bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteopontin (OPN/SPP1), a Mediator of Tumor Progression, Is Regulated by the Mesenchymal Transcription Factor Slug/SNAI2 in Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
Authors: Amilca-Seba Katyana , Tan Tuan Zea , Thiery Jean-Paul , Louadj Lila , Thouroude Sandrine , Bouygues Anaïs , Sabbah Michèle , Larsen Annette K. , Denis Jérôme A.
Published: May 2022

In colorectal cancer (CRC), disease-related death is closely linked to tumor aggressiveness and metastasis. Gene expression profiling of patient tumors has suggested that a more mesenchymal phenotype, present in about one-fourth of all patients, is associated with increased aggressiveness. Accordingly, the mesenchymal transcription factor Slug/SNAI2 has been associated with decreased disease-free survival. To decipher the basis for the Slug-mediated phenotype, we conducted RNAseq experiments with a panel of HT-29 CRC cells expressing different levels of Slug, both in vitro and in tumor models. The results show that osteopontin, a secreted pleotropic protein involved in multiple steps of colorectal cancer progression, was highly upregulated by Slug in vitro, as well as in vivo. We further show that Slug is a direct regulator of osteopontin at the promoter level. The levels of secreted osteopontin were correlated with Slug expression, thereby linking the tumor phenotype to a biomarker available by liquid biopsies. The results also suggest that osteopontin neutralization may attenuate at least some of the Slug-mediated functions.
Neuroimaging in the Rare Sleep Disorder of Kleine–Levin Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ortiz Juan Fernando , Argudo Jennifer M. , Yépez Mario , Moncayo Juan Andrés , Tamton Hyder , Aguirre Alex S. , Patel Ghanshyam , Sen Meghdeep , Mistry Ayushi , Yuen Ray , Eissa-Garces Ahmed , Ojeda Diego , Ruxmohan Samir
Published: May 2022

Kleine–Levin syndrome (KLS) is characterized by episodes of hypersomnia. Additionally, these patients can present with hyperphagia, hypersexuality, abnormal behavior, and cognitive dysfunction. Functional neuroimaging studies such as fMRI-BOLD, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or SPECT help us understand the neuropathological bases of different disorders. We conducted a systematic review to investigate the neuroimaging features of KLS patients and their clinical correlations. This systematic review was conducted by following the Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) and PRISMA protocol reporting guidelines. We aim to investigate the clinical correlation with neuroimaging among patients with KLS. We included only studies written in the English language in the last 20 years, conducted on humans; 10 studies were included. We excluded systematic reviews, metanalysis, and case reports. We found that there are changes in functional imaging studies during the symptomatic and asymptomatic periods as well as in between episodes in patients with K.L.S. The areas most reported as affected were the hypothalamic and thalamic regions, which showed hypoperfusion and, in a few cases, hyperperfusion; areas such as the frontal, parietal, occipital and the prefrontal cortex all showed alterations in cerebral perfusion. These changes in cerebral blood flow and regions vary according to the imaging (SPECT, PET SCAN, or fMRI) and the task performed while imaging was performed. We encountered conflicting data between studies. Hyper insomnia, the main feature of this disease during the symptomatic periods, was associated with decreased thalamic activity. Other features of K.L.S., such as apathy, hypersexuality, and depersonalization, were also correlated with functional imaging changes. There were also findings that correlated with working memory deficits seen in this stage during the asymptomatic periods. Hyperactivity of the thalamus and hypothalamus were the main features shown during the asymptomatic period. Additionally, functional imaging tends to improve with a longer course of the disease, which suggests that K.L.S. patients outgrow the disease. These findings should caution physicians when analyzing and correlating neuroimaging findings with the disease.
Entropy Optimization on Axisymmetric Darcy–Forchheimer Powell–Eyring Nanofluid over a Horizontally Stretching Cylinder with Viscous Dissipation Effect
Authors: Rooman Muhammad , Jan Muhammad Asif , Shah Zahir , Vrinceanu Narcisa , Ferrándiz Bou Santiago , Iqbal Shahid , Deebani Wejdan
Published: May 2022

The effect of entropy optimization on an axisymmetric Darcy–Forchheimer Powell–Eyring nanofluid flow caused by a horizontally permeable stretching cylinder, as well as non-linear thermal radiation, was investigated in this research work. The leading equations of the current problem were changed into ODEs by exhausting appropriate transformations. To deduce the reduced system, the numerical method bvp4c was used. The outcome of non-dimensional relevant factors on velocity, entropy, concentration, temperature, Bejan number, drag force, and Nusselt number is discussed and demonstrated using graphs and tables. It is perceived that, with a higher value of volume fraction parameter, the skin friction falls down. Likewise, it is found that the Nusselt number drops with enhancing the value of the volume fraction. Moreover, the result reveals that the entropy generation increases as the volume fraction, curvature parameter, and Brinkman number increase.
Emergent Intelligence in Generalized Pure Quantum Systems
Authors: Svítek Miroslav
Published: May 2022

This paper presents the generalized information system theory, which is enlarged into pure quantum systems using wave probability functions. The novelty of this approach is based on analogies with electrical circuits and quantum physics. Information power was chosen as the relevant parameter, which guarantees the balance of both components—information flow and information content. Next, the principles of quantum resonance between individual information components, which can lead to emergent behavior, are analyzed. For such a system, adding more and more probabilistic information elements can lead to better convergence of the whole to the resulting trajectory due to phase parameters. The paper also offers an original interpretation of information “source–recipient” or “resource–demand” models, including not yet implemented “unused resources” and “unmet demands”. Finally, possible applications of these principles are shown in several examples from the quantum gyrator to the hypothetical possibility of explaining some properties of the consciousness.
All-Inorganic Perovskite Single Crystals for Optoelectronic Detection
Authors: Wu Xiujia , Li Panpan , Wei Xiangfeng , Liu Jiehua
Published: May 2022

Due to their many varieties of excellent optoelectric properties, perovskites have attracted large numbers of researchers in the past few years. For the hybrid perovskites, a long diffusion length, long carrier lifetime, and high μτ product are particularly noticeable. However, some disadvantages, including high toxicity and instability, restrict their further large-scale application. By contrast, all-inorganic perovskites not only have remarkable optoelectric properties but also feature high structure stability due to the lack of organic compositions. Benefiting from these, all-inorganic perovskites have been extensively explored and studied. Compared with the thin film type, all-inorganic perovskite single crystals (PSCs) with fewer grain boundaries and crystalline defects have better optoelectric properties. Nevertheless, it is important to note that only a few reports to date have presented a summary of all-inorganic PSCs. In this review, we firstly make a summary and propose a classification method according to the crystal structure. Then, based on the structure classification, we introduce several representative materials and focus on their corresponding growth methods. Finally, applications for detectors of all-inorganic PSCs are listed and summarized. At the end of the review, based on the current research situation and trends, some perspectives and advice are proposed.
Percutaneous Ablation of Hepatic Tumors at the Hepatocaval Confluence Using Irreversible Electroporation: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Li Tiankuan , Huang Wei , Wu Zhiyuan , Wang Yong , Wang Qingbing , Wang Ziyin , Liu Qin , Liu Jingjing , Wang Shenjie , Ding Xiaoyi , Wang Zhongmin
Published: May 2022

Background: Tumors at the hepatocaval confluence are difficult to treat, either surgically or ablatively. Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study on patients ineligible for thermal ablation who underwent computed tomography-guided IRE for hepatic tumors at the hepatocaval confluence was conducted. Factors analyzed included patient and tumor characteristics, IRE procedure details, treatment-related complications, and prognosis. Results: Between 2017 and 2021, 21 patients at our institute received percutaneous IRE. Of the 38 lesions, 21 were at the hepatocaval confluence. Complete ablation was achieved in all cases. Local and distant recurrence was observed in 4.8% (1/21) and 42.6% (9/21) of the ablated tumors, respectively. All postcava remained perfused at follow-up, except for 1 (4.8%) hepatic vein near the lesion found to be temporarily occluded and restored within 1 month. The ratio of the maximum diameter of ablation area at 1, 3, and 6 months post procedure compared to that immediately after IRE was 0.68 (0.50–0.84), 0.49 (0.27–0.61), and 0.38 (0.25–0.59), respectively. Progression-free survival of the patients with recurrence was 121 (range, 25–566) days. Four (19.0%) patients died at the end of follow-up with median overall survival of 451.5 (range, 25–716) days. Conclusions: IRE could be a safe and effective treatment for hepatic tumors at the hepatocaval confluence. This article provides valuable prognostic data; further clinical research is needed for better prognosis.
Patterns of Focal Amyloid Deposition Using 18F-Florbetaben PET in Patients with Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Chung Sung-eun , Kim Hyung-Ji , Jo Sungyang , Lee Sunju , Lee Yoojin , Roh Jee Hoon , Lee Jae-Hong
Published: May 2022

Accumulation of aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ) in the brain is considered the first pathological event within the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is difficult to accurately identify the initial brain regions of Aβ accumulation due to the time-lag between the start of the pathophysiology and symptom onset. However, focal regional amyloid uptake on amyloid PET scans may provide insights into this. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the topographic distribution of amyloid deposition in patients with cognitive impairment and to identify the starting order of amyloid accumulation in the brain using conditional probability. We enrolled 58 patients composed of 9 normal cognition (NC), 32 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 17 dementia showing focal regional amyloid deposition corresponding to a brain amyloid plaque load (BAPL) score of 2 among those who visited the Memory Clinic of Asan Medical Center and underwent an 18F-florbetaben PET scan (March 2013 to April 2019). Regions of interest (ROI) included the frontal, parietal, lateral temporal, and occipital cortices, the posterior cingulate/precuneus, and the striatum. The most frequent occurrence of Aβ deposition was in the posterior cingulate/precuneus (n = 41, 68.3%). The second most frequent site was the lateral temporal cortex (n = 24, 40.0%), followed by the lateral parietal cortex (n = 21, 35.6%) and other lesions, such as the frontal and occipital cortices. The striatum was the least frequently affected. Our study found that the posterior cingulate/precuneus and the lateral temporal and parietal cortices may be the earliest areas to be affected by Aβ accumulation. Longitudinal follow-up of focal brain amyloid deposition may help elucidate the evolutionary pattern of Aβ accumulation in the brain of people with AD continuum.
A Fast Multi-Scale Generative Adversarial Network for Image Compressed Sensing
Authors: Li Wenzong , Zhu Aichun , Xu Yonggang , Yin Hongsheng , Hua Gang
Published: May 2022

Recently, deep neural network-based image compressed sensing methods have achieved impressive success in reconstruction quality. However, these methods (1) have limitations in sampling pattern and (2) usually have the disadvantage of high computational complexity. To this end, a fast multi-scale generative adversarial network (FMSGAN) is implemented in this paper. Specifically, (1) an effective multi-scale sampling structure is proposed. It contains four different kernels with varying sizes so that decompose, and sample images effectively, which is capable of capturing different levels of spatial features at multiple scales. (2) An efficient lightweight multi-scale residual structure for deep image reconstruction is proposed to balance receptive field size and computational complexity. The key idea is to apply smaller convolution kernel sizes in the multi-scale residual structure to reduce the number of operations while maintaining the receptive field. Meanwhile, the channel attention structure is employed for enriching useful information. Moreover, perceptual loss is combined with MSE loss and adversarial loss as the optimization function to recover a finer image. Numerous experiments show that our FMSGAN achieves state-of-the-art image reconstruction quality with low computational complexity.
Machine Learning-Based Structural Health Monitoring Using RFID for Harsh Environmental Conditions
Authors: Zhao Aobo , Sunny Ali Imam , Li Li , Wang Tengjiao
Published: May 2022

Post Operation Clean Out (POCO) is the process to remove hazardous materials and decommission nuclear facilities at the end of a nuclear plant’s lifetime. The introduction of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in the environment, especially radio frequency identification (RFID), would improve efficiency and safety by intelligently monitoring POCO activities. In this paper, we present a passive material identification and crack sensing method developed for the integration of sensing and communication using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) RFID tags, which is a long-term solution to material property monitoring under insulation for harsh environmental conditions. To validate the effectiveness of material identification and crack monitoring, machine learning techniques have been applied, and the feasibility of the study has been outlined. The result shows that the material identification can be achieved with traditional features and obtain improved accuracy with three-layer multi-layer neural networks (MLNN). In crack characterization, the tree algorithm based on traditional features achieves a reasonable accuracy, while three-layer MLNN is the best solution, which supports the efficiency of traditional feature extraction methods in specific applications.
Research on the Mobile Refrigeration System at a High Temperature Working Face of an Underground Mine
Authors: Li Jielin , Yu Xiaoli , Huang Chonghong , Zhou Keping
Published: May 2022

With an increase in mining depth, the problem of heat damage in metal mine working face has become increasingly prominent. In order to effectively reduce the temperature of the working face and provide a comfortable working environment for the miners, based on the concept of “cooling on demand”, a mobile refrigeration system for high-temperature working face was designed, and a field test was carried out in Dahongshan Copper Mine, Yunnan Province. At the same time, based on the experimental conditions, the parameter optimization research of the mobile refrigeration system was carried out. The results showed that: (1) The mobile refrigeration system could reduce the wet bulb temperature of the working face at the test site to below 30 °C, which is in line with the “Safety Regulations for Metal and Non-Metallic Mines” (GB16423-2020); (2) when the diameter of the air supply pipe was 600 mm and the air supply velocity was 12 m/s, the target cooling area could meet the continuous operation requirements stipulated in the “Safety Regulations for Metal and Non-metallic Mines” in China; (3) for every 2 °C decrease in supply air temperature, the average wet bulb temperature in the target cooling area decreased by 0.9 °C; (4) for every 10% decrease in supply air humidity, the wet bulb temperature and relative humidity in the target cooling area decreased by 0.76 °C and 4.38% on average, respectively. The research results provide new ideas and methods for the prevention and control of heat damage in metal mines.
Adsorption Desalination and Cooling Systems: Advances in Design, Modeling and Performance
Authors: Sosnowski Marcin , Krzywanski Jaroslaw , Skoczylas Norbert
Published: May 2022

The increase in energy efficiency, reducing energy demand, greenhouse gas emissions and the use of waste, renewable and recycled heat from low-temperature sources are significant challenges today and are key parts of the idea of the 4th Generation District Heating (4GDH) [...]
Shale Oil Enrichment Mechanism of the Paleogene Xingouzui Formation, Jianghan Basin, China
Authors: Li Qiqi , Xu Shang , Zhang Liang , Chen Fengling , Wu Shiqiang , Bai Nan
Published: May 2022

Organic-rich lacustrine shales are widely developed in China, and they have long been simply regarded as homogeneous source rocks, which restricts the understanding of intrasource oil accumulation. At present, the study of the LXF (Lower Member of the Xingouzui Formation) in the Jianghan Basin as an unconventional oil reservoir is still in its infancy, and the hydrocarbon accumulation mechanism is still unclear. Geochemical and mineralogical studies were carried out on a suite of samples from the 100-m-thick sequence, i.e., LXF II Oil Bed, by using XRD, SEM, MICP, and Rock-Eval pyrolysis. The results show that the II Oil Bed is rich in carbonate and poor in clay, so it shows a good fracturing tendency. The high degree of heterogeneity in mineral composition leads to frequent interbedding of different lithofacies. In the II Oil Bed, intercrystalline pores, interparticle pores, and intraparticle pores are developed, and micro-fractures are often observed. However, the main pore types, pore size distribution, and connectivity are quite different among lithofacies, and the carbonate-rich lithofacies have better reservoir capacity. The OM (organic matter) abundance of the II Oil Bed varies greatly and generally ranges from fair to very good. Coupled with its early-mature to mature Type II OM, it is considered to have the characteristics required for oil generation. Comprehensive analysis shows that the II Oil Bed has good shale oil exploration prospects, and the enrichment of shale oil in the sequence is the result of multiple factors matching. Firstly, high organic matter abundance is the material basis for shale oil enrichment. Secondly, thermal maturity is a prerequisite, and the difference in burial depth leads to the differential enrichment of shale oil in different areas. Thirdly, pores and micro-fractures developed in shale not only provide space for hydrocarbon storage, but also form a flow-path network. Finally, multi-scale intrasource migrations are key processes ranging from the scale of lithofacies to the intervals, which further results in the differential shale oil enrichment in different lithofacies and intervals. Considering the hydrocarbon generation capacity and reservoir quality, the prospective depth for shale oil exploration in the study area is >1350 m. The findings of this study can help in the better-understanding of the shale oil enrichment mechanism, and the optimization of future exploration strategies.
A Framework to Assess the Resilience of Energy Systems Based on Quantitative Indicators
Authors: Martišauskas Linas , Augutis Juozas , Krikštolaitis Ričardas , Urbonas Rolandas , Šarūnienė Inga , Kopustinskas Vytis
Published: May 2022

The “Clean Energy for all Europeans” package highlights the need to create a resilient critical energy infrastructure in the European Union. Resilience is an emerging term to describe the energy system’s ability to withstand shocks caused by natural hazards, technical accidents, or intentional threats. In this paper, a framework to assess the resilience of energy systems using quantitative indicators is presented. Two main groups of resilience indicators are proposed that depend on what is being measured within the energy system: capacity (attribute-based) indicators or performance in the presence of disruption (performance-based) indicators. This study concentrates on the first resilience phase, when the energy system has to absorb the impact of the shock. The approach considers various disruptions (both internal and external) as triggering events. There is a particular focus on future shocks affecting the prospective energy system, which will have changed with respect to the current one. The future foresight capabilities and potential of the selected resilience indicators are demonstrated using calculations for the Lithuanian energy system. The results revealed that the most important factors that impact energy system resilience are a rich electricity production mix and the diversification of both supply and production in the prospective energy system.
Selection of Energy Improvement Factors and Economic Analysis of Standard MDU Complexes in Korean Metropolitan Regions
Authors: Lee Ki-Won , Kim Young Il
Published: May 2022

In Korea, energy consumption within apartments in metropolitan areas accounted for more than 33% of the total energy consumption by buildings in 2020. In this study, in order to increase the energy efficiency of MDU (multi-dwelling unit) complexes in metropolitan areas, improvement factors and economic effects were analyzed using ECO2, a building energy efficiency evaluation program. Optimal improvement measures are proposed, to reduce the economic burden on users by applying energy saving technologies. This study was conducted in four stages; in the first stage, using ECO2 software, five types of apartments were selected as standards among 46 complexes. Standard MDUs were selected if more than two factors were satisfied from among the following: (1) household type, (2) average exterior wall insulation and window performance, (3) average energy consumption and demand per unit area per year, (4) average applied facility system, and (5) average monthly energy demand per unit area. In the second stage, improvement factors were derived by analyzing the 10 most recent energy efficient MDU complexes. The third stage involved analysis of the energy saving effect generated by the improvement of windows and total heat exchangers in five selected complexes. Primary energy consumption per unit area per year improved from 158.8 to 132. kWh/m2y in complex E, which had been upgraded from ‘floor heating system’ to ‘total heat exchanger’. Finally, in the fourth stage, optimal improvement factors were selected for economic analysis. By simultaneously applying the optimal improvement factors, such as windows and total heat exchanger, to the M complex, primary energy consumption per unit area per year was improved from 147.6 to 111.4 kWh/m2 y. When optimal improvement factors were applied to 59 m2, 74 m2, 84 m2 types in complex M, life cycle cost savings of energy consumption for 30 years became $1384~1970.
Experimental Study on the Microstructure of Coal with Different Particle Sizes
Authors: Liu Jianbao , Song Zhimin , Li Bing , Ren Jiangang , Chen Feng , Xiao Ming
Published: May 2022

In the study of coal pore structure, the traditional test method does not consider the influence of coal particle size. During the crushing process, coal samples are affected by crushing stress. While the particle size changes, the change characteristics of pore structure and macromolecular structure are a matter for which systematic research is still lacking. In this paper, mercury injection and liquid nitrogen were used to characterize the pore structure of coal. It was found that the porosity, total pore volume and total specific surface area of the coal increased with the decrease of particle size. However, during this process, the pore volume of macropores and mesopores decreases, while the micropores and transition pores increase significantly, indicating that while the particle size decreases, macropores and mesopores are broken into micropores and transition pores. In addition, the pore structure of samples with a particle size less than 200 mesh changes significantly. With the decrease of coal particle size, the areas of the D peak and G peak of the Raman spectrum increase, indicating that the ordering degree of coal increases. Finally, the statistical results of the peak area of the Fourier infrared spectrum show that alcohol, phenol, ammonia hydroxyl and fatty hydrocarbon CH2 and CH3 are greatly reduced, while the out-of-plane deformation vibration of alkyl ether and aromatic structure C–H are significantly increased, which also indicates the transformation of the coal macromolecular structure to an aromatic structure with strong stability.
Experimental Investigation of Engine Performance for 2nd Generation Biodiesel Derived from Mg2Zr5O12 Catalyst
Authors: Singh Veena , Chavan Supriya B. , Sharma Yogesh C.
Published: May 2022

In the present study, experimental analyses were conducted by using biodiesel derived from second-generation feedstock. In terms of cost and accessibility, second-generation feedstock has gained more attention due to its environmental approach. Waste-cooking-oil-derived methyl ester was produced through a transesterification reaction in the presence of a synthesized magnesium zirconate (Mg2Zr5O12) heterogeneous catalyst. This trans-esterified waste cooking oil (WCO) was used as biodiesel and was blended with diesel in 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% by volume ratio for further analysis. The fuel properties of pure and blended biodiesel were investigated in terms of flash point, density, kinematic viscosity, and lower heating value as per the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D-6751 standards. For each blended fuel, the engine performance and gaseous emissions trend with engine loads of 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 kg were measured on a Kirloskar TV1 IC engine. The results indicated that the 40% blended biodiesel has the maximum brake thermal efficiency (BTE) of 19.13% and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) of 6.98% increment, also showing an increase with respect to engine load. On the other hand, brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) was highest for 40% blending as 36.48% increase, and that decreases with the increase in engine loads. Significant reductions in carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbon (HC) emissions were observed for 40% blended fuel and were 34.78% and 38.1% reduction, respectively. CO and HC emissions decreased with respect to the engine load. Meanwhile, reverse trends for carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) have been observed as 14.57% and 27.85% increases for 100% biodiesel. CO2 and NOx increased with increase in engine load. The mass balance and environmental factor of crude and purified biodiesel were studied to show the environmental suitability of synthesized product. Overall, the results showed that the blended biodiesel can be used as a substitute and has an advantage over diesel fuel. The main contribution derived from this work is to improve engine performance and gaseous emission by using blended biodiesel derived from a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst and waste-cooking-oil feedstock.
Testing the Pollution Haven Hypothesis with the Role of Foreign Direct Investments and Total Energy Consumption
Authors: Dagar Vishal , Ahmed Farhan , Waheed Farah , Bojnec Štefan , Khan Muhammad Kamran , Shaikh Sana
Published: May 2022

The main objective of this study was to examine the nonlinear relationship between environmental deterioration and foreign direct investment for subpanels based on the country’s income level. In this study, the model’s determinants were total consumption of energy and electricity consumption, the share of renewable energy, and economic growth. Due to the observation of cross-sectional dependence, utilization of cointegration tests and panel data unit root were incorporated, which confirmed a mixed integration order. For the compliance of long-run and short-run relationships among the variables, a pooled mean group estimator panel auto-regressive distributed lag approach was incorporated. The results of long-run development support the pollution haven hypothesis; hence, ecological footprint is increased by the activities related to foreign direct investments. The obtained findings depend on the different subpanels based on the income level of countries. For the assurance of economic development sustainability in the energy sector, along with the electrical energy sector, customized policymaking is suggested by this study based on the particulars of each subpanel.
Effects of Chemical Compositions and Cetane Number of Fischer–Tropsch Fuels on Diesel Engine Performance
Authors: Yuan Haoyu , Tsukuda Takuma , Yang Yurui , Shibata Gen , Kobashi Yoshimitsu , Ogawa Hideyuki
Published: May 2022

Fischer–Tropsch synthetic (FT) fuels are expected to be an ideal alternative for diesel fuel to achieve higher thermal efficiency and reduction in exhaust emissions because of their characteristics of being aromatic-free, sulfur-free, and high cetane number. In this study, the effects of chemical compositions and cetane number of FT fuels on diesel engine performance were investigated by using a commercial GTL (Gas-to-Liquids) diesel fuel synthesized by the FT method and blended paraffinic hydrocarbon fuels made to simulate FT fuels with different chemical compositions and cetane numbers. At first, a commercial diesel fuel (JIS No.2) and GTL were examined by varying the intake oxygen concentrations with cooled EGR. Compared with diesel fuel, GTL shows shorter premixed combustion, smaller heat release peak, and longer diffusion combustion duration at both high and medium conditions due to the higher cetane number. Further, by using the GTL, a limited improvement in thermal efficiency and exhaust emission reduction of NOx have been obtained, but no significant reduction in the smoke emissions is achieved, even though FT fuels have been considered smokeless due to their aromatic-free characteristics. Next, three types of paraffinic hydrocarbon fuels with cetane numbers of 78, 57, and 38 were blended as simulated FT fuels and were examined under the same experimental apparatus and operation conditions. For the low cetane number simulated FT fuel (cetane number 38 fuel), the results show that the ignition delay and premixing period are significantly longer at low intake oxygen concentration conditions, meaning that the premixing of low cetane number fuel is more sufficient than other fuels, especially under the high EGR rate conditions, resulting in fewer smoke emissions. Furthermore, with CN38 fuel, an excellent indicated thermal efficiency was obtained at the high load condition. To summarize the results, the low cetane number FT fuel shows a potential to achieve higher thermal efficiency and reduction in exhaust emissions on commercial diesel engines with EGR.
Enhanced Fermentative Hydrogen Production from Food Waste in Continuous Reactor after Butyric Acid Treatment
Authors: Noguer Marie Céline , Magdalena Jose Antonio , Bernet Nicolas , Escudié Renaud , Trably Eric
Published: May 2022

End-product accumulation during dark fermentation leads to process instability and hydrogen production inhibition. To overcome this constraint, microbial community adaptation to butyric acid can induce acid tolerance and thus enhance the hydrogen yields; however, adaptation and selection of appropriate microbial communities remains uncertain when dealing with complex substrates in a continuous fermentation mode. To address this question, a reactor fed in continuous mode with food waste (organic loading rate of 60 gVS·L·d−1; 12 h hydraulic retention time) was first stressed for 48 h with increasing concentrations of butyric acid (up to 8.7 g·L−1). Performances were compared with a control reactor (unstressed) for 13 days. During 6 days in a steady-state, the pre-stressed reactor produced 2.2 ± 0.2 LH2·L·d−1, which was 48% higher than in the control reactor (1.5 ± 0.2 LH2·L·d−1). The pretreatment also affected the metabolites’ distribution. The pre-stressed reactor presented a higher production of butyric acid (+44%) achieving up to 3.8 ± 0.3 g·L−1, a lower production of lactic acid (−56%), and an enhancement of substrate conversion (+9%). The performance improvement was attributed to the promotion of Clostridium guangxiense, a hydrogen -producer, with a relative abundance increasing from 22% in the unstressed reactor to 52% in the stressed reactor.
Treeline-Quo Vadis? An Ecophysiological Approach
Authors: Gruber Andreas , Oberhuber Walter , Wieser Gerhard
Published: May 2022

At high elevation or latitude, the margin of the life-form tree is set by low temperature, with trees defined as upright woody species taller than 2–3 m. Globally, the temperature limit of the life-form tree occurs whenever the growing season mean soil temperature declines to 6.7 ± 0.8 °C. Disturbance and human land use, however, can cause trees to be absent from the climatic treeline. After addressing definitions and concepts related to treeline ecophysiology and examining treeline structure and dynamics, the focus will be on future treeline developments with respect to climate, competition and land use change. Finally, changes in economic structure and land use within the treeline ecotone are outlined with respect to net ecosystem production and year-round evapotranspiration.
Effects of Spatial Variability and Drainage on Extracellular Enzyme Activity in Coastal Freshwater Forested Wetlands of Eastern North Carolina, USA
Authors: Minick Kevan J. , Aguilos Maricar , Li Xuefeng , Mitra Bhaskar , Prajapati Prajaya , King John S.
Published: May 2022

Drainage of freshwater wetlands is common in coastal regions, although the effects on microbial extracellular enzyme activity (a key mediator of soil organic matter decomposition) in relation to spatial variability (microtopography and soil depth) are poorly understood. Soils were collected from organic (Oi, Oe, Oa) and mineral (A, AB, B) horizons from a natural and drained coastal forested wetland in North Carolina, USA. Activity of seven enzymes were measured: α-glucosidase (AG), β-glucosidase (BG), cellobiohydrolase (CBH), xylosidase (XYL), phenol oxidase (POX), peroxidase (PER) and N-acetyl glucosamide (NAG). Enzyme activity rates were normalized by soil weight, soil organic C (SOC), and microbial biomass C (MBC). Specific enzyme activity (per SOC or MBC) was more sensitive to drainage and soil depth compared to normalization by soil weight. In Oi and Oa horizons, specific enzyme activity (per MBC) (AG, BG, XYL, POX, PER) was higher in the natural compared to drained wetland but lower (AG, CBH, XYL, POX, PER, NAG) in the AB or B mineral soils. Results from this study indicate that organic soil horizons of natural freshwater wetlands contain a highly active microbial community driven by inputs of plant-derived C, while deeper soils of the drained wetland exhibit higher microbial metabolic activity, which likely plays a role in SOC storage of these systems.
Functional Diversity of Plant Communities in Relationship to Leaf and Soil Stoichiometry in Karst Areas of Southwest China
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhang Limin , Chen Jin , Feng Ling , Li Fangbing , Yu Lifei
Published: May 2022

Assessment of relationships between functional diversity and ecological stoichiometry in plant communities can aid in determining the relative variability and ecological complementarity of functional attributes among species, which is a better approach to understanding ecosystem processes and functions than studying species taxonomic diversity. Here, we analyzed the relationships among community weighted means of functional traits, functional diversity, and leaf and soil chemical properties of plant communities during various stages of vegetation restoration in Mao Lan National Karst Forest Nature Reserve, located in humid subtropical Guizhou of China. Our results showed significant changes in four weighted functional traits of plant communities at different restoration stages, namely, plant height, leaf width to leaf length ratio, and leaf area. Additionally, with the progression of the recovery of plant communities, functional richness, functional separation, and quadratic entropy, the coefficient tended to increase. Functional divergence tended to gradually decrease. The association of functional diversity with soil chemical properties was stronger than that with leaf ecological stoichiometry. Regarding leaf and soil chemical properties, soil phosphorus content and leaf C:P were particularly important in influencing functional diversity. Our overall findings indicate that functional traits shift from “acquisitive” to “conservative” as the community is restored. Karst plant communities reduce interspecific resource competition as restoration proceeds, thereby increasing functional overlap effects.
Influence of Different Surfactants on Carbon Fiber Dispersion and the Mechanical Performance of Smart Piezoresistive Cementitious Composites
Authors: Thomoglou Athanasia K. , Falara Maria G. , Gkountakou Fani I. , Elenas Anaxagoras , Chalioris Constantin E.
Published: May 2022

This experimental study presents the effect of different surfactants on micro-scale carbon fiber (CFs) distribution into carbon fiber reinforced cement-based composites (CFRC) in terms of flexural and compressive strength, stiffness, flexural toughness, and strain-sensing ability. Conducting a narrative review of the literature focusing on the fibers’ separation, this paper follows a methodology introducing a combination of mechanical and chemical carbon fibers dispersion, as well as the different mixing processes (wet or dry). Three types of surfactants: Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), cellulose nanocrystal (CNC), and superplasticizer (SP), were applied to evaluate the CFs distribution in the cement paste matrix. Compressive and flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and ductility of the cement-based composites (CFRC) reinforced with 0.5 wt.% CFs were investigated by three-point bending and compressive tests; flexure tests were also conducted on notched 20 × 20 × 80 mm specimens using the Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (L.E.F.M.) theory. Moreover, the electrical conductivity and the piezoresistive response were determined by conducting electrical resistance measurements and applying compressive loading simultaneously. The results clearly reveal that the CFs/SP solution or the CFs’ dry incorporation led to a significant enhancement of flexural strength by 32% and 23.7%, modulus of elasticity by 30% and 20%, and stress-sensing ability by 20.2% and 18.2%, respectively. Although the wet mixing method exhibits improved mechanical and electrical conductivity performance, constituting an adequate strain and crack sensor, the authors propose dry mixing as the most economical method, in addition to the enhanced mechanical and electrical responses. The authors recommend an effective method for structural health monitoring systems combining an economical CFs insertion in cementitious smart sensors with great mechanical and self-sensing responses.
Effect of Fibril Entanglement on Pickering Emulsions Stabilized by Whey Protein Fibrils for Nobiletin Delivery
Authors: Jiang Fangcheng , Chen Chunling , Wang Xinlan , Huang Wenjing , Jin Weiping , Huang Qingrong
Published: May 2022

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of whey protein isolate (WPI) fibrils entanglement on the stability and loading capacity of WPI fibrils-stabilized Pickering emulsion. The results of rheology and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) showed the overlap concentration (C*) of WPI fibrils was around 0.5 wt.%. When the concentration was higher than C*, the fibrils became compact and entangled in solution due to a small cross-sectional radius of gyration value (1.18 nm). The interfacial behavior was evaluated by interfacial adsorption and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). As the fibril concentration increased from 0.1 wt.% to 1.25 wt.%, faster adsorption kinetics (from 0.13 to 0.21) and lower interfacial tension (from 11.85 mN/m to 10.34 mN/m) were achieved. CLSM results showed that WPI fibrils can effectively absorb on the surface of oil droplets. Finally, the microstructure and in vitro lipolysis were used to evaluate the effect of fibrils entanglement on the stability of emulsion and bioaccessibility of nobiletin. At C* concentration, WPI fibrils-stabilized Pickering emulsions exhibited excellent long-term stability and were also stable at various pHs (2.0–7.0) and ionic strengths (0–200 mM). WPI fibrils-stabilized Pickering emulsions after loading nobiletin remained stable, and in vitro digestion showed that these Pickering emulsions could significantly improve the extent of lipolysis (from 36% to 49%) and nobiletin bioaccessibility (21.9% to 62.5%). This study could provide new insight into the fabrication of food-grade Pickering emulsion with good nutraceutical protection.
In Vivo Bioconcentration, Distribution and Metabolization of Benzophenone-3 (BP-3) by Cyprinus carpio (European Carp)
Authors: Chiriac Florentina Laura , Lucaciu Irina Eugenia , Paun Iuliana , Pirvu Florinela , Gheorghe Stefania
Published: May 2022

Organic UV-filters, such as oxybenzone (BP-3), have attracted researcher attention in recent years due to its capacity to interfere with the proper functioning of the endocrine system and its widespread presence in the aquatic environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the bioconcentration, distribution and metabolization of BP-3 in one of the most common fish species in Romania, namely Cyprinus carp (European carp). Exposure experiments were performed for 11 weeks using a BP-3 nominal concentration level of 100 µg/L. The BP-3 concentration level decreased over time and needed to be re-established daily. Biological samples (fish organs and tissues) from control and test were taken at t0 (before contamination) and at t3, t5, t8 and t11 weeks from the beginning of the experiment. From the third week, BP-3 was identified and quantified, in all organs, in concentration values ranging between 3.2 and 782 ng/g d.w., the highest concentration being detected in the intestinal content, followed by gonads (up to 468 ng/g d.w.) and skin (up to 453 ng/g d.w.). In the case of gill and liver, the BP-3 concentration increased in the first five weeks, and then decreased to 15 and 6 ng/g d.w., respectively, which could be explained by a fast BP-3 metabolization. During the exposure period, six metabolites were identified through LC-MS/MS, all of them known for their endocrine disruptor and toxic properties being higher than those of the parent compound. The study is important from an ecological perspective and also in view of human health concerns involving food quality.
Contribution of Using Hadamard Fractional Integral Operator via Mellin Integral Transform for Solving Certain Fractional Kinetic Matrix Equations
Authors: Abdalla Mohamed , Akel Mohamed
Published: May 2022

Recently, the importance of fractional differential equations in the field of applied science has gained more attention not only in mathematics but also in electrodynamics, control systems, economic, physics, geophysics and hydrodynamics. Among the many fractional differential equations are kinetic equations. Fractional-order kinetic Equations (FOKEs) are a unifying tool for the description of load vector behavior in disorderly media. In this article, we employ the Hadamard fractional integral operator via Mellin integral transform to establish the generalization of some fractional-order kinetic equations including extended (k,τ)-Gauss hypergeometric matrix functions. Solutions to certain fractional-order kinetic matrix Equations (FOKMEs) involving extended (k,τ)-Gauss hypergeometric matrix functions are also introduced. Moreover, several special cases of our main results are archived.
Tsunamis Generated and Amplified by Atmospheric Pressure Waves Due to an Eruption over Seabed Topography
Authors: Kakinuma Taro
Published: May 2022

Numerical simulations were generated using a nonlinear shallow-water model of velocity potential to study the fundamental processes of tsunami generation and amplification by atmospheric pressure waves. When an atmospheric pressure wave catches up with an existing tsunami that is propagating as a free wave over an abrupt change in water depth, the amplified tsunami propagates in the shallower water. An existing tsunami propagating as a free wave over a sloping seabed is also amplified by being passed by atmospheric pressure waves. When atmospheric pressure waves travel over an abrupt change in water depth, the water surface profile of tsunamis in the shallower water depends on both the interval of the atmospheric pressure waves and the phase of the tsunami-generation process over the change in water depth. Moreover, when atmospheric pressure waves travel over an abrupt change in water depth, the tsunami amplitude in the shallower water increases, as the water depth of the shallower area is decreased and the Proudman resonance is further reduced. When an atmospheric pressure wave train with positive pressure travels over a sloping seabed, the amplification of tsunami crests propagating as free waves is controlled by leaving the forced water waves following the atmospheric pressure waves. Conversely, the amplitudes of tsunami troughs propagating as free waves increase.
Tissutal and Fluidic Aspects in Osteopathic Manual Therapy: A Narrative Review
Authors: Verzella Marco , Affede Erika , Di Pietrantonio Luca , Cozzolino Vincenzo , Cicchitti Luca
Published: May 2022

Over the years, several authors have discussed the possibility of considering somatic dysfunction (SD) as a “nosological element” detectable on palpation. There are many aspects to consider regarding the etiology and diagnosis of SD, and the literature on osteopathic issues provides details on physiological signs that characterize it, including tissue texture changes. Recent knowledge suggests that how tissue and, in particular, connective tissue, responds to osteopathic treatment may depend on the modulation of the inflammation degree. Low-grade inflammation (LGI) may act on the extracellular matrix (ECM) and on cellular elements; and these mechanisms may be mediated by biological water. With its molecules organized in structures called exclusion zones (EZ), water could explain the functioning of both healthy and injured tissues, and how they can respond to osteopathic treatment with possible EZ normalization as a result. The relationship between inflammation and DS and the mechanisms involved are described by several authors; however, this review suggests a new model relating to the characteristics of DS and to its clinical implications by linking to LGI. Tissue alterations detectable by osteopathic palpation would be mediated by body fluids and in particular by biological water which has well-defined biophysical characteristics. Research in this area is certainly still to be explored, but our suggestion seems plausible to explain many dynamics related to osteopathic treatment. We believe that this could open up a fascinating scenario of therapeutic possibilities and knowledge in the future.