bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoencoder Based Analysis of RF Parameters in the Fermilab Low Energy Linac
Authors: Edelen Jonathan P. , Hall Christopher C.
Published: June 2021

Machine learning (ML) has the potential for significant impact on the modeling, operation, and control of particle accelerators due to its ability to model nonlinear behavior, interpolate on complicated surfaces, and adapt to system changes over time. Anomaly detection in particular has been highlighted as an area where ML can significantly impact the operation of accelerators. These algorithms work by identifying subtle behaviors of key variables prior to negative events. Efforts to apply ML to anomaly detection have largely focused on subsystems such as RF cavities, superconducting magnets, and losses in rings. However, dedicated efforts to understand how to apply ML for anomaly detection in linear accelerators have been limited. In this paper the use of autoencoders is explored to identify anomalous behavior in measured data from the Fermilab low-energy linear accelerator.
Incorporation of Natural Fibres in Rendering Mortars for the Durability of Walls
Authors: Maia Pederneiras Cinthia , Veiga Rosário , de Brito Jorge
Published: June 2021

One of the main functions of renders, together with the overall aesthetic appearance of the building, is the protection of the walls against external aggressive actions, such as water, salts solutions, erosion, and mechanical impacts. However, some anomalies of renders may drastically hinder their protection ability. In fact, cracking, high water permeability, and loss of adherence to the substrate of renders limit their barrier effect and favour the exposure of the substrate to external actions. The incorporation of fibres in mortars is commonly pointed out to reduce their cracking susceptibility, due to the probable enhancement in tensile strength and ductility of the composite. The use of lime in substitution of the part of the cement binder is seen as a method to reduce the modulus of elasticity and therefore enhance the resistance to cracking due to drying shrinkage. Therefore, this study investigates the wall protection-related properties of natural fibre-reinforced renders with cement-lime as a binary binder at 1:1:6 volumetric ratio. With this purpose, wool, coir, and flax fibres are used at 20% by total mortar volume and the water behaviour, cracking susceptibility, and adherence to the substrate of the mortars are assessed. Specifically, the water absorption by capillarity, drying rates, permeability to water under pressure, adherence strength, and shrinkage are evaluated. In order to evaluate the renders’ durability and therefore the durability of the protection to the walls, an artificial accelerated ageing test is performed based on heating-freezing and humidification-freezing cycles. The results indicate that the fibres’ addition reduced the shrinkage and modulus of elasticity of the mortars, which suggests lower susceptibility to cracking. The addition of fibres in mortars seemed to slightly affect their water performance and only at early ages. From the results, it was concluded that the adherence strength is not affected by the fibres’ incorporation. The fibres seem also to reduce the impacts of the ageing cycles on the mortar and the improvements provided by the fibres’ addition to the mortars’ performance remained after ageing when compared to the mortars without fibres, thus being a potential alternative to increase their durability. These aspects are particularly important for buildings, since they can extend their service life and promote their sustainability.
Effect of Temperature on the Development and Survival of Feltiella acarisuga (Vallot) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) Preying on Tetranychus urticae (Koch) (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Choi Yong-Seok , Baek Sunghoon , Kim Min-Jung
Published: June 2021

The predatory gall midge, Feltiella acarisuga (Vallot) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is an acarivorous species that mainly feeds on spider mites (Acarina: Tetranychidae). Because of its cosmopolitan distribution and predation efficacy, it is considered an important natural enemy available as a biological agent for augmentative biocontrol. However, despite its practical use, the thermal development and survival response to temperature have not yet been fully studied. In this study, we investigated the stage-specific development and survival of F. acarisuga at seven temperatures (11.5, 15.7, 19.8, 23.4, 27.7, 31.9, and 35.4 °C) to examine the effect of temperature on its lifecycle. All developmental stages could develop at 11.5–31.9 °C, but the performance was different according to the temperature. From the linear development rate models, the lower development threshold and thermal constant of the total immature stage were estimated at 8.2 °C and 200 DD, respectively. The potential optimal and upper threshold temperatures for the total immature stage were estimated as 29.3 and 35.1 °C using a non-linear development model. The operative thermal ranges for development and survival at 80% of the maximum rate were 24.5–32.3 and 14.7–28.7 °C, respectively. Thus, it was suggested that 24.5–28.7 °C was suitable for the total immature stage. In contrast, conditions around 8 °C and 35 °C should be avoided due to the lower development rate and high mortality. Our findings provide fundamental information for an effective mass-rearing and releasing program of F. acarisuga in an augmentative biocontrol program and help to predict phenology.
Natural Enemies of Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Different Agro-Ecologies
Authors: Abang Albert Fomumbod , Nanga Samuel Nanga , Fotso Kuate Apollin , Kouebou Christiant , Suh Christopher , Masso Cargele , Saethre May-Guri , Fiaboe Komi Kouma Mokpokpo
Published: June 2021

Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) and southern armyworm (SAW) Spodoptera eridania (Stoll) have become major threats to crops in Africa since 2016. African governments adopted emergency actions around chemical insecticides, with limited efforts to assess the richness or roles of indigenous natural enemies. Field surveys and laboratory studies were conducted to identify and assess the performance of parasitoids associated with spodopterans in Cameroon. FAW was the most abundant spodopteran pest. Telenomus remus (Nixon), Trichogramma chilonis (Ishi), Charops sp. (Szépligeti), Coccygidium luteum (Cameron), Cotesia icipe (Fernandez & Fiaboe), and Cotesia sesamiae (Cameron) are the first records in the country on spodopterans. Telenomus remus, T. chilonis, C. icipe, and Charops sp. were obtained from both FAW and SAW; C. luteum and C. sesamiae from FAW. The distribution of spodopterans, their endoparasitoids, and parasitism rates varied with host, season and location. In the laboratory, T. remus showed significantly higher parasitism on FAW than SAW, and significant differences in the development parameters between the two host eggs, with shorter development time on FAW. It induced significant non-reproductive mortality on FAW but not on SAW. Developmental parameters showed that C. icipe has a shorter development time compared to other larval parasitoids. Implications for conservative and augmentative biocontrol are discussed.
Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and Sleep Time: Association with Cardiovascular Hemodynamic Parameters, Blood Pressure and Structural and Functional Arterial Properties in Childhood
Authors: Gómez-García Mariana , Bia Daniel , Zócalo Yanina
Published: June 2021

An association between movement behavior (MB) components (sleep time (ST), physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB)) and the state of the cardiovascular (CV) system in children has been postulated. However, it is still controversial whether MB components and/or sub-components (domains) during childhood are independently associated with aortic and peripheral blood pressure (BP), and structural or functional arterial properties. Aims: (1) to evaluate MB components and subcomponents associations with CV characteristics, (2) to analyze the explanatory capacity of interindividual variations in MB on CV properties inter-individual variations at the beginning of school age. Methods: Anthropometric, aortic and peripheral BP, hemodynamic levels (cardiac output, systemic vascular resistances), wave reflection indexes, and arterial structural (diameter, intima–media thickness) and functional (blood flow velocities, Doppler-indexes, local and regional arterial stiffness) parameters of elastic (carotids), transitional (brachial) and muscular (femoral) arteries and time spent in MB (PA questionnaires) were assessed in 816 children (5–6 years). Cardiovascular variables were standardized (z-scores), using age- and sex-related mean values and standard deviations obtained from subjects non-exposed to CV risk factors (CRFs) and who complied with 24 h MB recommendations (reference subgroup). Multiple linear regression models were constructed considering the CV z-scores as dependent variables and CRFs and MB components and subcomponents as independent variables. Results: CV variables showed independent association with MB variations. However, their explanatory capacity on CV characteristics was lesser than that of anthropometric indexes, sex and/or high BP. Conclusions: MB components and sub-components were associated with CV characteristics regardless of other factors, but their capacity to explain variations was lesser than that of anthropometric data, sex or high BP state. MB subcomponents (e.g., sedentary play and screen time in case of SB) showed different (even opposite) associations with CV parameters. ST was associated mainly with indexes of the ventricle ejective function, rather than with CV structural characteristics. SB component and subcomponents were associated with BP, but not with structural parameters. PA component and subcomponents were associated with both BP and structural parameters. The different arterial types, as well central and peripheral parameters showed independent associations with MB components and subcomponents. None of these were independently associated with arterial stiffness.
Repetitive Negative Thinking and Eating Disorders: A Meta-Analysis of the Role of Worry and Rumination
Authors: Palmieri Sara , Mansueto Giovanni , Scaini Simona , Caselli Gabriele , Sapuppo Walter , Spada Marcantonio M. , Sassaroli Sandra , Ruggiero Giovanni Maria
Published: June 2021

The role of worry and rumination in eating disorders (EDs) is controversial. This meta-analysis of the literature is aimed at clarifying the relationship between repetitive negative thinking (RNT) and EDs. In accordance with the PRISMA criteria, a comprehensive search of the literature was conducted on PubMed and PsycInfo from inception to March 2021. Search terms: “eating disorder/anorexia/bulimia/binge eating disorder” AND “worry/rumination/brooding/repetitive thinking”. A manual search of reference lists was also run. Forty-three studies were included. RNT was found to be associated with anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. A moderating effect was found for “presence/absence ED diagnosis” and “subtype of ED symptom”. ED patients showed higher RNT than the general population. No differences were observed for age or between worry and rumination in the magnitude of their association with EDs.
Challenges in Patient Blood Management for Cardiac Surgery: A Narrative Review
Authors: Rancati Valentina , Scala Emmanuelle , Ltaief Zied , Gunga Mohamed Ziyad , Kirsch Matthias , Rosner Lorenzo , Marcucci Carlo
Published: June 2021

About 15 years ago, Patient Blood Management (PBM) emerged as a new paradigm in perioperative medicine and rapidly found support of all major medical societies and government bodies. Blood products are precious, scarce and expensive and their use is frequently associated with adverse short- and long-term outcomes. Recommendations and guidelines on the topic are published in an increasing rate. The concept aims at using an evidence-based approach to rationalize transfusion practices by optimizing the patient’s red blood cell mass in the pre-, intra- and postoperative periods. However, elegant as a concept, the implementation of a PBM program on an institutional level or even in a single surgical discipline like cardiac surgery, can be easier said than done. Many barriers, such as dogmatic ideas, logistics and lack of support from the medical and administrative departments need to be overcome and each center must find solutions to their specific problems. In this paper we present a narrative overview of the challenges and updated recommendations for the implementation of a PBM program in cardiac surgery.
Cerebral and Somatic Oxygen Saturation in Neonates with Congenital Heart Disease before Surgery
Authors: Kim Mi Jin , Baek Jae Suk , Kim Jung A , Cha Seul Gi , Yu Jeong Jin
Published: June 2021

Background: We investigated preoperative cerebral (ScO2) and abdominal (StO2) regional oxygen saturations according to cardiac diagnosis in neonates with critical CHD, their time trends, and the clinical and biochemical parameters associated with them. Methods: Thirty-seven neonates with a prenatal diagnosis of CHD were included. ScO2 and StO2 values were continuously evaluated using near-infrared spectroscopy. Measurements were obtained hourly before surgery. A linear mixed effects model was used to assess the effects of time and cardiac diagnosis on regional oxygenation and to explore the contributing factors. Results: Regional oxygenation differed according to cardiac diagnosis (p < 0.001). ScO2 was lowest in the patients with severe atrioventricular valvar regurgitation (AVVR) (48.1 ± 8.0%). StO2 tended to be lower than ScO2, and both worsened gradually during the period between birth and surgery. There was also a significant interaction between cardiac diagnosis and time. The factors related to ScO2 were hemoglobin and arterial saturation, whereas no factor was associated with StO2. Conclusions: Preoperative ScO2 and StO2 in critical CHD differed according to cardiac diagnosis. ScO2 in the patients with severe AVVR was very low, which may imply cerebral hypoxia. ScO2 gradually decreased, suggesting that the longer the time to surgery, the higher the risk of hypoxic brain injury.
Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy—History and Current Knowledge for Clinical Practice
Authors: Gerecke Birgit J. , Engberding Rolf
Published: June 2021

Noncompaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) has gained increasing attention over the past twenty years, but in daily clinical practice NCCM is still rarely considered. So far, there are no generally accepted diagnostic criteria and some groups even refuse to acknowledge it as a distinct cardiomyopathy, and grade it as a variant of dilated cardiomyopathy or a morphological trait of different conditions. A wide range of morphological variants have been observed even in healthy persons, suggesting that pathologic remodeling and physiologic adaptation have to be differentiated in cases where this spongy myocardial pattern is encountered. Recent studies have uncovered numerous new pathogenetic and pathophysiologic aspects of this elusive cardiomyopathy, but a current summary and evaluation of clinical patient management are still lacking, especially to avoid mis- and overdiagnosis. Addressing this issue, this article provides an up to date overview of the current knowledge in classification, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations and diagnostic evaluation, including genetic testing, treatment and prognosis of NCCM.
All-Cause Mortality Risk in National Prostate Cancer Cohort: An Impact of Population-Based Prostate Cancer Screening
Authors: Patasius Ausvydas , Smailyte Giedre
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study is to evaluate all-cause mortality risk differences before and during prostate cancer screening, with a profound focus on the differences between screened and not-screened patient groups. Prostate cancer cases diagnosed between 1998 and 2016 were identified from the population-based Lithuanian Cancer Registry and linked with screening status in the National Health Insurance Fund database. The analysis was stratified by a period of diagnosis and screening status. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were used to assess all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk. The SMRs were calculated by dividing the observed number of deaths among prostate cancer patients by the expected number of deaths from the general population. All-cause SMR (1.45 (95% CI 1.42–1.48)) in the pre-screening period was higher compared to the screening period (SMR = 1.17 (95% CI 1.15–1.19)). An increased all-cause mortality risk among prostate cancer patients was observed in the not-screened patient population (SMR = 1.76 (95% CI 1.71–1.82)), while all-cause mortality risk in the screened patient population was similar to the general population (SMR = 1.00 (95% CI 0.97–1.02)). Screened patients with localized stage of disease had lower all-cause mortality risk than the general population (SMR = 0.72 (95% CI 0.70–0.75)). In conclusion, men with prostate cancer in Lithuania had excess all-cause mortality risk compared to the general population. The all-cause mortality risk among screened patients was not higher than expected.
Vulnerability Analysis of the Riumar Dune Field in El Garxal Coastal Wetland (Ebro Delta, Spain)
Authors: Rodríguez-Santalla Inmaculada , Díez-Martínez Alejandro , Navarro Nuria
Published: June 2021

The aim of this work is to apply a vulnerability index in the dune field located in the Riumar urban zone at the mouth of the Ebro River. This dune field represents the natural barrier of the El Garxal coastal lagoon system. The index used integrates the dimensions of exposure, susceptibility, and resilience from the analysis of 19 variables. The results obtained show moderate susceptibility and high resilience, which are in line with the behavior of this dune field during the last sea storms (Gloria in January 2020 and Philomena in January 2021, among others) that have tested the capacity of this system to cope with the effects of these storms. Therefore, increasing the knowledge of the factors affecting the vulnerability of the dunes can be helpful in the management and conservation of these coastal environments.
Climate Change Adaptation on Small Island States: An Assessment of Limits and Constraints
Authors: Leal Filho Walter , Krishnapillai Murukesan , Sidsaph Henry , Nagy Gustavo J. , Luetz Johannes M. , Dyer Jack , Otoara Ha’apio Michael , Havea Peni Hausia , Raj Kushaal , Singh Priyatma , Rogers Tom , Li Chunlan , Boodhan Monica K. , Wolf Franziska , Yayeh Ayal Desalegn , Azadi Hossein
Published: June 2021

Small Island States (SIDS) are among the nations most exposed to climate change (CC) and are characterised by a high degree of vulnerability. Their unique nature means there is a need for more studies focused on the limits to CC adaptation on such fragile nations, particularly regarding their problems and constraints. This paper addressed a perceived need for research into the limitations of adaptation on SIDS, focusing on the many unique restrictions. To this end, the study identified and described the adaptation limits they have by using a review of the literature and an analysis of case studies from a sample of five SIDS in the Caribbean and Pacific regions (Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Cook Islands, Fiji, Solomon Islands and Tonga). This research’s findings showed that an adaptable SIDS is characterised by awareness of various values, appreciation and understanding of a diversity of impacts and vulnerabilities, and acceptance of certain losses through change. The implications of this paper are two-fold. It explains why island nations continue to suffer from the impacts of CC and suggest some of the means via which adequate policies may support SIDS in their efforts to cope with the threats associated with a changing climate. This study concluded that, despite the technological and ecological limits (hard limits) affecting natural systems, adaptation to CC is limited by such complex forces and societal factors (soft limits) that more adequate adaptation strategies could overcome.
Experimental Study on Laser-MIG Hybrid Welding of Thick High-Mn Steel Plate for Cryogenic Tank Production
Authors: Kim Du-Song , Lee Hee-Keun , Seong Woo-Jae , Lee Kwang-Hyeon , Bang Hee-Seon
Published: June 2021

The International Maritime Organization has recently updated the ship emission standards to reduce atmospheric contamination. One technique for reducing emissions involves using liquefied natural gas (LNG). The tanks used for the transport and storage of LNG must have very low thermal expansion and high cryogenic toughness. For excellent cryogenic properties, high-Mn steel with a complete austenitic structure is used to design these tanks. We aim to determine the optimum welding conditions for performing Laser-MIG (Metal Inert Gas) hybrid welding through the MIG leading and laser following processes. A welding speed of 100 cm/min was used for welding a 15 mm thick high-Mn steel plate. The welding performance was evaluated through mechanical property tests (tensile and yield strength, low-temperature impact, hardness) of the welded joints after performing the experiment. As a result, it was confirmed that the tensile strength was slightly less than 818.4 MPa, and the yield strength was 30% higher than base material. The low-temperature impact values were equal to or greater than 58 J at all locations in the weld zone. The hardness test confirmed that the hardness did not exceed 292 HV. The results of this study indicate that it is possible to use laser-MIG hybrid welding on thick high-Mn steel plates.
Geotechnical Approach to Early-Stage Site Characterisation of Shallow Wave Energy Sites
Authors: Heatherington Craig , Grinham Alistair , Penesis Irene , Hunter Scott , Cossu Remo
Published: June 2021

Marine renewable energy is still in its infancy and poses serious challenges due to the harsh marine conditions encountered for wave or tidal installations and the survivability of devices. Geophysical and hydrodynamic initial site surveys need to be able to provide repeatable, reliable, and economical solutions. An oscillating water column wave energy converter is to be installed on the west coast of King Island, Tasmania. The location is in a high-energy nearshore environment to take advantage of sustained shoaling non-breaking waves of the Southern Ocean and required site-specific information for the deployment. We provide insight into scalable geophysical site surveys capable of capturing large amounts of data within a short time frame. This data was incorporated into a site suitability model, utilising seabed slope, sediment depth, and water depth to provide the terrain analysis needed to match deployment-specific characteristics. In addition, short-term hydrology and geotechnical work found a highly energetic seabed (near seafloor water velocities <1 m/s) with sufficient bearing capacity (6 MPa). In a highly energetic environment, care was taken to collect the relevant data needed for an assessment of critical information to an emerging technology companies primary project. This is in addition to the malleable methodology for a site suitability model that can incorporate various weighted parameters to prioritise the location for shallow wave energy sites in general.
In Silico Predicted Antifungal Peptides: In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Candida Activity
Authors: Ciociola Tecla , Magliani Walter , De Simone Tiziano , Pertinhez Thelma A. , Conti Stefania , Cozza Giorgio , Marin Oriano , Giovati Laura
Published: June 2021

It has been previously demonstrated that synthetic antibody-derived peptides could exert a significant activity in vitro, ex vivo, and/or in vivo against microorganisms and viruses, as well as immunomodulatory effects through the activation of immune cells. Based on the sequence of previously described antibody-derived peptides with recognized antifungal activity, an in silico analysis was conducted to identify novel antifungal candidates. The present study analyzed the candidacidal and structural properties of in silico designed peptides (ISDPs) derived by amino acid substitutions of the parent peptide KKVTMTCSAS. ISDPs proved to be more active in vitro than the parent peptide and all proved to be therapeutic in Galleria mellonella candidal infection, without showing toxic effects on mammalian cells. ISDPs were studied by circular dichroism spectroscopy, demonstrating different structural organization. These results allowed to validate a consensus sequence for the parent peptide KKVTMTCSAS that may be useful in the development of novel antimicrobial molecules.
Comparative Study on Lead and Copper Biosorption Using Three Bioproducts from Edible Mushrooms Residues
Authors: Castanho Nathália R. C. M. , de Oliveira Renan A. , Batista Bruno L. , Freire Bruna M. , Lange Camila , Lopes André M. , Jozala Angela F. , Grotto Denise
Published: June 2021

Agricultural waste products can be used as biosorbents for bioremediation once they are low-cost and high-efficient in pollutants removal. Thus, waste products from mushroom farming such as cutting and substrate of Lentinula edodes (popularly known as shiitake) and Agaricus bisporus (also known as champignon) were evaluated as biosorbents for metallic contaminants copper (Cu) and lead (Pb). Shiitake and champignon stalks, and shiitake substrate (medium in which shiitake was cultivated) were dried, grounded, characterized and experimented to remove Cu and Pb from contaminated water. The Sips model was used to establish the adsorption isotherms. Regarding Cu, champignon stalks have the best removal efficiency (43%), followed by substrate and stalks of shiitake (37 and 30%, respectively). Pb removals were similar among three residues (from 72 to 83%), with the champignon stalks standing out. The maximum adsorption capacities (qmax) for Cu in shiitake and champignon stalks were 22.7 and 31.4 mg/g−1, respectively. For Pb, qmax for shiitake and champignon stalks, and shiitake substrate were 130.0, 87.0 and 84.0 mg/g−1, respectively. The surface morphology of the champignon stalks revealed an organized and continuous structure. After an interaction with metals, the stalk of champignon accumulated the metal ions into interstices. Mushroom residues showed a relevant adsorption efficiency, especially for Pb. Mushroom farming waste are a very low-cost and promising alternative for removing toxic heavy metals from aquatic environment.
Risk Factors for Mortality in Colombian Patients with Candidemia
Authors: Cortés Jorge Alberto , Montañez Anita María , Carreño-Gutiérrez Ana María , Reyes Patricia , Gómez Carlos Hernando , Pescador Angela , Ariza Beatriz , Rosso Fernando
Published: June 2021

The aim of the study was to describe the microbiology and susceptibility profile of candidemia and to identify the risk factors associated with mortality in Colombia. A cohort of patients was followed for 30 days during 2008 to 2010. Microbiological identification and susceptibility assessments were performed in a reference centre. Demographic, clinical and treatment variables were evaluated for their associations with mortality. A parametric survival regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors associated with mortality. A total of 109 patients with candidemia in four hospitals in Colombia were identified, with a median age of 30 years old. C. parapsilosis was the most frequently identified microorganism (38.5%); the susceptibility of all isolates was high to fluconazole and anidulafungin, except for C. glabrata isolates. The overall mortality was 35.7%, and the risk factors associated with mortality included lack of antifungal treatment (HR 5.5, 95% CI 3.6–11.4), cancer (HR 3.9, 95% CI 2.3–8.0), diabetes (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.03–6.4), and age (HR 1.13 per every 10 years, 95% CI 1.02–1.24). Catheter removal was associated with a low mortality rate (HR 0.06, 95% CI 0.00–0.49). Prompt antifungal treatment, better glycemic control and catheter removal should be prioritized in the management of candidemia.
Different Lower Extremity Arterial Calcification Patterns in Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia Compared with Asymptomatic Controls
Authors: Konijn Louise C. D. , Takx Richard A. P. , Mali Willem P. Th. M. , Veger Hugo T. C. , van Overhagen Hendrik
Published: June 2021

Objectives: The most severe type of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLI). In CLI, calcification of the vessel wall plays an important role in symptoms, amputation rate, and mortality. However, calcified arteries are also found in asymptomatic persons (non-PAD patients). We investigated whether the calcification pattern in CLI patients and non- PAD patients are different and could possibly explain the symptoms in CLI patients. Materials and Methods: 130 CLI and 204 non-PAD patients underwent a CT of the lower extremities. This resulted in 118 CLI patients (mean age 72 ± 12, 70.3% male) that were age-matched with 118 non-PAD patients (mean age 71 ± 11, 51.7% male). The characteristics severity, annularity, thickness, and continuity were assessed in the femoral and crural arteries and analyzed by binary multiple logistic regression. Results: Nearly all CLI patients have calcifications and these are equally frequent in the femoropopliteal (98.3%) and crural arteries (97.5%), while the non-PAD patients had in just 67% any calcifications with more calcifications in the femoropopliteal (70.3%) than in the crural arteries (55.9%, p < 0.005). The crural arteries of CLI patients had significantly more complete annular calcifications (OR 2.92, p = 0.001), while in non-PAD patients dot-like calcifications dominated. In CLI patients, the femoropopliteal arteries had more severe, irregular/patchy, and thick calcifications (OR 2.40, 3.27, 1.81, p ≤ 0.05, respectively) while in non-PAD patients, thin continuous calcifications prevailed. Conclusions: Compared with non-PAD patients, arteries of the lower extremities of CLI patients are more frequently and extensively calcified. Annular calcifications were found in the crural arteries of CLI patients while dot-like calcifications were mostly present in non-PAD patients. These different patterns of calcifications in CLI point at different etiology and can have prognostic and eventually therapeutic consequences.
Cannabinoids and Inflammations of the Gut-Lung-Skin Barrier
Authors: Scheau Cristian , Caruntu Constantin , Badarau Ioana Anca , Scheau Andreea-Elena , Docea Anca Oana , Calina Daniela , Caruntu Ana
Published: June 2021

Recent studies have identified great similarities and interferences between the epithelial layers of the digestive tract, the airways and the cutaneous layer. The relationship between these structures seems to implicate signaling pathways, cellular components and metabolic features, and has led to the definition of a gut-lung-skin barrier. Inflammation seems to involve common features in these tissues; therefore, analyzing the similarities and differences in the modulation of its biomarkers can yield significant data promoting a better understanding of the particularities of specific signaling pathways and cellular effects. Cannabinoids are well known for a wide array of beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory properties. This paper aims to explore the effects of natural and synthetic cannabinoids, including the components of the endocannabinoid system, in relation to the inflammation of the gut-lung-skin barrier epithelia. Recent advancements in the use of cannabinoids as anti-inflammatory substances in various disorders of the gut, lungs and skin are detailed. Some studies have reported mixed or controversial results, and these have also been addressed in our paper.
Exploring the Metabolic Heterogeneity of Cancers: A Benchmark Study of Context-Specific Models
Authors: Jalili Mahdi , Scharm Martin , Wolkenhauer Olaf , Damaghi Mehdi , Salehzadeh-Yazdi Ali
Published: June 2021

Metabolic heterogeneity is a hallmark of cancer and can distinguish a normal phenotype from a cancer phenotype. In the systems biology domain, context-specific models facilitate extracting physiologically relevant information from high-quality data. Here, to utilize the heterogeneity of metabolic patterns to discover biomarkers of all cancers, we benchmarked thousands of context-specific models using well-established algorithms for the integration of omics data into the generic human metabolic model Recon3D. By analyzing the active reactions capable of carrying flux and their magnitude through flux balance analysis, we proved that the metabolic pattern of each cancer is unique and could act as a cancer metabolic fingerprint. Subsequently, we searched for proper feature selection methods to cluster the flux states characterizing each cancer. We employed PCA-based dimensionality reduction and a random forest learning algorithm to reveal reactions containing the most relevant information in order to effectively identify the most influential fluxes. Conclusively, we discovered different pathways that are probably the main sources for metabolic heterogeneity in cancers. We designed the GEMbench website to interactively present the data, methods, and analysis results.
A Double-Hurdle Model of Healthcare Expenditures across Income Quintiles and Family Size: New Insights from a Household Survey
Authors: Osmani Ahmad Reshad , Okunade Albert
Published: June 2021

The decision-making processes and outcomes of male and female household heads differ due to gender-based differences in preferences. In this paper, we assess the impact of this heterogeneity on household healthcare consumption in Thailand. Past studies modeling healthcare expenditures using household survey data used a gender dummy variable in regression models to control for household gender headship at the household level. Due to the endogeneity and self-selection bias in the past modelling approach, we separately modeled health expenditures for male and female household head decision makers. Using a household dataset from an earlier work, this study finds, using the double-hurdle model with dependent errors, that out-of-pocket health care spending tends to behave like a necessity across the income quintiles, household sizes, and differently for the separately modeled household gender heads. Moreover, male and female headed households responded differently to a major economic shock when adjusting household healthcare spending.
A Review on Land Use and Land Cover Change in Ethiopian Basins
Authors: Regasa Motuma , Nones Michael , Adeba Dereje
Published: June 2021

Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes analysis is one of the most useful methodologies to understand how the land was used in the past years, what types of detections are to be expected in the future, as well as the driving forces and processes behind these changes. In Ethiopia, Africa, the rapid variations of LULC observed in the last decades are mainly due to population pressure, resettlement programs, climate change, and other human- and nature-induced driving forces. Anthropogenic activities are the most significant factors adversely changing the natural status of the landscape and resources, which exerts unfavourable and adverse impacts on the environment and livelihood. The main goal of the present work is to review previous studies, discussing the spatiotemporal LULC changes in Ethiopian basins, to find out common points and gaps that exist in the current literature, to be eventually addressed in the future. A total of 25 articles, published from 2011 to 2020, were selected and reviewed, focusing on LULC classification using ArcGIS and ERDAS imagine software by unsupervised and maximum likelihood supervised classification methods. Key informant interview, focal group discussions, and collection of ground truth information using ground positioning systems for data validation were the major approaches applied in most of the studies. All the analysed research showed that, during the last decades, Ethiopian lands changed from natural to agricultural land use, waterbody, commercial farmland, and built-up/settlement. Some parts of forest land, grazing land, swamp/wetland, shrubland, rangeland, and bare/ rock out cropland cover class changed to other LULC class types, mainly as a consequence of the increasing anthropogenic pressure. In summary, these articles confirmed that LULC changes are a direct result of both natural and human influences, with anthropogenic pressure due to globalisation as the main driver. However, most of the studies provided details of LULC for the past decades within a specific spatial location, while they did not address the challenge of forecasting future LULC changes at the watershed scale, therefore reducing the opportunity to develop adequate basin-wide management strategies for the next years.
Genomic Regions and Candidate Genes Linked to Capped Hock in Pig
Authors: Getmantseva Lyubov , Kolosova Maria , Bakoev Faridun , Zimina Anna , Bakoev Siroj
Published: June 2021

Capped hock affects the exterior of pedigree pigs, making them unsalable and resulting in a negative impact on the efficiency of pig-breeding centers. The purpose of this paper was to carry out pilot studies aimed at finding genomic regions and genes linked to the capped hock in pigs. The studies were carried out on Landrace pigs (n = 75) and Duroc pigs (n = 70). To identify genomic regions linked to capped hock in pigs, we used smoothing FST statistics. Genotyping was performed with GeneSeek® GGP Porcine HD Genomic Profiler v1 (Illumina Inc, San Diego, CA, USA). The research results showed 70 SNPs linked to capped hock in Landrace (38 SNPs) and Duroc (32 SNPs). The identified regions overlapped with QTLs related with health traits (blood parameters) and meat and carcass traits (fatness). In total, 31 genes were identified (i.e., 17 genes in Landrace, 14 genes in Durocs). Three genes appeared in both the Landrace and Duroc groups, including A2ML1 (SSC5), ROBO2 (SSC13), and MSI1 (SSC14). We identified genomic regions directly or indirectly linked to capped hock, which thus might contribute to identifying genetic variants and using them as genetic markers in pig breeding.
E-Bayesian Estimation of Reliability Characteristics of a Weibull Distribution with Applications
Authors: Okasha Hassan M. , Mohammed Heba S. , Lio Yuhlong
Published: June 2021

Given a progressively type-II censored sample, the E-Bayesian estimates, which are the expected Bayesian estimates over the joint prior distributions of the hyper-parameters in the gamma prior distribution of the unknown Weibull rate parameter, are developed for any given function of unknown rate parameter under the square error loss function. In order to study the impact from the selection of hyper-parameters for the prior, three different joint priors of the hyper-parameters are utilized to establish the theoretical properties of the E-Bayesian estimators for four functions of the rate parameter, which include an identity function (that is, a rate parameter) as well as survival, hazard rate and quantile functions. A simulation study is also conducted to compare the three E-Bayesian and a Bayesian estimate as well as the maximum likelihood estimate for each of the four functions considered. Moreover, two real data sets from a medical study and industry life test, respectively, are used for illustration. Finally, concluding remarks are addressed.
Variational Fusion of Hyperspectral Data by Non-Local Filtering
Authors: Mifdal Jamila , Coll Bartomeu , Froment Jacques , Duran Joan
Published: June 2021

The fusion of multisensor data has attracted a lot of attention in computer vision, particularly among the remote sensing community. Hyperspectral image fusion consists in merging the spectral information of a hyperspectral image with the geometry of a multispectral one in order to infer an image with high spatial and spectral resolutions. In this paper, we propose a variational fusion model with a nonlocal regularization term that encodes patch-based filtering conditioned to the geometry of the multispectral data. We further incorporate a radiometric constraint that injects the high frequencies of the scene into the fused product with a band per band modulation according to the energy levels of the multispectral and hyperspectral images. The proposed approach proved robust to noise and aliasing. The experimental results demonstrate the performance of our method with respect to the state-of-the-art techniques on data acquired by commercial hyperspectral cameras and Earth observation satellites.
Optimizing Chitin Depolymerization by Lysozyme to Long-Chain Oligosaccharides
Authors: Masselin Arnaud , Rousseau Antoine , Pradeau Stéphanie , Fort Laure , Gueret Rodolphe , Buon Laurine , Armand Sylvie , Cottaz Sylvain , Choisnard Luc , Fort Sébastien
Published: June 2021

Chitin oligosaccharides (COs) hold high promise as organic fertilizers in the ongoing agro-ecological transition. Short- and long-chain COs can contribute to the establishment of symbiotic associations between plants and microorganisms, facilitating the uptake of soil nutrients by host plants. Long-chain COs trigger plant innate immunity. A fine investigation of these different signaling pathways requires improving the access to high-purity COs. Here, we used the response surface methodology to optimize the production of COs by enzymatic hydrolysis of water-soluble chitin (WSC) with hen egg-white lysozyme. The influence of WSC concentration, its acetylation degree, and the reaction time course were modelled using a Box–Behnken design. Under optimized conditions, water-soluble COs up to the nonasaccharide were formed in 51% yield and purified to homogeneity. This straightforward approach opens new avenues to determine the complex roles of COs in plants.
Analysis of the Mycosporine-Like Amino Acid (MAA) Pattern of the Salt Marsh Red Alga Bostrychia scorpioides
Authors: Orfanoudaki Maria , Hartmann Anja , Mayr Julia , Figueroa Félix L. , Vega Julia , West John , Bermejo Ricardo , Maggs Christine , Ganzera Markus
Published: June 2021

This study presents the validation of a high-performance liquid chromatography diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method for the determination of different mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) in the red alga Bostrychia scorpioides. The investigated MAAs, named bostrychines, have only been found in this specific species so far. The developed HPLC-DAD method was successfully applied for the quantification of the major MAAs in Bostrychia scorpioides extracts, collected from four different countries in Europe showing only minor differences between the investigated samples. In the past, several Bostrychia spp. have been reported to include cryptic species, and in some cases such as B. calliptera, B. simpliciuscula, and B. moritziana, the polyphyly was supported by differences in their MAA composition. The uniformity in the MAA composition of the investigated B. scorpioides samples is in agreement with the reported monophyly of this Bostrychia sp.
The Berg Balance Scale at Admission Can Predict Community Ambulation at Discharge in Patients with Stroke
Authors: Liao Wen-Ling , Chang Chiung-Wen , Sung Pi-Yu , Hsu Wei-Nung , Lai Ming-Wei , Tsai Sen-Wei
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives: To regain the ability of community ambulation is a meaningful goal for stroke patients. Recent research recommended that the distance accomplished during the six-minute walk test (≥205 m in 6MWT) is the fittest for defining community ambulation. Until now, there are few studies that have used the updated definition to investigate the related predictors. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the admission clinical parameters and community ambulation measured by the 6MWT at discharge. The other aim was to find the admission Berg Balance Scale (BBS) cut-off score to discriminate between household or community ambulators. Materials and Methods: This cohort study collected the data of patients who entered the post-acute Care Cerebrovascular Diseases program. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors measured at admission that are associated with community ambulation, and a receiver operating characteristic was adopted to calculate the cut-off value for admission status. There were 120 participants included in this study, and 25% (n = 30) of them regained the ability of community ambulation at discharge. The BBS on admission was identified as the only significant predictor for community ambulation (odds ratio 1.06). Results: The optimal cut-off score for the BBS at admission was 29, and the area under the curve for BBS scores on admission when discriminating between household and community ambulators at discharge was 0.74. Conclusions: The admission BBS scores could be used to predict household and community ambulators at discharge in stroke patients. The results of this study could help clinical physicians set appropriate discharge goals early.
The Difference of Cholesterol, Platelet and Cortisol Levels in Patients Diagnosed with Chronic Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction Groups According to Neutrophil Count
Authors: Mongirdienė Aušra , Laukaitienė Jolanta , Skipskis Vilius , Kuršvietienė Lolita , Liobikas Julius
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives: It is known that neutrophils are involved in the pro-inflammatory processes and thus, can have a great impact on the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF). Moreover, hypercholesterolemia heightens neutrophil production, thereby accelerating cardiovascular inflammation. However, there is a lack of information about the relation of low inflammation to the state of stress, hypercholesterolemia, and pro-thrombotic statement in patients with chronic HF. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether platelet, cholesterol and cortisol levels differ in a different inflammatory condition groups according to the neutrophil count in patients diagnosed with CHF with reduced ejection fraction (CHFrEF), and whether there is a correlation between those readings. Materials and Methods: The average of neutrophil count was 4.37 × 109 L; therefore, 180 patients were separated into two groups: one with relatively a higher inflammatory environment (neutrophil count ≥ 4.37 × 109 L (n = 97)) and one with a relatively lower inflammatory environment (neutrophil count < 4.38 × 109 L (n = 83)). We also determined the levels of lymphocytes, monocytes, platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet aggregation, the levels of cortisol and cholesterol and the concentrations of C reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen. Results: We found that CRP, fibrinogen and cortisol concentrations were statistically significantly higher in the group with higher neutrophil counts. However, there were no differences among cholesterol concentration and other markers of platelet function between the groups. We also showed that PLT, leukocyte and monocyte counts were higher in the group with a higher neutrophil count, and the PLT correlated with other cell type count and CRP. In addition, the neutrophil count correlated with concentrations of fibrinogen, evening cortisol and CRP. Conclusions: Cortisol, fibrinogen and CRP levels, PLT and monocyte counts were higher in the CHFrEF patient group with higher neutrophil counts. The cholesterol levels and platelet function readings did not differ between the groups. The neutrophil count correlated with evening cortisol concentration.