bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depositional and geomorphic patterns of mixed calciclastic‐siliciclastic systems on a deep‐water Equatorial Margin
Authors: Loza Espejel Roberto , Alves Tiago M. , Caçador Martins‐Ferreira Marco Antonio
Published: August 2021

Distal slope and basin depositional systems in deep waters of the Pará‐Maranhão Basin, Equatorial Brazil, are investigated using a high‐resolution 3D seismic volume, borehole data and multispectral satellite imagery. A Neogene calciclastic submarine fan and a series of channel‐levee systems are analysed at water depths of 100–3,500 m. Channel‐levee systems have sinuous and straight morphologies and are of different sizes. Their origin is related to turbidity flows sourced and funnelled from the carbonate shelf to submarine canyons and gullies, as well as from areas with marked slope instability. A mixed calciclastic‐siliciclastic sediment input is recognised with autochthonous calcarenites and calcilutites comprising the bulk of sediment on the mid and outer continental shelf. Minor amounts of siliciclastic sediment sourced from small rivers occur on the inner shelf. Sedimentation processes of a distally steepened carbonate ramp are discussed considering a general depositional setting dominated by fluctuations in relative sea‐level. Cross‐sectional and planar parameters of mixed calciclastic‐siliciclastic channel‐levee systems are compared to their siliciclastic counterparts. Morphological results show similarities between calciclastic and siliciclastic channel‐levee systems. As a corollary, three types of channel‐levee systems are described: (a) channels related to calciclastic submarine fans, (b) low‐sinuosity, aggradational channels, and (c) high‐sinuosity channels.
Macroscopic visible core length can predict the histological sample quantity in endoscopic ultrasound‐guided tissue acquisition: Multicenter prospective study
Authors: Kaneko Junichi , Ishiwatari Hirotoshi , Sasaki Keiko , Yasuda Ichiro , Takahashi Kosuke , Imura Johji , Iwashita Takuji , Uemura Shinya , Hatano Yuichiro , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Satoh Tatsunori , Sato Junya , Ishikawa Kazuma
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Measurement of the macroscopic visible core (MVC) length during macroscopic on‐site quality evaluation (MOSE) may allow estimation of sample adequacy for next‐generation sequencing (NGS), and prediction of correct diagnosis in endoscopic ultrasound‐guided tissue acquisition (EUS‐TA) of pancreatic masses.

Methods

This multicenter prospective study included consecutive patients who underwent EUS‐TA for pancreatic masses using a 22‐G Franseen needle. MVC length and pathological samples obtained from two needle passes were analyzed on a per‐pass basis. Outcome measures included respective correlations of MVC length with histological sample quantity and diagnostic yields.

Results

The analysis included 204 passes from 102 EUS‐TAs. MVC length correlated positively with histological sample quantity (P < 0.01). On the receiver operating characteristic curve for MVC length, the cut‐off value and area under the curve for obtaining a candidate sample for NGS were 30 mm and 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65–0.83), respectively. On multivariate analysis, MVC length ≥30 mm was a significant factor affecting suitability for NGS (odds ratio 6.19; 95% CI 2.72–14.10). Histologic diagnostic yield correlated positively with MVC length (P = 0.01); however, there was no positive correlation between MVC length and overall (histology plus cytology) diagnostic yield.

Conclusions

Measuring MVC length to predict histological sample quantity on MOSE may be of clinical significance during EUS‐TA using a 22‐G Franseen needle. It may be an effective method, particularly while submitting samples for NGS. Registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network Trials Registry (UMIN000036528).
Brentano on the individuation of mental acts
Authors: Taieb Hamid
Published: August 2021

This paper aims to present and evaluate Brentano's account of the individuation of mental acts. In his early works, Brentano assimilated mental acts to tropes; however, he encountered difficulties in explaining their individuation, since the usual solutions for the individuation of tropes were not readily applicable to his theory of mental acts. In a later period, Brentano introduced into his psychology what he called the “soul,” and this allowed him to explain the individuation of mental acts. Finally, after his “reistic” turn, he excluded mental acts from his ontology, for he rejectedabstractaof any kind, including abstract particulars, and admitted only things, orres(in Latin), that is, concrete particulars; in his late philosophy, there are no “thinkings,” but only “thinkers.” However, he still needed to explain what individuates different thinkers, and this was again the soul. In the conclusion, the paper critically compares the different theoretical options considered by Brentano.
The Enzyme Portal: an integrative tool for enzyme information and analysis
Authors: Zaru Rossana , Onwubiko Joseph , Ribeiro Antonio J. M. , Cochrane Keeva , Tyzack Jonathan D. , Muthukrishnan Venkatesh , Pravda Lukas , Thornton Janet M. , O’Donovan Claire , Velanker Sameer , Orchard Sandra , Leach Andrew , Martin Maria J.
Published: August 2021

Enzymes play essential roles in all life processes and are used extensively in the biomedical and biotechnological fields. However, enzyme‐related information is spread across multiple resources making its retrieval time‐consuming. In response to this challenge, the Enzyme Portal has been established to facilitate enzyme research, by providing a freely available hub where researchers can easily find and explore enzyme‐related information. It integrates relevant enzyme data for a wide range of species from various resources such as UniProtKB, PDBe and ChEMBL. Here, we describe what type of enzyme‐related data the Enzyme Portal provides, how the information is organized and, by show‐casing two potential use cases, how to access and retrieve it.
Effects of high‐temperature exposure on properties of lightweight geopolymer foams incorporating diatomite powders
Authors: Yan Shu , Feng Xue , Yang Yaxin , Xing Pengfei
Published: August 2021

A kind of metakaolin‐based geopolymer foams incorporating diatomite powders (GKGP) with open cellular was presented by addition of diatomite powder via hydrogen peroxide method. Impacts of high‐temperature exposure on the microstructure, pore structure, and mechanical properties of the GKGP samples were investigated. The GKGP foams achieved a typical amorphous phase structure at room temperature. Open porosity of the samples reached approximately 74%. After high‐temperature exposure treatment, the KGP matrix is basically transformed into leucite crystal phase. The compression strength of the leucite foams was also enhanced with increasing temperature to 1200℃ (9.28 MPa). The lightweight foamed GKGP samples with high open porosity might have great potential for membranes and industries, etc.
Kinetic role of C/Zr ratio in the reaction process, combustion behavior, and synthetic product of 70 wt.% (xC–Zr)–30 wt.% Cu
Authors: Zhang Mengxian , Zhao Xianrui , Wang Hongtao , Yao Hailong , Ding Yi , Fang Yihang
Published: August 2021

The kinetic role of C/Zr ratio in the reaction processes, combustion behaviors, and synthesized products of 70 wt.% (xC–Zr)–30 wt.% Cu was investigated. Results indicated that ZrC particles were produced by the replacement reaction between carbon atoms and Zr–Cu melt. With an increase in C/Zr ratio, more carbon atoms combined with the zirconium atoms in Zr–Cu liquid. As a result, the formation rate of massive ZrC enhanced, which shortened the ignition time of combustion reaction. On the other hand, the quantity, the lattice parameter, and thexvalue of synthetic ZrCxincreased, while the byproduct CuyZrxcompounds decreased. These effects contributed to an increase in the burning temperature and ZrCxparticle size. Moreover, it is also revealed that the formation of ZrCxis a multistep process, which leads to an inhomogeneous distribution of the particle size. Results from this work offer a theoretical reference for the kinetic research of combustion synthesis and related techniques, and provide a valuable guide to the in situ synthesis of composite materials containing ZrC.
Characteristics and outcomes of 727 patients with mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome from a Brazilian cohort
Authors: Miyashiro Denis , Sanches José A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are the most prevalent cutaneous lymphomas. They were not described in a large Brazilian cohort yet. We aimed, with this single‐center, retrospective cohort analysis, to describe the characteristics and outcomes of MF/SS in a tertiary public health service in Brazil.

Methods

MF/SS patients evaluated at the University of São Paulo Medical School between 1989 and 2018 were included. Data were collected at diagnosis. Demographic, clinical, histopathological, immunopathological, molecular, laboratory, and follow‐up data were analyzed.

Results

Among 727 patients, 92.6% (673) were diagnosed with MF, 7.4% (54) with SS. There were 51.2% (372) of males, 48.8% (355) of females. The median age was 51.8 years; it was higher in erythrodermic MF (60.2) and SS (60.9). Among MF, 41.8% (281) had classic MF, 4.9% (33) folliculotropic MF, 1.8% (12) granulomatous slack skin, and 0.3% (2) pagetoid reticulosis. Common subtypes included erythrodermic (14.1%, 95), hypopigmented (10.8%, 73), and poikilodermatous MF (10.8%, 73). Extracutaneous involvement was rare. Five, 10, 20, and 30‐year overall survival rates were 97.3%, 92.4%, 82.6%, and 82.6% for early‐stage, and 58.6%, 42.7%, 20.8%, and 15.4% for advanced‐stage disease, respectively. After multivariate analysis, SS diagnosis, folliculotropic MF, erythrodermic MF, clinical stage, age (≥60 years), increased lactate dehydrogenase, and large cell transformation conferred poorer prognosis.

Conclusions

We observed a higher percentage of hypopigmented MF compared to the literature, and demographic (older age) and prognostic (poorer prognosis) similarities between erythrodermic MF and SS, suggesting a possible relationship between these erythrodermic lymphomas. Factors associated with a poorer prognosis were compatible with the literature.
Normocalcaemic primary hyperparathyroidism: is nephrolithiasis more common than osteoporosis?
Authors: Wu Kevin Cho Jung , Anpalahan Mahesan
Published: August 2021

Background

Normocalcaemic primary hyperparathyroidism (NPHPT) is often under‐recognised in clinical practice.

Aim

To determine the prevalence and clinical significance of NPHPT in an unselected sample in an acute hospital setting.

Methods

Patients aged >18 years who had measurement of an elevated serum parathyroid hormone (PTH ≥ 7 pmol/L) during 12 months from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017 were retrospectively studied. NPHPT was defined by the presence of elevated serum PTH with normal albumin‐corrected serum calcium on two or more occasions after excluding secondary causes. Patients were followed up for 2 years. Relevant data were collected by review of electronic medical records.

Results

Of the 2593 patients who had PTH measured during the study period, 1278 had serum PTH ≥ 7 pmol/L. Hypercalcaemic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) was diagnosed in 174 patients. Secondary causes for elevated serum PTH were identified in 993 patients: 815 (chronic kidney disease – estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or renal transplant), 98 (vitamin D deficiency – 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L), 28 (gastric bypass surgery), 38 (medications), 13 (malabsorption or post‐thyroidectomy) and 1 (hypercalciuria). Data were incomplete for 80 patients. The prevalence of NPHPT with and without the exclusion of hypercalciuria was 0.19% (5) and 0.39% (10) respectively. The prevalence of nephrolithiasis in NPHPT was higher than PHPT (100% vs 15% among five patients (P < 0.001) and 50% vs 15% among 10 patients (P = 0.014)). The prevalence of osteoporosis was not significantly different between NPHPT and PHPT (20% vs 45% among five patients (P = 0.389) and 30% vs 45% among 10 patients (P = 0.518)).

Conclusion

These findings give further credence to the diagnosis of NPHPT as a clinical entity. Nephrolithiasis may be a greater problem than osteoporosis in NPHPT compared with PHPT. This needs prospective evaluation.
“Man Up”: Sex‐Differentiated Pathways of Juvenile Delinquency through Trauma, Borderline Traits & Offense Patterns
Authors: McGill Kathryn A. , Stefurak Tres
Published: August 2021

Juvenile delinquency presents a significant fiscal and moral cost to society; given the ability for early intervention and changing offending trajectories, it is essential to understand potential risk factors and offending patterns in justice‐involved youth. The current study examined features of 193 male and 96 female profiles on the Personality Assessment Inventory – Adolescent (PAI‐A) in conjunction with offending patterns to determine sex differences in offending. Significant sex effects on status offending were found for borderline and trauma symptoms. Contrary to hypothesized findings, higher borderline and trauma symptoms predicted more status offending for males, but not for females. Post‐hoc analyses postulate these findings showing males with higher frequency of status offending to also have higher rates of internalizing problems, as determined by PAI‐A scores. Results of this study can be implicated in better treatment of males in particular who have higher status offending, and help to broaden our knowledge of sex differences in juvenile offending.
The venous system of E14.5 mouse embryos—reference data and examples for diagnosing malformations in embryos with gene deletions
Authors: Geyer Stefan H. , Maurer‐Gesek Barbara , Reissig Lukas F. , Rose Julia , Prin Fabrice , Wilson Robert , Galli Antonella , Tudor Catherine , White Jacqueline K. , Mohun Timothy J. , Weninger Wolfgang J.
Published: August 2021

Approximately one‐third of randomly produced knockout mouse lines produce homozygous offspring, which fail to survive the perinatal period. The majority of these die around or after embryonic day (E)14.5, presumably from cardiovascular insufficiency. For diagnosing structural abnormalities underlying death and diseases and for researching gene function, the phenotype of these individuals has to be analysed. This makes the creation of reference data, which define normal anatomy and normal variations the highest priority. While such data do exist for the heart and arteries, they are still missing for the venous system. Here we provide high‐quality descriptive and metric information on the normal anatomy of the venous system of E14.5 embryos. Using high‐resolution digital volume data and 3D models from 206 genetically normal embryos, bred on the C57BL/6N background, we present precise descriptive and metric information of the venous system as it presents itself in each of the six developmental stages of E14.5. The resulting data shed new light on the maturation and remodelling of the venous system at transition of embryo to foetal life and provide a reference that can be used for detecting venous abnormalities in mutants. To explore this capacity, we analysed the venous phenotype of embryos from 7 knockout lines (Atp11a, Morc2a, 1700067K01Rik, B9d2, Oaz1, Celf4 and Coro1c). Careful comparisons enabled the diagnosis of not only simple malformations, such as dual inferior vena cava, but also complex and subtle abnormalities, which would have escaped diagnosis in the absence of detailed, stage‐specific referenced data.
Signalling, commitment, and strategic absurdities
Authors: Williams Daniel
Published: August 2021

Why do well‐functioning psychological systems sometimes give rise to absurd beliefs that are radically misaligned with reality? Drawing on signalling theory, I develop and explore the hypothesis that groups often embrace beliefs that are viewed as absurd by outsiders as a means of signalling ingroup commitment. I clarify the game‐theoretic and psychological underpinnings of this hypothesis, I contrast it with similar proposals about the signalling functions of beliefs, and I motivate several psychological and sociological predictions that could be used to distinguish it from alternative explanations of irrational group beliefs.
BIOMATH - 2021 International Conference and School for Young Scientists
Authors: Anguelov Roumen , Banasiak Jacek , Chapwanya Michael
Published: August 2021

This is a brief report on the BIOMATH-2021 International Conference and School for Young Scientists held in Pretoria, South Africa.
Spheroidal ambisonics: Spatial audio in spheroidal bases
Authors: Kaneko Shoken , Duraiswami Ramani
Published: August 2021

Ambisonics is an established framework to capture and reproduce spatial sound fields based on the spherical harmonics representation [Gerzon (1973). J. Audio Eng. Soc. 21(1), 2–10]. A generalization—spheroidal ambisonics—based on spheroidal wave functions is proposed for use with spheroidal microphone arrays. Analytical conversion from spheroidal ambisonics to spherical ambisonics are derived to ensure compatibility with the existing ambisonics ecosystem. Numerical experiments verify spheroidal ambisonics encoding and transcoding for spatial sound field recording. The sound field reconstructed from the transcoded coefficients has a zone of accurate reconstruction which is prolonged towards the long axis of a prolate spheroidal microphone array.
Test–Retest Reliability, Training, and Detraining Effects Associated With the Dynavision D2™ Mode A Visuomotor Reaction Time Test
Authors: Wells Adam J. , Johnson Bri-ana D.I.
Published: August 2021

Context: The Dynavision D2™ Mode A test (ModeA) is a 1-minute reaction time (RT) test commonly used in sports science research and clinical rehabilitation. However, there is limited data regarding the effect of repeated testing (ie, training) or subsequent periods of no testing (ie, detraining) on test–retest reliability and RT performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the test–retest reliability, training, and detraining effects associated with the D2™ ModeA test. Design: Repeated measures/reliability. Methods: Twenty-four recreationally active men and women completed 15 training sessions consisting of 2 ModeA tests per session (30 tests). The participants were then randomized to either 1 or 2 weeks of detraining prior to completing 15 retraining sessions (30 tests). The training and retraining periods were separated into 10 blocks for analysis (3 tests per block). The number of hits (hits) and the average RT per hit (AvgRT) within each block were used to determine RT performance. Intraclass correlation coefficients, SEM, and minimum difference were used to determine reliability. Repeated-measures analysis of variance/analysis of covariance were used to determine training and detraining effects, respectively. Results: The ModeA variables demonstrated excellent test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient2,3 > .93). Significant improvements in hits and AvgRT were noted within training blocks 1 to 5 (P < .05). No further improvements in RT performance were noted between training blocks 6 through 10. There was no effect of detraining period on RT. The RT performance was not different between blocks during retraining. Conclusions: It appears that 15 tests are necessary to overcome the training effect and establish reliable baseline performance for the ModeA test. Detraining for 1 to 2 weeks did not impact RT performance. The authors recommend that investigators and clinicians utilize the average of 3 tests when assessing RT performance using the D2 ModeA test.
Closed Genome Sequence of Clostridium botulinum Strain IBCA10-7060 Type Bh
Authors: Dover Nir , Barash Jason R. , Bell John M. , Sylvester Matthew D. , Arnon Stephen S.
Published: August 2021

Clostridium botulinum
strain IBCA10-7060 was isolated from a stool specimen from an infant botulism patient and is the only
Clostridium botulinum
strain known that produces botulinum toxin type H. We present here its 4.09-Mbp closed genome sequence.
Genome Sequence of Equid Alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) from a Nasal Swab of a Swiss Horse Associated with a Major EHV-1 Outbreak following a Show Jumping Event in Valencia, Spain
Authors: Kubacki Jakub , Lechmann Julia , Fraefel Cornel , Bachofen Claudia
Published: August 2021

We present the genome sequence of equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) sequenced directly from the nasal swab of a Swiss horse that attended an international equestrian event in Valencia, Spain, the origin of an outbreak of neurological disorders in horses in several European countries in February 2021.
Who uses probiotics and why? A survey study conducted among general gastroenterology patients
Authors: Lynch Elissa , Troob Jordan , Lebwohl Benjamin , Freedberg Daniel E
Published: August 2021

Background

The rapid growth of the probiotic industry suggests patients will continue to seek advice from gastroenterologists about probiotics. To best address patient questions and concerns, we must first understand who uses probiotics and why.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the endoscopy suite of an academic hospital from June to October of 2019. Surveys were anonymous and contained a combination of multiple choice, free text and Likert scale questions. Participants privately completed a paper survey in English or Spanish and the results were reviewed with them by study personnel to clarify responses. Descriptive statistics were generated and multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to compare characteristics of probiotic users versus non-users.

Results

During the 5-month study period, 600 patients were approached and 537 (90%) agreed to participate. Among participants, 89% completed at least 24 survey items and were included in the analysis. Overall, 27% of patients reported probiotic use. Bloating, rather than diarrhoea, was the main gastrointestinal symptom associated with use of probiotics (aOR 2.59, 95% CI 1.52 to 4.44 for bloating; aOR 1.03, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.94 for diarrhoea). Frequent reasons cited for taking probiotics were the beliefs that they improved overall health and longevity (54%) and that they improved gastrointestinal symptoms (45%).

Conclusions

Probiotic use is common among general gastroenterology patients, many of whom believe that probiotics confer general rather than specific gastrointestinal health benefits. Symptoms—especially bloating—and not sociodemographic factors seem to motivate probiotic use. By understanding patient expectations for probiotics, clinicians can better advise them.
Understanding multifunctional Bay of Fundy dykelands and tidal wetlands using ecosystem services—a baseline
Authors: Sherren Kate , Ellis Kirsten , Guimond Julia A. , Kurylyk Barret , LeRoux Nicole , Lundholm Jeremy , Mallory Mark L. , van Proosdij Danika , Walker Allison K. , Bowron Tony M. , Brazner John , Kellman Lisa , Turner II B. L. , Wells Emily
Published: August 2021

We review what is known about ecosystem service (ES) delivery from agricultural dykelands and tidal wetlands around the dynamic Bay of Fundy in the face of climate change and sea-level rise, at the outset of the national NSERC ResNet project. Agricultural dykelands are areas of drained tidal wetland that have been converted to agricultural lands and protected using dykes and aboiteaux (one-way drains or sluices), first introduced by early French settlers (Acadians). Today, Nova Scotia’s 242 km system of dykes protect 17,364 ha of increasingly diverse land uses—including residential, industrial, and commercial uses as well as significant tourism, recreational, and cultural amenities—and is undergoing system modernization and adaptation. Different ES are provided by drained and undrained landscapes such as agriculture from dykelands and regulating services from wetlands, but more complex dynamics exist when beneficiaries are differentiated. This review reveals many knowledge gaps about ES delivery and dynamics, including around net greenhouse gas implications, storm protection, water quality, fish stocks, pollination processes, sense of place, and aesthetics, some of which may reveal shared ES or synergies instead of trade-offs. We emphasize the need to be open to adapting ES concepts and categorizations to fully understand Indigenous implications of these land use decisions.
Application of Differential Evolution Cuckoo Search Algorithm in Parameter Optimization of VG Equation
Authors: Yuan Bo , Chen Deji
Published: August 2021

Van Genuchten (VG) equation is the most commonly used equation of soil moisture characteristic curve, and the accuracy of its parameters directly affects the calculation accuracy of soil moisture motion equation. In order to obtain the parameters of the equation more accurately, this paper establishes an optimization model of the VG equation parameters. This optimization model uses the advantages of the cuckoo search algorithm and the differential evolution algorithm to combine the two into a new hybrid cuckoo search algorithm, namely DECS algorithm, and uses this algorithm to solve the parameter optimization problem of VG equation of soil moisture characteristic curve. By collecting and analyzing the relevant experimental data of various soil qualities, the dehumidification and moisture absorption curves of three different soil qualities were selected for simulation calculation. The results show that in the experiment of solving the parameter estimation problem of the VG equation, the DECS hybrid algorithm has better exploration and development capabilities than the cuckoo search algorithm. The hybrid algorithm has relatively significant performance in terms of calculation accuracy and convergence.
An Analysis of the Robust Convergent Method for a Singularly Perturbed Linear System of Reaction–Diffusion Type Having Nonsmooth Data
Authors: Chawla Sheetal , Singh Jagbir , Urmil
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a coupled system of [Formula: see text] second-order singularly perturbed differential equations of reaction–diffusion type with discontinuous source term subject to Dirichlet boundary conditions is studied, where the diffusive term of each equation is being multiplied by the small perturbation parameters having different magnitudes and coupled through their reactive term. A discontinuity in the source term causes the appearance of interior layers on either side of the point of discontinuity in the continuous solution in addition to the boundary layer at the end points of the domain. Unlike the case of a single equation, the considered system does not obey the maximum principle. To construct a numerical method, a classical finite difference scheme is defined in conjunction with a piecewise-uniform Shishkin mesh and a graded Bakhvalov mesh. Based on Green’s function theory, it has been proved that the proposed numerical scheme leads to an almost second-order parameter-uniform convergence for the Shishkin mesh and second-order parameter-uniform convergence for the Bakhvalov mesh. Numerical experiments are presented to illustrate the theoretical findings.
Dirichlet series associated to sum-of-digits functions
Authors: Everlove Corey
Published: August 2021

We study the Dirichlet series [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the sum of the base-b digits of the integer n, and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the summatory function of [Formula: see text]. We show that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] have analytic continuations to the plane [Formula: see text] as meromorphic functions of order at least 2, determine the locations of all poles, and give explicit formulas for the residues at the poles. We give a continuous interpolation of the sum-of-digits functions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to non-integer bases using a formula of Delange, and show that the associated Dirichlet series have a meromorphic continuation at least one unit left of their abscissa of absolute convergence.
High Quantum Yield Fluorescent Chitosan-Based Carbon Dots for the Turn-On-Off-On Detection of Cr(VI) and H2O2
Authors: Zhang Yudong , Dong Yan , Zheng Haifu , Yang Xueyun , Yao Cheng
Published: August 2021

One-pot hydrothermal carbonization approach was employed to synthesize the blue-emission carbon dots derived from chitosan (Cs) and o-phenylenediamine (OPD). The Cs-based carbon dots (Cs–CDs) possessed a certain high quantum yield of 58% and exhibited excellent solubility, stability and fluorescence response in aqueous solutions. The Cs–CDs were designed as a sensor for Cr(VI) and H2O2 determination. The sensing strategy of Cr(VI) was based on the inner filter effect (IFE) and static quenching effect (SQE), showing a good linear correlation ranging from 1 to 130[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M with a detection limit (LOD) of 0.91[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M. In addition, the determination for H2O2 was attributed to the elimination of IFE (EIFE) due to the reduction reaction and the detection for H2O2 was in the linear range from 1.0 to 200.0[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M with LOD of 0.51[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M. Finally, the proposed designed sensor could be simply applied for detection of Cr(VI) and H2O2 in real samples.
Temporal and Spatial Signaling Mediating the Balance of the Plankton Microbiome
Authors: Deng Yun , Vallet Marine , Pohnert Georg
Published: August 2021

The annual patterns of plankton succession in the ocean determine ecological and biogeochemical cycles. The temporally fluctuating interplay between photosynthetic eukaryotes and the associated microbiota balances the composition of aquatic planktonic ecosystems. In addition to nutrients and abiotic factors, chemical signaling determines the outcome of interactions between phytoplankton and their associated microbiomes. Chemical mediators control essential processes, such as the development of key morphological, physiological, behavioral, and life-history traits during algal growth. These molecules thus impact species succession and community composition across time and space in processes that are highlighted in this review. We focus on spatial, seasonal, and physiological dynamics that occur during the early association of algae with bacteria, the exponential growth of a bloom, and its decline and recycling. We also discuss how patterns from field data and global surveys might be linked to the actions of metabolic markers in natural phytoplankton assemblages.
Stress Classification by Multimodal Physiological Signals Using Variational Mode Decomposition and Machine Learning
Authors: Salankar Nilima , Koundal Deepika , Mian Qaisar Saeed
Published: August 2021

In this pandemic situation, importance and awareness about mental health are getting more attention. Stress recognition from multimodal sensor based physiological signals such as electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) signals is a very cost-effective way due to its noninvasive nature. A dataset, recorded during the mental arithmetic task, consisting of EEG + ECG signals of 36 participants is used. It contains two categories of performance, namely, “Good” (nonstressed) and “Bad” (stressed) (Gupta et al. 2018 and Eraldeír et al. 2018). This paper presents an effective approach for the recognition of stress marker at frontal, temporal, central, and occipital lobes. It processes the multimodality physiological signals. The variational mode decomposition (VMD) strategy is used for data preprocessing and for the decomposition of signals into various oscillatory mode functions. Poincare plots (PP) are derived from the first eight variational modes and features from these plots have been extracted such as mean, area, and central tendency measure of the elliptical region. The statistical significance of the extracted features with

p
 
<
 
0.5

has been performed using the Wilcoxson test. The multilayer perceptron (MPLN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms are used for the classification of stress and nonstress categories. MLPN has achieved the maximum accuracies of 100% for frontal and temporal lobes. The suggested method can be incorporated in noninvasive EEG signal processing based automated stress identification systems.
Towards Secretome Standardization: Identifying Key Ingredients of MSC-Derived Therapeutic Cocktail
Authors: Giannasi Chiara , Niada Stefania , Della Morte Elena , Casati Sara , Orioli Marica , Gualerzi Alice , Brini Anna Teresa
Published: August 2021

The therapeutic potential of the conditioned medium (CM) derived from MSCs (mesenchymal stem/stromal cells) in disparate medical fields, from immunology to orthopedics, has been widely suggested by in vitro and in vivo evidences. Prior to MSC-CM use in clinical applications, appropriate quality controls are needed in order to assess its reproducibility. Here, we evaluated different CM characteristics, including general features and precise protein and lipid concentrations, in 3 representative samples from adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs). In details, we first investigated the size and distribution of the contained extracellular vesicles (EVs), lipid bilayer-delimited particles whose pivotal role in intercellular communication has been extensively demonstrated. Then, we acquired Raman signatures, providing an overlook of ASC-CM composition in terms of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. At last, we analyzed a panel of 200 molecules including chemokines, cytokines, receptors, and inflammatory and growth factors and searched for 32 lipids involved in cell signalling and inflammation. All ASC-CM contained a homogeneous and relevant number of EVs (

1.0
×

10

9

±
1.1
×

10

8

particles per million donor ASCs) with a mean size of

190
±
5.2
 
nm

, suggesting the appropriateness of the method for EV retaining and concentration. Furthermore, also Raman spectra confirmed a high homogeneity among samples, allowing the visualization of specific peaks for nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. An in depth investigation that focused on 200 proteins involved in relevant biological pathways revealed the presence in all specimens of 104 factors. Of these, 26 analytes presented a high degree of uniformity, suggesting that the samples were particularly homogenous for a quarter of the quantified molecules. At last, lipidomic analysis allowed the quantification of 7 lipids and indicated prostaglandin-E2 and N-stearoylethanolamide as the most homogenous factors. In this study, we assessed that ASC-CM samples obtained with a standardized protocol present stable features spanning from Raman fingerprint to specific marker concentrations. In conclusion, we identified key ingredients that may be involved in ASC-CM therapeutic action and whose consistent levels may represent a promising quality control in the pipeline of its preparation for clinical applications.
Investigations on Microstructure, Mechanical, Thermal, and Tribological Behavior of Cu-MWCNT Composites Processed by Powder Metallurgy
Authors: Stalin B. , Ravichandran M. , Karthick Alagar , Meignanamoorthy M. , Sudha G. T. , Karunakaran S. , Bharani Murugesan
Published: August 2021

Copper (Cu) metal matrix composite (MMC) was developed with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) as reinforcement by using powder metallurgy (PM) technique. The composition of the composites is Cu, Cu-4 wt% MWCNT, Cu-8 wt% MWCNT, and Cu-12 wt% MWCNT. The Cu and MWCNTs were blended for 6 hours in a ball mill and compacted at a 6 ton pressure to form green compacts using a 10 ton hydraulic press. Using a tubular furnace, the heat was applied at 900°C for 1.5 hours to impart strength and integrity to the green compacts. Milled composite blends were studied to analyze its characterization through SEM and EDAX analysis. Characterization studies such as SEM and EDAX confirm the presence and even dispersion of Cu and MWCNT constituents. The relative density, hardness, and ultimate compressive strength have been studied, and a remarkable improvement in properties has been obtained by the inclusion of MWCNTs. The composites reinforced by 8 and 12 wt% MWCNT were recorded with low thermal conductivity than the Cu composite reinforced by 4 wt% MWCNT. A wear study was analyzed using Taguchi technique for determining the effect caused by the wear test parameters and MWCNT content on wear rate. The optimized parameter that contributes minimum wear rate was identified as 12 wt% MWCNT content, 10 N applied load, 2 m/s sliding velocity, and 500 m sliding distance. Based on the obtained results, it could be understood that the produced composites can be utilized for various applications like relay contact springs and switchgear, rotor bars, and bus bars.
A Discovery Method for Hierarchical Software Execution Behavior Models Based on Components
Authors: Tang Yahui , Li Tong , Zhu Rui , Du Fei , Wang Jishu , Ma Zifei
Published: August 2021

Software is rapidly evolving and operates in a changing environment; therefore, in addition to software design and testing, it is essential to observe and understand the software execution behavior by modeling data recorded during the execution of the software to improve its reliability. The nested call relationship between methods during the execution of software is common, but most process-mining methods are unable to discover them, only generating flat models with low fitness. Meanwhile, it is easy to generate “spaghetti-like” models with low comprehensibility when dealing with complex software execution data. This paper proposes a component-based hierarchical software behavior model discovery method that can discover hierarchical nested call structures during software runtime, improving the fitness of the model; meanwhile, the proposed method partitions the discovery model into several parts by component information to improve the comprehensibility of the model, which can also reflect the interaction behavior within and between components. The proposed approach was implemented in a process mining toolkit. Using real-life software event logs and public datasets, we demonstrated that compared with other advanced process mining techniques, our approach can visualize actual software execution behavior in a more accurate and easy-to-understand way while balancing time performance.
Spatial Differentiation Analysis of Water Quality in Dianchi Lake Based on GF-5 NDVI Characteristic Optimization
Authors: Lin Hu , Shu Gan , Xiping Yuan , Yan Li , Guokun Chen , Sha Gao
Published: August 2021

Remote sensing monitoring of aquatic vegetation is critical to the water quality evaluation of plateau lakes. To obtain a clear understanding of the water environment status of Dianchi Lake, a GF-5 hyperspectral characteristics-based optimal NDVI approach was employed to quantify the aquatic vegetation cover and analyze water quality. By characteristic bands recognition, the optimal NDVI was obtained; the spatial distribution of aquatic plants and water quality in Dianchi Lake were then analyzed. Results showed the following: (1) For Caohai, the optimal NDVI value was calculated by B86 in the red band range and B151 in the near-infrared band range, which achieve the best spectral response. For Waihai, the respective bands were B86 in the red band range and B99 in the near-infrared band range. (2) We also found significant regional differences in aquatic plants distribution for the study area. Caohai was dominated by aquatic plants and high-quality water areas only occurred in the northern tip. While the situation for Waihai was much optimistic, areas with poor water quality were mainly found in the north and south parts. Water quality also showed a descending trend from the lakeside zone to the lake center. (3) By comparing to previous studies, we concluded that policy interventions and water protection measures carried out by the government during the past years are extremely effective. The optimal NDVI method provides a reliable evaluation and is potentially transferable to other plateau lake areas as a robust approach for the rapid assessment of water quality.
Rosiglitazone Alleviates Mechanical Allodynia of Rats with Bone Cancer Pain through the Activation of PPAR-γ to Inhibit the NF-κB/NLRP3 Inflammatory Axis in Spinal Cord Neurons
Authors: Fu Jie , Zhao Baoxia , Ni Chaobo , Ni Huadong , Xu Longsheng , He Qiuli , Xu Miao , Xu Chengfei , Luo Ge , Zhu Jianjun , Tao Jiachun , Yao Ming
Published: August 2021

Bone cancer pain (BCP) is a serious clinical problem that affects the quality of life of cancer patients. However, the current treatment methods for this condition are still unsatisfactory. This study investigated whether intrathecal injection of rosiglitazone modulates the noxious behaviors associated with BCP, and the possible mechanisms related to this effect were explored. We found that rosiglitazone treatment relieved bone cancer-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner, promoted the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) in spinal cord neurons, and inhibited the activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory axis induced by BCP. However, concurrent administration of the PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 reversed these effects. The results show that rosiglitazone inhibits the NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammation axis by activating PPAR-γ in spinal neurons, thereby alleviating BCP. Therefore, the PPAR-γ/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway may be a potential target for the treatment of BCP in the future.
A Workflow for Integrated Geological Modeling for Shale Gas Reservoirs: A Case Study of the Fuling Shale Gas Reservoir in the Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Shang Xiaofei , Zhao Huawei , Long Shengxiang , Duan Taizhong
Published: August 2021

Shale gas reservoir evaluation and production optimization both require geological models. However, currently, shale gas modeling remains relatively conventional and does not reflect the unique characteristics of shale gas reservoirs. Based on a case study of the Fuling shale gas reservoir in China, an integrated geological modeling workflow for shale gas reservoirs is proposed to facilitate its popularization and application and well improved quality and comparability. This workflow involves four types of models: a structure-stratigraphic model, reservoir (matrix) parameter model, natural fracture (NF) model, and hydraulic fracture (HF) model. The modeling strategies used for the four types of models vary due to the uniqueness of shale gas reservoirs. A horizontal-well lithofacies sublayer calibration-based method is employed to build the structure-stratigraphic model. The key to building the reservoir parameter model lies in the joint characterization of shale gas “sweet spots.” The NF models are built at various scales using various methods. Based on the NF models, the HF models are built by extended simulation and microseismic inversion. In the entire workflow, various types of models are built in a certain sequence and mutually constrain one another. In addition, the workflow contains and effectively integrates multisource data. Moreover, the workflow involves multiple model integration processes, which is the key to model quality. The selection and optimization of modeling methods, the innovation and development of modeling algorithms, and the evaluation techniques for model uncertainty are areas where breakthroughs may be possible in the geological modeling of shale gas reservoirs. The workflow allows the complex process of geological modeling of shale gas reservoirs to be more systematic. It is of great significance for a dynamic analysis of reservoir development, from individual wells to the entire gas field, and for optimizing both development schemes and production systems.
Prediction for Postpartum Hemorrhage of Placenta Previa Patients through MRI Using Self-Adaptive Edge Detection Algorithm
Authors: Chen Yan , Xu Ting
Published: August 2021

The study aimed to explore the application value of MRI images based on the optimized self-adaptive edge detection algorithm in the diagnosis of placenta previa and in the prediction of postpartum hemorrhage. Specifically, a self-adaptive edge detection algorithm was constructed based on optimized edge operators, with the nearest scale parameters analyzed. It was then used to process the MRI images of 36 patients with placenta previa. MRI images of different types of placenta previa were analyzed. The results found that the placenta of the complete placenta previa was attached to the lower wall of the uterus and covered the internal cervix in U shape, and the placenta adhered to the anterior and lower wall of the uterus, with widespread placenta accreta noted. With the results of cesarean section as the standard, it was observed that 2 cases of complete placenta previa were diagnosed as partial placenta previa. The diagnostic accuracy rate was 94.44%, which was not notably different from the results of cesarean section

p
>
0.05

. The postpartum hemorrhage rate and hysterectomy rate of complete placenta previa were higher than partial placenta previa and marginal placenta previa, and the difference was notable

p
<
0.05

, but no notable differences were noted in placenta adhesion, placenta accreta, neonatal death, and neonatal asphyxia between the three types of placenta previa

p
>
0.05

. The incidence of thinned myometrium, placenta penetrating the cervix, placenta accreta, and uneven placental signal in patients with postpartum hemorrhage was higher versus those without postpartum hemorrhage, and the difference was notable

p
<
0.05

. In a word, MRI images based on the self-adaptive edge detection algorithm can clearly show the status of placenta previa and exhibit better diagnosis effects and a higher accuracy rate. The thinned myometrium, the placenta penetrating the cervix, placenta accreta, and uneven placental signal may be the related risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage in patients with placenta previa.
Symptoms Based on Deficiency Syndrome in Traditional Chinese Medicine Might Be Predictor of Frailty in Elderly Community Dwellers
Authors: Qi Zhen , Wu Bei-Ling , Chen Chuan , Yu Zhi-Hua , Shen Ding-Zhu , Chen Jiu-Lin , Zhao Hong-Bin , Sun Lin
Published: August 2021

Background. The most widely used frailty phenotype and frailty indexes are either time-consuming or complicated, thus restricting their generalization in clinical practice; and therefore, an easier and faster screening tool is needed to be developed. Objective. To select sensitive symptoms in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and study whether they can improve the risk prediction of frailty. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study enrolling 2249 Chinese elderly community dwellers. Data were collected via face-to-face inquiries, anthropometric measurements, laboratory tests, and community health files. Frailty was the main outcome measure, and it was evaluated by Fried’s frailty phenotype (FP). The ordinal logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with frailty. The risk assessment plot was used to compare the discriminative ability for frailty among models with and without TCM symptoms. Results. The identified sensitive influential factors for frailty included age, education level, dietary habits, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, cerebral infarction, osteoporosis, cold limbs, lethargy and laziness in speaking and moving, weakness of lower limbs, slow movement, dry mouth and throat, and glazed expression. The risk prediction for “frailty cumulative components ≥1” was not significantly increased, while for “frailty cumulative components ≥2”, a new model developed with the above selected TCM symptoms had a higher AUC than the baseline model without it (0.79 VS 0.81,

P
=
0.002

). And the NRI and IDI for the new model were 41.4% (

P
=
0.016

) and 0.024% (

P
=
0.041

), respectively. Conclusion. This research might provide an easier and faster way for early identification and risk prediction of frailty in elderly community dwellers.