bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of fouling communities succession under conditions of the device of controlled water flow
Authors: Zvyagintsev A. Yu. , Maslennikov S. I. , Tsvetnikov A. K. , Begun A. A. , Grigoryeva N. I.
Published: March 2021

For testing the anticorrosive and antifouling protective coatings, a ground stand is developed: the device of controlled water flow. The relevance of the study is undeniable, given the practical significance of the problem. The stand is connected to the main of sea running water. The device makes it possible to imitate the motion of aqueous flow around the vessel, thus simulating the conditions of moving amphibious facility. The aim of this work is to present for the first time the new device, created by us, which received a positive decision of Rospatent (Federal Service for Intellectual Property). For two months, full-scale field tests were carried out. They have showed essential qualitative and quantitative differences in the composition of fouling communities on the experimental plates, placed into the device of controlled water flow and suspended in the water column on the pier of the Zapad marine biological station of the National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, FEB RAS. Benthic diatoms predominate in the periphyton community under the conditions of the device of controlled water flow; there is practically no zoofouling. Phytocenosis of green algae, which is common for a vessel variable loadline or a hydraulic structure drainage zone, is presented on the plates from the open bay. The efficiency of using the device of controlled water flow, created by us, is shown for studying the patterns of formation of the fouling communities in different hydrodynamic flows. The main practical conclusion is that the device can be used to verify the properties of protective coatings on the substrates tested, inter alia antifouling and anticorrosive coatings.
Оценка радиационной безопасности морской среды в районе расположения Ленинградской АЭС по данным многолетнего мониторинга (1973–2019)
Authors: Крышев И. И. , Сазыкина Т. Г. , Павлова Н. Н. , Косых И. В. , Бурякова А. А. , Крышев А. И.
Published: March 2021

Целью работы было оценить радиоэкологическое состояние морского водоёма — охладителя Ленинградской АЭС — Копорской губы Финского залива. Согласно международным основным нормам безопасности, принятым на генеральной конференции МАГАТЭ, этот вопрос имеет особую актуальность в связи с необходимостью обоснования защиты от промышленного радиационного воздействия не только человека, но и окружающей среды. Как исходные материалы для оценки использованы данные многолетнего мониторинга (1973–2019) содержания радионуклидов в морской воде, донных отложениях и гидробионтах в зоне наблюдения Ленинградской АЭС. В качестве показателей радиационного состояния морской среды применены контрольные уровни содержания радионуклидов в морской воде и донных отложениях, порядок расчёта которых определён в Рекомендациях Росгидромета Минприроды России Р 52.18.852-2016 и Р 52.18.873-2018. В этих рекомендациях, разработанных специалистами ФГБУ НПО «Тайфун», представлена методика оценки радиоэкологического состояния морской среды по уровню активности радионуклидов на основе принципов, обеспечивающих сохранение благоприятной окружающей среды и морских гидробионтов, а также радиационную защиту человека. При наличии в морской среде смеси радионуклидов должно быть выполнено условие непревышения единицы для суммы отношений наблюдаемых концентраций техногенных радионуклидов в морской воде (донных отложениях) к соответствующим значениям контрольных уровней. По данным мониторинга в ранний период эксплуатации АЭС (1973–1985), в компонентах морской экосистемы присутствовал широкий спектр техногенных радионуклидов. Наряду с 137Cs заметный вклад в загрязнение морской воды и донных отложений вносили 54Mn и 60Co, контрольные уровни для которых в морской воде, в отличие от таковых 137Cs, определяются по экологическому, а не радиационно-гигиеническому критерию. Зарегистрировано присутствие техногенных радионуклидов в водорослях на расстоянии свыше 10 км от АЭС. Отмечен биогенный перенос коррозионных радионуклидов (54Mn, 60Co, 65Zn) рыбой в рéки, впадающие в Копорскую губу. Чернобыльская авария привела к заметному увеличению загрязнения Копорской губы техногенными радионуклидами. По сравнению с доаварийным периодом значение суммы отношений наблюдаемых концентраций техногенных радионуклидов в морской воде к соответствующим значениям контрольных уровней в мае — декабре 1986 г. возросло в 100 раз, а в донных отложениях — в 30 раз. Основной вклад в загрязнение компонент морской экосистемы в 1986 г. вносили 137Cs и 134Cs. В настоящее время загрязнение морской воды и донных отложений Копорской губы определяется в основном 137Cs и находится, по данным наблюдений, на относительно постоянном уровне, свидетельствующем о стабильности радиоэкологической обстановки в морском водоёме — охладителе АЭС.
Additional data on morphology and distribution of Melitoides valida (Shoemaker, 1955) (Amphipoda, Melitidae)
Authors: Labay V. S.
Published: March 2021

The genus Melitoides Gurjanova, 1934 (Amphipoda, Melitidae) includes three species from the Arctic and northwestern Pacific: Melitoides makarovi Gurjanova, 1934, M. valida (Shoemaker, 1955), and M. kawaii Labay, 2014. M. makarovi and M. kawaii only were recorded until recently in the seas of the Russian Far East. Only two specimens of M. valida were found once near the Arctic coast of Alaska; therefore, the morphological description of the species was incomplete, which led to difficulties with its generic identification. For the first time, M. valida was found in the seas of the Russian Far East in September 2018 on the shelf of the Sea of Okhotsk, near the North-Eastern Sakhalin Island at the depth of 29 m on the sand bottom. Detailed re-description of the species was carried out using optical and electronic scanning microscopes by the Coleman protocol. The material collected is stored at the Crustacea collection of the Zoological Museum of Far Eastern Federal University (Vladivostok). The specimen from the Sea of Okhotsk is identical to the specimens of the type series from the Arctic coast of Alaska in the form of dorsal carination (with several teeth on posterior margin of pleon segments 2, 3 and urosomites 1, 2), in the structure of pereopods 1–7, especially in the form of propodus of pereopods 2 (palm with distinct posterior-distal tooth, as well as with three large and one small obtuse palmar teeth). M. valida description has been substantially supplemented, and information on its range has been expanded.
Развитие фитопланктона в зимне-весенний период в прибрежных водах Крыма
Authors: Финенко З. З. , Мансурова И. М. , Ковалёва И. В. , Георгиева Е. Ю.
Published: March 2021

Исследование фитопланктона в зимне-весенний период имеет важное значение для изучения особенностей его годовой динамики и функционирования экосистемы Чёрного моря в целом. Состояние фитопланктона в шельфовой зоне в зимне-весенний период по сравнению с таковым в летне-осенний сезон изучено слабо, поэтому проведение подобного исследования особенно важно для решения ряда проблем, связанных с продуктивностью конечных звеньев пищевой цепи, формированием гидрохимического режима вод и циклом углерода в море. Цель работы — оценить влияние сезонных условий на развитие фитопланктона и его продукционные показатели в зимне-весенний период в прибрежных водах Крыма. В статье представлены результаты исследований гидрофизических (температура, плотность, относительная прозрачность воды) и биологических параметров (концентрация хлорофилла a, его флуоресценция, таксономический состав и продукционные характеристики фитопланктона) в шельфовой зоне Чёрного моря в январе — апреле 2016–2019 гг. Исследования проведены на 50 станциях, расположенных в прибрежных водах Крыма от Каркинитского залива до Керченского пролива. Концентрация хлорофилла a определена стандартным флуориметрическим методом, видовой состав — с помощью микроскопирования; удельная скорость роста фитопланктона рассчитана по разработанной ранее модели. Зимой (январь — февраль) концентрация хлорофилла a и глубина верхнего квазиоднородного слоя были максимальными (0,42–0,52 мг·м−3 и 44–58 м соответственно), весной (март — апрель) — в 2–3 раза ниже. В январе — феврале доминировала примнезиевая водоросль Emiliania huxleyi (Lohmann) W. W. Hay & H. P. Mohler, 1967; в марте — апреле в разные годы преобладали динофитовые и диатомовые водоросли либо примнезиевые, динофитовые и диатомовые. Зимой вертикальное распределение хлорофилла a на большинстве станций было равномерным; весной преобладали одномодальные профили с глубинным максимумом, расположение которого не было связано с градиентами температуры и плотности. Относительное изменение концентрации хлорофилла a и флуоресценции с глубиной имело, как правило, одинаковый характер. Продукция фитопланктона и суточный коэффициент P/B (production/biomass ratio) повышались от зимы к весне. Корреляция между величинами интегральной продукции, биомассой и максимальной удельной скоростью роста водорослей отсутствовала. Максимальная удельная скорость роста была наименее изменчивым показателем. В течение зимне-весеннего периода водоросли в зоне фотосинтеза делились в среднем 1 раз в 2–5 суток.
Motiv tabuizovaného jména v prozaickém folkloru. Český materiál v evropském kontextu
Authors: Adámková Adéla
Published: March 2021

The study is focused on the motif of name taboo in European prose folklore (mostly focused on Czech folklore tradition). This taboo can be defined as a prohibition against uttering the name of a person or thing. The motif appears in folklore in several variants. This taboo may refer to the uttering of one’s own name or the name of dangerous being. The study examines the differences and similarities between the various forms of motifs and compares changes in its narrative and social functions over time.
Performance assessment of a multi-epitope chimeric antigen for the serological diagnosis of acute Mayaro fever
Authors: Napoleão-Pêgo Paloma , Carneiro Flávia R. G. , Durans Andressa M. , Morel Carlos M. , Provance David W. , De-Simone Salvatore G.
Published: March 2021

Mayaro virus (MAYV) is endemic to limited regions of South America and the possible involvement of Aedes spp. mosquitoes in its transmission increase the risk that its geographical range will reach greater populations. MAYV shares clinical symptoms and structural similarities with other emerging members of the alphavirus family such as Chikungunya (CHIKV), Ross River (RRV), and O'nyong nyong (ONNV) viruses, which complicate diagnosis and is currently restricted to nucleic acid-based tests. Effective control of the spread of these diseases will require the identification of infected individuals as well as the development of preventative and prophylactic therapies. Serological tests have a greater potential to expand testing at a reasonable cost than molecular approaches. Their performance largely reflects that of the antigen utilized to capture pathogen-specific antibodies. Here, we describe the assembly of a synthetic gene coding multiple copies of antigenic determinants mapped from the nsP1, nsP2, E1, and E2 proteins of MAYV that readily produced a stable chimeric protein in bacteria. The serological performance (AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and confidence intervals) of this multi-epitope protein as the target in ELISAs revealed a high diagnostic accuracy for the detection of specific anti-MAYV IgM antibodies. No cross-reactivity was observed with serum from seropositive individuals for CHIKV, yellow fever (vaccinated), dengue, Zika, and other infectious diseases as well as healthy individuals. Our data suggest that this bioengineered antigen could be used to develop high-performance serological tests for MAYV infections.
Spectrum Sensing to Detect N-Number of Primary Users Using N-Number Secondary Users by Applying Support Vector Machine.
Authors: Udayamoorthy venkateshkumar , Sriniva Ramakrishnan
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) model is proposed to sense n-number of primary users (PUs) using n-number secondary users (SUs) in a sequence by applying support vector machine (SVM) algorithm using three different kernels namely linear, polynomial and radial basis function (RBF) respectively. In this method, fusion centre (FC) instructs all the SUs through control channel, which PU is to be sensed by sending a pre-defined primary user identification code (PUid) and each SU sense the Kth PU spectrum information and stored in a database at FC. SU transmits a bit ‘0’ or bit ‘1’ along with PU sensing information to the FC to indicate whether it needs a spectrum band to transmit the data or not. SU add two identification codes along with sensing information to the FC which indicates that from which SU the sensing information received and which PU is sensed by the SU. For simulation 500 data samples are used and the simulation results show an accuracy of 96% and false alarm value of 1.3% in classifying the SU sensing information at FC using RBF kernel. Another method is proposed with multiclass classification by applying SVM algorithm using RBF kernel. The confusion region class is classified with zero false alarm percentage and achieves an accuracy of 99.3% in classifying the SU sensing information at FC.
Study of the spectral and power characteristics of In0.2Ga0.8N/GaN superluminescent light emitting diodes by taking into account the piezoelectric polarization fields
Authors: Absalan Hassan , Golzan Mir Maqsood , Milani Nasser Moslehi
Published: March 2021

In this study, the effects of the piezoelectric polarization field have been investigated on the spectral and power characteristics of In0.2Ga0.8N/GaN superluminescent light emitting diodes. The Schrödinger and Poisson equations, the rate equations in the multiple quantum well active region and separate confinement heterostructure layers, and the optical propagating equations have been solved in the presence of the piezoelectric field. The results have been compared with results of the case of without piezoelectric field. According to the results, in the presence of piezoelectric field, the red-shift occurs in the spectra, and the width of spectrum increases. Also, the piezoelectric field decreases the peak intensity of spectrum and modal gain of the device.
Efficient Energy Resource Selection in Home Area Sensor Networks using Non Swarm Intelligence Based Discrete Venus Flytrap Search Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Settu Sivabalan , Rathipriya R
Published: March 2021

This research work examines the foraging behavior of the Carnivorous plant called Venus flytrap. These plants derive their nutrients from trapping and consuming insects and another arthropod. Unlike swarm behavior, they forage independently and autonomously. Based on this, a new non-swarm intelligence algorithm called Discrete Venus Fly-Trap Search Algorithm (DVFS) is proposed for energy resource selection for sensor nodes in the Home Area Sensor Network (HASN). Discrete Venus Fly-Trap Search Algorithm is a population-based, non-swarm intelligence search algorithm that copycats the foraging behaviors of Venus Fly-Trap Plant. The search performance of DVFS algorithm is studied by simulating in Wireless Sensor Network Toolbox in Matlab2016. The results expose that the proposed algorithm can identify optimal energy resource selection from the energy source station to provide the power supply to the nodes in HASN for the network lifespan increment.
Energetic photons applied to COVID-19 Coronavirus S2 subunit of spike glycoprotein for host cell entry inhabitation: An alternative approach for conventional vaccination
Authors: Khattari Z. Y. , Al-Sayed M. Abu , Afaneh F. , Maghrabi M. , Al-Omari S. , Al-Jundi J.
Published: March 2021

We have investigated numerically the ability to inhibit spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 to attach and inter the host cell when exposed to energetic photons. The Geometric Progression fitting method have been adopted to calculate the equivalent atomic number for photon energy absorption (Zeq), exposure and absorption buildup factors in the energy range E∈ [15–300] keV for the S2-subunit in the spike protein. The buildup factors have shown a peak value at adsorption resonance energy between 36–60 eV per amino acid of the S2-subunit which depends on the mean free path of the photon within the protein structure and the type of mutation. The resonance energies (between UV and X-ray range) have been found to depend on the protein molecular composition. This opens the possibility of using energetic photons to break up the S2-subunit into small fragments. Our results may contribute to the continues racing for finding noninvasive technique for medical trials using radiotherapy treatment for the COVID-19 virus.
Vaginal Misoprostol Versus Intracervical Foley Catheter for Cervical Ripening in Postdate Primigravid Women: a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Abdi Nazanin , Alavi Azin , Pakbaz Forough , Darabi Hossein
Published: March 2021

Background: Being one of the most common indications of labor induction, postdate pregnancy can lead to serious maternal and fetal complications. In this study we aimed to compare vaginal misoprostol with intracervical Foley catheter (FC) for cervical ripening in postdate primigravid women. Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 120 primigravid women aged 18-35 years with singleton and postdate pregnancies and Bishop score ≤4. Participants were randomized into two equal groups. The first group received 25 µg vaginal misoprostol and the second group had an 18 Fr FC inserted into their cervical canal. Labor induction was performed using oxytocin in both groups if progression of labor or true contractions did not occur within 6 hours of the interventions. In case of nonreassuring fetal heart rate, fetal distress, placental abruption, or prolonged labor, C-section was performed. Results: The frequency of NVD, C-section, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and neonatal intensive care unit admission did not differ significantly between groups. Placental abruption and uterine tachysystole occurred more frequently in the misoprostol group (15.0 vs. 1.7%, P=0.008 and 21.7 vs. 0.0%, P<0.001, respectively). A significantly higher number of women in the FC group required oxytocin (73.3 vs. 41.7%, P<0.001). Duration of labor was significantly higher in the FC group (P=0.001). Conclusions: Due to the lower rate of placental abruption and uterine tachysystole observed with FC, it appears to be superior to vaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening in postdate primigravid women; however, its longer labor duration and higher oxytocin requirement should be taken into consideration. Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT20181218042033N4. Registered 19/04/2020. Retrospectively registered, https://www.irct.ir/trial/47037
Quantifying the water soil erosion hazard using RUSLE, GIS, and RS approach: A case study of Al-Qshish River Basin, Lattakia, Syria.
Authors: Abdo Hazem Ghassan
Published: March 2021

Soil erosion is one of the most prominent geomorphological hazards threatening environmental sustainability in the coastal region of western Syria. The current war conditions in Syria has led to a lack of field data and measurements related to assessing soil erosion. Mapping the spatial distribution of potential soil erosion is a basic step in implementing soil preservation procedures mainly in the river catchments. The present paper aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of soil erosion severity using revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) and remote sensing (RS) data in geographic information system (GIS) environment across the whole Al-Qshish river basin. Quantitatively, the annual rate of soil erosion in the study basin was 81.13 t ha− 1 year − 1 with a spatial average reaching 55.18 t ha− 1 year − 1. Spatially, the soil erosion hazard map was produced with classification into five susceptible-zones: very low (40.99%), low (40.49%), moderate (8.90%), high (5.41%) and very high (4.21%). The current study presented a reliable assessment of soil loss rates and classification of erosion-susceptible areas within the study basin. These outputs can be relied upon to create measures for maintaining areas with high and very high soil erosion susceptibility under the current war conditions.
The attainment of herd immunity with a reducing risk of contact infection in modelling 
Authors: Law Kian Boon , Peariasamy Kalaiarasu M , Ibrahim Hishamshah , Abdullah Noor Hisham
Published: March 2021

The risk of contact infection among susceptible individuals in a randomly mixed population can be reduced by the presence of immune individuals and this principle forms the fundamental of herd immunity. The conventional susceptible-infectious-recovered (SIR) model features an infection-induced herd immunity model, but does not include the reducing risk of contact infection among susceptible individuals in the transmission model, therefore tends to overestimate the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases. Here we show that the reducing risk of contact infection among susceptible individuals can be achieved by incorporating the proportion of susceptible individuals (model A) or the inverse of proportion of recovered individuals (model B) in the force of infection of the SIR model. We numerically simulated the conventional SIR model and both new SIR models A and B under the exact condition with a basic reproduction number of 3·0. Prior to the numerical simulation, the threshold for the eradication of infectious disease through herd immunity was expected to be 0·667 (66·7%) for all three models. All three models performed likewise at the initial stage of disease transmission. In the conventional SIR model, the infectious disease subsided when 94·0 % of the population had been infected and recovered, way above the expected threshold for eradication and control of the infectious disease. Both models A and B simulated the infectious disease to diminish when 66·7% and 75·6% of the population had been infected, showing herd immunity might protect more susceptible individuals from the infectious disease as compared to the projection generated by the conventional SIR. Our study shows that model A provides a better framework for modelling herd immunity through vaccination, while model B provides a better framework for modelling herd immunity through infection. Both models overcome the insufficiency of the conventional SIR model in attaining the effect of herd immunity in modelling outputs, which is important and relevant for modelling infectious disease, such as the COVID-19 in a randomly mixed population.
A transition towards digital home visits in social care and home health care during the corona pandemic
Authors: Ahlin Karin , Zingmark Magnus , Slumpi Thomas Persson
Published: March 2021

Background: Physical meetings are favoured in social care and home health service in Sweden, both when it comes to internal meetings or home visits at citizens residence. During the pandemic, physical meetings were supposed to decrease as much as possible to avoid the virus to spread. One solution was to digitize as many meetings as possible. Transforming meetings from physical to digital is not without flaws, especially not when it comes to meetings with citizens needing care. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the transition toward increased use of digital home visits in social care and home health care in a Swedish municipality. Results: A web survey was sent out to understand which meetings could be transformed into digital meetings and related challenges. The web-survey was sent to co-workers in home health care and social care in a middle-seized municipality in Sweden and included questions with predetermined and open-ended answers. The results showed that not all meetings could be transformed, like meetings with citizens with hearing or cognitive impairments. Challenges related to the transformation were instability in technical equipment, the professions’ and citizens’ knowledge of handling technical equipment, and access to technical equipment support.Conclusions: Despite the challenges did the co-workers digitize meetings whenever possible, adding operational and problem-solving attitude to the transformation. Due to this study’s limitation, like respondents from one municipality and the pandemic’s length, we intend to investigate further and understand the development of the transformation and how knowledge in the area increases.
An optical regenerative wavelength conversion scheme for satellite based on SPM of SOA and offset filter
Authors: Dong Yi , Ji Zemin , Zhou Peng , Zhou Lin , Wu Aoyun
Published: March 2021

An optical regenerative wavelength conversion scheme without separated pump laser is put forward to promote the wavelength utilization ratio in distributed satellite network. The scheme adopts the self-phase modulation(SPM) in semiconductor optical amplifier(SOA) to broaden the signal spectrum toward both higher and lower frequency owing to the property that the time of carrier recover is less than pulsewidth. Then the signal light and pump light are extracted by a high-pass filter and a low-pass filter respectively. Finally, the wavelength conversion is realized based on the four-wave mixing(FWM), where the signal light and pump light are passing through another SOA. The simulation results demonstrate that the conversion efficiency can be more than 15dB, and the Q factor improvement can reach to 4dB when input power is small than -22dBm.
Characterizing Circulating Nucleosomes in the Plasma of Dogs with Lymphoma
Authors: Dolan Christopher , Miller Tasha , Jill Jarvis , Terrell Jason , Kelly Theresa , Bygott Thomas , Wilson-Robles Heather
Published: March 2021

Background: Nucleosomes consist of DNA wrapped around a histone octamer core like beads on a string so that DNA can be condensed as chromatin into chromosomes. Diseases such as cancer or inflammation lead to cell death where chromatin is fragmentated and released as mononucleosomes into the blood. The Nu.QTM H3.1 assay measures total nucleosome concentration in plasma of humans and has been used to detect and identify cancer even at early stages. The objectives of this study were to determine if nucleosome levels could be used to distinguish between healthy dogs and dogs with various stages of lymphoma (LSA) using the Nu.Q™ H3.1 assay. A total of 126 dogs diagnosed with LSA and 134 healthy controls were recruited for this study. Plasma was collected from each dog and stored in K2-EDTA tubes. The LSA patient samples were recruited from TAMU or purchased from various biobanks. All control cases were recruited from TAMU. Samples were also collected longitudinally from 3 dogs undergoing treatment for multicentric lymphoma at TAMU as a pilot study to investigate the pattern of nucleosome concentrations in plasma during treatment. Results: Dogs with LSA had an approximately 7-fold increase in their plasma nucleosome concentrations compared to controls (AUC 87.8%). Nucleosome concentrations increased with cancer stage and dogs with B cell lymphomas had significantly higher nucleosome concentrations than dogs with T cell lymphomas. Nucleosome concentrations from serially monitored patients were elevated at diagnosis and progression with subsequent decreases in nucleosome concentration that corresponded to clinically detectable responses to therapy. Conclusions: The Nu.QTM H3.1 assay was able to reliably detect elevated nucleosome concentrations in the plasma of dogs with LSA. Furthermore, it appears that nucleosomes are useful for differentiating cancer from healthy individuals in canines. Results from serially monitored patients indicate that nucleosomes could be an objective monitoring tool for remission status in canine lymphoma patients.
Cross-Clamp Technique and Incidence of Stroke after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Know and Respect the Aorta Principle
Authors: Mastroiacovo Giorgio , Gennari Marco , Giambuzzi Ilaria , Pirola Sergio , Nanci Giuseppe , Bonomi Alice , Assenza Gabriele Egidy , Polvani Gianluca , Agrifoglio Marco
Published: March 2021

Objectives: One of the most severe and devastating complications following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are cerebro-vascular accidents. Atherosclerotic disease of the ascending aorta and epi-aortic trunks has been considered the most probable cause of cerebral embolization during CABG due to aortic manipulation and clamping. The aim of this study is to investigate if single or double aortic clamping may impact the incidence of neurological events.Methods: This is a retrospective study which includes a consecutive series of patients who underwent CABG from a single CABG-experienced surgeon at our Institution from March 2006 to December 2012. Patients were divided into two homogenous groups based on the surgical technique adopted: single-aortic clamping (SAC) (118 patients) and double aortic clamp (DAC) (133 pt).Results: Median surgical time was statistically longer for the DAC group than for the SAC group (p= 0.015), but no significant differences were found for the primary outcomes of stroke and transient ischemic attack. The two groups presented a similar 30-day survival. The follow-up was completed at 82% (median 11 years). The Kaplan-Meier estimates a survival at 11 years of 81% and 88% for the DAC and SAC group, respectively. Conclusions: Incidence of stroke seems to be independent from cross-clamping technique and, more generally, we could infer that the global rate of stroke after CABG in low to moderate risk patients is probably more influenced by other factors that further studies need to address. Moreover, the appearance of the aorta at the time of surgery is crucial to analyse to better personalize the strategy.
LINE-1 and Alu Promote Breast Tumor Progression Via Forming Chimeric Transcripts
Authors: Li Jian , Zhang Yin , Zhou Yiting , Liao Jian-you , Guo Yabin
Published: March 2021

Background：LINE-1 (L1) and Alu were reported to regulate tumor development and progression by constituting chimeric transcripts with diverse sequences. The landscape of L1 or Alu chimeric transcripts in breast tumor has not been reported yet, so breast tumor L1 and Alu chimeric transcripts were investigated in this study by analyzing more than 50 billion RNA sequences of breast tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues from TCGA database. Results：The expression of L1 and Alu in breast tumor tissues were significantly higher than that in the non-tumor tissues. High expression of L1 and Alu in breast tumor predicted poor prognosis. Further exploration demonstrated that L1 and Alu were extensively chimerically expressed with adjacent transcripts. 651 L1-mRNA chimeric transcripts and 1525 Alu-mRNA chimeric transcripts showed significantly different frequencies between non-tumor and tumor tissues. 1009 L1-lncRNA chimeric transcripts and 2575 Alu-lncRNA chimeric transcripts had significantly different frequencies between non-tumor and tumor tissues. Function cluster analysis demonstrated that these differently chimerically expressed genes were involved in multi facets of tumorigenesis, including metabolism, signal transduction, immune reaction, cell cycle and apoptosis, etc. Conclusions：Chimeric expression with different sequences might be an important mechanism for L1 and Alu to promote breast tumor progression.
A Diagnostic Model for The Large-Scale Tropical Circulation Based on Moist Static Energy Balance
Authors: Fan Chen-Shuo , Dommenget Dietmar
Published: March 2021

In this study we present a diagnostic model for the large-scale tropical circulation (vertical motion) based on the moist static energy equation for first baroclinic mode anomalies (MSEB model). The aim of this model is to provide a basis for conceptual understanding of the drivers of the large-scale tropical circulation changes or variations as they are observed or simulated in Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project Phase (CMIP) models. The MSEB model is based on previous studies relating vertical motion in the tropics to the driving forces of the tropospheric column heating rate, advection of moisture and heat, and the moist stability of the air columns scaled by the first baroclinic mode. We apply and evaluate the skill of this model on the basis of observations (reanalysis) and CMIP model simulations of the large-scale tropical vertical motion. The model is capable of diagnosing the large-scale pattern of vertical motion of the mean state, annual cycle, interannual variability, model-to-model variations and in warmer climates of climate change scenarios with correlations of 0.6-0.8 and nearly unbiased amplitudes for the whole tropics (30°S-30°N). The skills are generally better over oceans at large scales and worse over land regions. The model also tends to have an upward motion bias at higher latitudes, but still has good correlations in variations even at the higher latitudes. It is further illustrated how the MSEB model can be used to diagnose the sensitivity of the tropical vertical motion to the forcing terms of the models for the mean state, seasonal cycle and interannual variability such as El Nino. The model clearly illustrates how the seasonal cycle in the circulation is driven by the incoming solar radiation and how the El Nino shift in the Walker circulation results mainly from the sea-surface temperature changes. Overall, the model provides a very good diagnostic tool to understand tropical circulation change on larger and longer (>month) time scales.
Plasmonic Coupling Properties in Conductively Touched Metallic Ellipsoidal Dimer and Trimer
Authors: Alsawafta Mohammed
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Performance Improvement of High-speed Edm and Ecm Combined Process by Using a Helical Tube Electrode With Matched Internal and External Flushing
Authors: Ji Lei , Zhang Yan , Wang Guoqian , Zhang Jie , Yang Wentao
Published: March 2021

Micro-hole fabrication at a high speed and accuracy of machining while maintaining high surface quality is challenging. A core difficulty is the removal of the products of machining from extremely narrow gaps. To solve this problem, this study proposes an approach that combines high-speed electrical discharge machining (EDM) with electrochemical machining (ECM) by using a helical tube electrode with matched internal and external flushing. During high-speed electrical discharge drilling, matching the internal flushing with the clockwise rotation of the helical electrode can help remove debris from the bottom of the blind hole. During ECM, matching the external flushing with the anticlockwise rotation of the helical electrode can improve the flow of electrolyte in the gap. First, the flow field was simulated to show that matching the internal and external flushing of the helical electrode can enhance the flow of the medium and reduce particle concentration in extremely narrow gaps. Second, a series of experiments were conducted to verify that the taper of the hole and the surface quality of its wall can be improved by using the helical tube electrode. Finally, an experiment was carried out to optimize the machining parameters, and yielded a minimum taper of 0.008 at a speed of rotation of 460 rpm, and pressures of internal and external flushing of 9 MPa and 4 MPa, respectively.
Predictors and Incidence of Extubation Failure Post Modified Blalock Taussig Shunt in Infants
Authors: Ghafri Mohammed Al , Hadhrami Safa Al , Badi Hamid Al
Published: March 2021

Objectives: To identify the characteristics of infants with extubation failure post Modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt (MBTS) and to determine the incidence and predictors of extubation failure in this group of infants and to compare it with the international figures.Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study of infants < 1 year of age who underwent MBTS at the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit at Royal Hospital, Oman, from January 2010 to December 2019. We excluded infants who died before extubation, infants with missing data, and infants who underwent another surgical intervention before extubation. Ethical approval was obtained from the scientific research committee at the Royal Hospital. All categorical variables were presented as numbers and percentages. Analyses were performed using SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 146 infants were included in the study. Extubation failure occurred in 27 (18.5%) patients. Among those who failed extubation, 18 (66.7%) patients were ventilated before the surgery with statistically significant p-value of 0.019. A systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≤ 50th percentile was associated with extubation failure. Infants with extubation failure had longer intensive care unit length of stay and longer hospital length of stay. Severe respiratory distress and hemodynamic instability were the two main reasons for re-intubation.Conclusions: The lower incidence rate (18.5%) for extubation failure might indicate higher quality performance of our institution. Prolonged mechanical ventilation, requirements for escalation of inotropes, and SBP ≤ 50th percentile might be as predictors for extubation failure in infants post MBTS. Extubation failure is associated with longer intensive care unit and hospital admission.
Investigation on the Drag Coefficient of the Steady and Unsteady Flow Conditions in Coarse Porous Media
Authors: Norouzi Hadi , Bazargan Jalal , Azhang Faezah , Nasiri Rana
Published: March 2021

The study of the steady and unsteady flow through porous media and the interactions between fluids and particles is of utmost importance. In the present study, binomial and trinomial equations to calculate the changes in hydraulic gradient (i) in terms of flow velocity (V) were studied in the steady and unsteady flow conditions, respectively. According to previous studies, the calculation of drag coefficient (Cd) and consequently, drag force (Fd) is a function of coefficient of friction (f). Using Darcy-Weisbach equations in pipes, the hydraulic gradient equations in terms of flow velocity in the steady and unsteady flow conditions, and the analytical equations proposed by Ahmed and Sunada in calculation of the coefficients a and b of the binomial equation and the friction coefficient (f) equation in terms of the Reynolds number (Re) in the porous media, equations were presented for calculation of the friction coefficient in terms of the Reynolds number in the steady and unsteady flow conditions in 1D (one-dimensional) confined porous media. Comparison of experimental results with the results of the proposed equation in estimation of the drag coefficient in the present study confirmed the high accuracy and efficiency of the equations. The mean relative error (MRE) between the computational (using the proposed equations in the present study) and observational (direct use of experimental data) friction coefficient for small, medium and large grading in the steady flow conditions was equal to 1.913, 3.614 and 3.322%, respectively. In the unsteady flow condition, the corresponding values of 7.806, 14.106 and 10.506 % were obtained, respectively.
Tunable self-assembled Casimir microcavities and polaritons
Authors: Shegai Timur , Munkhbat Battulga , Canales Adriana , Kücüköz Betül , Baranov Denis
Published: March 2021

Spontaneous formation of ordered structures – self-assembly – is ubiquitous in nature and observed on different length scales, ranging from atomic and molecular systems to micro-scale objects and living matter. Self-ordering in molecular and biological systems typically involves short-range hydrophobic and van der Waals interactions. Here, we introduce an approach to micro-scale self-assembly based on the joint action of attractive Casimir and repulsive electrostatic forces arising between charged metallic nanoflakes in a solution. This system forms a self-assembled optical Fabry-Perot microcavity with a fundamental mode in the visible range (long-range separation distance ca. 100-200 nm) and a tunable equilibrium configuration. Furthermore, by placing an excitonic material in the microcavity region, we are able to realize hybrid light-matter states (polaritons), whose properties, such as the coupling strength and the eigenstate composition, can be controlled in real-time by the concentration of ligand molecules in the solution and light pressure. These Casimir microcavities can find future use as sensitive and tunable platforms for a variety of applications, including opto-mechanics, nanomachinery, and cavity-induced polaritonic chemistry.
Experimental study on machining deformation of large scale slender beam with weak stiffness of Ti6Al4V
Authors: Liu Qimeng , Xu Jinkai , Yu Huadong
Published: March 2021

Large-scale slender beam structures with weak stiffness are widely used in the aviation field. There will be a great deformation problem in machining because the overall stiffness of slender beam parts is lower. Firstly, the cutting mechanism and stability theory of the Ti6Al4V material are analyzed, and then the auxiliary support is carried out according to the machining characteristics of the slender beam structure. The feasibility of the deformation suppression measures for the slender beam is verified by experiments. The experimental analysis shows that on the basis of fulcrum auxiliary support, the filling of paraffin melt material is capable of increasing the damping of the whole system, improving the overall stiffness of the machining system, and inhibiting the chatter effect of machining. This method is effective to greatly improve the accuracy and efficiency during machining of slender beam parts. On the premise of the method of processing support with the combination of fulcrum and paraffin, if the tool wear is effectively controlled, the high precision machining of large-scale slender beams can be realized effectively, and the machining deformation of slender beams can be reduced. Although high speed milling has excellent machining effect on the machining accuracy of titanium alloy materials, severe tool wear is observed during high-speed milling of titanium alloy materials. Therefore, high-speed milling of titanium alloy slender beam is suitable to be carried out in the finishing process, which can effectively control tool wear and improve the machining accuracy of parts. Finally, the process verification of typical weak stiffness slender beam skeleton parts is carried out. Through the theoretical and technical support of the experimental scheme, the machining of large-scale slender beam structure parts with weak stiffness is realized.
Unprecedented SPEEK-trimetal Oxide Composites: Physicochemical and Electrochemical Performance in Fuel Cell
Authors: Sivasubramanian Gandhimathi , Thangavelu Senthil Andavan Gurusamy , Mahimai Berlina Maria , Hariharasubramanian Krishnan , DEIVANAYAGAM PARADESI
Published: March 2021

Advanced polymer composite membranes were prepared from a linear sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) with bismuth cobalt zinc oxide [BCZO, (Bi2O3)0.07(CoO)0.03(ZnO)0.90] nanopowder as an inorganic additive for the application of H2-O2 fuel cell. Morphology data tend to provide evidences for the incorporation of BCZO into SPEEK polymer. Indeed, composite membrane loaded with 7.5 wt.% of BCZO was identified to uptake maximum water, while the pristine SPEEK membrane occurred to retain only 24.0 %. As such SPEEK matrix loaded with 7.5 wt.% of BCZO was found to exhibit the maximum proton conductivity of 0.030 S cm-1, whereas the pristine membrane was restricted to 0.021 S cm-1. Evidently, TGA profile of the composite membrane was measured to exhibit sufficient thermal stability to employ as electrolyte in fuel cell. The membrane electrode assembly of pristine SPEEK and SP-BCZO-7.5 wt.% membranes were fabricated and studied for their electrochemical performance. Indeed, the characteristics of newly developed composite membranes led to possess incredible feature towards fuel cell applications.
Protocol for the Development of a Core Outcome Set for Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy (COS-LET)
Authors: Bateman Marcus , Evans Jonathan P , Vuvan Viana , Jones Valerie , Watts Adam C , Phadnis Joideep , Bisset Leanne , Vicenzino Bill
Published: March 2021

Background

Lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) is a common condition that can cause significant disability and associated socioeconomic cost. Although it has been widely researched, outcome measures are highly variable which restricts evidence synthesis across studies. In 2019 a working group of international experts, health care professionals and patients, in the field of tendinopathy (International Scientific Tendinopathy Symposium Consensus (ICON) Group) published the results of a consensus exercise defining the nine core domains that should be measured in tendinopathy research. The aim of this study is to develop a Core Outcome Set (COS) for LET mapping to these core domains. The primary output will provide a template for future outcome evaluation of LET. In this protocol we detail the methodological approach to the COS-LET development.
Methods

This study will employ a three-phase approach. (1) A systematic review of studies investigating LET will produce a comprehensive list of all instruments currently employed to quantify treatment effect or outcome. (2) Instruments will be matched to the list of nine core tendinopathy outcome domains by a Steering Committee of clinicians and researchers with a specialist interest in LET resulting in a set of candidate instruments. (3) An International three-stage Delphi Study will be conducted involving experienced clinicians, researchers and patients. Within this Delphi Study candidate instruments will be selected based upon screening using the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) truth, feasibility and discrimination filters with a threshold of 70% agreement set for consensus.
Conclusions

There is currently no COS for the measurement or monitoring of LET in trials or clinical practice. The output from this project will be a minimum COS recommended for use in all future English-language studies related to LET. The findings will be published in a high-quality journal and disseminated widely using professional networks, social media and via presentation at international conferences.