bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EEG Changes Related to Gut Dysbiosis in Diabetes—Review
Authors: Toderean Roxana , Dimian Mihai , Cobuz Claudiu
Published: December 2021

Humans are facing a devastating epidemic of metabolic syndrome that is linked to the worldwide dramatic increase in obesity and diabetes. Significant evidence suggests that the intestinal microbiota plays a major role in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. Due to the gut–brain axis link, dysbiosis in the gut microbiota have been demonstrated in both metabolic and neurological disease. Increasing evidence suggests that the gut microbiota is very important in maintaining health and changes in its composition may contribute to psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. It is also in research that changes in microbiota composition profile due to diabetes are modulated by the vagus nerve. Therefore, it is plausible that disruptions in the gut microbiota may be captured through electroencephalography signaling. Several studies which used standard methods of signal processing have highlighted some changes in electroencephalographic rhythms on patients with diabetes.
Mid-Infrared Multispectral Gaseous Stimulated Raman Scattering Laser
Authors: Shen Chencheng , Cai Xianglong , Zheng Tiancheng , Jia Yuxi , Liu Dong , Liu Jinbo , Guo Jingwei
Published: December 2021

We demonstrated mid-infrared gaseous stimulated Raman scattering lasers in free space. Mixed gases of hydrogen and deuterium were used as Raman gain media in one Raman cell. Pumped by laser pulses at 1064 nm, the first Stokes Raman components at 1560 nm and 1907 nm were generated. A four-wave mixing process with the pump laser at 1064 nm and Raman lasers at 1560 nm and 1907 nm contributed to dramatically reducing the threshold of mid-IR laser generation at 4432 nm. The maximum output peak power of a mid-IR laser at 4432 nm reached 121 kW. Furthermore, by scattering on the rotational transition of deuterium, multispectral mid-IR Raman lasers at wavelengths of 2071 nm, 2266 nm, 2604 nm, 2920 nm, 3322 nm, 3743 nm, 4432 nm, and 5431 nm were also generated. Our results show that this is a convenient method to reduce the threshold and achieve a high power output with mid-IR Raman lasers.
Changes in Tear Osmolarity and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Relative to Ocular Discomfort after Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
Authors: Eah Kyu Sang , Lee Hun , Kim Jae Yong , Tchah Hungwon
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in tear osmolarity and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and their relationships with ocular discomfort in patients after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). This retrospective observational case series reviewed medical records of 51 eyes of 51 patients who underwent FLACS. Tear osmolarity and MMP-9 were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month postoperatively. Tear osmolarity ≥ 310 mOsm/L and MMP-9 ≥ trace positive were defined as abnormal results. The ocular surface disease index (OSDI) was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 month. Tear osmolarity level and the number of eyes with abnormal tear osmolarity results did not change significantly up to 1 month after surgery. MMP-9 level and the number of eyes with abnormal MMP-9 results increased at 1-day postoperatively and then decreased at 1-month postoperatively (all p < 0.001). Among the OSDI subscales, ocular discomfort was aggravated (p < 0.001) but the visual function score improved at 1 month postoperatively (p < 0.001). Ocular discomfort aggravated after FLACS without an increase in either tear osmolarity or MMP-9. Ocular discomfort which patients commonly experience after FLACS may be due to etiology other than development or aggravation of dry eye disease.
BIM-Based Methodology for the Management of Public Heritage. CASE Study: Algeciras Market Hall
Authors: Bazán Ángela Moreno , Alberti Marcos García , Álvarez Antonio A. Arcos , Pavón Rubén Muñoz , González Barbado Adela
Published: December 2021

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is modifying the workflow of the construction field, not only in design and construction stages but also for the management of the facilities. Most advances in academics and industry have focussed on the use of BIM for building. However, the possibilities of the use of three-dimensional information models for the construction and management of public works and civil engineering infrastructure projects (known as CIM) are still a matter of concern, being complex though offering a wider number of possibilities when compared with regular building industry. Moreover, the construction process in comparison with its lifespan represent only a small part of the investments for the use of public works. With this background, the possibilities based on BIM for the maintenance and rehabilitation of public heritage (HCIM) can greatly improve traditional management capabilities. Making best use of BIM and digitalisation for the management of public heritage (HCIM) requires creating tools for documentation, registering and data management to permit the adequate information transfer between the actors involved. Such actors may be experts or not and hold or not skills to use BIM tools. This study proposes the creation of a database to support the regular inspection during the lifespan of the infrastructure and connect it with the three-dimensional information model, serving the latter as an information repository of the whole life of the infrastructure. Such data include damage and causes as well as a description of the pathology and this information is referred to each element, showing all the historic measures taken. In addition, quantification and quotation of the repairs needed can be obtained. Lastly, the study has applied this methodology in Algeciras Market Hall, the notorious rationalist building designed by the engineer Eduardo Torroja and built in 1935. The results shown in this study can be of great interest for both researchers and practice, with an adaptation and innovation of the BIM and HCIM possibilities.
Trends of Rainfall Onset, Cessation, and Length of Growing Season in Northern Ghana: Comparing the Rain Gauge, Satellite, and Farmer’s Perceptions
Authors: Atiah Winifred Ayinpogbilla , Muthoni Francis K. , Kotu Bekele , Kizito Fred , Amekudzi Leonard K.
Published: December 2021

Rainfall onset and cessation date greatly influence cropping calendar decisions in rain-fed agricultural systems. This paper examined trends of onsets, cessation, and the length of growing season over Northern Ghana using CHIRPS-v2, gauge, and farmers’ perceptions data between 1981 and 2019. Results from CHIRPS-v2 revealed that the three seasonal rainfall indices have substantial latitudinal variability. Significant late and early onsets were observed at the West and East of 1.5° W longitude, respectively. Significant late cessations and longer growing periods occurred across Northern Ghana. The ability of farmers’ perceptions and CHIRPS-v2 to capture rainfall onsets are time and location-dependent. A total of 71% of farmers rely on traditional knowledge to forecast rainfall onsets. Adaptation measures applied were not always consistent with the rainfall seasonality. More investment in modern climate information services is required to complement the existing local knowledge of forecasting rainfall seasonality.
Assessment of Satellite-Based Rainfall Products Using a X-Band Rain Radar Network in the Complex Terrain of the Ecuadorian Andes
Authors: Turini Nazli , Thies Boris , Rollenbeck Rütger , Fries Andreas , Pucha-Cofrep Franz , Orellana-Alvear Johanna , Horna Natalia , Bendix Jörg
Published: December 2021

Ground based rainfall information is hardly available in most high mountain areas of the world due to the remoteness and complex topography. Thus, proper understanding of spatio-temporal rainfall dynamics still remains a challenge in those areas. Satellite-based rainfall products may help if their rainfall assessment are of high quality. In this paper, microwave-based integrated multi-satellite retrieval for the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) (IMERG) (MW-based IMERG) was assessed along with the random-forest-based rainfall (RF-based rainfall) and infrared-only IMERG (IR-only IMERG) products against the quality-controlled rain radar network and meteorological stations of high temporal resolution over the Pacific coast and the Andes of Ecuador. The rain area delineation and rain estimation of each product were evaluated at a spatial resolution of 11 km2 and at the time of MW overpass from IMERG. The regionally calibrated RF-based rainfall at 2 km2 and 30 min was also investigated. The validation results indicate different essential aspects: (i) the best performance is provided by MW-based IMERG in the region at the time of MW overpass; (ii) RF-based rainfall shows better accuracy rather than the IR-only IMERG rainfall product. This confirms that applying multispectral IR data in retrieval can improve the estimation of rainfall compared with single-spectrum IR retrieval algorithms. (iii) All of the products are prone to low-intensity false alarms. (iv) The downscaling of higher-resolution products leads to lower product performance, despite regional calibration. The results show that more caution is needed when developing new algorithms for satellite-based, high-spatiotemporal-resolution rainfall products. The radar data validation shows better performance than meteorological stations because gauge data cannot correctly represent spatial rainfall in complex topography under convective rainfall environments.
Benefits of Parent Training in the Rehabilitation of Deaf or Hard of Hearing Children of Hearing Parents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Giallini Ilaria , Nicastri Maria , Mariani Laura , Turchetta Rosaria , Ruoppolo Giovanni , de Vincentiis Marco , Vito Corrado De , Sciurti Antonio , Baccolini Valentina , Mancini Patrizia
Published: December 2021

The present study is a systematic review on the effectiveness of Parent Training (PT) and coaching in deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) rehabilitation programs which reviews and synthesizes the existing body of evidence to assess the benefits of these programs in enhancing parents’ sensitivity, responsivity and promoting language development in DHH children during the first years after HA fitting or CI activation. Five published studies met the Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcomes (PICO) inclusion criteria and were eligible to be included, but heterogeneity in terms of the study design, interventions and outcomes did not allow for performing a meta-analysis. All included studies shared the view that a parent’s learning is a circular (rather than frontal) process, and the results appear promising in terms of enhancing parents’ responsiveness and promoting DHH child language development. Nevertheless, the available evidence was judged to not be robust enough due to limitations in the studies’ designs. Further high-quality evidence is needed to evaluate the true degree of clinical value and the cost effectiveness of PT programs aimed at increasing parents’ responsiveness to their DHH children.
Relationships among Early Adversity, Positive Human and Animal Interactions, and Mental Health in Young Adults
Authors: Rodriguez Kerri E. , McDonald Shelby E. , Brown Samantha M.
Published: December 2021

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with poor mental health. Emerging research demonstrates the protective role of positive childhood experiences, including a positive sense of self and relationships with both humans and animals, in mitigating the impacts of early life adversity on mental health outcomes. This study examined whether benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) or relationships and interactions with pets during childhood moderated the link between ACEs and current mental health symptoms in a sample of young adults. Students (N = 214) recruited from a public university in the U.S. completed an online survey. The results showed that ACEs were significantly associated with worse mental health symptoms, including anxiety and depression. Neither emotional closeness to a childhood pet dog nor positive interactions with a childhood pet were significant moderators of the relationship between ACEs and mental health. In contrast, more BCEs were associated with better mental health, and their interaction with ACEs was significant such that adversity-exposed young adults with high BCEs reported fewer mental health symptoms than those with low BCEs. The results highlight the need for continued research on differential experiences that may be protective in the relationship between adversity exposures and mental health.
Understanding the Decisive Causes of PPP Project Disputes in China
Authors: Zheng Xiaoxiao , Liu Yisheng , Sun Ruijiao , Tian Jinzhao , Yu Qi
Published: December 2021

Disputes are inevitable in public-private partnership (PPP) projects and generate great losses of time and money in practice. If an in-depth understanding of dispute sources can be obtained beforehand, the process of PPP may become more smooth. This paper aims to identify and assess the causes of PPP disputes between the public and private sectors. First, 15 causes are explored based on the PPP litigation cases from China Judgments Online. Second, the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method is utilized to provide a holistic understanding of the relative importance and define the cause-effect categories among PPP dispute sources. The results demonstrate that the top three decisive causes of PPP disputes are the repudiation of contracts (result category), lack of expertise and experience (reason category), and unreasonable risk allocation (result category). Further, dispute avoiding strategies are proposed to minimize or completely avoid the occurrence of PPP disputes. The outputs are expected to add meaningful insights to potential sources of dispute and dispute prevention mechanisms in PPPs. To some extent, the investors can develop strategic measures through the findings before entering into PPP markets.
Application of EPR Spectroscopy in TiO2 and Nb2O5 Photocatalysis
Authors: Al-Madanat Osama , Nunes Barbara Nascimento , AlSalka Yamen , Hakki Amer , Curti Mariano , Patrocinio Antonio Otavio T. , Bahnemann Detlef W.
Published: December 2021

The interaction of light with semiconducting materials becomes the center of a wide range of technologies, such as photocatalysis. This technology has recently attracted increasing attention due to its prospective uses in green energy and environmental remediation. The characterization of the electronic structure of the semiconductors is essential to a deep understanding of the photocatalytic process since they influence and govern the photocatalytic activity by the formation of reactive radical species. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is a unique analytical tool that can be employed to monitor the photoinduced phenomena occurring in the solid and liquid phases and provides precise insights into the dynamic and reactivity of the photocatalyst under different experimental conditions. This review focus on the application of EPR in the observation of paramagnetic centers formed upon irradiation of titanium dioxide and niobium oxide photocatalysts. TiO2 and Nb2O5 are very well-known semiconductors that have been widely used for photocatalytic applications. A large number of experimental results on both materials offer a reliable platform to illustrate the contribution of the EPR studies on heterogeneous photocatalysis, particularly in monitoring the photogenerated charge carriers, trap states, and surface charge transfer steps. A detailed overview of EPR-spin trapping techniques in mechanistic studies to follow the nature of the photogenerated species in suspension during the photocatalytic process is presented. The role of the electron donors or the electron acceptors and their effect on the photocatalytic process in the solid or the liquid phase are highlighted.
Influence of Cathode Catalyst Layer with SiO2-Coated Pt/Ketjen Black Catalysts on Performance for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: Park Kayoung , Goto Masaki , So Magnus , Takenaka Sakae , Tsuge Yoshifumi , Inoue Gen
Published: December 2021

In this study, we investigated the effect of silica (SiO2) layer included in a cathode catalyst layer (CL) on the performance for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Porous carbons such as Ketjen black (KB) have been widely used as a support for Pt catalysts in PEFCs. Such KB-supported Pt catalyst (Pt/KB) was used as a cathode CL with low ionomer content (a condition of low proton conductivity). The Pt/KB was then coated with SiO2. In addition, the Pt/KB and SiO2-coated Pt/KB (SiO2-Pt/KB) were measured and analyzed under relative humidity (RH) conditions (100% and 20%). The catalyst ink of SiO2-Pt/KB showed higher stability and dispersion compared to Pt/KB, due to the hydrophilic surface characteristics of SiO2, which act as a binder-like ionomer. The performance of the SiO2-Pt/KB at 100% RH, was significantly lower than that of Pt/KB, whereas the performance of the Pt/KB at 20% RH, was significantly improved by SiO2 coating. This is due to an increase in the proton conductivity, which can be attributed to the hydrophilic properties of SiO2. Based on these results, the effect of SiO2 coating on performance, depending on carbon supports of SiO2-coated Pt/Carbon catalysts, could be evaluated.
IL-19 Contributes to the Development of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis by Altering Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Azuma Yasu-Taka , Fujita Takashi , Izawa Takeshi , Hirota Kana , Nishiyama Kazuhiro , Ikegami Airi , Aoyama Tomoko , Ike Mikihito , Ushikai Yumi , Kuwamura Mitsuru , Fujii Hideki , Tsuneyama Koichi
Published: December 2021

Interleukin (IL)-19, a member of the IL-10 family, is an anti-inflammatory cytokine produced primarily by macrophages. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a disease that has progressed from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis. We evaluated the functions of IL-19 in a NAFLD/NASH mouse model using a 60% high fat diet with 0.1% methionine, without choline, and with 2% cholesterol (CDAHFD). Wild-type (WT) and IL-19 gene-deficient (KO) mice were fed a CDAHFD or standard diet for 9 weeks. Liver injury, inflammation, and fibrosis induced by CDAHFD were significantly worse in IL-19 KO mice than in WT mice. IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β were significantly higher in IL-19 KO mice than in WT mice. As a mechanism using an in vitro experiment, palmitate-induced triglyceride and cholesterol contents were decreased by the addition of IL-19 in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, addition of IL-19 decreased the expression of fatty acid synthesis-related enzymes and increased ATP content in HepG2 cells. The action of IL-19 in vitro suppressed lipid metabolism. In conclusion, IL-19 may play an important role in the development of steatosis and fibrosis by directly regulating liver metabolism and may be a potential target for the treatment of liver diseases.
Exploring the Binding Pattern of Geraniol with Acetylcholinesterase through In Silico Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, and In Vitro Enzyme Inhibition Kinetics Studies
Authors: Iqbal Danish , Khan M. Salman , Waiz Mohd , Rehman Md Tabish , Alaidarous Mohammed , Jamal Azfar , Alothaim Abdulaziz S. , AlAjmi Mohamed F , Alshehri Bader Mohammed , Banawas Saeed , Alsaweed Mohammed , Madkhali Yahya , Algarni Abdulrahman , Alsagaby Suliman A. , Alturaiki Wael
Published: December 2021

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition is a key element in enhancing cholinergic transmission and subsequently relieving major symptoms of several neurological and neuromuscular disorders. Here, the inhibitory potential of geraniol and its mechanism of inhibition against AChE were elucidated in vitro and validated via an in silico study. Our in vitro enzyme inhibition kinetics results show that at increasing concentrations of geraniol and substrate, Vmax did not change significantly, but Km increased, which indicates that geraniol is a competitive inhibitor against AChE with an IC50 value 98.06 ± 3.92 µM. All the parameters of the ADME study revealed that geraniol is an acceptable drug candidate. A docking study showed that the binding energy of geraniol (−5.6 kcal mol−1) was lower than that of acetylcholine (−4.1 kcal mol−1) with AChE, which exhibited around a 12.58-fold higher binding affinity of geraniol. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulation revealed that the RMSD of AChE alone or in complex with geraniol fluctuated within acceptable limits throughout the simulation. The mean RMSF value of the complex ensures that the overall conformation of the protein remains conserved. The average values of Rg, MolSA, SASA, and PSA of the complex were 3.16 Å, 204.78, 9.13, and 51.58 Å2, respectively. We found that the total SSE of AChE in the complex was 38.84% (α-helix: 26.57% and β-sheets: 12.27%) and remained consistent throughout the simulation. These findings suggest that geraniol remained inside the binding cavity of AChE in a stable conformation. Further in vivo investigation is required to fully characterize the pharmacokinetic properties, optimization of dose administration, and efficacy of this plant-based natural compound.
Bone Fractures Numerical Analysis in a Femur Affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Ramírez-Vela Viridiana , Aguilar-Pérez Luis Antonio , Paredes-Rojas Juan Carlos , Flores-Campos Juan Alejandro , Ortiz-Hernández Fernando ELi , Torres-SanMiguel Christopher René
Published: December 2021

This work presents a non-invasive methodology to obtain a three-dimensional femur model of three-year-old infants affected with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) type III. DICOM® Files of a femur were processed to obtain a finite element model to assess the transverse, the oblique, and the comminuted fractures. The model is evaluated under a normal walking cycle. The loads applied were considered the most critical force generated on the normal walking cycle, and the analyses considered anisotropic bone conditions. The outcome shows stress concentration areas in the central zone of the diaphysis of the femur, and the highest levels of stress occur in the case of the comminuted fracture, while the transverse fracture presents the lowest values. Thus, the method can be helpful for determining the bone fracture behavior of certain pathologies, such as osteogenesis imperfecta, osteopenia, and osteoporosis.
Evaluating the Protective Effects of Calcium Carbonate Coating on Sandstone Cultural Heritage
Authors: Wen Yaping , Qing Huoliang , Shu Hui , Liu Qiang
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this work was to use different surfactants to deposit different crystalline calcium carbonate films on the surface of sandstone through a simple double displacement reaction. This was done to test the protective effects of calcium carbonate coatings based on water absorption, moisture permeability and weather resistance. Experimental results showed that the air permeability of the stone treated with vaterite calcium carbonate was reduced, but that this did not affect water vapor’s access into and out of the stone. Compared with untreated stone, the water absorption rate was reduced 0.5 times, and the weather resistance increased by 4 times due to small crystal grains, high solubility, and deep penetration hindering the erosion of water and soluble salts. These findings are expected to provide useful suggestions for the protection of stone cultural heritage.
On the Etching Mechanism of Highly Hydrogenated SiN Films by CF4/D2 Plasma: Comparison with CF4/H2
Authors: Hsiao Shih-Nan , Nguyen Thi-Thuy-Nga , Tsutsumi Takayoshi , Ishikawa Kenji , Sekine Makoto , Hori Masaru
Published: December 2021

With the increasing interest in dry etching of silicon nitride, utilization of hydrogen-contained fluorocarbon plasma has become one of the most important processes in manufacturing advanced semiconductor devices. The correlation between hydrogen-contained molecules from the plasmas and hydrogen atoms inside the SiN plays a crucial role in etching behavior. In this work, the influences of plasmas (CF4/D2 and CF4/H2) and substrate temperature (Ts, from −20 to 50 °C) on etch rates (ERs) of the PECVD SiN films were investigated. The etch rate performed by CF4/D2 plasma was higher than one obtained by CF4/H2 plasma at substrate temperature of 20 °C and higher. The optical emission spectra showed that the intensities of the fluorocarbon (FC), F, and Balmer emissions were stronger in the CF4/D2 plasma in comparison with CF4/H2. From X-ray photoelectron spectra, a thinner FC layer with a lower F/C ratio was found in the surface of the sample etched by the CF4/H2 plasma. The plasma density, gas phase concentration and FC thickness were not responsible for the higher etch rate in the CF4/D2 plasma. The abstraction of H inside the SiN films by deuterium and, in turn, hydrogen dissociation from Si or N molecules, supported by the results of in situ monitoring of surface structure using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, resulted in the enhanced ER in the CF4/D2 plasma case. The findings imply that the hydrogen dissociation plays an important role in the etching of PECVD-prepared SiN films when the hydrogen concentration of SiN is higher. For the films etched with the CF4/H2 at −20 °C, the increase in ER was attributed to a thinner FC layer and surface reactions. On the contrary, in the CF4/D2 case the dependence of ER on substrate temperature was the consequence of the factors which include the FC layer thickness (diffusion length) and the atomic mobility of the etchants (thermal activation reaction).
Energy, Economic and Environmental Assessment of Thermal Barrier Application in Building Envelope Structures
Authors: Kalús Daniel , Mučková Veronika , Koudelková Daniel
Published: December 2021

Thermal engineering requirements for building structures are becoming more and more strict. Thermal barriers (TBs) are energy-active elements integrated into the building structure in which a heat transfer medium (water or air) flows. A survey of the scientific literature on the subject points to the fact that this is a very topical and promising area of research and, so far, most studies on TBs are based on calculations, computer simulations and experimental measurements. Few studies have focused on the economic and environmental aspects of TB use. Following the research results presented by authors from all over the world, as well as our contributions in this scientific field that are described in a European patent, three utility models and scientific articles, in this study we have focused on the evaluation of the TB in terms of energy performance, economic efficiency and environmental friendliness by comparing the use of a classical envelope wall with the required thickness of thermal insulation meeting the normative requirements for thermal resistance R ((m2K)/W) and a perimeter wall with an integrated TB significantly eliminating the thermal insulation thickness. We evaluate the use of the thermal barrier using: economic indicator one, where we compare the cost of heat delivered to the TB in a structure with significantly eliminated thermal insulation and the saved cost of thermal insulation at the standard thickness; economic indicator two, where we compare the cost of heat delivered to the TB in a structure with significantly eliminated thermal insulation with the potential gain from the sale of the useful area of the building gained compared to the area at the normative thickness of thermal insulation; and economic indicator three, where we compare the cost of heat delivered to the TB in a structure with significantly eliminated thermal insulation with the cost of grey energy at the normative thickness of thermal insulation. Based on a parametric study based on theoretical assumptions, it can be concluded that the thermal barrier shows a very promising and efficient solution in terms of the evaluation of economic indicators one to three, which are even more significant if we use heat for the TB from renewable energy sources (RES) or waste heat.
Single-Crystal Structure of HP-Sc2TeO6 Prepared by High-Pressure/High-Temperature Synthesis
Authors: Ziegler Raimund , Tribus Martina , Hejny Clivia , Heymann Gunter
Published: December 2021

The first high-pressure scandium tellurate HP-Sc2TeO6 was synthesized from an NP-Sc2TeO6 normal-pressure precursor at 12 GPa and 1173 K using a multianvil apparatus (1000 t press, Walker-type module). The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2/c (no. 13) with a = 729.43(3), b = 512.52(2), c = 1095.02(4) pm and β = 103.88(1)°. The structure was refined from X-ray single-crystal diffractometer data: R1 = 0.0261, wR2 = 0.0344, 568 F2 values and 84 variables. HP-Sc2TeO6 is isostructural to Yb2WO6 and is built up from TeO6 octahedra, typical for tellurate(VI) compounds. During synthesis, a reconstructive transition from P321 (normal-pressure modification) to P2/c (high-pressure modification) takes place and the scandium–oxygen distances as well as the coordination number of scandium increase. However, the coordination sphere around the Te6+ cations gets only slightly distorted. High-temperature powder XRD investigations revealed a back-transformation of HP-Sc2TeO6 to the ambient-pressure modification above 973 K.
The Shape of Nasopalatine Canal as a Determining Factor in Therapeutic Approach for Orthodontic Teeth Movement—A CBCT Study
Authors: Arnaut Aleksandra , Milanovic Pavle , Vasiljevic Milica , Jovicic Nemanja , Vojinovic Radisa , Selakovic Dragica , Rosic Gvozden
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) shape and its morphometric characteristics on expected teeth movement by assessing the distance to maxillary central incisors (MCIs) according to NPC type. The retrospective study was performed on 133 CBCT images. The following parameters were obtained: the antero-posterior diameter (A-P) of the nasal foramen (NF), canal length, A-P and mediolateral diameter (M-L) of the incisive foramen (IF), and the distance between NPC and MCIs. With the exception of being hourglass-shaped, each NPC shape showed specific impacts of NPC shape on the relationship between NPC diameters at different sections and distances to MCIs. In banana-shaped NPC, a significant correlation was observed for A-P NF diameter, while in cylindrical-shaped NPC, a significant correlation was observed for NPC length. The increase in M-L IF, A-P IF, A-P NF, and NPC length in funnel-shaped NPC may be a risk factor for interventions that could result in teeth movement. According to the results, it seems that the proposed methodological approach for analysis of CBCT slices in the anterior maxilla may offer detailed information that could be an additional tool in planning the procedures that result in expected teeth movement.
Analysis of Residual Ridge Morphology in a Group of Edentulous Patients Seeking NHS Dental Implant Provision—A Retrospective Observational Lateral Cephalometric Study
Authors: Alshenaiber Rafif , Cowan Callum , Barclay Craig , Silikas Nikolaos
Published: December 2021

A convenience sample of 154 edentulous patients referred for implant provision at a Regional National Health Service Dental Hospital in the North West of England were identified. The cephalometric radiographs that were taken as part of the patient baseline investigation were assessed. Digital tracing was used to measure the anterior maxillary and mandibular bone height and ridge angle with respect to the maxillary and mandibular planes. The mean height of the bone in the maxilla was found to be 14 mm, and the mean ridge angle for the anterior maxillary residual ridge is 104°. The mean height of bone in the mandible was 18 mm, while the mean ridge angle for the anterior mandibular residual ridge was 77°. Using the Cawood and Howell classification demonstrated that class VI mandibles were the most common. The cross-sectional shape of the mandible varied, with the triangular shape most common. Although there was adequate bone stock for implant placement in these cases, the mandibular residual ridge resorption presents a lingual inclination to the residual bone. The limited residual ridge position and inclination would dictate that conventional implant placement could be challenging.
Tissue Characterization Using an Electrical Bioimpedance Spectroscopy-Based Multi-Electrode Probe to Screen for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Authors: Oh Tong In , Kang Min Ji , Jeong You Jeong , Zhang Tingting , Yeo Seung Geun , Park Dong Choon
Published: December 2021

The successful management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) with proper screening and treatment methods could prevent cervical cancer progression. We propose a bioimpedance spectroscopic measurement device and a multi-electrode probe as an independent screening tool for CIN. To evaluate the performance of this screening method, we enrolled 123 patients, including 69 patients with suspected CIN and 54 control patients without cervical dysplasia who underwent a hysterectomy for benign disease (non-CIN). Following conization, the electrical properties of the excised cervical tissue were characterized using an electrical bioimpedance spectroscopy-based multi-electrode probe. Twenty-eight multifrequency voltages were collected through the two concentric array electrodes via a sensitivity-optimized measurement protocol based on an electrical energy concentration method. The electrical properties of the CIN and non-CIN groups were compared with the results of the pathology reports. Reconstructed resistivity tended to decrease in the CIN and non-CIN groups as frequency increased. Reconstructed resistivity from 625 Hz to 50 kHz differed significantly between the CIN and non-CIN groups (p < 0.001). Using 100 kHz as the reference, the difference between the CIN and non-CIN groups was significant. Based on the difference in reconstructed resistivity between 100 kHz and the other frequencies, this method had a sensitivity of 94.3%, a specificity of 84%, and an accuracy of 90% in CIN screening. The feasibility of noninvasive CIN screening was confirmed through the difference in the frequency spectra evaluated in the excised tissue using the electrical bioimpedance spectroscopy-based multi-electrode screening probe.
Intercropping Short Rotation Timber Species with Teak: Enabling Smallholder Silviculture Practices
Authors: Sudomo Aris , Maharani Dewi , Swestiani Dila , Sabastian Gerhard E. , Roshetko James M. , Perdana Aulia , Prameswari Diana , Fambayun Rizki A.
Published: December 2021

Community forest management for timber production requires short- and long-rotation companion species to fulfill the demands of the timber industry, improve farmer welfare and maintain environmental sustainability. Four species (Falcataria moluccana, Neolamarckia cadamba, Acacia mangium and Gmelina arborea) were tested as short-rotation timber crop companion species for teak (Tectona grandis) on dry-rocky soil in the Gunungkidul community forest. The selection of short-rotation timber species was based on growth performance and survival rate at the teak site. Two years after planting, the viability of G. arborea (87.3%) and A. mangium (78.2%) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of N. cadamba (40.6%) and F. moluccana (18.0%). G. arborea and N. cadamba achieved the best growth in terms of height, diameter, basal area, and volume, with the growth of A. mangium and F. moluccana being significantly inferior. Gmelina arborea has the ability to adapt to teak sites, grow well, and accompany teak. Neolamarckia cadamba demonstrated good growth with potential as a teak companion, and it demonstrated limited drought tolerance on the dry-rocky soils of the study sites. Acacia mangium had a high survival but produced slow growth, indicating that it required an advance evaluation in future years. Falcataria moluccana has different growing site requirements to teak so the performance was relatively poor at the study site. This mixed pattern provides benefits to farmers through commercial thinning of short rotations species, 5–8 years post establishment. Thinning operations will also increase the productivity of residual teak stands. The diversification of timber species in community forests can provide earlier returns, enabling the adoption of silviculture management by smallholders and communities.
Interaction between Negatively Charged Fish Gelatin and Cyclodextrin in Aqueous Solution: Characteristics and Formation Mechanism
Authors: Fang Qi , Ma Nao , Ding Keying , Zhan Shengnan , Lou Qiaoming , Huang Tao
Published: December 2021

The effect that ratios of fish gelatin (FG) to α/β/γ cyclodextrins (α, β, γCDs) had on the phase behavior of a concentrated biopolymer mixture were comparatively investigated. This showed that the formed biopolymer mixture had the highest gel strength at ratios of FG–CD = 90:10. FG could interact with CDs to form stable soluble complexes with lower values of turbidity, particle size and ζ-potential. All of the FG–CD mixture solutions exhibited pseudo-plastic behaviors, and FG–αCD samples had the highest viscosity values than others. The addition of CDs could unfold FG molecules and make conformation transitions of FG from a random coil to β-turn, leading to the environmental change of hydrophobic residues and presenting higher fluorescence intensity, especially for βCDs. FTIR results revealed that the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between FG and CD could change the secondary structure of FG. These findings might help further apply FG–CD complexes in designing new food matrixes.
Newborn Screening Practices for Beta-Thalassemia in the United States
Authors: Bender Michael A. , Hulihan Mary , Dorley Mary Christine , Aguinaga Maria del Pilar , Ojodu Jelili , Yusuf Careema
Published: December 2021

Beta-thalassemia, a heritable condition of abnormal hemoglobin production, is not a core condition on the United States Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) for state and territorial newborn screening (NBS) programs. However, screening for sickle cell disease (which is on the core RUSP) also detects reduced or absent levels of hemoglobin (Hb) A and certain other Hb variants associated with beta-thalassemia and, thus, allows for a timely referral to appropriate healthcare to minimize sequalae of the disease. The Association of Public Health Laboratories’ Hemoglobinopathy Workgroup administered a comprehensive survey of all U.S. NBS programs to assess beta-thalassemia testing methodologies, the cutoffs for defining beta-thalassemia major, and the reporting and follow-up practices. Forty-six (87%) of the programs responded. Thirty-nine of the 46 responding programs (85%) report some form of suspected beta-thalassemia; however, the screening methods, the percentage of Hb A used as a cutoff for an indication of beta-thalassemia major, and the screening follow-up vary widely. The standardization of technical and reporting procedures may improve access to specialty care prior to severe complications, increase genetic counseling, and provide data needed to better understand the public health impact and clinical outcomes of beta-thalassemia in the United States.
Weeds Enhance Pollinator Diversity and Fruit Yield in Mango
Authors: Kleiman Blaire M. , Koptur Suzanne , Jayachandran Krishnaswamy
Published: December 2021

Agriculture is dependent on insect pollination, yet in areas of intensive production agriculture, there is often a decline in plant and insect diversity. As native habitats and plants are replaced, often only the weeds or unwanted vegetation persist. This study compared insect diversity on mango, Mangifera indica, a tropical fruit tree dependent on insect pollination, when weeds were present in cultivation versus when they were removed mechanically. The pollinating insects on both weeds and mango trees were examined as well as fruit set and yield in both the weed-free and weedy treatment in South Florida. There were significantly more pollinators and key pollinator families on the weedy mango trees, as well as significantly greater fruit yield in the weedy treatment compared to the weed-free treatment. Utilizing weeds, especially native species, as insectary plants can help ensure sufficient pollination of mango and increase biodiversity across crop monocropping systems.
Characterisation of Single-Phase Fluid-Flow Heterogeneity Due to Localised Deformation in a Porous Rock Using Rapid Neutron Tomography
Authors: Etxegarai Maddi , Tudisco Erika , Tengattini Alessandro , Viggiani Gioacchino , Kardjilov Nikolay , Hall Stephen A.
Published: December 2021

The behaviour of subsurface-reservoir porous rocks is a central topic in the resource engineering industry and has relevant applications in hydrocarbon, water production, and CO2 sequestration. One of the key open issues is the effect of deformation on the hydraulic properties of the host rock and, specifically, in saturated environments. This paper presents a novel full-field data set describing the hydro-mechanical properties of porous geomaterials through in situ neutron and X-ray tomography. The use of high-performance neutron imaging facilities such as CONRAD-2 (Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin) allows the tracking of the fluid front in saturated samples, making use of the differential neutron contrast between “normal” water and heavy water. To quantify the local hydro-mechanical coupling, we applied a number of existing image analysis algorithms and developed an array of bespoke methods to track the water front and calculate the 3D speed maps. The experimental campaign performed revealed that the pressure-driven flow speed decreases, in saturated samples, in the presence of pre-existing low porosity heterogeneities and compactant shear-bands. Furthermore, the observed complex mechanical behaviour of the samples and the associated fluid flow highlight the necessity for 3D imaging and analysis.
U-Shaped Association between Waist-to-Hip Ratio and All-Cause Mortality in Stage 3–5 Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Body Mass Index Paradox
Authors: Shen Feng-Ching , Chiu Yi-Wen , Kuo Mei-Chuan , Lin Ming-Yen , Lee Jia-Jung , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Chang Jer-Ming , Hung Chi-Chih , Chen Hung-Chun
Published: December 2021

The obesity paradox, referring to the association of high body mass index (BMI) with low all-cause mortality risk, is found in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Central obesity is associated with metabolic syndrome and may have better prognostic value than BMI for all-cause mortality. Whether central obesity is associated with all-cause mortality in cases of obesity paradox in CKD patients remains unknown. We included 3262 patients with stage 3–5 CKD, grouped into five quintiles (Q1–5) by waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Low WHR and BMI were associated with malnutrition and inflammation. In Cox regression, high BMI was not associated with all-cause mortality, but BMI < 22.5 kg/m2 increased the mortality risk. A U-shaped association between central obesity and all-cause mortality was found: WHR Q1, Q4, and Q5 had higher risk for all-cause mortality. The hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of WHR Q5 and Q1 for all-cause mortality was 1.39 (1.03–1.87) and 1.53 (1.13–2.05) in male and 1.42 (1.02–1.99) and 1.28 (0.88–1.85) in female, respectively. Waist-to-height ratio and conicity index showed similar results. Low WHR or low BMI and high WHR, but not high BMI, are associated with all-cause mortality in advanced CKD.
Imputing Biomarker Status from RWE Datasets—A Comparative Study
Authors: Traynor Carlos , Sahota Tarjinder , Tomkinson Helen , Gonzalez-Garcia Ignacio , Evans Neil , Chappell Michael
Published: December 2021

Missing data is a universal problem in analysing Real-World Evidence (RWE) datasets. In RWE datasets, there is a need to understand which features best correlate with clinical outcomes. In this context, the missing status of several biomarkers may appear as gaps in the dataset that hide meaningful values for analysis. Imputation methods are general strategies that replace missing values with plausible values. Using the Flatiron NSCLC dataset, including more than 35,000 subjects, we compare the imputation performance of six such methods on missing data: predictive mean matching, expectation-maximisation, factorial analysis, random forest, generative adversarial networks and multivariate imputations with tabular networks. We also conduct extensive synthetic data experiments with structural causal models. Statistical learning from incomplete datasets should select an appropriate imputation algorithm accounting for the nature of missingness, the impact of missing data, and the distribution shift induced by the imputation algorithm. For our synthetic data experiments, tabular networks had the best overall performance. Methods using neural networks are promising for complex datasets with non-linearities. However, conventional methods such as predictive mean matching work well for the Flatiron NSCLC biomarker dataset.
Decreased Circulating Melatonin with Loss of Age-Related Biphasic Change in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Tsai Yu-Fen , Wang Yen-Yun , Tsai Wan-Chi , Su Chang-Wei , Hsu Ching-Wei , Yuan Shyng-Shiou F.
Published: December 2021

Background: Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, is known for its antioxidant, oncostatic, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, studies on serum melatonin levels in different cancer types have yielded conflicting results, and little is known about the clinical significance of serum melatonin in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in the Southern Asian population. Therefore, we explored its role in OSCC in this study. Methods: A total of 67 male OSCC patients and 78 healthy controls were enrolled in this case–control study. The serum levels of melatonin were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared between the two groups. Results: The serum melatonin levels were significantly lower in OSCC patients compared with healthy controls (mean ± standard deviation, 15.0 ± 4.6 vs. 18.5 ± 11.8 pg/mL, p = 0.02). In the subgroup of age less than 55 years (mean age of OSCC), OSCC patients had a significantly decreased melatonin level than healthy controls (mean melatonin, 15.7 ± 12.6 vs. 20.8 ± 3.9 pg/mL, p = 0.02). Decreased serum melatonin (odds ratio (OR): 0.95, 95%CI: 0.91–0.99), alcohol consumption (OR: 29.02, 95%CI: 11.68–72.16), betel quid chewing (OR:136.44, 95%CI: 39.17–475.27), and cigarette smoking (OR:29.48, 95%CI: 11.06–78.60) all increased the risk of OSCC under univariate analyses of logistic regression. Betel quid chewing (OR: 45.98, 95%CI: 10.34–204.49) and cigarette smoking (OR:6.94, 95%CI: 1.60–30.16) were the independent risk factors for OSCC in Taiwan. In addition, a negative correlation between age and melatonin level was observed in healthy controls (Pearson r = −0.24, p = 0.03). However, the negative correlation was lost in patients with OSCC. Melatonin concentration had no association with the severity of OSCC. Conclusion: Overall, our study provides evidence that serum melatonin levels decreased in OSCC patients in Taiwan and the decreased level is much significant in young populations and suggests that the decreased melatonin was associated with OSCC, especially in young populations. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether melatonin can be a useful non-invasive screening tool for OSCC.