bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Potential of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Rationale and Progress
Authors: Duan Yi , Haybaeck Johannes , Yang Zhihui
Published: October 2020

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) originates from interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in the myenteric plexus of the gastrointestinal tract. Most GISTs arise due to mutations of KIT and PDGFRA gene activation, encoding the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK). The clinical use of the RTK inhibitor imatinib has significantly improved the management of GIST patients; however, imatinib resistance remains a challenge. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is a critical survival pathway for cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy and translation in neoplasms. Constitutive autophosphorylation of RTKs has an impact on the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In several preclinical and early-stage clinical trials PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling inhibition has been considered as a promising targeted therapy strategy for GISTs. Various inhibitory drugs targeting different parts of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway are currently being investigated in phase Ι and phase ΙΙ clinical trials. This review highlights the progress for PI3K/AKT/mTOR-dependent mechanisms in GISTs, and explores the relationship between mTOR downstream signals, in particular, eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) and the development of GISTs, which may be instrumental for identifying novel therapeutic targets.
A Novel Technique to Improve Anastomotic Perfusion Prior to Esophageal Surgery: Hybrid Ischemic Preconditioning of the Stomach. Preclinical Efficacy Proof in a Porcine Survival Model
Authors: Barberio Manuel , Felli Eric , Pop Raoul , Pizzicannella Margherita , Geny Bernard , Lindner Veronique , Baiocchini Andrea , Jansen-Winkeln Boris , Moulla Yusef , Agnus Vincent , Marescaux Jacques , Gockel Ines , Diana Michele
Published: October 2020

Esophagectomy often presents anastomotic leaks (AL), due to tenuous perfusion of gastric conduit fundus (GCF). Hybrid (endovascular/surgical) ischemic gastric preconditioning (IGP), might improve GCF perfusion. Sixteen pigs undergoing IGP were randomized: (1) Max-IGP (n = 6): embolization of left gastric artery (LGA), right gastric artery (RGA), left gastroepiploic artery (LGEA), and laparoscopic division (LapD) of short gastric arteries (SGA); (2) Min-IGP (n = 5): LGA-embolization, SGA-LapD; (3) Sham (n = 5): angiography, laparoscopy. At day 21 gastric tubulation occurred and GCF perfusion was assessed as: (A) Serosal-tissue-oxygenation (StO2) by hyperspectral-imaging; (B) Serosal time-to-peak (TTP) by fluorescence-imaging; (C) Mucosal functional-capillary-density-area (FCD-A) index by confocal-laser-endomicroscopy. Local capillary lactates (LCL) were sampled. Neovascularization was assessed (histology/immunohistochemistry). Sham presented lower StO2 and FCD-A index (41 ± 10.6%; 0.03 ± 0.03 respectively) than min-IGP (66.2 ± 10.2%, p-value = 0.004; 0.22 ± 0.02, p-value < 0.0001 respectively) and max-IGP (63.8 ± 9.4%, p-value = 0.006; 0.2 ± 0.02, p-value < 0.0001 respectively). Sham had higher LCL (9.6 ± 4.8 mL/mol) than min-IGP (4 ± 3.1, p-value = 0.04) and max-IGP (3.4 ± 1.5, p-value = 0.02). For StO2, FCD-A, LCL, max- and min-IGP did not differ. Sham had higher TTP (24.4 ± 4.9 s) than max-IGP (10 ± 1.5 s, p-value = 0.0008) and min-IGP (14 ± 1.7 s, non-significant). Max- and min-IGP did not differ. Neovascularization was confirmed in both IGP groups. Hybrid IGP improves GCF perfusion, potentially reducing post-esophagectomy AL.
Implementing Systems Modelling and Molecular Imaging to Predict the Efficacy of BCL-2 Inhibition in Colorectal Cancer Patient-Derived Xenograft Models
Authors: O’Farrell Alice C. , Jarzabek Monika A. , Lindner Andreas U. , Carberry Steven , Conroy Emer , Miller Ian S. , Connor Kate , Shiels Liam , Zanella Eugenia R. , Lucantoni Federico , Lafferty Adam , White Kieron , Meyer Villamandos Mariangela , Dicker Patrick , Gallagher William M. , Keek Simon A. , Sanduleanu Sebastian , Lambin Philippe , Woodruff Henry C. , Bertotti Andrea , Trusolino Livio , Byrne Annette T. , Prehn Jochen H. M.
Published: October 2020

Resistance to chemotherapy often results from dysfunctional apoptosis, however multiple proteins with overlapping functions regulate this pathway. We sought to determine whether an extensively validated, deterministic apoptosis systems model, ‘DR_MOMP’, could be used as a stratification tool for the apoptosis sensitiser and BCL-2 antagonist, ABT-199 in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of colorectal cancer (CRC). Through quantitative profiling of BCL-2 family proteins, we identified two PDX models which were predicted by DR_MOMP to be sufficiently sensitive to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy (CRC0344), or less responsive to chemotherapy but sensitised by ABT-199 (CRC0076). Treatment with ABT-199 significantly improved responses of CRC0076 PDXs to 5-FU-based chemotherapy, but showed no sensitisation in CRC0344 PDXs, as predicted from systems modelling. 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) scans were performed to investigate possible early biomarkers of response. In CRC0076, a significant post-treatment decrease in mean standard uptake value was indeed evident only in the combination treatment group. Radiomic CT feature analysis of pre-treatment images in CRC0076 and CRC0344 PDXs identified features which could phenotypically discriminate between models, but were not predictive of treatment responses. Collectively our data indicate that systems modelling may identify metastatic (m)CRC patients benefitting from ABT-199, and that 18F-FDG-PET could independently support such predictions.
Prognostic Impact of let-7e MicroRNA and Its Target Genes in Localized High-Risk Intestinal GIST: A Spanish Group for Research on Sarcoma (GEIS) Study
Authors: Fernandez-Serra Antonio , Moura David S. , Sanchez-Izquierdo María Dolores , Calabuig-Fariñas Silvia , Lopez-Alvarez Maria , Martínez-Martínez Andrea , Carrasco-Garcia Irene , Ramírez-Calvo Marta , Blanco-Alcaina Elena , López-Reig Raquel , Obrador-Hevia Antonia , Alemany Regina , Gutierrez Antonio , Hindi Nadia , Poveda Andres , Lopez-Guerrero Jose A. , Martin-Broto Javier
Published: October 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, and they have been described as being associated with tumor prognosis. Here, miRNA profiling was planned to explore new molecular prognostic biomarkers in localized intestinal high-risk GIST. Paraffin tumor blocks of 14 and 86 patients were used in the discovery and expansion sets, respectively. GeneChip miRNA v3.0 was employed to identify the miRNAs differentially expressed between relapsed and non-relapsed patient samples, which were validated in the expansion set, by qRT-PCR. RT2 Profiler PCR Array was used for the screening of let-7e targets. Expression levels were correlated with relapse-free survival and overall survival. In the discovery set, 39 miRNAs were significantly deregulated, let-7e and miR-550 being the most underexpressed and overexpressed miRNAs in the relapsed group, respectively. In the expansion set, the underexpression of let-7e or the overexpression of 4 of its target genes (ACVR1B, CASP3, COL3A1, and COL5A2) were statistically associated with worse relapse-free survival. The expression of let-7e and 4 of its target genes are potential prognostic biomarkers in high-risk localized intestinal GIST. The expression of these genes is a potential molecular tool useful for a more accurate prognosis in this subset of GIST patients.
Distinct Pattern of Endoplasmic Reticulum Protein Processing and Extracellular Matrix Proteins in Functioning and Silent Corticotroph Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Eieland Alexander K. , Normann Kjersti R. , Sundaram Arvind Y. M. , Nyman Tuula A. , Øystese Kristin A. B. , Lekva Tove , Berg Jens P. , Bollerslev Jens , Olarescu Nicoleta C.
Published: October 2020

Functioning (FCA) and silent corticotroph (SCA) pituitary adenomas act differently from a clinical perspective, despite both subtypes showing positive TBX19 (TPIT) and/or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) staining by immunohistochemistry. They are challenging to treat, the former due to functional ACTH production and consequently hypercortisolemia, and the latter due to invasive and recurrent behavior. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms behind their distinct behavior are not clear. We investigated global transcriptome and proteome changes in order to identify signaling pathways that can explain FCA and SCA differences (e.g., hormone production vs. aggressive growth). In the transcriptomic study, cluster analyses of differentially expressed genes revealed two distinct groups in accordance with clinical and histological classification. However, in the proteomic study, a greater degree of heterogeneity within the SCA group was found. Genes and proteins related to protein synthesis and vesicular transport were expressed by both adenoma groups, although different types and a distinct pattern of collagen/extracellular matrix proteins were presented by each group. Moreover, several genes related to endoplasmic reticulum protein processing were overexpressed in the FCA group. Together, our findings shed light on the different repertoires of activated signaling pathways in corticotroph adenomas, namely, the increased protein processing capacity of FCA and a specific pattern of adhesion molecules that may play a role in the aggressiveness of SCA.
Erratum: Krayem, M., et al. Kinome Profiling to Predict Sensitivity to MAPK Inhibition in Melanoma and to Provide New Insights into Intrinsic and Acquired Mechanism of Resistance Short Title: Sensitivity Prediction to MAPK Inhibitors in Melanoma. Cancers 2020, 12, 512
Authors: Krayem Mohammad , Aftimos Philippe , Najem Ahmad , Hooven Tim , Berg Adriënne , Hovestad-Bijl Liesbeth , Wijn Rik , Hilhorst Riet , Ruijtenbeek Rob , Sabbah Malak , Kerger Joseph , Awada Ahmad , Journe Fabrice , Ghanem Ghanem
Published: October 2020

The authors would like to make a correction to their published paper [...]
Comment on Jun, S.Y.; et al. “Tumor Budding and Poorly Differentiated Clusters in Small Intestinal Adenocarcinoma” Cancers 2020, 12, 2199
Authors: Giuffrida Paolo , Arpa Giovanni , Vanoli Alessandro , Di Sabatino Antonio
Published: October 2020

We read with interest the paper by Jun S [...]
Ramucirumab in Combination with Pembrolizumab in Treatment-Naïve Advanced Gastric or GEJ Adenocarcinoma: Safety and Antitumor Activity from the Phase 1a/b JVDF Trial
Authors: Chau Ian , Penel Nicolas , Soriano Andres O. , Arkenau Hendrik-Tobias , Cultrera Jennifer , Santana-Davila Rafael , Calvo Emiliano , Le Tourneau Christophe , Zender Lars , Bendell Johanna C. , Mi Gu , Gao Ling , McNeely Samuel Clark , Oliveira Joana M. , Ferry David , Herbst Roy S. , Fuchs Charles S.
Published: October 2020

Ramucirumab (anti-VEGFR2) plus pembrolizumab (anti-PD1) demonstrated promising antitumor activity and tolerability among patients with previously treated advanced cancers, supporting growing evidence that combination therapies modulating the tumor microenvironment may expand the spectrum of patients who respond to checkpoint inhibitors. Here we present the results of this combination in first-line patients with metastatic G/GEJ cancer. Twenty-eight patients (≥18 years) with no prior systemic chemotherapy in the advanced/metastatic setting received ramucirumab (8 mg/kg days 1 and 8) plus pembrolizumab (200 mg day 1) every 3 weeks as part of JVDF phase 1a/b study. The primary endpoint was safety. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and overall survival (OS). Tumors were PD-L1-positive (combined positive score ≥ 1) in 19 and -negative in 6 patients. Eighteen patients experienced grade 3 treatment-related adverse events, most commonly hypertension (14%) and elevated alanine/aspartate aminotransferase (11% each), with no grade 4 or 5 reported. The ORR was 25% (PD-L1-positive, 32%; PD-L1-negative, 17%) with duration of response not reached. PFS was 5.6 months (PD-L1-positive, 8.6 months; PD-L1-negative, 4.3 months), and OS 14.6 months (PD-L1-positive, 17.3 months; PD-L1-negative, 11.3 months). Acknowledging study design limitations, ramucirumab plus pembrolizumab had encouraging durable clinical activity with no unexpected toxicities in treatment-naïve biomarker-unselected metastatic G/GEJ cancer, and improved outcomes in patients with PD-L1-positive tumors.
Reply to Comment on “Jun, S.Y.; et al. Tumor Budding and Poorly Differentiated Clusters in Small Intestinal Adenocarcinoma” Cancers 2020, 12, 2199
Authors: Jun Sun-Young , Hong Seung-Mo
Published: October 2020

We thank Giuffrida et al [...]
Epigenetic Aberrations in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Caprio Cinzia , Sacco Antonio , Giustini Viviana , Roccaro Aldo M.
Published: October 2020

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by proliferation of clonal plasma cells within the bone marrow. Several advances in defining key processes responsible for MM pathogenesis and disease progression have been made; and dysregulation of epigenetics, including DNA methylation and histone modification, has emerged as a crucial regulator of MM pathogenesis. In the present review article, we will focus on the role of epigenetic modifications within the specific context of MM.
Diel and Seasonal Variations of Vocal Behavior of the Neotropical White-Tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi)
Authors: Pérez-Granados Cristian , Schuchmann Karl-L.
Published: October 2020

Current knowledge regarding the vocal behavior in tropical non-passerines is very limited. Here, we employed passive acoustic monitoring to study the vocal activity of the white-tipped dove (Leptotila verreauxi) at three sites over a year in the Brazilian Pantanal. The diel pattern of vocal activity showed a bimodal pattern, with significantly higher vocal activity after sunrise than during the other hours of the day, in agreement with prior studies on this species and other members of Columbidae. The species was vocally active throughout the year, but vocal activity was maximum during May-June and lowest during January-February. Relative air humidity was positively associated with vocal activity, which may be related to the improvement of sound transmission under more humid conditions, but it could also be related to foraging efficiency due to a higher availability of invertebrates on wetter days. Vocal activity was not related to the mean air temperature or daily rainfall. Acoustic monitoring proved to be a useful tool for monitoring this shy forest species, for which a minimum number of three monitoring days was needed to detect a reliable vocal activity rate. Future studies should evaluate its use for monitoring other species of doves and pigeons that are secretive or threatened.
The Feasibility of Replacing Coal with Biomass in Iron-Ore Pelletizing Plants with Respect to Melt-Induced Slagging
Authors: Sefidari Hamid , Lindblom Bo , Nordin Lars-Olof , Wiinikka Henrik
Published: October 2020

Combustion-generated fly ash particles in combination with the particles arising from the disintegration of iron-ore pellets, could give rise to the build-up of deposits on the refractory linings of the induration facility. Due to climate change and other environmental issues, there is a desire to cut down on use of fossil fuels. Therefore, it is of interest to investigate the feasibility of replacing coal with less carbon-intensive alternatives such as upgraded biomass, e.g., biochar and pyrolysis bio-oil. While the combustion of biomass can be carbon-neutral, the effects of biomass ash upon slagging during the iron-ore pelletizing process in a grate-kiln setup is unknown. In the present study, the effect of the interaction between the pellet dust and biomass-ash upon melt formation and the viscosity of the resulting melt, which can collectively affect melt-induced slagging, was theoretically assessed. The slagging potential of 15 different biomass fuels, suitable for the pelletizing process, was quantified and compared with one another and a reference high-rank coal using a thermodynamically derived slagging index. The replacement of coal with biomass in the pelletizing process is a cumbersome and challenging task which requires extensive and costly field measurements. Therefore, given the wide-ranging nature of the biomasses investigated in this study, a prescreening theoretical approach, such as the one employed in the present work, could narrow down the list, facilitate the choice of fuel/s, and help reduce the costs of the subsequent experimental investigations.
Distinct Turbulent Regions in the Wake of a Wind Turbine and Their Inflow-Dependent Locations: The Creation of a Wake Map
Authors: Neunaber Ingrid , Hölling Michael , Stevens Richard J. A. M. , Schepers Gerard , Peinke Joachim
Published: October 2020

Wind turbines are usually clustered in wind farms which causes the downstream turbines to operate in the turbulent wakes of upstream turbines. As turbulence is directly related to increased fatigue loads, knowledge of the turbulence in the wake and its evolution are important. Therefore, the main objective of this study is a comprehensive exploration of the turbulence evolution in the wind turbine’s wake to identify characteristic turbulence regions. For this, we present an experimental study of three model wind turbine wake scenarios that were scanned with hot-wire anemometry with a very high downstream resolution. The model wind turbine was exposed to three inflows: laminar inflow as a reference case, a central wind turbine wake, and half of the wake of an upstream turbine. A detailed turbulence analysis reveals four downstream turbulence regions by means of the mean velocity, variance, turbulence intensity, energy spectra, integral and Taylor length scales, and the Castaing parameter that indicates the intermittency, or gustiness, of turbulence. In addition, a wake core with features of homogeneous isotropic turbulence and a ring of high intermittency surrounding the wake can be identified. The results are important for turbulence modeling in wakes and optimization of wind farm wake control.
Effect of Sampling Rate on Photovoltaic Self-Consumption in Load Shifting Simulations
Authors: Voinov Philippe , Huber Patrick , Calatroni Alberto , Rumsch Andreas , Paice Andrew
Published: October 2020

Grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) capacity is increasing and is currently estimated to account for 3.0% of worldwide energy generation. One strategy to balance fluctuating PV power is to incentivize self-consumption by shifting certain loads. The potential improvement in the amount of self-consumption is usually estimated using smart meter and PV production data. Smart meter data are usually available only at sampling frequences far below the Nyquist limit. In this paper we investigate how this insufficient sampling rate affects the estimated self-consumption potential of shiftable household appliances (washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers). We base our analyses on measured consumption data from 16 households in the UK and corresponding PV data. We found that the simulated results have a marked dependence on the data sampling rate. The amount of self-consumed energy estimated with data sampled every 10 min was overestimated by 30–40% compared to estimations using data with 1 min sampling rate. We therefore recommend to take this factor into account when making predictions on the impact of appliance load shifting on the rate of self-consumption.
Geophysical Prospecting for Geothermal Resources in the South of the Duero Basin (Spain)
Authors: Nieto Ignacio Martín , Carrasco García Pedro , Sáez Blázquez Cristina , Farfán Martín Arturo , González-Aguilera Diego , Carrasco García Javier
Published: October 2020

The geothermal resources in Spain have been a source of deep research in recent years and are, in general, well-defined. However, there are some areas where the records from the National Institute for Geology and Mining show thermal activity from different sources despite no geothermal resources being registered there. This is the case of the area in the south of the Duero basin where this research was carried out. Seizing the opportunity of a deep borehole being drilled in the location, some geophysical resources were used to gather information about the geothermal properties of the area. The employed geophysical methods were time-domain electromagnetics (TDEM) and borehole logging; the first provided information about the depth of the bedrock and the general geological structure, whereas the second one gave more detail on the geological composition of the different layers and a temperature record across the whole sounding. The results allowed us to establish the geothermal gradient of the area and to discern the depth of the bedrock. Using the first 200 m of the borehole logging, the thermal conductivity of the ground for shallow geothermal systems was estimated.
Supporting Decentralised Energy Management through Smart Monitoring Systems in Public Authorities
Authors: Stuart Graeme , Ozawa-Meida Leticia
Published: October 2020

Energy infrastructure in large, multi-site organisations such as municipal authorities, is often heterogeneous in terms of factors such as age and complexity of the technology deployed. Responsibility for day-to-day operation and maintenance of this infrastructure is typically dispersed across large numbers of individuals and impacts on even larger numbers of building users. Yet, the diverse population of stakeholders with an interest in the operation and development of this dynamic infrastructure typically have little or no visibility of energy and water usage. This paper explores the integration of utility metering data into urban management processes via the deployment of an accessible “smart meter” monitoring system. The system is deployed in three public authorities and the impact of the system is investigated based on the triangulation of evidence from semi-structured interviews and case studies. The research is framed from three perspectives: the bottom-up micro-level (individual and local), the top-down macro-level (organisation-wide and strategic) and intermediate meso-level (community-focused and operation). Evidence shows that improved communication across these levels enables a decentralisation and joining-up of energy management. Evidence points to the importance of reducing the cognitive load associated with monitoring systems. Better access to information supports more local autonomy, easier communication and cooperation between stakeholders and fosters the conditions necessary for adaptive practices to emerge.
Emulsifier-Free Water-in-Biodiesel Emulsion Fuel via Steam Emulsification: Its Physical Properties, Combustion Performance, and Exhaust Emission
Authors: Sugeng Dhani Avianto , Ithnin Ahmad Muhsin , Yahya Wira Jazair , Abd Kadir Hasannuddin
Published: October 2020

The focus of this work is to investigate the effect of emulsifier-free emulsion fuel via steam emulsification (SD) to the diesel engine through physical properties, combustion performance, and exhaust analysis, and compare with conventional emulsion fuel with water percentages of 5% and 10% (E5 and E10) and biodiesel blend (B5). The SD was prepared using a custom 200 mL glass mixing column. The B5 fuel quantitatively was filled in the column, and then the steam was injected from the bottom of the mixing column through the porous frit glass with the pores ranging from 40 to 100 µm. The average water droplet size of SD is 0.375 µm with the average water percentage of 6.18%. The brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and brake thermal efficiency (BTE) of SD improved 4.19% and 3.92%, respectively, as compared to B5. The in-cylinder pressure (ICP) was lower than B5, however, yielding close to the B5 at 4 kW engine load. As for the exhaust emission test, NOx and PM for SD were reduced significantly with a percentage reduction of 25.22% and 10.68%, respectively, as compared to neat B5. The steam emulsification method offers a huge potential to be explored further as the concept offers the alternative method of making emulsion fuel without the use of conventional mechanical mixers.
Adaptive Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy for Hybrid Heavy-Duty Truck Based on Driving Condition Recognition and Parameter Optimization
Authors: Zhang Pei , Wu Xianpan , Du Changqing , Xu Hongming , Wang Huawu
Published: October 2020

The accurate determination and dynamic adjustment of key control parameters are challenges for equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) to be implemented in real-time control of hybrid electric vehicles. An adaptive real-time ECMS is proposed for hybrid heavy-duty truck in this paper. Three efforts have been made in this study. First, six kinds of typical driving cycle for hybrid heavy-duty truck are obtained by hierarchical clustering algorithm, and a driving condition recognition (DCR) algorithm based on a neural network is put forward. Second, particle swarm optimization (PSO) is applied to optimize three key parameters of ECMS under a specified driving cycle, including equivalent factor, scale factor of penalty function, and vehicle speed threshold for engine start-up. Finally, combining all the above two efforts, a novel adaptive ECMS based on DCR and key parameter optimization of ECMS by PSO is presented and validated through numerical simulation. The simulation results manifest that proposed adaptive ECMS can further improve the fuel economy of a hybrid heavy-duty truck while keeping the battery charge-sustainability, compared with ECMS and PSO-ECMS under a composite driving cycle.
Research on the Thermal Hydraulic Performance and Entropy Generation Characteristics of Finned Tube Heat Exchanger with Streamline Tube
Authors: Qian Zuoqin , Wang Qiang , Lv Song
Published: October 2020

Thermal hydraulic performance of the fin-and-tube heat exchanger is presented in this paper. The purpose of this investigation was to investigate the heat transfer mechanism and flow characteristics in the finned tube heat exchanger with streamline tube. The streamline tube in this paper had the streamline cross section which was composed of a semicircle and a half diamond. Three-dimensional numerical simulation was presented and validated by the experiment and the other numerical simulation from public articles. The present simulation had good agreement with the experimental results. The difference of the j factor and f factor between the experimental results and present simulation results by k-ε-enhance model was less than 7.6%. The geometrical parameters were considered as every single variable to investigate the thermal hydraulic performance. The results showed that smaller transversal and larger tube pitch provided greater compactness and better thermal performance. Moreover, a larger angle was not only beneficial to enhance the thermal performance, but also helpful to improve the overall performance. Secondly, the effects of angle on the heat transfer performance and fluid flow characteristics were investigated as the perimeter kept constant. It was shown that the overall performance of the streamline tube was better than the circular tube. Lastly, the entropy generation including frictional entropy generation and the thermal entropy generation were analyzed. It can be concluded that by using the streamline tube, the wake region can be obviously reduced, and thermal performance can be improved.
Real-Time Digital Twin of a Wound Rotor Induction Machine Based on Finite Element Method
Authors: Bouzid Sami , Viarouge Philippe , Cros Jérôme
Published: October 2020

Monitoring and early fault prediction of large electrical machines is important to maintain a sustainable and safe power system. With the ever-increasing computational power of modern processors, real-time simulation based monitoring of electrical machines is becoming a topic of interest. This work describes the development of a real-time digital twin (RTDT) of a wound rotor induction machine (WRIM) using a precomputed finite element model fed with online measurements. It computes accurate outputs in real-time of electromagnetic quantities otherwise difficult to measure such as local magnetic flux, current in bars and torque. In addition, it considers space harmonics, magnetic imbalance and fault conditions. The development process of the RTDT is described thoroughly and outputs are compared in real-time to measurements taken from the actual machine in rotation. Results show that they are accurate with harmonic content respected.
On the Ventilation Performance of Low Momentum Confluent Jets Supply Device in a Classroom
Authors: Andersson Harald , Kabanshi Alan , Cehlin Mathias , Moshfegh Bahram
Published: October 2020

The performance of three different confluent jets ventilation (CJV) supply devices was evaluated in a classroom environment concerning thermal comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy efficiency. The CJV supply devices have the acronyms: high-momentum confluent jets (HMCJ), low-momentum confluent jets (LMCJ) and low-momentum confluent jets modified by varying airflow direction (LMCJ-M). A mixing ventilation (MV) slot jet (SJ) supply device was used as a benchmark. Comparisons were made with identical set-up conditions in five cases with different supply temperatures (TS) (16–18 °C), airflow rates (2.2–6.3 ACH) and heat loads (17–47 W/m2). Performances were evaluated based on DR (draft rating), PMV (predicted mean vote), ACE (air change effectiveness) and heat removal effectiveness (HRE). The results show that CJV had higher HRE and IAQ than MV and LMCJ/LMCJ-M had higher ACE than HMCJ. The main effects of lower Ts were higher velocities, DR (HMCJ particularly) and HRE in the occupied zone as well as lower temperatures and PMV-values. HMCJ and LMCJ produce MV conditions at lower airflow rates (<4.2 ACH) and non-uniform conditions at higher airflow rates. LMCJ-M had 7% higher HRE than the other CJV supply devices and produced non-uniform conditions at lower airflow rates (<3.3 ACH). The non-uniform conditions resulted in LMCJ-M having the highest energy efficiency of all devices.
The Ångström–Prescott Regression Coefficients for Six Climatic Zones in South Africa
Authors: Mabasa Brighton , Lysko Meena D. , Tazvinga Henerica , Mulaudzi Sophie T. , Zwane Nosipho , Moloi Sabata J.
Published: October 2020

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) manages an in situ solar irradiance radiometric network of 13 stations and a very dense sunshine recording network, located in all six macroclimate zones of South Africa. A sparsely distributed radiometric network over a landscape with dynamic climate and weather shifts is inadequate for solar energy studies and applications. Therefore, there is a need to develop mathematical models to estimate solar irradiation for a multitude of diverse climates. In this study, the annual regression coefficients, a and b, of the Ångström–Prescott (AP) model, which can be used to estimate global horizontal irradiance (GHI) from observed sunshine hours, were calibrated and validated with observed station data. The AP regression coefficients were calibrated and validated for each of the six macroclimate zones of South Africa using the observation data that span 2013 to 2019. The predictive effectiveness of the calibrated AP model coefficients was evaluated by comparing estimated and observed daily GHI. The maximum annual relative Mean Bias Error (rMBE) was 0.371%, relative Mean Absolute Error (rMAE) was 0.745%, relative Root Mean Square Error (rRMSE) was 0.910%, and the worst-case correlation coefficient (R2) was 0.910. The statistical validation metrics results show that there is a strong correlation and linear relation between observed and estimated GHI values. The AP model coefficients calculated in this study can be used with quantitative confidence in estimating daily GHI data at locations in South Africa where daily observation sunshine duration data are available.
Rediscovering the Contributions of Forests and Trees to Transition Global Food Systems
Authors: Chamberlain James L. , Darr Dietrich , Meinhold Kathrin
Published: October 2020

The importance of forests to safeguard agricultural production through regulating ecosystem services such as clean water, soil protection, and climate regulation is well documented, yet the contributions of forests and trees to provide food for the nutritional needs of the increasing human population has not been fully realized. Plants, fungi, and animals harvested from forests have long provided multiple benefits—for nutrition, health, income, and cultural purposes. Across the globe, the main element of “forest management” has been industrial wood production. Sourcing food from forests has been not even an afterthought but a subordinate activity that just happens and is largely invisible in official statistics. For many people, forests ensure a secure supply of essential foods and vital nutrients. For others, foraging forests for food offers cultural, recreational, and diversified culinary benefits. Increasingly, these products are perceived by consumers as being more “natural” and healthier than food from agricultural production. Forest-and wild-sourced products increasingly are being used as key ingredients in multiple billion dollar industries due to rising demand for “natural” food production. Consumer trends demonstrate growing interests in forest food gathering that involves biological processes and new forms of culturally embedded interactions with the natural world. Further, intensifying calls to “re-orient” agricultural production provides opportunities to expand the roles of forests in food production; to reset food systems by integrating forests and trees. We use examples of various plants, such as baobab, to explore ways forests and trees provide for food security and nutrition and illustrate elements of a framework to encourage integration of forests and trees. Forests and trees provide innovative opportunities and technological and logistical challenges to expand food systems and transition to a bioeconomy. This shift is essential to meet the expanding demand for secure and nutritious food, while conserving forest biodiversity.
Streamflow Variability Indicated by False Rings in Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich.)
Authors: Therrell Matthew D. , Elliott Emily A. , Meko Matthew D. , Bregy Joshua C. , Tucker Clay S. , Harley Grant L. , Maxwell Justin T. , Tootle Glenn A.
Published: October 2020

Despite growing in wet lowland and riparian settings, Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. (bald cypress) has a strong response to hydroclimate variability, and tree ring chronologies derived from bald cypress have been used extensively to reconstruct drought, precipitation and streamflow. Previous studies have also demonstrated that false rings in bald cypress appear to be the result of variations in water availability during the growing season. In this study 28 trees from two sites located adjacent to the Choctawhatchee River in Northwestern Florida, USA were used to develop a false ring record extending from 1881 to 2014. Twenty false ring events were recorded during the available instrumental era (1931–2014). This record was compared with daily and monthly streamflow data from a nearby gage. All 20 of the false-ring events recorded during the instrumental period occurred during years in which greatly increased streamflow occurred late in the growing season. Many of these wet events appear to be the result of rainfall resulting from landfalling tropical cyclones. We also found that the intra-annual position of false rings within growth rings reflects streamflow variability and combining the false-ring record with tree ring width chronologies improves the estimation of overall summer streamflow by 14%. Future work using these and other quantitative approaches for the identification and measurement of false ring variables in tree rings may improve tree-ring reconstructions of streamflow and potentially the record of tropical cyclone rainfall events.
Towards Eradication of Phytophthora cinnamomi Using a Fallow Approach in a Mediterranean Climate
Authors: Dunstan William A. , Howard Kay , Grigg Andrew , Shaw Christopher , Burgess Treena I. , Hardy Giles E. St. J.
Published: October 2020

While eradication from haul roads was achieved, more work is required to eradicate P. cinnamomi from stockpiles and bunds. We can now implement different management strategies to the construction of bunds and stockpiles to facilitate eradication. Infestation by Phytophthora cinnamomi results in large financial and management constraints to environmental managers. This pathogen was considered impossible to eradicate until recent success with treatments including host removal, herbicide and fungicide application, soil fumigation and physical root barriers. We investigated the most benign of these treatments; keeping the area devoid of living host material. In a Western Australian mine site within a Mediterranean climate, haul roads, stockpiles and roadside bunds had P. cinnamomi colonised Pinus stem plugs buried at multiple depths. Over time, we examined the effects of soil moisture and temperature in different soil conditions and types to compare the recovery of the pathogen. Results: Within 12 months, the pathogen could not be recovered from the haul roads. In the stockpiles, depth produced significantly different results. In 3 of the 4 sites, the pathogen was not recovered at 10 cm after 20 months. By 12 months, at 50 cm, there was an 80% reduction in recovery, but only one stockpile had no recovery from 50 cm, which occurred by 36 months. Bunds were up to 1.75 m high and had variable results for plugs buried at 30 cm, influenced by height, the types of soils and shading. One of the smallest bunds was the only bund where the pathogen was not recoverable (by 22 months). This study provides strong support for using a fallow period to reduce or eliminate P. cinnamomi inoculum.
Immigration as a Divisive Topic: Clusters and Content Diffusion in the Italian Twitter Debate
Authors: Vilella Salvatore , Lai Mirko , Paolotti Daniela , Ruffo Giancarlo
Published: October 2020

In this work, we apply network science to analyse almost 6 M tweets about the debate around immigration in Italy, collected between 2018 and 2019, when many related events captured media outlets’ attention. Our aim was to better understand the dynamics underlying the interactions on social media on such a delicate and divisive topic, which are the actors that are leading the discussion, and whose messages have the highest chance to reach out the majority of the accounts that are following the debate. The debate on Twitter is represented with networks; we provide a characterisation of the main clusters by looking at the highest in-degree nodes in each one and by analysing the text of the tweets of all the users. We find a strongly segregated network which shows an explicit interplay with the Italian political and social landscape, that however seems to be disconnected from the actual geographical distribution and relocation of migrants. In addition, quite surprisingly, the influencers and political leaders that apparently lead the debate, do not necessarily belong to the clusters that include the majority of nodes: we find evidence of the existence of a ‘silent majority’ that is more connected to accounts who expose a more positive stance toward migrants, while leaders whose stance is negative attract apparently more attention. Finally, we see that the community structure clearly affects the diffusion of content (URLs) by identifying the presence of both local and global trends of diffusion, and that communities tend to display segregation regardless of their political and cultural background. In particular, we observe that messages that spread widely in the two largest clusters, whose most popular members are also notoriously at the opposite sides of the political spectrum, have a very low chance to get visibility into other clusters.
Effect of a Nutritional Support System (Diet and Supplements) for Improving Gross Motor Function in Cerebral Palsy: An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Leal-Martínez Fernando , Franco Denise , Peña-Ruiz Andrea , Castro-Silva Fabiola , Escudero-Espinosa Andrea A. , Rolón-Lacarrier Oscar G. , López-Alarcón Mardia , De León Ximena , Linares-Eslava Mariana , Ibarra Antonio
Published: October 2020

Background: Most patients with cerebral palsy (CP) do not respond to physical therapy due to deterioration in their nutritional status, secondary to gastrointestinal disorders and the catabolic state of the disease itself. However, basic treatments only contemplate the energy requirements and do not consider supplementation with glutamine, zinc, selenium, colecalciferol, spirulina, omega 3 or even vegetal proteins. Objective: In this study, we determined the effect of using a nutritional support system (NSS): diet and supplements, on the gross motor function in children with CP with spastic diparesic and Gross Motor Function Classification System III (GMFCS III). Methods: An exploratory study was performed. Thirty patients (from 4 to 12 years old) were randomly assigned to: (1) dietary surveillance (FG), (2) deworming and WHO diet (CG), or (3) deworming and the NSS (IG). Gross motor function was evaluated using the gross motor function measure (GMFM) scale. Results: The IG-treated group presented a significant improvement in standing and walking parameters analyzed in the GMFM compared with FG and CG groups. Fifty percent of the IG-treated patients managed to walk, while in the other groups, no patients were able to walk. Conclusions: The NSS used in the present work improves gross motor function and promotes walking in patients with CP.
Characterizing the Dynamic Taste and Retro-Nasal Aroma Properties of Oral Nutritional Supplements Using Temporal Dominance of Sensation and Temporal Check-All-That-Apply Methods
Authors: Delompré Thomas , Lenoir Louis , Martin Christophe , Briand Loïc , Salles Christian
Published: October 2020

Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODTs) are used to restore the nutritional status of people suffering from swallowing pathologies such as dysphagia. ODTs are consumed without water intake and are easily swallowed. The main active compounds of ODTs are vitamins and minerals. These nutrients can have a bad taste or aftertaste, which can be masked by sweetening or flavoring. To ensure the effectiveness of masking strategies and to prescribe a product to patients with acceptable sensory qualities, it is essential to perform a precise and complete sensory characterization of these ODTs. Temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) and temporal check-all-that-apply (TCATA) methods were chosen to characterize the temporal sensory perceptions during the consumption of four ODTs varying in galenic forms and flavoring because of their particularly acute temporality in flavor perception. The ODTs presented common and individual sensory properties, mainly related to their galenic form and to the nature of the active ingredients. The use of a nose-clip to stop retro-nasal airflow showed that flavoring had a minimal impact on the sensory taste qualities of the ODTs. A comparison between the TDS and TCATA results indicates that these tests are capable of providing complementary information on the dynamic sensory qualities of the products studied. Although results were generally similar for both methods, TDS showed a greater number of differences in sensory taste attribute, whereas TCATA was more discriminating. These methods allowed for a better understanding of the evolution of sensory perceptions of these ODTs during their consumption, which could help to optimize masking strategies and develop new products with acceptable sensory properties.
The Leishmania donovani SENP Protease Is Required for SUMO Processing but Not for Viability
Authors: Bea Annika , Kröber-Boncardo Constanze , Sandhu Manpreet , Brinker Christine , Clos Joachim
Published: October 2020

The protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani is part of an early eukaryotic branch and depends on post-transcriptional mechanisms for gene expression regulation. This includes post-transcriptional protein modifications, such as protein phosphorylation. The presence of genes for protein SUMOylation, i.e., the covalent attachment of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) polypeptides, in the Leishmania genomes prompted us to investigate the importance of the sentrin-specific protease (SENP) and its putative client, SUMO, for the vitality and infectivity of Leishmania donovani. While SENP null mutants are viable with reduced vitality, viable SUMO null mutant lines could not be obtained. SUMO C-terminal processing is disrupted in SENP null mutants, preventing SUMO from covalent attachment to proteins and nuclear translocation. Infectivity in vitro is not affected by the loss of SENP-dependent SUMO processing. We conclude that SENP is required for SUMO processing, but that functions of unprocessed SUMO are critical for Leishmania viability.
Diagnostic Test Accuracy of the 4AT for Delirium Detection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jeong Eunhye , Park Jinkyung , Lee Juneyoung
Published: October 2020

Under-recognition of delirium is an international problem. For the early detection of delirium, a feasible and valid screening tool for healthcare professionals is needed. This study aimed to present a scientific reason for using the 4 ‘A’s Test (4AT) through a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the diagnostic test accuracy. We systematically searched articles in the EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases and selected relevant articles on the basis of the predefined inclusion criteria. The quality of the included articles was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of the Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. We estimated the pooled values of diagnostic test accuracy by employing the bivariate model and the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) model in data synthesis. A total of 3729 patients of 13 studies were included in the analysis. The pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity of the 4AT were 81.5% (95% confidence interval: 70.7%, 89.0%) and 87.5% (79.5%, 92.7%), respectively. Given the 4AT’s evidence of accuracy and practicality, we suggest healthcare professionals to utilize this tool for routine screening of delirium. However, for detecting delirium in the dementia population, further work is required to evaluate the 4AT with other cut-off points or scoring methods in order for it to be more sensitive and specific.