bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring Chlorofluorocarbons in Potential Source Regions in Eastern China
Authors: Zhen Jiebo , Yang Minmin , Zhou Jie , Yang Fengchun , Li Tao , Li Hongli , Cao Fangfang , Nie Xiaoling , Li Panyan , Wang Yan
Published: November 2020

Recent studies have indicated that Eastern China might be a potential source region of increased atmospheric chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). To investigate this possibility, a field measurement was carried out from October to December 2017 for identifying the ambient concentration levels of representative trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11), dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12), trifluorotrichloroethane (CFC-113), and tetrafluorodichloroethane (CFC-114) at the residential and municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills and industrial sites in Eastern China. The ambient mixing ratios of CFCs at residential sites were almost within 20% enhancements of the global background sites. The highest levels of CFCs were observed at the MSW landfill sites. Moreover, CFC-11 and CFC-113 concentrations at MSW landfill, which was in service, were two times higher than that at completed MSW landfill. Mean concentrations of 322 pptv for CFC-11, 791 pptv for CFC-12, 91 pptv for CFC-113, and 16 pptv for CFC-114 at various industrial sites were higher than those at residential sites, but they were obviously lower than that at MSW landfill in use. A poor intercorrelation between the CFCs indicated that they did not come from the same source. Higher concentrations measured in this study compared with background sites indicates that MSW landfills could be an unintentional emission source and there are still substantial amounts of CFCs being stored in banks that may discharge CFCs into the atmosphere in Eastern China.
Impacts of Anthropogenic Emissions and Meteorological Variation on Hg Wet Deposition in Chongming, China
Authors: Tang Yi , Wu Qingru , Gao Wei , Wang Shuxiao , Li Zhijian , Liu Kaiyun , Han Deming
Published: November 2020

Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous environmental toxicant that has caused global concern due to its persistence and bioaccumulation in the environment. Wet deposition is a crucial Hg input for both terrestrial and aquatic environments and is a significant indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of anthropogenic Hg control. Rainwater samples were collected from May 2014 to October 2018 in Chongming Island to understand the multi-year Hg wet deposition characteristics. The annual Hg wet deposition flux ranged from 2.6 to 9.8 μg m−2 yr−1 (mean: 4.9 μg m−2 yr−1). Hg wet deposition flux in Chongming was comparable to the observations at temperate and subtropical background sites (2.0–10.2 μg m−2 yr−1) in the northern hemisphere. Hg wet deposition flux decreased from 8.6 μg m−2 yr−1 in 2014–2015 to 3.8 μg m−2 yr−1 in 2016 and was attributed to a decrease in the volume-weighted mean (VWM) Hg concentration (−4.1 ng L−1 yr−1). The reduced VWM Hg was explained by the decreasing atmospheric Hg and anthropogenic emissions reductions. The annual Hg wet deposition flux further decreased from 3.8 μg m−2 in 2016 to 2.6 μg m−2 in 2018. The reduction of warm season (April–September) rainfall amounts (356–845 mm) mainly contributed to the Hg wet deposition flux reduction during 2016–2018. The multi-year monitoring results suggest that long-term measurements are necessary when using wet deposition as an indicator to reflect the impact of anthropogenic efforts on mercury pollution control and meteorological condition variations.
Extended Reality for the Clinical, Affective, and Social Neurosciences
Authors: Parsons Thomas D. , Gaggioli Andrea , Riva Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

Brain science research often involves the use of low-dimensional tools and stimuli that lack several of the potentially valuable features of everyday activities and interactions. Although this research has provided important information about cognitive, affective, and social processes for both clinical and nonclinical populations, there is growing interest in high-dimensional simulations that extend reality. These high-dimensional simulations involve dynamic stimuli presented serially or concurrently to permit the assessment and training of perceivers’ integrative processes over time. Moreover, high-dimensional simulation platforms can contextually restrain interpretations of cues about a target’s internal states. Extended reality environments extend assessment and training platforms that balance experimental control with emotionally engaging background narratives aimed at extending the affective experience and social interactions. Herein, we highlight the promise of extended reality platforms for greater ecological validity in the clinical, affective, and social neurosciences.
Immune Regulation by Dendritic Cell Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Immunotherapy and Vaccines
Authors: Fernández-Delgado Irene , Calzada-Fraile Diego , Sánchez-Madrid Francisco
Published: November 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in intercellular communication as vehicles for the transport of membrane and cytosolic proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids including different RNAs. Dendritic cells (DCs)-derived EVs (DEVs), albeit variably, express major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-peptide complexes and co-stimulatory molecules on their surface that enable the interaction with other immune cells such as CD8+ T cells, and other ligands that stimulate natural killer (NK) cells, thereby instructing tumor rejection, and counteracting immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment. Malignant cells oppose this effect by secreting EVs bearing a variety of molecules that block DCs function. For instance, tumor-derived EVs (TDEVs) can impair myeloid cell differentiation resulting in myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) generation. Hence, the unique composition of EVs makes them suitable candidates for the development of new cancer treatment approaches including prophylactic vaccine targeting oncogenic pathogens, cancer vaccines, and cancer immunotherapeutics. We offer a perspective from both cell sides, DCs, and tumor cells, on how EVs regulate the antitumor immune response, and how this translates into promising therapeutic options by reviewing the latest advancement in DEV-based cancer therapeutics.
Single-Cell Spatial Analysis of Tumor and Immune Microenvironment on Whole-Slide Image Reveals Hepatocellular Carcinoma Subtypes
Authors: Wang Haiyue , Jiang Yuming , Li Bailiang , Cui Yi , Li Dengwang , Li Ruijiang
Published: November 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous disease with diverse characteristics and outcomes. Here, we aim to develop a histological classification for HCC by integrating computational imaging features of the tumor and its microenvironment. We first trained a multitask deep-learning neural network for automated single-cell segmentation and classification on hematoxylin- and eosin-stained tissue sections. After confirming the accuracy in a testing set, we applied the model to whole-slide images of 304 tumors in the Cancer Genome Atlas. Given the single-cell map, we calculated 246 quantitative image features to characterize individual nuclei as well as spatial relations between tumor cells and infiltrating lymphocytes. Unsupervised consensus clustering revealed three reproducible histological subtypes, which exhibit distinct nuclear features as well as spatial distribution and relation between tumor cells and lymphocytes. These histological subtypes were associated with somatic genomic alterations (i.e., aneuploidy) and specific molecular pathways, including cell cycle progression and oxidative phosphorylation. Importantly, these histological subtypes complement established molecular classification and demonstrate independent prognostic value beyond conventional clinicopathologic factors. Our study represents a step forward in quantifying the spatial distribution and complex interaction between tumor and immune microenvironment. The clinical relevance of the imaging subtypes for predicting prognosis and therapy response warrants further validation.
Role of Human Papillomavirus Infection in Head and Neck Cancer in Italy: The HPV-AHEAD Study
Authors: Tagliabue Marta , Mena Marisa , Maffini Fausto , Gheit Tarik , Quirós Blasco Beatriz , Holzinger Dana , Tous Sara , Scelsi Daniele , Riva Debora , Grosso Enrica , Chu Francesco , Lucas Eric , Ridder Ruediger , Rrehm Susanne , Bogers Johannes Paul , Lepanto Daniela , Lloveras Rubio Belén , Vijay Kumar Rekha , Gangane Nitin , Clavero Omar , Pawlita Michael , Anantharaman Devasena , Radhakrishna Pillai Madhavan , Brennan Paul , Sankaranarayanan Rengaswamy , Arbyn Marc , Lombardi Francesca , Taberna Miren , Gandini Sara , Chiesa Fausto , Ansarin Mohssen , Alemany Laia , Tommasino Massimo , Chiocca Susanna ,   The HPV-AHEAD Study Group
Published: November 2020

Literature on the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in head and neck cancer (HNC) in Italy is limited, especially for non-oropharyngeal tumours. Within the context of the HPV-AHEAD study, we aimed to assess the prognostic value of different tests or test algorithms judging HPV carcinogenicity in HNC and factors related to HPV positivity at the European Institute of Oncology. We conducted a retrospective cohort study (2000–2010) on a total of 696 primary HNC patients. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cancer tissues were studied. All HPV-DNA-positive and a random sample of HPV-DNA-negative cases were subjected to HPV-E6*I mRNA detection and p16INK4a staining. Multivariate models were used to assess for factors associated with HPV positivity and proportional hazards for survival and recurrence. The percentage of HPV-driven cases (considering HPV-E6*I mRNA positivity) was 1.8, 2.2, and 40.4% for oral cavity (OC), laryngeal (LC), and oropharyngeal (OPC) cases, respectively. The estimates were similar for HPV-DNA/p16INK4a double positivity. Being a non-smoker or former smoker or diagnosed at more recent calendar periods were associated with HPV-E6*I mRNA positivity only in OPC. Being younger was associated with HPV-E6*I mRNA positivity in LC. HPV-driven OPC, but not HPV-driven OC and LC, showed better 5 year overall and disease-free survival. Our data show that HPV prevalence in OPC was much higher than in OC and LC and observed to increase in most recent years. Moreover, HPV positivity conferred better prognosis only in OPC. Novel insights on the role of HPV in HNC in Italy are provided, with possible implications in the clinical management of these patients.
Unraveling the Resistance of IGF-Pathway Inhibition in Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: de Groot Stefanie , Röttgering Bas , Gelderblom Hans , Pijl Hanno , Szuhai Karoly , Kroep Judith R.
Published: November 2020

Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) inhibitors are effective in preclinical studies, but so far, no convincing benefit in clinical studies has been observed, except in some rare cases of sustained response in Ewing sarcoma patients. The mechanism of resistance is unknown, but several hypotheses are proposed. In this review, multiple possible mechanisms of resistance to IGF-targeted therapies are discussed, including activated insulin signaling, pituitary-driven feedback loops through growth hormone (GH) secretion and autocrine loops. Additionally, the outcomes of clinical trials of IGF1-targeted therapies are discussed, as well as strategies to overcome the possible resistance mechanisms. In conclusion, lowering the plasma insulin levels or blocking its activity could provide an additional target in cancer therapy in combination with IGF1 inhibition. Furthermore, because Ewing sarcoma cells predominantly express the insulin receptor A (IRA) and healthy tissue insulin receptor B (IRB), it may be possible to synthesize a specific IRA inhibitor.
Optimization of Enzyme Essays to Enhance Reliability of Activity Measurements in Leukocyte Lysates for the Diagnosis of Metachromatic Leukodystrophy and Gangliosidoses
Authors: Strobel Sebastian , Hesse Naomi , Santhanakumaran Vidiyaah , Groeschel Samuel , Bruchelt Gernot , Krägeloh-Mann Ingeborg , Böhringer Judith
Published: November 2020

(1) Lysosomal storage diseases are rare inherited disorders with no standardized or commercially available tests for biochemical diagnosis. We present factors influencing the quality of enzyme assays for metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) and gangliosidoses (GM1; GM2 variants B and 0) and validate the reliability and stability of testing in a retrospective analysis of 725 samples. (2) Patient leukocytes were isolated from ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) blood and separated for subpopulation experiments using density gradient centrifugation or magnetic cell separation. Enzyme activities in whole leukocyte lysate and leukocyte subpopulations were determined. (3) The enzyme activities in leukocyte subpopulations differed significantly. Compared to lymphocytes, the respective enzyme activities were 2.31–4.57-fold higher in monocytes and 1.64–2.81-fold higher in granulocytes. During sample preparation, a considerable amount of the lysosomal enzymes was released from granulocytes. Nevertheless, with the sample preparation method used here, total leukocyte count proved to be more accurate than total protein amount as a reference unit for enzyme activities. Subsequent analysis of 725 individuals showed clear discrimination of enzyme activities in patient samples (48 MLD; 21 gangliosidoses), with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 98–99%.
Hearing Loss in Alzheimer’s Disease Is Associated with Altered Serum Lipidomic Biomarker Profiles
Authors: Llano Daniel , Issa Lina , Devanarayan Priya , Devanarayan Viswanath ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Published: November 2020

Recent data have found that aging-related hearing loss (ARHL) is associated with the development of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). However, the nature of the relationship between these two disorders is not clear. There are multiple potential factors that link ARHL and AD, and previous investigators have speculated that shared metabolic dysregulation may underlie the propensity to develop both disorders. Here, we investigate the distribution of serum lipidomic biomarkers in AD subjects with or without hearing loss in a publicly available dataset. Serum levels of 349 known lipids from 16 lipid classes were measured in 185 AD patients. Using previously defined co-regulated sets of lipids, both age- and sex-adjusted, we found that lipid sets enriched in phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine showed a strong inverse association with hearing loss. Examination of biochemical classes confirmed these relationships and revealed that serum phosphatidylcholine levels were significantly lower in AD subjects with hearing loss. A similar relationship was not found in normal subjects. These data suggest that a synergistic relationship may exist between AD, hearing loss and metabolic biomarkers, such that in the context of a pathological state such as AD, alterations in serum metabolic profiles are associated with hearing loss. These data also point to a potential role for phosphatidylcholine, a molecule with antioxidant properties, in the underlying pathophysiology of ARHL in the context of AD, which has implications for our understanding and potential treatment of both disorders.
Qualifying Osteogenic Potency Assay Metrics for Human Multipotent Stromal Cells: TGF-β2 a Telling Eligible Biomarker
Authors: Ofiteru Augustin M. , Becheru Diana F. , Gharbia Sami , Balta Cornel , Herman Hildegard , Mladin Bianca , Ionita Mariana , Hermenean Anca , Burns Jorge S.
Published: November 2020

Potency assays are critical for regenerative medicine, addressing the known challenge of functional heterogeneity among human multipotent stromal cells (hMSC). Necessary laboratory cell expansion allows analysis before implantation in the patient. Levels of induction of five signature gene biomarkers, ALPL, COL1A2, DCN, ELN and RUNX2, constituted a previously reported proof-of-principle osteogenic potency assay. We tested assay modification to enhance reproducibility using six consistent bone marrow derived hBM-MSC and explored applicability to three adipose tissue derived hAT-MSC. Using a potent proprietary osteogenic induction factor, the GUSB/YWAHZ reference gene pair provided real time PCR consistency. The novel assay conditions supported the concept that genes encoding extracellular matrix proteins one week after osteogenic induction were informative. Nonetheless, relatively low induction of COL1A2 and ELN encouraged search for additional biomarkers. TGFB2 mRNA induction, important for osteogenic commitment, was readily quantifiable in both hBM-MSC and hAT-MSC. Combined with DCN, TGFB2 mRNA induction data provided discriminatory power for resolving donor-specific heterogeneity. Histomorphometric decorin and TGF-β2 protein expression patterns in eight-week heterotopic bone implants also discriminated the two non-bone-forming hMSC. We highlight progress towards prompt osteogenic potency assays, needed by current clinical trials to accelerate improved intervention with enhanced stem cell therapy for serious bone fractures.
Pyridinyl Conjugate of UiO-66-NH2 as Chemosensor for the Sequential Detection of Iron and Pyrophosphate Ion in Aqueous Media
Authors: Helal Aasif , Arafat Md. Eyasin , Rahman Mohammad Mizanur
Published: November 2020

A new chemosensor UiO-66-N-Py (Py = 2-methinepyridine, N = imine nitrogen) based on isoreticular UiO-66 (University of Oslo) Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) containing 2-methinepyridine functionalized organic linker was solvothermally synthesized and characterized. This UiO-66-N-Py was very selective and sensitive for detecting the Fe3+ ion and sequential detection of the pyrophosphate (PPi) anion. The limits of detection for the Fe3+ ion and PPi were calculated to be 10 ppb (0.19 μM) and 50 ppb (0.3 μM), respectively. The quenching constant Ksv for Fe3+ and the binding constant for PPi were 1.4 × 105 M−1 and 1.7 × 105 M−1, respectively. The functionalization of UiO-66-NH2 with 2-methinepyridine enhanced its fluorescence emission properties and introduced more binding sites for the analytes. We additionally studied the interaction of the sensor and the analytes with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). This chemosensor also demonstrated a regenerative emission property without loss in the detection ability for six consecutive cycles.
Study on Preparation of Superhydrophobic Ni-Co Coating and Corrosion Resistance by Sandblasting–Electrodeposition
Authors: Zhang Zhengwei , Shen Zhenyu , Wu Hongbin , Li Lingquan , Fu Xiuqing
Published: November 2020

To enhance the corrosion resistance of type C45E4 substrates, a superhydrophobic Ni-Co coating was prepared on a C45E4 surface by sandblasting pretreatment and electrodeposition. The surface microstructure, three-dimensional surface roughness, and crystal structure of the coating was characterized by scanning electron microscope, laser scanning confocal microscope, and X-ray diffraction. An optical surface contact angle measuring instrument and an electrochemical workstation was used to characterize the wettability and corrosion resistance of the surface. The results showed that the water contact angle reached 151.2 degrees on the Ni-Co coating surface. The surface was superhydrophobic and still had stable hydrophobicity after four months. In electrochemical corrosion experiments. Compared with polishing pretreatment, the corrosion current density of superhydrophobic Ni-Co coating prepared by sandblasting pretreatment reached Icorr = 5.05 × 10−7 A·cm−2, and the corrosion potential reached Ecorr = −0.33 V. The superhydrophobic Ni-Co coating had excellent corrosion resistance.
Influences of Substrate Temperatures and Oxygen Partial Pressures on the Crystal Structure, Morphology and Luminescence Properties of Pulsed Laser Deposited Bi2O3:Ho3+ Thin Films
Authors: Janardhana Divya , Jayaramu Shivaramu N. , Roos Wiets D. , Purcell Walter , Swart Hendrik C.
Published: November 2020

Monoclinic Bi2O3:Ho3+ powder was synthesized using a co-precipitation method, followed by the deposition of Bi2O3:Ho3+ thin films on Si (100) substrates at various substrate temperatures (room temperature–600 °C) and oxygen partial pressures (5–200 mT) using pulsed-laser deposition. X-ray diffraction analysis showed a single α-Bi2O3 phase at temperatures of 400 and 500 °C, while a mixed α- and β-Bi2O3 phase was obtained at 600 °C. The films deposited at the different oxygen partial pressures showed an α-Bi2O3 and non-stoichiometric phase. The influences of different substrate temperatures and oxygen partial pressures on the morphology and the thickness of the films were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. The root mean square roughnesses of the films were determined by using an atomic force microscope. The surface components, oxidation states and oxygen vacancies in all the deposited thin films were identified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The optical band gap of the Bi2O3:Ho3+ thin films was calculated using diffused reflectance spectra and was found to vary between 2.89 and 2.18 eV for the deposited films at the different temperatures, whereas the different oxygen partial pressures showed a band gap variation between 2.97 and 2.47 eV. Photoluminescence revealed that Ho3+ was the emitting centre in the isolated thin films with the 5F4/5S2 → 5I8 transition as the most intense emission in the green region.
Testing the Feasibility of Titanium Dioxide Sol-Gel Coatings on Portuguese Glazed Tiles to Prevent Biological Colonization
Authors: Coutinho Mathilda L. , Veiga João Pedro , Macedo Maria Filomena , Miller Ana Zélia
Published: November 2020

Historical glazed wall tiles are a unique vehicle of artistic expression that can be found outdoors, integrating the buildings of many countries, therefore they are often subjected to biodeterioration. In this work, the applicability of protective coatings on glazed tiles to prevent biological colonization was evaluated. Thin films of titanium dioxide (TiO2) obtained by sol-gel were applied on glazed tiles to appraise its anti-biofouling properties and to evaluate their suitability for cultural heritage application. The TiO2 coating was tested on four different Portuguese glazed tiles and a modern tile. The chemical and mineralogical characterization of the glaze and ceramic body of the tiles was examined by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (WDXRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The produced TiO2 coating was chemically and morphologically characterized by micro Raman spectroscopy (µ-Raman) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The anti-biofouling properties of the TiO2 treatment were evaluated by inoculating the fungus Cladosporium sp. on the glazed tiles. Potential chromatic and mineralogical alterations induced by the treatment were assessed by color measurements and XRD. The TiO2 coating did not prevent fungal growth and caused aesthetical alterations on the glazed tiles. A critical analysis evidenced that the tested coating was not suitable for cultural heritage application and highlighted the challenges of developing protective coatings for glazed tiles.
Microstructure of High Temperature Oxidation Resistant Hf6B10Si31C2N50 and Hf7B10Si32C2N44 Films
Authors: Shen Yi , Jiang Jiechao , Zeman Petr , Kotrlová Michaela , Šímová Veronika , Vlček Jaroslav , Meletis Efstathios I.
Published: November 2020

High-temperature oxidation resistant amorphous Hf6B10Si31C2N50 and Hf7B10Si32C2N44 films were deposited by reactive pulsed dc magnetron sputtering. To investigate the oxidation mechanism, the films were annealed up to 1500 °C in air. The evolved microstructures were studied by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. A three-layered microstructure was developed upon exposure to high temperature. An oxidized layer formed at the top surface for both films consisting of monoclinic and/or orthorhombic m-/o-HfO2 nanoparticles embedded in an amorphous SiOx-based matrix. The as-deposited bottom layer of the films remained amorphous (Hf6B10Si31C2N50) or partially recrystallized (Hf7B10Si32C2N44) exhibiting a h-Si3N4 and HfCxN1−x distribution along with formation of t-HfO2 at its top section. The two layers were separated by a partially oxidized transition layer composed of nanocrystalline h-Si3N4 and tetragonal t-HfO2. The oxidation process initiates at the bottom/transition layer interface with oxidation of Hf-rich domains either in the amorphous structure or in HfCxN1−x nanoparticles resulting in t-HfO2 separated by Si3N4 domains. The second stage occurs at the oxidized/transition layer interface characterized by densely packed HfO2, Si3N4 and quartz SiO2 nanostructures that can act as a barrier for oxygen diffusion. The small t-HfO2 nanoparticles merge and transform into large m-/o-HfO2 while h-Si3N4 forms amorphous SiOx matrix. A similar oxidation mechanism was observed in both films despite the different microstructures developed.
Conformal Functionalization of Cotton Fibers via Isoreticular Expansion of UiO-66 Metal-Organic Frameworks
Authors: Schelling Marion , Otal Eugenio , Kim Manuela , Hinestroza Juan P.
Published: November 2020

We report on the growing of metal-organic frameworks that are isoreticular and isostructural to UiO-66, onto cotton fabrics via a solvothermal method. Four different metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) (UiO-66, UiO-66-NH2, UiO-66-NDC, and UiO-67) were chosen as a case study. The presence of the UiO-based MOFs was confirmed through X-ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy. We used thermogravimetric analysis to quantify the amount of the MOF loading, which ranged from 0.8% to 2.6% m/m. We also explored the role of ligand size, growth time, and reaction temperature on the conformal coating of cotton fibers with these Zr-based MOFs. Cotton fabrics coated with Zr-based MOFs can find applications as selective filters in aggressive environments due to their enhanced chemical and thermal stabilities.
The Influence of Multilayer, “Sandwich” Package on the Freshness of Bread after 72 h Storage
Authors: Mizielińska Małgorzata , Kowalska Urszula , Tarnowiecka-Kuca Alicja , Dzięcioł Paulina , Kozłowska Katarzyna , Bartkowiak Artur
Published: November 2020

The goal of this research was to evaluate a polymeric system, including biopolymers, as a multi-component material coating on paperboard for bread. The main aim of the research was to create a humidity-controlling packaging material. This means that the packaging material should contain filler which will absorb water or water vapour from the bread. The ideal packaging should have high barrier qualities against water vapour, enabling the possible release of water from the product (to maintain proper humidity inside the packaging). The preliminary storage tests made of the bread confirmed that the freshness of a product kept in a climatic chamber in RH = 70% was the highest. To summarise, the obtained packaging should maintain the required humidity (in the case of bread, the optimal humidity is 70%) within the packaging to keep the bread fresh after more than 72 h of storage. A “sandwich” form of (multilayer) packaging was indicated as a solution to this problem. The main objective of this packaging was to obtain two paper layers and one starch layer to increase water absorption from the bread. It was also important to obtain a thin, external hydrophobic layer to decrease the water vapour transmission rate of the packaging (WVTR). A number of ‘’sandwich” packaging types were prepared, consisting of two sheets of paper with an external aquaseal coating and an internal starch coating (with a NaCl filler). The covered ‘’sandwich” papers were then used to create packaging that could be used for the bread storage tests. The study results confirmed that the bread stored for 72 h in the “sandwich” packaging was found to be fresher than the same product stored in commercial paper packaging.
Regional Pelagic Rotifer Biodiversity in a Tropical Karst Lake District
Authors: Fernández Rocío , Alcocer Javier , Oseguera Luis A.
Published: November 2020

The species richness, composition, abundance, and biomass of pelagic rotifers were determined in 17 karst lakes of the “Lagunas de Montebello” National Park, Chiapas, Mexico. The species richness of the region (21 species) and single lakes (1–12 species) was smaller than that of other Mexican, tropical, and temperate lakes. It is worth noting the high dissimilarity in species composition—about half (52%) of the species were observed in only 1–3 lakes. A total of eight rotifer families, all from the Monogononta subclass, were recorded. Keratella americana was the species with the highest occurrence (13 lakes), followed by Ptygura sp. (8 lakes). The abundance (0 to 536 ind L−1) and biomass (0 to 21 µg L−1) of rotifers were low. The highest values of species richness, abundance, and biomass were found in eutrophic lakes, and the lowest in oligotrophic lakes. The low values of rotifer biodiversity, abundance, and biomass in the Montebello lakes are probably the product of the interaction of different factors—such as environmental homogeneity (all water bodies are karst lakes), the low availability of “good-quality” food, and predation by cyclopoid copepods in the eutrophic lakes, and the low availability of food, and competitive interference by calanoid copepods and cladocerans in the oligotrophic lakes.
Nocturnal Predation of Christmas Tree Worms by a Batwing Coral Crab at Bonaire (Southern Caribbean)
Authors: Muller Ellen , de Gier Werner , ten Hove Harry A. , van Moorsel Godfried W. N. M. , Hoeksema Bert W.
Published: November 2020

Christmas tree worms (Serpulidae: Spirobranchus) occur in shallow parts of coral reefs, where they live as associates of a large number of stony coral species [...]
Interpreting Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) as an Information Channel
Authors: Sbert Mateu , Chen Shuning , Feixas Miquel , Vila Marius , Golan Amos
Published: November 2020

Information theory, and the concept of information channel, allows us to calculate the mutual information between the source (input) and the receiver (output), both represented by probability distributions over their possible states. In this paper, we use the theory behind the information channel to provide an enhanced interpretation to a Social Accounting Matrix (SAM), a square matrix whose columns and rows present the expenditure and receipt accounts of economic actors. Under our interpretation, the SAM’s coefficients, which, conceptually, can be viewed as a Markov chain, can be interpreted as an information channel, allowing us to optimize the desired level of aggregation within the SAM. In addition, the developed information measures can describe accurately the evolution of a SAM over time. Interpreting the SAM matrix as an ergodic chain could show the effect of a shock on the economy after several periods or economic cycles. Under our new framework, finding the power limit of the matrix allows one to check (and confirm) whether the matrix is well-constructed (irreducible and aperiodic), and obtain new optimization functions to balance the SAM matrix. In addition to the theory, we also provide two empirical examples that support our channel concept and help to understand the associated measures.
Evaluation of Survival Outcomes of Endovascular Versus Open Aortic Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms with a Big Data Approach
Authors: Mei Hao , Xu Yaqing , Wang Jiping , Ma Shuangge
Published: November 2020

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a localized enlargement of the abdominal aorta. Once ruptured AAA (rAAA) happens, repairing procedures need to be applied immediately, for which there are two main options: open aortic repair (OAR) and endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). It is of great clinical significance to objectively compare the survival outcomes of OAR versus EVAR using randomized clinical trials; however, this has serious feasibility issues. In this study, with the Medicare data, we conduct an emulation analysis and explicitly “assemble” a clinical trial with rigorously defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 7826 patients are “recruited”, with 3866 and 3960 in the OAR and EVAR arms, respectively. Mimicking but significantly advancing from the regression-based literature, we adopt a deep learning-based analysis strategy, which consists of a propensity score step, a weighted survival analysis step, and a bootstrap step. The key finding is that for both short- and long-term mortality, EVAR has survival advantages. This study delivers a new big data strategy for addressing critical clinical problems and provides valuable insights into treating rAAA using OAR and EVAR.
Electricity, Heat, and Gas Load Forecasting Based on Deep Multitask Learning in Industrial-Park Integrated Energy System
Authors: Zhang Linjuan , Shi Jiaqi , Wang Lili , Xu Changqing
Published: November 2020

Different energy systems are closely connected with each other in industrial-park integrated energy system (IES). The energy demand forecasting has important impact on IES dispatching and planning. This paper proposes an approach of short-term energy forecasting for electricity, heat, and gas by employing deep multitask learning whose structure is constructed by deep belief network (DBN) and multitask regression layer. The DBN can extract abstract and effective characteristics in an unsupervised fashion, and the multitask regression layer above the DBN is used for supervised prediction. Then, subject to condition of practical demand and model integrity, the whole energy forecasting model is introduced, including preprocessing, normalization, input properties, training stage, and evaluating indicator. Finally, the validity of the algorithm and the accuracy of the energy forecasts for an industrial-park IES system are verified through the simulations using actual operating data from load system. The positive results turn out that the deep multitask learning has great prospects for load forecast.
Water Conservation Potential of Self-Funded Foam-Based Flexible Surface-Mounted Floatovoltaics
Authors: Hayibo Koami Soulemane , Mayville Pierce , Kailey Ravneet Kaur , Pearce Joshua M.
Published: November 2020

A potential solution to the coupled water–energy–food challenges in land use is the concept of floating photovoltaics or floatovoltaics (FPV). In this study, a new approach to FPV is investigated using a flexible crystalline silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) module backed with foam, which is less expensive than conventional pontoon-based FPV. This novel form of FPV is tested experimentally for operating temperature and performance and is analyzed for water-savings using an evaporation calculation adapted from the Penman–Monteith model. The results show that the foam-backed FPV had a lower operating temperature than conventional pontoon-based FPV, and thus a 3.5% higher energy output per unit power. Therefore, foam-based FPV provides a potentially profitable means of reducing water evaporation in the world’s at-risk bodies of fresh water. The case study of Lake Mead found that if 10% of the lake was covered with foam-backed FPV, there would be enough water conserved and electricity generated to service Las Vegas and Reno combined. At 50% coverage, the foam-backed FPV would provide over 127 TWh of clean solar electricity and 633.22 million m3 of water savings, which would provide enough electricity to retire 11% of the polluting coal-fired plants in the U.S. and provide water for over five million Americans, annually.
Porosity and Water Saturation Estimation for Shale Reservoirs: An Example from Goldwyer Formation Shale, Canning Basin, Western Australia
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Atif , Rezaee Reza
Published: November 2020

Porosity and water saturation are the most critical and fundamental parameters for accurate estimation of gas content in the shale reservoirs. However, their determination is very challenging due to the direct influence of kerogen and clay content on the logging tools. The porosity and water saturation over or underestimate the reserves if the corrections for kerogen and clay content are not applied. Moreover, it is very difficult to determine the formation water resistivity (Rw) and Archie parameters for shale reservoirs. In this study, the current equations for porosity and water saturation are modified based on kerogen and clay content calibrations. The porosity in shale is composed of kerogen and matrix porosities. The kerogen response for the density porosity log is calibrated based on core-based derived kerogen volume. The kerogen porosity is computed by a mass-balance relation between the original total organic carbon (TOCo) and kerogen maturity derived by the percentage of convertible organic carbon (Cc) and the transformation ratio (TR). Whereas, the water saturation is determined by applying kerogen and shale volume corrections on the Rt. The modified Archie equation is derived to compute the water saturation of the shale reservoir. This equation is independent of Rw and Archie parameters. The introduced porosity and water saturation equations are successfully applied for the Ordovician Goldwyer formation shale from Canning Basin, Western Australia. The results indicate that based on the proposed equations, the total porosity ranges from 5% to 10% and the water saturation ranges from 35% to 80%. Whereas, the porosity and water saturation were overestimated by the conventional equations. The results were well-correlated with the core-based porosity and water saturation. Moreover, it is also revealed that the porosity and water saturation of Goldwyer Formation shale are subjected to the specific rock type with heterogeneity in total organic carbon total clay contents. The introduced porosity and water saturation can be helpful for accurate reserve estimations for shale reservoirs.
The Saturated Water Content of Liquid Propane in Equilibrium with the sII Hydrate
Authors: Adeniyi Kayode I. , Deering Connor E. , Marriott Robert A.
Published: November 2020

In order to prevent solids from forming during the transportation and handling of liquid propane, C3H8(l), the fluid is dehydrated to a level below the water dew point concentration for the coldest operating temperature. Thus, accurate calculation of the saturation water content for C3H8 is important to determine the designed allowable concentration in liquid C3H8. In this work, we measured the water content of liquid C3H8 in the presence of the structure II hydrate from p = 1.081 to 40.064 MPa and T = 241.95 to 276.11 K using a tunable diode absorption spectroscopy technique. The water content results were modelled using the reference quality reduced Helmholtz equations and the Sloan et al. model for the non-hydrate and hydrate phases, respectively. Calculations show a good agreement (an average difference of less than 12 ppm) when compared to our measurements. Furthermore, the model was also used for calculating the dissociation temperatures for three phase loci, where a relative difference greater than 5 K was observed compared to the literature, hence our previously model reported by Adeniyi et al. is recommended for three phase loci calculations.
Demand Response Control of Space Heating in Three Different Building Types in Finland and Germany
Authors: Suhonen Janne , Jokisalo Juha , Kosonen Risto , Kauppi Ville , Ju Yuchen , Janßen Philipp
Published: November 2020

Demand response has been noted as a major element of future smart energy systems. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about the demand response actions in different conditions—including climate, dynamic energy price, and building types. This study examines energy and cost saving potential of the rule-based demand response in district heating network, in three different building types, in Germany and Finland. The studied building types are apartment buildings, cultural centers, and office buildings. The real-time pricing-based demand response is applied to space heating under the climate conditions of Helsinki, Finland and Hamburg, Germany. Moreover, the typical synthetic dynamic price data, which are based on both counties’ district heating production structure, is applied separately for each countries’ cases. Simulations of this study are conducted with validated simulation tool IDA ICE. The results present that the demand response can provide energy and cost savings around 0.5–7.7% and 0.7–8.1% respectively, depending on the building type and country. The results indicate that marginal value of the control signal, climate conditions, and the dynamic price of the district heating have effect on the demand response saving potential. Flatter district heating price profile provides less savings than a more fluctuating profile.
The Unified Power Quality Conditioner Control Method Based on the Equivalent Conductance Signals of the Compensated Load
Authors: Szromba Andrzej
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes a new control method for a Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC). This method is based on the load equivalent conductance approach, originally proposed by Fryze. It can be useful not only for compensation for nonactive current and for improving voltage quality, but it also allows one to perform some unconventional functions. This control method can be performed by extending the orthodox notion of ‘static’ load equivalent conductance into a time-variable signal. It may be used to characterize energy changes in the whole UPQC-and-load circuitry. The UPQC can regulate energy flow between all sources and loads being under compensation. They may be located as well for UPQC’s AC-side as DC-side. System works properly even if they switch their activity to work either as loads or generators. The UPQC can operate also as a buffer, which can store/share the in-load generated energy amongst other loads, or it can transmit this energy to the source. Therefore, in addition to performing the UPQC’s conventional compensation tasks, it can also serve as a local energy distribution center.
MW Synthesis of ZIF-7. The Effect of Solvent on Particle Size and Hydrogen Sorption Properties
Authors: Polyakov Vladimir A. , Butova Vera V. , Erofeeva Elena A. , Tereshchenko Andrei A. , Soldatov Alexander V.
Published: November 2020

We report here fast (15 min) microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate framework material (ZIF-7). We have optimized solvent composition to achieve high porosity and hydrogen capacity and narrow particle size distribution. It was shown that synthesis in N,N-diethylformamide (DEF) results in a layered ZIF-7 III phase, while N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as solvent leads to a pure ZIF-7 phase in microwave conditions. A mixture of toluene with DMF allows the production of pure ZIF-7 material only with the triethylamine additive. Obtained materials were comprehensively characterized. We have pointed out that both X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy could be used for the identification of ZIF-7 or ZIF-7 III phases. Although samples obtained in DMF, and in a mixture of DMF, toluene, and triethylamine were assigned to the pure ZIF-7 phase, solvent composition significantly affected the size of particles in the material and nitrogen and hydrogen adsorption process.
Selection of the Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making Method for Evaluation of Sustainable Energy Development: A Case Study of Poland
Authors: Trojanowska Małgorzata , Nęcka Krzysztof
Published: November 2020

One of the basic objectives of the European Union’s energy policy is to obtain and use energy in a sustainable way. Multiple-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods, in particular linear ordering based on the synthetic variable procedure, are used for comparative analyses of the level of energy sustainability. Despite many studies, the problem of choosing the optimal ordering method is still not fully resolved. This paper presents an original procedure that facilitates the selection of an effective method of the linear ordering of multi-feature objects for the evaluation of sustainable energy development of regions. What is understood as the effective ordering of regions is not only the effective ranking of objects but also their effective clustering. In order to obtain the best results of linear ordering, the authors put forward a multi-stage optimization of the selection of the method of ordering and normalization of diagnostic variables. Analysis of variance was used for the assessment of the object ranking quality, while for the assessment of the object clustering quality, an innovative approach was presented based on the analysis of the empirical distribution of the frequency of occurrence of the distance between objects. The linear ordering method, selected on the basis of the procedure proposed in the paper, was used to assess the energy sustainability of Polish regions. The calculations and analyses were carried out using the set of indicators developed by the authors. They characterize the sustainable energy development of regions in the social, economic, and environmental dimensions.
A Utility Maximized Harvest Decision Model for Privately Owned Coniferous Forests in the Republic of Korea
Authors: An Hyunjin , Lee Sangmin
Published: November 2020

This study examined optimal harvesting decisions of multiple age-class private forests that maximize private forest owners’ utility. For this analysis, we developed two scenarios. One scenario was to maintain the harvest level currently performed in the Republic of Korea (ROK) (baseline scenario), and the other was to harvest according to the harvest prescription derived from the discrete-time utility model with a multiple age-class forest (optimization scenario). For the baseline scenario, the cohort component approach was applied to predict changes in the forest’s age structure under the given harvest level. For the optimization scenario, we applied a discrete-time utility model that can describe the consumption and cutting behavior of private forest owners who manage a multiple age-class forest. Then, we compared the changes of the timber supply level and forest structure dynamic by scenarios. The results showed that current harvesting in ROK is not at its optimal level. The baseline scenario results showed that if the current level of harvesting is maintained, a total of 1,315,000 m3 of soft wood will be supplied annually. However, the average annual wood supply will increase to 11,522,000 m3 under the maximized utility scenario. In terms of timber self-sufficiency, if all domestic wood produced is supplied as materials, the supply level from the optimization scenario will meet the government’s policy goal of a 30% timber self-sufficiency rate. However, if the baseline scenario is maintained, supply shortages can be expected by 2050.
Comparison of Ips cembrae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Capture Methods: Small Trap Trees Caught the Most Beetles
Authors: Resnerová Karolina , Holuša Jaroslav , Surový Peter , Trombik Jiří , Kula Emanuel
Published: November 2020

Ips cembrae is the most important bark beetle pest of larches and has had several local outbreaks in recent decades in Europe. In this study, we compared the numbers of I. cembrae captured by pyramid-trap piles, trap trees, pheromone traps, and poisoned and baited tripods. We also studied how the properties of trap trees and trap logs (volume, sun exposure, and position relative to the ground once deployed) affected the trapping of I. cembrae. We found that both sexes avoided infestation at the bottom of the logs and more than 15 times the number of beetles were captured by traditional trap trees than by pheromone traps or baited and insecticide-treated tripods. The number of I. cembrae per trap tree did not decrease with trap volume; therefore, it is appropriate to use traps of small dimensions. Baited tripods, pyramid-trap piles, and pheromone traps could be useful for detection of the beginning of flight activity, but trap trees are the most useful for reducing I. cembrae numbers.