bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Concentrate and Bypass Fat Supplementations on Growth Performance, Blood Profile, and Rearing Cost of Feedlot Buffaloes
Authors: Mohd Azmi Amirul Faiz , Ahmad Hafandi , Mohd Nor Norhariani , Meng Goh Yong , Saad Mohd Zamri , Abu Bakar Md Zuki , Abdullah Punimin , Jayanegara Anuraga , Abu Hassim Hasliza
Published: July 2021

This study investigates the effects of supplementation of the basal diet with concentrate and rumen bypass fat on the dry matter intake (DMI), growth performance, blood metabolites and hormonal changes, and the feeding cost of feedlot water buffaloes. Thirty-six healthy, three- to four-month-old male Murrah crossbred (n = 18) and Swamp (n = 18) buffaloes with a similar average initial body weight of 98.64 ± 1.93 kg were each randomly allocated into three dietary experimental groups. Buffaloes were fed with Diet A, which consisted of 100% Brachiaria decumbens, Diet B, consisting of 70% Brachiaria decumbens and 30% concentrate, and Diet C, consisting of 70% Brachiaria decumbens, 26% concentrate, and 4% rumen bypass fat for a period of 730 days. Feed intake was measured daily, while blood samples were collected for every eight months. Furthermore, body scores were noted prior to and at the end of the experimental period. The results showed that the average daily gain for buffaloes fed with Diet C was the highest. The DMI, BCS, FI, and FCR for the three groups showed significant (p < 0.05) differences, in the following order: Diet C > Diet B > Diet A. At the end of the two-year feeding trial, buffaloes fed with Diet B had significantly (p < 0.05) higher cholesterol levels than Diet A and Diet C. In addition, buffaloes fed with Diet C had significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of serum total protein, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-I hormone compared to Diet A and Diet B. On the other hand, buffaloes fed with Diet B and Diet C showed significant (p < 0.05) decrease in glucose levels. Supplemented diet improved the buffalos’ weight gain to achieve the market weight in a shorter period of time, thus, giving farmers a greater return. In conclusion, concentrate and bypass fat supplementations in the diet of water buffaloes improved the growth performance without adverse effect on the blood metabolites, which enabled better farmer profitability.
Current Knowledge on River Buffalo Meat: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Di Stasio Liliana , Brugiapaglia Alberto
Published: July 2021

The estimated world population of water buffalo counts around 204 million head, mostly reared for milk production. However, buffaloes also largely contribute to the meat sector, with around 4.3 million tonnes produced in 2019, mainly derived from old animals at the end of their productive or working life and only to a small extent from young animals. Therefore, buffalo meat production has been generally considered unsatisfactory for both quantity and quality. In fact, the dressing percentage is generally lower than 50% and the meat is considered of poor quality mainly due to its dark colour and reduced tenderness. However, in recent years, the healthy properties highlighted by some studies have led to a renewed interest in buffalo meat, with a parallel increase in research. Therefore, this review aims at providing an updated picture on carcass and meat quality traits in river buffalo, with special attention to the intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to their variability. The research done so far has demonstrated that river buffaloes can efficiently contribute to the quanti-qualitative production of meat, provided that the meat supply chain is specifically organised for this purpose. The analysis of the available data also showed that further research is needed on the factors affecting meat production in order to gain greater knowledge essential for planning more targeted interventions.
Chemical Composition of PM2.5 in Wood Fire and LPG Cookstove Homes of Nepali Brick Workers
Authors: Johnston James D. , Beard John D. , Montague Emma J. , Sanjel Seshananda , Lu James H. , McBride Haley , Weber Frank X. , Chartier Ryan T.
Published: July 2021

Household air pollution is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, largely due to particles ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5). The toxicity of PM2.5, however, depends on its physical properties and chemical composition. In this cross-sectional study, we compared the chemical composition of PM2.5 in brick workers’ homes (n = 16) based on use of wood cooking fire or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cookstoves. We collected samples using RTI International particulate matter (PM) exposure monitors (MicroPEMs). We analyzed filters for 33 elements using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence and, for black (BC) and brown carbon (BrC), integrating sphere optical transmittance. Wood fire homes had significantly higher concentrations of BC (349 µg/m3) than LPG homes (6.27 µg/m3, p < 0.0001) or outdoor air (5.36 µg/m3, p = 0.002). Indoor chlorine in wood fire homes averaged 5.86 µg/m3, which was approximately 34 times the average level in LPG homes (0.17 µg/m3, p = 0.0006). Similarly, potassium in wood fire homes (4.17 µg/m3) was approximately four times the level in LPG homes (0.98 µg/m3, p = 0.001). In all locations, we found aluminum, calcium, copper, iron, silicon, and titanium in concentrations exceeding those shown to cause respiratory effects in other studies. Our findings suggest the need for multi-faceted interventions to improve air quality for brick workers in Nepal.
Substrate Materials for Biomolecular Immobilization within Electrochemical Biosensors
Authors: Suni Ian Ivar
Published: July 2021

Electrochemical biosensors have potential applications for agriculture, food safety, environmental monitoring, sports medicine, biomedicine, and other fields. One of the primary challenges in this field is the immobilization of biomolecular probes atop a solid substrate material with adequate stability, storage lifetime, and reproducibility. This review summarizes the current state of the art for covalent bonding of biomolecules onto solid substrate materials. Early research focused on the use of Au electrodes, with immobilization of biomolecules through ω-functionalized Au-thiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), but stability is usually inadequate due to the weak Au–S bond strength. Other noble substrates such as C, Pt, and Si have also been studied. While their nobility has the advantage of ensuring biocompatibility, it also has the disadvantage of making them relatively unreactive towards covalent bond formation. With the exception of Sn-doped In2O3 (indium tin oxide, ITO), most metal oxides are not electrically conductive enough for use within electrochemical biosensors. Recent research has focused on transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) such as MoS2 and on electrically conductive polymers such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, and polythiophene. In addition, the deposition of functionalized thin films from aryldiazonium cations has attracted significant attention as a substrate-independent method for biofunctionalization.
How May Ramucirumab Help Improve Treatment Outcome for Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancers?
Authors: Chen Ming-Huang , Lu Sheng-Nan , Chen Chien-Hung , Lin Peng-Chan , Jiang Jeng-Kai , D’yachkova Yulia , Lukanowski Mariusz , Cheng Rebecca , Chen Li-Tzong
Published: July 2021

GI cancers are characterized by high recurrence rates and a dismal prognosis and there is an urgent need for new therapeutic approaches. This is a narrative review designed to provide a summary of the efficacy as measured by overall survival, progression free survival, and safety data from phase 3 randomized controlled GI clinical trials of ramucirumab including those from important pre-specified patient subgroups and evidence from real clinical practice worldwide. Quality of life (QOL) is discussed where data are available. Our aim was to summarize the efficacy and safety of ramucirumab in the treatment of GI cancers using these existing published data with a view to demonstrating how ramucirumab may help improve treatment outcome for patients with GI cancers. The data indicate that ramucirumab is efficacious, safe, and tolerable across the intent-to-treat patient populations as a whole and across several pre-specified subgroups, even those whose disease is traditionally more difficult to treat. Furthermore, survival outcomes observed in real-world clinical practice demonstrate similar data from phase 3 clinical trials even in patients with complications, suggesting that the benefits of ramucirumab translate in actual clinical practice.
Human Prostate Tissue MicroRNAs and Their Predicted Target Pathways Linked to Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
Authors: Enwald Max , Lehtimäki Terho , Mishra Pashupati P. , Mononen Nina , Murtola Teemu J. , Raitoharju Emma
Published: July 2021

MicroRNAs are important in prostate cancer development, progression and metastasis. The aim of this study was to test microRNA expression profile in prostate tissue obtained from prostate cancer patients for associations with various prostate cancer related factors and to pinpoint the predicted target pathways for these microRNAs. Prostate tissue samples were obtained at prostatectomy from patients participating in a trial evaluating impact of pre-operative atorvastatin on serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) and Ki-67 expression in prostate tissue. Prostate tissue microRNA expression profiles were analyzed using OpenArray® MicroRNA Panel. Pathway enrichment analyses were conducted for predicted target genes of microRNAs that correlated significantly with studied factors. Eight microRNAs correlated significantly with studied factors of patients after Bonferroni multiple testing correction. MiR-485-3p correlated with serum HDL-cholesterol levels. In atorvastatin-treated subjects, miR-34c-5p correlated with a change in serum PSA and miR-138-3p with a change in total cholesterol. In the placebo arm, both miR-576-3p and miR-550-3p correlated with HDL-cholesterol and miR-627 with PSA. In pathway analysis, these eight microRNAs related significantly to several pathways relevant to prostate cancer. This study brings new evidence from the expression of prostate tissue microRNAs and related pathways that may link risk factors to prostate cancer and pinpoint new therapeutic possibilities.
Arginine Signaling and Cancer Metabolism
Authors: Chen Chia-Lin , Hsu Sheng-Chieh , Ann David K. , Yen Yun , Kung Hsing-Jien
Published: July 2021

Arginine is an amino acid critically involved in multiple cellular processes including the syntheses of nitric oxide and polyamines, and is a direct activator of mTOR, a nutrient-sensing kinase strongly implicated in carcinogenesis. Yet, it is also considered as a non- or semi-essential amino acid, due to normal cells’ intrinsic ability to synthesize arginine from citrulline and aspartate via ASS1 (argininosuccinate synthase 1) and ASL (argininosuccinate lyase). As such, arginine can be used as a dietary supplement and its depletion as a therapeutic strategy. Strikingly, in over 70% of tumors, ASS1 transcription is suppressed, rendering the cells addicted to external arginine, forming the basis of arginine-deprivation therapy. In this review, we will discuss arginine as a signaling metabolite, arginine’s role in cancer metabolism, arginine as an epigenetic regulator, arginine as an immunomodulator, and arginine as a therapeutic target. We will also provide a comprehensive summary of ADI (arginine deiminase)-based arginine-deprivation preclinical studies and an update of clinical trials for ADI and arginase. The different cell killing mechanisms associated with various cancer types will also be described.
Cemiplimab for Locally Advanced and Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous-Cell Carcinomas: Real-Life Experience from the French CAREPI Study Group
Authors: Hober Candice , Fredeau Lisa , Pham-Ledard Anne , Boubaya Marouane , Herms Florian , Celerier Philippe , Aubin François , Beneton Nathalie , Dinulescu Monica , Jannic Arnaud , Meyer Nicolas , Duval-Modeste Anne-Bénédicte , Cesaire Laure , Neidhardt Ève-Marie , Archier Élodie , Dréno Brigitte , Lesage Candice , Berthin Clémence , Kramkimel Nora , Grange Florent , de Quatrebarbes Julie , Stoebner Pierre-Emmanuel , Poulalhon Nicolas , Arnault Jean-Philippe , Abed Safia , Bonniaud Bertille , Darras Sophie , Heidelberger Valentine , Devaux Suzanne , Moncourier Marie , Misery Laurent , Mansard Sandrine , Etienne Maxime , Brunet-Possenti Florence , Jacobzone Caroline , Lesbazeilles Romain , Skowron François , Sanchez Julia , Catala Stéphanie , Samimi Mahtab , Tazi Youssef , Spaeth Dominique , Gaudy-Marqueste Caroline , Collard Olivier , Triller Raoul , Pracht Marc , Dumas Marc , Peuvrel Lucie , Combe Pierre , Lauche Olivier , Guillet Pierre , Reguerre Yves , Kupfer-Bessaguet Ingrid , Solub David , Schoeffler Amélie , Bedane Christophe , Quéreux Gaëlle , Dalac Sophie , Mortier Laurent , Maubec Ève
Published: July 2021

Although cemiplimab has been approved for locally advanced (la) and metastatic (m) cutaneous squamous-cell carcinomas (CSCCs), its real-life value has not yet been demonstrated. An early-access program enrolled patients with la/mCSCCs to receive cemiplimab. Endpoints were best overall response rate (BOR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), duration of response (DOR) and safety. The 245 patients (mean age 77 years, 73% male, 49% prior systemic treatment, 24% immunocompromised, 27% Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS) ≥ 2) had laCSCCs (35%) or mCSCCs (65%). For the 240 recipients of ≥1 infusion(s), the BOR was 50.4% (complete, 21%; partial, 29%). With median follow-up at 12.6 months, median PFS was 7.9 months, and median OS and DOR were not reached. One-year OS was 73% versus 36%, respectively, for patients with PS < 2 versus ≥ 2. Multivariate analysis retained PS ≥ 2 as being associated during the first 6 months with PFS and OS. Head-and-neck location was associated with longer PFS. Immune status had no impact. Severe treatment-related adverse events occurred in 9% of the patients, including one death from toxic epidermal necrolysis. Cemiplimab real-life safety and efficacy support its use for la/mCSCCs. Patients with PS ≥ 2 benefited less from cemiplimab, but it might represent an option for immunocompromised patients.
Quantitative Assessment of 3D Dose Rate for Proton Pencil Beam Scanning FLASH Radiotherapy and Its Application for Lung Hypofractionation Treatment Planning
Authors: Kang Minglei , Wei Shouyi , Choi J. Isabelle , Simone Charles B. , Lin Haibo
Published: July 2021

To quantitatively assess target and organs-at-risk (OAR) dose rate based on three proposed proton PBS dose rate metrics and study FLASH intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) treatment planning using transmission beams. An in-house FLASH planning platform was developed to optimize transmission (shoot-through) plans for nine consecutive lung cancer patients previously planned with proton SBRT. Dose and dose rate calculation codes were developed to quantify three types of dose rate calculation methods (dose-averaged dose rate (DADR), average dose rate (ADR), and dose-threshold dose rate (DTDR)) based on both phantom and patient treatment plans. Two different minimum MU/spot settings were used to optimize two different dose regimes, 34-Gy in one fraction and 45-Gy in three fractions. The OAR sparing and target coverage can be optimized with good uniformity (hotspot < 110% of prescription dose). ADR, accounting for the spot dwelling and scanning time, gives the lowest dose rate; DTDR, not considering this time but a dose-threshold, gives an intermediate dose rate, whereas DADR gives the highest dose rate without considering any time or dose-threshold. All three dose rates attenuate along the beam direction, and the highest dose rate regions often occur on the field edge for ADR and DTDR, whereas DADR has a better dose rate uniformity. The differences in dose rate metrics have led a large variation for OARs dose rate assessment, posing challenges to FLASH clinical implementation. This is the first attempt to study the impact of the dose rate models, and more investigations and evidence for the details of proton PBS FLASH parameters are needed to explore the correlation between FLASH efficacy and the dose rate metrics.
Development of Visible-Light-Driven Rh–TiO2–CeO2 Hybrid Photocatalysts for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Hong Jong-Wook
Published: July 2021

Visible-light-driven hydrogen production through photocatalysis has attracted enormous interest owing to its great potential to address energy and environmental issues. However, photocatalysis possesses several limitations to overcome for practical applications, such as low light absorption efficiency, rapid charge recombination, and poor stability of photocatalysts. Here, the preparation of efficient noble metal–semiconductor hybrid photocatalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen production is presented. The prepared ternary Rh–TiO2–CeO2 hybrid photocatalysts exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance toward the hydrogen production reaction compared with their counterparts, ascribed to the synergistic combination of Rh, TiO2, and CeO2.
Exogenous Enzymes as Zootechnical Additives in Animal Feed: A Review
Authors: Velázquez-De Lucio Brianda Susana , Hernández-Domínguez Edna María , Villa-García Matilde , Díaz-Godínez Gerardo , Mandujano-Gonzalez Virginia , Mendoza-Mendoza Bethsua , Álvarez-Cervantes Jorge
Published: July 2021

Enzymes are widely used in the food industry. Their use as a supplement to the raw material for animal feed is a current research topic. Although there are several studies on the application of enzyme additives in the animal feed industry, it is necessary to search for new enzymes, as well as to utilize bioinformatics tools for the design of specific enzymes that work in certain environmental conditions and substrates. This will allow the improvement of the productive parameters in animals, reducing costs and making the processes more efficient. Technological needs have considered these catalysts as essential in many industrial sectors and research is constantly being carried out to optimize their use in those processes. This review describes the enzymes used in animal nutrition, their mode of action, their production and new sources of production as well as studies on different animal models to evaluate their effect on the productive performance intended for the production of animal feed.
Changes in the Biomarkers of Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress and Endothelial Dysfunction Are Associated with Cardiovascular Risk in Periodontitis Patients
Authors: Ferlazzo Nadia , Currò Monica , Isola Gaetano , Maggio Silvia , Bertuccio Maria Paola , Trovato-Salinaro Angela , Matarese Giovanni , Alibrandi Angela , Caccamo Daniela , Ientile Riccardo
Published: July 2021

Patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and periodontitis (PT) show shared risk factors as result of the altered molecular mechanisms associated with pathological conditions. The aim of our study was to evaluate if the plasma biomarkers associated with endothelial dysfunction may also be related to alterations in the inflammatory status in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Patients with PT, coronary heart disease (CHD), or both diseases as well as controls were enrolled. Plasma levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), 3-nitrotyrosine (NT), and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) were assessed using HPLC. mRNA levels of caspase-1 (CASP1), NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in PBMC from the recruited subjects were quantified using real-time PCR. Patients with PT + CHD showed lower CoQ10 plasma levels and increased concentrations of NT in comparison to healthy subjects. ADMA levels were higher in CHD and PT + CHD patients compared to controls. Transcript levels of CASP1, NLRP3, and TNF-α were up-regulated in PBMC from all patient groups when compared to healthy subjects. Our results suggest a possible causal link between oxidative stress, high levels of NT and ADMA, and inflammasome activation, which may be involved in the endothelial inflammatory dysfunction leading to the pathogenesis and progression of CHD in PT patients.
Continuous Mechanical Extraction of Fibres from Linseed Flax Straw for Subsequent Geotextile Applications
Authors: Khan Saif Ullah , Labonne Laurent , Ouagne Pierre , Evon Philippe
Published: July 2021

Linseed flax is a multipurpose crop. It is cultivated for its seeds and particularly for its oil. The main contributors for this crop are Canada, France and Belgium. In general, straws of linseed flax are buried in the fields or burnt. However, these solutions are not good practices for the environment and from an economical point of view. In this study, straws of linseed flax (six batches in total) with different dew retting durations and harvesting techniques were studied to possibly use them for producing innovative geotextiles. Two different fibre extraction processes were investigated. A first process (A) involved horizontal breaker rollers and then a breaking card. A second one (B) consisted in using vertical breaker rollers, and an “all fibre” extraction device (fibre opener) followed by sieving. The chemical composition of fibres in parietal constituents appeared to be globally equivalent to the one of textile flax with a pectic content decreasing as a function of the dew retting duration. This contributed to an increase in the cellulose content. The fibre content was situated in a range from 29% to 33%, which corresponds to a good yield for linseed flax fibre. The level of purity can reach values of up to 90% for method A (without extra-sieving) and 96% for method B (with extra-sieving), and the length of the fibres (larger for method A than for method B) and their tensile properties make them suitable for structural geotextile yarn manufacturing.
High-Order Resonant Peaks and Polarization Dependence of Microphotoluminescence in Whispering-Gallery Mode ZnO Microrod Cavity
Authors: Guo Jiatian , Wei Huihui , Song Jingyi , Guo Yunhui , Yuan Xiaobo
Published: July 2021

High order phenomena in the visible range and with polarization dependence in the ultraviolet (UV) region of the microphotoluminescence (micro-PL) spectrum in whispering-gallery mode (WGM) ZnO microrod cavity have been thoroughly studied at room temperature. WGM ZnO microrod cavity with good crystallinity is produced by the CVD growth method, and the ZnO microrod structures are characterized by structural and optical methods. Through the micro-PL spectrum measurement of the ZnO microrod, it is found that high-order resonance peaks appeared in the visible region. The different polarization conditions can be adjusted by rotating the angles of the polarizer, and it is proved that the micro-PL spectrum has strong polarization-dependent behavior in the UV region. Our results imply broad application potentials in the study of ZnO microrod-based photonic cavity devices.
Incident Factors in the Sustainable Development of Digital Teaching Competence in Dual Vocational Education and Training Teachers
Authors: Sánchez-Prieto Jesús , Trujillo-Torres Juan Manuel , Gómez-García Melchor , Gómez-García Gerardo
Published: July 2021

For years the technological revolution has been transforming all facets of our society. Teaching could obviously not be an exception but is quite the opposite because of its role in training the individuals of that society. Teachers at all levels of education are subjected to an adaptation process to develop the digital skills necessary for this transformation. This process must be permanent as there are still major deficiencies in teachers’ ICT knowledge and rejection of their application. This study aims to see whether the inadequacy of digital teaching skills also occurs in the Dual Vocational Training modality. To this end, a descriptive quantitative method has been carried out in a sample of teachers from the Professional Formation Dual system in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia. The results show an insufficient level of digital skills that is therefore improvable, finding some factors that influence, to some extent, the various components of digital competence such as prior teacher training, the locality in which their school resides or the category of teaching to which he belongs. Therefore, it is advised to continue to promote in-service training in digital competence for in-service teachers in order to achieve sustainable educational development.
Bending Stiffness of Hybrid Wood-Metal Composite Beams: An Experimentally Validated Numerical Model
Authors: Fajdiga Gorazd , Šubic Barbara , Kovačič Aljaž
Published: July 2021

This paper presents an experimentally validated model for the computational analysis of metal-reinforced wooden composites. The model can be used in both research and in industry to effectively estimate how much a certain composite design improves the bending stiffness and strength of a hybrid metal-reinforced wooden component. A model based on computer simulations allows the prediction and analysis of the mechanical behaviour of a hybrid composite material consisting of several interconnected components made of different base materials. The model for different boundary conditions and parameters provides the correct data on stiffness, especially bending, and the associated maximum displacements. It allows for a variation of the mechanical and geometrical properties, and makes it possible to observe the initiation of irreversible change in the window-frame member. The model enables parametrical simulations to find the optimum layout of reinforcements in the window-frame member, as well as to make estimations of the maximum performance of certain designs.
Direct Ethanol Production from Xylan and Acorn Using the Starch-Fermenting Basidiomycete Fungus Phlebia acerina
Authors: Okamoto Kenji , Goda Takato , Yamada Takeru , Nagoshi Masafumi
Published: July 2021

During our search for ethanol-producing basidiomycete fungi for a wide range of substrates, we isolated Phlebia acerina, which is a white rot basidiomycete fungus. It favorably converted starch into ethanol with approximately 70% yield. Although the yield decreased as the starch concentration increased, growth and fermentation were observed even at 200 g/L of starch. P. acerina produced ethanol from glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, cellobiose, and maltose with 93%, 91%, 86%, 72%, 92%, and 68% yields, respectively. Additionally, P. acerina, which secreted xylanase and xylosidase, was capable of assimilating xylan and directly converting it to ethanol with a yield of 63%. Furthermore, P. acerina produced ethanol directly from acorns, which are plant fruits containing starch and tannins, with a yield of 70%. Tannin delayed mycelia growth, thus prolonging ethanol production; however, this did not particularly affect the yield. These results were similar to those of fermentation in a medium with the same amounts of starch and tannin as the target crop acorn, thus suggesting that P. acerina could successfully produce environmentally friendly ethanol from starch-containing lignocellulosic biomass, unlike previously reported ethanol-producing basidiomycete fungi.
Multi-Angle Lipreading with Angle Classification-Based Feature Extraction and Its Application to Audio-Visual Speech Recognition
Authors: Isobe Shinnosuke , Tamura Satoshi , Hayamizu Satoru , Gotoh Yuuto , Nose Masaki
Published: July 2021

Recently, automatic speech recognition (ASR) and visual speech recognition (VSR) have been widely researched owing to the development in deep learning. Most VSR research works focus only on frontal face images. However, assuming real scenes, it is obvious that a VSR system should correctly recognize spoken contents from not only frontal but also diagonal or profile faces. In this paper, we propose a novel VSR method that is applicable to faces taken at any angle. Firstly, view classification is carried out to estimate face angles. Based on the results, feature extraction is then conducted using the best combination of pre-trained feature extraction models. Next, lipreading is carried out using the features. We also developed audio-visual speech recognition (AVSR) using the VSR in addition to conventional ASR. Audio results were obtained from ASR, followed by incorporating audio and visual results in a decision fusion manner. We evaluated our methods using OuluVS2, a multi-angle audio-visual database. We then confirmed that our approach achieved the best performance among conventional VSR schemes in a phrase classification task. In addition, we found that our AVSR results are better than ASR and VSR results.
Solving a System of Fractional-Order Volterra-Fredholm Integro-Differential Equations with Weakly Singular Kernels via the Second Chebyshev Wavelets Method
Authors: Bargamadi Esmail , Torkzadeh Leila , Nouri Kazem , Jajarmi Amin
Published: July 2021

In this paper, by means of the second Chebyshev wavelet and its operational matrix, we solve a system of fractional-order Volterra–Fredholm integro-differential equations with weakly singular kernels. We estimate the functions by using the wavelet basis and then obtain the approximate solutions from the algebraic system corresponding to the main system. Moreover, the implementation of our scheme is presented, and the error bounds of approximations are analyzed. Finally, we evaluate the efficiency of the method through a numerical example.
Competition between Osmotic Squeezing versus Friction-Driven Swelling of Gels
Authors: Seii Miyu , Harano Tomoki , Doi Masao , Tanaka Yoshimi
Published: July 2021

Some types of hydro-gels have almost the same equilibrium swelling volume in water and in ethylene glycol (EG), a highly viscous liquid completely miscible with water. Experiments showed that when a gel fully swollen with EG is immersed into a large amount of water, it temporarily swells up and then relaxes to the equilibrium volume in water. The temporary swelling is explained by the friction force exerted on the gel network from the outward EG flux In this paper, we experimentally show that the temporary swelling is suppressed by adding linear PEG (polyethylene glycol) in the outer water. Although the suppression seems to be explained by the osmotic pressure (i.e., by the same mechanism as the conventional osmotic squeezing), our theoretical analysis reveals that the effect of PEG is much stronger than that expected from the equilibrium osmotic pressure, implying that the PEG chains are condensed on the gel surface.
Seismic Liquefaction Risk Assessment of Critical Facilities in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Acharya Prabin , Sharma Keshab , Acharya Indra Prasad
Published: July 2021

Kathmandu Valley lies in an active tectonic zone, meaning that earthquakes are common in the region. The most recent was the Gorkha Nepal earthquake, measuring 7.8 Mw. Past earthquakes caused soil liquefaction in the valley with severe damages and destruction of existing critical infrastructures. As for such infrastructures, the road network, health facilities, schools and airports are considered. This paper presents a liquefaction susceptibility map. This map was obtained by computing the liquefaction potential index (LPI) for several boreholes with SPT measurements and clustering the areas with similar values of LPI. Moreover, the locations of existing critical infrastructures were reported on this risk map. Therefore, we noted that 42% of the road network and 16% of the airport area are in zones of very high liquefaction susceptibility, while 60%, 54%, and 64% of health facilities, schools and colleges are in very high liquefaction zones, respectively. This indicates that most of the critical facilities in the valley are at serious risk of liquefaction during a major earthquake and therefore should be retrofitted for their proper functioning during such disasters.
A Novel Radiographic Measurement Method for the Evaluation of Metatarsophalangeal Joint Dislocation of the Lesser Toe in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ohashi Hideki , Nishida Keiichiro , Nasu Yoshihisa , Saiga Kenta , Nakahara Ryuichi , Horita Masahiro , Okita Shunji , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: July 2021

Dorsal dislocation of metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints of the lesser toe frequently occurs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and may cause painful and uncomfortable plantar callosities and ulceration. The current study examined the reliability and clinical relevance of a novel radiographic parameter (the MTP overlap distance [MOD]) in evaluating the severity of MTP joint dislocation. The subjects of the current study were 147 RA patients (276 feet; 1104 toes). MOD, defined as the overlap distance of the metatarsal head and the proximal end of the phalanx, was measured on plain radiographs. The relationship between the MOD and clinical complaints (forefoot pain and/or callosity formation) was analyzed to create a severity grading system. As a result, toes with callosities had a significantly larger MOD. ROC analysis revealed that the MOD had a high AUC for predicting an asymptomatic foot (−0.70) and callosities (0.89). MOD grades were defined as follows: grade 1, 0 ≤ MOD < 5 mm; grade 2, 5 ≤ MOD < 10 mm; and grade 3, MOD ≥ 10 mm. The intra- and inter-observer reliability of the MOD grade had high reproducibility. Furthermore, the MOD and MOD grade improved significantly after joint-preserving surgeries for lesser toe deformities. Our results suggest that MOD and MOD grade might be useful tools for the evaluation of deformities of the lesser toe and the effect of surgical intervention for MTP joints in patients with RA.
Development of Second-Tier Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis for Expanded Newborn Screening in Japan
Authors: Shigematsu Yosuke , Yuasa Miori , Ishige Nobuyuki , Nakajima Hideki , Tajima Go
Published: July 2021

To minimize false-positive cases in newborn screening by tandem mass spectrometry in Japan, practical second-tier liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analyses have been developed using a multimode ODS column with a single set of mobile phases and different gradient elution programs specific to the analysis of acylcarnitines, acylglycines, amino acids, and organic acids. Most analyses were performed using underivatized samples, except for analysis of methylcitric acid, and careful conditioning of the column was necessary for analyses of organic acids. Our second-tier tests enabled us to measure many metabolites useful for detection of target disorders, including allo-isoleucine, homocysteine, methylmalonic acid, and methylcitric acid. We found that accumulation of 3-hydroxyglutaric acid was specific to glutaric acidemia type I and that the ratio of 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid to 3-hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine was useful to detect newborns of mothers with 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency. Data from the analysis of short-chain acylcarnitine and acylglycine were useful for differential diagnosis in cases positive for C5-OH-acylcarnitine or C5-acylcarnitine.
Vibration Parameters for Impact Detection of Composite Panel: A Neural Network Based Approach
Authors: Arena Maurizio , Viscardi Massimo
Published: July 2021

The need for reliable methodologies for structural monitoring is certainly a current line of research in many engineering sectors. The detection of the impact on composite materials is in fact a recent subject of study, aimed at safeguarding the mechanical integrity and improving the useful life of structural components. In such a context, the work deals with evaluation of the use of neural algorithms for localizing the position of the impacts on composite structures. Starting from FE (finite element) simulations, representative of the dynamic response of a CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) panel as a benchmark, the approach has been finally validated experimentally by modal parameters identification.
Visceral Adipose Tissue and Different Measures of Adiposity in Different Severities of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis
Authors: Harlianto Netanja , Westerink Jan , Foppen Wouter , Hol Marjolein , Wittenberg Rianne , van der Veen Pieternella , van Ginneken Bram , Kuperus Jonneke , Verlaan Jorrit-Jan , de Jong Pim , Mohamed Hoesein Firdaus ,   on behalf of the UCC-SMART-Study Group
Published: July 2021

Background: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is associated with both obesity and type 2 diabetes. Our objective was to investigate the relation between DISH and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in particular, as this would support a causal role of insulin resistance and low grade inflammation in the development of DISH. Methods: In 4334 patients with manifest vascular disease, the relation between different adiposity measures and the presence of DISH was compared using z-scores via standard deviation logistic regression analyses. Analyses were stratified by sex and adjusted for age, systolic blood pressure, diabetes, non-HDL cholesterol, smoking status, and renal function. Results: DISH was present in 391 (9%) subjects. The presence of DISH was associated with markers of adiposity and had a strong relation with VAT in males (OR: 1.35; 95%CI: 1.20–1.54) and females (OR: 1.43; 95%CI: 1.06–1.93). In males with the most severe DISH (extensive ossification of seven or more vertebral bodies) the association between DISH and VAT was stronger (OR: 1.61; 95%CI: 1.31–1.98), while increased subcutaneous fat was negatively associated with DISH (OR: 0.65; 95%CI: 0.49–0.95). In females, increased subcutaneous fat was associated with the presence of DISH (OR: 1.43; 95%CI: 1.14–1.80). Conclusion: Markers of adiposity, including VAT, are strongly associated with the presence of DISH. Subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness was negatively associated with more severe cases of DISH in males, while in females, increased subcutaneous adipose tissue was associated with the presence of DISH.
Evidence of Stock Market Contagion during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Wavelet-Copula-GARCH Approach
Authors: Alqaralleh Huthaifa , Canepa Alessandra
Published: July 2021

In this study, we propose a wavelet-copula-GARCH procedure to investigate the occurrence of cross-market linkages during the COVID-19 pandemic. To explore cross-market linkages, we distinguish between regular interdependence and pure contagion, and associate changes in the correlation between stock market returns at higher frequencies with contagion, whereas changes at lower frequencies are associated with interdependence that relates to spillovers of shocks resulting from the normal interdependence between markets. An empirical analysis undertaken on six major stock markets reveals evidence of long-run interdependence between the markets under consideration before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019. However, after the health crisis began, strong evidence of pure contagion among stock markets was detected.
Estimating Real-Time qPCR Amplification Efficiency from Single-Reaction Data
Authors: Tellinghuisen Joel
Published: July 2021

Methods for estimating the qPCR amplification efficiency E from data for single reactions are tested on six multireplicate datasets, with emphasis on their performance as a function of the range of cycles n1–n2 included in the analysis. The two-parameter exponential growth (EG) model that has been relied upon almost exclusively does not allow for the decline of E(n) with increasing cycle number n through the growth region and accordingly gives low-biased estimates. Further, the standard procedure of “baselining”—separately estimating and subtracting a baseline before analysis—leads to reduced precision. The three-parameter logistic model (LRE) does allow for such decline and includes a parameter E0 that represents E through the baseline region. Several four-parameter extensions of this model that accommodate some asymmetry in the growth profiles but still retain the significance of E0 are tested against the LRE and EG models. The recursion method of Carr and Moore also describes a declining E(n) but tacitly assumes E0 = 2 in the baseline region. Two modifications that permit varying E0 are tested, as well as a recursion method that directly fits E(n) to a sigmoidal function. All but the last of these can give E0 estimates that agree fairly well with calibration-based estimates but perform best when the calculations are extended to only about one cycle below the first-derivative maximum (FDM). The LRE model performs as well as any of the four-parameter forms and is easier to use. Its proper implementation requires fitting to it plus a suitable baseline function, which typically requires four–six adjustable parameters in a nonlinear least-squares fit.
TGR5 Expression Is Associated with Changes in the Heart and Urinary Bladder of Rats with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Hsu Chia-Chen , Cheng Kai-Chun , Li Yingxiao , Hsu Ping-Hao , Cheng Juei-Tang , Niu Ho-Shan
Published: July 2021

Adipose-derived cytokines may contribute to the inflammation that occurs in metabolic syndrome (MetS). The Takeda G protein-coupled receptor (TGR5) regulates energy expenditure and affects the production of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in metabolic diseases. Etanercept, which acts as a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α antagonist, can also block the inflammatory response. Therefore, the interaction between TNF-α and TGR5 expression was investigated in rats with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Heart tissues isolated from the HFD-induced MetS rats were analyzed. Changes in TGR5 expression were investigated with lithocholic acid (LCA) as the agonist. Betulinic acid (BA) was used to activate TGR5 in urinary bladders. LCA was more effective in the heart tissues of HFD-fed rats, although etanercept alleviated the function of LCA. STAT3 activation and higher TGR5 expression were observed in the heart tissues collected from HFD-fed rats. Thus, cardiac TGR5 expression is promoted by HFD through STAT3 activation in rats. Moreover, the urinary bladders of female rats fed a HFD showed a low response, which was reversed by etanercept. Relaxation by BA in the bladders was more marked in HFD-fed rats. The high TGR5 expression in HFD-fed rats was characterized using a mRNA assay, and the increased cAMP levels were found to be stimulated by BA in the isolated bladders. Therefore, TGR5 expression increases with a HFD in both the hearts and urinary bladders. Collectively, cytokine-medicated TGR5 activation was observed in the hearts and urinary bladders of rats.
Analytical Solution for Chloride Diffusivity of Concrete with Aggregate Shape Effect
Authors: Zhang Jian , Ying Zhuo-Xuan , Chen Zhi-Wei , Wang Hai-Long , Li Jian-Hua , Yue Hui , Zheng Jian-Jun
Published: July 2021

In view of the key role of chloride diffusivity in evaluating concrete durability, it is very important to determine this parameter accurately by an effective approach. This paper establishes an analytical solution for chloride diffusivity of concrete that can consider the aggregate shape. In this approach, the aggregate shape is simulated as an ellipse and the equivalent model is applied to calculate the chloride diffusivity of equivalent aggregate composed of interface transition zone (ITZ) and aggregate. With resort to this model, at the meso scale, the concrete can be reduced from the original three-phase composition to the two-phase one (i.e., equivalent aggregates and cement paste). Based on the mesostructure of concrete that consisted of randomly dispersed equivalent elliptical aggregates and cement paste, the generalized Maxwell’s approach is formed to determine the chloride diffusivity of concrete. The corresponding chloride diffusion test is conducted and the thickness of ITZ is reasonably determined as 0.04 mm by SEM test. By comparing with the experimental data, the accuracy of the analytical solution is confirmed. Finally, the impact of aggregate shape on chloride diffusivity is discussed. The analytical results show that the chloride diffusivity has a reduction with the increase of aggregate content or decrease of aspect ratio.
Fouling Mitigation by Optimizing Flow Rate and Pulsed Electric Field during Bipolar Membrane Electroacidification of Caseinate Solution
Authors: Nichka Vladlen S. , Nikonenko Victor V. , Bazinet Laurent
Published: July 2021

The efficiency of separation processes using ion exchange membranes (IEMs), especially in the food industry, is significantly limited by the fouling phenomenon, which is the process of the attachment and growth of certain species on the surface and inside the membrane. Pulsed electric field (PEF) mode, which consists in the application of constant current density pulses during a fixed time (Ton) alternated with pause lapses (Toff), has a positive antifouling impact. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effect of three different relatively high flow rates of feed solution (corresponding to Reynolds numbers of 187, 374 and 560) and various pulse–pause ratios of PEF current regime on protein fouling kinetics during electrodialysis with bipolar membranes (EDBM) of a model caseinate solution. Four different pulse/pause regimes (with Ton/Toff ratios equal to 10 s/10 s, 10 s/20 s, 10 s/33 s and 10 s/50 s) during electrodialysis (ED) treatment were evaluated at a current density of 5 mA/cm2. It was found that increasing the pause duration and caseinate solution flow rate had a positive impact on the minimization of protein fouling occurring on the cationic surface of the bipolar membrane (BPM) during the EDBM. Both a long pause and high flow rate contribute to a more effective decrease in the concentration of protons and caseinate anions at the BPM surface: a very good membrane performance was achieved with 50 s of pause duration of PEF and a flow rate corresponding to Re = 374. A further increase in PEF pause duration (above 50 s) or flow rate (above Re = 374) did not lead to a significant decrease in the amount of fouling.
Silicon Carbide-Gated Nanofluidic Membrane for Active Control of Electrokinetic Ionic Transport
Authors: Silvestri Antonia , Di Trani Nicola , Canavese Giancarlo , Motto Ros Paolo , Iannucci Leonardo , Grassini Sabrina , Wang Yu , Liu Xuewu , Demarchi Danilo , Grattoni Alessandro
Published: July 2021

Manipulation of ions and molecules by external control at the nanoscale is highly relevant to biomedical applications. We report a biocompatible electrode-embedded nanofluidic channel membrane designed for electrofluidic applications such as ionic field-effect transistors for implantable drug-delivery systems. Our nanofluidic membrane includes a polysilicon electrode electrically isolated by amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC). The nanochannel gating performance was experimentally investigated based on the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics, leakage current, and power consumption in potassium chloride (KCl) electrolyte. We observed significant modulation of ionic diffusive transport of both positively and negatively charged ions under physical confinement of nanochannels, with low power consumption. To study the physical mechanism associated with the gating performance, we performed electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results showed that the flat band voltage and density of states were significantly low. In light of its remarkable performance in terms of ionic modulation and low power consumption, this new biocompatible nanofluidic membrane could lead to a new class of silicon implantable nanofluidic systems for tunable drug delivery and personalized medicine.