bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic High-Resolution Land Cover Production in Madagascar Using Sentinel-2 Time Series, Tile-Based Image Classification and Google Earth Engine
Authors: Zhang Meinan , Huang Huabing , Li Zhichao , Hackman Kwame Oppong , Liu Chong , Andriamiarisoa Roger Lala , Ny Aina Nomenjanahary Raherivelo Tahiry , Li Yanxia , Gong Peng
Published: November 2020

Madagascar, one of Earth’s biodiversity hotpots, is characterized by heterogeneous landscapes and huge land cover change. To date, fine, reliable and timely land cover information is scarce in Madagascar. However, mapping high-resolution land cover map in the tropics has been challenging due to limitations associated with heterogeneous landscapes, the volume of satellite data used, and the design of methodology. In this study, we proposed an automatic approach in which the tile-based model was used on each tile (defining an extent of 1° × 1° as a tile) for mapping land cover in Madagascar. We combined spectral-temporal, textural and topographical features derived from all available Sentinel-2 observations (i.e., 11,083 images) on Google Earth Engine (GEE). We generated a 10-m land cover map for Madagascar, with an overall accuracy of 89.2% based on independent validation samples obtained from a field survey and visual interpretation of very high-resolution (0.5–5 m) images. Compared with the conventional approach (i.e., the overall model used in the entire study area), our method enables reduce the misclassifications between several land cover types, including impervious land, grassland and wetland. The proposed approach demonstrates a great potential for mapping land cover in other tropical or subtropical regions.
Non-Invasive Electrochemical Biosensors Operating in Human Physiological Fluids
Authors: Falk Magnus , Psotta Carolin , Cirovic Stefan , Shleev Sergey
Published: November 2020

Non-invasive healthcare technologies are an important part of research and development nowadays due to the low cost and convenience offered to both healthcare receivers and providers. This work overviews the recent advances in the field of non-invasive electrochemical biosensors operating in secreted human physiological fluids, viz. tears, sweat, saliva, and urine. Described electrochemical devices are based on different electrochemical techniques, viz. amperometry, coulometry, cyclic voltammetry, and impedance spectroscopy. Challenges that confront researchers in this exciting area and key requirements for biodevices are discussed. It is concluded that the field of non-invasive sensing of biomarkers in bodily fluid is highly convoluted. Nonetheless, if the drawbacks are appropriately addressed, and the pitfalls are adroitly circumvented, the approach will most certainly disrupt current clinical and self-monitoring practices.
Economical Auto Moment Limiter for Preventing Mobile Cargo Crane Overload
Authors: Noh Soo-Hoon , Lee Yong-Seok , Kim Sang-Ho , Cho Jae-Sang , Han Chang-Soo , Lee Seung-Yeol , Lee Dong-Eun
Published: November 2020

This study presents a computational method called economical auto moment limiter (eAML) that prevents a mobile cargo crane from being overloaded. The eAML detects and controls, in real time, crane overload without using boom stroke sensors and load cells, which are expensive items inevitable to existing AML systems, hence, being competitive in price. It replaces these stroke sensors and load cells that are used for the crane overload measurement with a set of mathematical formula and control logics that calculates the lifting load being handled under crane operation and the maximum lifting load. By calculating iterative them using only a pressure sensor attached under the derrick cylinder and the boom angle sensor, the mathematical model identifies the maximum descendible angle of the boom. The control logic presents the control method for preventing the crane overload by using the descendible angle obtained by the mathematical model. Both the mathematical model and the control logic are validated by rigorous simulation experiments using MATLAB on two case instances each of which eAML is used and not used, while changing the pressures on the derrick cylinder and the boom angle. The effectiveness and validity of the method are confirmed by comparing the outputs obtained by the controlled experiments performed by using a 7.6 ton crane on top of SCS887 and a straight-type maritime heavy-duty crane along with eAML. The effects attributed to the load and the wind speed are quantified to verify the reliability of eAML under the changes in external variables.
Intelligent Steam Power Plant Boiler Waterwall Tube Leakage Detection via Machine Learning-Based Optimal Sensor Selection
Authors: Khalid Salman , Lim Woocheol , Kim Heung Soo , Oh Yeong Tak , Youn Byeng D. , Kim Hee-Soo , Bae Yong-Chae
Published: November 2020

Boiler waterwall tube leakage is the most probable cause of failure in steam power plants (SPPs). The development of an intelligent tube leak detection system can increase the efficiency and reliability of modern power plants. The idea of e-maintenance based on multivariate algorithms was recently introduced for intelligent fault detection and diagnosis in SPPs. However, these multivariate algorithms are highly dependent on the number of input process variables (sensors). Therefore, this work proposes a machine learning-based model integrated with an optimal sensor selection scheme to analyze boiler waterwall tube leakage. Finally, a real SPP test case is employed to validate the proposed model’s effectiveness. The results indicate that the proposed model can successfully detect waterwall tube leakage with improved accuracy vs. other comparable models.
Fluorometric Detection of Thiamine Based on Hemoglobin–Cu3(PO4)2 Nanoflowers (NFs) with Peroxidase Mimetic Activity
Authors: Zou Hangjin , Zhang Yang , Zhang Chuhan , Sheng Rongtian , Zhang Xinming , Qi Yanfei
Published: November 2020

Component analysis plays an important role in food production, pharmaceutics and agriculture. Nanozymes have attracted wide attention in analytical applications for their enzyme-like properties. In this work, a fluorometric method is described for the determination of thiamine (TH) (vitamin B1) based on hemoglobin–Cu3(PO4)2 nanoflowers (Hb–Cu3(PO4)2 NFs) with peroxidase-like properties. The Hb–Cu3(PO4)2 NFs catalyzed the decomposition of H2O2 into ·OH radicals in an alkaline solution that could efficiently react with nonfluorescent thiamine to fluoresce thiochrome. The fluorescence of thiochrome was further enhanced with a nonionic surfactant, Tween 80. Under optimal reaction conditions, the linear range for thiamine was from 5 × 10−8 to 5 × 10−5 mol/L. The correlation coefficient for the calibration curve and the limit of detection (LOD) were 0.9972 and 4.8 × 10−8 mol/L, respectively. The other vitamins did not bring about any obvious changes in fluorescence. The developed method based on hybrid nanoflowers is specific, pragmatically simple and sensitive, and has potential for application in thiamine detection.
Portable Gait Lab: Estimating Over-Ground 3D Ground Reaction Forces Using Only a Pelvis IMU
Authors: Mohamed Refai Mohamed Irfan , van Beijnum Bert-Jan F. , Buurke Jaap H. , Veltink Peter H.
Published: November 2020

As an alternative to force plates, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) at the pelvis can offer an ambulatory method for measuring total center of mass (CoM) accelerations and, thereby, the ground reaction forces (GRF) during gait. The challenge here is to estimate the 3D components of the GRF. We employ a calibration procedure and an error state extended Kalman filter based on an earlier work to estimate the instantaneous 3D GRF for different over-ground walking patterns. The GRF were then expressed in a body-centric reference frame, to enable an ambulatory setup not related to a fixed global frame. The results were validated with ForceShoesTM, and the average error in estimating instantaneous shear GRF was 5.2 ± 0.5% of body weight across different variable over-ground walking tasks. The study shows that a single pelvis IMU can measure 3D GRF in a minimal and ambulatory manner during over-ground gait.
A Reliable BioFET Immunosensor for Detection of p53 Tumour Suppressor in Physiological-Like Environment
Authors: Baldacchini Chiara , Montanarella Antonino Francesco , Francioso Luca , Signore Maria Assunta , Cannistraro Salvatore , Bizzarri Anna Rita
Published: November 2020

The concentration of wild-type tumour suppressor p53wt in cells and blood has a clinical significance for early diagnosis of some types of cancer. We developed a disposable, label-free, field-effect transistor-based immunosensor (BioFET), able to detect p53wt in physiological buffer solutions, over a wide concentration range. Microfabricated, high-purity gold electrodes were used as single-use extended gates (EG), which avoid direct interaction between the transistor gate and the biological solution. Debye screening, which normally hampers target charge effect on the FET gate potential and, consequently, on the registered FET drain-source current, at physiological ionic strength, was overcome by incorporating a biomolecule-permeable polymer layer on the EG electrode surface. Determination of an unknown p53wt concentration was obtained by calibrating the variation of the FET threshold voltage versus the target molecule concentration in buffer solution, with a sensitivity of 1.5 ± 0.2 mV/decade. The BioFET specificity was assessed by control experiments with proteins that may unspecifically bind at the EG surface, while 100pM p53wt concentration was established as limit of detection. This work paves the way for fast and highly sensitive tools for p53wt detection in physiological fluids, which deserve much interest in early cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
A Review of Emotion Recognition Methods Based on Data Acquired via Smartphone Sensors
Authors: Kołakowska Agata , Szwoch Wioleta , Szwoch Mariusz
Published: November 2020

In recent years, emotion recognition algorithms have achieved high efficiency, allowing the development of various affective and affect-aware applications. This advancement has taken place mainly in the environment of personal computers offering the appropriate hardware and sufficient power to process complex data from video, audio, and other channels. However, the increase in computing and communication capabilities of smartphones, the variety of their built-in sensors, as well as the availability of cloud computing services have made them an environment in which the task of recognising emotions can be performed at least as effectively. This is possible and particularly important due to the fact that smartphones and other mobile devices have become the main computer devices used by most people. This article provides a systematic overview of publications from the last 10 years related to emotion recognition methods using smartphone sensors. The characteristics of the most important sensors in this respect are presented, and the methods applied to extract informative features on the basis of data read from these input channels. Then, various machine learning approaches implemented to recognise emotional states are described.
Artifact Correction in Short-Term HRV during Strenuous Physical Exercise
Authors: Królak Aleksandra , Wiktorski Tomasz , Bjørkavoll-Bergseth Magnus Friestad , Ørn Stein
Published: November 2020

Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis can be a useful tool to detect underlying heart or even general health problems. Currently, such analysis is usually performed in controlled or semi-controlled conditions. Since many of the typical HRV measures are sensitive to data quality, manual artifact correction is common in literature, both as an exclusive method or in addition to various filters. With proliferation of Personal Monitoring Devices with continuous HRV analysis an opportunity opens for HRV analysis in a new setting. However, current artifact correction approaches have several limitations that hamper the analysis of real-life HRV data. To address this issue we propose an algorithm for automated artifact correction that has a minimal impact on HRV measures, but can handle more artifacts than existing solutions. We verify this algorithm based on two datasets. One collected during a recreational bicycle race and another one in a laboratory, both using a PMD in form of a GPS watch. Data include direct measurement of electrical myocardial signals using chest straps and direct measurements of power using a crank sensor (in case of race dataset), both paired with the watch. Early results suggest that the algorithm can correct more artifacts than existing solutions without a need for manual support or parameter tuning. At the same time, the error introduced to HRV measures for peak correction and shorter gaps is similar to the best existing solution (Kubios-inspired threshold-based cubic interpolation) and better than commonly used median filter. For longer gaps, cubic interpolation can in some cases result in lower error in HRV measures, but the shape of the curve it generates matches ground truth worse than our algorithm. It might suggest that further development of the proposed algorithm may also improve these results.
Acceptable Automobility through Automated Driving. Insights into the Requirements for Different Mobility Configurations and an Evaluation of Suitable Use Cases
Authors: Stark Kerstin , Galich Anton
Published: November 2020

It is hoped that Automated Driving (AD) will make alternatives to the private car more attractive and facilitate the transition to sustainable transport. However, this expectation may underestimate both the resistance of private automobility and the unintended consequences of automated driving. Whether AD will contribute to sustainable mobility depends largely on its implementation and how its risks are prevented. This paper provides empirical insights into the design of acceptable forms of AD by investigating specific use cases with respect to the requirements of different mobility configurations. We pay special attention to people who travel with children. Our use cases comprise three probable types, covering the spectrum from demand-responsive transport (DRT) to private vehicles. Our results include the identification of mobility configurations and an analysis of AD use cases considering several empirically derived criteria: improved accessibility, ease of daily life and well-being, and improvement of the traffic situation and the transport system. Our analysis is based on a qualitative study in the Berlin area, Germany. The discussion focuses on the usefulness of AD against the background of different user perspectives, sustainability, and societal requirements, as well as an evaluation of AD in terms of its acceptability. We conclude that automated mobility use cases should meet the requirements of different mobility configurations to promote the transformation from private to shared automobility and, eventually, less automobility overall.
Efficient Gear Ratio Selection of a Single-Speed Drivetrain for Improved Electric Vehicle Energy Consumption
Authors: Spanoudakis Polychronis , Moschopoulos Gerasimos , Stefanoulis Theodoros , Sarantinoudis Nikolaos , Papadokokolakis Eftichios , Ioannou Ioannis , Piperidis Savvas , Doitsidis Lefteris , Tsourveloudis Nikolaos C.
Published: November 2020

The electric vehicle (EV) market has grown over the last few years and even though electric vehicles do not currently possess a high market segment, it is projected that they will do so by 2030. Currently, the electric vehicle industry is looking to resolve the issue of vehicle range, using higher battery capacities and fast charging. Energy consumption is a key issue which heavily effects charging frequency and infrastructure and, therefore, the widespread use of EVs. Although several factors that influence energy consumption of EVs have been identified, a key technology that can make electric vehicles more energy efficient is drivetrain design and development. Based on electric motors’ high torque capabilities, single-speed transmissions are preferred on many light and urban vehicles. In the context of this paper, a prototype electric vehicle is used as a test bed to evaluate energy consumption related to different gear ratio usage on single-speed transmission. For this purpose, real-time data are recorded from experimental road tests and a dynamic model of the vehicle is created and fine-tuned using dedicated software. Dynamic simulations are performed to compare and evaluate different gear ratio set-ups, providing valuable insights into their effect on energy consumption. The correlation of experimental and simulation data is used for the validation of the dynamic model and the evaluation of the results towards the selection of the optimal gear ratio. Based on the aforementioned data, we provide useful information from numerous experimental and simulation results that can be used to evaluate gear ratio effects on electric vehicles’ energy consumption and, at the same time, help to formulate evolving concepts of smart grid and EV integration.
An Economic Approach to Assess the Annual Stock in Beekeeping Farms: The Honey Bee Colony Inventory Tool
Authors: Vercelli Monica , Croce Luca , Mancuso Teresina
Published: November 2020

For beekeepers, the beehive stock represents a fundamental means of ensuring the continuity of their activity, whether they are professionals or hobbyists. The evaluation of this asset for economic purposes requires knowledge of the rhythms and adaptations of honey bee colonies during the annual seasons. As in any breeding activity, it is necessary to establish the numerical and economic size of the species bred. Beekeepers are interested in this evaluation to monitor beehive stock. For keeping economic accounts of stock, a specific tool has been developed and proposed, here called the “Honey Bee Colony Inventory (HBCI)”. The HBCI can be used as either a final or preventive scheme to assess the numbers of honey bee colonies and nuclei, and the mortality rate, in order to calculate the monetary value. This tool allows the strength of honey bee colony stocks to be monitored, including fluctuations throughout the year, and will prove useful for determining solutions to maintain or increase how long stocks last. Data can be registered in countries such as Italy where the veterinary authorities request data on the stock owned and its variations. Due to widespread Varroa mite infestations, in recent years, beekeepers have experimented with a range of different biotechniques that have included queen caging as well as drone and total brood removal. To verify its effectiveness for gathering honey bee colony data, the HBCI was used in nine beekeeping farms applying different biotechniques to control Varroa mites: chemical treatment, total brood removal, queen caging and old queen replacement by royal cell insertion. The results are compared and discussed. Out of the nine farms, seven showed negative monetary value according to the HBCI, as expected, due to multiple factors such as the unfavorable climate trend of 2017 in the studied area. The positive aspect is that the application of this tool will allow farmers to monitor, manage and maintain their beehive stocks.
Sustainable Financing for New Vaccines in Indonesia: Challenges and Strategies
Authors: Fonjungo Fonette , Banerjee Debabrata , Abdulah Rizky , Diantini Ajeng , Kusuma Arif S. W. , Permana Muhammad Y. , Suwantika Auliya A.
Published: November 2020

Immunization is one of the most cost-effective interventions in global health and has a crucial role in achieving 14 of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). The issue of sustainable financing for new vaccines is particularly pertinent as Indonesia transitions away from extensive Gavi support towards a self-financing immunization system. As the current immunization system transitions, practical solutions must be found and applied to provide more flexibility in the budget for financing immunizations without sacrificing the current healthcare system’s needs. Despite the fact that economic evaluation studies are essential as an initial step to ensure financial readiness, the lack of reliable data is the first barrier to Indonesia’s journey toward a self-financing immunization system. To overcome this problem, standardization of data collection strategies and methodologies are required. In particular, Indonesia may have to explore other options to increase revenue for its immunization system, such as through general revenue from the central government, a sector-wide approach to financing, and a national trust fund. To deal with the tight immunization budget and its consequences, Indonesia also has to restructure its immunization system, which can be implemented through province block grants, insurance mandate and subsidy. Taking the potential of a COVID-19 vaccine into account, the Indonesian government should consider a number of costs and issues beyond the development and procurement of vaccines. The costs of delivering vaccines to the remote parts of Indonesia, implementing the necessary infrastructure, and modifying vaccine delivery are also important in this time of transition. These constraints must be addressed in the new self-financing system and other public health efforts must be increased to decrease the burden of infectious disease as Indonesia develops a stronger immunization system.
Collaborative Scheduling of On-Site and Off-Site Operations in Prefabrication
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhao Ying , Yu Yangqing , Chen Kaiman , Arashpour Mehrdad
Published: November 2020

As a kind of sustainable technology, prefabricated construction has increasingly gained momentum internationally due to its numerous benefits that include, but are not limited to, safe construction, waste minimization, quality improvement, and productivity enhancement. However, productivity in this domain is reliant on the efficiency of both on-site and off-site operations. On this basis, focusing on collaborative scheduling mechanisms, the current paper develops a static scheduling model and a dynamic scheduling model in prefabricated construction, and uses a simulated annealing algorithm (SA) to settle the optimization of operation planning considering delays by risks. The developed models are validated using data from a construction project with multiple suppliers of prefabricated elements. This study contributes to the body of knowledge in prefabricated construction management by streamlining collaborative scheduling in prefabrication. The established models provide construction managers with decision support systems with the aims of minimizing delays and related cost overruns.
Toxicological Characterization and Phospholipase D Activity of the Venom of the Spider Sicarius thomisoides
Authors: Arán-Sekul Tomás , Perčić-Sarmiento Ivanka , Valencia Verónica , Olivero Nelly , Rojas José M. , Araya Jorge E. , Taucare-Ríos Andrés , Catalán Alejandro
Published: November 2020

Envenomation by Loxosceles spiders (Sicariidae family) has been thoroughly documented. However, little is known about the potential toxicity of members from the Sicarius genus. Only the venom of the Brazilian Sicarius ornatus spider has been toxicologically characterized. In Chile, the Sicarius thomisoides species is widely distributed in desert and semidesert environments, and it is not considered a dangerous spider for humans. This study aimed to characterize the potential toxicity of the Chilean S. thomisoides spider. To do so, specimens of S. thomisoides were captured in the Atacama Desert, the venom was extracted, and the protein concentration was determined. Additionally, the venoms were analyzed by electrophoresis and Western blotting using anti-recombinant L. laeta PLD1 serum. Phospholipase D enzymatic activity was assessed, and the hemolytic and cytotoxic effects were evaluated and compared with those of the L. laeta venom. The S. thomisoides venom was able to hydrolyze sphingomyelin as well as induce complement-dependent hemolysis and the loss of viability of skin fibroblasts with a dermonecrotic effect of the venom in rabbits. The venom of S. thomisoides showed intraspecific variations, with a similar protein pattern as that of L. laeta venom at 32–35 kDa, recognized by serum anti-LlPLD1. In this context, we can conclude that the venom of Sicarius thomisoides is similar to Loxosceles laeta in many aspects, and the dermonecrotic toxin present in their venom could cause severe harm to humans; thus, precautions are necessary to avoid exposure to their bite.
Gastric Ulceration and Immune Suppression in Weaned Piglets Associated with Feed-Borne Bacillus cereus and Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Li Qiang , Wang Yihui , Han Zhenhai , Qu Guanggang , Shen Zhiqiang , Huang Shujian , He Cheng
Published: November 2020

As a multifactorial cause, gastric ulceration-mediated diarrhea is widely prevalent in the weaned piglets, impairing pig health and economic benefits. With full implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs in China, Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) and Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) were identified frequently in porcine feedstuffs and feeds of the animal industry. Association between feed-borne B. cereus and frequent diarrhea remains unclear. In the present study, we conducted a survey of B. cereus and A. fumigatus from feeds and feedstuffs in pig farms during hot season. Interestingly, B. cereus, B. subtilis, B. licheniformis and B. thuringinesis were isolated and identified from piglets’ starter meals to sow feeds, accounting for 56.1%, 23.7%, 13.7% and 6.5%, respectively. Obviously, both B. cereus and B. subtili were dominant contaminants in the survey. In an in vitro study, Deoxynivalenol (DON) contents were determined in a dose-dependent manner post fermentation with B. cereus (405 and DawuC). Subsequently, 36 weaned piglets were randomly assigned to four groups and the piglets simultaneously received the combination of virulent B. cereus (Dawu C) and A. fumigatus while animals were inoculated with B. cereus (Dawu C), A. fumigatus or PBS as the control group. Clinically, piglets developed yellow diarrhea on day 5 and significant reductions of relative body weight were observed in the B. cereus group, and co-infection group. More importantly, IgG titers against Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) were reduced dramatically during 14-day observation in co-infection group, the B. cereus (Dawu C) group or the A. fumigatus group. However, lower Foot and mouth disease (FMD) -specific antibodies were reduced on day 7 compared to those of the control group. Additionally, lower lymphocyte proliferations were found in the B. cereus group and the co-infection group compared to the control group. Postmortem, higher lesions of gastric ulceration were observed in the B. cereus group and the co-infection group from day 7 to day 14 compared with those of the A. fumigatus group and the control group. Compared to the A. fumigatus group, higher DON contents were detected in the stomach inoculated with B. cereus and the co-infection with A. fumigatus. In conclusion, our data support the hypothesis that B. cereus might be associated with severe diarrhea by inducing gastric ulcerations and A. fumigatus might aggravate immune suppression, threating a sustainable swine industry. It is urgently needed to control feed-borne B. cereus contamination.
Structure of the Diphtheria Toxin at Acidic pH: Implications for the Conformational Switching of the Translocation Domain
Authors: Rodnin Mykola V. , Kashipathy Maithri M. , Kyrychenko Alexander , Battaile Kevin P. , Lovell Scott , Ladokhin Alexey S.
Published: November 2020

Diphtheria toxin, an exotoxin secreted by Corynebacterium that causes disease in humans by inhibiting protein synthesis, enters the cell via receptor-mediated endocytosis. The subsequent endosomal acidification triggers a series of conformational changes, resulting in the refolding and membrane insertion of the translocation (T-)domain and ultimately leading to the translocation of the catalytic domain into the cytoplasm. Here, we use X-ray crystallography along with circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy to gain insight into the mechanism of the early stages of pH-dependent conformational transition. For the first time, we present the high-resolution structure of the diphtheria toxin at a mildly acidic pH (5–6) and compare it to the structure at neutral pH (7). We demonstrate that neither catalytic nor receptor-binding domains change their structure upon this acidification, while the T-domain undergoes a conformational change that results in the unfolding of the TH2–3 helices. Surprisingly, the TH1 helix maintains its conformation in the crystal of the full-length toxin even at pH 5. This contrasts with the evidence from the new and previously published data, obtained by spectroscopic measurements and molecular dynamics computer simulations, which indicate the refolding of TH1 upon the acidification of the isolated T-domain. The overall results imply that the membrane interactions of the T-domain are critical in ensuring the proper conformational changes required for the preparation of the diphtheria toxin for the cellular entry.
Radiation Problems Accompanying Carrier Production by an Electric Field in the Graphene
Authors: Gavrilov Sergei P. , Gitman Dmitry M. , Dmitriev Vadim V. , Panferov Anatolii D. , Smolyansky Stanislav A.
Published: November 2020

A number of physical processes that occur in a flat one-dimensional graphene structure under the action of strong time-dependent electric fields are considered. It is assumed that the Dirac model can be applied to the graphene as a subsystem of the general system under consideration, which includes an interaction with quantized electromagnetic field. The Dirac model itself in the external electromagnetic field (in particular, the behavior of charged carriers) is treated nonperturbatively with respect to this field within the framework of strong-field QED with unstable vacuum. This treatment is combined with a kinetic description of the radiation of photons from the electron-hole plasma created from the vacuum under the action of the electric field. An interaction with quantized electromagnetic field is described perturbatively. A significant development of the kinetic equation formalism is presented. A number of specific results are derived in the course of analytical and numerical study of the equations. We believe that some of predicted effects and properties of considered processes may be verified experimentally. Among these effects, it should be noted a characteristic spectral composition anisotropy of the quantum radiation and a possible presence of even harmonics of the external field in the latter radiation.
Comparative Analysis of the Circular and Highly Asymmetrical Marseilleviridae Genomes
Authors: Blanca Léo , Christo-Foroux Eugène , Rigou Sofia , Legendre Matthieu
Published: November 2020

Marseilleviridae members are large dsDNA viruses with icosahedral particles 250 nm in diameter infecting Acanthamoeba. Their 340 to 390 kb genomes encode 450 to 550 protein-coding genes. Since the discovery of marseillevirus (the prototype of the family) in 2009, several strains were isolated from various locations, among which 13 are now fully sequenced. This allows the organization of their genomes to be deciphered through comparative genomics. Here, we first experimentally demonstrate that the Marseilleviridae genomes are circular. We then acknowledge a strong bias in sequence conservation, revealing two distinct genomic regions. One gathers most Marseilleviridae paralogs and has undergone genomic rearrangements, while the other, enriched in core genes, exhibits the opposite pattern. Most of the genes whose protein products compose the viral particles are located in the conserved region. They are also strongly biased toward a late gene expression pattern. We finally discuss the potential advantages of Marseilleviridae having a circular genome, and the possible link between the biased distribution of their genes and the transcription as well as DNA replication mechanisms that remain to be characterized.
Variation of Melt Water and Rainfall Runoff and Their Impacts on Streamflow Changes during Recent Decades in Two Tibetan Plateau Basins
Authors: Zhang Yueguan , Xu Chong-Yu , Hao Zhenchun , Zhang Leilei , Ju Qin , Lai Xide
Published: November 2020

To fully understand potential changes in hydrological regime over the Lhasa River Basin (LRB) and the upstream of Niyang River Basin (UNRB) in Tibetan Plateau under global warming, the VIC-glacier model was employed to analyze the responses of rainfall runoff and melt water to recent climate change, and we also quantify their roles in controlling the trend of river streamflow during 1963–2012. The hydrological model was calibrated using the observed streamflow, glacier mass balance, and MODIS snow cover. The simulations indicate that there is a significant increasing trend in glacier runoff for both basins during 1963–2012, especially in the period of 2000s when it exhibits a large increment up to about 45% relative to baseline period. Rainfall runoff suggests a rising tendency whereas snowmelt runoff displays a general decreasing tendency. For both basins, increasing rainfall runoff was identified as the dominant driver for the upward trend in total runoff during 1963–2012. The role of glacier runoff in controlling the trend of total runoff is also obvious, especially in the more glaciated UNRB where increased glacier runoff accounts for up to 41% of the tendency in river discharge. Snowmelt runoff plays a minor role in affecting the trend of total runoff.
A Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Coupling Analysis for the Contaminant Transport in a Bentonite Barrier with Variable Saturation
Authors: Wu Qiong , Wang Jianguo
Published: November 2020

The migration of hazardous substances in a bentonite barrier layer is a key issue for the safety of nuclear waste storage. This study develops a thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling model to simulate the contaminant migration in a bentonite barrier layer of the nuclear waste storage chamber. In particular, the Richard’s equation is used to describe the groundwater flow in the bentonite barrier layer with variable saturation. Thermal diffusion and concentration diffusion are coupled with the layer deformation and fluid flow. The migration rate and diffusion range of hazardous substances in the bentonite barrier layer are numerically simulated. These numerical simulations show that the heat release from nuclear waste can induce a temperature gradient and deformation, and thus significantly affects both transfer rate and concentration distribution of dilute substances. These multi-physical couplings under different initial saturation may significantly modify the sealing efficiency of an unsaturated bentonite barrier layer and thus this model is of great significance in the safety evaluation of a nuclear waste disposal repository.
No Clear Response in the Stormwater Phytoplankton Community to Biocide Contamination
Authors: Minelgaite Greta , Stephansen Diana A. , Simon Márta , Fejerskov Morten L. , Vollertsen Jes
Published: November 2020

This study investigated the responses of natural phytoplankton communities of an urban stormwater pond to biocide contamination. The biocides carbendazim, terbutryn, diuron, and irgarol 1051, and their mixture, were used in two laboratory microcosm and one outdoor mesocosm studies at concentrations of 10, 100, and 1000 ng L−1. The water samples were collected in a pond receiving significant biocide contamination. The mesocosm study was carried out in the same pond. The phytoplankton community response was evaluated after 10–15 days of exposure, with respect to its taxonomic composition, abundance and biovolume. No significant changes were observed in any of the experiments. Only at the highest applied terbutryn concentration were lower numbers of taxa identified in both microcosm and mesocosm experiments. Additionally, increases in Chlorophyta abundance and biovolume, along with an increase in irgarol concentration, were observed throughout the three experiments. Nevertheless, the statistical analysis did not confirm any significant differences among the biocide treatments. These results suggest that the biocide concentrations probably were below the harmful or toxic threshold to the stormwater pond phytoplankton. On the other hand, as the investigated pond phytoplankton taxa face biocide inputs throughout the year, they could have already adapted to the tested biocide contamination.
Remote Estimation of Water Quality Parameters of Medium- and Small-Sized Inland Rivers Using Sentinel-2 Imagery
Authors: Huangfu Kuan , Li Jian , Zhang Xinjia , Zhang Jinping , Cui Hao , Sun Quan
Published: November 2020

In the application of quantitative remote sensing in water quality monitoring, the existence of mixed pixels greatly affects the accuracy of water quality parameter inversion, especially for narrow inland rivers. Improving the image spatial resolution and weakening the interference of mixed pixels in the image are some of the urgent problems to be solved in the study of water quality monitoring of medium- and small-sized inland rivers. We processed Sentinel-2 multispectral images using the super-resolution algorithm and generated a set of 10 m spatial resolution images with basically unchanged reflection characteristics. Both qualitative and quantitative evaluation results show that the super-resolution algorithm can weaken the influence of mixed pixels while maintaining spectral invariance. Before the application of the super-resolution algorithm, the inversion accuracy of water quality parameters in this study were as follows: for NH3-N, the R2 was 0.61, the root mean squared error (RMSE) was 0.177 and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) was 29.33%; for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), the R2 was 0.26, the RMSE was 0.756 and the MAPE was 4.62%; for Total Phosphorus (TP), the R2 was 0.69, the RMSE was 0.032 and the MAPE was 30.58%. After the application of the super-resolution algorithm, the inversion accuracy of water quality parameters in this study were as follows: for NH3-N, the R2 was 0.67, the RMSE was 0.161 and the MAPE was 25.88%; for COD, the R2 was 0.53, the RMSE was 0.546 and the MAPE was 3.36%; for TP, the R2 was 0.60, the RMSE was 0.034 and the MAPE was 24.28%. Finally, the spatial distribution of NH3-N, COD and TP was obtained by using a machine learning model. The results showed that the application of the super-resolution algorithm can effectively improve the retrieval accuracy of NH3-N, COD and TP, which illustrates the application potential of the super-resolution algorithm in water quality remote sensing quantitative monitoring.
Settling of Road-Deposited Sediment: Influence of Particle Density, Shape, Low Temperatures, and Deicing Salt
Authors: Rommel Steffen H. , Gelhardt Laura , Welker Antje , Helmreich Brigitte
Published: November 2020

Separation of particulate matter (PM) is the most important process to achieve a reduction of contaminants present in road runoff. To further improve knowledge about influencing factors on the settling of road-deposited sediment (RDS), samples from three sites were collected. Since particle size distribution (PSD) has the strongest effect on settling, the samples were sieved to achieve comparable PSDs so that the effects of particle density, shape, fluid temperature, and deicing salt concentration on settling could be assessed using settling experiments. Based on the experimental data, a previously proposed model that describes the settling of PM was further developed and validated. In addition, RDS samples were compared to a standard mineral material, which is currently in use to evaluate treatment efficiency of stormwater quality improvement devices. The main finding was that besides PSD, particle density is the most important influencing factor. Particle shape was thoroughly described but showed no significant improvement of the prediction of the settled mass. Temperature showed an effect on PM settling; deicing salts were negligible. The proposed models can sufficiently predict the settling of RDS in settling column experiments under varying boundary conditions and are easily applicable.
Clinical and Pathogenetic Parallels of Functional Dyspepsia and Syndrome of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Authors:   Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Kucheryavy Yu.A. , Andreyev D.N.
Published: November 2020

The article discusses the clinical and pathogenetic parallels of functional dyspepsia (FD) and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). To date, there is evidence that FD is often associated with SIBO. Apparently, this relationship is determined by alterations of the gastrointestinal motility, the causal factors of which may be heterogeneous. The low effectiveness of traditional methods of pharmacotherapy for FD may be conditioned by the persistent nature of SIBO, which requires timely diagnosis and subsequent correction
Correction of Metabolic Disorders in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer
Authors:   Loginov Moscow Clinical Research and Practical Center, Nikolskaya K.A. , Kuzmina T.N. , Dubtsova Ye.A. , Kiryukova M.A. , Noskova K.K. , Bistrovskaya Ye.V. , Shchadrova V.V. , Feoktistova P.S. , Bordin D.S. , Khatkov I.Ye. ,   Research Institute of Health Organization and Medical Management,   Tver State Medical University,   Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry
Published: November 2020

Presented the case of complex examination of a patient with pancreatic cancer using a bioimpedance method for assessing the nutritional status before and after surgical treatment. Provided the literature data related to this problem. The presented clinical case demonstrates the features of correction of the nutritional status of a patient with conditionally resectable pancreatic cancer in conditions of cholestasis, severe external pancreatic insufficiency and pancreatogenic diabetes mellitus on the background of constitutional obesity
To the Issue of Intoxication and Diarrhea Syndrome Treatment in the Case of Coronavirus Infection
Authors:   Vishnevsky 3rd Central Military Clinical Hospital, Pavlov A.I. , Khovanov A.V. , Bakirova V.E. , Fadina Zh.V. , Khavanshanov A.K. , Olshanskaya N.M. ,   Moscow State University of Food Production,   TNK SILMA, LLC
Published: November 2020

With coronavirus infection, gastrointestinal manifestations with diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain are often noted. This is due to the susceptibility of the intestinal epithelium to the virus due to the expression of ACE2 receptors. In addition, elevated liver enzymes may occur in patients with COVID-19. Presumably, this can be caused both by direct damage to the liver with damage to SARS-CoV-2 hepatocytes, and by the development of pathological immune mechanisms or hepatotoxicity of drugs. In the event of gastrointestinal symptoms and an increase in hepatic transaminases, it seems appropriate to use modern enterosorbents in the complex therapy of coronavirus infection caused by COVID-19, such as polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate. Given the mechanisms of action of this drug, its use can contribute to a more rapid relief of diarrhea, a decrease in intoxication syndrome and normalization of transaminases
From the Desire to Change Appearance to Parathyroid Hormone-Independent Hypercalcemia: Complications of Cosmetic Injections
Authors:   Loginov Moscow Clinical Scientific and Practical Center, Egshatyan L.V. , Voznyak A.A. , Yevloyeva M.I. , Mardanova F.G. , Mkrtumyan A.M. ,   Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry,   National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology
Published: November 2020

Plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures, the number of which has been increasing exponentially in recent years, as well as related complications, have added to the list of parathyroid hormone-independent hypercalcemia causes. So, one of the delayed complications of silicone, paraffin oil, and polymethymethacrylate injections is hypercalcemia. Severe and sometimes life-threatening hypercalcemia can develop several years after cosmetic procedures. It is the result of granulomatous inflammation and most often extrarenal calcitriol synthesis by activated macrophages. Therefore, cosmetic post-injection granuloma should be considered as a cause of hypercalcemia, especially in middle-aged women who do not have parathyroid-mediated hypercalcemia or hypercalcemia in the outcome of paraneoplastic processes.
Molecular Genetic Analysis in Thyroid Cancer Risk Stratification
Authors:   Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Rogova M.O. , Martirosian N.S. , Trukhina L.V. , Paramonova N.B. , Ippolitov L.I. , Telnova M.E. , Petunina N.A.
Published: November 2020

Summary: to conduct a comparative analysis of histological samples in the group of benign and malignant thyroid formations using molecular genetic testing: determination of the BRAFV600E mutation, expression of the HMGA2 gene, microRNA (miR, miRNA). To identify possible correlation of these markers with an unfavorable cancer prognosis. Material and methods. The study included 112 patients who underwent surgery for nodular pathology of the thyroid gland. In all patients, the level of 12 miRNA expression was determined by reverse transcription reaction followed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, as well as the presence of BRAFV600E mutation and HMGA2 gene expression. Results. The BRAFV600E mutation can be considered a specific diagnostic marker for papillary thyroid cancer. According to the results of our study, the BRAFV600E mutation was not found in patients with follicular and medullary thyroid cancer, as well as in individuals with benign thyroid formations. The BRAF mutation is not a reliable prognostic marker, since the relationship with aggressive tumor characteristics has not been proved. The model obtained in our study based on the determination of miR7m2 and 451am2 expression levels showed moderate prognostic value. The diagnostic value of our model based on determining the expression level of miR146bm3, 221m2, 375m4, 7m2 was high. Therefore, determining the level of expression of oncogenic miR31, -146b, -155, -357, -551b can be recommended as a differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid formations. Conclusion. In clinical practice, miRNA expression profiles can be used for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid formations
COVID-19 Pandemic As the Trigger for Correction of the Approaches to Management Type 2 Diabetes
Authors:   Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Ovsyannikov K.V.
Published: November 2020

Due to the development of digital technologies and their integration into all spheres of everyday and professional life, including healthcare, the analysis of the current digital solutions for doctors and patients, the discussion of the issues of scientific and clinical justification and regulatory regulation of their use became extremely important. Significant imbalance between the avalanche increase in technical capabilities and their slow implementation in routine clinical practice is becoming the challenge to the medical community. The pandemic of the new COVID-19 virus infection associated with SARS-CoV-2, in addition to the obvious problems in the combination to the rapid spread and severe course of the disease, served as a trigger for the re-evaluation of the role of remote medical care, as well as re-estimation of the approaches to the selection of medications, in particular hypoglycemic and antihypertensive drugs, in terms of their possible impact on the course and prognosis of COVID-19 in patients with type 2 diabetes
Per un Nuovo Rinascimento: Leonardo da Vinci come sintesi di cultura umanistica e tecnico-scientifica
Authors: Marramao Giacomo
Published: November 2020

Lectio Magistralis alla “XXVII International Philosophy Olympiad” (Roma, 16 maggio 2019). Questa Lectio è stata pronunciata davanti a giovani fi losofe e fi losofi provenienti da 80 paesi.