bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of fatigue performance of TC4 titanium alloy welded by electron beam welding and laser welding with filler wire
Authors: Long Jian , Zhang Lin‐Jie , Zhang Li‐Xu , Wu Jun , Zhuang Ming‐Xiang
Published: January 2022

This research compared high‐cycle fatigue (HCF) performances of joints of Ti–6Al–4V titanium (TC4) alloy with the thickness of 30 mm welded by vacuum electron beam welding (EBW) and laser welding with filler wire (LWFW) (hereinafter referred to as EBW and LWFW joints). Under test conditions, the fatigue strength of the LWFW joint is only 65% that of the EBW joint. Based on analysis, the main reason is that a larger microhardness gradient is present in the LWFW joint. The average microhardness of the weld metal (WM) of the LWFW joint is 41 HV lower than that of base metal (BM). A lot of punctate β phases in the WM of the LWFW joint may be an important reason for its softening. The research results provide data supports for the application of the EBW and LWFW of Ti alloy in the field of aviation manufacturing.
Sarcopenia risk in nursing home residents using SARC‐F: FIRST study findings
Authors: Thompson Mark Q , Jadczak Agathe D , Yu Solomon , Tucker Graeme R , Visvanathan Renuka
Published: January 2022

Aim

Sarcopenia is a common disorder of loss of muscle mass and function among older adults; however, few studies have examined screening instruments for sarcopenia risk in residential aged care services (RACS). The aims of this study were to measure sarcopenia risk in RACS residents using the SARC‐F, describe factors associated with sarcopenia risk and examine the predictive validity of the SARC‐F for 12‐month mortality.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study carried out in South Australian RACS across 12 sites. In total, 541 residents (mean age 87.7 [7.3] years, 72.6% women) were included in the study. Sarcopenia risk was measured using a modified SARC‐F (≥4 point cut point).

Results

We identified 89.5% (n = 484) of residents at risk of sarcopenia. Significant (P > 0.05) predictors of sarcopenia risk in multivariable analysis included the presence of diabetes (relative risk [RR] = 1.08), classification as most‐frail (RR = 1.06) and smaller Nursing Home Life Space Diameter (NHLSD) score (RR = 0.99). Mortality was observed in 20.9% (n = 113) of residents over a 12‐month follow‐up. Classification as at‐risk of sarcopenia was a significant predictor of 12‐month mortality; however, it had a poor area under the receiver operator curve (0.56), and a low positive predictive value (23.1%). The best performing cut‐point of ≥7 also had poor discriminative ability (under the receiver operator curve = 0.66, positive predictive value = 30.8%).

Conclusions

Sarcopenia risk is extremely common among RACS residents and its presence is a significant contributor to 12‐month mortality. Low discriminative ability for the SARC‐F was noted across multiple cut‐off scores for predicting mortality at 12 months. Diabetes management and promoting physical activity and nutrition among RACS residents are likely to influence sarcopenia risk positively. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 206–212.
Use of essential oils and phytochemicals against the mycotoxins producing fungi for shelf‐life enhancement and food preservation
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Mahato Dipendra Kumar , Gupta Akansha , Pandhi Shikha , Mishra Sadhna , Barua Sreejani , Tyagi Vidhi , Kumar Arvind , Kumar Manoj , Kamle Madhu
Published: January 2022

Mycotoxin‐producing fungi are a significant source of crop and food contamination, posing a significant threat to global food safety and security. Essential oils, plant extracts and phytochemicals have emerged as green preservatives to extend the shelf‐life of foods due to their unique antimicrobial properties. Unlike conventional synthetic preservatives, they are a sustainable and safe way to preserve food with no or little harmful effects on the environment. Use of nanoformulations containing essential oils and phytochemicals offer enormous potential as a mitigation strategy to lower mycotoxin contamination incidences in food and crop with enhanced release behaviour to efficiently transport them to the target location for a rapid reaction without much impact from environmental variables. Hence, this review overviews various essential oils and phytochemicals utilized through nanoformulations to control the mycotoxigenic fungi, probable mechanism of actions involved as well as emerging mycotoxins and associated safety concerns to ensure food sustainability.
Psychiatric comorbidity associated with weight status in 9 to 10 year old children
Authors: Smith Kathryn E. , Mason Tyler B.
Published: January 2022

Background

Paediatric overweight and obesity (OW/OB) constitute a serious public health concern. Given that psychological problems may be key contributors to the onset and maintenance of paediatric obesity, the present study examined past and current psychiatric comorbidities across the weight spectrum during middle childhood among a nationally representative sample.

Methods

Participants were 11 708 9‐ to 10‐year‐old children (31.6% with OW/OB) and their caregivers who participated in the first wave of data collection in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Logistic regressions were used to examine the association between weight status (i.e., underweight, healthy weight, OW, OB) and likelihood of current/past psychiatric diagnoses.

Results

Compared to healthy weight children, those with OW/OB were more likely to have current/past major depressive disorder and binge eating disorder. Relative to healthy weight children, those with OB were more likely to have prior separation anxiety disorder, current specific phobia and oppositional defiant disorder; those with OW were more likely to have PTSD; and those with underweight were more likely to have ADHD.

Conclusions

Results suggest cross‐sectional associations among negative emotionality, binge eating, and OW/OB, and highlight the need for ongoing prospective research to investigate directionality of associations and mechanisms of effects.
Habla conmigo, daddy! Fathers’ language input in North American bilingual Latinx families
Authors: Ferjan Ramírez Naja , Hippe Daniel S. , Correa Lili , Andert Josephine , Baralt Melissa
Published: January 2022

This study examines the language environments of bilingually raised Latinx infants (n = 37) in mother–father families of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, with a focus on paternal parentese, a speaking style distinguished by higher pitch, slower tempo, and exaggerated intonation. Two daylong audio recordings were collected on weekends, when both parents were at home. Paternal, maternal, and infant speech variables were quantified through automatic and manual analyses. Most infants experienced Spanish and English within child‐directed speech, and language mixing was common in mothers and fathers. Adjusting for demographic variables, infants heard 50.4% less talk from men compared to women, and 43.4% less parentese from fathers compared to mothers. However, when controlling for overall speech amount, the rate of parentese use did not differ between mothers and fathers, demonstrating that, contrary to the stereotype, fathers in Latinx families adjust their speech in verbal interactions with their infants. An asymmetry emerged, where paternal parentese was associated with paternal knowledge of language development but not with paternal involvement in childcare responsibilities; the opposite was true for paternal speech amount. Controlling for maternal contributions, paternal parentese was predictive of concurrent parent–infant turn‐taking and infant language vocalizations, demonstrating its important role in infant language development.
Selection of Debaryomyces hansenii isolates as starters in meat products based on phenotypic virulence factors, tolerance to abiotic stress conditions and aroma generation
Authors: Belloch Carmela , Perea-Sanz Laura , Gamero Amparo , Flores Monica
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Debaryomyces hansenii is a yeast widely used in meat fermentations as starter for the purpose of improving the aromatic quality of the final product. However, it has not been the subject of an extensive study regarding phenotypic characteristics important for starter selection, such as the capacity to grow at abiotic stress conditions occurring during fermentation, the ability to generate desirable aromas and the absence of virulence traits in yeasts.

Aims

The aim of this study was to screen 60 strains of D. hansenii isolated from assorted foods for their potential application as starters in dry-cured fermented sausages manufacture.

Methods

The abiotic stress factors tested were low aw and pH and high concentration of salt, acetic acid and lactic acid. The phenotypic virulence traits explored were growth at 37°C, pseudohyphal and biofilm generation, invasiveness and enzymatic activities present in virulent yeasts. The generation of desirable meat aromas was tested in models containing aroma precursors applying an olfactory analysis. A quantitative profiling of stress tolerance was used to test the potential performance of selected strains in meat fermentations.

Results

The results demonstrated that most strains displayed no virulence trait or were only positive for biofilm production. Moreover, the strains showed large heterogeneity regarding their tolerance to abiotic stress factors, although most of them could grow at intermediate to high levels of the traits. The sensory analysis was the criteria determining the selection of starter strains.

Conclusions

The evaluation of the phenotypic traits demonstrates that D. hansenii is a safe yeast, it is able to tolerate the stress in meat fermentation and it is able to generate desirable aromas.

Significance and Impact of the Study

The results of this study confirm the adequacy of selected D. hansenii strains to be applied as starters in meat products.
Alterations of nitric oxide homeostasis as trigger of intestinal barrier dysfunction in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Baumann Anja , Rajcic Dragana , Brandt Annette , Sánchez Victor , Jung Finn , Staltner Raphaela , Nier Anika , Trauner Michael , Staufer Katharina , Bergheim Ina
Published: January 2022

Changes in intestinal nitric oxide metabolism are discussed to contribute for the development of intestinal barrier dysfunction in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To induce steatosis, female C57BL/6J mice were pair‐fed with a liquid control diet (C) or a fat‐, fructose‐ and cholesterol‐rich diet (FFC) for 8 weeks. Mice received the diets ± 2.49 g L‐arginine/kg bw/day for additional 5 weeks. Furthermore, mice fed C or FFC ± L‐arginine/kg bw/day for 8 weeks were concomitantly treated with the arginase inhibitor Nω‐hydroxy‐nor‐L‐arginine (nor‐NOHA, 0.01 g/kg bw). Liver damage, intestinal barrier function, nitric oxide levels and arginase activity in small intestine were assessed. Also, arginase activity was measured in serum from 13 patients with steatosis (NAFL) and 14 controls. The development of steatosis with beginning inflammation was associated with impaired intestinal barrier function, increased nitric oxide levels and a loss of arginase activity in small intestine in mice. L‐arginine supplementation abolished the latter along with an improvement of intestinal barrier dysfunction; nor‐NOHA attenuated these effects. In patients with NAFL, arginase activity in serum was significantly lower than in healthy controls. Our data suggest that increased formation of nitric oxide and a loss of intestinal arginase activity is critical in NAFLD‐associated intestinal barrier dysfunction.
Improving ready‐to‐eat apple cubes' safety using chitosan‐based active coatings
Authors: Bambace Maria Florencia , Moreira Maria del Rosario
Published: January 2022

The use of active coatings is shown as an option to offer safe ready‐to‐eat fruits and respond the growing demand of consumers for fresh, environmentally friendly and products free from chemical preservatives. In this work, chitosan (Ch), chitosan + vanillin (Ch‐V), and chitosan + geraniol (Ch‐G) coatings were applied on apple cubes to evaluate their microbiological quality for 12 days of refrigerated storage. All combinations applied demonstrated significant bactericidal effects on native microbiota, resulting in number of mesophilics, psychrotrophics, and yeasts and molds under the detection limit (<2.00 log) immediately after coating and during 12 days for most of them. Moreover, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria innocua artificially inoculated on apple cubes showed great reductions after coating treatments, exerting vanillin or geraniol enriched coatings outstanding antimicrobial activity. In fact, after 12 days of refrigerated storage, apple cubes treated with vanillin and geraniol (>2.00 log CFU/g) showed reductions in E. coli O157:H7 counts greater than 2.00 log in comparison with the control (4.68 log CFU/g). The preliminary results of this study demonstrated that Ch, Ch‐Va, and Ch‐Ge could be an interesting alternative to improve the safety of apple cubes and, therefore, a novel option to offer safe, ready‐to‐eat apple to consumers.
Water stress resilient cereal crops: Lessons from wild relatives
Authors: Toulotte Justine M. , Pantazopoulou Chrysoula K. , Sanclemente Maria Angelica , Voesenek Laurentius A. C. J. , Sasidharan Rashmi
Published: January 2022

Cereal crops are significant contributors to global diets. As climate change disrupts weather patterns and wreaks havoc on crops, the need for generating stress‐resilient, high‐yielding varieties is more urgent than ever. One extremely promising avenue in this regard is to exploit the tremendous genetic diversity expressed by the wild ancestors of current day crop species. These crop wild relatives thrive in a range of environments and accordingly often harbor an array of traits that allow them to do so. The identification and introgression of these traits into our staple cereal crops can lessen yield losses in stressful environments. In the last decades, a surge in extreme drought and flooding events have severely impacted cereal crop production. Climate models predict a persistence of this trend, thus reinforcing the need for research on water stress resilience. Here we review: (i) how water stress (drought and flooding) impacts crop performance; and (ii) how identification of tolerance traits and mechanisms from wild relatives of the main cereal crops, that is, rice, maize, wheat, and barley, can lead to improved survival and sustained yields in these crops under water stress conditions.
Ca2+ signaling in plant responses to abiotic stresses
Authors: Dong Qiuyan , Wallrad Lukas , Almutairi Bader O. , Kudla Jörg
Published: January 2022

Adverse variations of abiotic environmental cues that deviate from an optimal range impose stresses to plants. Abiotic stresses severely impede plant physiology and development. Consequently, such stresses dramatically reduce crop yield and negatively impact on ecosystem stability and composition. Physical components of abiotic stresses can be, for example, suboptimal temperature and osmotic perturbations, while representative chemical facets of abiotic stresses can be toxic ions or suboptimal nutrient availability. The sheer complexity of abiotic stresses causes a multitude of diverse components and mechanisms for their sensing and signal transduction. Ca2+, as a versatile second messenger, plays multifaceted roles in almost all abiotic stress responses in that, for a certain abiotic stress, Ca2+ is not only reciprocally connected with its perception, but also multifunctionally ensures subsequent signal transduction. Here, we will focus on salt/osmotic stress and responses to altered nutrient availability as model cases to detail novel insights into the identity of components that link stress perception to Ca2+ signal formation as well as on new insights into mechanisms of Ca2+ signal implementation. Finally, we will deduce emerging conceptual consequences of these novel insights and outline arising avenues of future research on the role of Ca2+ signaling in abiotic stress responses in plants.
Healthcare cost by primary tumour, functioning status and treatment among patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumours: The LyREMeNET study
Authors: Perrier Marine , Polazzi Stéphanie , Lemelin Annie , Fernandez Violaine , Labonne Stéphanie , Maucort‐Boulch Delphine , Lombard‐Bohas Catherine , Duclos Antoine , Walter Thomas
Published: January 2022

The annual prevalence of metastatic neuroendocrine tumours (mNETs) is rising, leading to significant healthcare costs. The present study aimed to describe healthcare resource use (HRU) and the corresponding costs among patients with mNETs, according to primary tumour location, functioning status and type of treatments. The LyREMeNET study included consecutive mNET patients with a diagnosis performed between January 2010 and December 2017, who were seen at least once in the ENETS center of excellence in Lyon. The median HRU and costs per patient were estimated, up to 3 years before and after the diagnosis. The Cancer database of the center was linked to the French national health data system. HRU and related costs were described per person per month (PPPM). Among 316 patients presenting with a mNET, 48.4% had a small‐intestinal mNET, 32.3% had a pancreatic mNET and 39.2% had carcinoid syndrome. The mean overall cost increased from €615 to €2875 PPPM between the years preceding and following the diagnosis, and remained above €2500 in the two subsequent years. The two main cost drivers of total healthcare expenditure were drugs (€1161) and hospital stay (€662). Median costs of mNETs arising from pancreas and small intestine were €2325 and €2540 PPPM, respectively. Costs were higher in patients with a functional mNET (€2807 PPPM for carcinoid syndrome) and during peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) (€8835 PPPM). The highest overall cost was found during the first year following the diagnosis. Cost of care was higher for small intestine mNETs, for functional mNETs and during peptide receptor radionuclide therapy.
Meta‐analysis of platelet‐rich plasma therapy for anal fistula
Authors: Luo Qinghua , Zhou Ping , Chang Shuangqing
Published: January 2022

Objective

To systematically evaluate the efficacy of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in treating anal fistula.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled studies (RCTs) and case‐control studies published before June 2021 on evaluating the efficacy of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in treating anal fistula. References of the journals were manually searched for relevant studies. Literature search, screening, data extraction, and bias assessment were carried out by two researcher independently. Stata13.0 and RevMan 5.3 software were used for statistical analysis of the cure rate and recurrence rate of anal fistula.

Results

A total of 6 case‐control studies and 3 RCTs involving 289 patients were included. Meta‐analysis showed that the pooled cure rate of all studies was 65% (95% CI 0.53–0.77), p = 0.000, and the pooled recurrence rate of all studies was 12% (95% CI 0.08–0.17).

Conclusion

Platelet‐rich plasma is safe and effective in treating anal fistula and should be promoted and further studied in clinical practice.
Vaccinium myrtillus L. extract associated with octocrylene, bisoctrizole, and titanium dioxide: in vitro and in vivo tests to evaluate safety and efficacy
Authors: Ruscinc Nadia , Morocho‐Jácome Ana Lucía , Martinez Renata Miliani , Magalhães Wagner Vidal , Escudeiro Cassiano Carlos , Giarolla Jeanine , Rosado Catarina , Velasco Maria Valéria Robles , Baby André Rolim
Published: January 2022

Objective

The harmful effects induced by ultraviolet exposition and the significant increment in skin cancer diagnosis confirm the necessity to develop effective and safe sunscreens. Limited efficacy and cutaneous adverse reactions of traditional formulations drove the incorporation of natural extracts into multifunctional sunscreens. Vaccinium myrtillus L. extract (VME), that contains anthocyanins and flavonoids, is a potential candidate for such systems.

Methods

Considering that, we performed in vitro and in vivo tests to evaluate the sun protection factor (SPF), photostability, and safety of sunscreen samples containing VME.

Results

As main results, the SPF was reduced in both in vitro and in vivo evaluation in the presence of VME; nonetheless, the samples were photostable and safe.

Conclusion

Further investigation is required to better understand the unexpected effects of VME over photoprotection, decreasing the SPF value. As a conclusion, even with interesting findings, we highlight the importance of case‐by‐case investigations to develop multifunctional bioactive sunscreens.
Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features of lymphoma involving the nervous system in cats
Authors: Durand Alexane , Keenihan Erin , Schweizer Daniela , Maiolini Arianna , Guevar Julien , Oevermann Anna , Gutierrez‐Quintana Rodrigo
Published: January 2022

Background

Lymphoma is the most common spinal cord neoplasm and second most common intracranial tumor in cats, but description of specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features is lacking.

Objective

Describe the clinical and MRI features of lymphoma affecting the central (CNS) or peripheral (PNS) nervous system or both in cats.

Animals

Thirty‐one cats with confirmed cytological or histopathological diagnosis or both of lymphoma involving the CNS or PNS or both, and MRI findings of the lesions.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective descriptive study. Signalment and medical information were recorded. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were reviewed by 3 observers following a list of predefined criteria and consensus was sought. Frequency distributions of the different categorical data were reported.

Results

Median duration of clinical signs at time of presentation was 14 days (range, 1‐90). Neurological examination was abnormal in 30/31 cats. On MRI, lesions affecting the CNS were diagnosed in 18/31 cats, lesions in both CNS and PNS in 12/31, and lesions in the PNS only in 1/31. Intracranial lesions were diagnosed in 22 cats (extra‐axial, 7/22; intra‐axial, 2/22; mixed, 13/22), and spinal lesions were diagnosed in 12 (6/12 involving the conus medullaris and lumbosacral plexuses). Infiltration of adjacent extra‐neural tissue was present in 11/31 cases. Contrast enhancement was seen in all lesions, being marked in 25/30. Meningeal enhancement was present in all but 2 cases. Several distinct MRI patterns were observed.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Nervous system lymphoma in cats has a wide range of MRI features, of which none is pathognomonic. However, together with clinical data and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, MRI may provide a strong tentative antemortem diagnosis.
Effect of early or late blood sampling on thyrotropin releasing hormone stimulation test results in horses
Authors: Thane Kristen , Uricchio Cassandra , Frank Nicholas
Published: January 2022

Background

Diagnosis of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) using the thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test requires blood collection 10 minutes after TRH injection; it is unknown if small differences in timing affect test results.

Objective

To determine whether early or late sampling results in a significant (≥10%) difference in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentration compared to standard 10‐minute sampling.

Animals

Twenty‐four healthy adult horses with unknown PPID status.

Methods

In this prospective study, subjects underwent a single TRH stimulation test, with blood collected exactly 9 minutes (early), 10 minutes (standard), and 11 minutes (late) after injection. ACTH was measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Two aliquots of the 10‐minute plasma sample were analyzed separately to assess intra‐assay variability. Data were reported descriptively and bias was calculated using Bland‐Altman plots. Significance was set at P = .05.

Results

Minor variability was observed between the paired 10‐minute sample aliquots (range, 0%‐6%; median 3%). Overall variability of early or late samples compared to the corresponding paired (average) 10‐minute standard concentration ranged from 0% to 92% (median 10%). Seventy‐five percent of horses (18/24) tested had at least 1 early or late reading that differed by ≥10% from its corresponding 10‐minute standard concentration, and 21% of horses (5/24) would have a different interpretation of testing result with either early or late sampling. Incidence of ≥10% variability was independent of PPID status (P = .59).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Precise timing of sample collection is critical to ensure accurate assessment of PPID status given the observation of significant variability associated with minor alterations in timing of sample collection.
A reappraisal of Katona’s adaptive theory of consumer behaviour using U.K. data
Authors: Gausden Robert , Hasan Mohammad
Published: January 2022

The objective of this paper is to conduct a reappraisal of Katona's (1968) adaptive theory of consumer behaviour, which maintains that discretionary consumption is partly determined by attitudes and expectations of households. Initially, using UK data, we follow Katona by empirically examining whether changes in personal expenditure on durable goods are connected to earlier movements in consumer confidence. Evidence of a lack of a stable relationship between these two variables encourages us to perform a disaggregated analysis involving 111 components of four different forms of consumption, which enables construction of an aggregate measure of discretionary spending. We find that sufficient criteria are satisfied for the sentiment index to be accepted as a reliable predictor of the growth of gratuitous expenditure. In conclusion, then, it would seem that the validity of Katona's theory can be revived if we are prepared to discard the assumption that durable goods’ consumption is synonymous with discretionary spending.
Immigration, language and disadvantage
Authors: Shorten Andrew
Published: January 2022

Many democratic states provide supports for immigrants who are not fluent speakers of the majority or official language(s). For example, they provide interpreters in courts and hospitals, print administrative forms in multiple languages and employ bilingual staff to provide public services. This paper considers the justification of these policies from the perspective of normative political theory, makes some recommendations about what they ought to consist in and identifies some of their limitations. It argues that instead of appealing to rights, the best justification for these measures has to do with empowering immigrants and enhancing their capabilities. However, although some disadvantages experienced by immigrants for linguistic reasons can be reduced or even eliminated by public policy measures, some important ones cannot. Novel grounds are thus proposed in support of immigrant‐receiving societies having a duty to provide meaningful opportunities to learn the majority or official language(s).
Majority nation‐building through language requirements: Minority perspectives from EU27
Authors: Carlsson Nina
Published: January 2022

This study contributes with minority‐centred perspectives to the policy trend of imposing majority language requirements on immigrants. With the aim to identify and explore (dis)connections and value conflicts between policies of national minority recognition and immigrant integration, it develops and applies four ideal types of minority‐linguistic integration regimes to a mapping of integration and minority language policies in 27 European Union (EU) member states. Most states with recognized minorities are found to exclude national minorities from integration policies. The finding is connected to a discussion that identifies normative tensions between the promotion of national minority languages, the linguistic barriers faced by non‐citizen migrants and the asymmetries in how identity and instrumental values are assigned to minority, migrant and majority languages. The study challenges the imposition of language requirements on immigrants and calls for contextually sensitive ways to jointly consider the position of national minorities, majorities, and immigrants in language policies.
A soft systems methodology and interpretive structural modeling framework for Green infrastructure development to control runoff in Tehran metropolis
Authors: Saeedi Iman , Mikaeili Tabrizi Ali Reza , Bahremand Abdolreza , Salmanmahiny Abdolrassoul
Published: January 2022

Green Infrastructure Development (GID) is a well‐known method for dealing with runoff control and mitigating the urbanization effects on hydrological cycles. Other than hydrological factors, GID is obviously intertwined with many socioeconomic, environmental, and aesthetic considerations, constraints, and drivers. Human perceptions are valuable resources to distinguish these considerations and can be derived from unstructured information using a systematic method. The purpose of this article is to exhibit how the perceptions of stakeholders were derived in Tehran for a conceptual model of green infrastructure development. For this, we applied a combination of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM). The results revealed the main stakeholders, their relationships and responsibility, main obstacles for GID, and the conceptual system of activities for GIs development in Tehran. Based on the results, actions for improving the current situation were proposed and categorized in 10 main components including: further research, regulation, financial support, negotiation with stakeholders, evaluation and monitoring, enhancing stakeholders' interactions, providing comprehensive database, acculturalization, managerial reform, and training of stakeholders. ISM was performed to obtain a visible, ordered, and well‐defined model of the relationships among the main components. The results revealed that the item “further research” plays the main role in actualizing three components “regulation,” “financial support,” and “negotiation with stakeholders” in the process of GID in Tehran while the realization of the rest of the components depends on the former three components.
Ontogenetic trajectories of septal spacing and conch shape in the Late Cretaceous gaudryceratid ammonoids: implications for their post‐embryonic palaeoecology
Authors: Kawakami Yoshitaka , Uchiyama Naomi , Wani Ryoji
Published: January 2022

In this study, we analysed the ontogenetic trajectories of septal spacing between succeeding chambers of the gaudryceratid ammonoid, Gaudryceras tenuiliratum, which were collected in the Tomamae and Mikasa areas of Hokkaido, Japan. The ontogenetic trajectories of septal spacing in G. tenuiliratum demonstrate a general trend: two cycles of increasing to decreasing septal spacing until about the 30th septum, gradually decreasing septal spacing until about the 70th septum, and then gradually increasing septal spacing at least until about the 110th septum. The ontogenetic trajectories of the whorl expansion rate (WER) in our specimens also demonstrated that a decreasing trend changed into an increasing trend at a conch diameter of c. 5–7 mm. This conch diameter corresponds to the end of the second cycle of increasing to decreasing septal spacing occurring before about the 30th septum, at which point G. tenuiliratum possibly transitioned from planktic to nektobenthic habits. No significant differences were detected in the ontogenetic trajectories of septal spacing and conch shape between the two areas, which implies that the ontogenetic trajectory patterns of septal spacing in the Late Cretaceous ammonoids were taxonomy‐dependent rather than environment‐dependent, although this should be further examined with G. tenuiliratum collected from areas outside of Hokkaido.
Novel CD63‐PRKCB fusion in a case of pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma
Authors: Scollan Margaret E. , Yamashiro Darrell J. , Niedt George W. , Garzon Maria C.
Published: January 2022

Pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma (PEM) is an intermediate‐grade melanocytic tumor with considerable histologic overlap with other melanocytic neoplasms such as epithelioid blue nevus (EBN), which is associated with the neoplastic syndrome Carney complex (CC). Next‐generation sequencing is a valuable tool for identifying the primary drivers of melanocytic neoplasms and differentiating them from one another. While germline variants in the protein kinase cAMP‐dependent regulatory type 1 alpha (PRKAR1A) gene have been associated with EBN and CC, fusions in protein kinase C‐alpha (PRKCA) have been shown as sporadic drivers of PEM. Herein, we report the diagnosis and workup of a case of pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma with a novel protein kinase C‐beta (PRKCB) fusion.
OsCyp2‐P, an auxin‐responsive cyclophilin, regulates Ca2+ calmodulin interaction for an ion‐mediated stress response in rice
Authors: Roy Suchismita , Mishra Manjari , Kaur Gundeep , Singh Supreet , Rawat Nishtha , Singh Prabhjeet , Singla‐Pareek Sneh L. , Pareek Ashwani
Published: January 2022

OsCYP2‐P is an active cyclophilin (having peptidyl‐prolyl cis/trans‐isomerase activity, PPIase) isolated from the wild rice Pokkali having a natural capacity to grow and yield seeds in coastal saline regions of India. Transcript abundance analysis in rice seedlings showed the gene is inducible by multiple stresses, including salinity, drought, high temperature, and heavy metals. To dissect the role of OsCYP2‐P gene in stress response, we raised overexpression (OE) and knockdown (KD) transgenic rice plants with >2–3 folds higher and approximately 2‐fold lower PPIase activity, respectively. Plants overexpressing this gene had more favorable physiological and biochemical parameters (K+/Na+ ratio, electrolytic leakage, membrane damage, antioxidant enzymes) than wild type, and the reverse was observed in plants that were knocked down for this gene. We propose that OsCYP2‐P contributes to stress tolerance via maintenance of ion homeostasis and thus prevents toxic cellular ion buildup and membrane damage. OE plants were found to have a higher harvest index and higher number of filled grains under salinity and drought stress than wild type. OsCYP2‐P interacts with calmodulin, indicating it functions via the Ca‐CaM pathway. Compared to the WT, the germinating OE seeds exhibited a substantially higher auxin level, and this hormone was below the detection limits in the WT and KD lines. These observations strongly indicate that OsCyp2‐P affects the signaling and transport of auxin in rice.
On some limitations of probabilistic models for dimension‐reduction: Illustration in the case of probabilistic formulations of partial least squares
Authors: Etiévant Lola , Viallon Vivian
Published: January 2022

Partial least squares (PLS) refer to a class of dimension‐reduction techniques aiming at the identification of two sets of components with maximal covariance, to model the relationship between two sets of observed variables and , with . Probabilistic formulations have recently been proposed for several versions of the PLS. Focusing first on the probabilistic formulation of the PLS‐SVD proposed by el Bouhaddani et al., we establish that the constraints on their model parameters are too restrictive and define particular distributions for , under which components with maximal covariance (solutions of PLS‐SVD) are also necessarily of respective maximal variances (solutions of principal components analyses of x and y, respectively). We propose an alternative probabilistic formulation of PLS‐SVD, no longer restricted to these particular distributions. We then present numerical illustrations of the limitation of the original model of el Bouhaddani et al. We also briefly discuss similar limitations in another latent variable model for dimension‐reduction.
Stress Monitoring in a Real-Size Reinforced Concrete Column Using Torsional Resonance
Authors: Spalvier Agustin , Laco Santiago , Cabrera Gonzalo , Cetrangolo Gonzalo
Published: January 2022

Nondestructive detection and monitoring of stress in concrete structural members is highly coveted. Yet, there are still no efficient techniques capable of achieving that goal. The leading approach towards this goal has been based on acoustoelasticity, the relationship between mechanical properties, such as mechanical wave speed, and the stress state of the solid medium. In concrete materials, acoustoelasticity has been increasingly studied, mainly using wave propagation phenomena, and usually in small samples of plain concrete — without steel reinforcement — axially loaded. A less studied approach involves the use of resonance phenomena, which offers other benefits. In this study, we tested a real-size reinforced concrete column of cross section 20 cm × 20 cm and 2 m long, by applying three cycles of controlled compressive axial load, varying from 0 to 4 MPa, and measuring axial strains and torsional frequencies of vibration. Repeatable results show that the frequencies of vibration and applied compression are positively correlated. indicating a dominant elastic behavior. This study is an important step forward on the path to understanding and implementing a nondestructive technique for stress monitoring of real concrete structures.
One Dimensional Nonlinear Wave Propagation in a Rate Independent Pinched Hysteretic Material
Authors: Ghodake Pravinkumar
Published: January 2022

Theoretical and numerical studies on wave propagation in symmetric hysteretic material models such as Preisach–Mayergoyz (P-M), Hodgdon, Power Law, and Bouc-Wen, etc. by researchers like McCall, Guyer, Van Den Abeele, Johnson, Meurer, Nazarov, Radostin, Zhan, Ghodake, and others (1994–2021) demonstrated generation of only odd harmonics. In this study, nonlinear wave propagation in a 1D symmetric pinched rate-independent hysteretic material is discussed. A 1D space is discretized as a long chain of spring-mass elements by adding hysteretic elements in parallel. Hysteretic elements are modeled as a rate-independent pinched hysteresis model proposed by Biswas (2016), which is an improvement to Reid’s and Muravskii’s models. The system of equations is solved numerically. Results show that propagation of a single frequency wave generates only odd harmonics. Very nice evolving symmetric pinched hysteretic loops are observed for a Gaussian input pulse. Due to one-way two-wave mixing, sum and difference frequencies are observed along with the odd harmonics of the input frequencies. In mixing also symmetric pinched hysteretic curves are observed corresponding to input frequencies and their higher harmonics. Instead of minor loops as seen in Bouc-Wen, Two-States (Ghodake 2020), and Asymmetric Bouc-Wen (Ghodake 2021) models, small symmetric pinched loops are observed due to mixing.
Modelling Anisotropy Influence on Guided Wave Scattering at Composite Delaminations
Authors: Hervin Flora , Fromme Paul
Published: January 2022

Carbon fibre reinforced composite laminates are widely used in aerospace structures but are prone to barely visible impact damage (BVID). Depending on impact severity, delaminations can form below the surface of the laminate, reducing the load bearing capacity. Efficient structural health monitoring (SHM) of composite panels can be achieved using guided waves propagating along the structure. Propagation and scattering of the A0 Lamb wave mode in a quasi-isotropic composite laminate was modelled using full three-dimensional (3D) Finite Element (FE) simulations. Individual ply layers were modelled using homogeneous unidirectional composite material properties to accurately capture the anisotropy effects. FE predictions for scattering and energy trapping at delaminations were compared to experimental measurements.

Noncontact, full-wavefield guided wave measurements were obtained using a laser vibrometer. Good agreement was found between experiments and FE predictions. The effect of delamination shape and depth was investigated through a numerical parameter study. The angular dependency of the amplitude of the scattered wave was calculated. The influence of ply layer anisotropy on wave propagation in an undamaged laminate was investigated numerically. The sensitivity of guided waves for the detection of delaminations due to barely visible impact damage (BVID) in composite panels has been verified.
Remote, Volumetric Ultrasonic Imaging of Defects Using Two-Dimensional Laser Induced Phased Arrays
Authors: Lukacs Peter , Davis Geo , Stratoudaki Theodosia , Javadi Yashar , Pierce Gareth , Gachagan Anthony
Published: January 2022

Manufacturing processes, such as welding and additive manufacturing, take place at high temperatures and extreme environments that offer significant challenges to conventional non-destructive testing methods. Laser Induced Phased Arrays (LIPAs) have evolved as a promising testing method for the aforesaid applications due to its remote and couplant free operation. Contrary to transducer-based phased arrays, LIPAs are synthesized in post-processing by scanning the generation and detection lasers. The data from one-dimensional (1D) phased arrays are used to produce two-dimensional (2D), cross-sectional images, whereas the data from two-dimensional phased arrays generate three-dimensional (3D) images, thus providing more information on defect characterization. In this work, two-dimensional (2D) LIPAs are synthesized in the non-destructive thermoelastic regime using lasers for ultrasonic generation and detection, in order to image defects at different depths inside an aluminum sample. The acquired data is processed using the Total Focusing Method (TFM) algorithm to obtain volumetric images representing the interior of the sample. A 3D finite element (FE) model is also developed to support the experiments.
Elastic Properties of IN718 Fabricated via Laser Directed Energy Deposition (DED)
Authors: Rahman M. M. , Huanes-Alvan G. , Sahasrabudhe H. , Chakrapani S. K.
Published: January 2022

Additive manufacturing of nickel based super alloys such as IN718 is highly desirable since they have a wide range of applications in high performance structures. Compared to conventional methods, laser processing allows for near net shaping of complex geometries. However, laser processing can result in very complex microstructures including meta-stable phases, grain boundary segregation of precipitates, dendritic grains and cellular microstructure. Describing elastic properties of such structures can be quite challenging due to these features. This article explores the use of resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) to characterize the elastic properties of IN718 samples fabricated using Laser Directed Energy Deposition (DED). For initial estimates of the elastic constants, ultrasonic wave (longitudinal and shear) velocities measured at 5MHz and 2.25 MHz respectively. The initial assumption was that the eventual structure will be orthotropic and the 9 elastic constants were determined using a combination of RUS and propagating wave experiments. A finite element approach was adopted to model this system and to minimize the values of elastic constants. The results seem to suggest that the secondary phases such as Laves will influence the eventual anisotropy of the bulk structure.
Application of Artificial Intelligence for Automated Detection of Defects in Nuclear Energy Domain
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Eleftherios , Kernin Yann
Published: January 2022

Ensuring the integrity of the primary circuit in nuclear power plants is crucial considering the extreme pressures and temperatures while operating Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR). Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) on such harsh environments is a challenging and complex scenario. Automated assistance on acquisition and analysis systems can importantly contribute as supplementary safety barrier by providing real-time alarms for potential existence of defects.

In this paper we present the application of Artificial Intelligence in Visual Testing (VT) of Bottom Mounted Nozzles (BMN) of the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV). The method that we apply is based on Object Detection using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) combined with the Transfer Learning technique in order to limit the necessary training time of the model and the use of Data Augmentation methods for reducing the size of the learning data set. The proposed CNN demonstrates great performances for automatic surface defect detection (cracks) in highly noisy environments with variating illumination conditions. These performances combined with accurate localization and characterization of the defects confirms the interest of advanced CNNs against traditional imaging processing methods for NDT applications. In this study, the results of a comparative blind-test between Human VT analysts are also presented.
In Situ Measurement of Poisson’s Ratio of Steel Plates During Thermal Processes Using Resonant Modes
Authors: Grünsteidl Clemens , Kerschbaummayr Christian , Scherleitner Edgar , Reitinger Bernhard , Watzl Georg , Mitter Thomas , Angeli Gerhard
Published: January 2022

We demonstrate the determination of the Poisson’s ratio of steel plates during thermal processing based on contact free laser ultrasound measurements. Our method utilizes resonant elastic waves sustained by the plate, provides high amplitudes, and requires only a moderate detection bandwidth. For the analysis, the thickness of the samples does not need to be known. The trend of the measured Poisson’s ratio reveals a phase transformation in dual-phase steel samples. While previous approaches based on the measurement of the longitudinal sound velocity cannot distinguish between the ferritic and austenitic phase above 770°C, the shown method can. If the thickness of the samples is known, the method also provides both sound velocities of the material. The gained complementary information could be used to analyze phase composition of steel from low temperatures up to its melting point.
On the Assessment of Masonry Structures
Authors: Diaferio Mariella , Venerito Marilena , Vitti Michele
Published: January 2022

The conservation of existing masonry buildings has reached a greater attention especially in the Southern Europe, where such structures are widespread, and need a periodic check also because they are the testimony of the history and the architectural progress of these areas. However, the assessment of the earthquake performance level of these structures is rather difficult for many reasons: the lack of information, the high variability of adopted materials and construction techniques, the existence of several interventions occurred during their service life, etc. These circumstances make difficult to define an accurate numerical model of these structures, by which assess their safety level and design possible strengthening and retrofitting. The present research deals with these issues by discussing the non-destructive tests performed on a masonry building in Bari, which in the 1977 was converted in a church and dedicated to San Marco. The San Marco church is an isolated building, whose plan dimensions are 16 m × 23 m, and with a maximum height equal to 10.50m. The church stands in a seismic prone zone and is characterized at the ground level by barrel vaults in some parts and by wooden roofs in the remaining parts, and by a gable roof realized by wood. The experimental investigations are utilized to validate a numerical model of the structure.