bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commercial Classification and Location Modelling: Integrating Different Perspectives on Commercial Location and Structure
Authors: Colaço Rui , de Abreu e Silva João
Published: May 2021

Commercial classification is essential to describe and compare the spatial patterns of commercial activity. Most classification systems consider a large set of dimensions that include detailed features such as store ownership or development type. Since new business models are continually being developed, the need to revise classification systems is constant. This makes generalisation hard, thus hindering the comparison of commercial structures in different places and periods. Recent studies have focused on cluster analysis and a smaller number of variables to gain insights into commercial structures, directly addressing this issue. Systematic bottom-up classification generates comparable structures, which is essential to contrast policy results in different situations. Furthermore, since form or accessibility are usually considered in classifications, cluster membership is precluded from most retail location models, often relying on the latter as an explanatory variable. Hence, a new classification system is proposed, based on cluster analysis (k-means) and a minimal set of variables: density, diversity, and clustering. This classification was implemented in 1995, 2002, and 2010 in Lisbon. Cross-sectional analysis of the commercial structures shows the system accurately describes commercial location and change, suggesting it can be generalised as a classification system. Since the minimal dataset also allows for cluster membership to be used on location models, the relationship between commercial classification and location modelling could be strengthened, reinforcing the role of commercial studies in urban planning and policymaking.
Impact of Sustainable Cultural Contact, Natural Atmospherics, and Risk Perception on Rural Destination Involvement and Traveler Behavior in Inner Mongolia
Authors: Han Heesup , Chen Che , Ariza-Montes Antonio , Hernández-Perlines Felipe , Araya-Castillo Luis , Yu Jongsik
Published: May 2021

Rural tourism is emerging in the tourism industry; however, little is known about traveler behaviors at rural destinations. This study explored the role of cultural contact, natural atmospherics, and risk perception in generating destination involvement and approach behaviors for rural tourism in Inner Mongolia. A quantitative data analysis was used to obtain the research objective. Our findings showed that cultural contact and natural atmospherics significantly increased traveler destination involvement and their approach behaviors. Cultural contact included a stronger impact on destination involvement than natural atmospherics. In contrast, natural atmospherics contained a stronger influence on approach behaviors than cultural contact. In addition, rural traveler risk perception moderated the magnitude of the effect of cultural contact on approach behaviors. Overall, the proposed theoretical framework encompassed a sufficient level of anticipation power for involvement and approach behaviors. Our findings can be helpful for inventing rural tourism development strategies in Inner Mongolia.
Spatial Distribution, Environmental Risk and Safe Utilization Zoning of Soil Heavy Metals in Farmland, Subtropical China
Authors: Guo Weiwei , Wu Tao , Jiang Guojun , Pu Lijie , Zhang Jianzhen , Xu Fei , Yu Hongmei , Xie Xuefeng
Published: May 2021

Heavy metal (HM) accumulation in farmland soil can be transferred to the human body through the food chain, posing a serious threat to human health. Exploring the environmental risk and safe utilization zoning of soil HMs in farmland can provide the basis for the formulation of effective control strategies. Soil samples from typical subtropical farmland were collected in Jinhua City and analyzed for HMs (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn). The objective of this study was to explore the spatial distribution and environmental risk of soil HMs, and then divide the safe utilization area of soil HMs of farmland in Jinhua City. The results showed that the mean concentrations of soil HMs were, in descending order: Zn (76.05 mg kg−1) > Cr (36.73 mg kg−1) > Pb (32.48 mg kg−1) > Cu (18.60 mg kg−1) > Ni (11.95 mg kg−1) > As (6.37 mg kg−1) > Cd (0.18 mg kg−1) > Hg (0.11 mg kg−1), and all determined soil HMs did not exceed the risk screening values for soil contamination of agricultural land of China. The fitted semi-variogram showed that the spatial autocorrelation of Cd, Hg, Pb, and Zn was weak, with island-shaped distribution, while As, Cr, Cu, and Ni had medium spatial autocorrelation, with strip-shaped and island-shaped distribution. The hot spot analysis and environmental risk probability showed that the environmental risks of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cu were relatively high, whereas those of Cr, Hg, and Ni were relatively low. Safe utilization zones and basic safe utilization zones accounted for 89.35% and 8.58% of the total farmland area in Jinhua, respectively, and only a small part of the farmland soil was at risk of use.
Bacterial Diversity and Community Structure of a Municipal Solid Waste Landfill: A Source of Lignocellulolytic Potential
Authors: Chukwuma Ogechukwu Bose , Rafatullah Mohd , Tajarudin Husnul Azan , Ismail Norli
Published: May 2021

Omics have given rise to research on sparsely studied microbial communities such as the landfill, lignocellulolytic microorganisms and enzymes. The bacterial diversity of Municipal Solid Waste sediments was determined using the illumina MiSeq system after DNA extraction and Polymerase chain reactions. Data analysis was used to determine the community’s richness, diversity, and correlation with environmental factors. Physicochemical studies revealed sites with mesophilic and thermophilic temperature ranges and a mixture of acidic and alkaline pH values. Temperature and moisture content showed the highest correlation with the bacteria community. The bacterial analysis of the community DNA revealed 357,030 effective sequences and 1891 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) assigned. Forty phyla were found, with the dominant phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidota, while Aerococcus, Stenotrophomonas, and Sporosarcina were the dominant species. PICRUSt provided insight on community’s metabolic function, which was narrowed down to search for lignocellulolytic enzymes’ function. Cellulase, xylanase, esterase, and peroxidase were gene functions inferred from the data. This article reports on the first phylogenetic analysis of the Pulau Burung landfill bacterial community. These results will help to improve the understanding of organisms dominant in the landfill and the corresponding enzymes that contribute to lignocellulose breakdown.
Functional Weight of Somatic and Cognitive Networks and Asymmetry of Compensatory Mechanisms: Collaboration or Divergency among Hemispheres after Cerebrovascular Accident?
Authors: Viruega Hélène , Gaviria Manuel
Published: May 2021

The human brain holds highly sophisticated compensatory mechanisms relying on neuroplasticity. Neuronal degeneracy, redundancy, and brain network organization make the human nervous system more robust and evolvable to continuously guarantee an optimal environmental-related homeostasis. Nevertheless, after injury, restitution processes appear dissimilar, depending on the pathology. Following a cerebrovascular accident, asymmetry, within- and across-network compensation and interhemispheric inhibition are key features to functional recovery. In moderate-to-severe stroke, neurological outcome is often poor, and little is known about the paths that enable either an efficient collaboration among hemispheres or, on the contrary, an antagonism of adaptative responses. In this review, we aim to decipher key issues of ipsilesional and contralesional hemispheric functioning allowing the foundations of effective neurorehabilitation strategies.
Trans-[Cu(quin)2(EtOH)2]
Authors: Podjed Nina , Črepinšek Jerneja , Modec Barbara
Published: May 2021

Trans-[Cu(quin)2(EtOH)2] (1) was synthesized as part of our study on copper(II) quinaldinate complexes with various O- and N-donor ligands. Compound 1 was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis and X-ray structure analysis.
Important Synthesis Parameters Affecting Crystallization of Zeolite T: A Review
Authors: Patuwan Siti Z. , Arshad Sazmal E.
Published: May 2021

Synthesis of zeolite T with a variety of desired characteristics necessitates extensive work in formulation and practical experiments, either by conventional hydrothermal methods or aided with different approaches and synthesis techniques, such as secondary growth or microwave irradiation. The objectives of this review are to adduce the potential work in zeolite T (Offretite-Erionite) synthesis, evaluating determining factors affecting the synthesis and quality of zeolite T crystals. Attention is given to extensive studies that interconnect with other significant findings.
An Offset Laser Measurement Method for the Deviation Analysis of Cylindrical Gears
Authors: Mei Ning , Song Aiping , Yu Chenwei , Pan Jianzhou
Published: May 2021

Generally, in the laser measurement of gears, the laser beam passes through the center of the gear, and the laser displacement sensor reads the spatial distance from the gear involute tooth surface to the laser displacement sensor. However, in this method, the angle between the laser beam and the normal vector of the measured tooth surface is too large, which affects the accuracy of the measurement and the stability of the data. This paper proposes an offset laser measurement method. The laser beam is offset from the center of the gear by a certain distance to form a larger incident angle with the tooth surface, which can effectively address the problem and increase the measurement accuracy. Through a selection of the optimal offset distance, the range of optimal offset measurement positions was obtained and clarified by experiments. We solved the data conversion problem caused by the change in measuring position, and we measured the pitch deviation and helix angle of the gear to confirm the feasibility of this method. According to the theoretical calculation and experimental verification, it was found that this method has the advantages of better measurement accuracy and less fluctuation in measurement data. It is, thus, suitable for precision gear measurement.
Application of Feature Extraction and Artificial Intelligence Techniques for Increasing the Accuracy of X-ray Radiation Based Two Phase Flow Meter
Authors: Basahel Abdulrahman , Sattari Mohammad Amir , Taylan Osman , Nazemi Ehsan
Published: May 2021

The increasing consumption of fossil fuel resources in the world has placed emphasis on flow measurements in the oil industry. This has generated a growing niche in the flowmeter industry. In this regard, in this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) and various feature extractions have been utilized to enhance the precision of X-ray radiation-based two-phase flowmeters. The detection system proposed in this article comprises an X-ray tube, a NaI detector to record the photons, and a Pyrex-glass pipe, which is placed between detector and source. To model the mentioned geometry, the Monte Carlo MCNP-X code was utilized. Five features in the time domain were derived from the collected data to be used as the neural network input. Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) was applied to approximate the function related to the input-output relationship. Finally, the introduced approach was able to correctly recognize the flow pattern and predict the volume fraction of two-phase flow’s components with root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of less than 0.51, 0.4 and 1.16%, respectively. The obtained precision of the proposed system in this study is better than those reported in previous works.
New Isocoumarin Analogues from the Marine-Derived Fungus Paraphoma sp. CUGBMF180003
Authors: Xu Xiuli , Li Jiangpeng , Zhang Kai , Wei Shangzhu , Lin Rui , Polyak Steven W. , Yang Na , Song Fuhang
Published: May 2021

Nine new secondary metabolites, including six isocoumarin analogues, 7-hydroxyoospolactone (1), 7-methoxyoospolactone (2), 7-methoxy-9-hydroxyoospolactone (3), 10-acetoxy-9-hydroxyoospolactone (4), 6-dehydroxysescandelin (5), parapholactone (6), and three compounds with a rare skeleton of isocoumarin coupled with phenylethylamine, namely paraphamide A (12), paraphamide B (13), and paraphamide C (14), together with five known compounds, oospolactone (7), 8-O-methyloospolactone (8), 10-hydroxyoospolactone (9), 9,10-dihydroxyoospolactone (10), and oospoglycol (11), were isolated and identified from the marine-derived fungus Paraphoma sp. CUGBMF180003. Their chemical structures were determined using spectroscopic data, including HRESIMS and 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Furthermore, the stereogenic carbons in 5 and 14 were determined by comparing the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. The carbon skeleton of 12–14 was identified as the first example of isocoumarin coupled with phenylethylamine derivatives. All of these compounds were examined for antimicrobial activities against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. Both 1 and 6 showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus with MIC values of 12.5 μg/mL.
Selective Flamingo Medium for the Isolation of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Debets Alfons J. M. , Verweij Paul E. , Schoustra Sijmen E.
Published: May 2021

For various studies in the clinic as well as the environment, it is essential to be able to selectively isolate Aspergillus fumigatus from samples containing bacteria as well as various other fungi (mainly Mucorales). Six agar media were compared for effectiveness in selectively isolating Aspergillus fumigatus from agricultural plant waste, woodchip waste, green waste, soil, grass and air samples collected in The Netherlands at a 48 °C incubation. The Flamingo Medium incubated at 48 °C, provided the most effective condition for the isolation of A. fumigatus from environmental samples, since it effectively inhibited the growth of competing fungi (mainly Mucorales) present in the environmental samples. Flamingo Medium reduced the number of colonies of Mucorales species by 95% and recovered an average of 20−30% more A. fumigatus colonies compared to the other media. We further confirmed that Flamingo Medium can inhibit the growth of clinical Mucorales, which occasionally present in patient’s tissue and can also be used for clinical applications. We suggest the use of Flamingo Medium as an efficient method for the study of A. fumigatus from important environmental niches for which there is increasing interest. Additionally, it can also be used in the clinic to isolate A. fumigatus especially from tissue contaminated with Mucorales.
Does the Composition of the Gut Bacteriome Change during the Growth of Tuna?
Authors: Gadoin Elsa , Durand Lucile , Guillou Aurélie , Crochemore Sandrine , Bouvier Thierry , Roque Emmanuelle Roque , Dagorn Laurent , Auguet Jean-Christophe , Adingra Antoinette , Desnues Christelle , Bettarel Yvan
Published: May 2021

In recent years, a growing number of studies sought to examine the composition and the determinants of the gut microflora in marine animals, including fish. For tropical tuna, which are among the most consumed fish worldwide, there is scarce information on their enteric bacterial communities and how they evolve during fish growth. In this study, we used metabarcoding of the 16S rDNA gene to (1) describe the diversity and composition of the gut bacteriome in the three most fished tuna species (skipjack, yellowfin and bigeye), and (2) to examine its intra-specific variability from juveniles to larger adults. Although there was a remarkable convergence of taxonomic richness and bacterial composition between yellowfin and bigeyes tuna, the gut bacteriome of skipjack tuna was distinct from the other two species. Throughout fish growth, the enteric bacteriome of yellowfin and bigeyes also showed significant modifications, while that of skipjack tuna remained relatively homogeneous. Finally, our results suggest that the gut bacteriome of marine fish may not always be subject to structural modifications during their growth, especially in species that maintain a steady feeding behavior during their lifetime.
Elucidating the Antimycobacterial Mechanism of Action of Ciprofloxacin Using Metabolomics
Authors: Knoll Kirsten E. , Lindeque Zander , Adeniji Adetomiwa A. , Oosthuizen Carel B. , Lall Namrita , Loots Du Toit
Published: May 2021

In the interest of developing more effective and safer anti-tuberculosis drugs, we used a GCxGC-TOF-MS metabolomics research approach to investigate and compare the metabolic profiles of Mtb in the presence and absence of ciprofloxacin. The metabolites that best describe the differences between the compared groups were identified as markers characterizing the changes induced by ciprofloxacin. Malic acid was ranked as the most significantly altered metabolite marker induced by ciprofloxacin, indicative of an inhibition of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) and glyoxylate cycle of Mtb. The altered fatty acid, myo-inositol, and triacylglycerol metabolism seen in this group supports previous observations of ciprofloxacin action on the Mtb cell wall. Furthermore, the altered pentose phosphate intermediates, glycerol metabolism markers, glucose accumulation, as well as the reduction in the glucogenic amino acids specifically, indicate a flux toward DNA (as well as cell wall) repair, also supporting previous findings of DNA damage caused by ciprofloxacin. This study further provides insights useful for designing network whole-system strategies for the identification of possible modes of action of various drugs and possibly adaptations by Mtb resulting in resistance.
Identification of the Large-Conductance Ca2+-Regulated Potassium Channel in Mitochondria of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Sek Aleksandra , Kampa Rafal P. , Kulawiak Bogusz , Szewczyk Adam , Bednarczyk Piotr
Published: May 2021

Mitochondria play a key role in energy metabolism within the cell. Potassium channels such as ATP-sensitive, voltage-gated or large-conductance Ca2+-regulated channels have been described in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Several hypotheses have been proposed to describe the important roles of mitochondrial potassium channels in cell survival and death pathways. In the current study, we identified two populations of mitochondrial large-conductance Ca2+-regulated potassium (mitoBKCa) channels in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. The biophysical properties of the channels were characterized using the patch-clamp technique. We observed the activity of the channel with a mean conductance close to 285 pS in symmetric 150/150 mM KCl solution. Channel activity was increased upon application of the potassium channel opener NS11021 in the micromolar concentration range. The channel activity was completely inhibited by 1 µM paxilline and 300 nM iberiotoxin, selective inhibitors of the BKCa channels. Based on calcium and iberiotoxin modulation, we suggest that the C-terminus of the protein is localized to the mitochondrial matrix. Additionally, using RT-PCR, we confirmed the presence of α pore-forming (Slo1) and auxiliary β3-β4 subunits of BKCa channel in HBE cells. Western blot analysis of cellular fractions confirmed the mitochondrial localization of α pore-forming and predominately β3 subunits. Additionally, the regulation of oxygen consumption and membrane potential of human bronchial epithelial mitochondria in the presence of the potassium channel opener NS11021 and inhibitor paxilline were also studied. In summary, for the first time, the electrophysiological and functional properties of the mitoBKCa channel in a bronchial epithelial cell line were described.
Environment-Friendly Zinc Oxide Nanorods-Grown Cellulose Nanofiber Nanocomposite and Its Electromechanical and UV Sensing Behaviors
Authors: Zhai Lindong , Kim Hyun-Chan , Muthoka Ruth M. , Latif Muhammad , Alrobei Hussein , Malik Rizwan A. , Kim Jaehwan
Published: May 2021

This paper reports a genuine environment-friendly hybrid nanocomposite made by growing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods on cellulose nanofiber (CNF) film. The nanocomposite preparation, characterizations, electromechanical property, and ultraviolet (UV) sensing performance are explained. CNF was extracted from the pulp by combining the 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO) oxidation and the aqueous counter collision (ACC) methods. The CNF film was fabricated using doctor blade casting, and ZnO nanorods were grown on the CNF film by seeding and by a hydrothermal method. Morphologies, optical transparency, mechanical and electromechanical properties, and UV sensing properties were examined. The nanocomposite’s optical transparency was more than 80%, and the piezoelectric charge constant d31 was 200 times larger than the CNF film. The UV sensing performance of the prepared ZnO-CNF nanocomposites was tested in terms of ZnO concentration, UV irradiance intensity, exposure side, and electrode materials. A large aspect ratio of ZnO nanorods and a work function gap between ZnO nanorods and the electrode material are essential for improving the UV sensing performance. However, these conditions should be compromised with transparency. The use of CNF for ZnO-cellulose hybrid nanocomposite is beneficial not only for electromechanical and UV sensing properties but also for high mechanical properties, renewability, biocompatibility, flexibility, non-toxicity, and transparency.
Neuropeptide S Receptor Stimulation Excites Principal Neurons in Murine Basolateral Amygdala through a Calcium-Dependent Decrease in Membrane Potassium Conductance
Authors: Park Sion , Flüthmann Pia , Wolany Carla , Goedecke Lena , Spenner Hannah Maleen , Budde Thomas , Pape Hans-Christian , Jüngling Kay
Published: May 2021

Background: The neuropeptide S system, consisting of the 20 amino acid neuropeptide NPS and its G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1), has been studied intensively in rodents. Although there is a lot of data retrieved from behavioral studies using pharmacology or genetic interventions, little is known about intracellular signaling cascades in neurons endogenously expressing the NPSR1. Methods: To elucidate possible G-protein-dependent signaling and effector systems, we performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings on principal neurons of the anterior basolateral amygdala of mice. We used pharmacological interventions to characterize the NPSR1-mediated current induced by NPS application. Results: Application of NPS reliably evokes inward-directed currents in amygdalar neurons recorded in brain slice preparations of male and female mice. The NPSR1-mediated current had a reversal potential near the potassium reversal potential (EK) and was accompanied by an increase in membrane input resistance. GDP-β-S and BAPTA, but neither adenylyl cyclase inhibition nor 8-Br-cAMP, abolished the current. Intracellular tetraethylammonium or 4-aminopyridine reduced the NPS-evoked current. Conclusion: NPSR1 activation in amygdalar neurons inhibits voltage-gated potassium (K+) channels, most likely members of the delayed rectifier family. Intracellularly, Gαq signaling and calcium ions seem to be mandatory for the observed current and increased neuronal excitability.
Functional Traits of Olive Varieties and Their Relationship with the Tolerance Level towards Verticillium Wilt
Authors: Cardoni Martina , Mercado-Blanco Jesús , Villar Rafael
Published: May 2021

Verticillium wilt of olive (VWO), caused by the soil-borne pathogen Verticillium dahliae, is considered one of the most important diseases affecting this tree crop. One of the best VWO management measures is the use of tolerant cultivars. Remarkably, no information is available about olive functional traits and their potential relationship with tolerance to V. dahliae. Twenty-five selected functional traits (for leaf, stem, root and whole plant) were evaluated in six olive varieties differing in their VWO tolerance level to identify possible links between this phenotype and functional traits’ variation. High intervarietal diversity was found among cultivars and several functional traits were related with VWO tolerance. Tolerant varieties showed higher leaf area, dry matter content (leaf, stem and plant) and mass fraction for stems, but lower for leaves. Significant differences were also detected for root functional traits, tolerant cultivars displaying larger fine root diameter and lignin content but smaller specific length and area of thick and fine roots. Correlations were found among functional traits both within varieties and between levels of tolerance/susceptibility to VWO. Associations were observed between biomass allocation, dry matter content and VWO tolerance. The most relevant difference between tolerant and susceptible cultivars was related to root system architecture.
Anti-Inflammatory, Thrombolytic and Hair-Growth Promoting Activity of the n-Hexane Fraction of the Methanol Extract of Leea indica Leaves
Authors: Sakib Shahenur Alam , Tareq Abu Montakim , Islam Ameerul , Rakib Ahmed , Islam Mohammad Nazmul , Uddin Mohammad Arafat , Rahman Md. Masudur , Seidel Veronique , Emran Talha Bin
Published: May 2021

The anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic, and hair growth-promoting activity of the n-hexane fraction from the methanol extract of Leea indica (NFLI) leaves was investigated. NFLI showed significant inhibition of hemolysis and protein denaturation, and exhibited a concentration-dependent thrombolytic activity. When applied topically to mice at concentrations of 10, 1, 0.1%, NFLI demonstrated a significant increase in average hair length (p < 0.001) compared with untreated animals. NFLI (1% concentration) exhibited the highest percentage of hair regrowth on day 7, 14 and 21 (81.24, 65.60, and 62.5%, respectively). An in silico study was further conducted to predict the binding affinity of phytochemicals previously reported in L. indica towards PGD2 synthase (PDB ID: 2VD1), an enzyme that catalyses the isomerisation of prostaglandin H2 to PGD2 which is involved in hair loss. Phthalic acid, farnesol, n-tricosane, n-tetracosane, and n-heptacosane showed the best ligand efficiencies towards PGD2 synthase and their intermolecular interactions were visualised using BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer. Our results indicate that L. indica could represent a promising natural alternative to tackle alopecia.
Magneto-Primed Triticale Seeds Studied by Micro-Raman Spectra
Authors: Alvarez Jose , Martinez-Ramirez Sagrario , Martinez Elvira
Published: May 2021

The spectroscopy technique of Micro-Raman is an appropriate method to investigate the microscopic structure of internally heterogeneous (i.e., composed of multiple layers) agro-food products. The effects of applying magnetic fields (magneto-priming technique) and imbibition on the chemical makeup of Triticale seed were studied, particularly in its pericarp, germ and endosperm parts, with the help of Micro-Raman. In light of the results obtained, the magneto-primed seeds soaked in water presented a greater number of chemical compounds than the control seeds, although those treatments were not as effective as the ones with only magneto-priming. The effects of the magneto-priming treatment were especially noticeable in the endosperm due to the large number of chemical compounds identified. The seed composition differences among treatments showed that the use of Micro-Raman jointly with magneto-priming is an appropriate method to obtain and analyse information of the key components of Triticale seeds, notably regarding their pericarp and endosperm.
An Investigation into the Approximations Used in Wave Packet Molecular Dynamics for the Study of Warm Dense Matter
Authors: Angermeier William A. , White Thomas G.
Published: May 2021

Wave packet molecular dynamics (WPMD) has recently received a lot of attention as a computationally fast tool with which to study dynamical processes in warm dense matter beyond the Born–Oppenheimer approximation. These techniques, typically, employ many approximations to achieve computational efficiency while implementing semi-empirical scaling parameters to retain accuracy. We investigated three of the main approximations ubiquitous to WPMD: a restricted basis set, approximations to exchange, and the lack of correlation. We examined each of these approximations in regard to atomic and molecular hydrogen in addition to a dense hydrogen plasma. We found that the biggest improvement to WPMD comes from combining a two-Gaussian basis with a semi-empirical correction based on the valence-bond wave function. A single parameter scales this correction to match experimental pressures of dense hydrogen. Ultimately, we found that semi-empirical scaling parameters are necessary to correct for the main approximations in WPMD. However, reducing the scaling parameters for more ab-initio terms gives more accurate results and displays the underlying physics more readily.
Interaction of Poly L-Lactide and Tungsten Disulfide Nanotubes Studied by In Situ X-ray Scattering during Expansion of PLLA/WS2NT Nanocomposite Tubes
Authors: Rocher Lison , Ylitalo Andrew S. , Di Luccio Tiziana , Miscioscia Riccardo , De Filippo Giovanni , Pandolfi Giuseppe , Villani Fulvia , Zak Alla , Menary Gary H. , Lennon Alex B. , Kornfield Julia A.
Published: May 2021

In situ synchrotron X-ray scattering was used to reveal the transient microstructure of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA)/tungsten disulfide inorganic nanotubes (WS2NTs) nanocomposites. This microstructure is formed during the blow molding process (“tube expansion”) of an extruded polymer tube, an important step in the manufacturing of PLLA-based bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS). A fundamental understanding of how such a microstructure develops during processing is relevant to two unmet needs in PLLA-based BVS: increasing strength to enable thinner devices and improving radiopacity to enable imaging during implantation. Here, we focus on how the flow generated during tube expansion affects the orientation of the WS2NTs and the formation of polymer crystals by comparing neat PLLA and nanocomposite tubes under different expansion conditions. Surprisingly, the WS2NTs remain oriented along the extrusion direction despite significant strain in the transverse direction while the PLLA crystals (c-axis) form along the circumferential direction of the tube. Although WS2NTs promote the nucleation of PLLA crystals in nanocomposite tubes, crystallization proceeds with largely the same orientation as in neat PLLA tubes. We suggest that the reason for the unusual independence of the orientations of the nanotubes and polymer crystals stems from the favorable interaction between PLLA and WS2NTs. This favorable interaction leads WS2NTs to disperse well in PLLA and strongly orient along the axis of the PLLA tube during extrusion. As a consequence, the nanotubes are aligned orthogonally to the circumferential stretching direction, which appears to decouple the orientations of PLLA crystals and WS2NTs.
Increasing Timeliness of Satellite-Based Flood Mapping Using Early Warning Systems in the Copernicus Emergency Management Service
Authors: Wania Annett , Joubert-Boitat Inès , Dottori Francesco , Kalas Milan , Salamon Peter
Published: May 2021

Remotely sensed images have become an important source of information for actors involved in disaster management and satellite-based emergency mapping (SEM) is increasingly used to support the response phase in the first hours and days after a disaster occurs. The delivery timeliness of the crisis information is key to the success of SEM. In the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS), a procedure was tested during the past 5 years which links the European Flood Awareness System (EFAS) with the on-demand Rapid Mapping module in order to anticipate satellite tasking in view of an upcoming activation of the service for riverine floods. This study aims at assessing if the procedure has helped to improve the delivery timeliness of the first flood impact information. For the assessment, we used the Rapid Mapping performance statistics recorded from June 2016 to December 2020. Standard Rapid Mapping activations for floods were compared with those preceded by an EFAS based pre-tasking request. The focus was on essential time stamps such as activation start, provision of imagery and the availability of derived information products. For the pre-tasking-related activations, we further compared the EFAS predictions with the Rapid Mapping user request and compared flood predictions with actual observations. Our results show that the EFAS based pre-tasking improves the timeliness of the first product delivery due to the fact that satellite images could be acquired earlier compared to activations without pre-tasking.
Hillslope Erosion Mitigation: An Experimental Proof of a Nature-Based Solution
Authors: Apollonio Ciro , Petroselli Andrea , Tauro Flavia , Cecconi Manuela , Biscarini Chiara , Zarotti Claudio , Grimaldi Salvatore
Published: May 2021

Soil erosion during rainfall events is affected by several factors, such as topography, soil type, land management, and vegetation cover. In this study, a series of tests investigates the influence of selected perennial herbaceous plants with a deep and strong rooting system, called MC1, on runoff generation and soil erosion. The tests on the investigated nature-based solution have been performed in the Cape Fear experimental hillslope with natural and artificial rainfall and for different vegetation heights. For all the experiments, runoff, soil moisture, and erosion data were observed and collected. The results obtained in this study suggest the following conclusions: (1) MC1 is effective in terms of soil erosion reduction already with a minimum vegetation height equal to 30 cm; (2) MC1 maximum efficiency, in terms of soil loss reduction, has been reached for a vegetation height equal to 70 cm; (3) In terms of the eroded material, the use of MC1 allows for a reduction of soil loss up to 300 times higher than the bare soil condition; (4) The use of MC1 allows for a reduction in the runoff coefficient up to 1/3 of the corresponding value in the bare soil condition.
A Study on the Heat and Stress Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete through High-Frequency Induction Heating System Using Finite Element Techniques
Authors: Lim Myung-kwan , Lee Changhee
Published: May 2021

In this study, we analysed the thermal field generated on the surface of reinforcing steel through 2D and 3D magnetic field analyses based on previous experiments on the temperature rise characteristics of reinforcing steel, temperature rise characteristics and mechanical characteristics. According to the results of the analysis of transferred heat from heated reinforcing steel to concrete, the actual reinforced concrete was analysed and compared with the actual measurements, and the following conclusions were reached. Through analysing the heat source that is generated by the eddy current and the heat that is transferred from the reinforcing steel to concrete, stress analysis is expected to predict and evaluate various problems that arise when induction heating technology is applied to the site.
An Incentive Based Dynamic Pricing in Smart Grid: A Customer’s Perspective
Authors: Alquthami Thamer , Milyani Ahmad H. , Awais Muhammad , Rasheed Muhammad B.
Published: May 2021

Price based demand response is an important strategy to facilitate energy retailers and end-users to maintain a balance between demand and supply while providing the opportunity to end users to get monetary incentives. In this work, we consider real-time electricity pricing policy to further calculate the incentives in terms of reduced electricity price and cost. Initially, a mathematical model based on the backtracking technique is developed to calculate the load shifted and consumed in any time slot. Then, based on this, the electricity price is calculated for all types of users to estimate the incentives through load shifting profiles. To keep the load under the upper limit, the load is shifted in other time slots in such a way to facilitate end-users regarding social welfare. The user who is not interested in participating load shifting program will not get any benefit. Then the well behaved functional form optimization problem is solved by using a heuristic-based genetic algorithm (GA), wwhich converged within an insignificant amount of time with the best optimal results. Simulation results reflect that the users can obtain some real incentives by participating in the load scheduling process.
Two New Bailey Lattices and Their Applications
Authors: Jia Zeya , Khan Bilal , Agarwal Praveen , Hu Qiuxia , Wang Xinjing
Published: May 2021

In our present investigation, we develop two new Bailey lattices. We describe a number of q-multisums new forms with multiple variables for the basic hypergeometric series which arise as consequences of these two new Bailey lattices. As applications, two new transformations for basic hypergeometric by using the unit Bailey pair are derived. Besides it, we use this Bailey lattice to get some kind of mock theta functions. Our results are shown to be connected with several earlier works related to the field of our present investigation.
Molecular Epidemiology of Human Papillomaviruses, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium among Female Sex Workers in Burkina Faso: Prevalence, Coinfections and Drug Resistance Genes
Authors: Tovo Sessi Frida , Zohoncon Théodora Mahoukèdè , Dabiré Amana Metuor , Ilboudo Régine , Tiemtoré Rahimatou Yasmine , Obiri-Yeboah Dorcas , Yonli Albert Théophane , Dovo Essi Etonam , Ouédraogo Rogomenoma Alice , Ouattara Abdoul Karim , Sorgho Pegdwende Abel , Ouermi Djénéba , Djigma Florencia Wendkuuni , Ouédraogo Charlemagne , Sangaré Lassana , Simpore Jacques
Published: May 2021

Viral and bacterial infections represent an occupational risk for female sex workers. This study aimed at determining HPV coinfection with genital pathogens among female sex workers in West and Central Africa and identifying antibiotic resistance genes. A total of 182 samples from female sex workers were analyzed by real-time PCR and classic PCR. For the molecular diagnosis of HPV, the real-time multiplex amplification kit “HPV Genotypes 14 Real-TM Quant” from SACACE Biotechnologies®, detecting 14 high-risk HPV genotypes, was used, while for other pathogens, the real-time multiplex amplification kit N. gonorrhoeae/C. trachomatis/M. genitalium/T. vaginalis Real-TM, allowing their simultaneous detection, was used. The women were aged 17–50 years with an average age of 27.12 ± 6.09 years. The pathogens identified were HPV 54.94% (100/120), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (13.74%), Chlamydia trachomatis (11.54%) and Mycoplasma genitalium (11.54%). The most common HPV genotypes were HPV68, HPV38 and HPV52. The antibiotic resistance genes identified were bla QNR B 24.00%, bla GES 22.00%, bla SHV 17.00%, blaCTX-M 13.00% and bla QNR S 1.00%. This study revealed the presence of various HPV genotypes associated with other pathogens with problems of antibiotic resistance among sex workers of West and Central African origin working in Ouagadougou.
The Spike of Concern—The Novel Variants of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Winger Anna , Caspari Thomas
Published: May 2021

The high sequence identity of the first SARS-CoV-2 samples collected in December 2019 at Wuhan did not foretell the emergence of novel variants in the United Kingdom, North and South America, India, or South Africa that drive the current waves of the pandemic. The viral spike receptor possesses two surface areas of high mutagenic plasticity: the supersite in its N-terminal domain (NTD) that is recognised by all anti-NTD antibodies and its receptor binding domain (RBD) where 17 residues make contact with the human Ace2 protein (angiotensin I converting enzyme 2) and many neutralising antibodies bind. While NTD mutations appear at first glance very diverse, they converge on the structure of the supersite. The mutations within the RBD, on the other hand, hone in on only a small number of key sites (K417, L452, E484, N501) that are allosteric control points enabling spike to escape neutralising antibodies while maintaining or even gaining Ace2-binding activity. The D614G mutation is the hallmark of all variants, as it promotes viral spread by increasing the number of open spike protomers in the homo-trimeric receptor complex. This review discusses the recent spike mutations as well as their evolution.
Continuing Orthohantavirus Circulation in Deer Mice in Western Montana
Authors: Williamson Brandi N. , Meade-White Kimberly , Boardman Kristin , Schulz Jonathan E. , Telford Carson T. , Figueroa Acosta Dania M. , Bushmaker Trenton , Fischer Robert J. , Rosenke Kyle , Feldmann Heinz
Published: May 2021

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is an often-fatal disease caused by New World hantaviruses, such as Sin Nombre orthohantavirus (SNV). In the US, >800 cases of HPS have been confirmed since it was first discovered in 1993, of which 43 were reported from the state of Montana. The primary cause of HPS in the US is SNV, which is primarily found in the reservoir host Peromyscus maniculatus (deer mouse). The reservoir host covers most of the US, including Montana, where multiple studies found SNV in local deer mouse populations. This study aimed to check the prevalence of SNV in the deer mice at popular recreation sites throughout the Bitterroot Valley in Western Montana as compared to previous studies in western Montana. We found high prevalence (up to 20%) of deer mice positive for SNV RNA in the lungs. We were unable to obtain a SNV tissue culture isolate from the lungs but could passage SNV from lung tissue into naïve deer mice. Our findings demonstrate continuing circulation of SNV in western Montana.
Dynamics and Extent of Non-Structural Protein 1-Antibody Responses in Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccination Breakthroughs and Unvaccinated Patients
Authors: Stiasny Karin , Leitner Agnes , Holzmann Heidemarie , Heinz Franz X.
Published: May 2021

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has a substantial impact on human public health in many parts of Europe and Asia. Effective inactivated purified whole-virus vaccines are in widespread use in TBE-endemic countries. Nevertheless, vaccination breakthroughs (VBTs) with manifest clinical disease do occur, and their specific serodiagnosis was shown to be facilitated by the detection of antibodies to a non-structural protein (NS1) that is produced during virus replication. However, recent data have shown that NS1 is also present in the current inactivated vaccines, with the potential of inducing corresponding antibodies and obscuring a proper interpretation of NS1-antibody assays for diagnosing VBTs. In our study, we quantified anti-virion and anti-NS1 antibody responses after vaccination as well as after natural infection in TBE patients, both without and with a history of previous TBE vaccination (VBTs). We did not find significant levels of NS1-specific antibodies in serum samples from 48 vaccinees with a completed vaccination schedule. In contrast, all TBE patients mounted an anti-NS1 antibody response, irrespective of whether they were vaccinated or not. Neither the dynamics nor the extent of NS1-antibody formation differed significantly between the two cohorts, arguing against substantial NS1-specific priming and an anamnestic NS1-antibody response in VBTs.
Response to Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine in Transfusion-Dependent Patients
Authors: Casale Maddalena , Di Maio Nicoletta , Verde Valentina , Scianguetta Saverio , Di Girolamo Maria Grazia , Tomeo Rita , Roberti Domenico , Misso Saverio , Perrotta Silverio
Published: May 2021

Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) still determine significant morbidity and mortality, although a highly effective vaccine is available. Postponing the MMR vaccination until 6 months after the last red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is recommended, but this delay is incompatible with chronic transfusions. The present study aimed at investigating the impact of blood transfusions on the immunogenicity of the MMR vaccine. In this observational study, a group of 45 transfusion- dependent (TD) patients was compared to 24 non-transfusion-dependent (NTD) patients. Immunity to measles was achieved in 35 (78%) TD and 21 (88%) NTD subjects (p = 0.7), to mumps in 36 (80%) TD and 21 (88%) NTD subjects (p = 0.99), and to rubella in 40 (89%) TD and 23 (96%) NTD subjects (p = 0.99). No significant difference was observed in the number of non-immune individuals or those with doubtful protection between the two groups (p > 0.05). The mean IgG value, assayed in 50 pre-storage leukoreduced RBC units, was 0.075 ± 0.064 mg/mL, ten times lower than the level assumed in blood units and considered detrimental to the immune response in TD patients. This work shows a favorable response to MMR vaccination in TD and NTDT patients and paves the way for further larger studies assessing the impact of chronic transfusions on vaccine response.
Omnivorous Carp (Carassius gibelio) Increase Eutrophication in Part by Preventing Development of Large-Bodied Zooplankton and Submerged Macrophytes
Authors: Razlutskij Vladimir , Mei Xueying , Maisak Natallia , Sysova Elena , Lukashanets Dzmitry , Makaranka Andrei , Jeppesen Erik , Zhang Xiufeng
Published: May 2021

Fish, being an important consumer in aquatic ecosystems, plays a significant role by affecting the key processes of aquatic ecosystems. Omnivorous fish consume a variety of food both from pelagic and benthic habitats and may directly or indirectly affect the plankton community as well as the lake trophic state. We conducted a 72-day outdoor experiment in mesocosms with and without Prussian carp (Carassius auratus) to evaluate the effect of this often-stocked omnivorous fish on the plankton community and water quality. We found that the presence of fish increased the biomass of planktonic algae, total and inorganic suspended solids, leading to decreased light intensity in the water and a lower biomass of benthic algae. Fish also prevented development of submerged macrophytes and the establishment of large-bodied zooplankton. However, the fish did not increase nitrogen concentrations and even was lowered total phosphorus levels, in part due to nutrient storage in the fish. We conclude that stocking of Prussian carp should be avoided, or removed where stocked and abundant, to obtain good ecological quality of shallow lakes, characterized by clear water and high abundance of macrophytes.
Research on the Measurement and Influencing Factors of Implicit Water Resources in Import and Export Trade from the Perspective of Global Value Chains
Authors: Huang Min , Xu Chengying , Wang Fengting , Xiong Lichun , Zhou Kai
Published: May 2021

In this study, China’s virtual water trade was measured on the basis of multi-region input/output tables, and its influencing factors of change were decomposed. The results revealed that virtual water export and import increased from 161.5 billion tons and 114.07 billion tons in 2007 to 193.31 billion tons and 157.1 billion tons in 2014, respectively. Eight economies accounted for more than 50% of China’s total virtual water export and import, whereby the total of the United States, Japan, and Europe reached 44% (export) and 31.3% (import). The export scale, export of intermediate products, export industry structure, domestic water consumption coefficient, and domestic intermediate input structure were the main factors of the change in virtual water export. The growth of export scale was the primary reason for the growth of virtual water export. A decline in the domestic water consumption coefficient was the primary reason for the restrained growth of virtual water export. The import scale, import of intermediate products, import industry structure, water consumption coefficient of foreign countries, and the correlation among domestic industries were the main factors affecting the change in virtual water import. The growth of import scale was the primary reason for the growth of virtual water import in most sectors. A decline in the water consumption coefficient abroad was the primary reason for the restrained growth of virtual water import.