bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein aggregation and calcium dysregulation are hallmarks of familial Parkinson’s disease in midbrain dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Virdi Gurvir S. , Choi Minee L. , Evans James R. , Yao Zhi , Athauda Dilan , Strohbuecker Stephanie , Nirujogi Raja S. , Wernick Anna I. , Pelegrina-Hidalgo Noelia , Leighton Craig , Saleeb Rebecca S. , Kopach Olga , Alrashidi Haya , Melandri Daniela , Perez-Lloret Jimena , Angelova Plamena R. , Sylantyev Sergiy , Eaton Simon , Heales Simon , Rusakov Dmitri A. , Alessi Dario R. , Kunath Tilo , Horrocks Mathew H. , Abramov Andrey Y. , Patani Rickie , Gandhi Sonia
Published: November 2022

Mutations in theSNCAgene cause autosomal dominant Parkinson’s disease (PD), with loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, and aggregation of α-synuclein. The sequence of molecular events that proceed from anSNCAmutation during development, to end-stage pathology is unknown. Utilising human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), we resolved the temporal sequence ofSNCA-induced pathophysiological events in order to discover early, and likely causative, events. Our small molecule-based protocol generates highly enriched midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons: molecular identity was confirmed using single-cell RNA sequencing and proteomics, and functional identity was established through dopamine synthesis, and measures of electrophysiological activity. At the earliest stage of differentiation, prior to maturation to mDA neurons, we demonstrate the formation of small β-sheet-rich oligomeric aggregates, inSNCA-mutant cultures. Aggregation persists and progresses, ultimately resulting in the accumulation of phosphorylated α-synuclein aggregates. Impaired intracellular calcium signalling, increased basal calcium, and impairments in mitochondrial calcium handling occurred early at day 34–41 post differentiation. Once midbrain identity fully developed, at day 48–62 post differentiation,SNCA-mutant neurons exhibited mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, lysosomal swelling and increased autophagy. Ultimately these multiple cellular stresses lead to abnormal excitability, altered neuronal activity, and cell death. Our differentiation paradigm generates an efficient model for studying disease mechanisms in PD and highlights that protein misfolding to generate intraneuronal oligomers is one of the earliest critical events driving disease in human neurons, rather than a late-stage hallmark of the disease.
Extensive range contraction predicted under climate warming for two endangered mountaintop frogs from the rainforests of subtropical Australia
Authors: Bolitho Liam , Newell David
Published: November 2022

Montane ecosystems cover approximately 20% of the Earth's terrestrial surface and are centres of endemism. Globally, anthropogenic climate change is driving population declines and local extinctions across multiple montane taxa, including amphibians. We applied the maximum entropy approach to predict the impacts of climate change on the distribution of two poorly known amphibian species (Philoria kundagunganandPhiloria richmondensis) endemic to the subtropical uplands of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, World Heritage Area (GRAWHA). Firstly, under current climate conditions and also future (2055) low and high warming scenarios. We validated current distribution models against models developed using presence-absence field data. Our models were highly concordant with known distributions and predicted the current distribution ofP. kundagunganto contract by 64% under the low warming scenario and by 91% under the high warming scenario and thatP. richmondensiswould contract by 50% and 85%, respectively. With large areas of habitat already impacted by wildfires, conservation efforts for both these species need to be initiated urgently. We propose several options,including establishing ex-situ insurance populations increasing the long-term viability of both species in the wild through conservation translocations.
Speciated mechanism in Quaternary cervids (Cervus and Capreolus) on both sides of the Pyrenees: a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Uzunidis Antigone , Rufà Anna , Blasco Ruth , Rosell Jordi , Brugal Jean-Philip , Texier Pierre-Jean , Rivals Florent
Published: November 2022

Cervids, and especially the red deerCervus elaphus, are among the most regularly and abundantly recorded ungulates in Pleistocene/Paleolithic bone assemblages. Numerous Pleistocene or Holocene subspecies have been described, reinforcing their status as essential proxies for environmental and chronological reconstructions. Despite this, at the beginning of the Late Pleistocene, their diversity seems to have decreased. In this study, we analysed teeth and some postcranial elements ofCervusandCapreolusfrom north-eastern Iberia and south-eastern France to clarify their morphological characteristics and ecological adaptations. We describe a transitional form in north-eastern Iberia between the western European stock and the current formC. e. hispanicus. Such sub-speciation processes are connected to biogeographical factors, as there were limited exchanges between north-eastern Iberia and the northern Pyrenees, whereas the north-western part of the peninsula seems more connected to the northern Pyrenees. The anatomical plasticity (morpho-functional adaptation and body size) of red deer is connected to dietary flexibility (dental meso- and microwear). Conversely,Capreolusshows greater morphological and ecological homogeneity. Body size variations seem directly correlated with their ability to browse throughout the year. The marked differences between the eco-bio-geographical responses of the two taxa can be explained by their habitat selection.
Incidence and risk factors of clinically important venous thromboembolism in tibial plateau fractures
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Yan Xinan , Fei Chen , Zhang Binfei , Xing Jian , Zhang Kun , Kandemir Utku
Published: November 2022

While there are multiple reports on venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with several orthopedic procedures, the knowledge regarding incidence and risk factors of VTE in tibial plateau fractures is limited. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of clinically important venous thromboembolism (CIVTE) in patients with tibial plateau fractures. All adult patients who underwent surgical treatment of tibia plateau fractures between 2003 and 2018 in our level 1 trauma center were included in the study. All patients suspected CIVTE were assessed by the ultrasonography and/or CT scan. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the association between potential risk factors and CIVTE Variables. Thirty-nine of 462 patients (8.4%) developed clinically important venous thromboembolism, in which pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were observed in 18 (3.9%) and 21 (4.54%) patients, respectively. Male gender (OR 9.75; 95% CI 2.34–40.66), spine injury (OR 9.51; 95% CI 3.39–26.64), other extremity injury (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.58–8.66), length of stay in ICU (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.09–1.2) were all risk factors for CIVTE. The incidence of CIVTE in tibial plateau fracture was relatively high (8.4%); The male gender, spine injury, other extremity injury, length of stay in ICU were the independent risk factors.
Nature inspired method for noninvasive fetal ECG extraction
Authors: Raj Akshaya , Brablik Jindrich , Kahankova Radana , Jaros Rene , Barnova Katerina , Snasel Vaclav , Mirjalili Seyedali , Martinek Radek
Published: November 2022

This paper introduces a novel algorithm for effective and accurate extraction of non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram (NI-fECG). In NI-fECG based monitoring, the useful signal is measured along with other signals generated by the pregnant women’s body, especially maternal electrocardiogram (mECG). These signals are more distinct in magnitude and overlap in time and frequency domains, making the fECG extraction extremely challenging. The proposed extraction method combines the Grey wolf algorithm (GWO) with sequential analysis (SA). This innovative combination, forming the GWO-SA method, optimises the parameters required to create a template that matches the mECG, which leads to an accurate elimination of the said signal from the input composite signal. The extraction system was tested on two databases consisting of real signals, namely, Labour and Pregnancy. The databases used to test the algorithms are available on a server at the generalist repositories (figshare) integrated with Matonia et al. (Sci Data 7(1):1–14, 2020). The results show that the proposed method extracts the fetal ECG signal with an outstanding efficacy. The efficacy of the results was evaluated based on accurate detection of the fQRS complexes. The parameters used to evaluate are as follows: accuracy (ACC), sensitivity (SE), positive predictive value (PPV), and F1 score. Due to the stochastic nature of the GWO algorithm, ten individual runs were performed for each record in the two databases to assure stability as well as repeatability. Using these parameters, for the Labour dataset, we achieved an average ACC of 94.60%, F1 of 96.82%, SE of 97.49%, and PPV of 98.96%. For the Pregnancy database, we achieved an average ACC of 95.66%, F1 of 97.44%, SE of 98.07%, and PPV of 97.44%. The obtained results show that the fHR related parameters were determined accurately for most of the records, outperforming the other state-of-the-art approaches. The poorer quality of certain signals have caused deviation from the estimated fHR for certain records in the databases. The proposed algorithm is compared with certain well established algorithms, and has proven to be accurate in its fECG extractions.
Low spatial frequency laser-induced periodic surface structures in fused silica inscribed by widely tunable femtosecond laser pulses
Authors: Navickas Marius , Grigutis Robertas , Jukna Vytautas , Tamošauskas Gintaras , Dubietis Audrius
Published: November 2022

The formation and evolution of laser-induced periodic surface structures in fused silica under irradiation of widely tunable (in the 1–3 $$\upmu$$
μ
m range) linearly polarized femtosecond (200 fs) pulses was studied experimentally. The structures were inscribed in high fluence regime (exceeding the surface ablation threshold for a single pulse) and characterized by using scanning electron microscopy and two dimensional Fourier transform. The results revealed rapid (after irradiation with a few successive pulses) formation of periodic laser-induced periodic surface structures aligned parallel to laser polarization, whose period increases with increasing the inscription wavelength, obeying the $$\lambda /n$$

λ
/
n

law. With further increase of number of pulses, the generated structures gradually reorganize into laser polarization-independent low spatial frequency annular structures associated with formation of the damage crater, which fully established after irradiation with a few tens of successive laser pulses. This particular evolution scenario was observed over the entire wavelength tuning range of incident pulses.
Dementia with Lewy bodies post-mortem brains reveal differentially methylated CpG sites with biomarker potential
Authors: Shao Xiaojian , Vishweswaraiah Sangeetha , Čuperlović-Culf Miroslava , Yilmaz Ali , Greenwood Celia M. T. , Surendra Anuradha , McGuinness Bernadette , Passmore Peter , Kehoe Patrick G. , Maddens Michael E. , Bennett Steffany A. L. , Green Brian D. , Radhakrishna Uppala , Graham Stewart F.
Published: November 2022

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a common form of dementia with known genetic and environmental interactions. However, the underlying epigenetic mechanisms which reflect these gene-environment interactions are poorly studied. Herein, we measure genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of post-mortem brain tissue (Broadmann area 7) from 15 pathologically confirmed DLB brains and compare them with 16 cognitively normal controls using Illumina MethylationEPIC arrays. We identify 17 significantly differentially methylated CpGs (DMCs) and 17 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between the groups. The DMCs are mainly located at the CpG islands, promoter and first exon regions. Genes associated with the DMCs are linked to “Parkinson’s disease” and “metabolic pathway”, as well as the diseases of “severe intellectual disability” and “mood disorders”. Overall, our study highlights previously unreported DMCs offering insights into DLB pathogenesis with the possibility that some of these could be used as biomarkers of DLB in the future.
Elucidation of microbial lignin degradation pathways using synthetic isotope-labelled lignin
Authors: Alruwaili Awatif , Rashid Goran M. M. , Sodré Victoria , Mason James , Rehman Zainab , Menakath Anjali K. , Cheung David , Brown Steven P. , Bugg Timothy D. H.
Published: November 2022

Pathways by which the biopolymer lignin is broken down by soil microbes could be used to engineer new biocatalytic routes from lignin to renewable chemicals, but are currently not fully understood.
Deep Shotgun metagenomic and 16S rRNA analysis revealed the microbial diversity of lactic acid bacteria in traditional fermented foods of eastern Hainan, China
Authors: Wu Yuqing , Li Ao , Cheng Lin , Chen Qianxi , Li Jiyang , Xu Yanqing , Huo Dongxue
Published: November 2022

348 strains of Lactobacillus were identified from 30 fermented foods of eastern Hainan, in which microbial metabolism and biosynthesis were active, and microbiota diversity and composition in different substrates and areas showed significant differences.
Enhanced chemodynamic and photoluminescence efficiencies of Fe–O4 coordinated carbon dots via the core–shell synergistic effect
Authors: Wu Xiaoyan , Yu Feng , Han Yifei , Jiang Lei , Li Zijian , Zhu Junfa , Xu Qian , Tedesco Antonio Claudio , Zhang Jiangwei , Bi Hong
Published: November 2022

A modular nanoplatform with an enhanced bio-imaging and chemodynamic efficiency was constructed using the core–shell synergistic effect of carbon dots.
An over 16% efficiency organic solar cell enabled by a low-cost pyrazine-based polymer donor
Authors: Ren Junzhen , Zhang Shaoqing , Bi Pengqing , Chen Zhihao , Zhang Tao , Wang Jingwen , Ma Lijiao , Li Jiayao , Hou Jianhui
Published: November 2022

Here low-cost and completely non-fused polymer donor PPz-T was synthesized based the pyrazine unit that can be widely available in the market. The optimal PPz-T:eC9-based device shows a high PCE of 16.16%, which is among the highest performances based on low-cost polymer donors.
Correction: High-performance trimethylamine gas sensors based on defect-engineering MOF-derived ZnO nanoclusters with tunable surface oxygen vacancies
Authors: Yu Shaoyuan , Dong Jingshi , Wang He , Li Sirui , Zhu Hang , Yang Tianye
Published: November 2022

Correction for ‘High-performance trimethylamine gas sensors based on defect-engineering MOF-derived ZnO nanoclusters with tunable surface oxygen vacancies’ by Shaoyuan Yu et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA07048K.
Subungual Osteochondromas of the Toe: Two Case Reports for Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Lee Myung Chul , Seo Chan Eol , Kim Wook Youn , Kim Wan Seop , Kim Jeenam , Shin Donghyeok , Choi Hyungon
Published: November 2022

Benign cartilaginous tumors, known as chondrogenic tumors, show cartilage components in the microscopic diagnosis. We present two clinical cases with cartilaginous tumors of the toes showing distinctive clinical manifestations. Two juvenile patients visited our outpatient clinic due to tumors with toenail deformities. A 10-year-old girl presented with a palpable mass with a nail deformity on the left third toe. The initial pathology report was soft tissue chondroma until complete resection. Another 15-year-old male patient visited the dermatology department with a toenail deformity and underwent a punch biopsy. The pathology report was fibrosis with myxoid degeneration. Excisional biopsies were performed for both patients. In the operative field, we observed exophytic tumors connected to the distal phalangeal bones. The final pathology reports were subungual osteochondroma on both patients. The specimen exhibited mature bone trabeculae with a focal cartilaginous cap. Benign cartilaginous tumors have a slow, progressive course and do not show significant symptoms. However, tumors in subungual areas are accompanied by toenail deformities and they can cause pain. Their clinical characteristics lead to a delayed diagnosis. Surgeons can be confused between soft tissue and chondrogenic tumors. When they conduct physical examinations, these categories should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
MicroSUCI: A Microsurgical Background That Incorporates Suction Under Continuous Irrigation
Authors: Papavasiliou Theodora , Chatzimichail Stelios , Khajuria Ankur , Hong Joon-Pio
Published: November 2022

The microsurgical anastomosis is integral to the success of autologous-free tissue transfer. Successful performance of this procedure relies strongly on operator dexterity, which can be made more challenging when blood and edematous fluids obscure the field of view. Workflow is impeded by intermittent irrigation and suctioning, necessitating presence of an assistant, with risk of arterial thrombosis, from vessels being drawn into suction drains. To negate these current disadvantages and minimize the barrier of entry to microvascular operations, we designed, manufactured, and patented a novel three-dimensional printed microsurgical background device with microfluidic capabilities that allow continuous suction and irrigation as well as provide platforms that enable multiangle retraction to facilitate operator autonomy. This was validated in an ex vivo model, with the device found to be superior to the current standard. We believe that this will have major applicability to the improvement of microsurgeon
An Interrelation between the Width of Attached Gingiva, Vestibular Depth and its Impact on Dental Hygiene Care
Authors: Sreeja Sai S. , Bhandary Rahul , Bhat Amitha Ramesh , Venugopalan Geethu , Ivaturi Meghana Sri Sai
Published: November 2022

Introduction The portion of the keratinized gingiva that is firmly attached to the bone is a significant determinant influencing oral hygiene and aids in the removal of deposits from the gingival crest, upgrades esthetics, and minimizes erythema in the area of the restituted dentition.

Aim To assess an interrelation among the thickness of attached gingiva, erythema, and dental hygiene. An interrelation of vestibular height, thickness of attached gingiva, and dental hygiene.

Materials and Methods A transverse study has been conducted. A total of 150 individuals were polled for information. The thickness of attached gingiva and vestibular height were assessed in six front dentitions by means of functional method. Clinical metrics comprising Oral hygiene index and modified gingival index has been documented.

Results There was a positive correlation association among attached gingival width and oral health care (p < 0.01). The vestibular depth, in contrast did not demonstrate any correlation (p < 0.01).

Conclusion An adequate amount of attached gingiva is essential to maintain the gingival health and overall oral hygiene, whereas the depth of vestibule did not show any association with oral hygiene maintenance.
MRI of Recurrent Fistula-in-Ano: Is it Different from Treatment-Naïve Fistula-in-Ano and How Does it Correlate with Anal Sphincter Morphology?
Authors: Augustine Antony , Patel Prerak Govindbhai , Augustine Ann , John Reetu , Simon Betty , Eapen Anu , Mittal Rohin , Chandramohan Anuradha
Published: November 2022

Objectives The main aim of this study was to compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of recurrent and treatment-naïve fistula-in-ano and to correlate imaging findings with anal sphincter morphology in recurrent fistula-in-ano.

Methods This is a retrospective study of adult patients who underwent MRI for suspected fistula-in-ano in 2018. After excluding patients with alternative diagnosis, patients were stratified into recurrent (n = 103) and treatment-naïve (n = 106) fistula-in-ano groups. Two blinded radiologists reread MRI scans in consensus for fistula characteristics and anal sphincter morphology. We compared imaging features of recurrent and treatment-naïve fistula-in-ano, assessed the incidence of anal sphincter scarring among patients with recurrent fistula-in-ano, and studied its association with fistula features.

Results Two-hundred nine patients (187 males) with mean age of 40.6 (standard deviation: 12.2) years were included. Trans-sphincteric, inter-sphincteric, extra-sphincteric, and supra-sphincteric fistula-in-ano were seen in 63.6, 33, 2.9, and 0.5%, respectively. There were secondary tracts, supralevator extension, and secondary cause for fistula in 49.3, 12.9, and 14.8%, respectively. There was no difference between the fistula features of recurrent and treatment-naïve fistula-in-ano, except for significantly fewer external openings among recurrent fistula-in-ano (p = 0.005). Among patients with recurrent fistula-in-ano, MRI detected anal sphincter defect/scarring was seen in 53.4% (n = 55) and was significantly associated with posterior fistula-in-ano (p = 0.031), collections and/or supralevator extension (p = 0.010), and secondary tracts (p = 0.015).

Conclusion Fistula features of recurrent and treatment-naïve patients were mostly similar. There was high incidence (53.4%) of MRI-identified anal sphincter scarring/defect among recurrent fistula-in-ano, which was significantly associated with posterior fistula, collections, supra or translevator extension, and secondary tracts.

Key Points
Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Pediatric Emergency Room: The Dilemma of Cycle Threshold Value
Authors: Timur Demet , Demirpek Ugur , Demirbaş Başak Ceylan , Türe Esra , Korkmaz Muhammed Furkan , Timur Ahmet
Published: November 2022

Objective The havoc caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic could not have been predicted, with children being affected worldwide. Testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection helped to define the interventions against the spread of the disease. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test has been the mainstay of diagnostic testing. Cycle threshold (Ct) is a semiquantitative value that indicates approximately how much viral genetic material was in the sample. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Ct values among children with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods Between May 3, 2020 and August 3, 2020, clinical laboratory input and the data of patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests were retrospectively studied.

Results There was no statistical significance between Ct values and the patient's status, symptoms other than fever, or other laboratory findings. However, the Ct value of patients who had symptoms at the time of admission to the hospital was significantly lower.

Conclusion In this study, symptomatic patients had lower Ct than asymptomatic patients that reflected higher viral loads. In evidence-based medicine applications, it might be useful to correlate the clinical history with laboratory test results. Even symptomatic patients with high Ct value coinfections, or an alternative acute infection, should be considered.
An Open Cranial Vault Remodeling Procedure for Craniosynostosis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Abdallah Anas , Gündağ Papaker Meliha , Baloğlu Gökhan
Published: November 2022

Craniosynostosis is a skull malformation occurring due to the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures. This pathological entity is a relatively commonly observed congenital malformation and is reportedly seen in 1/1,700–1,900 live births. The study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes of the open cranial vault remodeling (OCVR) in children with craniosynostosis.

Medical records of 76 children with craniosynostosis who were diagnosed at the neurosurgery departments of our centers for 11 years (from January 2010 to December 2020) were retrospectively examined. Among them, 54 consecutive children who underwent OCVR were included in this study. Surgical outcomes were discussed with a related literature review.

Fifty-four (32 males and 22 females) consecutive children received OCVR for craniosynostosis with a mean age of 12.6 ± 7.1 months. Eight children were syndromic. Three children were shunt-induced craniosynostosis. Syndromic children were four with Apert, two with Pfeiffer, and two with Crouzon syndrome. Twelve children were brothers/sisters. The misshapen skull was the most commonly recorded symptom in 49 children (90.7%). The most affected sutures were bicoronal craniosynostosis found in 20 children. The complication rate was 9.3% (n = 5). Two of these five children needed reoperation for optimal remodeling. One child died postoperatively in the intensive care unit due to cardiac arrest.

These findings demonstrated that the OCVR approach is an efficient surgical method to get good outcomes. Satisfactory results with an acceptable complication rate can be obtained with expert hands. Further studies are warranted to support these findings.
The minimum lux paradox
Authors: Olaisen Hilde Noreld , Bredal Kristin Halldis
Published: November 2022

Through our work with urban masterplans, studying lit places and spaces in Norway for more than 20 years, and observing procedures of procurement and installations, we see some clear trends. There is a general tendency to light with the scope of augmenting visibility. Meaning that most effort is geared towards making spaces more visible with light, rather than creating good lighting environments. Lighting standards that set minimum lux level requirements should be a subject for thorough debate. They result in a never-ending increase in lighting installations and light levels. As lighting designers, we feel responsibility for the impact our work has on nature and society. Today we know that artificial light at night has both advantages and disadvantages to humans, in addition to negative impact on ecology and use of resources (3-11). Through a series of examples from the authors practice we will show how our studio is approaching sustainable lighting design. Working with lighting strategies, the focus is to give our clients tools to reduce light levels and maintain the best visual presentation. For this purpose, light distribution needs to be thoroughly planned and tested. When installations are completed, strategies to evaluate results, and discover possibilities to reduce more must be implemented.
Design Principles for Natural Lighting
Authors: Thursfield P , vd Ven R
Published: November 2022

Natural day light has important qualities that we need for our physical comfort, biological health, and psychological wellbeing. Modern lighting addresses our physical need for light and human centric lighting our biological needs, but both lack qualities of natural daylight we need. The Design Principles for Natural Lighting references Biophilic design theory and focuses on our experience of light and its psychological effect through our senses. A model is proposed for composing natural light experiences practically and various examples assessed. NatureConnect is presented as a purposely designed lighting system based on the design principles and its approach discussed.
Wave Attenuation and Root Density Analysis of Bruguiera Parviflora at Larut Matang, Perak
Authors: Ismail I , Husain M L , Zakaria R
Published: November 2022

Mangrove forests cover the upper intertidal zones of the tropical and subtropical shorelines. They play an important part in ecological, economical, physical, biological, chemical and geomorphological aspects. In Malaysia there are several small rivers and estuaries which are frequented by fishing boats. The present study deals with the physical processes involved in the dissipation of waves from boat wakes by the roots of mangrove vegetations. This study focuses on monostand of Bruguira parviflora at Larut Matang, Taiping, Perak. This study used Mazda’s model to find the percentage of wave reduction as the waves enter the mangrove forest. The main aim of this study is to quantify the wave attenuation capability of Bruguira parviflora and identify the most suitable mangrove vegetation that can be used for erosion control from wave action. For this purpose, a relationship between wave attenuation and vegetation density has been analyzed. The variations in the horizontal and vertical trends of the vegetation were studied to analyze the root density and its impact on the wave reduction. It is found that the root density decrease with increasing distance.
Agrowastes of banana peels as an eco-friendly feedstock for the production of biofuels using immobilized yeast cells
Authors: Abdulla R , Johnny Q , Jawan R , Sani S A
Published: November 2022

Liquid biofuels such as bioethanol is a promising renewable fuel as it can be produced from various biomass wastes as feedstocks. The concept of waste to wealth approach is inevitable for bioethanol production. In Malaysia, banana peels are one of the largest agricultural wastes found in the local market. Thus, in this study, banana peels were used as a feedstock to produce bioethanol through fermentation using immobilized yeast cells. For higher yield of bioethanol, optimization parameters were conducted for both dilute acid hydrolysis and fermentation process. First, the banana peels were sliced and oven-dried at 70°C for 24 h before being ground to fine powder. Then, the samples were subjected to dilute acid hydrolysis. Parameters such as concentration of H2SO4, temperature and time were optimized during the hydrolysis. Higher amount of reducing sugar was obtained at 0.10 M H2SO4, at 90°C for 20 min with 5.190 mg/mL, 5.196 mg/mL and 5.306 mg/mL respectively for the hydrolysis process. YeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaewas immobilized using 3% (w/v) of sodium alginate and 2% (w/v) calcium chloride using entrapment technique, in the form of beads. These immobilized beads were added into the fermentation medium together with the optimized pretreated hydrolysate of banana peels. Parameters such as cells loading (weight of beads), pH, temperature and time were also optimized in the fermentation process. From the results, it was found out that the optimized parameters of 9g of cells loading, pH 5, at 30°C for 24 h utilized more sugar during fermentation process based on the absorbance reading.
Soil erosion risk under climate change scenarios: A case study in rural area with varying land uses
Authors: Sentian J , Payus M C , Herman F , Kai S K S
Published: November 2022

Soil erosion is one of the major issues in the tropics. The erosion is highly affected by the changes in climate and land cover. Future changes in tropical climate, particularly precipitation are expected to influence the potential risks of soil erosion. In the face of rapid changes in rural land cover for agricultural purposes, the combined forcings of land cover and climate changes have been to be a major threat to the soil conservation due to soil erosion. In this study, climate change scenarios at the northern part of Borneo were developed based on the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 climate scenarios using Weather Research Forecast Model (WRF). The future climate projection scenarios of the total precipitation were used to simulate the potential erosion risks in varying land covers in a rural area of Sabah, Malaysia. The RUSLE model was used for soil erosion modelling, which was integrated with IDRISI Selva that allow the analysis and assessment of erosion risk. The variability of future total precipitations in the area of varying land cover types have resulted in varying degree of potential soil erosion risk The average soil loss at the studied area has increased by 262 t/ha/yr with 35.94 % increment in annual precipitation under RCP 8.5 emission scenario. However, under RCP 4.5, 26.65 % decrement in precipitation has reduced the soil loss by 315.1 t/ha/yr. In this rural area, exceptionally high soil erosion was found at steep slopes and thin vegetation covers. Therefore, an appropriate land use planning, soil conservation practices, and strategic adaptation options plan should be created and developed to ensure the sustainability of the soil conservation and enhance rural agricultural productivity.
Analysis and development on general structure and characteristics of laser interferometry systems
Authors: Gheorghe M , Stochioiu F P G , Manolache D , Dijmărescu M R , Iliescu D
Published: November 2022

The laser interferometry systems have been developed for scientific studies, industrial operations, artworks investigation, etc. They present common generic elements, such as laser, optics, beam, polarization, splitting, interferometry, etc., but also diverse specific components and features,such as He-Ne or femtosecond laser, quantum cascade lasers, non-polarising beam splitter, collimating lens, high reflecting mirror, photodetector, attosecond pulse train, etc., as the case. The paper presents, also, a development on general structure and characteristics of laser interferometry systems. Analytical descriptors are introduced for the main implied entities, as well as some qualitative features referring to measurement object, coordinate system, lasers, laser beams, optics, output beams, detectors, environmental sensors and compensation modules, electronics, process software and computer, assembly, calibration, etc. The conclusions accord attention to further laser interferometry development regarding the interacting processes, analytical modelling, simulation, operational characteristics, etc.
Testing Mechatronic Systems and their Integration into the Digital Enterprise
Authors: Sima L M
Published: November 2022

When a mechatronic system is built, certain considerations prevail. The product needs to follow certain steps in production. Here is discussed the need to test an industrial mechatronic system during production and the interfaces of its components. As mechatronic systems tend to become increasingly complex, the test methods should include certain strategies that allow the delivered to the customer with the desired specifications and in a timely manner. With the help of the digital factory, a product is stored electronically and a new or an improved variant of the product could be at any time created, with less effort in production, before this one becomes uninteresting on the market.
Reconstruction of Orbital Wall by Using Hybrid Manufacturing Operations
Authors: Pascu Sergiu , Balc Nicolae , Pop Adrian Augustin
Published: November 2022

This paper will discuss the solutions and the main parameters used to print a mold that will be used in a manufacturing process for a personalized implant in orbital fracture situations. The main purpose of this article is to rebuild the damaged orbit. The new orbit should have dimensions and accuracy similar to one of the original elements. Based on the computed tomography (CT) of the patient, the images are extracted and processed. With that information, a customized implant is manufactured. In this article, a case study of a patient suffering from an orbital fracture is presented. Based on the CT images, a mold was printed on additive manufacturing equipment (AM). The manufacturing parameters being highly correlated with the requirements that are needed for this case such as hardness, accuracy, surface roughness and support removal were chosen based on a series of tests and results from other studies. Another aspect that was analysed was related to the material from which was manufactured the mold. The forming and cutting of the mesh are simplified, by introducing the formed metallic mesh making it ready to be applied to real patients and therefore decreasing the effective time required for this kind of operation.
Development and control of a virtual industrial process for assembling computers
Authors: Munđar Goran
Published: November 2022

A virtual manufacturing method represents the emerging approach that allows companies to improve their processes in order to introduce new products more quickly to their markets in a cost-effective manner. This involves building a synthetic and integrated environment based on software tools and systems, such as Virtual Reality and Simulation, to facilitate such processes. This paper presents the development of virtual industrial environment, highlighting the development and control of virtual industrial process for assembling computers by combining two simulation software tools. Development of industrial process was performed using Factory I/O software tool, while the control program was developed using FluidSim software tool. This paper also highlights the usage of OPC communication protocol, that was used for communication between software tools during simulation.
First-principles study on the preferential sites of Cr in Co7W6
Authors: Zhao Manxiu , Huang Haidong , Tang Taotao , Li Xiaobo
Published: November 2022

The preferential sites of Cr in the μ-Co7W6 phase and its influence on electronic properties were studied by first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. The calculation results of the formation energy and defect formation energy show that the stability of the system is enhanced when Cr occupies the Co site, which indicates that Cr tends to occupy the Co site of the system. By calculating the density of states, the Hamilton population of crystal orbital, the electron location function and the Bader charge distribution, the reason why Cr preferentially occupied the Co sites is further explained. This is primarily owing to the hybridization of the d-d orbitals of the Cr atom to its adjacent atoms.
Organ dose calculator for diagnostic nuclear medicine patients based on the ICRP reference voxel phantoms and biokinetic models
Authors: Villoing Daphnée , Kwon Tae-Eun , Pasqual Elisa , Kitahara Cari M , Lee Choonsik
Published: November 2022

The exponential growth in the use of nuclear medicine procedures represents a general radiation safety concern and stresses the need to monitor exposure levels and radiation-related long term health effects in NM patients. In the current study, following our previous work on NCINM version 1 based on the UF/NCI hybrid phantom series, we calculated a comprehensive library of S values using the ICRP reference pediatric and adult voxel phantoms and established a library of biokinetic data from multiple ICRP Publications, which were then implemented into NCINM version 2. We calculated S values in two steps: calculation of specific absorbed fraction (SAF) using a Monte Carlo radiation transport code combined with the twelve ICRP pediatric and adult voxel phantoms for a number of combinations of source and target region pairs; derivation of S values from the SAFs using the ICRP nuclear decay data. We also adjusted the biokinetic data of 105 radiopharmaceuticals from multiple ICRP publications to match the anatomical description of the ICRP voxel phantoms. Finally, we integrated the ICRP phantom-based S values and adjusted biokinetic data into NCINM version 2. The ratios of cross-fire SAFs from NCINM 2 to NCINM 1 for the adult phantoms varied widely from 0.26 to 5.94 (mean = 1.24, IQR = 0.77–1.55) whereas the ratios for the pediatric phantoms ranged from 0.64 to 1.47 (mean = 1.01, IQR = 0.98–1.03). The ratios of absorbed dose coefficients from NCINM 2 over those from ICRP publications widely varied from 0.43 (colon for 99mTc-ECD) to 2.57 (active marrow for 99mTc-MAG3). NCINM 2.0 should be useful for dosimetrists and medical physicists to more accurately estimate organ doses for various nuclear medicine procedures.
Atmospheric precursors to the Antarctic sea ice record low in February 2022
Authors: Yadav Juhi , Kumar Avinash , Mohan Rahul
Published: November 2022

Antarctic sea ice expansion and recession are asymmetric in nature, with regional and temporal variations. The decade-long overall increase in the Antarctic sea ice extent (SIE) until 2015 showed a decrease in recent years since satellite records were available. The present study focused on determining the atmospheric forcing and climate fluctuations responsible for the lowest SIE record in February 2022. Here, the lowest SIE record was assumed to result from the sea ice recession that began in September 2021. The SIE reached a record low of 2.16 × 106km2in February 2022, which was 43% lower than the mean extent of the previous February months since the satellite era. However, the second-lowest SIE was recorded from November 2021 to January 2022. The Weddell Sea, Ross Sea, and Bellingshausen/Amundsen Seas (ABS) sectors experienced the maximum sea ice change on a regional scale. The record-low SIE occurred when the Amundsen Sea Low (ASL) pressure center was intensified, with the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) at its positive phase. Together, these two climate fluctuations played a role in modifying the pressure and wind patterns in Antarctica. The warm northerly winds largely contributed to decreased SIE. Further, the study investigated the Polar Cap Height (PCH), which demonstrates a strengthening of the stratospheric polar vortex and positive polarity of the SAM.
Valorization of lignocellulosic rice husk producing biosilica and biofuels—a review
Authors: Nawaz Shahid , Jamil Farrukh , Akhter Parveen , Hussain Murid , Jang Hoyeon , Park Young-Kwon
Published: November 2022

Lignocellulosic biomass is an agricultural waste material abundantly produced in large quantities on earth. Rice husk (RH) is a type of lignocellulosic biomass and a huge byproduct of rice milling. Notably, the rice plant collects silica from the soil and stores the collected silica in the form of silicic acid inside the cellulose micro-compartments of the plant. Therefore, RH obtained from rice milling contains a significant quantity of amorphous silica, which can further be used for several other purposes. Furthermore, silica-rich RH can be employed as a raw material for the production of biofuels and biochars instantaneously via thermochemical processes such as pyrolysis and gasification. This article thoroughly explores a prospective method use to produce biosilica and energy from RH at the same time, which is currently under investigation. Moreover, this study also discusses current improvements in the synthesis of RH silica materials and their long-term use, particularly in energy and environmental functional materials. In terms of the environment, RH silica materials can remove heavy metals and organic pollutants in soil amendment, wastewater treatment, and gas purification via adsorption, catalysis, and integrative methods. In essence, there are numerous research and development obstacles to overcome in the production of biosilica and biofuels, respectively, from RH, and this review article highlights all of them.
Microbiomes: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Douglas Angela E.
Published: November 2022

Microbiomes: A Very Short Introduction provides a succinct overview of the communities of microorganisms that inhabit animals (including humans) and plants. Microbiomes are generally beneficial to their animal and plant hosts, functioning to promote healthy growth, to protect against infectious disease, and, in some animals, to support complex behavioural traits, such as learning and memory. However, under some circumstances, the microbiome can cause or exacerbate poor health and disease. Microbiomes studies are increasingly being harnessed, especially in biomedicine for improved human health, and in agriculture for crop production. With the increasing evidence that modern lifestyles and excessive use of antimicrobials are degrading microbiomes, microbiome research is providing routes for novel microbial therapies to restore health-promoting microbiomes in humans, other animals, and plants.
Patterns and trends in the cause of death for patients with endometrial cancer
Authors: Ran Xianhui , Yang Huansong , Yu Xue Qin , Lu Lingeng , Wang Yixin , Ji John S , Xu Mengyuan , Wei Wenqiang , Li Bin , Zeng Hongmei
Published: November 2022

Background

Racial disparities in endometrial cancer have been reported in the United States, but trends and the underlying causes are not well understood. We aimed to examine the trends and contributing factors in racial disparities for causes of death among endometrial cancer patients.

Method

In this population-based cohort study, we identified 139 473 women diagnosed with first, primary endometrial cancer between 1992 to 2018 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. We used the “Fine and Gray” method to calculate the cumulative incidence of all-cause and specific-cause death. We used proportional subdistribution hazard (PSH) and cause-specific hazard (CSH) models to quantify the relative risk of Black–White disparities. We performed a mediation analysis to assess the contribution of potential factors to disparities.

Results

The cumulative incidence of all-cause death decreased in endometrial cancer patients, with estimates at 5 years of 26.72% in 1992-1996 and 22.59% in 2007-2011. Compared with White patients, Black patients persistently had an increased risk of death due to endometrial cancer (PSH hazard ratio [HR] = 2.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.90 to 2.22; CSH HR = 2.19, 95% CI = 2.00 to 2.40) and causes other than endometrial cancer (PSH HR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.10 to 1.37; CSH HR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.31 to 1.63). Grade, histological subtype, surgery utilization, and stage at diagnosis explained 24.4%, 20.1%, 18.4%, and 16.6% of the Black-White disparity in all-cause death, respectively.

Conclusions

Although the cumulative incidence of all-cause death decreased, the Black–White gaps persisted in patients with endometrial cancer. Grade and histological subtype had the greatest influence. More efforts are needed to address the disparities.
Key hardware components of a cardiac-enabled CT scanner
Authors: Vandermolen Sebastian , van Straten Marcel , Pugliese Francesca
Published: November 2022

Awareness of a few basic hardware components of a CT scanner is key for the delivery of cardiac CT in clinical practice. Contemporary CT scanners comprise a rotating gantry onto which are housed the X-ray tube(s) and the detector array(s). Collimators determine the shape of the emitted X-ray beam to maximize image quality and minimize radiation exposure to patients. Detectors receive and transform the signal necessary to reconstruct CT images of multiple sections of the patient’s anatomy. The term ‘multidetector’ or ‘multislice’ CT refers to the ability to image multiple sections of the patient’s anatomy along the z-axis during one gantry rotation. Single-source CT systems contain one X-ray tube and one detector array; ‘dual-source’ CT contains two X-ray sources coupled with two detector arrays mounted at an (approximately) 90-degree angle. Dual-source CT allows halving of the temporal resolution compared to a single-source system with the same gantry rotation time. A motorized scanner table, the ECG synchronization system, and a power injection are further key requirements to deliver cardiac CT in the clinical arena.
How to deal with challenging scenarios
Authors: Budde Ricardo P.J. , Moharem-Elgamal Sarah , Pugliese Francesca
Published: November 2022

Awareness of potential patient-specific features translating into risk or difficulties in scanning, such as a history of contrast allergy, poor kidney function, a fast or irregular heart rate, elevated body size/weight, and poor intravenous access, is important so that measures can be taken to prevent and/or reduce imaging-related risk and impact on image quality. After image acquisition, adapting reconstruction parameters can mitigate some factors that negatively influence image quality.