bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accumulation of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity during Berry Development in Black ‘Isabel’ Grape (Vitis vinifera L. x Vitis labrusca L.)
Authors: Kurt-Celebi Aynur , Colak Nesrin , Hayirlioglu-Ayaz Sema , Kostadinović Veličkovska Sanja , Ilieva Fidanka , Esatbeyoglu Tuba , Ayaz Faik Ahmet
Published: August 2020

Grapes are one of the most economically important fruits in the world and are of considerable benefit to human health due to their phenolic compounds. The black ‘Isabel’ grape (V. vinifera L. xV. labrusca L.) is widely grown in the Black Sea region of Turkey, where it is attracting increasing interest. The aim of this study was to investigate phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity (DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and CUPRAC (CUPric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity)) in the grape during berry development, which has been not reported yet from the region. A trend towards an increase in total phenolic compounds, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents and antioxidant capacity values was observed from un-ripened to overly ripened berries. In addition, anthocyanins in berries and proanthocyanidins seeds were characterized during berry development. Accordingly, malvidin-3-O-glucoside was the major anthocyanin in skin (1.05–1729 mg/kg fresh weight (fw)) and whole berry (0.23–895 mg/kg fw), followed by the content of peonidin-3-O-glucoside (0.98–799 mg/kg fw and 0.15–202 mg/kg fw, respectively). After veraison (onset of ripening or change of color in the grape berries), all proanthocyanidins showed a gradual decrease through ripening. The results showed that anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins in the grape showed significant stage-dependent changes with positive or negative strong correlations. Considering the phenolic compounds, an optimum harvest date of the grape might be suggested between mid-September and mid-October (263 and 293 DAFBs).
Identification and Structural Analysis of Spirostanol Saponin from Yucca schidigera by Integrating Silica Gel Column Chromatography and Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Analysis
Authors: Ruan Jingya , Qu Lu , Zhao Wei , Gao Chang , Huang Peijian , Zheng Dandan , Han Lifeng , Yu Haiyang , Zhang Zixin , Zhang Yi , Wang Tao
Published: August 2020

Yucca schidigera Roezl (Mojave), a kind of ornamental plant belonging to the Yucca genus (Agavaceae), whose extract exhibits important roles in food, beverage, cosmetic and feed additives owing to its rich spirostanol saponins. To provide a comprehensive chemical profiling of the spirostanol saponins in it, this study was performed by using a multi-phase liquid chromatography method combining a reversed phase chromatography T3 column with a normal phase chromatography silica column for the separation and an ESI-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap MS in positive ion mode as the detector. By comparing the retention time and ion fragments with standards, thirty-one spirostanol saponins were identified. In addition, according to the summary of the chromatographic retention behaviors and the MS/MS cleavage patterns and biosynthetic pathway, another seventy-nine spirostanol saponins were speculatively identified, forty ones of which were potentially new ones. Moreover, ten novel spirostanol saponins (three pairs of (25R/S)-spirostanol saponin isomer mixtures) were targeted for isolation to verify the speculation. Then, the comprehensive chemical profiling of spirostanol saponins from Y. schidigera was reported here firstly.
Synthesis and Biological Studies on Dinuclear Gold(I) Complexes with Di-(N-Heterocyclic Carbene) Ligands Functionalized with Carbohydrates
Authors: Tresin Federica , Stoppa Valentina , Baron Marco , Biffis Andrea , Annunziata Alfonso , D’Elia Luigi , Monti Daria Maria , Ruffo Francesco , Roverso Marco , Sgarbossa Paolo , Bogialli Sara , Tubaro Cristina
Published: August 2020

The design of novel metal complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands that display biological activity is an active research field in organometallic chemistry. One of the possible approaches consists of the use of NHC ligands functionalized with a carbohydrate moiety. Two novel Au(I)–Au(I) dinuclear complexes were synthesized; they present a neutral structure with one bridging diNHC ligand, having one or both heterocyclic rings decorated with a carbohydrate functionality. With the symmetric diNHC ligand, the dicationic dinuclear complex bearing two bridging diNHC ligands was also synthesized. The study was completed by analyzing the antiproliferative properties of these complexes, which were compared to the activity displayed by similar mononuclear Au(I) complexes and by the analogous bimetallic Au(I)–Au(I) complex not functionalized with carbohydrates.
Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial Properties of Siparuna guianensis Essential Oil and a Molecular Docking and Dynamics Molecular Study of its Major Chemical Constituent
Authors: Santana de Oliveira Mozaniel , da Cruz Jorddy Neves , Almeida da Costa Wanessa , Silva Sebastião Gomes , Brito Mileide da Paz , de Menezes Sílvio Augusto Fernandes , de Jesus Chaves Neto Antônio Maia , de Aguiar Andrade Eloisa Helena , de Carvalho Junior Raul Nunes
Published: August 2020

The essential oil of Siparuna guianensis was obtained by hydrodistillation. The identification of the chemical compounds was performed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Antimicrobial activity was investigated for four microorganisms: Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 3440), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 4083), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Candida albicans (ATCC-10231). The studies of doping and molecular dynamics were performed with the molecule that presented the highest concentration of drug–target proteins, 1IYL (C. albicans), 1C14 (E. coli), 2WE5 (E. faecalis), and 4TQX (S. mutans). The main compounds identified were: Curzerene (7.1%), γ-Elemene (7.04%), Germacrene D (7.61%), trans-β-Elemenone (11.78%), and Atractylone (18.65%). Gram positive bacteria and fungi were the most susceptible to the effects of the essential oil. The results obtained in the simulation showed that the major compound atractylone interacts with the catalytic sites of the target proteins, forming energetically favourable systems and remaining stable during the period of molecular dynamics.
FLIm and Raman Spectroscopy for Investigating Biochemical Changes of Bovine Pericardium upon Genipin Cross-Linking
Authors: Shaik Tanveer Ahmed , Alfonso-Garcia Alba , Richter Martin , Korinth Florian , Krafft Christoph , Marcu Laura , Popp Jürgen
Published: August 2020

Biomaterials used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications benefit from longitudinal monitoring in a non-destructive manner. Label-free imaging based on fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIm) and Raman spectroscopy were used to monitor the degree of genipin (GE) cross-linking of antigen-removed bovine pericardium (ARBP) at three incubation time points (0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 h). Fluorescence lifetime decreased and the emission spectrum redshifted compared to that of uncross-linked ARBP. The Raman signature of GE-ARBP was resonance-enhanced due to the GE cross-linker that generated new Raman bands at 1165, 1326, 1350, 1380, 1402, 1470, 1506, 1535, 1574, 1630, 1728, and 1741 cm−1. These were validated through density functional theory calculations as cross-linker-specific bands. A multivariate multiple regression model was developed to enhance the biochemical specificity of FLIm parameters fluorescence intensity ratio (R2 = 0.92) and lifetime (R2 = 0.94)) with Raman spectral results. FLIm and Raman spectroscopy detected biochemical changes occurring in the collagenous tissue during the cross-linking process that were characterized by the formation of a blue pigment which affected the tissue fluorescence and scattering properties. In conclusion, FLIm parameters and Raman spectroscopy were used to monitor the degree of cross-linking non-destructively.
Role of GSH and Iron-Sulfur Glutaredoxins in Iron Metabolism—Review
Authors: Daniel Trnka , Faruq Hossain Md , Laura Magdalena Jordt , Manuela Gellert , Christopher Horst Lillig
Published: August 2020

Glutathione (GSH) was initially identified and characterized for its redox properties and later for its contributions to detoxification reactions. Over the past decade, however, the essential contributions of glutathione to cellular iron metabolism have come more and more into focus. GSH is indispensable in mitochondrial iron-sulfur (FeS) cluster biosynthesis, primarily by co-ligating FeS clusters as a cofactor of the CGFS-type (class II) glutaredoxins (Grxs). GSH is required for the export of the yet to be defined FeS precursor from the mitochondria to the cytosol. In the cytosol, it is an essential cofactor, again of the multi-domain CGFS-type Grxs, master players in cellular iron and FeS trafficking. In this review, we summarize the recent advances and progress in this field. The most urgent open questions are discussed, such as the role of GSH in the export of FeS precursors from mitochondria, the physiological roles of the CGFS-type Grx interactions with BolA-like proteins and the cluster transfer between Grxs and recipient proteins.
Microencapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum NRRL B-1927 with Skim Milk Processed via Ultra-High-Pressure Homogenization
Authors: Mis Solval Kevin E. , Cavender George , Jiang Nan , Chen Jinru , Singh Rakesh
Published: August 2020

Several health benefits are associated with the consumption of probiotic foods. Lyophilized probiotic cultures are commonly used to manufacture probiotic-containing products. Spray drying (SDR) is a cost-effective process to microencapsulate probiotics. However, the high temperatures of the drying air in SDR can inactivate significant numbers of probiotic cells. Ultra-high-pressure homogenization (UHPH) processing can modify the configuration of proteins found in skim milk which may increase its protective properties as microencapsulating agent towards probiotic cells during SDR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of microencapsulating probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum NRRL B-1927 (LP) with UHPH-treated skim milk after SDR or freeze drying (FD). Dispersions containing LP were made with either UHPH-treated (at 150 MPa or 300 MPa) or untreated skim milk and dried via concurrent SDR (CCSD), mixed-flow SDR (MXSD) or FD. Higher cell survival (%) of LP was found in powders microencapsulated with 150 MPa-treated skim milk than in those microencapsulated with non-UHPH-treated and 300 MPa-treated skim milk via FD followed by MXSD and CCSD, respectively. Increasing UHPH pressures increased the particle size of powders produced via CCSD; and reduced particle agglomeration of powders produced via MXSD and FD. This study demonstrated that UHPH processes improves the effectiveness of skim milk as a microencapsulating agent for LP, creating powders that could be used in probiotic foods.
Nanostructured Thin Coatings Containing Anthriscus sylvestris Extract with Dual Bioactivity
Authors: Negut Irina , Grumezescu Valentina , Grumezescu Alexandru Mihai , Bîrcă Alexandra Cătălina , Holban Alina Maria , Urzica Iuliana , Avramescu Sorin Marius , Gălățeanu Bianca , Hudiță Ariana
Published: August 2020

Plant extracts are highly valuable pharmaceutical complexes recognized for their biological properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, their use is limited by their low water solubility and physicochemical stability. In order to overcome these limitations, we aimed to develop nanostructured carriers as delivery systems for plant extracts; in particular, we selected the extract of Anthriscus sylvestris (AN) on the basis of its antimicrobial effect and antitumor activity. In this study, AN-extract-functionalized magnetite (Fe3O4@AN) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by the co-precipitation method. The purpose of this study was to synthesize and investigate the physicochemical and biological features of composite coatings based on Fe3O4@AN NPs obtained by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation technique. In this respect, laser fluence and drop-casting studies on coatings were performed. The physical and chemical properties of laser-synthesized coatings were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy comparative analysis was used for determining the chemical structure and functional integrity. Relevant data regarding the presence of magnetic nanoparticles as the only crystalline phase and the size of nanoparticles were obtained by transmission electron microscopy. The in vitro toxicity assessment of the Fe3O4@AN showed significant cytotoxic activity against human adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells after prolonged exposure. Antimicrobial results demonstrated that Fe3O4@AN coatings inhibit microbial colonization and biofilm formation in clinically relevant bacteria species and yeasts. Such coatings are useful, natural, and multifunctional solutions for the development of tailored medical devices and surfaces.
N2O Decomposition over Fe-ZSM-5: A Systematic Study in the Generation of Active Sites
Authors: Bromley Bryan , Pischetola Chiara , Nikoshvili Linda , Cárdenas-Lizana Fernando , Kiwi-Minsker Lioubov
Published: August 2020

We have carried out a systematic investigation of the critical activation parameters (i.e., final temperature (673–1273 K), atmosphere (He vs. O2/He), and final isothermal hold (1 min–15 h) on the generation of “α-sites”, responsible for the direct N2O decomposition over Fe-ZSM-5 (Fe content = 1200–2300 ppm). The concentration of α-sites was determined by (ia) transient response of N2O and (ib) CO at 523 K, and (ii) temperature programmed desorption (TPD) following nitrous oxide decomposition. Transient response analysis was consistent with decomposition of N2O to generate (i) “active” α-oxygen that participates in the low-temperature CO→CO2 oxidation and (ii) “non-active” oxygen strongly adsorbed that is not released during TPD. For the first time, we were able to quantify the formation of α-sites, which requires a high temperature (>973) treatment of Fe-ZSM-5 in He over a short period of time (<1 h). In contrast, prolonged high temperature treatment (1273 K) and the presence of O2 in the feed irreversibly reduced the amount of active sites.
Integration of Single-Photon Emitters in 2D Materials with Plasmonic Waveguides at Room Temperature
Authors: Jeong Kwang-Yong , Lee Seong Won , Choi Jae-Hyuck , So Jae-Pil , Park Hong-Gyu
Published: August 2020

Efficient integration of a single-photon emitter with an optical waveguide is essential for quantum integrated circuits. In this study, we integrated a single-photon emitter in a hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) flake with a Ag plasmonic waveguide and measured its optical properties at room temperature. First, we performed numerical simulations to calculate the efficiency of light coupling from the emitter to the Ag plasmonic waveguide, depending on the position and polarization of the emitter. In the experiment, we placed a Ag nanowire, which acted as the plasmonic waveguide, near the defect of the h-BN, which acted as the single-photon emitter. The position and direction of the nanowire were precisely controlled using a stamping method. Our time-resolved photoluminescence measurement showed that the single-photon emission from the h-BN flake was enhanced to almost twice the intensity as a result of the coupling with the Ag nanowire. We expect these results to pave the way for the practical implementation of on-chip nanoscale quantum plasmonic integrated circuits.
Survey on the Presence of Malassezia spp. in Healthy Rabbit Ear Canals
Authors: Galuppi Roberta , Morandi Benedetto , Agostini Silvia , Dalla Torre Sara , Caffara Monica
Published: August 2020

Malassezia spp. have rarely been reported in rodents and lagomorphs. In 2011, Malassezia cuniculi was described in two rabbits. Further microscopic studies showed M. cuniculi-like yeasts in more than 50% of samples from rabbits’ ear canals, but no isolation was made. The present study details the presence of Malassezia spp. and tries to typify it from ear canals of healthy rabbits. Seventy-eight half-breed rabbits from rural farms and 98 companion dwarf rabbits from northern Italy were considered. A first attempt to screen ear swabs was performed by microscopic and cultural examination on Sabouraud Glucose Agar (SGA), modified Dixon Agar (mDA) and Leeming and Notman Agar (LNA). Additionally, ear swabs from eight further microscopically positive rabbits for M. cuniculi-like cells, were used for both isolation on LNA medium and nine of its variants and for DNA extraction, PCR and sequencing. The microscopic observation of the swabs of the screened 168 rabbits highlighted the presence of yeasts in one or both of the external ear canals of 98 rabbits (58.3%). Rabbits used for meat production were more frequently diagnosed positive than pet rabbits (P = 0.001), and young ones were more often positive compared to rabbits older than 3 months (P = 0.027). No yeast growth was observed in culture. From the eight selected rabbits, Malassezia isolation failed both on LNA and on the modified mediums. Sequences of ~300 bp fragments of 18s rDNA, obtained by PCR from swabs, showed 99.9% identity with Malassezia phylotype 131 described from human ear canals. As Malassezia-like yeasts have been observed in more than half of the examined population, its colonization of ear meatus can be considered as physiological in rabbits. The results outline how much remains to be discovered on Malassezia as a component of the skin mycobiota of rabbits and that the use of the culture examination alone is not the best choice to detect Malassezia-like yeasts in rabbits.
The Implementation of the Professional Role of the Community Pharmacist in the Immunization Practices in Italy to Counteract Vaccine Hesitancy
Authors: Ciliberti Rosagemma , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Bonsignore Alessandro
Published: August 2020

In Italy, the National Vaccinal Prevention Plan has renewed the commitment of the Italian government to promote a culture of vaccination practices in the general population and especially among healthcare professionals, considering it as a strategic goal. The search for useful tools and techniques to promote a layered and widespread information network capable of restoring a climate of trust and confidence towards vaccination, leads us to reflect on the possibility, already adopted in numerous countries, of enlisting community pharmacies in immunization campaigns also in Italy, positively implementing the professional role of the community pharmacist in immunization. The pharmacist is often the first point of contact with both the patients and the public, both for the relationship of trust and confidence that binds him to the citizens, and for the ease of access in relation to the widespread distribution of community pharmacies in the territory, the availability of prolonged operating hours, the absence of need for appointments and positions near/outside of healthcare facilities. Currently, in Italy the role of the community pharmacist is limited to counseling and providing advice and information regarding the benefits and/or any risks of vaccination practices, but does not imply a direct engagement in immunization programs, rather a collaboration to avoid straining and overwhelming the vaccination centers. Some recent questionnaire-based studies have shown that Italian community pharmacists have attitudes that are favorable to vaccinations, even though their knowledge is rather limited. Together with expanding the engagement of community pharmacists in immunization programs, their educational gap should be addressed in order to significantly improve and enhance the protection of the public health.
Structural and Elemental Analysis of the Freshwater, Low-Mg Calcite Coralline Alga Pneophyllum cetinaensis
Authors: Ragazzola Federica , Kolzenburg Regina , Zekonyte Jurgita , Teichert Sebastian , Jiang Chulin , Žuljević Ante , Caragnano Annalisa , Falace Annalisa
Published: August 2020

Coralline algae are one of the most diversified groups of red algae and represent a major component of marine benthic habitats from the poles to the tropics. This group was believed to be exclusively marine until 2016, when the first freshwater coralline algae Pneophyllum cetinaensis was discovered in the Cetina River, southern Croatia. While several studies investigated the element compositions of marine coralline algal thalli, no information is yet available for the freshwater species. Using XRD, LA-ICP-MS and nano indentation, this study presents the first living low-Mg calcite coralline algae with Mg concentrations ten times lower than is common for the average marine species. Despite the lower Mg concentrations, hardness and elastic modulus (1.71 ± 1.58 GPa and 29.7 ± 18.0 GPa, respectively) are in the same range as other marine coralline algae, possibly due to other biogenic impurities. When compared to marine species, Ba/Ca values were unusually low, even though Ba concentrations are generally higher in rivers than in seawater. These low values might be linked to different physical and chemical characteristics of the Cetina River.
Nicking Endonuclease-Mediated Vector Construction Strategies for Plant Gene Functional Research
Authors: Gong Qi , Wang Bin , Lu Xubiao , Tan Jiantao , Hou Yuke , Liu Taoli , Liu Yao-Guang , Zhu Qinlong
Published: August 2020

Plant genetic engineering vectors, such as RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR/Cas9 vectors, are important tools for plant functional genomics. Efficient construction of these functional vectors can facilitate the study of gene function. Although some methods for vector construction have been reported, their operations are still complicated and costly. Here, we describe a simpler and low-cost vector construction method by nicking endonucleases-mediated DNA assembly (NEMDA), which uses nicking endonucleases to generate single-strand overhanging complementary ends for rapid assembly of DNA fragments into plasmids. Using this approach, we rapidly completed the construction of four RNAi vectors and a CRISPR/Cas9 knockout vector with five single-guide RNA (sgRNA)-expression cassettes for multiplex genome editing, and successfully achieved the goal of decreasing the expression of the target genes and knocking out the target genes at the same time in rice. These results indicate the great potential of NEMDA in assembling DNA fragments and constructing plasmids for molecular biology and functional genomics.
Circadian Regulation Does Not Optimize Stomatal Behaviour
Authors: Resco de Dios Víctor , Anderegg William R.L. , Li Ximeng , Tissue David T. , Bahn Michael , Landais Damien , Milcu Alexandru , Yao Yinan , Nolan Rachael H. , Roy Jacques , Gessler Arthur
Published: August 2020

The circadian clock is a molecular timer of metabolism that affects the diurnal pattern of stomatal conductance (gs), amongst other processes, in a broad array of plant species. The function of circadian gs regulation remains unknown and here, we test whether circadian regulation helps to optimize diurnal variations in stomatal conductance. We subjected bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) canopies to fixed, continuous environmental conditions of photosynthetically active radiation, temperature, and vapour pressure deficit (free-running conditions) over 48 h. We modelled gs variations in free-running conditions to test for two possible optimizations of stomatal behaviour under circadian regulation: (i) that stomata operate to maintain constant marginal water use efficiency; or (ii) that stomata maximize C net gain minus the costs or risks of hydraulic damage. We observed that both optimization models predicted gs poorly under free-running conditions, indicating that circadian regulation does not directly lead to stomatal optimization. We also demonstrate that failure to account for circadian variation in gs could potentially lead to biased parameter estimates during calibrations of stomatal models. More broadly, our results add to the emerging field of plant circadian ecology, where circadian controls may partially explain leaf-level patterns observed in the field.
Recycling and Reprocessing of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Materials towards Nonwoven Processing
Authors: Wölfel Bastian , Seefried Andreas , Allen Vincent , Kaschta Joachim , Holmes Christopher , Schubert Dirk
Published: August 2020

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a unique tailorable material due to the interactions of hard and soft segments within the block-copolymer chain. Therefore, various products can be created out of this material. A general trend towards a circular economy with regards to sustainability in combination with TPU being comparably expensive is of high interest to recycle production as well as post-consumer wastes. A systematic study investigating the property changes of TPU is provided, focusing on two major aspects. The first aspect focuses on characterizing the change of basic raw material properties through recycling. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and processing load during extrusion indicate a decrease in molar mass and consequently viscosity with an increasing number of recycling cycles. This leads to a change in morphology at lower molar mass, characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and visualized by atomic force microscope (AFM). The change in molar mass and morphology with increasing number of recycling cycles has an impact on the material performance under tensile stress. The second aspect describes processing of the recycled TPU to nonwoven fabrics utilizing melt blowing, which are evaluated with respect to relevant mechanical properties and related to molecular characteristics. The molar mass turns out to be the governing factor regarding mechanical performance and processing conditions for melt blown products.
Modeling of Spiral Wound Membranes for Gas Separations—Part II: Data Reconciliation for Online Monitoring
Authors: de Menezes Diego Queiroz Faria , de Sá Marília Caroline Cavalcante , Fontoura Tahyná Barbalho , Anzai Thiago Koichi , Diehl Fabio Cesar , Thompson Pedro Henrique , Pinto Jose Carlos
Published: August 2020

The present work presents a methodology based on data reconciliation to monitor membrane separation processes reliably, online and in real time for the first time. The proposed methodology was implemented in accordance with the following steps: data acquisition; data pre-treatment; data characterization; data reconciliation; gross error detection; and critical evaluation of measured data with a soft sensor. The acquisition of data constituted the slowest stage of the monitoring process, as expected in real-time applications. The pre-treatment stage was fundamental to assure the robustness of the code and the initial characterization of collected data was carried out offline. The characterization of the data showed that steady-state modeling of the process would be appropriate, also allowing the implementation of faster numerical procedures for the data reconciliation step. The data reconciliation step performed well, quickly and consistently. Thus, data reconciliation allowed the estimation of unmeasured variables, playing the role of a soft sensor and allowing the future installation of a digital twin. Additionally, monitoring of measurement bias constituted a tool for measurement diagnosis. As shown in the manuscript, the proposed methodology can be successfully implemented online and in real time for monitoring of membrane separation processes, as shown through a real dashboard web application developed for monitoring of an actual industrial site.
Dynamics Analysis of Misalignment and Stator Short-Circuit Coupling Fault in Electric Vehicle Range Extender
Authors: Xu Xiaowei , Feng Jingyi , Wang Hongxia , Zhang Nan , Wang Xiaoqing
Published: August 2020

Due to the complex structure and wide excitation of the range extender, the misalignment and stator short-circuit coupling fault can easily occur. Therefore, it is necessary to study the coupling fault mechanism of the range extender, analyze the cause of the fault and the fault evolution law, and research the coupling fault characteristics. To reveal the mechanism of misalignment and stator-short-circuit coupling fault, the misalignment mechanism was analyzed and the bending and torsion electromagnetic stiffness of the generator in the stator short-circuit fault was derived. Then the dynamic model of bending and torsion coupling for the generator was established. Furthermore, we used the Runge-Kutta method to study the vibration response characteristics of generator rotor under coupling fault. Then through finite element analysis, the feasibility of coupled fault diagnosis was verified. The results show that the response of the generator rotor not only has the frequency component of single faults, but also new frequency components such as 4.0 and 6.0 harmonic amplitudes of radial vibration and 3.0 harmonic amplitudes of torsional vibration, respectively.
Integrity Analysis for GPS-Based Navigation of UAVs in Urban Environment
Authors: Isik Oguz Kagan , Hong Juhyeon , Petrunin Ivan , Tsourdos Antonios
Published: August 2020

The increasing use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in safety-critical missions in both civilian and military areas demands accurate and reliable navigation, where one of the key sources of navigation information is presented by Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). In challenging conditions, for example, in urban areas, the accuracy of GNSS-based navigation may degrade significantly due to user-satellite geometry and obscuration issues without being noticed by the user. Therefore, considering the essentially dynamic rate of change in this type of environment, integrity monitoring is of critical importance for understanding the level of trust we have in positioning and timing data. In this paper, the dilution of precision (DOP) coefficients under nominal and challenging conditions were investigated for the purpose of integrity monitoring in urban environments. By analyzing positioning information in a simulated urban environment using a software-based GNSS receiver, the integrity monitoring approach based on joint consideration of GNSS observables and environmental parameters has been proposed. It was shown that DOP coefficients, when considered together with a number of visible satellites and cut-off elevations specific to the urban environment carry valuable integrity information that is difficult to get using existing integrity monitoring approaches. This has allowed generating indirect integrity measures based on cut-off elevation and satellite visibility that can be used for UAV path planning and guidance in urban environments.
Tacsac: A Wearable Haptic Device with Capacitive Touch-Sensing Capability for Tactile Display
Authors: Ozioko Oliver , Navaraj William , Hersh Marion , Dahiya Ravinder
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a dual-function wearable device (Tacsac) with capacitive tactile sensing and integrated tactile feedback capability to enable communication among deafblind people. Tacsac has a skin contactor which enhances localized vibrotactile stimulation of the skin as a means of feedback to the user. It comprises two main modules—the touch-sensing module and the vibrotactile module; both stacked and integrated as a single device. The vibrotactile module is an electromagnetic actuator that employs a flexible coil and a permanent magnet assembled in soft poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), while the touch-sensing module is a planar capacitive metal-insulator-metal (MIM) structure. The flexible coil was fabricated on a 50 µm polyimide (PI) sheet using Lithographie Galvanoformung Abformung (LIGA) micromoulding technique. The Tacsac device has been tested for independent sensing and actuation as well as dual sensing-actuation mode. The measured vibration profiles of the actuator showed a synchronous response to external stimulus for a wide range of frequencies (10 Hz to 200 Hz) within the perceivable tactile frequency thresholds of the human hand. The resonance vibration frequency of the actuator is in the range of 60–70 Hz with an observed maximum off-plane displacement of 0.377 mm at coil current of 180 mA. The capacitive touch-sensitive layer was able to respond to touch with minimal noise both when actuator vibration is ON and OFF. A mobile application was also developed to demonstrate the application of Tacsac for communication between deafblind person wearing the device and a mobile phone user who is not deafblind. This advances existing tactile displays by providing efficient two-way communication through the use of a single device for both localized haptic feedback and touch-sensing.
Arousal Detection in Elderly People from Electrodermal Activity Using Musical Stimuli
Authors: Bartolomé-Tomás Almudena , Sánchez-Reolid Roberto , Fernández-Sotos Alicia , Latorre José Miguel , Fernández-Caballero Antonio
Published: August 2020

The detection of emotions is fundamental in many areas related to health and well-being. This paper presents the identification of the level of arousal in older people by monitoring their electrodermal activity (EDA) through a commercial device. The objective was to recognize arousal changes to create future therapies that help them to improve their mood, contributing to reduce possible situations of depression and anxiety. To this end, some elderly people in the region of Murcia were exposed to listening to various musical genres (flamenco, Spanish folklore, Cuban genre and rock/jazz) that they heard in their youth. Using methods based on the process of deconvolution of the EDA signal, two different studies were carried out. The first, of a purely statistical nature, was based on the search for statistically significant differences for a series of temporal, morphological, statistical and frequency features of the processed signals. It was found that Flamenco and Spanish Folklore presented the highest number of statistically significant parameters. In the second study, a wide range of classifiers was used to analyze the possible correlations between the detection of the EDA-based arousal level compared to the participants’ responses to the level of arousal subjectively felt. In this case, it was obtained that the best classifiers are support vector machines, with 87% accuracy for flamenco and 83.1% for Spanish Folklore, followed by K-nearest neighbors with 81.4% and 81.5% for Flamenco and Spanish Folklore again. These results reinforce the notion of familiarity with a musical genre on emotional induction.
Optimal Cooperative Guidance Laws for Two UAVs Under Sensor Information Deficiency Constraints
Authors: Lee Daniel , Choi Han-Lim , Kim Jong-Han
Published: August 2020

This paper presents closed-form optimal cooperative guidance laws for two UAVs under information constraints that achieve the required relative approach angle. Two UAVs cooperate to optimize a common cost function under a coupled constraint on terminal velocity vectors and the information constraint which defines the sensor information availability. To handle the information constraint, a general two-player partially nested decentralized optimal control problem is considered in the continuous finite-horizon time domain. It is shown that under the state-separation principle the optimal solution of the decentralized control problem can be obtained by solving two centralized subproblems which cover the prediction problem for the information-deficient player and the prediction error minimization problem for the player with full information. Based on the solution of the decentralized optimal control problem, the explicit closed-form cooperative guidance laws that can be efficiently implemented on conventional guidance computers are derived. The performance of the proposed guidance laws is investigated on both centralized and decentralized cooperative scenarios with nonlinear engagement kinematics of networked two-UAV systems.
Pancreatic Resection in Older Patients: A Retrospective Single-Center Outcome Analysis
Authors: Ruess Dietrich A. , Biesel Esther A. , Kühlbrey Christian M. , Chikhladze Sophia , Hipp Julian , Lünstedt Jost , Fichtner-Feigl Stefan , Hopt Ulrich T. , Wittel Uwe A.
Published: August 2020

Due to increasing life expectancy and improved diagnostic sensitivity, a growing number of older patients are presenting with resectable pancreatic disease entities and are being evaluated for surgery. Intended as an internal quality control for patient selection, we aimed at evaluating septuagenarians and octogenarians compared with patients younger than 70 years of age regarding early postoperative outcome in general, and long-term oncologic outcome in the case of resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. A total number of 1231 patients who underwent pancreatic resection for any entity between 2007 and 2019 at our tertiary university medical center in Germany were retrospectively analyzed, accessing a prospectively maintained database. Participants were divided into three groups based on age (<70 years: N = 761; 70–79 years: N = 385; 80–89 years: N = 85) and were evaluated with regard to perioperative variables, postoperative morbidity, mortality and overall survival for the subgroup of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Pancreatic resection in older individuals was not infrequent. When surgery was performed for carcinoma, patients >70 years of age even constituted almost half of the cases. In spite of increased American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA)-scores and more frequent comorbidities in older patients, similar rates for postoperative morbidity and mortality were observed in all age groups. A significant disparity in the use of (neo-) adjuvant therapy between younger and older pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients was detected. However, median overall survival did not significantly differ between all age groups (<70 years: 28 (95%-CI: 22–34) months; 70–79 years: 21 (17–25) months; 80–89 years: 15 (9–21) months). In conclusion, elderly patients can experience similar perioperative outcomes to those of younger individuals after major pancreatic surgery. The survival benefit from resection of localized pancreatic adenocarcinoma is largely independent of patient age. The results are reassuring with respect to our preoperative practice and clinical judgment regarding careful patient selection. Future randomized trials should decidedly include elderly patients to generate more robust evidence to further optimize treatment recommendation and choice.
Intestinal Schistosomiasis and Giardiasis Co-Infection in Sub-Saharan Africa: Can a One Health Approach Improve Control of Each Waterborne Parasite Simultaneously?
Authors: Archer John , O’Halloran Lisa , Al-Shehri Hajri , Summers Shannan , Bhattacharyya Tapan , Kabaterine Narcis B. , Atuhaire Aaron , Adriko Moses , Arianaitwe Moses , Stewart Martyn , LaCourse E. James , Webster Bonnie L. , Bustinduy Amaya L. , Stothard J. Russell
Published: August 2020

Both intestinal schistosomiasis and giardiasis are co-endemic throughout many areas of sub-Saharan Africa, significantly impacting the health of millions of children in endemic areas. While giardiasis is not considered a neglected tropical disease (NTD), intestinal schistosomiasis is formally grouped under the NTD umbrella and receives significant advocacy and financial support for large-scale control. Although there are differences in the epidemiology between these two diseases, there are also key similarities that might be exploited within potential integrated control strategies permitting tandem interventions. In this review, we highlight these similarities and discuss opportunities for integrated control of giardiasis in low and middle-income countries where intestinal schistosomiasis is co-endemic. By applying new, advanced methods of disease surveillance, and by improving the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) initiatives, (co)infection with intestinal schistosomiasis and/or giardiasis could not only be more effectively controlled but also better understood. In this light, we appraise the suitability of a One Health approach targeting both intestinal schistosomiasis and giardiasis, for if adopted more broadly, transmission of both diseases could be reduced to gain improvements in health and wellbeing.
Influence of Scour Development on Turbulent Flow Field in Front of a Bridge Pier
Authors: Li Jinzhao , Yang Yilin , Yang Zhiwen
Published: August 2020

This study concerns the turbulent flow field influenced by the scour development around a bridge pier. The scour hole evolution as well as the temporal variation of scour depth around the pier were firstly analyzed. Subsequently, the flow fields in front of the pier at different instants during the scour process were measured using particle image velocimetry (PIV). It shows that the scour depth at the pier front exceeds that of the pier side at the later scouring stage. The temporal development of scour depth can be well predicted by a simple practical engineering model based on an exponential function with a change in the two adjustable coefficients. The flow field indicates that with the development of scour hole, the downward flow in front of the pier becomes more prominent, meanwhile the flow becomes more turbulent. The variation tendency for both velocities and turbulence intensities along the streamwise direction in front the pier shows similarity. The Reynolds shear stress generally increases with developing scour hole, and the region with large value enlarges and moves upstream of the scour hole.
Proposal for Water Quality Improvement by Using an Innovative and Comprehensive Restoration Method
Authors: Grochowska Jolanta
Published: August 2020

This study was conducted on Miłkowskie Lake (23.7 ha; 15.0 m) in the context of implementing new restoration methods for improving the water quality. The study found that the nutrient loads introduced into the lake from catchment are higher than the critical concentrations for the ecosystem. This indicates the need to cut off or at least reduce the main sources of pollution. The primary production in the lake is extremely large: oxygen saturation of the surface water above 200%, pH value of 9.44, chlorophyll a content of 70.98 mg m−3, and a low visibility of 0.5 m. The most important step in maintaining good lake quality will be to redirect waters of the main inflows SI-1 and SI-2 to the hypolimnion zone by pipelines. A complementary method for discharging the polluted water to the hypolimnion zone will be the phosphorus inactivation method by using iron and aluminum coagulants. After the application of spring doses of coagulants, an anti-cyanobacterial preparation will be introduced into the water in the “active bottom” zone, and then bioremediation by a microbiological probiotic preparation will be applied to the sediment in the same zone. A new complex protection and restoration method should be supported in the form of biomanipulation.
Understanding the role of GPs’ gut feelings in diagnosing cancer in primary care: a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing evidence
Authors: Smith Claire Friedemann , Drew Sarah , Ziebland Sue , Nicholson Brian D
Published: August 2020

Background

Growing evidence for the role of GPs’ gut feelings in cancer diagnosis raises questions about their origin and role in clinical practice.

Aim

To explore the origins of GPs’ gut feelings for cancer, their use, and their diagnostic utility.

Design and setting

Systematic review and meta-analysis of international research on GPs’ gut feelings in primary care.

Method

Six databases were searched from inception to July 2019, and internet searches were conducted. A segregated method was used to analyse, then combine, quantitative and qualitative findings.

Results

Twelve articles and four online resources were included that described varied conceptualisations of gut feelings. Gut feelings were often initially associated with patients being unwell, rather than with a suspicion of cancer, and were commonly experienced in response to symptoms and non-verbal cues. The pooled odds of a cancer diagnosis were four times higher when gut feelings were recorded (OR 4.24, 95% confidence interval = 2.26 to 7.94); they became more predictive of cancer as clinical experience and familiarity with the patient increased. Despite being included in some clinical guidelines, GPs had varying experiences of acting on gut feelings as some specialists questioned their diagnostic value. Consequently, some GPs ignored or omitted gut feelings from referral letters, or chose investigations that did not require specialist approval.

Conclusion

GPs’ gut feelings for cancer were conceptualised as a rapid summing up of multiple verbal and non-verbal patient cues in the context of the GPs’ clinical knowledge and experience. Triggers of gut feelings not included in referral guidance deserve further investigation as predictors of cancer. Non-verbal cues that trigger gut feelings appear to be reliant on continuity of care and clinical experience; they tend to remain poorly recorded and are, therefore, inaccessible to researchers.
Measuring Family Migration in Russia: Sources of Data and Problems of Its Interpretation
Authors: Chudinovskikh O. S.
Published: August 2020

The article presents the results of a study aimed at generalizing the sources of data, available in Russia, that characterizes a signiﬁcant but little-studied phenomenon of family migration. The paper considers data from the Main Directorate for Migration Issues of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia on issued temporary residence permits (TRP) and acquisition of citizenship, Rosstat materials on the number of marriages with foreigners, as well as statistics on migration ﬂows, which indicate family reasons. Considerable attention is given to the analysis of the Main Directorate for Migration Issues data on issued TRP and citizenship acquisition, on family reuniﬁcation grounds. Based on the analyzed information, it is concluded that family migration is the major part of the ﬂow of foreigners receiving TRP, and its share amounts to at least 35% of the total. Taking into account that a signiﬁcant part of the TRPs is issued to the accompanying family members of the participants of the State Programme to Assist Voluntary Resettlement of Compatriots Living Abroad, the share of family migration can be increased to almost 50% of the TRP recipients. The percentage of migrants who acquired citizenship based on family ties with Russian citizens also amounts to about 36% of the annual ﬂow and taking into account family members of participants of the State Program it makes almost 60% of all foreigners naturalized in 2014-2018.

AnalyzingtheRussianstatisticsoncitizenshipacquisitionavailablesince2010,theauthornotesthatafterthechangesinthecitizenshiplawin early 2010s, citizens of states that do not have international agreements with Russia actively use marriages with Russian citizens to simplify citizenship acquisition, and the number of such cases is growing rapidly. The basic growth rates of this category of naturalized migrants in 2018 compared to the level of 2010 reached 300 times among the citizens of Tajikistan, 110 times among the citizens of Moldova and almost 60 times among the citizens of Azerbaĳan. The author suggests that there is an expansion of the practice of marriages of convenience to overcome the complexities of Russian immigration law. This hypothesis needs to be tested. It is also necessary to study the phenomenon of “transnational marriages”. The disparity in the number of foreigners, men and women who married Russian citizens, revealed by Rosstat data, also requires further study. On average, there are 15 foreign grooms per 10 foreign brides, for Tajikistan citizens this ratio amounts to 32, for Azerbaĳan citizens 26, for citizens of Uzbekistan 17 and Moldova 14. The article ends with an analysis of Rosstat’s annual reports on the reasons for move and shows a limited potential of this information. The author makes recommendations for the development of administrative statistics and sample surveys to study family migration and use new types of data in research.