bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methcathinone decreases dopamine transporter function: Role of protein kinase C
Authors: Magee Charlotte P. , Le BaoMinh D. , Siripathane Yasmeen H. , Wilkins Diana G. , Hanson Glen R. , Fleckenstein Annette E.
Published: July 2021

Methcathinone (MCAT) is a psychostimulant of abuse that can cause both persistent striatal dopaminergic and serotonergic, as well as hippocampal serotonergic, deficits. Evidence suggests that the rapid effects of stimulants that are structurally and mechanistically similar to MCAT on monoamine transporter function may contribute to the abuse liability and/or persistent monoaminergic deficits caused by these agents. Thus, effects of MCAT on 1) striatal dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT); and 2) striatal and hippocampal serotonin transporter (SERT) function, as determined in tissues from adult male rats, were assessed. As reported previously, a single administration of MCAT rapidly (within 1 hr) decreases striatal [3H]DA uptake. Similarly, incubation of rat synaptosomes with MCAT at 37℃ (but not 4˚C) decreased striatal [3H]DA uptake. Incubation with MCAT likewise decreased [3H]5HT but not vesicular [3H]DA uptake. MCAT incubation in vitro was without effect on [3H]DA uptake in striatal synaptosomes prepared from MCAT‐treated rats. The decrease in [3H]DA uptake caused by MCAT incubation: (a) reflected a decrease in Vmax, with minimal change in Km, and (b) was attenuated by co‐incubation with the cell‐permeable calcium chelator, N,N'‐[1,2‐ethanediylbis(oxy‐2,1‐phenylene)]bis[N‐[2‐[(acetyloxy)methoxy]‐2‐oxoethyl]‐1,1'‐bis[(acetyloxy)methyl] ester‐glycine (BAPTA‐AM), as well as the non‐selective protein kinase‐C (PKC) inhibitors bisindolylmaleimide‐1 (BIM‐1) and 2‐[1‐3(Aminopropyl)indol‐3‐yl]‐3(1‐methyl‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)maleimide (or Bisindolylmaleimide VIII; Ro‐31‐7549). Taken together, these results suggest that in vitro MCAT incubation may model important aspects of MCAT administration in vivo, and that calcium and PKC contribute to the in vitro effects of MCAT on DAT.

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Neuropsychological effects of direct‐acting antiviral treatment for Hepatitis C virus subjects: A systematic review
Authors: Santos‐Lima Cassio , Souza‐Marques Breno , Vieira Flávia , Isabel Schinoni Maria , Quarantini Lucas C. , Abreu Neander
Published: July 2021

Direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) have been approved in recent years to treat patients infected by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). The DAAs treatment is well tolerated and increases sustained virological responses, but there is no consensus about the neuropsychological functioning related to the treatment. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the recent findings exploring the cognitive effects of DAAs treatment in patients with HCV. After a systematic search on PubMed, Embase, Scopus and LILACS, studies that assessed neuropsychological data related to DAAs treatment were included. We found nine articles, considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Three other manuscripts were included after searching for the references listed in the previously mentioned articles. We observed methodological heterogeneity in terms of neuropsychological tests used, cognitive domain explored and the sample characteristic presented between the studies. Studies presented data from HCV subjects monoinfected with or without cirrhosis, advanced liver disease and post‐transplant patients; and HCV subjects coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Most results from the 12 studies that explored the effect of DAAs treatment in HCV subjects’ neurocognitive functioning demonstrated cognitive improvement following treatment. In general, HCV and HCV/HIV subjects improved processing speed, verbal fluency and verbal/visual episodic memory. The DAAs treatment is effective for neurocognitive functioning in HCV monoinfected and coinfected subjects, with or without advanced liver disease, since neuropsychological scores increased after treatment. Further studies, however, are needed to confirm these findings.
Resilience and anxiety among intensive care unit professionals during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Peñacoba Cecilia , Velasco Lilian , Catalá Patricia , Gil‐Almagro Fernanda , García‐Hedrera Fernando J. , Carmona‐Monge Francisco Javier
Published: July 2021

Background

The situation of the COVID‐19 global pandemic has generated an unprecedented state of emergency worldwide that has had a psychological impact on health care workers working in the ICU and this has created the need to implement different psychological strategies.

Aim

This study explores (a) the prevalence of symptoms associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), (b) the relationship between GAD symptoms and resilience skills, and (c) which of the resilience skills were associated with a probable GAD among the ICU professionals during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Study design

Cross‐sectional survey design.

Methods

We explored anxiety and resilience in 448 ICU health care workers using an online survey.

Results

The participants showed high resilience levels and more than half of them presented symptoms consistent with a possible diagnosis of GAD. The GAD symptoms were more prevalent among women, nursing assistants, interns, staff who worked on rotation and health care workers who had to attend to more than 20 COVID patients. Significant negative correlations between resilience skills and GAD symptoms were found. The multiple regression analysis showed that resilience skills contribute to 14.4% of the variance for GAD symptoms. The binary logistic regression showed that the only skill that had a significant and negative predictive effect was “I usually take things in my stride” (OR = 0.774, 95% CI 0.67, 0.88; P = .000). This ability was the differentiating skill between professionals who equal or exceed the cut‐off point established for the diagnosis of a probable GAD regarding those who do not.

Conclusion

ICU professionals developed symptoms consistent with a possible diagnosis of GAD due to their exposure to extremely stressful circumstances. However, resilience skills acted as a protective factor.

Relevance to clinical practice

The importance of incorporating programmes that mitigate these psychological effects and to promote adaptive coping styles during pandemics has become a need after what ICU professionals have gone through.
Flower orientation influences floral temperature, pollinator visits and plant fitness
Authors: Creux Nicky M. , Brown Robin I. , Garner Austin G. , Saeed Sana , Scher C. Lane , Holalu Srinidhi V. , Yang Daniel , Maloof Julin N. , Blackman Benjamin K. , Harmer Stacey L.
Published: July 2021

Effective insect pollination requires appropriate responses to internal and external environmental cues in both the plant and the pollinator. Helianthus annuus, a highly outcrossing species, is marked for its uniform eastward orientation of mature pseudanthia, or capitula. Here we investigate how this orientation affects floral microclimate and the consequent effects on plant and pollinator interactions and reproductive fitness.

We artificially manipulated sunflower capitulum orientation and temperature in both field and controlled conditions and assessed flower physiology, pollinator visits, seed traits and siring success.

East‐facing capitula were found to have earlier style elongation, pollen presentation and pollinator visits compared with capitula manipulated to face west. East‐facing capitula also sired more offspring than west‐facing capitula and under some conditions produced heavier and better‐filled seeds. Local ambient temperature change on the capitulum was found to be a key factor regulating the timing of style elongation, pollen emergence and pollinator visits.

These results indicate that eastward capitulum orientation helps to control daily rhythms in floral temperature, with direct consequences on the timing of style elongation and pollen emergence, pollinator visitation, and plant fitness.
DE‐ETIOLATED1 has a role in the circadian clock of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Lagercrantz Ulf , Billhardt Anja , Rousku Sabine N. , Leso Martina , Reza Salim Hossain , Eklund D. Magnus
Published: July 2021

Previous studies of plant circadian clock evolution have often relied on clock models and genes defined in Arabidopsis. These studies identified homologues with seemingly conserved function, as well as frequent gene loss. In the present study, we aimed to identify candidate clock genes in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha using a more unbiased approach.

To identify genes with circadian rhythm we sequenced the transcriptomes of gemmalings in a time series in constant light conditions. Subsequently, we performed functional studies using loss‐of‐function mutants and gene expression reporters.

Among the genes displaying circadian rhythm, a homologue to the transcriptional co‐repressor Arabidopsis DE‐ETIOLATED1 showed high amplitude and morning phase. Because AtDET1 is arrhythmic and associated with the morning gene function of AtCCA1/LHY, that lack a homologue in liverworts, we functionally studied DET1 in M. polymorpha.

We found that the circadian rhythm of MpDET1 expression is disrupted in loss‐of‐function mutants of core clock genes and putative evening‐complex genes. MpDET1 knock‐down in turn results in altered circadian rhythm of nyctinastic thallus movement and clock gene expression. We could not detect any effect of MpDET1 knock‐down on circadian response to light, suggesting that MpDET1 has a yet unknown function in the M. polymorpha circadian clock.
Diagnosis of mandibular metastatic tumour leading to findings of advanced lung carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Tran Christina , Napier Seamus , Marley John
Published: July 2021

Background

Due to their low prevalence and variable clinical presentation, oral metastatic tumours present a diagnostic challenge to the clinician. This case describes the presentation of a mandibular metastatic tumour in an apparently healthy patient, initially managed as dento‐alveolar infection by her general dental practitioner (GDP).

Case description

A 56‐year‐old female attended her GDP with a small intraoral swelling buccal and lingual to the lower left incisors, canine and first premolar. Radiographic examination revealed gross caries in the lower left anterior dentition and periapical bone loss in the region. A week's course of antibiotics had no effect. The swelling increased rapidly and the involved teeth were extracted by the GDP before referral to Oral Surgery. The patient offered no history of weight loss, febrility or breathlessness. Her medical history was unremarkable. She smoked and did not consume alcohol. Histological examination revealed a poorly differentiated metastatic carcinoma. A computerized tomography scan of the neck showed a 4 cm mass in the left anterior mandible with adjacent bony destruction. There was bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy and a large right‐sided upper lobe lung mass with metastasis to the contralateral upper lobe of the lung, the right adrenal gland and brain. A diagnosis of poorly differentiated non‐small cell carcinoma of the lung was made, staged T4 N3 M1c. Nine weeks after her initial presentation to the GDP, the patient suffered a seizure and passed away.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates an uncommon presentation of mandibular metastatic tumour as the first indicator of advanced malignant disease. The presentation of such tumours can often mimic more common, benign processes, making diagnosis challenging. At a time of increased remote assessment of patients due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, it is particularly important for clinicians to consider the possibility of malignancy when faced with any unusual case of swelling.
Soil nitrogen and carbon changes in a biosolid amended sodic vertisol with a history of treated sewage effluent‐enriched water irrigation
Authors: Nachimuthu Gunasekhar , Hulugalle Nilantha R. , Watkins Mark D. , Finlay Lloyd A.
Published: July 2021

The application of biosolids to cropping soils may improve soil health, supply nitrogen and other nutrients for crops. There are specific guidelines on the quantity of biosolids that can be applied to a soil to grow selected crops. However, some recommendations overlook environmental factors such as soil organic N and N supplied by irrigation water. We conducted a three‐year field monitoring programme to study the effect of biosolid application on sodicity, soil nitrogen and organic carbon status to a depth of 1.8 m in a vertisol with a history of sewage effluent water irrigation. Biosolid application had no effect on soil sodicity. Improvements in soil organic carbon (SOC) were short‐lived and occurred only during the first year. N accumulation and leaching below the root zone (1.2 m) occurred after two years and suggest a possible off‐farm environmental risk. The higher residual mineral N in biosolid treatment 2 years after application implies an opportunity to reduce N inputs in vertisols treated with biosolids and effluent water. The biosolid application rate of 35 Mg ha−1 was well below the nitrogen‐limited biosolid application rate (NLBAR) (100 Mg ha−1) under the current guidelines. This warrants further refinement of NLBAR to suit specific circumstances such as effluent‐enriched water irrigation and additional in‐crop fertilizer application.
Identification of a novel HLA‐A allele, HLA‐A*31:97, by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Li Jian‐Ping , Zhang Xu , Lin Feng‐Qiu , Li Xiao‐Feng
Published: July 2021

HLA‐A*31:97 differs by three nucleotide and two amino acid changes from HLA‐A*31:01:02:01.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: July 2021

Journal of Education and Training Studies (JETS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JETS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 9, Number 7 Fathia Lahwal, Elmergib University, LibyaMaria Rachel Queiroz, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, BrazilMeral Seker, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, TurkeyRichard H. Martin, Mercer University, USARichard Penny, University of Washington Bothell, USASamah El-Sakka, Suez University, EgyptSandro Sehic, Oneida BOCES, USAWenjuan Sang, Indiana University, USA Robert SmithEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Journal of Education and Training StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAE-mail 1: jets@redfame.comE-mail 2: jets@redfame.orgURL: http://jets.redfame.com
Machine Learning and Anomaly Detection Algorithms for Damage Characterization From Compliance Data in Three-Point Bending Fatigue
Authors: Kalia Subodh , Zeitler Jakob , Mohan Chilukuri K. , Weiss Volker
Published: July 2021

Three-point bending fatigue compliance datasets of multi-layer fiberglass-weave/epoxy test specimens, including 5 and 10 mil interlayers, were analyzed using artificial intelligence (AI) methods along with statistical analysis, revealing the existence of three different compliance-based damage modes. Anomaly detection algorithms helped discover damage indicators observable in short intervals (of 50 cycles) in the compliance data, whose patterns vary with the material and the number of load cycles to which the material is subjected. Machine learning algorithms were applied using the compliance features to assess the likelihood that material failure may occur within a certain number of future loading cycles. High accuracy, precision, and recall rates were achieved in the classification task, for which we evaluated several algorithms, including various variations of neural networks and support vector machines. Thus, our work demonstrates the utility of AI algorithms for discovering a diversity of damage mechanisms and failures.
Developing Uncertainty Quantification Strategies in Electromagnetic Problems Involving Highly Resonant Cavities
Authors: Campione Salvatore , Stephens J. Adam , Martin Nevin , Eckert Aubrey , Warne Larry K. , Huerta Gabriel , Pfeiffer Robert A. , Jones Adam
Published: July 2021

High-quality factor resonant cavities are challenging structures to model in electromagnetics owing to their large sensitivity to minute parameter changes. Therefore, uncertainty quantification (UQ) strategies are pivotal to understanding key parameters affecting the cavity response. We discuss here some of these strategies focusing on shielding effectiveness (SE) properties of a canonical slotted cylindrical cavity that will be used to develop credibility evidence in support of predictions made using computational simulations for this application.
An Analytical Two-Phase Flow Model for Prediction of Leakage in Wet Gas Labyrinth Seals and Pocket Damper Seals. Is Simplicity Still Desired?
Authors: Yang Jing , Andrés Luis San
Published: July 2021

Current and upcoming two-phase pump and compression systems in subsea production facilities must demonstrate long-term operation and continuous availability. Annular pressure seals, limiting secondary flow, also influence the dynamic stability of turbomachinery. Hence, it becomes paramount to quantify the leakage and dynamic force coefficients of annular seals operating with two-phase flow, a liquid in gas mixture or wet gas. Until now, a simple model for labyrinth seals (LSs) and the more modern pocket damper seals (PDSs) is not available, though these seal types find wide applications in subsea machinery. The paper develops a simple analytical model predicting the leakage and cavity pressures for LSs and PDSs operating with two-phase flow. The model adapts Neumann’s leakage equation for use with the physical properties of a homogeneous two-phase flow mixture. Predictions of leakage for a four-blade, eight-pocket, fully partitioned PDS operating under a low supply pressure (PS = 2.3 bar and 3.2 bar) and a low rotor speed equal to 5250 rpm (surface speed = 35 m/s) agree well with experimental results procured for both a pure gas and a wet gas conditions (2.2% in liquid volume). Predicted leakage and cavity pressures also agree with those found by a multimillion node computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. For an eight-blade, sixteen-pocket PDS supplied with air at PS = 62.1 bar, discharge pressure Pa = 31.1 bar, and rotor speed of 15 krpm (surface speed = 91 m/s), the analytical model predicts leakage that is just 2% larger than a published CFD prediction. For the PDS supplied with an oil in gas mixture having gas volume fraction βS = 0.92–0.98, the simple model delivers leakage that is up to ∼6% lower than published CFD results. An analysis of the two-phase leakage predictions via a modified flow factor reveals a loss coefficient (cd) impervious to the range of supply and discharge pressures considered and growing in proportion to the liquid volume fraction (LVF). Throughout the life of an oil well that sees radical changes in gas and liquid composition as well as pressure conditions, the expedient model, quick and accurate to estimate leakage in wet gases seals, can be readily integrated into an engineering routine or practice.
Understanding Kinematics of the Orthogonal Cutting Using Digital Image Correlation—Measurement and Analysis
Authors: Zhang Dong , Meurer Markus , Zhang Xiao-Ming , Bergs Thomas , Ding Han
Published: July 2021

With the development of advanced image correlation and high-speed filming techniques, the kinematic field during the cutting process can be experimentally determined including the velocity and strain rate fields. As known, the setting parameters for the digital image correlation (DIC) as well as the optical parameters of the given camera and lighting system have a great influence on the spatial resolution and accuracy of the DIC results. In this study, the speckle pattern in terms of speckle size and intensity distribution are analyzed when using two different surface preparation methods. Moreover, the influences of the subset sizes for the image correlation on the strain rate are numerically studied. Interlaboratory measurements of the kinematic field during the orthogonal cutting of AISI 4140 were conducted with two different in-situ imaging setups. The material flow near the cutting tool edge determined from the velocity field is compared with the numerical simulation. The stagnation zone which is commonly found in the numerical simulation of the cutting process using a chamfered cubic boron nitride (CBN) tool was not observed in the experiments. Furthermore, slip-line fields were constructed from the experimentally determined strain rate components, from which the boundary conditions along the chip-free and chip-tool interface were derived.
Sustainability Assessment of Aviation Fuel Blends
Authors: Gambino Cherie , Reddy T. Agami
Published: July 2021

Stakeholders in the aviation industry committed to a goal of 50% reduction in carbon emissions by the year 2050, to be achieved by reducing emissions 1.5% each year from 2020 onwards. There are multiple pathways to achieve this goal however; with, the most promising technology being Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), which are biofuels blended with kerosene. As the industry shifts towards SAF, it is important to evaluate these fuels in terms of their long-term sustainability, and this is the objective of the current study. Sixteen types of fuels were assessed which include fossil, natural gas, electric, and SAF. A Multi Criterion Decision Making methodology was adopted which considers three categories, namely environmental, economic, and social aspects which in turn are broken up into 8 indicators in all (such as ecological footprints, cost of transportation, investment cost, operating costs, employment generation, and health & safety). A Monte Carlo analysis was also performed to analyze sensitivity of the results to the weights attributed to the three categories. The most sustainable fuel was found to be Hydrogen, with a score of 0.91 out of 1.0. The least sustainable were determined to be the military kerosene-based fuels (with the experimental fuel JP-8 + 100LT being the poorest with a normalized score of 0.50).
Using Molding to Fabricate Stable Salt Structures for Thermochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Gladen Adam , Azarmi Fardad
Published: July 2021

The present work investigates using a molding technique to fabricate stable salt structures for thermochemical energy storage. Two type of salts were investigated: pure MgSO4 and a blend of 53% CaCl2 with 47% MgSO4. These salts were mixed with two common binders and hot pressed. Various post-hot-pressing conditions were considered including the debinding temperature, whether the sample was sintered, and the sintering temperature. The samples were subjected to combined hydration and thermal cycling. The hydration reaction was monitored by measuring the relative humidity. The samples were visibly inspected for changes between each half cycle. The results indicate that molding can result in stable structures. All the samples of 53wt%CaCl2+47%wtMgSO4 and one sample of pure MgSO4 retained their integrity through the course of cycling. Of the samples that did not retain their integrity through cycling, the results show that fabrication parameters can be used to improve the cycle stability of the molded sample. The hydration data shows that, for the samples that retained their structure, stable hydration rates were achieved. This indicates that the structure stabilized. These results show the feasibility of using molding or similar manufacturing techniques to fabricate a stable structure of hygroscopic salts for thermochemical-based, thermal energy storage.
Performance of Two-Dimensional Functionally Graded Anode Supported Solid-Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Osman Sameer , Ahmed Khaled , Ahmed Mahmoud
Published: July 2021

High-temperature ceramic materials used in solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are subject to high thermal stresses during operation due to the unequal thermal expansion between different layers. As a result, solid oxide fuel cells are prone to mechanical failure at elevated temperatures, limiting the maximum operating temperature and, therefore, limiting the maximum power density obtained from the fuel cell. Fuel cells with graded electrodes in the thickness direction have been used and extensively investigated to reduce the effect of non-uniform thermal expansion. In this study, two dimensional functionally graded electrodes are proposed for the first time. Thus, a comprehensive theoretical model is developed for a high-temperature SOFCs that includes the charge, species, energy, and momentum transport equations. Also, the bilinear elastoplastic material model is used to calculate thermal stresses and failure in solid materials. The model is used to study two-dimensional functionally graded electrodes introduced to investigate their effect on thermal stresses. The material grading will be implemented in two directions for each layer; thickness and length. Results indicate that using the two-dimensional grading reduced thermal stresses by over 40 % for a specific grading scheme compared to the conventional case. Grading the electrodes also positively affects the electrochemical performance, as the cell’s maximum power density was increased by over 60 %. These results prove that two-dimensional graded SOFCs can achieve much higher operating temperatures with safe thermal stresses, creating a potential for compact, high-temperature SOFCs designed for high power density applications.
A Novel Composite Material of Hygroscopic Salt Stabilized by Nanocellulose for Thermochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Gladen Adam , Bajwa Dilpreet
Published: July 2021

Thermochemical energy storage is promising due to its advantages of high-energy density and low-self discharging. One promising reaction material is the hydration and dehydration of hygroscopic salts. However, many pure salts have poor cycle stability. The present work investigates the development of a new composite material for thermochemical storage by impregnating a framework of crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) with calcium chloride (CaCl2) Various weight ratios of CNC:CaCl2 were prepared by dispersing the salt and CNC in deionized water and using mechanical stirring and ultrasonication processes followed by drying at ambient temperature. The attachment of the salt to the CNC was determined by TEM and FTIR analyses. The enthalpy of dehydration and water uptake were measured. The stability of the composite material was determined by subjecting it to multiple cycles. The results show that the nanocellulose binds to the salt crystals and provide a nano-scale architecture to stabilize the salt. The CNC-salt material shows improved energy density and stability compared to pure salt. For example, for the given hydration conditions, the specific enthalpy of dehydration for the formulation 1:2 weight ratio of CNC to salt is 117 J/g while for the pure CaCl2 the enthalpy of dehydration is 86 J/g. Thus, the CNC-salt material shows ∼1.36-x improvement in energy density. Additionally, over the course of multiple cycles, that caused the pure CaCl2 to deliquesce, formulations of the CNC-salt material retained their structural integrity and energy density.
The Effect of Biot Number on a One-Dimensional General Conduction Solution
Authors: McMasters Robert L. , de Monte Filippo , Beck James V.
Published: July 2021

Analytical solutions for thermal conduction problems are extremely important, particularly for verification of numerical codes. Temperatures and heat fluxes can be calculated very precisely, normally to eight or ten significant figures, even in situations involving large temperature gradients. It can be convenient to have a general analytical solution for a transient conduction problem in rectangular coordinates. The general solution is based on the principle that the three primary types of boundary conditions (prescribed temperature, prescribed heat flux, and convective) can all be handled using convective boundary conditions. A large convection coefficient closely approximates a prescribed temperature boundary condition and a very low convection coefficient closely approximates an insulated boundary condition. Since a dimensionless solution is used in this research, the effect of various values of dimensionless convection coefficients, or Biot number, are explored.

An understandable concern with a general analytical solution is the effect of the choice of convection coefficients on the precision of the solution, since the primary motivation for using analytical solutions is the precision offered. An investigation is made in this study to determine the effects of the choices of large and small convection coefficients on the precision of the analytical solutions generated by the general convective formulation. Results are provided, in tablular and graphical form, to illustrate the effects of the choices of convection coefficients on the precision of the general analytical solution.
Enhanced Mechanism of Water Evaporation Through Nanoporous Membrane
Authors: Liu Runkeng , Liu Zhenyu
Published: July 2021

Evaporation through nanoporous membrane has attracted tremendous research attention as a ubiquitous natural phenomenon, which can be used in numerous applications. In this work, we explored the ultrathin water film evaporation process on nanoporous membrane based on non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation. A heat localization design of multilayer graphene coated at the bottom of membrane was implemented to reduce the heat loss along the non-evaporation direction. The underlying mechanism of water evaporation through nanoporous membrane was investigated after analysis of the average number of hydrogen bonds per water molecule, the temperature variation and the mean squared displacement of water molecular during the evaporation process. The results showed that the change of pore size will affect the water molecules structure. We also discussed the effect of heat localization design on ultrathin water film evaporation process. The result suggested that water molecules are more active and evaporation efficiency is improved correspondingly. This work reveals the feasibility of the novel nanoporous membrane structure design for enhancing heat and mass transfer, which can be adopted in efficient thermal management and low-cost approaches for water desalination.
A Novel Fast Predicting Technique for the Absorptivity of Surface Coating
Authors: Özkökdemir Emir , Filiz Berkay , Usul Yener
Published: July 2021

The most common technique for a surface to have the desired thermo-physical properties or to reflect the desired optical properties is the surface coating. It is used in a wide application area from under the seas to the depths of space. In order for a surface coating to be used, it must have well-defined thermo-physical properties. These properties could be properties that are directly dependent on the material such as heat capacity, heat transfer coefficient and thermal expansion coefficient, as well as material and surface-dependent properties such as absorptivity, reflectivity and transmissivity. Absorptivity is a very important parameter for thermal management of electronics operating under direct solar radiation. Optical methods used to measure the absorptivity are expensive and time consuming methods. In this study, obtaining the absorptivity value of a surface coating with a fast and inexpensive method is investigated. The method consists of two stages; experiment and conduction-based finite element simulation. An aluminum plate with the surface coating to be measured and an aluminum plate with well-known thermo-physical properties without any surface coating are tested in the same environment condition (wind, solar radiation etc.). In the experiment, the time-dependent temperature measurement is taken on both plates separately. Also direct solar radiation and wind speed measurement from the environment are taken. Using these measurements, the FE model is validated and the experiment condition is simulated. The absorptivity of the surface coating is obtained with the iterative solutions made as a result of the analysis test verification studies. The iterative results are presented comparatively with the maximum percent error between simulation and experiment. Consequently, unlike the known methods, the material absorptivity could be measured with a very simple, time efficient and cheap method.
Photon Tunneling via Coupling Graphene Plasmons With Phonon Polaritons of Hexagonal Boron Nitride in Reststrahlen Bands
Authors: Liu Ruiyi , Wu Xiaohu , Cui Zheng
Published: July 2021

The photon tunneling probability is the most important thing in near-field radiative heat transfer (NFRHT). This work study the photon tunneling via coupling graphene plasmons with phonon polaritons in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). We consider two cases of the optical axis of hBN along z-axis and x-axis, respectively. We investigate the NFRHT between graphene-covered bulk hBN, and compare it with that of bare bulk hBN. Our results show that in Reststrahlen bands, the coupling of graphene plasmons and phonon polaritons in hBN can either suppress or enhance the photon tunneling probability, depending on the chemical potential of graphene and frequency. This conclusion holds when the optiacal axis of hBN is either along z-axis or x-axis. The findings in this work not only deepen our understanding of coupling mechanism between graphene plasmons with phonon polaritons, but also provide a theoretical basis for controlling photon tunneling in graphene covered hyperbolic materials.
Diffusion-Mediated Anharmonic Phonon Transport and Thermal Conductivity Reduction in Defective Hybrid Perovskites
Authors: Cai Zhuangli , Liu Zuolin , Yang Bin , Yang Min , Lin Shangchao
Published: July 2021

Hybrid metal halide perovskite is a promising material for efficient photovoltaic cells and potential thermoelectric energy conversion. This paper investigates phonon thermal transport in iodine-vacancy-defect methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite using molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that the iodine vacancy defects suppress the thermal conductivity of defective MAPbI3. This effect is enhanced with increasing the defect concentration. The reduction of thermal conductivity of MAPbI3 with iodine vacancy defects compared with the pristine counterpart is mainly attributed to the enhanced phonon anharmonicity and shorter phonon relaxation time due to the phonon-defect scattering. Although iodine diffusion is observed in MAPbI3 with iodine vacancy defects, defect migration has a limited impact on mass-transfer induced convective phonon transport, while it is a source of phonon anharmonicity. This study may provide guidance for theoretical research and industrial application of as-synthesized metal halide perovskites with intrinsic defects.
CFD Study of the Thermal Performance Improvement of a Counter-Flow Heat Exchanger Using Enhanced Surface Tubes
Authors: Santos Humberto , Li Wei , Kukulka David
Published: July 2021

A CFD investigation was carried out to compare the thermal performance of the 1EHT-1 and 1EHT-2 tubes with a smooth surface tube using R410A at 311K as working fluid. These tubes have enhanced heat transfer area generated by a series of dimples/protrusions and petals distributed over its surface. All the stages of this simulation were conducted using Ansys Fluent. Initially, the physical model of the fluid domain was developed using the Design Modeler module, with an internal tube diameter of 8.32mm, and then imported to the meshing module for the griding process. To ensure accuracy in the results, the mesh average orthogonal quality was kept above 0.7, with the minimum orthogonal quality higher than 0.1. For the numerical simulation, SST k-omega model was used, with Reynolds number ranging from 16000 to 35000. The results of the heat transfer coefficient were validated based on previous experimental work. As expected, at the lowest Reynolds number tested, the heat transfer coefficient for the 1EHT-1 tube was 1097.5 W.K−1.m−2, followed by 1058 W.K−1.m−2 for the 1EHT-2 and nearly 846 W.K−1.m−2 for the smooth tube. When compared with the experimental results, a good agreement was observed, and the HTC relative error (RE) for all tubes tested was below 10%. It is possible to conclude that the CFD model used here presents as powerful tool to simulate and predict heat transfer with good accuracy, allowing optimization in heat exchangers design and operational parameters.
A Proposed Procedure for Identifying the Predominant Heat Transfer Modes Along the Length of Large Nickel Laterite Ore Rotary Kiln: Experimental Validation in an Industrial Process
Authors: Ruiz Janneth , Ardila Antonio , Rueda Bernardo , Echeverri Jorge , Quintero Daniel , Guillin Wilson , Corredor Lesme , Gonzalez Arturo
Published: July 2021

Nickel is essential in many consumer, industrial, military, transport, aerospace, marine, and architectural products due to its outstanding physical and chemical properties. This work focuses on the calcination and pre-reduction of laterite nickel ore to produce ferronickel. Ferronickel is an alloy containing nickel (about 30% wt.) and iron used for manufacturing stainless steel. Calcination and pre-reduction entail removing chemically bonded water from partially dried ore and removing oxygen from mineral oxides in the calcine. Here we combine a proprietary database with operation data of two rotary kilns and model predictions of Mean Residence Time, shell losses, intraparticle evaporation, and intraparticle temperature distribution. The kilns feature notable differences in length, inclination angle, excess air, but the predicted Mean Residence Times are similar. A fitted profile of experimental solids bed temperature represented particles surface temperature. The model considered slab-like mineral particles with surface-to-center distances of 13, 25, and 38 mm. Results show notable differences in the drying zone length and average surface-to-center temperature differences. Surface-to-center distances higher than 25 mm result in average surface-to-center temperature differences higher than 80°C. The following steps are improvements in the particle model and its coupling with the gas and wall temperature profiles.
Geo-Hydrodynamic Risk Management: Villano-Baeza Pipeline System
Authors: Vásconez Fabián , Velasteguí Alberto , Núñez Jaime , Torres Patricio , Riofrío Paco , Ponce Hernán , Bermeo Raul , Quishpe Jorge
Published: July 2021

The main areas susceptible to the occurrence of landslides, which imply a threat against the pipeline system, are identified, mapped and classified according to their degree of danger, for which the kinematics of each landslide is considered its intensity and probability of occurrence.

In a second phase, detailed geological, geotechnical and geophysical investigations of the main landslides, both active and potential, are carried out.

A monitoring program of the unstable slopes through inclinometers, piezometers, strain-gauges, crack meters is carried out in order to determine the degree of activity of the landslides. Among the monitoring techniques, PCM (Pipeline Current Mapper) has been incorporated.

Additionally, a record and analysis of trigger factors such as rainfall and seismic activity is carried out.

As an additional control system, periodic review of multi-temporal satellite images has been incorporated, which provides a macro vision of the evolution of geodynamic, hydrodynamic and anthropic processes that could affect the integrity of the pipeline any time.

Of importance for management is the work of preventive maintenance of the Right of Way, trying to identify and manage the geodynamic processes in a timely manner, before they become uncontrollable.

As a result, we have an Oil Pipeline System that has not suffered any rupture, and without consequently oil spills, in more than 21 years of operation.
Association of Individual Motor Abilities and Accelerometer-Derived Physical Activity Measures in Preschool-Aged Children
Authors: Breau Becky , Brandes Berit , Wright Marvin N. , Buck Christoph , Vallis Lori Ann , Brandes Mirko
Published: July 2021

This study explored the relationship between motor abilities and accelerometer-derived measures of physical activity (PA) within preschool-aged children. A total of 193 children (101 girls, 4.2 ± 0.7 years) completed five tests to assess motor abilities, shuttle run (SR), standing long jump, lateral jumping, one-leg stand, and sit and reach. Four PA variables derived from 7-day wrist-worn GENEActiv accelerometers were analyzed including moderate to vigorous PA (in minutes), total PA (in minutes), percentage of total PA time in moderate to vigorous PA, and whether or not children met World Health Organization guidelines for PA. Linear regressions were conducted to explore associations between each PA variable (predictor) and motor ability (outcome). Models were adjusted for age, sex, height, parental education, time spent at sports clubs, and wear time. Models with percentage of total PA time in moderate to vigorous PA were adjusted for percentage of total PA time. Regression analyses indicated that no PA variables were associated with any of the motor abilities, but demographic factors such as age (e.g., SR: ß = −0.45; 95% confidence interval [−1.64, −0.66]), parental education (e.g., SR: ß = 0.25; 95% confidence interval [0.11, 1.87]), or sports club time (e.g., SR: ß = −0.08; 95% confidence interval [−0.98, 0.26]) showed substantial associations with motor abilities. Model strength varied depending on the PA variable and motor ability entered. Results demonstrate that total PA and meeting current PA guidelines may be of importance for motor ability development and should be investigated further. Other covariates showed stronger associations with motor abilities such as time spent at sports clubs and should be investigated in longitudinal settings to assess the associations with individual motor abilities.
From individual robots to robot societies
Authors: Floreano Dario , Lipson Hod
Published: July 2021

Evolving robots from individuals to larger communities will be the next major transition in robotics.
PARIS farnesylation prevents neurodegeneration in models of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Jo Areum , Lee Yunjong , Kam Tae-In , Kang Sung-Ung , Neifert Stewart , Karuppagounder Senthilkumar S. , Khang Rin , Kang Hojin , Park Hyejin , Chou Shih-Ching , Oh Sungtaek , Jiang Haisong , Swing Deborah A. , Ham Sangwoo , Pirooznia Sheila , Umanah George K. E. , Mao Xiaobo , Kumar Manoj , Ko Han Seok , Kang Ho Chul , Lee Byoung Dae , Lee Yun-Il , Andrabi Shaida A. , Park Chi-Hu , Lee Ji-Yeong , Kim Hanna , Kim Hyein , Kim Hyojung , Cho Jin Whan , Paek Sun Ha , Na Chan Hyun , Tessarollo Lino , Dawson Valina L. , Dawson Ted M. , Shin Joo-Ho
Published: July 2021

Farnesol enhances the amounts of farnesylated PARIS and PGC-1α, preventing dopaminergic neuronal loss in Parkinson’s disease models.
Chop
/
Ddit3
depletion in β cells alleviates ER stress and corrects hepatic steatosis in mice
Authors: Yong Jing , Parekh Vishal S. , Reilly Shannon M. , Nayak Jonamani , Chen Zhouji , Lebeaupin Cynthia , Jang Insook , Zhang Jiangwei , Prakash Thazha P. , Sun Hong , Murray Sue , Guo Shuling , Ayala Julio E. , Satin Leslie S. , Saltiel Alan R. , Kaufman Randal J.
Published: July 2021

Depletion of
Chop
in pancreatic β cells optimizes insulin secretion and reduces fatty liver in preclinical models.
The Fish Pathogen Aliivibrio salmonicida LFI1238 Can Degrade and Metabolize Chitin despite Gene Disruption in the Chitinolytic Pathway
Authors: Skåne Anna , Minniti Giusi , Loose Jennifer S. M. , Mekasha Sophanit , Bissaro Bastien , Mathiesen Geir , Arntzen Magnus Ø. , Vaaje-Kolstad Gustav
Published: July 2021

The ability to utilize chitin as a source of nutrients is important for the survival and spread of marine microbial pathogens in the environment. One such pathogen is
Aliivibrio
(
Vibrio
)
salmonicida
, the causative agent of cold water vibriosis.
Enhancing Ristomycin A Production by Overexpression of ParB-Like StrR Family Regulators Controlling the Biosynthesis Genes
Authors: Liu Kai , Hu Xin-Rui , Zhao Li-Xing , Wang Yemin , Deng Zixin , Tao Meifeng
Published: July 2021

This study showed that overexpression of either a native StrR family regulator (AsrR) or a heterologous StrR family regulator (Bbr) dramatically improved ristomycin A production by increasing the transcription of biosynthetic genes directly or indirectly. The conserved ParB-like domain of AsrR and Bbr was demonstrated to be involved in the regulation of
asr
BGC expression.
Transmission of Infections during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Fragkou Paraskevi C. , Dimopoulou Dimitra , Latsios George , Koudounis Panagiotis , Synetos Andreas , Dimopoulou Anastasia , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Papaevangelou Vassiliki , Tsiodras Sotirios
Published: July 2021

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency lifesaving endeavor, performed in either the hospital or outpatient settings, that significantly improves outcomes and survival rates when performed in a timely fashion. As with any other medical procedure, CPR can bear potential risks not only for the patient but also for the rescuer.
Simultaneous Determination of Mycobacterium leprae Drug Resistance and Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotype by Use of Nested Multiplex PCR with Amplicon Sequencing
Authors: Iwao Yasuhisa , Mori Shuichi , Ato Manabu , Nakata Noboru
Published: July 2021

Mycobacterium leprae
is the predominant cause of leprosy worldwide, and its genotypes can be classified into four single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) types and 16 subtypes. Determining
M. leprae
drug resistance and genotype is typically done by PCR and Sanger DNA sequencing, which require substantial effort.
Identification of Molds with Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry: Performance of the Newly Developed MSI-2 Application in Comparison with the Bruker Filamentous Fungi Database and MSI-1
Authors: Normand Anne-Cécile , Blaize Marion , Imbert Sébastien , Packeu Ann , Becker Pierre , Fekkar Arnaud , Stubbe Dirk , Piarroux Renaud
Published: July 2021

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) represents a promising tool for the rapid and efficient identification of molds, but improvements are still necessary to achieve satisfactory results when identifying cryptic species. Here, we aimed to validate a new web application, MSI-2, which replaces MSI-1, an application that was built and deployed online in 2017.
Phosphorylation of JIP4 at S730 Presents Antiviral Properties against Influenza A Virus Infection
Authors: Del Sarto Juliana , Gerlt Vanessa , Friedrich Marcel Edgar , Anhlan Darisuren , Wixler Viktor , Teixeira Mauro Martins , Boergeling Yvonne , Ludwig Stephan
Published: July 2021

Influenza A virus (IAV) infection is a world health concern, and current treatment options encounter high rates of resistance. Our group investigates host pathways modified in IAV infection as promising new targets.
Pervasive Positive Selection on Virus Receptors Driven by Host-Virus Conflicts in Mammals
Authors: Wang Wenqiang , Han Guan-Zhu
Published: July 2021

Viral receptors are cellular proteins hijacked by viruses to help their infections. A complete picture on the evolution of viral receptors in mammals is still lacking.
Proteus mirabilis Employs a Contact-Dependent Killing System against Competing
Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Kiani Dara , Santus William , Kiernan Kaitlyn A. , Behnsen Judith
Published: July 2021

The study of bacterial competition systems has received significant attention in recent years. These systems are important in a multitude of polymicrobial environments and collectively shape the composition of complex ecosystems like the mammalian gut.