enabling the simultaneous acquisition of morphologic and multiparametric functional data, which allow for a diversified characterization of oncological diseases. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic ability of MRI with the diffusion-weighted image (DWI), and simultaneous integrated positron emission tomography MR/PET to detect malignant lesions and elucidate the utility and limitations of these imaging modalities in preoperative and postoperative follow up in cancer patients.

Material and Methods: A total of 45 patients undergoing simultaneous MR/PET for CNS ICSOL in our institution between January 2016 and July 2020 were considered in this study. Post-processing was done in Siemens syngo software to generate a b2000 image. This image was then inverted to grayscale and compared with the NAC image of PET.

Results: The lesion-based sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for DWI were 92.3, 83.3, 97.3, and 62.5%, respectively (at 95% CI and p was 0.000). The lesion-based sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for PET were 97.4, 71.4, 94.9, and 83.3%, respectively (at 95% CI and p was 0.000). The lesion-based sensitivity and specificity of DWI were comparable with those of PET.

Conclusions: Although DWI and FDG-PET reflect different tissue properties, there is an association between the measures of both methods in CNS tumors probably because of the coupling of cellularity with tumor metabolism as seen on FDG and other PET tracers. Our study shows that DWI acts as a surrogate biomarker for FDG PET and other tracers in tumors. The method of DWI image generation is simple, radiation-free, and cost-effective in a clinical setup. The simultaneous DWI-PET study provides evidence and confirms the role of DWI in surveillance imaging of tumors.
HPV Positive Status Is a Favorable Prognostic Factor in Non-Nasopharyngeal Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients: A Retrospective Study From the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database
Authors: Wu Qiuji , Wang Miao , Liu Yixin , Wang Xulong , Li Yi , Hu Xiaoyan , Qiu Ye , Liang Wenjing , Wei Yongchang , Zhong Yahua
Published: September 2021

Objective

To investigate the impact of the human papillomavirus (HPV) status on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) arising from different anatomic subsites.

Methods

HNSCC patients with known HPV status from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2010–2015 were included in our analysis. Patients were classified into three categories of HNSCC according to Site recode ICD-O-3/WHO 2008 and Primary Site-labeled, namely, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and nasopharynx. Logistic regression model was conducted to evaluate the relationship between patient characteristics and HPV status. Kaplan-Meier methods and COX regression analysis were used to analyze survival data.

Results

A total of 9,943 HNSCC patients with known HPV status from the SEER database were enrolled, with 6,829 (68.7%) HPV-positive patients. HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC were distinct and had different clinical and socioeconomic features (all P < 0.001). Primary sites, socioeconomical factors (age, sex, marital status, and race), and pathological features (TNM stage and grade) were closely related with HPV status (all P < 0.001). HPV-positive status was a favorable prognostic marker in HNSCC patients with cancers of the oropharynx and hypopharynx (all P < 0.001), but was not in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients (P = 0.843). A total of 8,933 oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) and 558 hypopharyngeal carcinoma (HPC) patients were divided into the training and validation cohorts with a ratio of 1:1. Significant prognostic factors of the OS yielded by multivariate COX analysis in the training cohort were integrated to construct nomograms for OPC and HPC patients. The prognostic models showed a good discrimination with a C-index of 0.79 ± 0.007 and 0.73 ± 0.023 in OPC and HPC, respectively. Favorable calibration was reflected by the calibration curves. Additionally, corresponding risk classification systems for OPC and HPC patients based on the nomograms were built and could perfectly classify patients into low-risk, intermediated-risk, high-risk groups. OS in the three risk groups was accurately differentiated and showed a good discrimination.

Conclusion

HPV positivity was associated with an improved survival in HNSCC patients with cancers of the oropharynx and hypopharynx. Nomograms and corresponding risk classification systems were constructed to assist clinicians in evaluating the survival of OPC and HPC patients.
Myofibril and Mitochondrial Area Changes in Type I and II Fibers Following 10 Weeks of Resistance Training in Previously Untrained Men
Authors: Ruple Bradley A. , Godwin Joshua S. , Mesquita Paulo H. C. , Osburn Shelby C. , Sexton Casey L. , Smith Morgan A. , Ogletree Jeremy C. , Goodlett Michael D. , Edison Joseph L. , Ferrando Arny A. , Fruge Andrew D. , Kavazis Andreas N. , Young Kaelin C. , Roberts Michael D.
Published: September 2021

Resistance training increases muscle fiber hypertrophy, but the morphological adaptations that occur within muscle fibers remain largely unresolved. Fifteen males with minimal training experience (24±4years, 23.9±3.1kg/m2 body mass index) performed 10weeks of conventional, full-body resistance training (2× weekly). Body composition, the radiological density of the vastus lateralis muscle using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), and vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained 1week prior to and 72h following the last training bout. Quantification of myofibril and mitochondrial areas in type I (positive for MyHC I) and II (positive for MyHC IIa/IIx) fibers was performed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques. Relative myosin heavy chain and actin protein abundances per wet muscle weight as well as citrate synthase (CS) activity assays were also obtained on tissue lysates. Training increased whole-body lean mass, mid-thigh muscle cross-sectional area, mean and type II fiber cross-sectional areas (fCSA), and maximal strength values for leg press, bench press, and deadlift (p<0.05). The intracellular area occupied by myofibrils in type I or II fibers was not altered with training, suggesting a proportional expansion of myofibrils with fCSA increases. However, our histological analysis was unable to differentiate whether increases in myofibril number or girth occurred. Relative myosin heavy chain and actin protein abundances also did not change with training. IHC indicated training increased mitochondrial areas in both fiber types (p=0.018), albeit CS activity levels remained unaltered with training suggesting a discordance between these assays. Interestingly, although pQCT-derived muscle density increased with training (p=0.036), suggestive of myofibril packing, a positive association existed between training-induced changes in this metric and changes in mean fiber myofibril area (r=0.600, p=0.018). To summarize, our data imply that shorter-term resistance training promotes a proportional expansion of the area occupied by myofibrils and a disproportional expansion of the area occupied by mitochondria in type I and II fibers. Additionally, IHC and biochemical techniques should be viewed independently from one another given the lack of agreement between the variables assessed herein. Finally, the pQCT may be a viable tool to non-invasively track morphological changes (specifically myofibril density) in muscle tissue.
Origin, Evolution, Breeding, and Omics of Chayote, an Important Cucurbitaceae Vegetable Crop
Authors: Pu Yu-Ting , Luo Qing , Wen Lin-Hong , Li Yu-Rong , Meng Ping-Hong , Wang Xiao-Jing , Tan Guo-Fei
Published: September 2021

Chayote (Sechium edule), a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world and utilized in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries because it is an excellent source of minerals, dietary fibers, protein, vitamins, carotenoids, polysaccharides, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, and other nutrients. Chayote extracts process various medicinal properties, such as anti-cardiovascular, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antiulcer, and anticancer properties. With the rapid advancements of molecular biology and sequencing technology, studies on chayote have been carried out. Research advances, including molecular makers, breeding, genomic research, chemical composition, and pests and diseases, regarding chayote are reviewed in this paper. Future exploration and application trends are briefly described. This review provides a reference for basic and applied research on chayote, an important Cucurbitaceae vegetable crop.
Foliar Application or Seed Priming of Cholic Acid-Glycine Conjugates can Mitigate/Prevent the Rice Bacterial Leaf Blight Disease via Activating Plant Defense Genes
Authors: Pal Garima , Mehta Devashish , Singh Saurabh , Magal Kalai , Gupta Siddhi , Jha Gopaljee , Bajaj Avinash , Ramu Vemanna S.
Published: September 2021

Xanthomonas Oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) causes bacterial blight and Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani) causes sheath blight in rice accounting for >75% of crop losses. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop strategies for the mitigation of these pathogen infections. In this study, we report the antimicrobial efficacy of Cholic Acid-Glycine Conjugates (CAGCs) against Xoo and R. solani. We show that CAGC C6 is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and is also able to degrade biofilms. The application of C6 did not hamper plant growth and showed minimal effect on the plant cell membranes. Exogenous application of C6 on pre-infection or post-infection of Xoo on rice susceptible genotype Taichung native (TN1) can mitigate the bacterial load and improve resistance through upregulation of plant defense genes. We further demonstrate that C6 can induce plant defense responses when seeds were primed with C6 CAGC. Therefore, this study demonstrates the potential of CAGCs as effective antimicrobials for crop protection that can be further explored for field applications.
Changes in Health Indicators of Welfare in Group-Housed Shelter Cats
Authors: Vojtkovská Veronika , Voslářová Eva , Večerek Vladimír
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to detect changes in health-oriented welfare indicators of shelter cats housed in a shelter by means of long-term monitoring of health indicators of welfare in a population of group-housed cats in a private, no-kill shelter in the Czech Republic. The cat population housed in a large group was monitored for 1 year. The data recording took place at 2-week intervals. A total of 220 cats were evaluated using a protocol containing eight health-oriented welfare indicators: body condition, third eye visibility, eye discharge, eye irritation, nose discharge, the presence of pathologically induced respiratory sounds, coat condition, and lameness and abnormal posture. The assessment was performed based on the observation by two trained evaluators. The cats' condition was rated on a 5-point scale for each indicator, where the optimal condition was represented by the score of 1 and a severe deterioration by the score of 5 for the given indicator, except for the body condition indicator, where the optimal condition was represented by the score of 3. A deterioration in the score in at least one of the indicators during the stay in the shelter was recorded in 52 (41.6%) of 125 cats that were assessed at least twice. The effect of the LOS, sex and age on the scores for each health indicator was examinedviaa linear mixed model analysis, as this method allows for handling of dependencies in the data of repeated measurements. The effect of predictors on the third eye visibility scores was not found. The age of cats predicted the coat condition and body condition scores. The LOS predicted scores of the abnormal posture and lameness indicator and scores of a composite index composed of indicators related to upper respiratory tract disease. The results suggest that despite the fact that some improvement of health was documented during the cats' stay in the shelter, there were a non-negligible number of animals experiencing a permanent or long-term deterioration in health. Efforts to minimize the undesirable factors contributing to the deterioration of well-being of cats during their stay in a shelter should be made.
Impacts of China’s Minimum Grain Procurement Price Program on Agrochemical Use: A Household-Level Analysis
Authors: Su Min , Heerink Nico , Oosterveer Peter , Tan Tao , Feng Shuyi
Published: September 2021

China’s minimum grain procurement price program aims to boost grain production and ensure food self-sufficiency. It may also affect the already very high levels of chemical fertilizer and pesticides consumption, but little is known about these potential side-effects. In this paper, we apply panel data regression techniques to a large rural household-level data set for the period 1997–2010 to examine whether and how the minimum grain procurement price program affected households’ agrochemical use. We find that the minimum grain procurement price program negatively affected both chemical fertilizer and pesticides use, with pesticides use being more responsive than the use of fertilizer. The higher wheat and rice prices that resulted from the program stimulated the use of agrochemicals, but they also stimulated area expansion which contributed to lower agrochemical use per unit of land. These counteracting indirect effects were overshadowed by the large negative direct effect of the minimum procurement price of rice on the use of fertilizer and pesticides.
Collection and Advice on Basketball Field Tests—A Literature Review
Authors: Gál-Pottyondy Anna , Petró Bálint , Czétényi András , Négyesi János , Nagatomi Ryoichi , Kiss Rita M.
Published: September 2021

We conducted a review to collect the validated basketball-specific physical field tests and to provide practical advice for their appropriate selection and application. A comprehensive electronic literature search was performed via three electronic databases (PubMed, GoogleScholar, and SportDiscuss). Results of 93 studies provided recommendations for seven test packages and eighteen individual tests that have already been validated for basketball players. Although there is a lack of standardized, widely, and systematically used test protocols for testing the fitness levels of basketball players, standardized, normative data from NBA Combine Testing and other basketball-specific tests have the potential to help coaches compare their players with elite basketball players. Our review indicated that agility and reactive agility are fundamental skills in basketball; however, linear sprinting ability should not be considered a determining factor of success for basketball players. Finally, the countermovement jump test can help experts monitor fatigue, loss of explosive force, and interlimb asymmetries. In general, we found that identifying and developing a talented player is a complex task and requires experts from different fields, including trainers, coaches, performance- and movement analyzers, and physiotherapists. We found that during the testing of basketball players, experts always have to normalize their data with anthropometric measures for valid results. Most importantly, although experts always need to define an aim of testing and should follow the protocol of the chosen test, they also have to be open to making adjustments if the actual circumstances require it.
Railway Axle and Wheel Assembly Press-Fitting Force Characteristics and Holding Torque Capacity
Authors: Nwe Theingi , Pimsarn Monsak
Published: September 2021

Nowadays, press-fitting is widely used in the manufacturing industry because it allows easy and fast installation and is repetitive, strong, and inherently reliable. The quality of a press-fitting assembly can be verified from the press-fitting curves and forced monitoring. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of the press-fitting curve with various interference railway wheelset models and determine the interference limit that axles can withstand at the maximum holding torque without slipping and without plastic deformation. A three-dimensional finite element analysis examined the maximum press-fitting force and stress distributions using Abaqus FEA software. The press-fitting curves of the railway wheel and axle assembly obtained from finite element simulation were classified following European Standard EN 13260. The press-fitting curves showed whether they fell within the boundary limits in the EN standard to allow their practical application. This study also showed when plastic deformation would occur, within the recommended interferences in the EN standard. Moreover, the effect of interference was numerically simulated for the maximum holding torque capacity within the EN standard interference range. Numeric simulation was compared with the theory: the deviation was 15–6%.
Chaotic Characteristic Analysis of Vibration Response of Pumping Station Pipeline Using Improved Variational Mode Decomposition Method
Authors: Jiang Li , Ma Zhenyue , Zhang Jianwei , Khan Mohd Yawar Ali , Cheng Mengran , Wang Libin
Published: September 2021

The measured vibrational responses of the pumping station pipeline in the irrigation site were chosen to confirm the chaotic characteristics of the pumping station pipeline vibration and to determine the vibrational excitation that makes it chaotic. First, the chaotic properties of the pipeline vibration responses were investigated using a saturation correlation dimension and the maximum Lyapunov exponent. The vibration excitation with chaotic features was obtained using an improved variational mode decomposition (IVMD) method to examine the multi-time-scale chaotic characteristics of the pipeline vibration responses. The results show that the vibrational responses of each measuring point of the pipeline under different operating conditions have clear chaotic characteristics, where the chaotic characteristics of the axial points and bifurcated pipe points are relatively strong. The vibration of the operating conditions and measurement points affected by the unit’s operation and flow state change is further complicated. The intrinsic mode function (IMF) produces a low-dimensional chaotic attractor after the IVMD disrupts the vibration response. Still, the vibration excitation of the remaining components on behalf of the units does not have chaotic properties, implying that water pulsation excitation makes the pumping station pipeline vibrations chaotic. The vibration excitation caused by the unit’s operation covers the chaotic characteristics of the pipeline vibration and increases its uncertainty. The outcomes of this study provide a theoretical basis for further exploration of the vibration characteristics of pumping station pipelines, and a new method of chaos analysis is proposed.
Chemical Investigation of Diketopiperazines and N-Phenethylacetamide Isolated from Aquimarina sp. MC085 and Their Effect on TGF-β-Induced Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Lee Myong Jin , Kim Geum Jin , Shin Myoung-Sook , Moon Jimin , Kim Sungjin , Nam Joo-Won , Kang Ki Sung , Choi Hyukjae
Published: September 2021

Chemical investigations of Aquimarina sp. MC085, which suppressed TGF-β-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in A549 human lung cancer cells, led to the isolation of compounds 1–3. Structural characterization using spectroscopic data analyses in combination with Marfey’s analysis revealed that they were two diketopiperazines [cyclo(l-Pro-l-Leu) (1) and cyclo(l-Pro-l-Ile) (2)] and one N-phenethylacetamide (3). Cyclo(l-Pro-l-Leu) (1) and N-phenethylactamide (3) inhibited the TGF-β/Smad pathway and suppressed the metastasis of A549 cells by affecting TGF-β-induced EMT. However, cyclo(l-Pro-l-Ile) (2) downregulated mesenchymal factors via a non-Smad-mediated signaling pathway.
Renal and Salivary Gland Functions after Three Cycles of PSMA-617 Therapy Every Four Weeks in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wollenweber Tim , Zisser Lucia , Kretschmer-Chott Elisabeth , Weber Michael , Grubmüller Bernhard , Kramer Gero , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Mitterhauser Markus , Schmitl Stefan , Vraka Chrysoula , Haug Alexander R. , Hacker Marcus , Hartenbach Markus , Rasul Sazan
Published: September 2021

Background: [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 radioligand therapy (PSMA-RLT) could affect kidney and salivary gland functions in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical, renal, and salivary scintigraphy data and salivary [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 ligand PET scan measures such as metabolic volume and SUVmax values of 27 mCRPC men (mean age 71 ± 7 years) before and 4 weeks after receiving three cycles of PSMA-RLT every 4 weeks. Twenty-two patients additionally obtained renal and salivary scintigraphy prior to each cycle. A one-way ANOVA, post-hoc Scheffé test and Cochran’s Q test were applied to assess organ toxicity. Results: In total, 54 PSMA PET scans, 98 kidney, and 98 salivary scintigraphy results were evaluated. There were no significant differences for the ejection fraction, peak time, and residual activity after 5 min for both parotid and submandibular glands prior to each cycle and 4 weeks after the last cycle. Similarly, no significant differences in serum creatinine and renal scintigraphy parameters were observed prior to each cycle and 4 weeks after the last treatment. Despite there being no changes in the metabolic volume of both submandibular glands, SUVmax values dropped significantly (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Results evidenced no alterations in renal function and only minimal impairment of salivary function of mCRPC patients who acquired an intense PSMA-RLT regimen every 4 weeks.
Long-Term Dataset of Tidal Residuals in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Viola Cristina N. A. , Verdon-Kidd Danielle C. , Hanslow David J. , Maddox Sam , Power Hannah E.
Published: September 2021

Continuous water level records are required to detect long-term trends and analyse the climatological mechanisms responsible for extreme events. This paper compiles nine ocean water level records from gauges located along the New South Wales (NSW) coast of Australia. These gauges represent the longest and most complete records of hourly—and in five cases 15-min—water level data for this region. The datasets were adjusted to the vertical Australian Height Datum (AHD) and had the rainfall-related peaks removed from the records. The Unified Tidal Analysis and Prediction (Utide) model was subsequently used to predict tides for datasets with at least 25 years of records to obtain the associated tidal residuals. Finally, we provide a series of examples of how this dataset can be used to analyse trends in tidal anomalies as well as extreme events and their causal processes.
Using Cases as a Means to Discuss Errors in Mathematics Teacher Education
Authors: Barkai Ruthi
Published: September 2021

Errors are a major component of the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) needed for teaching mathematics. In this study, 25 prospective teachers (PTs) in high schools were invited to solve a trigonometric task that had been assigned to high-school students and, subsequently, to relate to an authentic solution containing mathematical errors, which was presented in a dialogue by a pair of students. While all PTs reached the final, correct solution, eight provided only one of the two results in one step of the solution. Almost all (23) PTs identified at least one of the students’ errors. The case raised issues regarding the steps that should be written in a solution and the role of drawings in mathematical problems. This article suggests that exposing PTs to authentic teaching cases provides opportunities to discuss subtle issues related to their own mathematical knowledge and to obstacles that their future students might encounter when solving such tasks.
A Novel Simulation Method for Analyzing Diode Electrical Characteristics Based on Neural Networks
Authors: Liu Tao , Xu Le , He Yao , Wu Han , Yang Yong , Wu Nankai , Yang Xiaoning , Shi Xiaowei , Wei Feng
Published: September 2021

Based on the equivalent circuit model and physical model, a new method for analyzing diode electrical characteristics based on a neural network model is proposed in this paper. Although the equivalent circuit model is widely used, it cannot effectively reflect the working state of diode circuits under the conditions of large injection and high frequency. The analysis method based on physical models developed in recent years can effectively resolve the above shortcomings, but it faces the problem of a low simulation efficiency. Therefore, the physical model method based on neural network acceleration is used to improve the traditional, equivalent circuit model. The results obtained from the equivalent circuit model and the physical model are analyzed using the finite-difference time-domain method. The diode model based on a neural network is fitted with training data obtained from the results of the physical model, then it is summarized into a voltage–current equation and used to improve the traditional, equivalent circuit method. In this way, the improved equivalent circuit method can be used to analyze the working state of a diode circuit under large injection and high frequency conditions. The effectiveness of the proposed model is verified by some examples.
Transesterification of Pyrolysed Castor Seed Oil in the Presence of CaCu(OCH3)2 Catalyst
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Hossain Abul Kalam , Duraisamy Ganesh , Vijay Murugan
Published: September 2021

Energy consumption is on the rise due to rapid technological progress and a higher standard of living. The use of alternative energy resources is essential to meet the rising energy demand and mitigate the carbon emissions caused due to use of fossil-based fuels. Biodiesel produced from non-edible oils such as castor seed oil (CO) can be used in diesel engines to replace fossil diesel. However, the quality and yields for CO biodiesel is low due to the presence of ricinolic acid C18:1OH (79%). In this study, two-stage conversion techniques were used to improve the yields and properties of CO biodiesel. The catalyst CaCu(OCH3)2 was prepared from waste eggshell and synthesized with copper oxide in the presence of methanol. The castor oil was subjected to pyrolysis at 450–500 °C and then transesterified in the presence of modified catalyst. The reaction parameters such as methanol-to-oil ratio and catalyst and reaction time were investigated, and the optimum combination was used to produce castor biodiesel from pyrolysis castor oil. Results showed that the cetane number and oxidation stability were increased by 7% and 42% respectively. The viscosity, density, flash point, and iodine value were decreased by 52%, 3%, 5% and 6%, respectively. The calorific values remained the same. This study suggests that pyrolyzed castor seed oil followed by transesterification in the presence of a modified catalyst gave better fuel properties and yields than the conventional transesterification process for biodiesel fuel production.
Computer Analysis of the Effects of Time and Gas Atmosphere of the Chemical Activation on the Development of the Porous Structure of Activated Carbons Derived from Oil Palm Shell
Authors: Kwiatkowski Mirosław
Published: September 2021

The results of the advanced computer analysis of the influence of time and gas atmosphere of the chemical activation process on the microporous structure formation of activated carbons prepared from oil palm shell via microwave irradiation and activation, using potassium hydroxide as an activation agent, are presented in this paper. The quenched solid density functional theory (QSDFT) and the new numerical clustering-based adsorption analysis (LBET) methods were used especially in the analysis of the microporous structure of the activated carbons, taking into account the surface heterogeneity, and the results obtained were confronted with the simple results achieved earlier using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and T-plot methods. On the basis of the computer analysis carried out and taking into account the results obtained, it has been shown that the material with the best adsorption properties and suitable for practical industrial applications is activated carbon obtained in a gaseous nitrogen atmosphere at an activation time of 30 min. Moreover, the value of the heterogeneity parameter indicates that the surface area of this activated carbon is homogeneous, which is of particular importance in the practical application. The paper emphasizes that an erroneous approach to the interpretation of analytical results based on gas adsorption isotherms, which consists in basing conclusions only on the values of a single parameter such as specific surface area or micropore volume, should be avoided. Therefore, it is recommended to use in the analysis of measurement data, several methods of porous structure analysis, including methods considering the heterogeneity of the surface, and when interpreting the results one should also take into account the adsorption process for which the analyzed materials are dedicated.
Turbulent Flow through and over a Compact Three-Dimensional Model Porous Medium: An Experimental Study
Authors: Arthur James Kofi
Published: September 2021

There are several natural and industrial applications where turbulent flows over compact porous media are relevant. However, the study of such flows is rare. In this paper, an experimental investigation of turbulent flow through and over a compact model porous medium is presented to fill this gap in the literature. The objectives of this work were to measure the development of the flow over the porous boundary, the penetration of the turbulent flow into the porous domain, the attendant three-dimensional effects, and Reynolds number effects. These objectives were achieved by conducting particle image velocimetry measurements in a test section with turbulent flow through and over a compact model porous medium of porosity 85%, and filling fraction 21%. The bulk Reynolds numbers were 14,338 and 24,510. The results showed a large-scale anisotropic turbulent flow region over and within the porous medium. The overlying turbulent flow had a boundary layer that thickened along the stream by about 90% and infiltrated into the porous medium to a depth of about 7% of the porous medium rod diameter. The results presented here provide useful physical insight suited for the design and analyses of turbulent flows over compact porous media arrangements.
The Role of Extracellular Vesicles from Human Macrophages on Host-Pathogen Interaction
Authors: Arteaga-Blanco Luis A. , Bou-Habib Dumith Chequer
Published: September 2021

The nano-sized membrane enclosed extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by virtually all cell types play an essential role in intercellular communication via delivering bio-molecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and other molecules to recipient cells. By mediating an active and steady-state cell-to-cell communication, EVs contribute to regulating and preserving cellular homeostasis. On the other hand, EVs can also spread pathogen-derived molecules during infections, subverting the host immune responses during infections and thus worsening pathophysiological processes. In recent years, the biological functioning of EVs has become a widespread research field in basic and clinical branches of medical sciences due to their potential role in therapeutic applications for several diseases. This review aims to summarize the main recent findings regarding the implication of EVs shed by human macrophages (MΦ-EVs) and how they can modulate the host immune response to control or increase the damage caused by infectious agents. We will also present the methods used to describe MΦ-EVs, as well as the potential of these EVs as disease diagnostic tools for some human pathogens. We believe that an in-depth understanding of the host–pathogen interactions mediated by MΦ-EVs may trigger the development of innovative therapeutic strategies against infectious diseases.
Role of Transient Elastography to Stage Fontan-Associated Liver Disease (FALD) in Adults with Single Ventricle Congenital Heart Disease Correction
Authors: Chemello Liliana , Padalino Massimo , Zanon Chiara , Benvegnu’ Luisa , Biffanti Roberta , Mancuso Daniela , Cavalletto Luisa
Published: September 2021

Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) is an arising clinical entity that can occur long after a successful Fontan operation for correction of single ventricle (SV) congenital heart disease (CHD). Occurrence of FALD is characterized by liver cirrhosis and other hepatic complications, and determinates an increased morbidity and mortality. Currently, there is no consensus on how to stage FALD. We report here our experience by an observational study in 52 patients with SV-CHD after Fontan operation that were recruited through a period of 36 ± 9.3 months. All cases underwent lab tests and liver and cardiac imaging evaluation, including liver stiffness (LS) measurement by transient elastography (TE) (FibroScan®). According to selective criteria for liver disease, we identified 23/43 (53.5%) cases with advanced FALD that showed: older age (p < 0.05), larger hepatic and cava veins diameter (p < 0.05), worsened NYHA class (p < 0.05), abnormal lymphocytes (p < 0.01), platelet count (p < 0.05), and GGT, prothrombin time (INR), albumin and cystatin C levels (p < 0.05), with respect to cases without advanced FALD. LS values were significantly increased in cases with advanced FALD, at cut-off values higher than 22 kPa (p < 0.001). LS, and its combined score with spleen diameter and platelet count (LSPS) successfully helped to detect 100% of cases with portal hypertension (p < 0.001). In conclusion, LS can be effective to stage FALD and to uncover cases with severe risk of complications, avoiding higher morbidity and mortality related to advanced FALD.
Trauma Team Activation: Which Surgical Capability Is Immediately Required in Polytrauma? A Retrospective, Monocentric Analysis of Emergency Procedures Performed on 751 Severely Injured Patients
Authors: Schmitt Daniel , Halvachizadeh Sascha , Steinemann Robin , Jensen Kai Oliver , Berk Till , Neuhaus Valentin , Mica Ladislav , Pfeifer Roman , Pape Hans Christoph , Sprengel Kai
Published: September 2021

There has been an ongoing discussion as to which interventions should be carried out by an “organ specialist” (for example, a thoracic or visceral surgeon) or by a trauma surgeon with appropriate general surgical training in polytrauma patients. However, there are only limited data about which exact emergency interventions are immediately carried out. This retrospective data analysis of one Level 1 trauma center includes adult polytrauma patients, as defined according to the Berlin definition. The primary outcome was the four most common emergency surgical interventions (ESI) performed during primary resuscitation. Out of 1116 patients, 751 (67.3%) patients (male gender, 530, 74.3%) met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 39 years (IQR: 25, 58) and the median injury severity score (ISS) was 38 (IQR: 29, 45). In total, 711 (94.7%) patients had at least one ESI. The four most common ESI were the insertion of a chest tube (48%), emergency laparotomy (26.3%), external fixation (23.5%), and the insertion of an intracranial pressure probe (ICP) (19.3%). The initial emergency treatment of polytrauma patients include a limited spectrum of potential life-saving interventions across distinct body regions. Polytrauma care would benefit from the 24/7 availability of a trauma team able to perform basic potentially life-saving surgical interventions, including chest tube insertion, emergency laparotomy, placing external fixators, and ICP insertion.
General and Local Characteristics of Current Marine Heatwave in the Red Sea
Authors: Bawadekji Abdulhakim , Tonbol Kareem , Ghazouani Nejib , Becheikh Nidhal , Shaltout Mohamed
Published: September 2021

In the ocean, heat waves are vital climatic extremes that can destroy the ecosystem together with ensuing socioeconomic consequences. Marine heat waves (MHW) recently attracted public interest, as well as scientific researchers, which motivates us to analyze the current heat wave events over the Red Sea and its surrounding sea region (Gulf of Aden). First, a comprehensive evaluation of how the extreme Red Sea surface temperature has been changing is presented using 0.25° daily gridded optimum interpolation sea surface temperature (OISST, V2.1) data from 1982 to 2020. Second, an analysis of the MHW’s general behavior using four different metrics over the study area, together with a study of the role of climate variability in MHW characteristics, is presented. Finally, the main spatiotemporal characteristics of MHWs were analyzed based on three different metrics to describe MHW’s local features. Over the studied 39 years, the current results showed that the threshold of warm extreme sea surface temperature events (90th percentile) is 30.03 °C, providing an additional average thermal restriction to MHW threshold values (this value is changed from one grid to another). The current analysis discovered 28 separate MHW events over the Red+, extending from 1988 to 2020, with the four longest events being chosen as a study case for future investigation. For the effect of climate variability, our results during the chosen study cases prove that ENSO and ISMI do not play a significant role in controlling MHW characteristics (except the MHW intensity, which has a clear relation with ENSO/ISMI) on Red+. Moreover, the chlorophyll concentration decreases more significantly than its climatic values during MHW events, showing the importance of the MHW effect on biological Red Sea features. In general, the MHW intensity and duration exhibit a meridional gradient, which increases from north to south over the Red Sea, unlike the MHW frequency, which decreases meridionally.
Research of Organic Rankine Cycle Energy Characteristics at Operating Modes of Marine Diesel Engine
Authors: Lebedevas Sergejus , Čepaitis Tomas
Published: September 2021

The publication examines one of the most effective ways to decarbonize marine transport, specifically the secondary heat sources utilization in the cogeneration cycle of the main engines. The research focuses on the optimization of Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) performance parameters by combining them with the exhaust energy potential of a medium speed four-stroke main diesel engine in ISO8178 (E3) load cycle modes. Significant advantages were not found between the evaluated Wet-, Isentropic-, and Dry-type liquids (R134a, R141b, R142b, R245fa, Isopentane) in terms of ORC energy performance with a 10% difference. The use of a variable geometry turbogenerator turbine with Dry-type (R134a) working fluid is characterized by the highest ORC energy efficiency up to 15% and an increase in power plant (including turbogenerator generated mechanical) by 6.2%. For a fixed geometry turbine, a rational control strategy of the working fluid flow (Gd.sk − πT) is determined by the priorities of the power plant in certain load modes. The influence of the overboard water temperature on the ORC energy indicators does not exceed ±1%; however, it influences the thermodynamic saturation parameters of the working fluid condensation and, in connection with that, the fluid selection.
Identification of IL-18 and Soluble Cell Adhesion Molecules in the Gingival Crevicular Fluid as Novel Biomarkers of Psoriasis
Authors: Valenzuela Fernando , Fernández Javier , Jiménez Constanza , Cavagnola Daniela , Mancilla Juan Felipe , Astorga Jessica , Hernández Marcela , Fernández Alejandra
Published: September 2021

Psoriasis is a chronic immunoinflammatory skin disease. Although its diagnosis is clinical, differences in the appearance and severity of lesions pose a challenge for clinicians worldwide. The use of accessible biomarkers for psoriasis could aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. To date, evidence on the analysis of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) molecules as novel, accessible, and reliable biomarkers for psoriasis is limited. This cross-sectional study compared the GCF levels of IL-18, soluble (s)ICAM-1, and sE-selectin in psoriatic patients (n = 42) and healthy controls (n = 39). Individuals with psoriasis not undergoing treatment and healthy individuals were included independent of periodontal status. GCF samples were collected, and a multiplex bead immunoassay was performed to quantify the levels of the target molecules. Psoriatic patients presented higher concentrations of IL-18 and lower concentrations of sE-selectin compared to controls (p < 0.05). No differences were found in the levels of sICAM-1 between the two groups (p > 0.05). Psoriasis was associated with IL-18 and E-selectin levels regardless of periodontal status, age, and smoking habit (p < 0.05). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) for IL-18 and sE-selectin were 0.77 and 0.68, respectively. In conclusion, IL-18 and sE-selectin levels in the GCF could be promising biomarker for psoriasis.
Enhanced Elevated-Temperature Strength and Creep Resistance of Dispersion-Strengthened Al-Mg-Si-Mn AA6082 Alloys through Modified Processing Route
Authors: Rakhmonov Jovid , Liu Kun , Rometsch Paul , Parson Nick , Chen X.-Grant
Published: September 2021

In the present work, we investigated the possibility of introducing fine and densely distributed α-Al(MnFe)Si dispersoids into the microstructure of extruded Al-Mg-Si-Mn AA6082 alloys containing 0.5 and 1 wt % Mn through tailoring the processing route as well as their effects on room- and elevated-temperature strength and creep resistance. The results show that the fine dispersoids formed during low-temperature homogenization experienced less coarsening when subsequently extruded at 350 °C than when subjected to a more typical high-temperature extrusion at 500 °C. After aging, a significant strengthening effect was produced by β″ precipitates in all conditions studied. Fine dispersoids offered complimentary strengthening, further enhancing the room-temperature compressive yield strength by up to 72–77 MPa (≈28%) relative to the alloy with coarse dispersoids. During thermal exposure at 300 °C for 100 h, β″ precipitates transformed into undesirable β-Mg2Si, while thermally stable dispersoids provided the predominant elevated-temperature strengthening effect. Compared to the base case with coarse dispersoids, fine and densely distributed dispersoids with the new processing route more than doubled the yield strength at 300 °C. In addition, finer dispersoids obtained by extrusion at 350 °C improved the yield strength at 300 °C by 17% compared to that at 500 °C. The creep resistance at 300 °C was greatly improved by an order of magnitude from the coarse dispersoid condition to one containing fine and densely distributed dispersoids, highlighting the high efficacy of the new processing route in enhancing the elevated-temperature properties of extruded Al-Mg-Si-Mn alloys.