bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Candidate Genes for Root-Related Traits in Rice
Authors: Xiang Jun , Zhang Chaopu , Wang Nansheng , Liang Zhaojie , Zhenzhen Zheng , Liang Lunping , Yuan Hongyan , Shi Yingyao
Published: September 2022

Root architecture is a determinant factor of drought resistance in rice and plays essential roles in the absorption of water and nutrients for the survival of rice plants. Dissection of the genetic basis for root structure can help to improve stress-resistance and grain yield in rice breeding. In this study, a total of 391 rice (Oryz asativa L.) accessions were used to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on three root-related traits in rice, including main root length (MRL), average root length (ARL), and total root number (TRN). As a result, 13 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) (qMRL1.1, qMRL1.2, qMRL3.1, qMRL3.2, qMRL3.3, qMRL4.1, qMRL7.1, qMRL8.1, qARL1.1, qARL9.1, qTRN9.1, qTRN9.2, and qTRN11.1) significantly associated with the three traits were identified, among which three (qMRL3.2, qMRL4.1 and qMRL8.1) were overlapped with OsGNOM1, OsARF12 and qRL8.1, respectively, and ten were novel QTLs. Moreover, we also detected epistatic interactions affecting root-related traits and identified 19 related genetic interactions. These results lay a foundation for cloning the corresponding genes for rice root structure, as well as provide important genomic resources for breeding high yield rice varieties.
Investigating the Microstructure, Crystallographic Texture and Mechanical Behavior of Hot-Rolled Pure Mg and Mg-2Al-1Zn-1Ca Alloy
Authors: Chaudry Umer Masood , Hamad Kotiba , Jun Tea-Sung
Published: September 2022

In this study, the microstructure, crystallographic texture and the mechanical performance of hot-rolled pure Mg and Mg-2Al-1Zn-1Ca (herein inferred as AZX211) were thoroughly investigated. The results showed that the designed AZX211 alloy exhibited an exceptional strength/ductility synergy where an almost 40% increase in ductility was received for AZX211. The microstructural characterization revealed the grain refinement in the AZX211, where the grain size was reduced by more than 50% (24.5 µm, 10 µm for the pure Mg and the AZX211, respectively). Moreover, a discernible number of precipitates were dispersed in the AZX211, which were confirmed to be (Mg, Al)2Ca. The pure Mg showed a conventional strong basal texture while a significantly weakened split basal texture was received for the AZX211. The fraction of basal-oriented grains was 21% for the pure Mg and 5% for the AZX211. The significant texture weakening for the AZX211 can be attributed to the precipitation and co-segregation that triggered the preferential evolution of the non-basal grains while impeding the growth of the basal grains. This was also confirmed by the crystal orientation and the pseudo-rocking curves. The higher ductility of the AZX211 was explained based on the texture softening and Schmid factor for the basal and non-basal slip systems.
Laser Written Stretchable Diffractive Optic Elements in Liquid Crystal Gels
Authors: Chen Bohan , Zhao Zimo , Nourshargh Camron , He Chao , Salter Patrick S. , Booth Martin J. , Elston Steve J. , Morris Stephen M.
Published: September 2022

Direct laser writing (DLW) in liquid crystals (LCs) enables a range of new stimuli-responsive functionality to be realized. Here, a method of fabricating mechanically tunable diffraction gratings in stretchable LC gels is demonstrated using a combination of two-photon polymerization direct laser writing (TPP-DLW) and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Results are presented that demonstrate the fabrication of a diffraction grating that is written using TPP-DLW in the presence of an electric field in order to align and lock-in the LC director in a homeotropic configuration. The electric field is subsequently removed and the surrounding regions of the LC layer are then exposed to UV light to freeze-in a different alignment so as to ensure that there is a phase difference between the laser written and UV illuminated polymerized regions. It is found that there is a change in the period of the diffraction grating when observed on a polarizing optical microscope as well as a change in the far-field diffraction pattern when the film is stretched or contracted. These experimental results are then compared with the results from simulations. The paper concludes with a demonstration of tuning of the far-field diffraction pattern of a 2-dimensional diffraction grating.
Strength of Composite Columns Consists of Welded Double CF Sigma-Sections Filled with Concrete—An Experimental Study
Authors: Reda Mohamed A. , Ebid Ahmed M. , Ibrahim Sherif M. , El-Aghoury Mohamed A.
Published: September 2022

In-filled tubes section is a very successful configuration for axially loaded members such as columns and struts. Steel shell tube filled with concrete has many advantages, such as eliminating the need for shuttering, reinforcement bars or ties besides increasing both flexural and axial capacities and enhancing the ductility. The main disadvantage of in-filled tubes is the need for a shell thick enough to prevent the local buckling and hence the local decomposition. Previous studies tried to solve this problem using intermediate stiffeners or shear connectors. This research presents another approach to solve this problem using double cold-formed sigma-sections (face to face) as steel shell tubes. Sixteen specimens with different lengths, cross section dimensions and shell thicknesses were tested under both concentric and eccentric compression loads. Ultimate capacities, lateral deformations and normal strains were recorded. The theoretical capacities were calculated using AISC-LRDF-94, EN-1994-04 and CSI-COL software considering full composite action, and the deviations from the experimental results were 24%, 24% and 13%, respectively.
Utility of Integrated PET/MRI for the Primary Diagnostic Work-Up of Patients with Ewing Sarcoma: Preliminary Results
Authors: Chodyla Michal , Barbato Francesco , Dirksen Uta , Kirchner Julian , Schaarschmidt Benedikt M. , Schweiger Bernd , Forsting Michael , Herrmann Ken , Umutlu Lale , Grueneisen Johannes
Published: September 2022

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical applicability of integrated PET/MRI for staging and monitoring the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in Ewing sarcoma patients. Methods: A total of 11 juvenile patients with confirmed Ewing sarcoma, scheduled for induction polychemotherapy, were prospectively enrolled for a PET/MR examination before, during and after the end of treatment. Two experienced physicians analysed the imaging datasets. They were asked to perform a whole-body staging in all three examinations and to define treatment response according to the RECIST1.1 and PERCIST criteria for each patient. Results: In eight patients lymph node and/or distant metastases were detected at initial diagnosis. According to the reference standard, three patients achieved complete response, six patients partial response, and one patient showed stable disease while another patient showed progressive disease. RECIST1.1 categorized the response to treatment in 5/11 patients correctly and showed a tendency to underestimate the response to treatment in the remaining six patients. PERCIST defined response to treatment in 9/11 patients correctly and misclassified two patients with a PR as CR. Conclusion: PET/MRI may serve as a valuable imaging tool for primary staging and response assessment of juvenile patients with Ewing sarcoma to induction chemotherapy, accompanied by a reasonable radiation dose for the patient.
Noninvasive Diagnosis of Hepatic Fibrosis in Hemodialysis Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Liu Chen-Hua , Kao Jia-Horng
Published: September 2022

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health problem in hemodialysis patients, which leads to significant morbidity and mortality through progressive hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis. Percutaneous liver biopsy is the gold standard to stage hepatic fibrosis. However, it is an invasive procedure with postbiopsy complications. Because uremia may significantly increase the risk of fatal and nonfatal bleeding events, the use of noninvasive means to assess the severity of hepatic fibrosis is particularly appealing to hemodialysis patients. To date, researchers have evaluated the performance of various biochemical, serological, and radiological indices for hepatic fibrosis in hemodialysis patients with HCV infection. In this review, we will summarize the progress of noninvasive indices for assessing hepatic fibrosis and propose a pragmatic recommendation to diagnose the stage of hepatic fibrosis with a noninvasive index, in hemodialysis patients with HCV infection.
Co-Design of Output-Based Event-Triggered Protocol and Sliding Mode Control for 2D Nonlinear Fornasini-Marchesini Network under Packet Dropouts
Authors: Jia Jiajia , Zhang Guangchen
Published: September 2022

This paper focuses on the stability and sliding mode issues for the two-dimensional (2D) Fornasini-Marchesini (FMII) networked control system under packet dropouts. Firstly, the output-based 2D event-triggered strategy was constructed to alleviate information transmission pressure caused by limited network resources. Secondly, by considering the impact of packet dropouts, we propose an output-based 2D sliding mode controller and formulate the output-based 2D error-estimation scheme accordingly. Moreover, to get rid of the nonlinear coupling of the conditions (to guarantee the mean-square stability), we established an adaptive intelligence algorithm. Finally, we provide a numerical example to verify the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed algorithm and controller design.
Apoptosis Regulators Bcl-2 and Caspase-3
Authors: Hussar Piret
Published: September 2022

Apoptosis, programmed cell death, has a central role in developmental biology and in maintaining the equilibrium of renewing tissues. A founding member of the Bcl-2 family of regulatory proteins for apoptosis is Bcl-2, which is encoded by the BCL2 gene. Caspase-3 shares typical features with all caspases, including the role of acting as a crucial mediator of apoptosis.
Vertical Variation in Leaf Traits and Crown Structure Promote the Coexistence of Forest Tree Species
Authors: Feng Jiayi , Lian Juyu , Mei Qiming , Cao Honglin , Ye Wanhui
Published: September 2022

Vertical stratification in trees may respond to selective pressures to enhance light interception and utilization; therefore, the vertical functional variation in leaf traits may indicate niche partitioning within forests. In this study, vertical variations in leaf and crown structure traits of seven common tree species were analysed with respect to differences between species in different height groups, within the same height range, in the same species across tree height, and different parts of the individual tree crown to reveal coexistence mechanisms in subtropical forest tree species. There were multiple levels of trait variation in the vertical dimension, validating the existence of vertical niche differentiation in subtropical forest species. The functional trait differences arose among different height groups, among species co-occurring within the same height range, in the same species across tree height, and among different parts of the individual tree crown. Variation in comparative advantages, which was characterised by those traits between species across different height ranges, was also one of the manifestations of niche differentiation in the vertical dimension. Moreover, contrasting results between lower height ranges and higher ranges in the relationship between species’ differences in functional traits and species’ difference of abundance were found, further confirming that there was obvious vertical niche separation in the community. This study emphasised the importance of vertical variation in species’ performances in elucidating the mechanisms of tree species coexistence in subtropical forests.
Growth Performance and Biochemical Composition of Waste-Isolated Microalgae Consortia Grown on Nano-Filtered Pig Slurry and Cheese Whey under Mixotrophic Conditions
Authors: Su Min , Dell’Orto Marta , Scaglia Barbara , D’Imporzano Giuliana , Adani Fabrizio
Published: September 2022

The cultivation mode plays a vital role in algal growth and composition. This paper assessed the growth ability of twelve algae–microbial consortia (ACs) originally selected from organic wastes when nano-filtered pig slurry wastewater (NFP) and cheese whey (CW) were used as growth substrates in a mixotrophic mode in comparison with a photoautotrophic mode. Nutrient uptake ability, biochemical composition, fatty acids, and amino acid profiles of ACs were compared between both cultivation conditions. On average, 47% higher growth rates and 35% higher N uptake were found in mixotrophic cultivation along with significant P and TOC removal rates. Changing the cultivation mode did not affect AA and FA composition but improved EAA content, providing the potential for AC_5 and AC_4 to be used as local protein feed supplements. The results also showed the possibility for AC_6 and AC_1 to be used as omega-3 supplements due to their low ω-6–ω-3 ratio.
Study of Fungal Communities in Dry Red Wine Fermentation in Linfen Appellation, Shanxi
Authors: Hu Boran , Zhou Min , Su Jinghao , Lin Lan , Xu Shaochen
Published: September 2022

In this study, the fermentation mash of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Matheran from Linfen, Shanxi Province, was sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing platform to analyze the structural diversity of fungal communities in different samples. The results showed that a total of 10 phyla, 125 families, and 187 genera were detected in the nine samples of this study. The main fungal phyla were Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota. The main fungal genera are Hanseniaspora, Mortierella, Sclerotinia, Aureobasidium, Saccharomyces, Aspergillus, Clavulina, Candida, etc. Hanseniaspora was the dominant genus in the pre-fermentation stage, accounting for more than 70%; Saccharomyces was the dominant genus in the middle and late fermentation stage, accounting for more than 75% in the middle fermentation stage and up to 90% in the late fermentation stage. This study provides a theoretical basis for monitoring and optimizing winemaking processes and introducing wine grape varieties in the Linfen region of Shanxi.
Biochemical Methane Potential of a Biorefinery’s Process-Wastewater and its Components at Different Concentrations and Temperatures
Authors: Khan Muhammad Tahir , Huelsemann Benedikt , Krümpel Johannes , Wüst Dominik , Oechsner Hans , Lemmer Andreas
Published: September 2022

A sustainable circular bioeconomy requires the side streams and byproducts of biorefineries to be assimilated into bioprocesses to produce value-added products. The present study endeavored to utilize such a byproduct generated during the synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural as a potential feedstock for biogas production. For this purpose, biochemical methane potential tests for the full process-wastewater, its components (5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, levulinic acid, and glycolic acid), together with furfural’s metabolites (furfuryl alcohol and furoic acid), and phenols (syringaldehyde, vanillin, and phenol), were conducted at mesophilic and thermophilic temperatures to assess their biodegradability and gas production kinetics. 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 g COD of the test components were added separately into assays containing 35 mL of inoculum. At their lowest concentrations, the test components, other than the process-wastewater, exhibited a stimulatory effect on methane production at 37 °C, whereas their increased concentrations returned a lower mean specific methane yield at either temperature. For similar component loads, the mesophilic assays outperformed the thermophilic assays for the mean measured specific methane yields. Components that impaired the anaerobic process with their elevated concentrations were phenol, vanillin, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. Poor degradation of the process-wastewater was deduced to be linked to the considerable share of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in the process-wastewater governing its overall characteristics. With excessive recalcitrant components, it is recommended to use such waste streams and byproducts as a substrate for biogas plants operating at moderate temperatures, but at low rates.
An Enhanced ELECTRE II Method for Multi-Attribute Ontology Ranking with Z-Numbers and Probabilistic Linguistic Term Set
Authors: Sooklall Ameeth , Fonou-Dombeu Jean Vincent
Published: September 2022

The high number of ontologies available on the web to date makes it increasingly difficult to select appropriate ontologies for reuse. Many studies have attempted to provide support for ontology selection and ranking; however, the existing studies provide support for ontology ranking from an objective perspective as opposed to a subjective perspective. They do not take into account the qualitative aspects of ontologies. Furthermore, the existing methods have a limited focus on group environments. In this paper, a multi-criteria decision-making approach is presented for ontology ranking with the development of an enhanced model combining the ELECTRE II model with the Z-Probabilistic Linguistic Term Set (ZPLTS). The ZPLTS-ELECTRE II model enables decision-makers to model ontology ranking problems using both numerical and linguistic data. Furthermore, the newly proposed model provides support for ontology ranking in group settings, with an emphasis on modeling the differing levels of credibility of decision-makers using the ZPLTS, which allows decision-makers to not only specify their opinion but also specify their level of credibility. The model was applied to rank a set of mental health ontologies obtained from the BioPortal repository. The results showed that the method was able to rank the ontologies successfully. The results were further compared with the traditional ELECTRE II and the PLTS ELECTRE II methods, displaying superior modeling capabilities. This paper demonstrated the effectiveness of the newly proposed ZPLTS-ELECTRE II model for ontology ranking in a real-world context, but the method is not constrained to the ontology ranking domain; rather, it may be applied to other real-world decision problems as well.
A New Perspective on Hydrogen Chloride Scavenging at High Temperatures for Reducing the Smoke Acidity of PVC Cables in Fires. II: Some Examples of Acid Scavengers at High Temperatures in the Condensed Phase
Authors: Sarti Gianluca
Published: September 2022

In the European Union, according to Regulation (EU) n. 305/2011, cables permanently installed in residential and public buildings need additional classification for acidity. EN 60754-2 is the test method for assessing acidity, and three classes are provided: a1, a2, and a3 (less performant). The research on PVC compounds with low smoke acidity helps to produce cables in the best additional classes for acidity, giving the PVC cables the possibility to be used in medium and high fire risk locations. This paper shows the behavior of some acid scavengers at high temperatures performing EN 60754-2 in isothermal conditions at different temperatures between 400 °C and 950 °C. The test apparatus is a tube furnace where the test specimen is burnt, and the released gases are trapped in bubbling devices containing double deionized water. pH and conductivity are measured, the efficiency of the acid scavengers is assessed, and chemical analysis of the ashes is performed. That allows us to understand why some substances succeed and others fail in trapping hydrogen chloride (HCl). The most important conclusion in this paper is that the higher the temperature, the lower the performance of the acid scavenger, showing that HCl concentration in the gas phase depends strongly on the heating conditions of the test specimen.
Theoretical Prediction Model of the Explosion Limits for Multi-Component Gases (Multiple Combustible Gases Mixed with Inert Gases) under Different Temperatures
Authors: Ma Qiuju , Guo Yuhao , Zhong Mingyu , You Jingfeng , He Ya , Chen Jianhua , Zhang Zhaokun
Published: September 2022

Combustible gases often lead to fire and explosion accidents due to their unsafe characteristics. Furthermore, their explosion limits are influenced by various factors. In the industrial production process, the operating unit is often in a high-temperature environment, and the multi-component gas explosion limits under this condition are difficult to determine. Therefore, it is urgent to have a universal theoretical prediction model to rapidly predict the multi-component gas explosion limits at high temperatures. This paper proposes a theoretical prediction model for the lower explosion limit of multi-combustible gases containing inert gases at different temperatures based on the heat balance equation and radiation heat loss, which can be used to solve the lower explosion limit of the “multiple combustible gases + multiple inert gases” mixture at different temperatures. It solves the explosion limits of methane, ethylene, propane, and propylene mixed with nitrogen with relative errors of 2.66%, 5.98%, 6.82%, and 5.88%, respectively, compared with experimental data. It also obtained theoretically predicted gas explosion limits for methane, ethylene, propane, and propylene mixed with carbon dioxide, with relative errors of 3.24%, 5.13%, 6.19%, and 5.58%, respectively. Although the reference experimental data made the model validation somewhat limited, validation with data for multiple single gases and temperatures still gave the model considerable reliability.
Rigid Protection System of Infrastructures against Forest Fires
Authors: Vaz Gilberto , Raposo Jorge , Reis Luís , Monteiro Pedro , Viegas Domingos
Published: September 2022

The destruction caused by forest fires generates social impacts, environmental impacts, and extremely important economic impacts caused by the destruction of a wide range of infrastructures and essential goods. Therefore, as it is impossible to remove all the infrastructures from the forest and wildland–urban interface, the design of protection systems is essential. The main objective of this work is the development of a low-cost protection system, with rigid panels, requiring a simple installation, in order to protect outdoor infrastructures such as telecommunications stations, shelters, roadside enclosures, power cabinets, and other structures. A study was carried out on panels that could be used for protection in order to determine whether the protective material would be more appropriate. Taking into account the fire resistance behavior, thermal and structural properties and cost, the panels selected were the magnesium oxide fiberglass reinforced. The protection was constructed, installed on a telecommunication cabinet, and experimentally laboratory tested in a wind combustion tunnel. To collect the data InfraRed and video cameras, heat flux sensors, and thermocouples were used to determine the fire propagation, heat flux, and temperatures, respectively. The experimental data show that the low-cost protection is effective for protecting telecommunication cabinets and similar infrastructures against forest fires.
Using Participatory Mapping to Foster Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction in Forest Fire-Prone Areas: The Case of Monchique in Portugal
Authors: Partidário Maria , Saad Guilherme , Monteiro Margarida B. , Dias Joana , Martins Rute , Ramos Isabel Loupa , Ribeiro Henrique , Teixeira Miguel , Freitas Maria de Belém Costa , Antunes Carla
Published: September 2022

Local knowledge and communities’ active role in disaster risk areas are recognized in the literature as key conditions to better understand risks, enhance adaptive capacities and foster local resilience. A participatory action research project in forest fire-prone areas in Monchique, Portugal, is aligned with the literature and adopts participatory mapping as a method that can bring evidence to the importance of local knowledge and communities’ agency. In the BRIDGE Project, different types of knowledge are integrated, triggering local/collective agency and fostering a forest fire community-based disaster risk reduction (CBDRR) approach. An innovation laboratory (InnoLab) provides the space for dialogue and knowledge sharing for different actors that manage forest territories. In the InnoLab, participatory mapping is used as a method to engage landowners where risk factors and local vulnerabilities were identified. Their active engagement enabled a collective perception in the assessment of vulnerability and led to the identification of strategic measures for risk reduction. This paper shares the process and outcomes of this participatory mapping, highlighting the benefits of a community approach and the importance of local knowledge and practices as recognized in the literature. It also reveals how the active role of local stakeholders can help drive a CBDRR process.
Evaluating Satellite Fire Detection Products and an Ensemble Approach for Estimating Burned Area in the United States
Authors: Marsha Amy L. , Larkin Narasimhan K.
Published: September 2022

Fire location and burning area are essential parameters for estimating fire emissions. However, ground-based fire data (such as fire perimeters from incident reports) are often not available with the timeliness required for real-time forecasting. Fire detection products derived from satellite instruments such as the GOES-16 Advanced Baseline Imager or MODIS, on the other hand, are available in near real-time. Using a ground fire dataset of 2699 fires during 2017–2019, we fit a series of linear models that use multiple satellite fire detection products (HMS aggregate fire product, GOES-16, MODIS, and VIIRS) to assess the ability of satellite data to detect and estimate total burned area. It was found that on average models fit with fire detections from GOES-16 products performed better than those developed from other satellites in the study (modelled R2 = 0.84 and predictive R2 = 0.88). However, no single satellite product was found to best estimate incident burned area, highlighting the need for an ensemble approach. With our proposed modelling ensemble, we demonstrate its ability to estimate burned area and suggest its further use in daily fire tracking and emissions-modeling frameworks.
Widespread Hybridization between Invasive Bleak (Alburnus alburnus) and Iberian Chub (Squalius spp.): A Neglected Conservation Threat
Authors: Curto Manuel , Morgado-Santos Miguel , Alexandre Carlos M. , Alves Maria Judite , Gante Hugo F. , Gkenas Christos , Medeiros João P. , Pinheiro Paulo J. , Almeida Pedro R. , Magalhães Maria Filomena , Ribeiro Filipe
Published: September 2022

Hybridization between native and nonnative fish species is a major conservation issue, especially in ecosystems with high levels of endemism, such as Iberian streams. To date, hybridization with the invasive bleak Alburnus alburnus has been reported for the Iberian chub Squalius alburnoides and S. pyrenaicus and in scattered locations only. However, the bleak is spreading in the region, potentially increasing the risks of hybridization with other Squalius species. To gather a more comprehensive picture on the current geography of hybridization, we compiled records on hybrids between bleak and chub in Portugal and conducted genetical assessments of hybrids between bleak and S. carolitertii. We found that hybridization with bleak is widespread throughout Portuguese river basins and involves at least S. alburnoides, S. pyrenaicus and S. carolitertii. Hybridization with bleak may not only cause waste of reproductive effort and damage the genetic integrity of these endemic species but also promote shifts in the reproductive dynamics of the S. alburnoides hybrid complex, which includes individuals with various ploidy levels and combinations of parental genomes, reproducing sexually and asexually. We recommend that future studies characterize the fitness of bleak hybrids and their ecological and genetic interactions with native fish, in order to design effective conservation measures.
An Assessment of Seasonal Differences in Fish Populations in Laizhou Bay Using Environmental DNA and Conventional Resource Survey Techniques
Authors: Dai Shuqin , Bai Maojuan , Jia Hui , Xian Weiwei , Zhang Hui
Published: September 2022

In recent years, environmental DNA (eDNA) technology has gradually improved, and it has been increasingly used to monitor marine fish. The decline and seasonal fluctuations of fish resources in Laizhou Bay, Bohai were studied using eDNA technology and compared with the results of conventional fish resource survey methods. In November 2020 (autumn), March 2021 (spring), and July 2021 (summer), 12 samples were collected each quarter in Laizhou Bay and adjacent waters for a total of 36 eDNA samples, and 47 fish species were identified. During the same trip, ground cages, gillnets, and trawls were used during two seasons. Fishery resource surveys were conducted at 12 sites from November 2020 (autumn) to March 2021 (spring), and in total 11 fish species were found. Our study found that fishery resources in Laizhou Bay significantly fluctuated with seasonal changes. Additionally, compared with traditional surveys, eDNA information included the same results, but also included fish that could not be collected because of the technical limitations of traditional surveys. Therefore, this study provides more accurate seasonal information for fish in Laizhou Bay, which is of great significance for the long-term management and conservation of coastal biodiversity.
Experience of Patient-Specific CFD Simulation of Blood Flow in Proximal Anastomosis for Femoral-Popliteal Bypass
Authors: Ivanova Yana , Yukhnev Andrey , Tikhomolova Ludmila , Smirnov Evgueni , Vrabiy Andrey , Suprunovich Andrey , Morozov Alexey , Khubulava Gennady , Vavilov Valery
Published: September 2022

Femoral artery bypass surgery needs postoperative monitoring due to the high complication risks after bypass. Numerical simulation is an effective tool to help solve this task. This work presents the experience of patient-specific CFD simulation of blood flow in proximal anastomosis for femoral-popliteal bypass, including patient follow-up after bypass surgery. Six cases of proximal anastomosis of femoral-popliteal bypass 3–30 months after surgery were studied. A repeated study was performed for four patients to monitor geometric and hemodynamic changes. The blood flow structure variety in proximal anastomoses and the blood flow dynamics during the cardiac cycle are described in detail using CFD simulation. Special attention is paid to time-average wall shear stresses (TAWSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI) distributions. Low and oscillatory wall shear stresses were registered in the graft downstream from the suture, especially in case of low inlet flow. It was shown that the postoperative geometry changes led to significant hemodynamic changes; thereby, neointima has grown in areas with initially low and oscillatory wall shear stresses.
An Atypical Disease-Knowledge-Related Suicide by Means of Slashing the Hemodialytic Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Galante Nicola , Ciprandi Barbara , Franceschetti Lorenzo
Published: September 2022

A case of suicide committed by self-cutting the arteriovenous fistula in a patient on hemodialysis is presented. A 77-year-old man was found dead with a blood-stained kitchen knife in the bedroom by his daughter. The man suffered from severe chronic renal failure, for which he needed hemodialysis. Moreover, he was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer relapse. At autopsy, there was a single incised wound on the anterior surface of the left forearm, which showed a regular slash of the skin and the subcutaneous tissues. After the dissection, there was a small-sized lesion affecting the arteriovenous fistula wall. Furthermore, faint postmortem lividity and diffuse visceral pallor were observed. Consequently, the cause of death was identified as an acute hemorrhagic shock after self-cut of the arteriovenous hemodialytic fistula. This case is worthy of several medicolegal considerations: firstly, autopsy examination should always be required in cases with atypical injuries, providing important data to differentiate suicides from homicides. Secondly, disease-knowledge-related suicides are an emerging phenomenon, which deserve careful analysis. Lastly, it is important to identify patients with chronic diseases for whom psychological support is needed, preventing suicidal ideation and reducing suicide risk.
Abdominal and Thoracic Imaging Features in Children with MIS-C
Authors: Ilieva Elena , Kostadinova Vilyana , Tzotcheva Iren , Rimpova Nadezhda , Paskaleva Yordanka , Lazova Snezhina
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Currently, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and laboratory findings of inflammation in the body. Once MIS-C is diagnosed, children will need to be followed over time. The imaging modalities most commonly used in the evaluation of patients with MIS-C include radiographs, ultrasound (US), and computed tomography (CT). Our study aims to summarise the literature data for the main gastrointestinal and pulmonary imaging features in children diagnosed with MIS-C and to share a single-centre experience. (2) Methods: We present the imaging findings in a cohort of 51 children diagnosed with MIS-C, admitted between December 2020 and February 2022. Imaging studies include chest and abdominal radiographs, thoracic, abdominal, and neck US and echocardiography (ECHO), and CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. (3) Results: In accordance with the results in other studies, our observations show predominantly gastrointestinal involvement (GI) with ascites (33/51, 65%) and lymphadenopathy (19/51, 37%), ileitis or colitis (18/51, 35%), some cases of splenomegaly (9/51, 18%), hepatomegaly (8/51, 16%), and a few cases of renal enlargement (3/51, 6%) and gallbladder fossa oedema/wall thickening (2/51, 4%). Most common among the thoracic findings are posterior–basal consolidations (16/51, 31%), pleural effusion (14/51, 27%), and ground-glass opacities (12/51, 24%). We also register the significant involvement of the cardiovascular system with pericarditis (30/51, 58%), pericardial effusion (16/51, 31%), and myocarditis (6/51, 12%). (4) Conclusions: Radiologists should be aware of those imaging findings in order to take an important and active role not only in applying an accurate diagnosis, but also in the subsequent management of children with MIS-C. Radiological findings are not the primary diagnostic tool, but can assist in the evaluation of the affected systems and guide treatment.
Extrusion of Cell Encapsulated in Boron Nitride Nanotubes Reinforced Gelatin—Alginate Bioink for 3D Bioprinting
Authors: Kakarla Akesh Babu , Kong Ing , Kong Cin , Irving Helen , Thomas Colleen J.
Published: September 2022

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, an innovative technology, has gained the attention of researchers as a promising technique for the redevelopment of complex tissue or organ structures. Despite significant advancements, a major challenge in 3D bioprinting is the limited number of suitable bioinks that fulfil the physiochemical requirements to produce complicated structures. Therefore, there is a demand for the production of bioinks for 3D bioprinting techniques. In this short communication, THP-1 cells encapsulated in boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) reinforced gelatin and alginate bioink was prepared. The study investigated the impact on the cells during printing using a fluorescence cell image. The results showed that the pure polymer bioinks demonstrated poor printability properties with the incorporation of cells. However, BNNT-combined bioink showed a significant increase in structural integrity even after the incorporation of cells. Furthermore, the scaffold structure was successfully printed with the cells incorporated bioink, and a considerable number of live cells were observed. With further studies, BNNTs as a promising nanomaterial for formulating bioink encapsulated with cells can be understood fully.
3D Documentation and Visualization of Cultural Heritage Buildings through the Application of Geospatial Technologies
Authors: Stylianidis Efstratios , Evangelidis Konstantinos , Vital Rebeka , Dafiotis Panagiotis , Sylaiou Stella
Published: September 2022

Architectural survey is an evolving field in architecture that has been affected during the past decade by the technological advancements in the field of 3D data acquisition. Some of these technological advancements include long-range laser scanning and photogrammetry. Laser scanning gives us an accurate documentation of the site, even in cases where parts of the building have collapsed. This paper aims to present two case studies of digital documentation through laser scanning and photogrammetry that led to the structural reinforcement and preservation of the first site and to a digital reconstruction and a mixed reality platform for the second site. The first site is an Ottoman Soap factory in Lod, Israel and the second one is an Ottoman Bathhouse in Apollonia, Greece. Both sites dealt with challenges during documentation due to a partial collapse of the building or due to dangerous structural conditions. The digital documentation methodologies allowed for a fast, accurate and comprehensive survey, as well as for a good understanding of the building and the areas which were concealed as a result of the collapse. At the same time, the digital documentation model gave the potential for the cultural heritage (CH) site to become part of the social, economic and cultural local community.
Genetic Variability Assessment of a Diploid Pre-Breeding Asparagus Population Developed Using the Tetraploid Landrace ‘Morado de Huétor’
Authors: García Verónica , Castro Patricia , Millán Teresa , Gil Juan , Moreno Roberto
Published: September 2022

Different studies have reported a narrow genetic base for garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) due to its common origin, a diploid population (‘Purple Dutch’). The present study focused on the development of new diploid plant material that may be useful to widen the genetic base of the crop by using a tetraploid landrace ‘Morado de Huétor’ (A. officinalis × A. maritimus). With this purpose, a diploid pre-breeding population (n = 1000) carrying introgressions of ‘Morado de Huétor’ has been obtained. This new population derived from crosses under open pollination of a parental collection (n = 77) that was developed in a previous study. The parental collection derived from the first backcrossing using different diploid cultivated plants as a recurrent parent and ‘Morado de Huétor’ as a donor. The genetic diversity of the pre-breeding population was assessed using a set of EST-SSR markers (AG7, AG8, TC1, TC3, TC7, TC9) in a collection of plants (n = 57), which was randomly sampled in the pre-breeding population. The results were compared to previous data obtained from the parental collection, a set of current diploid asparagus cultivars and the landrace ‘Morado de Huétor’. The average of PICm (Polymorphic Information Content) values obtained in the pre-breeding population (0.75) resulted higher than the value obtained in the diploid cultivars (0.63) but lower than in ‘Morado de Huétor’ (0.83). Twenty-two alleles (52.4%) detected in the new diploid population were specific from ‘Morado de Huétor’. Principal Coordinate Analyses (PCoA) revealed that the new population had a genetic diversity distribution different from the current cultivars. This new population was also evaluated for different morpho-agronomic traits (earliness, stalk number, branching height and stalk thickness) for two years. Significant differences among plants (p < 0.001) were found for these five traits and, therefore, a genotype variation is suggested. As a result, 71 plants were selected to develop a breeding base population. The genetic variability of those selected plants was also analyzed and similar genetic variability to the pre-breeding population was obtained. The results obtained in this study show that this new population could be used to enlarge the genetic base of the current diploid asparagus cultivars.
Estimation of Heterosis and Combining Ability for Improving Yield, Sweetness, Carotenoid and Antioxidant Qualities in Pumpkin Hybrids (Cucurbita moschata Duch. Ex Poir.)
Authors: Hosen Monir , Rafii Mohd Y. , Mazlan Norida , Jusoh Mashitah , Chowdhury Mst. Farhana Nazneen , Yusuff Oladosu , Ridzuan Raihana , Karim K. M. Rezaul , Halidu Jamilu , Ikbal Mohammad Ferdous
Published: September 2022

A full diallel mating design was used to hybridize seven pumpkin inbred parental lines, yielding 42 F1 hybrids, including reciprocals. The generated F1 hybrids, parental lines and commercial check hybrid were evaluated in two environments to investigate the per se performances, combining ability effects and magnitude of heterosis over mid-parent, better-parent and commercial check hybrids for yield, yield attributed, sweetness, total carotenoid and antioxidant traits, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The analysis of variance for most of the examined traits revealed highly significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) for GCA, SCA, reciprocal, maternal and non-maternal variances and their interaction with the environment. Since the inheritance of yield and its contributing fruit quality, and antioxidant traits is governed by non-additive gene action, it suggests heterosis breeding would be useful in obtaining further improvements in pumpkin. From the experiment, it was found that the paternal lines P1 (Gold Butter 315) for dry matter content and DPPH (%), P4 (Asian pumpkin) for total carotenoid content, P6 (Sarawak) for fruit number per plant and P7 (Australia-1) for single fruit weight, fruit flesh thickness, yield per plant and total soluble solid were shown to be good general combiners. In respect to per se performance, combining ability effects and magnitude of heterosis over mid-parent, better-parent and commercial check, the cross P2 (928 Fuxiang) × P1 (Gold Butter 315) and P4 (Asian pumpkin) × P5 (Sarawak) for single fruit weight and yield per plant, the cross P5 (Sarawak) × P2 (928 Fuxiang) for fruits number per plant, P1 (Gold Butter 315) × P7 (Australia-1) and P1 (Gold Butter 315) × P6 (Sarawak) for total soluble solid and dry matter content, P7 (Australia-1) × P2 (928 Fuxiang) for total carotenoid content and P3 (Ser Bajadi) × P1 (Gold Butter 315) for DPPH (antioxidant) were identified to be highly significant positive specific combiners and the highest performers, and these crosses may be exploited as commercial hybrids.
Transcriptome Analysis of the Development of Pedicel Abscission Zone in Tomato
Authors: Dong Xiufen , Wang Yue , Yan Yanyan , Wang Huasen
Published: September 2022

Plant organ abscission is a common phenomenon that occurs at a specific position called the abscission zone (AZ). The differentiation and development of the pedicel AZ play important roles in flower and fruit abscission, which are of great significance for abscission in tomatoes before harvest. Previous studies have reported some genes involved in AZ differentiation; however, the genes regulating pedicel AZ cell development in tomatoes after AZ differentiation remain poorly understood. In this study, transcriptome analyses of tomato pedicel AZ samples were performed at 0, 5, 15, and 30 days post-anthesis (DPA). Pedicel AZ growth was mainly observed before 15 DPA. A principal component analysis and a correlation analysis were carried out in order to compare the repeatability and reliability for different samples. We observed 38 up-regulated and 31 down-regulated genes that were significantly altered during 0 to 5 DPA, 5 to 15 DPA, and 0 to 15 DPA, which may play key roles in AZ cell enlargement. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the selected DEGs under all three different comparisons were conducted. Auxin-signaling-related genes were analyzed, as well as AUX/IAA, GH3, and small auxin up-regulated RNA (SAUR) gene expression patterns. The presented results provide information on pedicel AZ development, which might help in regulating flower or fruit pedicel abscission in tomato production facilities.
Individuals’ Assessments of Their Own Wellbeing, Subjective Welfare, and Good Life: Four Exploratory Studies
Authors: Dahlen Micael , Thorbjørnsen Helge
Published: September 2022

This paper reports on four exploratory online studies of how wellbeing and welfare are valued and perceived from a subjective, individual perspective. Study 1 (n = 707) compares individuals’ subjective ratings and correlations of the importance of the three wellbeing dimensions happiness, meaning in life, and a psychologically rich life, as well as their welfare. Study 2 (n = 679) factor-analyses the same four (five-item) wellbeing and subjective welfare constructs. Study 3 (n = 710) gauges how individuals’ global assessments of the three dimensions of wellbeing and of subjective welfare contribute to their assessments of living a good life, using stepwise regression analysis. Study 4 (n = 663) replicates the stepwise regression analysis with global measures of relative, rather than absolute, wellbeing and subjective welfare.
Photocatalytic Evaluation of TiOx Films Produced by Cathodic Arc-PVD with Silver Addition by UVC Photo-Reduction Method
Authors: Raya-Tapia Alma Yunuen , Ung-Medina Francisco , Mondragón-Rodríguez Guillermo César , Rivera-Muñoz Eric Mauricio , Apolinar-Cortés José , Méndez Franklin J. , Huirache-Acuña Rafael
Published: September 2022

A titanium (Ti) commercial cathode material and high purity Ar and O2 were used in the cathodic arc physical vapor deposition (arc-PVD) process. The TiOx coating was deposited on the three sets of Raschig rings using decreasing ratios of Ar/O2:440/60, 400/100 and 300/100. The cross sections of the TiOx PVD coating were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). A homogeneous layer of Ti with small O content was observed, and the data suggest that a thin TiOx oxide film was deposited. For this reason, a thermal treatment was applied to the coating to oxidize it and form the rutile phase of TiO2 in the coating, which was demonstrated by grazing incidence XRD. In addition, the TiOx coatings absorb radiation, which was observed by diffuse reflectance band gap energy measurement. Silver (Ag) was added by the photo-reduction method, using UVC light to activate the TiO2 coating, and the band gap energy was analyzed by diffuse reflectance. The photocatalytic activities of the films were evaluated by degradation of the model dye rhodamine B and in the removal of fecal coliforms using two matrices, water from a secondary treatment effluent, and synthetic water.
Definition of the Pnictogen Bond: A Perspective
Authors: Varadwaj Arpita , Varadwaj Pradeep R. , Marques Helder M. , Yamashita Koichi
Published: September 2022

This article proposes a definition for the term “pnictogen bond” and lists its donors, acceptors, and characteristic features. These may be invoked to identify this specific subset of the inter- and intramolecular interactions formed by elements of Group 15 which possess an electrophilic site in a molecular entity.