bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the Role of GSK3, A Modulator of Innate Immunity, in Idiopathic Inclusion Body Myositis
Authors: Piazzi Manuela , Bavelloni Alberto , Cenni Vittoria , Faenza Irene , Blalock William L.
Published: November 2021

Idiopathic or sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM) is the leading age-related (onset >50 years of age) autoimmune muscular pathology, resulting in significant debilitation in affected individuals. Once viewed as primarily a degenerative disorder, it is now evident that much like several other neuro-muscular degenerative disorders, IBM has a major autoinflammatory component resulting in chronic inflammation-induced muscle destruction. Thus, IBM is now considered primarily an inflammatory pathology. To date, there is no effective treatment for sporadic inclusion body myositis, and little is understood about the pathology at the molecular level, which would offer the best hopes of at least slowing down the degenerative process. Among the previously examined potential molecular players in IBM is glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3, whose role in promoting TAU phosphorylation and inclusion bodies in Alzheimer’s disease is well known. This review looks to re-examine the role of GSK3 in IBM, not strictly as a promoter of TAU and Abeta inclusions, but as a novel player in the innate immune system, discussing some of the recent roles discovered for this well-studied kinase in inflammatory-mediated pathology.
Lentiviral Vectors Expressing Chimeric NEDD4 Ubiquitin Ligases: An Innovative Approach for Interfering with Alpha-Synuclein Accumulation
Authors: Vogiatzis Stefania , Celestino Michele , Trevisan Marta , Magro Gloria , Del Vecchio Claudia , Erdengiz Deran , Palù Giorgio , Parolin Cristina , Maguire-Zeiss Kathleen , Calistri Arianna
Published: November 2021

One of the main pathological features of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a diffuse accumulation of alpha-synuclein (aS) aggregates in neurons. The NEDD4 E3 Ub ligase promotes aS degradation by the endosomal–lysosomal route. Interestingly, NEDD4, as well as being a small molecule able to trigger its functions, is protective against human aS toxicity in evolutionary distant models. While pharmacological activation of E3 enzymes is not easy to achieve, their flexibility and the lack of “consensus” motifs for Ub-conjugation allow the development of engineered Ub-ligases, able to target proteins of interest. We developed lentiviral vectors, encoding well-characterized anti-human aS scFvs fused in frame to the NEDD4 catalytic domain (ubiquibodies), in order to target ubiquitinate aS. We demonstrate that, while all generated ubiquibodies bind to and ubiquitinate aS, the one directed against the non-amyloid component (NAC) of aS (Nac32HECT) affects aS’s intracellular levels. Furthermore, Nac32HECT expression partially rescues aS’s overexpression or mutation toxicity in neural stem cells. Overall, our data suggest that ubiquibodies, and Nac32HECT in particular, represent a valid platform for interfering with the effects of aS’s accumulation and aggregation in neurons.
Role of Endocytosis Proteins in Gefitinib-Mediated EGFR Internalisation in Glioma Cells
Authors: Cruz Da Silva Elisabete , Choulier Laurence , Thevenard-Devy Jessica , Schneider Christophe , Carl Philippe , Rondé Philippe , Dedieu Stéphane , Lehmann Maxime
Published: November 2021

EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), a member of the ErbB tyrosine kinase receptor family, is a clinical therapeutic target in numerous solid tumours. EGFR overexpression in glioblastoma (GBM) drives cell invasion and tumour progression. However, clinical trials were disappointing, and a molecular basis to explain these poor results is still missing. EGFR endocytosis and membrane trafficking, which tightly regulate EGFR oncosignaling, are often dysregulated in glioma. In a previous work, we showed that EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as gefitinib, lead to enhanced EGFR endocytosis into fused early endosomes. Here, using pharmacological inhibitors, siRNA-mediated silencing, or expression of mutant proteins, we showed that dynamin 2 (DNM2), the small GTPase Rab5 and the endocytosis receptor LDL receptor-related protein 1 (LRP-1), contribute significantly to gefitinib-mediated EGFR endocytosis in glioma cells. Importantly, we showed that inhibition of DNM2 or LRP-1 also decreased glioma cell responsiveness to gefitinib during cell evasion from tumour spheroids. By highlighting the contribution of endocytosis proteins in the activity of gefitinib on glioma cells, this study suggests that endocytosis and membrane trafficking might be an attractive therapeutic target to improve GBM treatment.
Large Negative Photoresistivity in Amorphous NdNiO3 Film
Authors: Stupakov Alexandr , Kocourek Tomas , Nepomniashchaia Natalia , Tyunina Marina , Dejneka Alexandr
Published: November 2021

A significant decrease in resistivity by 55% under blue lighting with ~0.4 J·mm−2 energy density is demonstrated in amorphous film of metal-insulator NdNiO3 at room temperature. This large negative photoresistivity contrasts with a small positive photoresistivity of 8% in epitaxial NdNiO3 film under the same illumination conditions. The magnitude of the photoresistivity rises with the increasing power density or decreasing wavelength of light. By combining the analysis of the observed photoresistive effect with optical absorption and the resistivity of the films as a function of temperature, it is shown that photo-stimulated heating determines the photoresistivity in both types of films. Because amorphous films can be easily grown on a wide range of substrates, the demonstrated large photo(thermo)resistivity in such films is attractive for potential applications, e.g., thermal photodetectors and thermistors.
Formation of Solid Lubricants during High Temperature Tribology of Silver-Doped Molybdenum Nitride Coatings Deposited by dcMS and HIPIMS
Authors: Fenker Martin , Balzer Martin , Kellner Sabine , Polcar Tomas , Richter Andreas , Schmidl Frank , Vitu Tomas
Published: November 2021

The coating system MoN-Ag is an interesting candidate for industrial applications as a low friction coating at elevated temperatures, due to the formation of lubricous molybdenum oxides and silver molybdates. Film deposition was performed by high-power impulse magnetron sputtering and direct current magnetron sputtering. To facilitate a future transfer to industry Mo-Ag composite targets have been sputtered in Ar/N2 atmosphere. The chemical composition of the deposited MoN-Ag films has been investigated by wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Morphology and crystallographic phases of the films were studied by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. To obtain film hardness in relation to Ag content and bias voltage, the instrumented indentation test was applied. Pin-on-disc tribological tests have been performed at room temperature and at high temperature (HT, 450 °C). Samples from HT tests have been analyzed by Raman measurements to identify possible molybdenum oxide and/or silver molybdate phases. At low Ag contents (≤7 at.%), coatings with a hardness of 18–31 GPa could be deposited. Friction coefficients at HT decreased with increasing Ag content. After these tests, Raman measurements revealed the MoO3 phase on all samples and the Ag2Mo4O13 phase for the highest Ag contents (~23–26 at.%).
Non-Destructive Evaluation of Coating Thickness Using Water Immersion Ultrasonic Testing
Authors: Zhang Jiannan , Cho Younho , Kim Jeongnam , Malikov Azamatjon Kakhramon ugli , Kim Young H. , Yi Jin-Hak , Li Weibin
Published: November 2021

The coating is applied to prevent corrosion on the surface of ships or marine structures, and the thickness of the coating affects its anti-corrosion effect. As a result, non-destructive testing (NDT) is required to measure coating thickness, and ultrasonic NDT is a convenient and quick way to measure the thickness of underwater coatings. However, the offshore coating’s energy attenuation and absorption rates are high, the ultrasonic pulse echo test is difficult, and the testing environment is harsh. Because of the coating’s high attenuation, the distance of the optimal water delay line designed based on the reflection coefficient of the vertically incident wave is used. To accurately measure the thickness of the coating material, TOF of the reflected echo on the time-domain waveform was evaluated. The experimental results show that, when compared to caliper measurements, the coating thickness measured by the proposed method has a lower error and can be used for accurate measurement. The use of ultrasonic water immersion measurement is almost limitless in terms of size, location, and material of the object to be measured, and it is expected to be used to measure the thickness of the surface coating of ships or marine structures in the water.
N-Succinyl-S-Farnesyl-L-Cysteine (SFC): A Novel Isoprenylcysteine Analog with In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Clinical Skin Protecting Properties
Authors: Fernández José R. , Rouzard Karl , Fitzgerald Corey , Healy Jason , Tamura Masanori , Voronkov Michael , Stock Jeffry B. , Stock Maxwell , Pérez Eduardo
Published: November 2021

Over the past 15 years, small molecule isoprenylcysteine (IPC) analogs have been identified as a potential new class of topical anti-inflammatories. Clinical studies have demonstrated that IPCs are both safe and effective in promoting healthy skin when applied topically. This work aims to demonstrate N-Succinyl-S-farnesyl-L-cysteine (SFC) as a novel IPC molecule that provides a broad spectrum of benefits for skin. Human promyelocytic cell line HL-60, human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs), human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), and normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) were exposed in culture to various inducers to trigger reactive oxygen species, cytokines, or collagenase production. A 49-subject randomized double-blind, vehicle-controlled, split face trial was performed with 1% SFC gel, or 5% niacinamide and vehicle applied for 12 weeks to evaluate anti-wrinkle and anti-aging endpoints. We demonstrated that SFC inhibited GPCR and TLR-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine release in NHEKs and HDMECs from several inflammatory inducers such as UVB, chemicals, cathelicidin, and bacteria. SFC successfully reduced GPCR-induced oxidation in differentiated neutrophils. Moreover, photoaging studies showed that SFC reduced UVA-induced collagenase (pro-MMP-1) production in HDFs. Clinical assessment of 1% SFC gel demonstrated improvement above the vehicle for wrinkle reduction, hydration, texture, and overall appearance of skin. N-Succinyl-S-farnesyl-L-cysteine (SFC) is a novel anti-inflammatory small molecule and is the first farnesyl-cysteine IPC shown to clinically improve appearance and signs of aging, while also having the potential to ameliorate inflammatory skin disorders.
Time-Resolved Nanobeam X-ray Diffraction of a Relaxor Ferroelectric Single Crystal under an Alternating Electric Field
Authors: Aoyagi Shinobu , Aoyagi Ayumi , Takeda Hiroaki , Osawa Hitoshi , Sumitani Kazushi , Imai Yasuhiko , Kimura Shigeru
Published: November 2021

Lead-containing relaxor ferroelectrics show enormous piezoelectric capabilities relating to their heterogeneous structures. Time-resolved nanobeam X-ray diffraction reveals the time and position dependences of the local lattice strain on a relaxor ferroelectric single crystal mechanically vibrating and alternately switching, as well as its polarization under an alternating electric field. The complicated time and position dependences of the Bragg intensity distributions under an alternating electric field demonstrate that nanodomains with the various lattice constants and orientations exhibiting different electric field responses exist in the measured local area, as the translation symmetry breaks to the microscale. The dynamic motion of nanodomains in the heterogeneous structure, with widely distributed local lattice strain, enables enormous piezoelectric lattice strain and fatigue-free ferroelectric polarization switching.
Pressure Tuned Structural, Electronic and Elastic Properties of U3Si2C2: A First Principles Study
Authors: Bu Moran , Guo Yaolin , Shi Diwei , Liu Zhen , Song Jiexi , Li Yifan , Wu Erxiao , Chen Xinyu , Qin Yanqing , Yang Yang , Du Shiyu
Published: November 2021

U3Si2C2 is expected to be a new nuclear fuel as a ternary compound of uranium, silicon and carbon. However, the relevant research on U3Si2C2 under accident conditions is rarely reported. Hence it is necessary to explore the service behavior of the potential U-Si-C ternary nuclear fuel in extreme environments. In this work, the structural characteristics, electronic behaviors and mechanical properties of U3Si2C2, such as stable crystalline structures, density of states, charge distributions, electron localization function, electronic thermal conductivity and elastic modulus under extreme high pressure are calculated by density functional theory. The calculation results show that the lattice volume sharply increases when the external stress reached 9.8 GPa. Ionic and metallic nature coexist as to the bonding characteristics of U3Si2C2, and the ionic takes the dominant position in bonding. The toughness of U3Si2C2 is predicted to be better compared to U3Si2. Our theoretical investigation may help with the application of U3Si2C2-based fuel and the design of ternary uranium fuels.
Non-Invasive Approach to Investigate the Mineralogy and Production Technology of the Mosaic Tesserae from the Roman Domus of Villa San Pancrazio (Taormina, Italy)
Authors: Gomez-Laserna Olivia , Irto Anna , Irizar Pablo , Lando Gabriele , Bretti Clemente , Martinez-Arkarazo Irantzu , Campagna Lorenzo , Cardiano Paola
Published: November 2021

The archaeological excavations at Villa San Pancrazio (Taormina, Italy) are bringing to light a vast Roman-Imperial residential quarter featuring luxurious dwellings decorated with wall paintings and mosaic floors, pointing it out as one of the most significant archaeological sites of the city. The polychrome and black and white mosaics recovered date back to the middle Imperial period, during the 2nd century AD. This work deals with the first archaeometric investigations of the materials employed for the tesserae production with the aim of elucidating the mineralogical composition and obtaining analytical evidence that can contribute to extracting information related to their production technology. For that purpose, a non-invasive methodology, based on micro energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (μ-EDXRF) spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy, was used to characterize a wide selection of stone, ceramic and glass tesserae. Chemometric tools were exploited to manage the large set of elemental data collected on black and white lithic samples, providing essential clues for the subsequent investigations. The results evidenced the employment of natural lithotypes (calcareous sedimentary, dolomitic and volcanic) local and imported, and also artificial materials, such as ceramic made firing magnesium-rich clays, soda-lime-silica glasses made with different opacifying and coloring agents (such as calcium antimoniate, cobalt and copper).
Novel Therapeutic Method for Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer—The Impact of the Long-Term Research in Therapeutic Effect of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Therapy
Authors: Sofuni Atsushi , Asai Yasutsugu , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Ishii Kentaro , Tanaka Reina , Tonozuka Ryosuke , Honjo Mitsuyoshi , Mukai Shuntaro , Nagai Kazumasa , Yamamoto Kenjiro , Matsunami Yukitoshi , Kurosawa Takashi , Kojima Hiroyuki , Homma Toshihiro , Minami Hirohito , Nakatsubo Ryosuke , Hirakawa Noriyuki , Miyazawa Hideaki , Nagakawa Yuichi , Tsuchida Akihiko , Itoi Takao
Published: November 2021

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a novel advanced therapy for unresectable pancreatic cancer (PC). HIFU therapy with chemotherapy is being promoted as a novel method to control local advancement by tumor ablation. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of HIFU therapy in locally advanced and metastatic PC. PC patients were treated with HIFU as an optional local therapy and systemic chemotherapy. The FEP-BY02 (Yuande Bio-Medical Engineering) HIFU device was used under ultrasound guidance. Of 176 PC patients, 89 cases were Stage III and 87 were Stage IV. The rate of complete tumor ablation was 90.3%, while that of symptom relief was 66.7%. The effectiveness on the primary lesions were as follows: complete response (CR): n = 0, partial response (PR): n = 21, stable disease (SD): n = 106, and progressive disease (PD): n = 49; the primary disease control rate was 72.2%. Eight patients underwent surgery. The median survival time (MST) after diagnosis for HIFU with chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone (100 patients in our hospital) was 648 vs. 288 days (p < 0.001). Compared with chemotherapy alone, the combination of HIFU therapy and chemotherapy demonstrated significant prolongation of prognosis. This study suggests that HIFU therapy has the potential to be a novel combination therapy for unresectable PC.
What Has Changed in the Management of Uterine Serous Carcinomas? Two Decades of Experience
Authors: Liontos Michalis , Svarna Anna , Theofanakis Charalampos , Fiste Oraianthi , Andrikopoulou Angeliki , Kaparelou Maria , Koutsoukos Konstantinos , Thomakos Nikolaos , Haidopoulos Dimitrios , Rodolakis Alexandros , Dimopoulos Meletios Athanasios , Zagouri Flora
Published: November 2021

Uterine serous carcinoma accounts for 3–10% of endometrial cancers, but it is the most lethal histopathological subtype. The molecular characterization of endometrial carcinomas has allowed novel therapeutic approaches for these patients. We undertook a retrospective analysis of patients with uterine serous carcinomas treated in our hospital within the last two decades to identify possible changes in their management. The patients and their characteristics were evenly distributed across the two decades. Treatment modalities did not change significantly throughout this period. After adjuvant treatment, patients’ median disease-free survival was 42.07 months (95% CI: 20.28–63.85), and it did not differ significantly between the two decades (p = 0.059). The median overall survival was 47.51 months (95% Cl: 32.18–62.83), and it significantly favored the first decade’s patients (p = 0.024). In patients with de novo metastatic or recurrent disease, median progression-free survival was 7.8 months (95% Cl: 5.81–9.93), whereas both the median progression-free survival and the median overall survival of these patients did not show any significant improvement during the examined time period. Overall, the results of our study explore the minor changes in respect of uterine serous carcinoma’s treatment over the last two decades, which are reflected in the survival outcomes of these patients and consequently underline the critical need for therapeutic advances in the near future.
Old Brains in Alcohol: The Usability of Legacy Collection Material to Study the Spider Neuroarchitecture
Authors: Rivera-Quiroz F. Andres , Miller Jeremy Abraham
Published: November 2021

Natural history collections include rare and significant taxa that might otherwise be unavailable for comparative studies. However, curators must balance the needs of current and long-term research. Methods of data extraction that minimize the impact on specimens are therefore favored. Micro-CT has the potential to expose new character systems based on internal anatomy to taxonomic and phylogenetic analysis without dissection or thin sectioning for histology. However, commonly applied micro-CT protocols involve critical point drying, which permanently changes the specimen. Here, we apply a minimally destructive method of specimen preparation for micro-CT investigation of spider neuroanatomy suitable for application to legacy specimens in natural history collections. We used two groups of female spiders of the common species Araneus diadematus—freshly captured (n = 11) vs. legacy material between 70 and 90 years old (n = 10)—to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the viability of micro-CT scanning and the impact of aging on their neuroarchitecture. We statistically compared the volumes of the supraesophageal ganglion (syncerebrum) and used 2D geometric morphometrics to analyze variations in the gross shape of the brain. We found no significant differences in the brain shape or the brain volume relative to the cephalothorax size. Nonetheless, a significant difference was observed in the spider size. We considered such differences to be explained by environmental factors rather than preservation artifacts. Comparison between legacy and freshly collected specimens indicates that museum specimens do not degrade over time in a way that might bias the study results, as long as the basic preservation conditions are consistently maintained, and where lapses in preservation have occurred, these can be identified. This, together with the relatively low-impact nature of the micro-CT protocol applied here, could facilitate the use of old, rare, and valuable material from collections in studies of internal morphology.
Colorectal Dysplasia and Cancer Surveillance in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Reznicek Emily , Arfeen Mohammad , Shen Bo , Ghouri Yezaz
Published: November 2021

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a risk factor for the development of inflammation-associated dysplasia or colitis-associated neoplasia (CAN). This transformation results from chronic inflammation, which induces changes in epithelial proliferation, survival, and migration via the induction of chemokines and cytokines. There are notable differences in genetic mutation profiles between CAN in UC patients and sporadic colorectal cancer in the general population. Colonoscopy is the cornerstone for surveillance and management of dysplasia in these patients. There are several modalities to augment the quality of endoscopy for the better detection of dysplastic or neoplastic lesions, including the use of high-definition white-light exam and image-enhanced colonoscopy, which are described in this review. Clinical practice guidelines regarding surveillance strategies in UC have been put forth by various GI societies, and overall, there is agreement between them except for some differences, which we highlight in this article. These guidelines recommend that endoscopically detected dysplasia, if feasible, should be resected endoscopically. Advanced newer techniques, such as endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection, have been utilized in the treatment of CAN. Surgery has traditionally been the mainstay of treating such advanced lesions, and in cases where endoscopic resection is not feasible, a proctocolectomy, followed by ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, is generally recommended. In this review we summarize the approach to surveillance for cancer and dysplasia in UC. We also highlight management strategies if dysplasia is detected.
An Approach to Growth Delimitation of Straight Line Segment Classifiers Based on a Minimum Bounding Box
Authors: Medina-Rodríguez Rosario , Beltrán-Castañón César , Hashimoto Ronaldo Fumio
Published: November 2021

Several supervised machine learning algorithms focused on binary classification for solving daily problems can be found in the literature. The straight-line segment classifier stands out for its low complexity and competitiveness, compared to well-knownconventional classifiers. This binary classifier is based on distances between points and two labeled sets of straight-line segments. Its training phase consists of finding the placement of labeled straight-line segment extremities (and consequently, their lengths) which gives the minimum mean square error. However, during the training phase, the straight-line segment lengths can grow significantly, giving a negative impact on the classification rate. Therefore, this paper proposes an approach for adjusting the placements of labeled straight-line segment extremities to build reliable classifiers in a constrained search space (tuned by a scale factor parameter) in order to restrict their lengths. Ten artificial and eight datasets from the UCI Machine Learning Repository were used to prove that our approach shows promising results, compared to other classifiers. We conclude that this classifier can be used in industry for decision-making problems, due to the straightforward interpretation and classification rates.
Design and Synthesis of Multi-Mode Bandpass Filter for Wireless Applications
Authors: Palanisamy Satheeshkumar , Thangaraju Balakumaran , Khalaf Osamah Ibrahim , Alotaibi Youseef , Alghamdi Saleh
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a compact bandpass filter with improved band stop and band pass characteristics for wireless applications is built with four internal conductive poles in a single resonating cavity, which adds novel quad-resonating modes to the realization of band pass filter. This paper covers the design and testing of the S-band combline coaxial cavity filter which is beneficial in efficient filtering functions in wireless communication system design. The metallic cavity high Q coaxial resonators have the advantages of narrowband, low loss, better selectivity and high potential for power handling, as compared to microstrip filter in the application to determine the quality factor of motor oils. Furthermore, the tuning of coupling screws in the combline filter allows in frequency and bandwidth adjustments. An impedance bandwidth of 500 MHz (fractional bandwidth of 12.8%) has been achieved with an insertion loss of less than 2.5 dB and return loss of 18 dB at the resonant frequency. Four-pole resonating cavity filters have been developed with the center frequency of 4.5 GHz. Insert loss at 0 dB and estimated bandwidth at 850 MHz and a quality factor of 4.3 for the band pass frequencies between 4 and 8 GHz is seen in the simulated result.
Improving the Sensitivity of Chipless RFID Sensors: The Case of a Low-Humidity Sensor
Authors: Marchi Giada , Mulloni Viviana , Hammad Ali Omar , Lorenzelli Leandro , Donelli Massimo
Published: November 2021

This study is supposed to introduce a valid strategy for increasing the sensitivity of chipless radio frequency identification (RFID) encoders. The idea is to properly select the dielectric substrate in order to enhance the contribution of the sensitive layer and to maximize the frequency shift of the resonance peak. The specific case of a chipless sensor suitable for the detection of humidity in low-humidity regimes will be investigated both with numerical and experimental tests.
Effects of Front Plate Geometry on Brush Seal in Highly Swirling Environments of Gas Turbine
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Yue Benzhuang , Kong Xiaozhi , Chen Hua , Lu Huawei
Published: November 2021

Advanced brush seal technology has a significant impact on the performance and efficiency of gas turbine engines. However, in highly inlet swirling environments, the bristles of a brush seal tend to circumferentially slip, which may lead to aerodynamic instability and seal failure. In this paper, seven different front plate geometries were proposed to reduce the impact of high inlet swirl on the bristle pack, and a three-dimensional porous medium model was carried out to simulate the brush seal flow characteristics. Comparisons of a plane front plate with a relief cavity, plane front plate with axial drilled holes, anti-“L”-type plate and their relative improved configurations on the pressure and flow fields as well as the leakage behavior were conducted. The results show that the holed front plate can effectively regulate and control the upstream flow pattern of the bristle pack, inducing the swirl flow to move radially inward, which results in decreased circumferential velocity component. The anti-“L” plate with both axial holes and one radial hole was observed to have the best effect on reducing the swirl of those investigated. The swirl velocity upstream the bristle pack can decline 50% compared to the baseline model with plane front plate, and the circumferential aerodynamic forces on the bristles, which scale with the swirl dynamic head, are reduced by a factor of 4. This could increase the bristle stability dramatically. Moreover, the front plate geometry does not influence the leakage performance significantly, and the application of the axial hole on the front plate will increase the leakage slightly by around 3.5%.
Full-Scale Investigation of Dry Sorbent Injection for NOx Emission Control and Mercury Retention
Authors: Wejkowski Robert , Kalisz Sylwester , Tymoszuk Mateusz , Ciukaj Szymon , Maj Izabella
Published: November 2021

An innovative dry SNCR method realized by a sorbent injection applied to a stoker furnace is presented. The process is based on urea powder admixed with halloysite, an aluminosilicate clay mineral. Field tests were performed at an industrial stoker hot water boiler of 30 MWth capacity. A unique nozzle design for injecting powdery sorbents into the combustion zone was implemented. The base NOx emission without SNCR was determined to be 365 mg/Nm3. During the reference test, the emission was reduced to avg. 175 mg/Nm3, which produces a NOx reduction of 52%. NH3 slip in the flue gas was stable and did not exceed 2 ppm. Combining urea and halloysite powders leads to a number of positive effects; not only is NOx emission reduced to values typical for wet SNCR, but also a significant, over ten-fold increase in the concentration of adsorbed mercury in fly ash was observed. When confronted with wet SNCR, dry SNCR has no adverse effect on boiler efficiency because it does not increase the stack heat loss. The presented method can be used in any small- or medium-scale furnace, including waste-to-energy units or medical and hazardous waste incineration units.
A Study on a Floating Solar Energy System Applied in an Intertidal Zone
Authors: Yang Ray-Yeng , Yu Sheng-Hung
Published: November 2021

This study was aimed at investigating a floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) system by numerical and experimental simulations under wave and wind loads to analyze the motion characteristics of the platform, the tension of the mooring line, and the pressure and uplift coefficient of panels at 2.5 m/5 m water depth conditions. The floating platform was installed with four rows of solar panels, each row with five panels, attached with four catenary types of mooring lines at the corner of the platform. The numerical model was based on ANSYS AQWA and ANSYS FLUENT (ANSYS Inc., Canonsburg, PA, USA). The experiment model was a scaled FPV platform with four rows of panels scaled in the 1:4 scale ratio. The results obtained from the experiment and numerical simulation achieved a good agreement. The results show that under normal sea conditions, the FPV system may resonate in a high frequency of wave condition, and a larger lift force occurred at the windward surface. Under extreme sea conditions, the pitch motion of the floating platform changed about ±6° without overturning; however, the wind will cause a large drift of the floating platform and the vortex area formed, which will cause damage to the solar panel.
Two-Coil Receiver for Electrical Vehicles in Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer
Authors: Campi Tommaso , Cruciani Silvano , Maradei Francesca , Feliziani Mauro
Published: November 2021

Dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) of electric vehicles (EVs) is the future of urban mobility. The DWPT is often based on a series of short track pads embedded in road pavement that wirelessly transfers electrical energy to EVs equipped with a pickup coil for battery charging. An open problem with this technology is the variation of the coupling factor as a vehicle switches from one transmitting coil to another during its motion. This can cause a significant change in power with possible power spikes and holes. In order to overcome these issues, a new architecture is here proposed based on two pick-up coils mounted in the vehicle underneath. These identical receiver coils are placed in different positions under the vehicle (one in front and the other in the rear) and are activated one at a time so that inductive coupling is always good enough. This innovative configuration has two main advantages: (i) it maintains a nearly constant coupling factor, as well as efficiency and transferred power, as the vehicle moves along the electrified road; (ii) it significantly reduces the cost of road infrastructure. An application is presented to verify the proposed two-coil architecture in comparison with the traditional one-coil. The results of the investigation show the significant improvement achieved in terms of maximum power variation which is nearly stable with the proposed two-coil architecture (only 2.8% variation) while there are many power holes with the traditional single coil architecture. In addition, the number of the required transmitting coils is significantly reduced due to a larger separation between adjacent coils.
Empirical Modeling of Stream Nutrients for Countries without Robust Water Quality Monitoring Systems
Authors: Díaz Ismael , Levrini Paula , Achkar Marcel , Crisci Carolina , Fernández Nion Camila , Goyenola Guillermo , Mazzeo Néstor
Published: November 2021

Water quality models are useful tools to understand and mitigate eutrophication processes. However, gaining access to high-resolution data and fitting models to local conditions can interfere with their implementation. This paper analyzes whether it is possible to create a spatial model of nutrient water level at a local scale that is applicable in different geophysical and land-use conditions. The total nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were modeled by integrating Geographical Information Systems, Remote Sensing, and Generalized Additive and Land-Use Changes Modeling. The research was based on two case studies, which included 204 drainage basins, with nutrient and limnological data collected during two seasons. The models performed well under local conditions, with small errors calculated from the independent samples. The recorded and predicted concentrations of nutrients indicated a significant risk of water eutrophication in both areas, showing the impact of agricultural intensification and population growth on water quality. The models are a contribution to the sustainable land-use planning process, which can help to prevent or promote land-use transformation and new practices in agricultural production and urban design. The ability to implement models using secondary information, which is easily collected at a low cost, is the most remarkable feature of this approach.
Evolution of Human Salivary Stress Markers during an Eight-Hour Exposure to a Mediterranean Holm Oak Forest. A Pilot Study
Authors: Bach Albert , Ceron Jose Joaquin , Maneja Roser , Llusià Joan , Penuelas Josep , Escribano Damián
Published: November 2021

The current study analyses the evolution of different human stress markers during an 8 h exposure to a Mediterranean Holm oak forest. We conducted a pre-post study with thirty-one subjects in which saliva samples were collected before the exposure (baseline) and after 1, 2, 4 and 8 h. Our results show: (A) a significant decrease in cortisol saliva concentrations from the second hour until the end compared to basal time; (B) a significant increase in alpha amylase activity after the first hour of exposure compared to basal time that remained elevated during the rest of the study; (C) a significant decrease in IgA from the fourth hour of exposure compared to the basal time. These findings indicate an effect of forest exposure in salivary biomarkers of stress and provide relevant data for the scientific and healthcare community encouraging further research in the field.
Growth and Nitrogen Retranslocation of Nutrient-Loaded Clonal Betulaalnoides Transplanted with or without Fertilization
Authors: Chen Lin , Ma Yue , Li Hua , Zeng Ji , Dell Bernard , Li Zhaoying
Published: November 2021

Nutrient loading can improve the growth and nutrient content of nursery-grown Betula alnoides Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don, but it is unknown whether nutrient loading enhances growth and nutrient uptake after transplanting. Plants were grown with three nutrient loading treatments (N100, N200, and N400; 100, 200, and 400 mg N per plant as 15N-urea) in nursery containers and then transplanted into plastic pots, with or without controlled-release fertilizer (F0 and F10, 0 and 10 g per plant). The N400 plants had a smaller size but higher nitrogen concentration relative to the N100 and N200 plants before transplanting. However, 180 days after transplanting, the N200 and N400 plants had superior root collar diameter, root length, and root area compared to the N100 plants, due to an increase in 15N retranslocation to new stems and new leaves. Moreover, transplant fertilization (F10) enhanced the height, root collar diameter, root length, and plant dry mass, but not nitrogen concentration or retranslocation, relative to F0. We recommend that medium- and high-dose nutrient loading is implemented in B. alnoides nurseries to optimize growth after transplanting. Additional fertilizer at transplanting may be advantageous in supporting growth, owing to the rapid depletion of nutrient reserves after planting out in the field.
Radiata Pine Wood Treated with Copper Nanoparticles: Leaching Analysis and Fungal Degradation
Authors: Aguayo María Graciela , Oviedo Claudia , Reyes Laura , Navarrete José , Gómez Liset , Torres Hugo , Gaviño Gonzalo , Trollund Ejnar
Published: November 2021

Radiata pine is the main wood species used in the Chilean construction industry, but it must be protected due to its low natural durability. Chemical protection of wood by impregnation allows for a more efficient utilization of the forest resources by extending its useful life. The use of nanoparticles in wood protection has garnered great interest during the last decade, due to their unique physicochemical properties, different from those of larger sized materials. In this research, the impregnation of radiata pine wood with copper nanoparticles (CuNP) was studied in terms of retention, penetration, leaching, and its protective effect against wood rot fungi growth according to EN 113, AWPA A3-91, A9-18, and E11-16. Penetration analysis confirmed a uniform distribution across the wood, with total penetration in the impregnated samples with the highest concentration solution of CuNP. Retention values of the impregnated wood increased proportionally with the concentration of nanoparticles evaluated by EDXRF. Leaching analysis showed copper removal during the first hours of the test, with a constant leaching rate up to 144 h. Impregnated wood mass loss (ML) due to exposure to Gloeophyllum trabeum and Rhodonia placenta fungi were significantly reduced regardless of the CuNP concentration or fungi tested, with an ML smaller than 5% and smaller than 14% for leached samples.
PECSA: Practical Edge Computing Service Architecture Applicable to Adaptive IoT-Based Applications
Authors: Liu Jianhua , Wu Zibo
Published: November 2021

The cloud-based Internet of Things (IoT-Cloud) combines the advantages of the IoT and cloud computing, which not only expands the scope of cloud computing but also enhances the data processing capability of the IoT. Users always seek affordable and efficient services, which can be completed by the cooperation of all available network resources, such as edge computing nodes. However, current solutions exhibit significant security and efficiency problems that must be solved. Insider attacks could degrade the performance of the IoT-Cloud due to its natural environment and inherent open construction. Unfortunately, traditional security approaches cannot defend against these attacks effectively. In this paper, a novel practical edge computing service architecture (PECSA), which integrates a trust management methodology with dynamic cost evaluation schemes, is proposed to address these problems. In the architecture, the edge network devices and edge platform cooperate to achieve a shorter response time and/or less economic costs, as well as to enhance the effectiveness of the trust management methodology, respectively. To achieve faster responses for IoT-based requirements, all the edge computing devices and cloud resources cooperate in a reasonable way by evaluating computational cost and runtime resource capacity in the edge networks. Moreover, when cooperated with the edge platform, the edge networks compute trust values of linked nodes and find the best collaborative approach for each user to meet various service requirements. Experimental results demonstrate the efficiency and the security of the proposed architecture.
Tamara K. Hareven: Reflections on a Life Course … and a Friendship
Authors: Marks Loren D.
Published: November 2021

Tamara Hareven, as a new social historian and family historian, weaved multiple narratives together into a tapestry that represented her best approximation of truth. In this piece, I strive to do likewise as I address three topics: (a) Tamara Hareven as Family and Social Historian, (b) Tamara Hareven as Theorist, and (c) Personal Reflections on Tamara Hareven as Mentor and Friend.
Dyrk1a from Gene Function in Development and Physiology to Dosage Correction across Life Span in Down Syndrome
Authors: Atas-Ozcan Helin , Brault Véronique , Duchon Arnaud , Herault Yann
Published: November 2021

Down syndrome is the main cause of intellectual disabilities with a large set of comorbidities from developmental origins but also that appeared across life span. Investigation of the genetic overdosage found in Down syndrome, due to the trisomy of human chromosome 21, has pointed to one main driver gene, the Dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase 1A (Dyrk1a). Dyrk1a is a murine homolog of the drosophila minibrain gene. It has been found to be involved in many biological processes during development and in adulthood. Further analysis showed its haploinsufficiency in mental retardation disease 7 and its involvement in Alzheimer’s disease. DYRK1A plays a role in major developmental steps of brain development, controlling the proliferation of neural progenitors, the migration of neurons, their dendritogenesis and the function of the synapse. Several strategies targeting the overdosage of DYRK1A in DS with specific kinase inhibitors have showed promising evidence that DS cognitive conditions can be alleviated. Nevertheless, providing conditions for proper temporal treatment and to tackle the neurodevelopmental and the neurodegenerative aspects of DS across life span is still an open question.
Uses for Incomplete Ammonite Sutures: Lateral Lobe and Second Saddle as Markers of Sutural Complexity
Authors: Marriott Katherine , Chamberlain John A.
Published: November 2021

Ammonoid sutures are geometric patterns formed by the intersection of the septa and the shell wall, and have long been a diagnostic tool for ammonite researchers for such applications as species identification, taxonomic relationships, ontogenetic change, functional and evolutionary morphology, determination of ecological niche, and other aspects of ammonoid paleobiology. Researchers interested in a variety of paleobiological questions related to ammonoids have almost always required access to the entire hemisuture. Without access to specimens in museum or institutional collections, researchers must rely on previously published illustrations and photographs of ammonoid sutures. However, due to the perspective in photographs, distortion of the marginal elements of suture geometry occurs due to shell curvature near the venter and umbilicus when photographed in profile. The revised approach described here, which we refer to as the Lateral Lobe Saddle, or LLS approach, makes use of only the lateral lobe and second saddle S2 (lateral lobe-second saddle pairs, or LLS) which lie in the central, mid-whorl undistorted sector of a suture line as viewed in lateral, profile shell photos and illustrations. The factors by which fractal dimension of LLS data convert to fractal dimension of the standard hemisuture measurements are largely consistent within genera. The LLS method’s non-requirement of a full hemisuture also facilitates comparisons among sutures within an ontogenetic sequence, or sutures from multiple ammonite taxa where ventral and umbilical sutural elements are hidden by whorl overlap or poor preservation.
Content Analysis of the Free COVID-19 Telephone Consultations Available during the First Wave of the Pandemic in Japan
Authors: Yoshioka-Maeda Kyoko , Sumikawa Yuka , Tanaka Noriha , Honda Chikako , Iwasaki-Motegi Riho , Yamamoto-Mitani Noriko
Published: November 2021

This cross-sectional study aimed to (1) describe the unclassified contents of telephone consultation services provided by a public health center during the first wave of COVID-19 in Japan and (2) examine whether the contents required assistance from public health nurses (PHNs). We analyzed a total of 207 calls in which the purpose of the call was unclassified into pre-set categories. PHNs transcribed the exact text of the consultation conversations recorded from 25 March to 20 April 2020 in City A. Approximately half of the calls were from residents. Seven categories were extracted through a qualitative content analysis. The most common topic was infection control measures, where the presence of COVID-19 infection was assumed (n = 62); the second most common was extreme anxiety and fear of infection (n = 50). Questions about the COVID-19 response system (n = 30), discrimination and misunderstandings about COVID-19 (n = 24), and response measures for COVID-19 outbreaks within organizations (n = 18) were also included. The unclassified consultations included various topics, several of which required the expertise of a PHN. Each local government should consider sharing and task-shifting telephone consultation services among PHNs and other staff to reduce their burden and allow them to concentrate on conducting infection control more effectively.
Factors Related to Locomotive Syndrome in School-Aged Children in Okazaki: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gu Yingzhi , Ito Tadashi , Ito Yuji , Noritake Koji , Ochi Nobuhiko , Matsunaga Naomichi , Takahashi Daiki , Sugiura Hideshi
Published: November 2021

The relationship of locomotive syndrome with other physical characteristics and lifestyle habits in children has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of children’s locomotive syndrome, and to determine its relationship with the above-mentioned factors. This was a cross-sectional study of 285 elementary school children who volunteered to participate in a medical checkup for physical function. Data was collected via medical examination, clinical measurements, and questionnaires. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the relationship (odds ratios; ORs) of participants’ characteristics, physical functions, and other outcomes determined by questionnaire on locomotive syndrome. The following factors were related to locomotive syndrome: older age (OR = 1.421, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.039, 1.945]), male sex (OR = 4.011, 95% CI [2.189, 7.347]), and more time spent watching television per day (OR = 1.281, 95% CI [1.001, 1.640]). These results may assist in the encouragement of children to perform appropriate physical activities and avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, reducing the occurrence of locomotive syndrome.