bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical property variance amongst vertical fused filament fabricated specimens via four different printing methods
Authors: Davies Richard , Yi Nan , McCutchion Paul , Ghita Oana
Published: January 2021

Amongst additive manufacturing processes, fused filament fabrication (FFF) is one of the most affordable and cost‐efficient technologies that can produce complex shaped components with an increasing number of printable polymers such as the polyaryletherketone family, polyetherimide and polyphenylene sulfide. Despite the gain in popularity, there is a lack of standardisation in specimen preparation and mechanical testing of FFF samples. This study investigates the effect of different methods of printing vertical tensile specimens on the mechanical properties when the material and the printing parameters are fixed. A slow crystallising polyetherketoneketone grade was selected as the printing material to exclude the effect of crystallisation on the interlayer bonding strength, leaving the temperature‐dependent amorphous molecular diffusion across the layers as the governing mechanism. Vertical tensile specimens made by four printing methods – individually printed, machined and connected (based on ISO 527‐2‐1A and ISO 527‐2‐1BA) – were assessed. Individually printed vertical specimens were found to have the highest mean tensile strength, owing to the high level of diffusion induced by the very short layer time. The strengths of specimens printed via the other three methods are less sensitive to the effect of layer time, due to the lower rate of change during cooling and its relationship with the local temperature at the interlayer surface. This study highlights the importance of the disclosure of FFF printing methods along with any reported mechanical data. © 2021 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Role of Runx2 in prostate development and stem cell function
Authors: Li Yan , Ge Chunxi , Franceschi Renny T.
Published: January 2021

Background

RUNX2, a critical transcription factor in bone development, is also expressed in prostate and breast where it has been linked to cancer progression and cancer stem cells. However, its role in normal prostate biology has not been previously examined.

Methods

Selective growth of murine prostate epithelium under non‐adherent conditions was used to enrich for stem cells. Expression of runt domain transcription factors, stem cell and prostate marker messenger RNAs (mRNAs) was determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Effects of Runx2 loss and gain‐of‐function on prostate epithelial cells were assessed using cells isolated fromRunx2loxp/loxpmice transduced with Adeno‐Cre or by Adeno‐Runx2 transduction of wild type cells. Cellular distribution of RUNX2 and prostate‐associated proteins was assessed using immunofluorescence microscopy. In vivo Runx2 knock out was achieved by tamoxifen treatment ofNkx3.1CreERT; Runx2loxp/loxpmice.

Results

Prostate epithelium‐derived spheroids, which are enriched in stem cells, were shown to contain elevated levels of Runx2 mRNA. Spheroid formation requiredRunx2since adenovirus‐Cre mediated knockout of Runx2 in prostatic epithelial cells fromRunx2loxp/loxpmice severely reduced spheroid formation and stem cell markers while Runx2 overexpression was stimulatory. In vivo,Runx2was detected during early prostate development (E16.5) and in adult mice where it was present in basal and luminal cells of ventral and anterior lobes. Prostate‐selective deletion ofRunx2in tamoxifen‐treatedNkx3.1CreERT; Runx2loxp/loxpmice severely inhibited growth and maturation of tubules in the anterior prostate and reduced expression of stem cell markers and prostate‐associated genes.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates an important role for Runx2 in prostate development that may be explained by actions in prostate epithelial stem cells.
MD simulation reveals differential binding of Cm(III) and Th(IV) with serum transferrin at acidic pH
Authors: Mishra Lokpati , Sundararajan Mahesh , Bandyopadhyay Tusar
Published: January 2021

The iron carrier human serum transferrin (sTf) is known to transport other metals, including some actinides (An). Radiotoxic An are routinely involved in the nuclear fuel cycle and the possibility of their accidental exposure cannot be ruled out. Understanding An interaction with sTf assumes a greater significance for the development of safe and efficacious chelators for their removal from the blood stream. Here we report several 100 ns equilibrium MD simulations of Cm(III)‐ and Th(IV)‐loaded sTf at various protonation states of the protein to explore the possibility of the two An ions release and speciation. The results demonstrate variation in protonation state of dilysine pair (K206 and K296) and the tyrosine (Y188) residue is necessary for the opening of Cm(III)‐bound protein and the release of the ion. For the tetravalent thorium, protonation of dilysine pair suffices to cause conformational changes of protein. However, in none of the protonation states, Th(IV) releases from sTf because of its strong electrostatic interaction with D63 in the first shell of the sTf binding cleft. Analysis of hydrogen bond, water bridge, and the evaluation of potential of mean forces of the An ions' release from sTf, substantiate the differential behavior of Cm(III) and Th(IV) at endosomal pH. The results provide insight in the regulation of Cm(III) and Th(IV) bioavailability that may prove useful for effective design of their decorporating agents and as well may help the future design of radiotherapy based on tetravalent ions.
An information fusion reliability allocation method considering limited sample size circumstances
Authors: Wang Zhihua , Han Yu , Li Wenbo , Liu Gen , Liu Chengrui
Published: January 2021

As an essential part in product reliability design procedure, reliability allocation can connect the reliability index between the overall product and its multiple subsystems. To obtain a reasonable reliability allocation scheme, especially for limited sample size circumstances commonly encountered in aeronautic and astronautic fields, an information fusion allocation method is constructed in the current study. Grey relational analysis (GRA) is incorporated to analyze objective data, while analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is introduced to implement subjective data analysis. Then a final allocation scheme is derived by fusion of the binary information sources. A real application regarding an aeronautic product reliability allocation is given. The sensitivity of allocation result to limited life information circumstances and comparative analysis with reference methods are implemented to demonstrate the reasonability and effectiveness.
Using gas‐phase chloride attachment for selective detection of morphine in a morphine/codeine mixture by ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Valadbeigi Younes , Ilbeigi Vahideh
Published: January 2021

Rationale

Morphine and codeine are two important compounds of the opiate family that have vast applications in medicine. Several techniques have been reported for the determination of these opiates. Although ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) in positive ion mode can be applied for detection of both morphine and codeine, this technique on its own cannot detect a mixture of these two compounds because of the overlapping of their peaks.

Methods

An IMS instrument equipped with a corona discharge ion source operating in negative ion mode was used for the detection of anionic clusters of morphine and codeine. In normal negative ion mode, NOx−, CO3−, and On−act as the main reactant ions (RIs) which can deprotonate the analytes. We also used chloroform as a dopant to produce Cl−as an alternative RI.

Results

Morphine has a phenolic and an alcoholic OH group, while codeine bears only an alcoholic OH group. Because the phenolic OH group is more acidic, only morphine is deprotonated in negative ion mode in a morphine/codeine mixture. Furthermore, since morphine has two OH groups that can act as hydrogen‐bond donors, it acts as an anion receptor. Hence, in the presence of chloroform where Cl−acts as the RI, morphine traps the Cl−anion to form a morphine–Cl−(Mor.Cl−) adduct ion, while because of its structure codeine does not have this capability.

Conclusions

Using the difference in the structures of morphine and codeine, two ionization methods were proposed for selective detection of morphine. Morphine is more acidic than codeine and has greater anion‐receiving capability than codeine. Hence, it can both be deprotonated and form a adduct anion with Cl−. The Cl−attachment method is recommended for measurements at ambient temperature.
Reply to Correspondence: Response to a case report: idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome in remission with benralizumab treatment after relapse with mepolizumab
Authors: Fujii Koki , Takahashi Hidenori , Hayakawa Nami , Iwasaki Yoshinobu
Published: January 2021

See related Letter
Are students in Italy really disinterested in science? A person‐centered approach using the PISA 2015 data
Authors: Radišić Jelena , Selleri Patrizia , Carugati Felice , Baucal Aleksandar
Published: January 2021

Seen as one of the essential domains for active citizenship, examining how students relate to science has become crucial. Based on a person‐centered approach, this article investigates self‐related dispositions and motivation in science using the 2015 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) data set. By employing a latent profile analysis, student profiles were investigated among 11,583 15‐year‐old‐students in Italy. Five distinct student groups were identified. The index of economic, social, and cultural status (ESCS), immigrant background, gender, study programs, and the accompanying learning environment were also inspected. Each group was observed against particular subdomains in science competence in line with the PISA framework and environmental awareness. The results indicate the profiles differed on the examined covariates and showed distinct patterns relative to achievement and environmental awareness. However, differences in achievement between the profiles could not be explained by students’ variability in immigrant background or ESCS across the examined groups.
A depth‐based global envelope test for comparing two groups of functions with applications to biomedical data
Authors: Lopez‐Pintado Sara , Qian Kun
Published: January 2021

Functional data are commonly observed in many emerging biomedical fields and their analysis is an exciting developing area in statistics. Numerous statistical methods, such as principal components, analysis of variance, and linear regression, have been extended to functional data. The statistical analysis of functions can be significantly improved using nonparametric and robust estimators. New ideas of depth for functional data have been proposed in recent years and can be extended to image data. They provide a way of ordering curves or images from center‐outward, and of defining robust order statistics in a functional context. In this paper we develop depth‐based global envelope tests for comparing two groups of functions or images. In addition to providing globalP‐values, the proposed envelope test can be displayed graphically and indicates the specific portion(s) of the functional data (eg, in pixels or in time) that may have led to rejection of the null hypothesis. We show in a simulation study the performance of the envelope test in terms of empirical power and size in different scenarios. The proposed depth‐based global approach has good power even for small differences and is robust to outliers. The methodology introduced is applied to test whether children with normal and low birth weight have similar growth pattern. We also analyzed a brain image dataset consisting of positron emission tomography scans of severe depressed patients and healthy controls. The global envelope test was used to find and visualize differences between the two groups.
Green Synthesized Fluorescent Carbon Dots from Momordica charantia for Selective and Sensitive Detection of Pd2+ and Fe3+
Authors: Dong Yan , Zhang Yudong , Zhi Shumin , Yang Xueyun , Yao Cheng
Published: January 2021

A facile and rapid fluorescent sensing system for palladium ion (Pd2+) and iron ion (Fe3+) has been established based on carbon dots (CDs) using fresh Momordica charantia as the sole precursor via a one‐step hydrothermal treatment. The added Pd2+ and Fe3+ lead to the fluorescence quenching of CDs due to the static quenching effect (SQE). Such fluorescence response can be quenched by Pd2+ and Fe3+ in the linear ranges of 0–325 μM and 0–150 μM. Meanwhile, this sensing system exhibits good selectivity and sensitivity toward Pd2+ and Fe3+ over other analytes with low detection limits of 0.348 μM and 0.175 μM, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed sensing system has been successfully used for Pd2+ and Fe3+ in tap and environmental water and the recoveries range from 96.25 % to 107.3 %. The results mentioned above demonstrate its great promise as a practical platform for Pd2+ and Fe3+ sensing in aqueous media.
Characterization of thrombin inhibitors in tea through ultra high performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry combined with multivariate statistical analysis
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhang Hao , Lu Min , Jiang Hui , Xia Fang‐Bo , Gao Jian‐Li , Wan Jian‐Bo , Yang Feng‐Qing
Published: January 2021

In this study, thrombin inhibitors in tea were characterized by combining thrombin inhibition assay of tea extracts with ultra high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry based multivariate statistical analysis. The inhibitory activity on thrombin for ten tea samples were tested in vitro. Then, upon collecting and processing liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry data, combined with the results of activity assays, principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis were applied to predict discriminate differential markers. Six of twelve predicted marker compounds were tentatively identified. Among them, epigallocatechin 3‐O‐gallate, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin and gallocatechin 3‐O‐gallate showed good inhibitory activity on thrombin with IC50 values of 5.033, 6.573, 6.704 and 6.842 mM, respectively. Moreover, molecular docking results indicated that these four active compounds could insert into the catalytic activity pocket of thrombin and the residue GLU192 may be their binding site.
Analytical eco‐scale and quality by design‐oriented liquid chromatography method for simultaneous quantification of metoprolol succinate, telmisartan, and cilnidipine in their fixed‐dose combination
Authors: Panda Sagar Suman , Dutta Sucharita , Bera Ravi Kumar Venkata Varaha , Jammula Sruti
Published: January 2021

A new combination of metoprolol succinate, telmisartan, and cilnidipine is recently approved to treat hypertension effectively. A reversed‐phase liquid chromatography method was developed to quantify the said compounds, combining analytical eco‐scale and quality‐by‐design approach. The former one revealed an excellent green score for the present method. Later, method variables were assessed for risks and optimized using the quality‐by‐design‐oriented method development. The optimization process included using a Box‐Behnken design, and the obtained response surfaces for resolution amongst target peaks were mapped systematically. The optimal separation conditions employed a mobile phase of methanol: 0.01 M KH2PO4 buffer of pH 3.0 (70:30, %v/v) flowing at a rate of 1.0 mL/min on a C18 column with diode array detection at 240 nm. All three analyte peaks were well separated from each other with a resolution greater than 2.0. The analytical method was linear (2.5‐80 μg/mL) for target compounds with accuracy (>99%), and precision (<1%) results complying with regulatory requirements. The results of detection and quantitation limits, solution stability, and system suitability limit were good and acceptable. The current method selectively quantified the analytes from commercial dosage forms. Overall a green analytical method is developed and suitable for estimating metoprolol, telmisartan, and cilnidipine simultaneously in their combined pharmaceutical formulations.
Recurrent Cesarean scar pregnancy: case series and literature review
Authors: Timor‐Tritsch I. E. , Horwitz G. , D'Antonio F. , Monteagudo A. , Bornstein E. , Chervenak J. , Messina L. , Morlando M. , Cali G.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To determine the rate of recurrent Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) in our clinical practices and to evaluate whether the mode of treatment of a CSP is associated with the risk of recurrent CSP, as well as to review the published literature on recurrent CSP.

Methods

We performed a retrospective search of our six obstetric and gynecological departmental ultrasound databases for all CSPs and recurrent CSPs between 2010 and 2019. We extracted various data, including number of CSPs with follow‐up, number of cases attempting and number achieving pregnancy following treatment of CSP and number of recurrent CSPs, as well as details of the treatment of the original CSP. After analyzing the clinical data, we evaluated whether the mode of treatment terminating the previous CSP was associated with the risk of recurrent CSP. We also performed a PubMed search for: ‘recurrent Cesarean scar pregnancy’ and ‘recurrent Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy’. Articles were reviewed for year of publication, and extraction and analysis of the same data as those obtained from our departmental databases were performed.

Results

Our database search identified 252 cases of CSP. The overall rate of clinical follow‐up ranged between 71.4% and 100%, according to treatment site (mean, 90.9%). Among these, 105 women had another pregnancy after treatment of the previous CSP. Of these, 36 (34.3%) pregnancies were recurrent CSP, with 27 women having a single recurrence and three women having multiple recurrences, one with two, one with three and one with four. We did not find any particular single or combination treatment mode terminating the previous CSP to be associated with recurrent CSP. The literature search identified 17 articles that yielded sufficient information for us to evaluate their reported prevalence of recurrent CSP. These reported 1743 primary diagnoses of CSP, of which 944 had reliable follow‐up. Data were available for 489 cases that attempted to conceive again after treatment of a previous CSP, and on the 327 pregnancies achieved. Of these, 67 (20.5%) were recurrent CSP.

Conclusions

On the basis of our pooled clinical data and review of the literature, recurrent CSP is apparently more common than was previously assumed based upon mostly single‐case reports or series with few cases. This should be borne in mind when counseling patients undergoing treatment for CSP regarding their risk of recurrence. We found no obvious causal relationship or association between the type of treatment of the previous CSP and recurrence of CSP. Patients who become pregnant after treatment of a CSP should be encouraged to have an early (5–7‐week) first‐trimester transvaginal scan to determine the location of the gestation. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Successful treatment of a dog with phenobarbital‐responsive sialadenosis and an oesophageal stricture
Authors: Chae Hyung‐Kyu , Lee Jeong‐Hwa , Choi Min Cheol , Song Woo‐Jin , Youn Hwa‐Young
Published: January 2021

Background

Phenobarbital‐responsive sialadenosis (PRS) can cause nausea and vomiting, and is rarely reported in dogs.

Objectives

An 8‐year‐old neutered, male Pomeranian dog was presented to our teaching hospital with vomiting that began 2 years ago. The clinical signs repeatedly improved and deteriorated despite treatment.

Methods

The only abnormality found on physical examination was salivary gland enlargement, and no specific findings were observed on blood analysis and imaging tests. The results of the fine needle aspirate cytology from the salivary glands revealed possible sialadenosis. Phenobarbital was prescribed, and the patient's symptoms resolved. However, upon discontinuing drug, the patient's clinical signs recurred and did not improve even after re‐introduction of phenobarbital and the addition of other anticonvulsant drugs. An oesophageal stricture was observed on an oesophagram, and fibrosis was confirmed endoscopically. A balloon dilation was performed to expand the stenosis.

Results

After the first procedure, the patient's clinical signs initially improved, but relapsed 2 weeks later. A total of three oesophageal dilation procedures were performed using a sequentially larger diameter balloon. After the third procedure, the patient's clinical signs were managed without recurrence. The cause of recurrent gastrointestinal signs following the initial successful treatment of phenobarbital‐responsive sialadenosis was due to oesophageal stricture formation.

Conclusions

This case report demonstrates the successful management of PRS with subsequent oesophageal stricture formation in a dog.
Radiation therapy for non‐resectable neuroendocrine tumour in two dogs
Authors: Borgonovi Simona , Scudder Christopher J. , Rau Friederike , Mason Sarah L.
Published: January 2021

Case records of two dogs diagnosed with carotid body tumour (CBT) treated with radiotherapy were reviewed. Clinical signs of a unilateral space‐occupying lesion were identified. Cytology or histopathology and CT imaging confirmed CBT. Metastatic lymphadenopathy was identified in one dog. The tumour was surgically unresectable in one dog. Radiotherapy was administered with 38Gy in 10 and 48Gy in 12 fractions, respectively. VRTOG grade I cutaneous radiotoxicity was recognised in both dogs upon completing the treatment protocol. One dog was diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism 16 months later. One dog has ongoing partial response at 13 months post‐radiotherapy, the other dog had complete response with no recurrence at 40 months post‐radiotherapy. The results of this study suggest that for non‐resectable carotid body paraganglioma radiation therapy provided excellent disease control with mild permanent side effects not affecting the dog's quality of life. Careful monitoring of the thyroid function is recommended post‐treatment.
Methodology for the energetic characterisation of rain erosion on wind turbine blades using meteorological data: A case study for The Netherlands
Authors: Bartolomé Luis , Teuwen Julie
Published: January 2021

Rain erosion on the leading edge of wind turbine blades is an intricate engineering challenge for the wind industry. Based on an energetic approach, this work proposes a methodology to characterise the erosion capacity of the raindrop impacts onto the leading edge blades. This methodology can be used with meteorological data from public institutions or from direct measurements at the wind turbine locations. The erosion characterisation is analysed using accumulative and per impact erosive variables, that is, total kinetic energy and kinetic energy per impact. To consider the frequency of impacts, two erosive variables are proposed, namely, total kinetic power and kinetic power per impact. These variables are calculated using the data from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (Koninklijk Nederlands Meteorologisch Instituut, KNMI) of the last 25 years jointly with the operation specifications of an actual wind turbine model (Suzlon S111). The main contribution to the erosive variables was found to be the wind speed because it controls the rotational velocity of the wind turbine. Also, the intensity of the rainfall and the frequency of meteorological data logging, that is, the temporal resolution of data, play a significant role.
Whiteschist genesis through metasomatism and metamorphism in the Monte Rosa nappe (Western Alps)
Authors: Luisier Cindy , Baumgartner Lukas P. , Putlitz Benita , Vennemann Torsten
Published: January 2021

Whiteschists from the Monte Rosa Nappe were examined in the field as well as with petrographic, geochemical, and isotopic methods to constrain the controversial origin of these rocks in their Alpine metamorphic context. Whiteschists occur as ellipsoidal-shaped, decametric-sized bodies, within a Permian metagranite, and consist mainly of chloritoid, talc, phengite, and quartz. The transition from whiteschist to metagranite is marked by multiple sharp mineralogical boundaries defining concentric zones unrelated to Alpine deformation. The development of reaction zones, as well as the geometry of the whiteschist suggest a pervasive fluid infiltration, facilitated and canalized by reaction fingering. Whole-rock compositions of whiteschists and metagranites indicate an enrichment in MgO and H2O and depletion of Na2O, CaO, Ba, Sr, Pb, and Zn in the whiteschist relative to the metagranite. Trace- and rare-earth elements, together with all other major elements, notably K2O and SiO2, were within uncertainty not mobile. Such a K and Si saturated, Na undersaturated fluid is not compatible with previous interpretations of fluids derived from ultramafic rocks, evaporites, or Mg-enriched seawater due to mantle interactions. Together with the large variations in δD and δ18O values, this indicates large fluid fluxes during metasomatism. Calculated δD and δ18O values of fluids in equilibrium with the whiteschist support a magmatic–hydrothermal fluid source, as does the chemical alteration pattern. Bulk rock 87Sr/86Sr ratios in whiteschists confirm a pre-Alpine age of fluid infiltration. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios in whiteschists were subsequently partially homogenized in a closed system during Alpine metamorphism. In conclusion, the granite was locally affected by late magmatic–hydrothermal alteration, which resulted in sericite–chlorite alteration zones in the granite. The entire nappe underwent high-pressure metamorphism during the Alpine orogeny and the mineralogy of the whiteschist was produced during dehydration of the metasomatic assemblage under otherwise closed-system metamorphism. While each whiteschist locality needs to be studied in detail, this in-depth study suggests that many whiteschists found in granitic bodies in the Alps might be of similar origin.
What is an animal personality?
Authors: Kaiser Marie I. , Müller Caroline
Published: January 2021

Individuals of many animal species are said to have a personality. It has been shown that some individuals are bolder than other individuals of the same species, or more sociable or more aggressive. In this paper, we analyse what it means to say that an animal has a personality. We clarify what an animal personality is, that is, its ontology, and how different personality concepts relate to each other, and we examine how personality traits are identified in biological practice. Our analysis shows that biologists often study specific personality traits, such as boldness, sociability or aggressiveness, rather than personalities in general. We claim that personality traits are best understood as dispositions and that they are operationally defined in terms of certain sets of behaviours, which are studied in specific experimental set-ups. Furthermore, we develop an integrative philosophical account that specifies and formalises three criteria for identifying personality traits, which are used in biological practice. For an individual animal to have a personality trait it must, first, behave differently than others (Individual Differences). Second, these behavioural differences must be stable over a certain time (Temporal Stability), and third, they must be consistent in different contexts (Contextual Consistency).
Gauss–Newton-type methods for bilevel optimization
Authors: Fliege Jörg , Tin Andrey , Zemkoho Alain
Published: January 2021

This article studies Gauss–Newton-type methods for over-determined systems to find solutions to bilevel programming problems. To proceed, we use the lower-level value function reformulation of bilevel programs and consider necessary optimality conditions under appropriate assumptions. First, under strict complementarity for upper- and lower-level feasibility constraints, we prove the convergence of a Gauss–Newton-type method in computing points satisfying these optimality conditions under additional tractable qualification conditions. Potential approaches to address the shortcomings of the method are then proposed, leading to alternatives such as the pseudo or smoothing Gauss–Newton-type methods for bilevel optimization. Our numerical experiments conducted on 124 examples from the recently released Bilevel Optimization LIBrary (BOLIB) compare the performance of our method under different scenarios and show that it is a tractable approach to solve bilevel optimization problems with continuous variables.
Multiple linear regression analysis (MLR) applied for modeling a new WQI equation for monitoring the water quality of Mirim Lagoon, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul—Brazil
Authors: Valentini Marlon , dos Santos Gabriel Borges , Muller Vieira Bruno
Published: January 2021

Accurate assessment of the type and extent of water pollution is a difficult and complicated task. Therefore, the use of the Water Quality Index (WQI) proves to be a useful tool, as this index has the advantage of resulting in a single number that is easy to communicate and understand. One of the statistical methods that can be used to develop a new WQI equation for a given water body is Multiple Linear Regression (MLR). Therefore, this work aims to develop a new WQI equation for Mirim Lagoon through MLR and to evaluate the suitability of that equation. For this, 154 samples collected at 7 monitoring points of Mirim Lagoon over three years were analyzed, from which the original WQI results were obtained. With these results, MLR was applied, generating a new WQI equation with only three variables: phosphorus, dissolved oxygen (DO) and thermotolerant coliforms. This MLR model obtained an R2 coefficient equal to 0.728, demonstrating that 72.8% of the data variability was explained by the equation generated by this model. Through the paired t test it was possible to demonstrate that the results of the new WQI did not differ significantly from the results of the original WQI, obtaining significance values greater than 0.05 for both absolute WQI values and quality ranges (p value 0.886 and 0.467, respectively), attesting to the adequacy of the new equation. The reduction in the number of variables for monitoring water quality has several advantages, from financial ones, as it makes monitoring less costly, even in reducing the eclipse effect. Therefore, it is concluded that it is of great importance to generate an equation with fewer variables for monitoring the quality of the waters of Mirim Lagoon.
The potential association of Echinochloa polystachya (Kunth) Hitchc. with bacterial consortium for petroleum degradation in contaminated soil
Authors: da Silva Correa Hauane , Maranho Leila Teresinha
Published: January 2021

In recent years, environmental impacts related to the contamination of ecosystems by petroleum have become frequent. In contact with the environment, petroleum can cause toxic effects in the biodiversity and on human health and compromise both water and land resources. Among the strategies to overcome this issue, bioremediation stands out as viable and promising alternative for environmental decontamination. To bioremediate petroleum-contaminated sites, phytoremediation and bioaugmentation techniques can be used. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate through a pot experiment four bioremediation strategies: (1) natural attenuation, (2) phytoremediation with Echinochloa polystachya, (3) bioaugmentation with bacterial consortium and (4) bioaugmentation-assisted phytoremediation, for the treatment of a co-contaminated soil presenting 100 g kg−1 of petroleum. In addition, two control treatments were carried out with substrates not contaminated with petroleum: (5) control with E. polystachya and (6) control treatment with bacterial consortium and E. polystachya. The experiment lasted 60 days in a greenhouse. The survival rate of E. polystachya was 100% in the contaminant tolerance aspect, resulting in increased stomatal density and aerenchyma, affecting few parameters of the plant, which demonstrate its phytoremediation capacity. In all treatments, petroleum degradation occurred. The highest degree of total petroleum hydrocarbon removal was obtained for contaminated soil cultivated with E. polystachya (phytoremediation), followed by contaminated soil cultivated with E. polystachya and bacterial (bioaugmentation-assisted phytoremediation treatment) and contaminated soil treated with bacterial consortium (bioaugmentation). Natural attenuation was less effective, proving the efficiency of the phytoremediation by E. polystachya and bacterial consortium, that responded positively to the stresses generated by contamination. However, further studies should direct to aim understanding the metabolic processes involved in the degradation and that these approaches to assist in environmental decontamination.
A hybrid approach based on artificial neural network and cuckoo algorithm for optimization of the main cutting force during turning of Si brass alloys
Authors: Adineh Morteza , Doostmohammadi Hamid
Published: January 2021

As an innovative approach in this study, artificial neural network and cuckoo algorithm have been applied to estimate and optimize the main cutting forces of various Si brass alloys during turning operation due to economic reasons. Accordingly, the chemical composition (Cu, Zn and Si contents) and process parameters (cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut) are simultaneously implemented as input variables and the main cutting force is adjusted as an output variable. Moreover, the genetic algorithm is used to determine the optimum condition of the input parameters to obtain the lowest amounts of the main cutting force. Coupling of the hybrid cuckoo algorithm with artificial neural network has resulted in decreasing the mean absolute percentage error of the optimum structure (6-10-7-1) from 9.025 to 1.59E–6%. The validation of the proposed model has been done by performing the new set of experimental tests. The measured and predicted main cutting forces are in good agreement. The Si brass alloys including Zn equivalent about 44.97 wt% has the lowest main cutting force due to the formation of the Widmanstäetten morphologies in the microstructure. The outcome of this study may be useful for machining industry of the free-cutting Si brasses.
Mitigating congestion by optimal rescheduling of generators applying hybrid PSO–GWO in deregulated environment
Authors: Gautam Anubha , Sharma Parshram , Kumar Yogendra
Published: January 2021

Deregulation in power system and increased power demand has introduced congestion in power system. With the depletion of fossil fuels, power sector has turned towards incorporation of the Renewable Energy Systems through private generators. This paper focuses on the non-cost-free method to mitigate congestion by rescheduling the generators for their active power output. The rescheduling is done in such a way that the cost of rescheduling is minimum. This paper presents a new method to merge two tested algorithms Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) to generate a new hybrid algorithm, HPSOGWO. The active power output is rescheduled to mitigate congestion with minimum cost of rescheduling. The priority of participating generators in rescheduling is set by generator sensitivity factor and its output is optimized by proposed HPSOGWO. The applied algorithm has reduced the rescheduled power to 16% less as done by GWO. HPSOGWO has moderated the congestion cost to 25% less as compared to GWO. The effectiveness of proposed HPSOGWO algorithm is validated on standard IEEE 30 bus system and results confirms the outperformance of proposed method over GWO and PSO in reducing congestion cost with reduction in power losses to mitigate congestion.
Modeling of atmospheric primary radioclimatic variables in Nigeria for microwave radio propagation applications
Authors: Falodun S. E. , Ojo J. S. , Aboyeji S. T.
Published: January 2021

As modern technology advances, more of the radio communication systems are adopting microwave and millimeter waves’ spectral. However, the effects of meteorological parameters over the radio communication signal operating at microwave and millimeter waves have been the concern of radio engineers. Determination of radio refractivity requires as input meteorological parameters such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. To assess the level of degradation due to atmospheric parameters, the ability to easily measure these meteorological parameters is important in planning a good quality radio communication networks. In this study, five (5) years (2013–2017) satellite-based meteorological parameters comprising air temperature, relative humidity, and pressure were obtained from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) at four synopsis hours of the day (00:00 LT, 00:06 LT, 12 noon LT, and 18:00 LT) on daily basis to model the required radio climatic variables in Nigeria. The data were obtained for 26 locations based on the four climatic regions in Nigeria. Multiple regression analysis of the data was performed and coefficients (bo, b1, …, b6) were obtained to effectively predict the monthly temperature, pressure, and relative humidity at the surface level. Eight stations were used for validation; two each from the four climatic regions of Nigeria based on the coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE). The meteorological parameters were compared based on the multiple regression analysis (MRA) and the modified interpolation techniques (Kriging and Inverse Distance-IDW). The three methods show nearly good accuracy in the prediction, however, the MRA was found to have a better prediction for the meteorological parameter in Nigeria. Hence, in predicting the refractive index parameters using MRA, the allowed RMSEs for temperature, pressure, and relative humidity are 0.559, 4.693, and 0.267, respectively. Likewise, the allowed MAEs for temperature pressure and relative humidity are 0.492, 0.229, and 3.837, respectively.
Mahua flowers (Madhuca sp.) utilization as a carbon-rich natural substrate for the cost-effective bench-scale production of fumaric acid
Authors: Singh Kavita , Sharma Deepankar , Mishra Abha
Published: January 2021

Fumaric acid is a multi-functional bio-based organic acid that is extensively used as a building block compound in chemical synthesis, food preservative and as therapeutics. The substrates required for the production are the sugars that account for 50–60% of the total process economics. The present work explores the utilization of Mahua flowers as a cheaper carbon source and low cost production medium for cost-effective fumaric acid production using Rhizopus oryzae. Various process parameters for fumaric acid production and desired fungal morphology were investigated, including Mahua flower extract concentration, fermentation temperature, fermentation pH and agitation speed. The highest concentration of the product, fumaric acid obtained in shake flask was 23.5 ± 0.9 g/L at optimized conditions of 100 g/L of Mahua flower extract medium, pH 6, 30 ℃ temperature and shaking speed of 200 rpm in 72 h. The pellet morphology resulted in higher production than mycelial clumps. Bench-scale production in stirred tank reactor resulted in 24.1 ± 1.0 g/L of fumaric acid production at an aeration rate of 1 vvm, agitation at 200 rpm and temperature of 30 ℃. The results obtained were comparable to fermentation with pure glucose. The present study evidently reveals the feasibility of carbon-rich, low cost, abundantly available natural substrate for cost-effective fumaric acid production.
MicroPhenoDB Associates Metagenomic Data with Pathogenic Microbes, Microbial Core Genes, and Human Disease Phenotypes
Authors: Yao Guocai , Zhang Wenliang , Yang Minglei , Yang Huan , Wang Jianbo , Zhang Haiyue , Wei Lai , Xie Zhi , Li Weizhong
Published: January 2021

Microbes play important roles in human health and disease. The interaction between microbes and hosts is a reciprocal relationship, which remains largely under-explored. Current computational resources lack manually and consistently curated data to connect metagenomic data to pathogenic microbes, microbial core genes, and disease phenotypes. We developed the MicroPhenoDB database by manually curating and consistently integrating microbe-disease association data. MicroPhenoDB provides 5677 non-redundant associations between 1781 microbes and 542 human disease phenotypes across more than 22 human body sites. MicroPhenoDB also provides 696,934 relationships between 27,277 unique clade-specific core genes and 685 microbes. Disease phenotypes are classified and described using the Experimental Factor Ontology (EFO). A refined score model was developed to prioritize the associations based on evidential metrics. The sequence search option in MicroPhenoDB enables rapid identification of existing pathogenic microbes in samples without running the usual metagenomic data processing and assembly. MicroPhenoDB offers data browsing, searching, and visualization through user-friendly web interfaces and web service application programming interfaces. MicroPhenoDB is the first database platform to detail the relationships between pathogenic microbes, core genes, and disease phenotypes. It will accelerate metagenomic data analysis and assist studies in decoding microbes related to human diseases. MicroPhenoDB is available through http://www.liwzlab.cn/microphenodb and http://lilab2.sysu.edu.cn/microphenodb.
Sialendoscopy for sialodocholithiasis following submandibular gland excision: six variations on a theme
Authors: Douglas Jennifer E. , Thomas W. Walsh , Wen Christopher Z. , Loevner Laurie A. , Thaler Erica R. , Chalian Ara A. , Rassekh Christopher H.
Published: January 2021

Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that facilitates the diagnosis and treatment of sialolithiasis. This case series presents the novel use of sialendoscopy to treat sialodocholithiasis in six patients with a non‐functional or surgically absent submandibular gland by a single surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania Health System between March 2013 and December 2019. The four female and two male patients had a median age of 56 years and mean follow‐up of 16.2 months (range 1–44.5). All stones were successfully removed using sialendoscopy, and in 5 patients a combined approach was utilized. All patients remain asymptomatic at last clinical follow‐up. We conclude that sialendoscopy is a viable, minimally invasive method for managing sialodocholithiasis in patients with prior submandibular gland excision or atretic gland. It is also useful as an assistive tool when approaching complex transcervical or transoral procedures in previously instrumented patients.
The development and evaluation of a “HeartBEAT” Adolescent Transition Psychoeducational Program for adolescents with congenital heart defects: a preliminary study
Authors: Tye Sue Kiat , Wan Ahmadul Badwi Syarifah Azizah , Alwi Azlin , Kandavello Geetha
Published: January 2021

Objectives:

The present study aims to develop and test the effectiveness of a “HeartBEAT” Adolescent Transition Psychoeducation Program (ATPP) in facilitating the well-being of adolescents who have been diagnosed with congenital heart defects (CHD).

Methods:

The HeartBEAT ATPP was developed after reviewing existing transition interventions and determining adolescents’ needs. It was based upon two theories, namely the Shared Management Model and Antonovsky’s Salutogenic Model and included five aspects: (i) knowledge on illness and treatments, (ii) self-management and transition skills, (iii) purpose of life, (iv) social support, and (v) emotional regulation skills. Mixed-methods pilot testing was then conducted. Paired t-test was used to explore the effectiveness and qualitative interviews were also conducted.

Results/Conclusions:

Fourteen patients aged 16–19 enrolled in this study, but only eight patients successfully complete the programme. Results showed that a paired t-test was conducted to determine its effectiveness. Results showed that the programme had significantly increased self-management knowledge (t (7) = −6.328, p < 0.05) and affectionate support (t (7) = −1.029, p < 0.05). Qualitative findings also showed that all patients were able to share emotional regulation and identify their purpose of life after the programme. However, there was no significant increase in their self-management skills. In summary, the “HeartBEAT” ATPP has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing self-management knowledge, affectionate support, identifying the patients’ life plan, and enhancing the emotional regulation skills of the adolescents with CHD.
MEF2C regulates osteoclastogenesis and pathologic bone resorption via c-FOS
Authors: Fujii Takayuki , Murata Koichi , Mun Se-Hwan , Bae Seyeon , Lee Ye Ji , Pannellini Tannia , Kang Kyuho , Oliver David , Park-Min Kyung-Hyun , Ivashkiv Lionel B.
Published: January 2021

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease with dysregulated coupling between bone resorption and bone formation, which results in decreased bone mineral density. The MEF2C locus, which encodes the transcription factor MADS box transcription enhancer factor 2, polypeptide C (MEF2C), is strongly associated with adult osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. Although the role of MEF2C in bone and cartilage formation by osteoblasts, osteocytes, and chondrocytes has been studied, the role of MEF2C in osteoclasts, which mediate bone resorption, remains unclear. In this study, we identified MEF2C as a positive regulator of human and mouse osteoclast differentiation. While decreased MEF2C expression resulted in diminished osteoclastogenesis, ectopic expression of MEF2C enhanced osteoclast generation. Using transcriptomic and bioinformatic approaches, we found that MEF2C promotes the RANKL-mediated induction of the transcription factors c-FOS and NFATc1, which play a key role in osteoclastogenesis. Mechanistically, MEF2C binds to FOS regulatory regions to induce c-FOS expression, leading to the activation of NFATC1 and downstream osteoclastogenesis. Inducible deletion of Mef2c in mice resulted in increased bone mass under physiological conditions and protected mice from bone erosion by diminishing osteoclast formation in K/BxN serum induced arthritis, a murine model of inflammatory arthritis. Our findings reveal direct regulation of osteoclasts by MEF2C, thus adding osteoclasts as a cell type in which altered MEF2C expression or function can contribute to pathological bone remodeling.
Ubiquitination in the regulation of inflammatory cell death and cancer
Authors: Cockram Peter E. , Kist Matthias , Prakash Sumit , Chen Si-Han , Wertz Ingrid E. , Vucic Domagoj
Published: January 2021

The ubiquitin system is complex, multifaceted, and is crucial for the modulation of a vast number of cellular processes. Ubiquitination is tightly regulated at different levels by a range of enzymes including E1s, E2s, and E3s, and an array of DUBs. The UPS directs protein degradation through the proteasome, and regulates a wide array of cellular processes including transcription and epigenetic factors as well as key oncoproteins. Ubiquitination is key to the dynamic regulation of programmed cell death. Notably, the TNF signaling pathway is controlled by competing ubiquitin conjugation and deubiquitination, which governs both proteasomal degradation and signaling complex formation. In the inflammatory response, ubiquitination is capable of both activating and dampening inflammasome activation through the control of either protein stability, complex formation, or, in some cases, directly affecting receptor activity. In this review, we discuss the enzymes and targets in the ubiquitin system that regulate fundamental cellular processes regulating cell death, and inflammation, as well as disease consequences resulting from their dysregulation. Finally, we highlight several pre-clinical and clinical compounds that regulate ubiquitin system enzymes, with the aim of restoring homeostasis and ameliorating diseases.