bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Heat and Power Applications of High Temperature Fuel Cells
Authors: Pais Mr. Chris , Leo Mr. Anthony
Published: April 2022

The importance of distributed generation (DG) devices in theenergy solution mix is well recognized. Recent advances in high tem-perature fuel cell technology have resulted in their acceptance as reliablesources of power in the DG marketplace. High temperature fuel cellshave electrical efficiencies that exceed conventional power generationtechnologies in the same size range. The emissions signature of a fuelcell is favorable when compared to other DG technologies. In additionto the high electrical efficiency and low generation of criteria pollutants,the high temperature exhaust gases from these fuel cells can be used todrive a variety of combined heat and power (CHP) devices that maynot be accessible to other DG technologies.The unique electrical power and thermal output characteristics ofhigh temperature fuel cells make them ideal candidates across manyapplications. The high exhaust temperature provides the end-user withthe flexibility of generating steam, hot water or driving an indirect-firedabsorption chiller. This article will describe CHP characteristics of hightemperature fuel cells and some of the applications where they haveunique benefits: wastewater treatment plants, hospitals and data centers.
Thermodynamic and Economic Analysis for Simple Cogeneration Systems
Authors: Lozano Miguel A. , Ramos José
Published: April 2022

Many countries in Europe promote cogeneration as a way to meetenergy needs in residential and commercial buildings. They do this tosave primary energy and reduce CO2 emissions. This article presents anenergy and economic analysis approach for cogeneration plants hostedby such buildings. The plants use gas-fired internal combustion enginesas prime movers. Technical criteria to characterize annual operation forcogeneration systems with seasonally and daily variable heat demandare defined. The focus is on determining the total engine size or outputby considering different operational strategies. The methodology is il-lustrated by applying it to a cogeneration plant that meets domestichot water and heating demand in a residential complex in Spain. Theresulting graphical analysis allows one to compare various operationalstrategies.
Modeling a Grid Connected Photovoltaic System with Perturb and Observe based Maximum Power Point Tracking
Authors: Yaragatti Udaykumar R. , Naik Anant
Published: April 2022

This article deals with the integration study of distributed generation(DG) in the form of a photovoltaic (PV) plant in a three-phase system.Here the active power generated by the photovoltaic (PV) plant is injectedinto the grid system through a current controlled dual inverter topology.The main contribution in this article is the dual inverter topology. In thistopology, a three level inverter output is obtained which reduces the PVinjected current harmonic distortion into the grid. The control algorithmused in this article is simple and easy to implement. The PV system isoperated through a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) stage. Perturb& Observe (P&O) is the modeling approach of MPPT system operation.The system is simulated and analyzed for a different set of loads withrenewable source at different atmospheric conditions using MATLAB/Simulink tool. The grid current becomes sinusoidal with three levelsinverter and compared to existing three levels methods the dual invertermethod is simple and easy to implement.
Islamic Azad University (IAU), Tehran, Iran
Authors: Delfanti Maurizio
Published: April 2022

We report the integration of a novel voltage regulation strategy in theinverter control algorithm for Dispersed Generation (DG) applications.The adoption of a decentralized voltage control based on local curves al -lows the voltage profile to be controlled at the Point of Common Coupling(PCC) of the generators and, therefore, the capacity of existing distributionnetworks to host more generation from renewables. The work is focusedon a low voltage distribution network and both the reactive power modu-lation and the real power curtailment are considered in the proposed lo-cal strategy. Both numerical and experimental analysis are necessary inorder to test and validate the proposed voltage control strategy. Firstly,the performances of the proposed control are tested by a numeral analysisand the impact on both the electrical system and the inverter apparatusis evaluated. Secondly, the benefit of the control strategy is analysed byexperimental analysis in a test facility to verify the feasibility of voltageregulation in a real feeder.
Performance Analysis of Solar Water Heater at Possible Flow Rates with and Without Phase Change Material
Authors: Manimaran Dr. R. , Senthilkumar Mr. R.
Published: April 2022

To store excess solar energy from the sun, in this project we pro-vide phase change materials (PCM) at the bottom of the absorber plate.Experiments were conducted in the cascaded solar water heater withand without phase change materials at different flow rates. During thesun-shine hours, the phase change material (PCM) absorbs latent heatof solar energy and stores the same energy up to its melting point. Simi-larly during off-sunshine hours, the phase change material releases theenergy, which is used to heat the water. The set up can result a higherefficiency of the solar collector system. In this work, the paraffin waxhas been selected as a phase change material due to its low cost, easilyavailability and considerable thermo-physical properties. The PCM unitstores the heat during the sun-shine hours and supplies hot water dur -ing the night and overcast periods. An attempt was made to producehot water even after sun-shine hours every day. The performance of thisPCM based thermal energy storage system is compared with conven -tional latent heat storage system and the conclusions drawn from themare presented. The conventional solar water heater gives better efficiencyduring day time because of the energy absorbed by phase change mate-rial. Thus a solar water heater integrated with phase change materialunit gives little better efficiency during off sun-shine hours due to thepresence of thermal energy storage system.
The First and Second Law Analyses of Thermodynamics of Potato Slices Drying Process
Authors: Shukla S.K. , Srivastava A.K , Singh U.K.
Published: April 2022

The objective of the work being presented is to investigate thethermal performance of indirect, multi-tray solar drying system. Ex -pressions for exergy in, exergy out and exergy loss for flat plate solarcollector, drying chamber and trays kept in drying chamber were writ -ten under steady state conditions. Experiments were performed for 6to 8 hours on two days namely 14/03/2014 and 24/03/2014 and theobservations taken on 24/03/14 has been analyzed using Energetic andExegetic approach. The value of first law efficiency for flat plate solarcollector and solar dryer varied between 10% to 30.49% and 4.009% to9.45% respectively. Second law efficiency of solar collector and solardryer have been found varying from 0.7126% to 1.829%.and 49.85% to67.75% respectively. The Exergetic efficiency for tray 1, tray 2 and tray3 has been computed and these values varied from 90.43% to 93.412%,72.684% to 92.352% and 78.179% to 94.61% for each trays respectively.Considering heavy energy and exergy losses from flat plate solar collec -tor and drying chamber, the results of first Law and second Law efficien -cies are in fair agreement with each other.
Energetic and Exergetic Analyses of Biomass Derived Syngas for Triple Cycle Power Generation
Authors: Ahmad Faizan , Khaliq Abdul , Idrees Mohammad
Published: April 2022

To rise the thermal efficiency of power generation systems andto meet stricter environmental regulations, improved system inte -gration based on renewable energy is a viable option. In this context,a syngas fuelled Brayton/Rankine combined power cycle integratedwith the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is proposed and analysedfrom both energetic and exergetic point of views. A thermo-chemicalmodel was developed to predict the composition of syngas producedafter biomass gasification, and also, a thermodynamic model wasdeveloped, to determine the energetic and exergetic performance ofthe proposed triple cycle power generation system. We show thatboth first-law and second-law efficiencies of triple power cycle de -creases with the increase in pressure ratio and increases with highergas turbine inlet temperature. It is further shown that first-law andsecond-law efficiencies of solid-waste-derived syngas fuelled triplepower cycle are considerably higher than the rice husk derived syn -gas fuelled cycle. The worst performing components from irrevers-ibility point of view in the proposed triple cycle are the combustor,Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG), and gasifier, respectively.Our results show that integration of ORC with the Biomass-FuelledIntegrated Gasification Combined Cycle (BIGCC) is very effective inimproving the thermal performance of the power plant and in reduc-ing external waste emissions.
Optimal Location and Sizing of Distributed Generation Unit Using Human Opinion Dynamics Optimization Technique
Authors: Mahajan Shreya , Vadhera Dr. Shelly
Published: April 2022

The demand of electricity is soaring rapidly. Distributed genera-tion (DG) is one of the most suitable alternatives to fulfill this swellingdemand of energy. DG is a small scale generation which is directly in-stalled in the distribution network or at load centre. Optimal allocationof DG is a vital factor in improving the voltage profile of the system andin reduction of total power losses. In this article, a detailed study of threedifferent methods for DG allocation and sizing has been discussed. Thefirst method is based on Newton Raphson load flow based technique todeduce the optimal location of DG in two different IEEE bus systems inMATLAB software. The next methodology is based on particle swarmoptimization (PSO) technique where a multi-objective function is beingminimized. The objective function has been modified and PSO has beenimplemented to attain optimal size and location of DG unit. The thirdmethod considered is based on human opinion dynamics evolution-ary multi-objective optimization technique which is used to obtain thebest possible size and location of DG unit in IEEE 14 and IEEE 30 bussystems. The human opinion dynamics method shows superiority inminimizing the size and location muti-objective function, over the othermethods considered herein.
Modeling Renewables Based Hybrid Power System with Desalination Plant Load Using Neural Networks
Authors: R Nagaraj , Murthy D. Thirugnana , Rajput Manik Murthy
Published: April 2022

Hybrid power system is seen as a viable alternative to the conven -tional systems. Estimating the potential of these hybrid power systemsfor a selected site is a major input required for making informed deci -sions. Often, estimation of the kWhr production is a very elaborate andtedious exercise due to lack of a reliable model for the same. This articleproposed an Artificial Neural Network based model that can be used toeasily estimate the total kWhr/year for a given combination of Solar PV,Wind generator and Battery. The variable load considered for the modelis a desalination plant load. The data is modelled using Neural Networkand validated. The proposed Neural Network model offers a reliableestimation on the total annual power generation for a given combinationof Solar PV, Wind generator and battery capacity,
Coordinate Control of Grid Power, Battery SoC and LVRT Protection in Single VSC Tied DFIG
Authors: Kalyan Ravulakari , Murali Venkatakirthiga , Pitchaimuthu Raja
Published: April 2022

This paper proposes a coordinate control scheme for the single VSC tieddoubly-fed induction generator (DFIG). In this control scheme, both the gridpower and battery SoC (State of Charge) are maintained to provide an un-interrupted power supply. During the continuous operation of DFIG in thesub synchronous region, there is scope for complete battery discharge. Henceto overcome this drawback, the coordinated control scheme maintains thebattery SoC level within the limits. If the SoC falls below the specified lowerlimit, then the proposed scheme curtails the grid power. Instead of dischargingthe battery, the control shifts the battery to charging mode until the safelimit of SoC is attained. During the continuous operation of DFIG in thesuper synchronous region, if the SoC reaches its upper limit, the proposedscheme discharges the extra power to the dump load. Further, this controlscheme also introduces the low voltage ride through (LVRT) aspect accordingto IEGC (Indian electricity grid code) of 15% of nominal voltage and also an enhanced rotor position computation is implemented for the effectiveestimation of rotor position for single VSC tied DFIG. This control makesthe topology more robust and improves the reliability of the system. Theproposed scheme is validated for a test system of 3.7 kW Wound RotorInduction Machine based DG unit and investigations are done in MATLABsimulation.
Demystifying Blockchain in 5G and Beyond Technologies
Authors: Kaushik Keshav
Published: April 2022

5G and beyond systems are being built to be prospective by responding to the different needs of a diverse range of applications, which represents a significant departure from this approach. Owing to its openness, encryption techniques, verifiability, integrity, and decentralized design, blockchain has evolved as an important approach. 5G and Blockchain might transform emerging technology. 5G offers consumers high speeds and QoS, while blockchain ensures peer-to-peer trust and privacy. Blockchain is a revolutionary technology having wide range of applications in various domains like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Cybersecurity, Wireless networks, 5G and beyond networks, etc. In this paper, the role of Blockchain technology in 5G and beyond networks is discussed. This paper also highlights the various challenges that acts as a hindrance while implementing the Blockchain in 5G and beyond networks. Moreover, the paper also discusses the future aspect of Blockchain in 5G networks.
Improved Next-Generation Radio Access Networks Using a Centralized Opto-Electronic Oscillator
Authors: Ilgaz Mehmet Alp , Baliž Kristjan Vuk , Batagelj Boštjan
Published: April 2022

Next-generation 5G and 6G radio access networks (RANs) require millimetre-wave (mm-W) oscillators to generate extremely low phase-noise signals for the frequency up-conversion and down-conversion in radio units (RUs). The opto-electronic oscillator (OEO) is an outstanding candidate for generating a high-purity mm-W signal in a centralized radio access network (C-RAN) where the distributed base-stations are dislocated from the digital units (DUs) and there are only RUs on the remote side. In this paper we propose placing an OEO in the central-office, while distributing its signal from there to multiple RU base-stations through the mobile front-haul network using a radio-over-fibre (RoF) transmission approach. This new approach was used in experiments that proved the smaller degradation of the phase noise compared to a degradation of 6 dB for the well-known frequency-doubling electrical oscillator in the RU. In addition, we present the signal-strength degradation due to fibre dispersion in mm-W signal distribution, as well as the challenges in long-term stability and multimode operation. We propose solutions to overcome these drawbacks and make our new approach useful for a centralized carrier signal distribution in next-generation RANs.
Las Habilidades de Autocontrol y Autorregulación en la Edad Preescolar
Authors: Restrepo Escobar Sandra Milena , Quintero Gil Jessica , Álvarez Pèrez Paola Andrea
Published: April 2022

La etapa del preescolar es uno de los momentos más importantes en la vida del ser humano; es allí donde los niños presentan avances significativos en todas las dimensiones, pero en especial desarrollan la parte socio emocional en el momento en que interactúan con el otro, la empatía y el amor propio. También se enmarcan las habilidades de autocontrol y autorregulación, las cuales tienen gran significado en esta etapa ya que se enfocan en que los niños sean capaces de regular lo que piensan y sienten, distinguiendo a partir de ello, el modo como responden ante cualquier situación que se les presente en la vida. Por medio de este artículo se propone desarrollar una mirada general sobre las habilidades de autocontrol y autorregulación en la etapa del preescolar, se realizó una revisión narrativa, donde se tuvo a consideración literatura científica que permitiera conocer sobre estudios donde se hubiera evaluado la autorregulación y el autocontrol en niños.  Según los hallazgos de la revisión literaria se presentan los resultados teniendo en cuenta las siguientes categorías: conceptualización de las habilidades de autocontrol y autorregulación, autorregulación en la infancia y estilos parentales y autorregulación y el juego.  Por medio de este recorrido teórico y partiendo de la indagación motivante respecto al reconocimiento de las habilidades de autocontrol y autorregulación en la edad preescolar, se logra desprender la importancia de reconocer y concebir la diferenciación entre los conceptos de autorregulación y el autocontrol, en tanto, que desde su singularidad, logran establecer importantes herramientas desde los primeros años de vida para alcanzar cognitivamente  un   dominio    en   la   obtención   de   metas   y la adaptación al medio, aspectos que contribuyen en el aprendizaje.
La importancia del córtex parietal superior en la aparición del arte y el desarrollo cognitivo
Authors: Casado Rodríguez Aroa , Sánchez Cayuela Nuria
Published: April 2022

El principal objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar la relación del córtex parietal superior (CPS) con la aparición del arte, para explorar el potencial del arte como herramienta educativa y terapéutica en la infancia. Para ello se he llevado a cabo una revisión sistemática en diversas bases de datos como Pubmed, TripDataBase, Science Direct i Google Scholar. La estrategia de búsqueda se basó en explorar las siguientes palabras claves: Arte, Brain, Evolution, Superior Parietal Cortex, Symbolism, Cognition. Mediante la estrategia de exploración bibliográfica fueron hallados en total 420 estudios, de los cuales una vez aplicados los criterios de inclusión y exclusión sólo se incluyeron 20 en el presente artículo. En esta selección, se observó que las categorías tratadas más exploradas a la hora de abordar la relación entre arte y cerebro fueron: el tamaño cerebral y la encefalización (27,27%), los efectos de la cocina y la dieta (22,73%), el córtex parietal superior (22,73%) y la cognición simbólica (18,18%). Tras la revisión exhaustiva de la literatura científica cabe destacar que la variedad de investigaciones en materia de neurociencia, evolución anatómica y desarrollo cognitivo no son suficientes para establecer una relación directa entre el incremento del córtex parietal superior y el origen del arte. Aun así, la aparición del arte durante el proceso de encefalización de la especie humana nos lleva a preguntarnos si es posible que el arte pueda ser un potenciador del desarrollo cognitivo y no sólo una consecuencia de la encefalización humana. De ser así, una mayor inclusión del arte en las aulas y de la terapia artística en los Centros de Desarrollo Infantil y Atención Precoz (CDIAP) podría guardar relación con la configuración cognitiva futura.
Alfabetización emergente: sentar las bases para aprender a leer
Authors: Coch Donna , Lluch Molins Laia
Published: April 2022

Los fundamentos neuronales y conductuales para aprender a leer se establecen mucho antes del inicio de la escolarización formal.En los lenguajes alfabéticos, la alfabetización emergente (las habilidades, el conocimiento y las actitudes que son precursores del desarrollo para aprender a leer) involucra muchos componentes, que incluyen:-Lenguaje oral. Las redes neuronales para el procesamiento del lenguaje comienzan a desarrollarse prenatalmente. -Conciencia fonológica (sensibilidad a la estructura sonora del lenguaje hablado). Los bebés tienen increíbles habilidades de discriminación del sonido del habla que los adultos no tienen. -Impresión de conciencia. La exposición temprana a la impresión ambiental es importante -Conocimiento de letras. Los sistemas de procesamiento visual neuronal deben modificarse a medida que los niños aprenden letras. -Lectura interactiva de libros. Una importante experiencia previa a la lectura por derecho propio que involucra muchos otros componentes de la alfabetización emergente. El cuidado y la educación de la primera infancia es una preocupación clave para las partes interesadas en la educación en términos de alfabetización emergente.
Experimental demonstration of a transmitter with a 50° divergence angle, 50  Mbps rate, and 476  mW optical power for underwater wireless optical communication based on an engineered diffuser
Authors: Han Biao , Yang Jingchuan , Sun Kelin , Sun Yanling
Published: April 2022

In practical application of underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC), the transmitter should have a larger divergence angle to make it easier to establish a communication link, besides high modulated rate and high optical power. Laser diodes (LD) are suitable to design such transmitter, thanks to their simpler structure and much faster switching speed. However, it is difficult to implement for widespread use in ocean engineering because of its quite small divergence angle. For this, we present a simple way to enlarge the divergence angle for an LD transmitter based on an engineered diffuser in this paper. First, we design a blue LD transmitter that has 476 mW output power, 50 Mbps rate, and 50° divergence angle. Then, using such transmitter, we establish a UWOC system in a large experimental tank with 13.3 m communication distance and about

0.26

m

−
1

attenuation coefficient of water. The results show that if the deviation of the transmitting direction is up to

±

25

∘

, the communication system is workable. Emission light from the transmitter could cover a 42.5% solid angle of the hemisphere space. The combination performances of speed, angular coverage, and optical power are suitable for ocean engineering. Also, it implies that a light field could be designed by using a suitable engineered diffuser for UWOC. The method presented in this paper is simple and pragmatic, which is useful to reduce the difficulty in establishing communication links and is easy to popularize.
Dual-wavelength multimodal multiphoton microscope with SMA-based depth scanning
Authors: Wu Wentao , Liu Qihao , Brandt Christoph , Tang Shuo
Published: April 2022

We report on a multimodal multiphoton microscopy (MPM) system with depth scanning. The multimodal capability is realized by an Er-doped femtosecond fiber laser with dual output wavelengths of 1580 nm and 790 nm that are responsible for three-photon and two-photon excitation, respectively. A shape-memory-alloy (SMA) actuated miniaturized objective enables the depth scanning capability. Image stacks combined with two-photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF), second harmonic generation (SHG), and third harmonic generation (THG) signals have been acquired from animal, fungus, and plant tissue samples with a maximum depth range over 200 µm.
RNA Pol IV induces antagonistic parent-of-origin effects on Arabidopsis endosperm
Authors: Satyaki Prasad R. V. , Gehring Mary
Published: April 2022

Gene expression in endosperm—a seed tissue that mediates transfer of maternal resources to offspring—is under complex epigenetic control. We show here that plant-specific RNA polymerase IV (Pol IV) mediates parental control of endosperm gene expression. Pol IV is required for the production of small interfering RNAs that typically direct DNA methylation. We compared small RNAs (sRNAs), DNA methylation, and mRNAs inArabidopsis thalianaendosperm from heterozygotes produced by reciprocally crossing wild-type (WT) plants to Pol IV mutants. We find that maternally and paternally acting Pol IV induce distinct effects on endosperm. Loss of maternal or paternal Pol IV impacts sRNAs and DNA methylation at different genomic sites. Strikingly, maternally and paternally acting Pol IV have antagonistic impacts on gene expression at some loci, divergently promoting or repressing endosperm gene expression. Antagonistic parent-of-origin effects have only rarely been described and are consistent with a gene regulatory system evolving under parental conflict.
Aneuploidy influences the gene expression profiles in Saccharomyces pastorianus group I and II strains during fermentation
Authors: de la Cerda Garcia-Caro Roberto , Hokamp Karsten , Roche Fiona , Thompson Georgia , Timouma Soukaina , Delneri Daniela , Bond Ursula
Published: April 2022

The lager yeasts, Saccharomyces pastorianus, are hybrids of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces eubayanus and are divided into two broad groups, Group I and II. The two groups evolved from at least one common hybridisation event but have subsequently diverged with Group I strains losing many S. cerevisiae chromosomes while the Group II strains retain both sub-genomes. The complex genomes, containing orthologous alleles from the parental chromosomes, pose interesting questions regarding gene regulation and its impact on the fermentation properties of the strains. Superimposed on the presence of orthologous alleles are complexities of gene dosage due to the aneuploid nature of the genomes. We examined the contribution of the S. cerevisiae and S. eubayanus alleles to the gene expression patterns of representative Group I and II strains during fermentation. We show that the relative expression of S. cerevisiae and S. eubayanus orthologues is positively correlated with gene copy number. Despite the reduced S. cerevisiae content in the Group I strain, S. cerevisiae orthologues contribute to biochemical pathways upregulated during fermentation which may explain the retention of specific chromosomes in the strain. Conversely, S. eubayanus genes are significantly overrepresented in the upregulated gene pool in the Group II strain. Comparison of the transcription profiles of the strains during fermentation identified both common and unique gene expression patterns, with gene copy number being a dominant contributory factor. Thus, the aneuploid genomes create complex patterns of gene expression during fermentation with gene dosage playing a crucial role both within and between strains.
Multiple metals influence distinct properties of the Arabidopsis circadian clock
Authors: Hargreaves Jessica K. , Oakenfull Rachael J. , Davis Amanda M. , Pullen Freya , Knight Marina I. , Pitchford Jon W. , Davis Seth J.
Published: April 2022

Circadian rhythms coordinate endogenous events with external signals, and are essential to biological function. When environmental contaminants affect these rhythms, the organism may experience fitness consequences such as reduced growth or increased susceptibility to pathogens. In their natural environment plants may be exposed to a wide range of industrial and agricultural soil pollutants. Here, we investigate how the addition of various metal salts to the root-interaction environment can impact rhythms, measured via the promoter:luciferase system. The consequences of these environmental changes were found to be varied and complex. Therefore, in addition to traditional Fourier-based analyses, we additionally apply novel wavelet-based spectral hypothesis testing and clustering methodologies to organize and understand the data. We are able to classify broad sets of responses to these metal salts, including those that increase, and those that decrease, the period, or which induce a lack of precision or disrupt any meaningful periodicity. Our methods are general, and may be applied to discover common responses and hidden structures within a wide range of biological time series data.
Sulfite preservatives effects on the mouth microbiome: Changes in viability, diversity and composition of microbiota
Authors: Irwin Sally V. , Deardorff Luz Maria , Deng Youping , Fisher Peter , Gould Michelle , June Junnie , Kent Rachael S. , Qin Yujia , Yadao Fracesca
Published: April 2022

Overview

Processed foods make up about 70 percent of the North American diet. Sulfites and other food preservatives are added to these foods largely to limit bacterial contamination. The mouth microbiota and its associated enzymes are the first to encounter food and therefore likely to be the most affected.

Methods

Eight saliva samples from ten individuals were exposed to two sulfite preservatives, sodium sulfite and sodium bisulfite. One sample set was evaluated for bacteria composition utilizing 16s rRNA sequencing, and the number of viable cells in all sample sets was determined utilizing ATP assays at 10 and 40-minute exposure times. All untreated samples were analyzed for baseline lysozyme activity, and possible correlations between the number of viable cells and lysozyme activity.

Results

Sequencing indicated significant increases in alpha diversity with sodium bisulfite exposure and changes in relative abundance of 3 amplicon sequence variants (ASV). Sodium sulfite treated samples showed a significant decrease in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, a marginally significant change in alpha diversity, and a significant change in the relative abundance for Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and for 6 ASVs. Beta diversity didn’t show separation between groups, however, all but one sample set was observed to be moving in the same direction under sodium sulfite treatment. ATP assays indicated a significant and consistent average decrease in activity ranging from 24–46% at both exposure times with both sulfites.

Average initial rates of lysozyme activity between all individuals ranged from +/- 76% compared to individual variations of +/- 10–34%. No consistent, significant correlation was found between ATP and lysozyme activity in any sample sets.

Conclusions

Sulfite preservatives, at concentrations regarded as safe by the FDA, alter the relative abundance and richness of the microbiota found in saliva, and decrease the number of viable cells, within 10 minutes of exposure.
Semiparametric mixed-effects model for analysis of non-invasive longitudinal hemodynamic responses during bone graft healing
Authors: Leon Sami , Ren Jingxuan , Choe Regine , Wu Tong Tong
Published: April 2022

When dealing with longitudinal data, linear mixed-effects models (LMMs) are often used by researchers. However, LMMs are not always the most adequate models, especially if we expect a nonlinear relationship between the outcome and a continuous covariate. To allow for more flexibility, we propose the use of a semiparametric mixed-effects model to evaluate the overall treatment effect on the hemodynamic responses during bone graft healing and build a prediction model for the healing process. The model relies on a closed-form expectation–maximization algorithm, where the unknown nonlinear function is estimated using a Lasso-type procedure. Using this model, we were able to estimate the effect of time for individual mice in each group in a nonparametric fashion and the effect of the treatment while accounting for correlation between observations due to the repeated measurements. The treatment effect was found to be statistically significant, with the autograft group having higher total hemoglobin concentration than the allograft group.
The efficacy and safety of cardio-protective therapy in patients with 5-FU (Fluorouracil)-associated coronary vasospasm
Authors: Zafar Amna , Drobni Zsofia D. , Lei Matthew , Gongora Carlos A. , Quinaglia Thiago , Lou Uvette Y. , Mosarla Ramya , Murphy Sean P. , Jones-O’Connor Maeve , Mahmood Ali , Hartmann Sarah , Gilman Hannah K. , Weekes Colin D. , Nipp Ryan , Clark John R. , Clark Jeffrey W. , Blaszkowsky Lawrence S. , Tavares Erica , Neilan Tomas G.
Published: April 2022

Background

Coronary vasospasm is a known side effect of 5-FU (fluorouracil) therapy. Beyond switching to non-5FU-based chemotherapy, there are no established treatments for 5-FU associated coronary vasospam. Our objective was to assess the safety and efficacy of re-challenge with 5-FU after pre-treatment with calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and long-acting nitrates among patients 5-FU associated coronary vasospasm.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of patients with 5-FU coronary vasospasm at a single academic center. By protocol, those referred to cardio-oncology received pre-treatment with either combination [nitrates and CCBs] or single-agent therapy [nitrates or CCBs]) prior to re-challenge with 5-FU. Our primary outcome was overall survival. Other important outcomes included progression-free survival and safety.

Results

Among 6,606 patients who received 5-FU from January 2001 to Dec 2020, 115 (1.74%) developed coronary vasospasm. Of these 115 patients, 81 patients continued 5-FU therapy, while 34 stopped. Of the 81 who continued, 78 were referred to cardio-oncology and prescribed CCBs and/or nitrates prior to subsequent 5-FU, while the remaining 3 continued 5-FU without cardiac pre-treatment. Of the 78, 56.4% (44/78) received both nitrates and CCBs, 19.2% (15/78) received CCBs alone, and 24.4% (19/78) received nitrates alone. When compared to patients who stopped 5-FU, those who continued 5-FU after pre-treatment (single or combination therapy) had a decreased risk of death (HR 0.42, P = 0.005 [95% CI 0.23–0.77]) and a trend towards decreased cancer progression (HR 0.60, P = 0.08 [95% CI 0.34–1.06]). No patient in the pre-treatment group had a myocardial infarct after re-challenge; however, chest pain (without myocardial infarction) recurred in 19.2% (15/78) among those who received cardiac pre-treatment vs. 66.7% (2/3) among those who did not (P = 0.048). There was no difference in efficacy or the recurrence of vasospasm among patients who received pre-treatment with a single agent (nitrates or CCBs) or combination therapy (14.7% (5/34) vs. 25.0% (11/44), P = 0.26).

Conclusion

Re-challenge after pre-treatment with CCBs and nitrates guided by a cardio-oncology service was safe and allowed continued 5-FU therapy.
Individual and community-level factors associated with animal source food consumption among children aged 6-23 months in Ethiopia: Multilevel mixed effects logistic regression model
Authors: Hamza Hassen Ali , Oumer Abdu , Kabthymer Robel Hussen , Ali Yeshimebet , Ahmed Mohammed Abbas , Shaka Mohammed Feyisso , Assefa Kenzudin
Published: April 2022

Background

Diversified diet in childhood has irreplaceable role for optimal growth. However, multi-level factors related to low animal source food consumption among children were poorly understood in Ethiopia, where such evidences are needed for decision making.

Objectives

To investigate the magnitude and individual- and community-level predictors of animal source food (ASF) consumption among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia.

Methods

We utilized a cross-sectional pooled data from 2016/19 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys. A stratified two-stage cluster design was employed to select households with survey weights were applied to account for complex sample design. We fitted mixed-effects logit regression models on 4,423 children nested within 645 clusters. The fixed effect models were fitted and expressed as adjusted odds ratio with their 95% confidence intervals and measures of variation were explained by intra-class correlation coefficients, median odds ratio and proportional change in variance. The deviance information criterion and Akaike information Criterion were used as model fitness criteria.

Result

in Ethiopia, only 22.7% (20.5%-23.9%) of children aged 6–23 months consumed ASF. Younger children aged 6–8 months (AOR = 3.1; 95%CI: 2.4–4.1), home delivered children (AOR = 1.8; 1.4–2.3), from low socioeconomic class (AOR = 2.43; 1.7–3.5); low educational level of mothers (AOR = 1.9; 95%CI: 1.48–2.45) and children from multiple risk pregnancy were significant predictors of low animal source consumption at individual level. While children from high community poverty level (AOR = 1.53; 1.2–1.95); rural residence (AOR = 2.2; 95%CI: 1.7–2.8) and pastoralist areas (AOR = 5.4; 3.4–8.5) significantly predict animal source food consumption at community level. About 38% of the variation of ASF consumption is explained by the combined predictors at the individual and community-level while 17.8% of the variation is attributed to differences between clusters.

Conclusions

This study illustrates that the current ASF consumption among children is poor and a multiple interacting individual- and community level factors determine ASF consumption. In designing and implementing nutritional interventions addressing diversified diet consumption shall give a due consideration and account for these potential predictors of ASF consumption.
Privacy-aware sharing and collaborative analysis of personal wellness data: Process model, domain ontology, software system and user trial
Authors: Tuovinen Lauri , Smeaton Alan F.
Published: April 2022

Personal wellness data collected using wearable devices is a valuable resource, potentially containing knowledge that goes beyond what the device and its the associated software application can tell the user. However, extracting such knowledge from the data requires expertise that an average user cannot be expected to have. To overcome this problem, the data owner could collaborate with a data analysis expert; for such a collaboration to succeed, the collaborators need to be able to find one another, communicate with one another and share datasets and analysis results with one another. In this paper we presents a process model for such collaborations, a domain ontology and software system developed to support the process, and the results of a user trial demonstrating collaborative analysis of sleep data. Unlike existing collaborative data analytics tools, the process and software have been specifically designed with the non-expert data owner in mind, enabling them to control their data and protect their privacy by selecting the data to be shared on a case-by-case basis. Theoretical analysis and empirical results suggest that the process and its implementation are valid as a proof of concept.
Association of weight change following smoking cessation with the risk of tuberculosis development: A nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Kim Seung Hoon , Park Yong-Moon , Han Kyungdo , Ko Seung Hyun , Kim Shin Young , Song So Hyang , Kim Chi Hong , Hur Kyu Yeon , Kim Sung Kyoung
Published: April 2022

Background

Smoking or weight loss is a risk of tuberculosis (TB) development. However, the impact of weight change after smoking cessation on the occurrence of TB remains elusive. We aimed to determine the relationship between weight change after smoking cessation and the risk of TB development.

Methods

We conducted a population-based cohort study using the national database in Republic of Korea. Of the 10,490,491 subjects who underwent health check-up in 2009, we enrolled 9,953,124 subjects without a previous TB history and followed them until 2017. We divided all study participants into the following three groups: never, former, and current smokers. The primary endpoint was newly developed TB.

Results

Among 9,953,124 subjects analyzed, 5,922,845 (59.5%) were never smokers, 1,428,209 (14.4%) were former smokers, and 2,602,080 (26.1%) were current smokers. The risk of TB development was significantly higher in current smokers than in never smokers (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.158; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.131–1.186). Among current smokers, individuals who stopped smoking and maintained weight after baseline evaluation had a significantly lower risk of TB development compared with those who continued to smoke (aHR 0.771; 95% CI 0.741–0.892). However, even after smoking cessation, individuals who lost weight were at a significantly higher risk of TB development compared with those who continued to smoke (aHR 1.327; 95% CI 1.119–1.715).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that smoking is a risk factor for TB and weight maintenance (neither gaining or losing) after quitting smoking might reduce the risk of TB development.
The ecological fitness of the tomato potato psyllid after transferring from non-crop host plants to tomato and potato
Authors: London Howard , Saville David J. , Davidson Melanie M. , Olaniyan Oluwashola , Wratten Stephen D.
Published: April 2022

An insect’s fitness varies on different host plant species, and can be affected by previous host feeding experience. In New Zealand,Bactericera cockerelli(the tomato potato psyllid (TPP)) overwinter on various host species, and later migrate to annually grown crop host plants. How changing host plant species affects the insect’s fitness is unknown. This study evaluated if transferring adult TPP from non-crop to crop host species impacts the development and survival of their progeny. TPP were reared on non-crop host species, boxthorn, poroporo, and crop host species, potato and tomato. Adults were transferred from non-crop to the crop host species and allowed to oviposit for 48 hours before being removed. The eggs and nymphs were monitored every 24 hours for the development and survival of each life stage. The incubation period of eggs from adults transferred from poroporo to tomato was 6.9 days, and for boxthorn to tomato was 7.2 days, and was less than for eggs of adults moved from tomato to tomato (9.0 days) and potato to potato (9.2 days) (P < 0.05). Nymph developmental time was similar for all treatments. Total development time (egg to adult) was shorter for the progeny of adults from poroporo transferred to tomato (20.5 days) than those from tomato to tomato (23.2). The survival of eggs did not differ across treatments. Fewer nymphs survived when adults were transferred from tomato to tomato (50.4%) than those from poroporo to tomato (92.1%) (P < 0.05). Total survival (egg to adult) was higher for progeny of adults transferred from poroporo to tomato (80.0%) compared to boxthorn to potato (35.3%), boxthorn to boxthorn (40.7%), poroporo to potato (33.9%) and tomato to tomato (37.6%) (P < 0.05). The implications of this shift in fitness are discussed in relation to TPP management.
Chloroquine and COVID-19—A systems biology model uncovers the drug’s detrimental effect on autophagy and explains its failure
Authors: Kapuy Orsolya , Korcsmáros Tamás
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in an urgent need for identifying potential therapeutic drugs. In the first half of 2020 tropic antimalarial drugs, such as chloroquine (CQ) or hydroxochloroquine (HCQ) were the focus of tremendous public attention. In the initial periods of the pandemic, many scientific results pointed out that CQ/HCQ could be very effective for patients with severe COVID. While CQ and HCQ have successfully been used against several diseases (such as malaria, autoimmune disease and rheumatic illnesses); long term use of these agents are associated with serious adverse effects (i.e. inducing acute kidney injury, among many others) due to their role in blocking autophagy-dependent self-degradation. Recent experimental and clinical trial data also confirmed that there is no sufficient evidence about the efficient usage of CQ/HCQ against COVID-19. By using systems biology techniques, here we show that the cellular effect of CQ/HCQ on autophagy during endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress or following SARS-CoV-2 infection results in upregulation of ER stress. By presenting a simple mathematical model, we claim that although CQ/HCQ might be able to ameliorate virus infection, the permanent inhibition of autophagy by CQ/HCQ has serious negative effects on the cell. Since CQ/HCQ promotes apoptotic cell death, here we confirm that addition of CQ/HCQ cannot be really effective even in severe cases. Only a transient treatment seemed to be able to avoid apoptotic cell death, but this type of therapy could not limit virus replication in the infected host. The presented theoretical analysis clearly points out the utility and applicability of systems biology modelling to test the cellular effect of a drug targeting key major processes, such as autophagy and apoptosis. Applying these approaches could decrease the cost of pre-clinical studies and facilitate the selection of promising clinical trials in a timely fashion.
Coupling coordination relationship between geology–geomorphology and ecology in Northeast China
Authors: Tao Guofang , Jiang Qigang , Shi Chao , Chen Chaoqun , Jiang Zhaoheng
Published: April 2022

Northeast China is an important ecological barrier and commodity grain base in China. The coupling coordination relationship between geology–geomorphology and ecology has become a critical background condition for ecosystem protection and sustainable development. Taking Northeast China as a case (accounting for about 13% of China’s land area), 9 divisions are divided according to the characteristics of regional ecology and geology–geomorphology, and 17 indicators are selected to build an evaluation index system. Methods of analytic hierarchy process, entropy weight and game theory are used to determine the index weights. Based on the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model, the spatial coupling coordination characteristics of geology–geomorphology and ecology are studied. The variation characteristics of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) are evaluated by Sen+Mann–Kendall (Sen+MK) method. Our results are as follows. (1) The coupling between geology–geomorphology and ecology is strong, but the spatial differentiation of CCD is obvious. Nine divisions are evaluated as two high–level, three medium–level and three low–level coordination types and one mild imbalance type. (2) The plain divisions Ⅰ and Ⅳ where the typical black soil belt is located are high coordination types. Restricted by geology–geomorphological conditions or ecological conditions, mountain divisions Ⅲ and Ⅶ and plain division Ⅴ are moderate coordination types, mountain divisions Ⅱ and Ⅷ and plateau division Ⅸ are low coordination types, and mountain division Ⅵ is mild imbalance type. (3) The variation trend of NDVI shows a significant increase in divisions Ⅲ, Ⅴ, Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅶ. it shows a significant decrease in part of divisions Ⅳ, Ⅵ, Ⅷ and Ⅸ, and ecological management and construction should be strengthened in these divisions. The research shows that the CCD model method is feasible for evaluating the relationship between geology–geomorphology and ecology and can provide eco–geological background information for Northeast China.
Phylogeny of Drosophila saltans group (Diptera: Drosophilidae) based on morphological and molecular evidence
Authors: Roman Bruna Emilia , Santana Diego J. , Prediger Carolina , Madi-Ravazzi Lilian
Published: April 2022

Drosophila saltansgroup belongs to the subgenusSophophora(family Drosophilidae), and it is subdivided into five subgroups, with 23 species. The species in this group are widely distributed in the Americas, primarily in the Neotropics. In the literature, the phylogenetic reconstruction of this group has been performed with various markers, but many inconsistencies remain. Here, we present a phylogenetic reconstruction of thesaltansgroup with a greater number of species, 16 species, which is the most complete to date for thesaltansgroup and includes all subgroups, in a combined analysis with morphological and molecular markers. We incorporated 48 morphological characters of male terminalia, the highest number used to date, and molecular markers based on mitochondrial genesCOIandCOII. Based on the results, which have recovered the five subgroups as distinct lineages, we propose a new hypothesis regarding the phylogenetic relationships among the subgroups of thesaltansgroup. The relationships of the species within thesturtevantiandellipticasubgroups were well supported. Thesaltanssubgroup showed several polytomies, but the relationship between the sibling speciesD.austrosaltansandD.saltansand their close relation withD.nigrosaltanswere well supported in the molecular and total evidence analyses. The morphological analysis additionally supported the formation of the cladeD.nigrosaltans—D.pseudosaltans. The observed polytomies may represent synchronous radiations or have resulted from speciation rates that have been too fast relative to the pace of substitution accumulation.