bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of piscidin antimicrobial peptides on the formation of Gram‐negative bacterial biofilms
Authors: Prior Benjamin S. , Lange Miles D. , Salger Scott A. , Reading Benjamin J. , Peatman Eric , Beck Benjamin H.
Published: September 2021

Fish‐derived antimicrobial peptides are an important part of the innate immune system due to their potent antimicrobial properties. Piscidins are a class of antimicrobial peptides first described in hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops x Morone saxatilis) but have also been identified in many other fish species. Previous work demonstrated the broad antimicrobial activity of piscidins against Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacterial species. This study sought to determine the extent to which class I (striped bass piscidin 1, white bass piscidin 1 and striped bass/white bass piscidin 3) and class II (striped bass piscidin 4 and white bass piscidin 5) piscidins inhibit biofilm formation of different Gram‐negative bacteria. In general, the class I and II piscidins demonstrate potent activity against Escherichia coli and Flavobacterium columnare biofilms. The class II piscidins showed more activity against E. coli and F. columnare isolates than did the class I piscidins. The piscidins in general were much less effective against inhibiting Aeromonas hydrophila and A. veronii biofilm growth. Only the class I piscidins showed significant growth inhibition among the Aeromonas spp. examined.
Doing flood risk modelling differently: Evaluating the potential for participatory techniques to broaden flood risk management decision‐making
Authors: Maskrey Shaun A. , Mount Nick J. , Thorne Colin R.
Published: September 2021

Responsibility for flood risk management (FRM) is increasingly being devolved to a wider set of stakeholders, and effective participation by multiple FRM agencies and communities at risk calls for engagement approaches that supplement and make the best possible use of hydrologic and hydraulic flood modelling. Stakeholder engagement must strike a considered balance between participation ideals and the pragmatic realities of existing mechanisms for FRM decision‐making. This article evaluates the potential for using participatory modelling to facilitate engagement and co‐production of knowledge by FRM modellers, practitioners and other stakeholders. Participatory modelling offers an approach that is flexible and versatile, yet sufficiently structured that it can support meaningful representation of scientific, empirical and local knowledges in producing outcomes that can readily be integrated into existing procedures for shared decision‐making. This article frames the qualities of participatory modelling useful to FRM, as being accessible, transparent, adaptable, evaluative and holistic. These qualities are used as criteria with which to assess the practical utility of three popular participatory techniques: Bayesian networks, system dynamics and fuzzy cognitive mapping. Case studies are used to illustrate how each technique might benefit FRM options appraisal and decision‐making. While each technique has potential, none is ideal, and local contexts will guide selection of which technique is best suited to deliver effective stakeholder participation.
A critical review of complications in non‐surgical rhinoplasty and their management
Authors: Babu Sunita H. , Rapaport Benjamin H. J.
Published: September 2021

Background

In recent years, there has been a rise in non‐surgical rhinoplasty (NSR) due to its minimally invasive approach. As with all procedures, NSR can result in complications. Although rare, the consequences of complications can result in a devastating outcome and therefore an evidence‐based approach to enable the recognition and management of NSR complications is required.

Aims

This paper aims to review and appraise current literature to determine the evidence base for complications experienced with NSR including their causes and management.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using a PRISMA methodology. The PubMed and WebofScience databases were queried. Papers relating to the three most commonly used filler materials; hyaluronic acid (HA), calcium hydroxyapatite and collagen were collated.

Results

Four hundred and ninety studies were identified in the initial literature search and after applying an inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 papers were included.

Conclusion

The results of this literature review showed a paucity of high‐level evidence which may indicate underreporting of NSR complications. Although treatment is not always effective, it is clear that early recognition and treatment favors better outcomes with the potential for complete resolution in some cases. Immediate availability of hyaluronidase is important when undertaking NSR with HA as this review showed early use was critical in the management of serious complications such as vascular occlusion.
Patients’ awareness of the prevention and treatment of the selected podiatry diseases
Authors: Ratajczak Piotr , Mutka Karolina , Michalak Michał , Kopciuch Dorota , Paczkowska Anna , Zaprutko Tomasz , Kus Krzysztof
Published: September 2021

Background

The lower limbs are an essential element of the structure of our body, bearing the weight and responsible for the correct motor skills. Defects in the functioning of the lower limbs and nails or foot skin can significantly affect the quality of life and limit full mobility. Due to the multitude of causes of podiatry changes, we consider their prevention and treatment interdisciplinary.

Aims

This study aimed to examine the patient's awareness of selected podiatry units’ prevention and treatment methods.

Patients/Methods

The study was an anonymous questionnaire consisting of 23 questions. The survey was carried out from November 4, 2020, to March 3, 2021. 516 questionnaires were collected.

Results

The results indicate that pain in the area of the feet is common. It was shown that patients do not have enough awareness and knowledge about proper foot care, yet the vast majority, mainly using Internet sources, try to solve the problem independently. In turn, a definite minority uses the services of a professional (eg, podiatrist) in this matter. The most commonly observed biological conditions are corns, cracked heels, ingrown toenails, and calluses.

Conclusion

Patients, despite low awareness of proper care and the risk of complications, rarely decide to seek the help of a specialist in the field of podiatry diseases, even though appropriate care constantly improves foot motor skills. This problem is significant among people chronically ill with somatic diseases that often cause symptoms in the feet and thus reduce the patient's quality of life.
Ageing with neuromuscular disease: Implications for a lifeworld‐led care through a humanising approach
Authors: Møller Louise Abildgaard , Martinsen Bente , Werlauf Ulla , Dreyer Pia
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To understand the care and support needs in ageing with neuromuscular disease from a patient‐user perspective.

Background

The term neuromuscular disease covers several chronic hereditary or acquired disease subtypes. In the developed countries, advances in symptoms management, technical advancements and rehabilitation initiatives have resulted in increased life expectancy for some subtypes. Life with neuromuscular disease is thus likely to continue into adulthood and old age. However, knowledge of the care and support needs of patients ageing with neuromuscular disease remains sparse.

Design

Adopting a user‐participatory approach embedded in a phenomenological hermeneutic tradition, we conducted two user‐group discussions focusing on care and support needs in people ageing with neuromuscular disease. Twenty‐five users with neuromuscular disease participated in the group discussions. Data were analysed using a three‐stepped analysis method inspired by the French Philosopher Paul Ricoeur. In the analysis process, dialectical movements between a surface interpretation and an in‐depth understanding occur. The COREQ checklist was used to report the study.

Results

Two themes were identified; ‘Changes in the sheltering relationships of life require preparation’ and ‘Ageing introduces a dichotomy between circumstantial normalcy and minority groupness’. An understanding of care and support needs in life with neuromuscular disease was reached revealing a need for a lifeworld‐led approach.

Conclusion

Persons ageing with neuromuscular disease crave a fusion of disease‐ and age‐led care and support. This fusion may be achieved through the introduction of a lifeworld‐led approach to care and support.

Relevance for clinical practice

Unmet care and support needs in people ageing with neuromuscular disease may result in patients experiencing fear and concern about their life situation. Healthcare professionals may play a crucial role in creating coherent lives for these persons if they understand the approach proposed herein to uncover the care and support needs in people ageing with neuromuscular disease.
Estimation of patent foramen ovale size using transcranial Doppler ultrasound in patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Grisold Anna , Rinner Walter , Paul Anna , Gabriel Harald , Klickovic Uros , Wolzt Michael , Krenn Martin , Zimprich Fritz , Bsteh Gabriel , Sycha Thomas
Published: September 2021

Background and Purpose

Patent foramen ovale (PFO)is associated with cryptogenic stroke, especially in young adults. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound is used as a screening tool before transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). However, the use of Valsalva maneuver (VM) to identify a right‐to‐left‐shunt underlies interindividual variability. Here, we aimed to assess whether a pressure‐controlled standardization of VM is useful to estimate PFO size.

Methods

We included patients aged 18–80 years with a PFO according to TEE. Subjects underwent TCD with microembolic signals (MES) counted under four pressure conditions (i.e., at rest, 15 mbar, 40 mbar, and maximum expiratory pressure). Findings were correlated with TEE‐based PFO size. The predictive value of TCD at rest and VM‐based TCD for PFO size estimation was assessed by stepwise multivariate linear regression models and multiple cross‐tab‐analyses.

Results

We screened 203 subjects after a cerebrovascular event, of which 78 (48 males [61.5%], median age 55 years [22–80]) with PFO were included. We found an association between MES count and expiratory pressure (p < .001). Predefined MES count categories at TCD pressure conditions correlated significantly with PFO size measured by TEE. We propose a PFO size estimation model based on TCD at rest and under VM, which classified PFO size correctly in 64.1% with the highest accuracy for small PFOs.

Conclusion

Our data provide evidence that TCD with step‐wise barometric standardization allows an estimation of PFO size with good accuracy. Though TCD will not replace TEE in future, this might be of clinical value in circumstances where TEE cannot be easily performed.
A comparison of cytologic quality in fine‐needle specimens obtained with and without aspiration from superficial lymph nodes in the dog
Authors: Karakitsou V. , Christopher M. M. , Meletis E. , Kostoulas P. , Pardali D. , Koutinas C. K. , Mylonakis M. E.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To assess the impact of aspiration on cytologic quality of fine‐needle specimens obtained from lymph nodes of dogs and to compare the level of agreement of the cytologic diagnosis between the two sampling techniques.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐three client‐owned dogs were prospectively enrolled. Client‐owned dogs were prospectively enrolled in the study if cytologic examination of lymph nodes was indicated in the course of their clinical diagnostic work‐up. In each dog, two superficial, palpably accessible lymph nodes were sampled: one by fine‐needle aspiration and the other by fine‐needle non‐aspiration, using a 21‐Gauge needle with or without a 5‐mL syringe. Cytologic quality was assessed in duplicate smears assessed by two observers who rated cellularity, blood contamination, thickness, cell preservation and cytoplasmic fragmentation using a predefined scoring system.

Results

Fifty‐three client‐owned dogs were included in the study. No significant difference was found in rating scores between the two sampling techniques for any of the cytologic quality parameters assessed. Cohen's kappa coefficient was 0.84 (95% confidence interval 0.68‐1.00), indicating diagnostic agreement between the sampling techniques.

Clinical Significance

In this study, both fine‐needle aspiration and fine‐needle non‐aspiration techniques yielded lymph node specimens of comparable cytologic quality and with acceptable agreement in cytologic diagnosis.
Getting to the root of the problem: improving measurements of mangrove belowground production and carbon sequestration
Authors: Cormier Nicole
Published: September 2021

This article is a Commentary on Arnaud et al. (2021), 232: 1591–1602.
Counterion Pairing Effects on a Flavylium Heptamethine Dye†
Authors: Pengshung Monica , Cosco Emily D. , Zhang Zhumin , Sletten Ellen M.
Published: September 2021

Polymethine fluorophores have facilitated the advance of biological and material sciences, due to their advantageous photophysical properties. However, the need to maintain a monomeric state can severely limit the utility and processability of dyes. High concentrations of fluorophore can lead to aggregation and negate the beneficial photophysical properties of monomers. Another concern is “crossing the cyanine limit” in which delocalization within the polymethine scaffold is broken, producing the presence of an asymmetric state diminishing its photophysical behavior. Herein, we attempt to overcome these limitations by exploring anion exchange on a cationic flavylium heptamethine scaffold. By increasing the size and hydrophobicity of the anion, we can effectively tune the degree of ion pairing within the polymethine dye. Interestingly, we found that the effect of ion pairing on photophysical properties was subtle for the flavylium heptamethine scaffold in comparison to the more commonly used indolenine cyanine dye. Utilizing larger weakly coordinating anions enabled solubility of the flavylium heptamethine fluorophore in nonpolar solvents, which could otherwise not be achieved. Even with more subtle effects than classic cyanine dyes, anion exchange on flavylium polymethine dyes holds potential for further manipulation of the properties of these low energy dyes.
The extrastriate symmetry response is robust to variation in visual memory load
Authors: Derpsch Yiovanna , Rampone Giulia , Piovesan Andrea , Bertamini Marco , Makin Alexis D. J.
Published: September 2021

An Event Related Potential response to visual symmetry, known as the Sustained Posterior Negativity (SPN), is generated whether symmetry is task relevant or not, and whether symmetry is attended or not. However, no study has yet examined interference from concurrent memory tasks. To answer this fundamental question, we investigated whether the SPN is robust to variation in Visual Working Memory (VWM) load. In Experiment 1 (N = 24), each trial involved a sample display, a probe and a test display. Sample and test displays contained either four colors or four black shapes, and the probe was either a symmetrical or random pattern. We compared a memory task and a passive viewing task. In the memory task, participants held color or shape information in VWM when the probe was presented. In the passive viewing task, there were no memory demands. Contrary to our predictions, there was no evidence that VWM interfered with the symmetry response. Instead, there was a general SPN enhancement during both color and shape memory tasks compared to passive viewing. In Experiment 2 (N = 24), we used symmetrical patterns themselves as sample and test to maximize interference. Again, the SPN was enhanced in the memory task compared to passive viewing. We conclude that the visual symmetry response is not impaired by concurrent VWM tasks, even when these tasks involve remembering symmetry itself. It seems that the SPN is not only attention‐proof, but also memory‐proof. This adds to evidence that symmetry perception is robust and automatic.
Who speaks next? Adaptations to speaker identity in processing spoken sentences
Authors: Xu Jue , Abdel Rahman Rasha , Sommer Werner
Published: September 2021

When listening to a speaker, we need to adapt to her individual speaking characteristics, such as error proneness, accent, etc. The present study investigated two aspects of adaptation to speaker identity during processing spoken sentences in multi‐speaker situations: the effect of speaker sequence across sentences and the effect of learning speaker‐specific error probability. Spoken sentences were presented, cued, and accompanied by one of three portraits that were labeled as the speakers’ faces. In Block 1 speaker‐specific probabilities of syntax errors were 10%, 50%, or 90%; in Block 2 they were uniformly 50%. In both blocks, speech errors elicited P600 effects in the scalp recorded ERP. We found a speaker sequence effect only in Block 1: the P600 to target words was larger after speaker switches than after speaker repetitions, independent of sentence correctness. In Block 1, listeners showed higher accuracy in judging sentence correctness spoken by speakers with lower error proportions. No speaker‐specific differences in target word P600 and accuracy were found in Block 2. When speakers differ in error proneness, listeners seem to flexibly adapt their speech processing for the upcoming sentence through attention reorientation and resource reallocation if the speaker is about to change, and through proactive maintenance of neural resources if the speaker remains the same.
Spread of Nontyphoidal Salmonella in the Beef Supply Chain in Northern Tanzania: Sensitivity in a Probabilistic Model Integrating Microbiological Data and Data from Stakeholder Interviews
Authors: Zadoks Ruth N. , Barker Gary C. , Benschop Jackie , Allan Kathryn J. , Chaters Gemma , Cleaveland Sarah , Crump John A. , Davis Margaret A. , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Prinsen Gerard , Thomas Kate M. , Waldman Linda , French Nigel P.
Published: September 2021

East Africa is a hotspot for foodborne diseases, including infection by nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS), a zoonotic pathogen that may originate from livestock. Urbanization and increased demand for animal protein drive intensification of livestock production and food processing, creating risks and opportunities for food safety. We built a probabilistic mathematical model, informed by prior beliefs and dedicated stakeholder interviews and microbiological research, to describe sources and prevalence of NTS along the beef supply chain in Moshi, Tanzania. The supply chain was conceptualized using a bow tie model, with terminal livestock markets as pinch point, and a forked pathway postmarket to compare traditional and emerging supply chains. NTS was detected in 36 (7.7%) of 467 samples throughout the supply chain. After combining prior belief and observational data, marginal estimates of true NTS prevalence were 4% in feces of cattle entering the beef supply and 20% in raw meat at butcheries. Based on our model and sensitivity analyses, true NTS prevalence was not significantly different between supply chains. Environmental contamination, associated with butchers and vendors, was estimated to be the most likely source of NTS in meat for human consumption. The model provides a framework for assessing the origin and propagation of NTS along meat supply chains. It can be used to inform decision making when economic factors cause changes in beef production and consumption, such as where to target interventions to reduce risks to consumers. Through sensitivity and value of information analyses, the model also helps to prioritize investment in additional research.
What Accounts for the Rising Share of Women in the Top 1 percent?
Authors: Burkhauser Richard V. , Herault Nicolas , Jenkins Stephen P. , Wilkins Roger
Published: September 2021

The share of women in the top 1 percent of the UK’s income distribution has been growing over the last two decades (as in several other countries). Our first contribution is to account for this trend using regressions of the probability of being in the top 1 percent, fitted separately for men and women, in order to contrast between the sexes the role of changes in characteristics and changes in returns to characteristics. We show that the rise of women in the top 1 percent is primarily accounted for by their greater increases in the number of years spent in full‐time education. Although most top income analysis uses tax return data, we derive our findings taking advantage of the much more extensive information about personal characteristics that is available in survey data. Our use of survey data requires justification given survey under‐coverage of top incomes. Providing this justification is our second contribution.
Nowcasting South African gross domestic product using a suite of statistical models
Authors: Botha Byron , Olds Tim , Reid Geordie , Steenkamp Daan , van Jaarsveld Rossouw
Published: September 2021

Given lags in the release of data, a central bank must ‘nowcast’ current gross domestic product (GDP) using available quarterly or higher frequency data to understand the current state of economic activity. This paper uses various statistical modelling techniques to draw on a large number of series to nowcast South African GDP. We also show that GDP volatility has increased markedly over the last 5 years, making GDP forecasting more difficult. We show that all the models developed, as well as the Reserve Bank's official forecasts, have tended to overestimate GDP growth over this period. However, several of the statistical nowcasting models we present in this paper provide competitive nowcasts relative to the official Reserve Bank and market analysts' nowcasts.
Foreign direct investment determinants in Mano River Union countries: Micro and macro evidence
Authors: Martins Rodrigo , Cerdeira Jorge , Fonseca Miguel , Barrie Mohamed
Published: September 2021

We analyse the determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Mano River Union countries (Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone), using firm and country levels data to examine the differences and similarities in FDI drivers across these economies.

Our results show that international trade, investment in infrastructures and access to credit positively impact FDI. While credit and trade have a similar influence across countries, the effect of investment is distinct, raising political implications for policy coordination and highlighting the relevance of cooperation among states. Also, policies that boost human capital, and political and economic stability, are relevant, as they augment FDI inflows.
RHCE diversity among Brazilian patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and selected groups of blood donors
Authors: Arnoni Carine Prisco , Vendrame Tatiane , Muniz Janaína , Cortez Afonso , Latini Flavia , Castilho Lilian
Published: September 2021

Background

Several centers have selected Black donors to prevent Rh alloimmunization of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). As the Brazilian population is considered very admixed and race definition by self‐declaration is questionable, this study aimed to compare RHCE diversity among patients with SCD and selected groups of Brazilian blood donors to define which group of donors would be the adequate red cell supply for patients with SCD.

Method

We compared RHCE allele frequencies between patients with SCD and four groups of Brazilian blood donors: self‐declared Black donors (SDB), donors with predominant African genetic markers (AAM), donors with weak D expression (WDD), and random donors (RDs). Variant RHCE alleles were identified using molecular protocols.

Results

Among patients with SCD, 47% had at least one variant RHCE, in SDB and WDD this frequency was higher, 53% and 58.6%, respectively. In AAM and in RD the frequencies were 32% and 27.6%, respectively. In patients with SCD and SDB, the most common alleles were RHCE*ce.01, RHCE*ceVS.01, and RHCE*ceVS.02. WDD had a high frequency of RHCE*ceAR and highest frequency of variant RHCE in both alleles, followed by patients with SCD and SDB.

Conclusion

This study showed that even in an admixed population the selection of SDB donors is the best choice of matching for transfusion support in patients with SCD. For specific RHCE alleles, selection of donors with weak D expression could be a good option.
Human neutrophil antigen 2 sequence‐based typing: Joining the hunt for the CD177 answer
Authors: Browne Tom , Wroe Elizabeth , Keen Leigh , Poles Anthony
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives

Isoantibodies to human neutrophil antigen 2 (CD177) have been associated with several clinical conditions but to date the molecular basis for altered or non‐expression has not been determined. Reliance on phenotyping and crossmatch to investigate these neutropenic clinical cases are inconvenient for the patients and demanding of resources within the laboratory. Therefore, a molecular approach has been introduced to address both issues.

Materials and Methods

A DNA panel of 100 randomly selected blood donors were collected and supplemented with 18 DNA samples from blood donors previously shown to be CD177 null. All DNA samples were sequence‐based typed for all exons and observed polymorphisms recorded. The DNA from two families previously investigated for neonatal alloimmune neutropenia due to CD177 isoantibodies were also analysed.

Results

The incidence of CD177 null could be associated with a known exon 7 single‐nucleotide polymorphism in 16/21 known CD177 null samples, which is consistent with previously published findings. Two additional mutations that may lead to null expression were also identified, of which one may be novel. In both family investigations, this same mutation could also be observed in the maternal DNA sample.

Conclusion

Based on these observations, introduction of CD177 genotyping into routine use would identify null expression in over 75% (16/21) of associated cases. In turn, this could significantly reduce the need for supplementary testing and associated inconvenience to patients while permitting increased efficiency of laboratory testing. An added benefit would potentially elucidate other clinically relevant mutations and associated antigenic targets.
Slow excitatory synaptic currents generated by AMPA receptors
Authors: Pampaloni Niccolò P. , Plested Andrew J. R.
Published: September 2021

Decades of literature indicate that the AMPA‐type glutamate receptor is among the fastest acting of all neurotransmitter receptors. These receptors are located at excitatory synapses, and conventional wisdom says that they activate in hundreds of microseconds, deactivate in milliseconds due to their low affinity for glutamate and also desensitize profoundly. These properties circumscribe AMPA receptor activation in both space and time. However, accumulating evidence shows that AMPA receptors can also activate with slow, indefatigable responses. They do so through interactions with auxiliary subunits that are able promote a switch to a high open probability, high‐conductance ‘superactive’ mode. In this review, we show that any assumption that this phenomenon is limited to heterologous expression is false and rather that slow AMPA currents have been widely and repeatedly observed throughout the nervous system. Hallmarks of the superactive mode are a lack of desensitization, resistance to competitive antagonists and a current decay that outlives free glutamate by hundreds of milliseconds. Because the switch to the superactive mode is triggered by activation, AMPA receptors can generate accumulating ‘pedestal’ currents in response to repetitive stimulation, constituting a postsynaptic mechanism for short‐term potentiation in the range 5–100 Hz. Further, slow AMPA currents span ‘cognitive’ time intervals in the 100 ms range (theta rhythms), of particular interest for hippocampal function, where slow AMPA currents are widely expressed in a synapse‐specific manner. Here, we outline the implications that slow AMPA receptors have for excitatory synaptic transmission and computation in the nervous system.

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Optimization of the European Sodium Fast Reactor Secondary Sodium Loop as Part of the ESFR-SMART Project
Authors: Guidez Joel , Bodi Janos , Mikityuk Konstantin , Girardi Enrico
Published: September 2021

Based on feedback from existing reactors and current projects, the European sodium fast reactor-safety measures assessment and research tools (ESFR-SMART) project proposes an optimization of the secondary circuit with the main aim of improving safety. Besides, the optimization also leads to a simplification of the circuits and, therefore, to a reduction of the cost of the reactor. For the implementation of the proposed new design option, some points require further research and development (R&D) to validate their feasibility.
Leakages Through Radial Cracks in Cement Sheaths: Effect of Geometry, Viscosity, and Aperture
Authors: Skorpa Ragnhild , Vrålstad Torbjørn
Published: September 2021

Annular cement sheath is considered to be one of the most important barrier elements in the well, both during production and after well abandonment. It is however well-known that mechanical damage to the cement sheath might result in leakage pathways, such as microannuli and radial cracks, and thus loss of zonal isolation. In this paper, we have studied the effect of geometry, aperture, and viscosity on the resulting pressure-driven flow through real radial cracks in cement sheaths using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Real radial cracks were created by downscaled laboratory pressure cycling experiments and the resulting geometries were mapped by X-ray computed tomography (CT). This gave a unique 3D volume of the degraded cement sheaths which provides detailed information about the morphology, such as the irregular apertures and roughness, as well as locations of the radial cracks. In this study, we have used five experimentally created geometries, varying from barely connected to fully connected and almost uniform cracks. Additionally, theoretical uniform models with homogeneous aperture and a smooth surface were created for comparison. The simulations were performed by importing the experimentally created leak paths into a CFD simulation software, making it possible to determine the actual flowrate as a function of pressure drop. Methane gas, water, and oil were used as model fluids. The simulation results show that fluid flow through real cracks in cement sheath is complex with torturous paths, especially around bottlenecks and narrow sections. Additionally, the results show that flow of both methane gas- and water are not linear and hence does not follow Darcy's law. This illustrates that simple models are not able to fully describe fluid flow through such complex geometries.
Investigating the Potential of Recycling Flare-Source Hydrocarbon Gases in an Industrial Burner
Authors: Mohamed Fahd M. , Eljack Fadwa T. , Ahmed Samer F. , Ghani Saud A.
Published: September 2021

Flare gas is considered a global environmental concern. Flaring contributes to wasting limited material and energy resources, economic loss, and greenhouse gas emissions. Utilizing flared gas as a fuel feed to industrial cracking furnaces grants advantages in terms of fuel economy and emissions reduction. This work presents the results obtained by ansysfluent simulation of a flare hydrocarbon gas utilized in a steam-cracking furnace of ethylene process when combusting hydrocarbons flare gas in a low-NOx burner. In addition, the study determined the suitability of different hydrocarbon fuel mixtures in satisfying the required adiabatic flame temperature. The flared stream is assumed to be inlet from both primary and secondary staged fuel burners. The simulation results illustrated the detailed temperature profiles along the furnace flue gas side. They also presented the influence of flare stream compositions and Wobbe Index (WI) on the temperature profile. It was found that having an alternative fuel with a heating value or WI similar to that of methane would not result in the same temperature profile of methane, as the current fuel source. In addition, using different excess air percentages has no linear effect on the burner’s temperature profile. However, the results showed that the best replacement of methane, as the main fuel source, is a flare mixture with the same WI of methane as well as a certain H2 content needs to be added to every flare mixture composition to reach the same temperature profile of methane.
State of the art of windthermal turbines: A systematic scoping review of direct wind-to-heat conversion technologies
Authors: Neumeier Malte , Cöster Maximilian , Marques Pais Robin Adriano , Levedag Stefan
Published: September 2021

Windthermal turbines convert wind directly into thermal energy. Albeit it is an uncharted field of research, the overall system efficiency and costs of fully developed windthermal turbines are promising; since they can contribute to a sustainable energy transition. We identify the current state of the art of windthermal conversion principles, technology maturity, applications, substitutes, advantages and disadvantages. To scope relevant literature, we follow the Joanna Briggs Institutes selection and screening process resulting in 61 relevant publications from which we identified three main conversion types, namely compression-, friction-, and induction-based windthermal devices. These devices can directly supply thermal energy for space heating or industrial processes, work as a component of wind-powered thermal energy systems, short WTES, or can substitute any conventional or renewable heat device. Although heat is the lowest form of energy, windthermal applications could provide cheap renewable energy that can be stored easily enhancing security of supply. However, these technologies are currently on laboratory-scale, and we suggest scaling up the existing prototypes to engineering-scale. Finally, due to a missing general terminology, we propose to establish one of the terms windthermal energy, ventothermal energy or anemothermal energy to distinguish these specific wind energy conversion technologies.
Assessment of Noise Signature for a Cavitating Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Stephen Christopher , Arumugam Dhanasekaran , Kumaraswamy S
Published: September 2021

In recent days, sophisticated instruments have emerged to obtain an online measurement of performance parameters from centrifugal pump of different kinds and the signals can be directed to the hands of pump users through mobile applications. With this in mind, a centrifugal pump of low specific speed was chosen for cavitation studies from 80% to 120% of nominal flowrate and for three different speeds. An assessment was carried out for cavitation noise signature from those operating conditions of that pump. The result of cavitation noise based on peak magnitude as well as average revealed nature in relation to cavitation coefficient, and it greatly depends on the flowrate with respect to nominal flowrate. The noise envelope for the flowrate at best efficiency and above was having a similar trend whereas at flows less than the nominal, it was totally different. So the criteria for finding the deviation in noise cannot be uniform for all flowrates. In this paper, the method adapted was to impose a trend line to the measured cavitation noise information and to find out the deviation with respect to normal operating conditions. It was concluded that detection of abnormality in pumps due to cavitation effects requires the current operating condition to be diagnosed first and then proper criteria for deviation in noise has to be imposed.
Techno-Commercial Study of a Solar Hybrid Renewable Energy Generator With an Initial Sizing Strategy
Authors: Das Monotosh , Singh Maisanam Anil Kumar , Biswas Agnimitra
Published: September 2021

Solar energy-based hybrid renewable energy generators are techno-economically designed for various standalone uses such as far-distance area electrification, commerical building electrification, polygeneration, and industrial application. This article attempts to address the problem of high cost of energy of such generators, which needs to be optimized. The research gap is that there is hardly any work on techno-economic optimization of such generators using an initial sizing technique, thereby resulting in a design with higher cost of energy. In this work, a hybrid renewable energy generator comprising solar photovoltaic-biogas-battery storage is techno-economically optimized with the aim of minimizing its cost of energy for electrification of a radio-broadcasting station in India by using simulation software called hybrid optimization model for electric renewables. An initial sizing strategy has been proposed in the modeling of the hybrid system. Optimal designs are obtained under different scenarios like in the standalone mode with and without capacity shortage fraction and in grid-connected mode with scheduled and random outages. The results show that during initial sizing in the standalone mode, consideration of larger size (25 kW) of the component with lower unit capacity cost (biogas unit) and higher load sharing by it (102,625 kWh/year) in the energy management of the hybrid design with a small capacity shortage (5%) reduces the levelized cost of energy to 0.0956 $/kWh compared to some of the literature designs. Of all the optimal designs, the grid-connected system has the lowest levelized cost of energy of 0.0873 $/kWh with a renewable fraction of 0.821. The present work contributes to the component size planning of hybrid renewable energy generator to generate lower levelized cost of energy. The novelty of the present work is that in the component size planning in the standalone mode, following the initial sizing strategy, if the component with lower unit capacity cost shares majority of the load, then the levelized cost of energy with or without grid-connected mode can be further reduced compared to some existing designs, which can be verified from the simulation results. Therefore, the present results will be useful for component planning and sizing of hybrid renewable generators so as to preset the size of its components as per their unit capacity cost to result in a lower cost of energy.
Phoretic mite infestations associated with Rhynchophorus palmarum (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in southern California
Authors: Gómez-marco Francesc , Klompen Hans , Hoddle Mark
Published: September 2021

The South American palm weevil, Rhynchophorus palmarum (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), established in San Diego County, California, USA sometime around 2014. Attached to the motile adults of this destructive palm pest, we identified three species of uropodine mites (Parasitiformes: Uropodina), Centrouropoda n. sp., Dinychus n. sp. and Fuscuropoda marginata. Two of these species, Centrouropoda n. sp. and Dinychus n. sp. are recorded for the first time in the USA and were likely introduced by R. palmarum. Several species of mites, primarily of Uropodina, have previously been recorded as phoretic on Rhynchophorus spp. In this study, we examined 3,035 adult R. palmarum trapped over a 2.5-year period, July 2016 to December 2018, and documented the presence of and species composition of phoretic mites and their relationship with weevil morphometrics (i.e., pronotum length and width). The presence and species composition of mites on weevil body parts changed over the survey period. No mites were found under weevil elytra in 2016 and mite prevalence under elytra increased over 2017–2018 due to an increased abundance of Centrouropoda n. sp per individual beetle. Mite occurrence levels were significantly correlated with reduced pronotum widths of male weevils only. The significance of this finding on male weevil fitness is unknown. Potential implications of phoretic mites on aspects of the invasion biology of R. palmarum are discussed.
Endemic persistence of a highly contagious pathogen: Foot-and-mouth disease in its wildlife host
Authors: Jolles Anna , Gorsich Erin , Gubbins Simon , Beechler Brianna , Buss Peter , Juleff Nick , de Klerk-Lorist Lin-Mari , Maree Francois , Perez-Martin Eva , van Schalkwyk O.L. , Scott Katherine , Zhang Fuquan , Medlock Jan , Charleston Bryan
Published: September 2021

Persistence of acute viruses

How do highly contagious viruses that cause acute infections hang on to cause recurrent problems in a population? It should be expected that such infections would fade out as herd immunity develops, but foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) can reemerge. Jolles
et al
. explored how FMDV remains endemic in African buffalo and serves as a reservoir for disease in domestic livestock (see the Perspective by Hampson and Haydon). The authors found that the virus persists in the population in carrier animals. Inconspicuous, rare, and sporadic transmission rescues the virus from fade-out, assisted by antigenic shift and the seasonal birth of susceptible calves. —CA
Imaging the short-lived hydroxyl-hydronium pair in ionized liquid water
Authors: Lin M.-F. , Singh N. , Liang S. , Mo M. , Nunes J. P. F. , Ledbetter K. , Yang J. , Kozina M. , Weathersby S. , Shen X. , Cordones A. A. , Wolf T. J. A. , Pemmaraju C. D. , Ihme M. , Wang X. J.
Published: September 2021

Capturing OH(H
3
O
+
) in ionized water

Recent advances in liquid-phase ultrafast electron diffraction techniques make it possible to observe what has only been theoretically presumed to occur at short times upon interaction of ionizing radiation with liquid water. Lin
et al
. provide direct evidence for capturing the short-lived radical-cation pair OH(H
3
O
+
), which has been hypothesized for years to form after ionization of liquid water but was not structurally resolved previously (see the Perspective by Cao
et al
.). The authors trace dissociation and subsequent nonradiative structural relaxation around the ionization center. —YS
Light-induced mobile factors from shoots regulate rhizobium-triggered soybean root nodulation
Authors: Wang Tao , Guo Jing , Peng Yaqi , Lyu Xiangguang , Liu Bin , Sun Shiyong , Wang Xuelu
Published: September 2021

Nitrogen fixation in legume roots

Soybeans and other legumes form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules, thus ensuring the plant a ready supply of the necessary nutrient. Wang
et al
. worked out the signaling pathways that integrate above-ground light with below-ground root nodulation. Two mobile regulators move from shoot to root in response to light and, together, they form a signaling module in the root that induces the expression of nodulation factors. Thus, when the shoot sees enough light to support photosynthetic productivity, the root gets the signal to ramp up nitrogen fixation. —PJH
Iron-catalyzed arene C−H hydroxylation
Authors: Cheng Lu , Wang Huihui , Cai Hengrui , Zhang Jie , Gong Xu , Han Wei
Published: September 2021

Ironing on hydroxyls

Although iron-dependent enzymes efficiently hydroxylate aryl rings, this activity has proven hard to replicate with synthetic catalysts. Cheng
et al
. report that a disulfide ligand activates iron to catalyze carbon–hydrogen hydroxylation of a wide variety of arenes using hydrogen peroxide. The protocol can also cleanly functionalize phenols with an additional hydroxyl group, although unfunctionalized arenes react more rapidly, in contrast to conventional oxidative selectivity patterns. The authors showcase this complementary selectivity through hydroxylation of pharmaceuticals with complex substitution patterns. —JSY
Survival strategies for a changing world
Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid: The Fraught and Fascinating Biology of Climate Change
Thor Hanson
Basic Books, 2021. 304 pp.
Authors: Reese Devin
Published: September 2021

Traveling trees, color-changing owls, and gale-proof reptiles showcase nature’s adaptability
Tropic lessons from the past
Jungle: How Tropical Forests Shaped the World—and Us
Patrick Roberts
Basic Books, 2021. 368 pp.
Authors: Bawa Kamaljit S.
Published: September 2021

A history of tropical ecosystems emphasizes the importance of including human inhabitants in conservation conversations
A treasure trove of molecular scissors
Authors: Rousset François , Sorek Rotem
Published: September 2021

Ancestral RNA-guided nucleases greatly expand the toolbox for gene editing
In Science Journals
Authors: Lavine Marc S. , Suleymanov Yury , Hines Pamela J. , Grocholski Brent , Yeston Jake , Stajic Jelena , Foley John F. , Hurtley Stella M. , Alderton Gemma , Purnell Beverly A. , Smith H. Jesse , Vinson Valda , Jiang Di , Ash Caroline , Fogg Christiana N. , Maroso Mattia
Published: September 2021

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
In Other Journals
Authors: Grocholski Brent , Osborne Ian S. , Ash Caroline , Vinson Valda , Hurtley Stella M. , Sugden Andrew M. , Wible Brad
Published: September 2021

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
When professional becomes personal
Authors: Mega Emiliano Rodríguez
Published: September 2021

A wave of sexual harassment complaints against a famed plant geneticist brings up thorny issues of permissiveness and power in Mexican labs
Retraction is ‘second extinction’ for rare dinosaur
Authors: Ortega Rodrigo Pérez
Published: September 2021

Specimen in limbo as German, Brazilian partisans square off over scientific colonialism
Resignations follow Taliban pick to run top Afghan university
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: September 2021

Ex-official warns of “full collapse of all universities”
Metagenome Assembly and Metagenome-Assembled Genome of “
Candidatus
Aramenus sulfurataquae” from Thermal Sediments from the Los Azufres Volcanic Complex
Authors: Marín-Paredes Roberto , Tapia-Torres Yunuen , Martínez-Romero Esperanza , Quesada Mauricio , Servín-Garcidueñas Luis E.
Published: September 2021

A plethora of hot springs are found at the Los Azufres volcanic complex in Mexico, and studies are needed to determine their microbial genomic diversity. Here, we report a metagenome of hot spring sediments and a metagenome-assembled genome of “
Candidatus
Aramenus sulfurataquae.” This study reveals novel genomic sequences of
Sulfolobales
archaea.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of Alcaligenes faecalis HZ01, with Potential to Inhibit Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Growth
Authors: Fernandes Henry Marcel Zalona , Conceição Emilyn Costa , da Silva Sandro Patroca , Machado Edson , Sisco Maria Carolina , Sharma Abhinav , Lima Karla Valéria Batista , da Conceição Marília Lima , da Silva Carvalho Ana Carolina , Miranda Karla Rodrigues , Silva Duarte Rafael , Alviano Daniela Sales , da Silva Dias Rubens Clayton
Published: September 2021

Alcaligenes faecalis
is a Gram-negative rod that is ubiquitous in the environment and is an opportunistic human pathogen. Here, we report the whole-genome sequencing analysis of
A. faecalis
HZ01, which presents mycobacterial growth inhibitory activity and was isolated from a contaminated culture of
Mycobacterium chubuense
ATCC 27278.
Draft Genome Sequence of Leptospira yasudae Strain BJ3, Isolated from the Soil of an
Ex Situ
Wild Animal Conservation Area
Authors: Shamsusah Nadia Aqilla , Agustar Hani Kartini , Amran Fairuz , Hod Rozita
Published: September 2021

Previously, a novel
Leptospira
strain (BJ3) was isolated from the soil of an
ex situ
wild animal conservation area in Perak, Malaysia. Molecular identification via whole-genome sequencing confirmed that the strain was
Leptospira yasudae
. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
L. yasudae
strain BJ3.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Phototropic Cyanobacterium
Rivularia
sp. Strain IAM M-261
Authors: Hirose Yuu , Katayama Mitsunori
Published: September 2021

Rivularia
sp. strain IAM M-261 is a filamentous cyanobacterium with tapering morphology and basal-apical polarity. The apical filament of this cyanobacterium exhibits positive phototropism toward visible light. To elucidate the molecular basis for this phototropism, we determined the draft genome sequence of this strain.