bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data-Driven Simulation of Fisher–Kolmogorov Tumor Growth Models Using Dynamic Mode Decomposition
Authors: Viguerie Alex , Grave Malú , Barros Gabriel F. , Lorenzo Guillermo , Reali Alessandro , Coutinho Alvaro L. G. A.
Published: June 2022

The computer simulation of organ-scale biomechanistic models of cancer personalized via routinely collected clinical and imaging data enables to obtain patient-specific predictions of tumor growth and treatment response over the anatomy of the patient's affected organ. These patient-specific computational forecasts have been regarded as a promising approach to personalize the clinical management of cancer and derive optimal treatment plans for individual patients, which constitute timely and critical needs in clinical oncology. However, the computer simulation of the underlying spatiotemporal models can entail a prohibitive computational cost, which constitutes a barrier to the successful development of clinically-actionable computational technologies for personalized tumor forecasting. To address this issue, here we propose to utilize dynamic-mode decomposition (DMD) to construct a low-dimensional representation of cancer models and accelerate their simulation. DMD is an unsupervised machine learning method based on the singular value decomposition that has proven useful in many applications as both a predictive and a diagnostic tool. We show that DMD may be applied to Fisher–Kolmogorov models, which constitute an established formulation to represent untreated solid tumor growth that can further accommodate other relevant cancer phenomena (e.g., therapeutic effects, mechanical deformation). Our results show that a DMD implementation of this model over a clinically relevant parameter space can yield promising predictions, with short to medium-term errors remaining under 1% and long-term errors remaining under 20%, despite very short training periods. In particular, we have found that, for moderate to high tumor cell diffusivity and low to moderate tumor cell proliferation rate, DMD reconstructions provide accurate, bounded-error reconstructions for all tested training periods. Additionally, we also show that the three-dimensional DMD reconstruction of the tumor field can be leveraged to accurately reconstruct the displacement fields of the tumor-induced deformation of the host tissue. Thus, we posit the proposed data-driven approach has the potential to greatly reduce the computational overhead of personalized simulations of cancer models, thereby facilitating tumor forecasting, parameter identification, uncertainty quantification, and treatment optimization.
Landslide Risk Assessment in Cut Locations Using Right of Way Videos and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Palese Michael , Zarembski Allan M. , Palese Joseph
Published: June 2022

Sidehill and through cuts are often used in the construction of new rail systems to reduce the length, curvature, and grade of the route to increase operation efficiency. Consequently, rights-of-way that utilize cuts are susceptible to damage from slope failure events such as shallow-rapid landslides and rock-falls. At-risk slopes, or geohazards, are traditionally assigned severity grades using slope stability analysis methods derived from intensive field investigations and historical failures. Anticipating slope failures that may occur due to common weather events in the region helps protect railroad assets and ensure safe operations. This research aimed to create a new slope stability analysis method by processing digital images of the railroad right-of-way recorded by inspection vehicles. Computer vision techniques were used to identify and quantify geohazard features that indicated slope instability. Specifically, an object detection algorithm was trained with a set of right-of-way images where features of concern were labeled and located. These features, along with digital elevation maps of the track section, can then be used to develop a relative risk assessment algorithm to grade each geohazard’s landslide likelihood. The resulting algorithm would provide a geohazard risk index that can be determined from publicly available data and video recordings from inspection vehicles and can be used by railroads to mitigate the potential damage from a landslide event.
Performance of a Thermoelectric-Based Energy Harvesting Device on a Realistic Railroad Route
Authors: Amaro Martin , Tarawneh Constantine , Foltz Heinrich , Aguilera Toro Ruben , Peña Curtis
Published: June 2022

Researchers at the University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS) have developed an onboard wireless monitoring device to gauge the health of freight railcar rolling stock. A wireless system will allow for preemptive maintenance to occur, potentially saving millions of dollars in damages and ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo. A prototype energy harvester has been developed that can extend the battery life of the wireless monitoring device. It uses Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) mounted on the bearing adapter to convert heat generated from the bearings to electricity. Previous results have shown that, under optimal conditions, TEGs have been able to produce enough energy to meet the power demands of low-power circuit boards. This paper summarizes the proof-of-concept validation of the complete energy harvesting device which includes the performance of the TEGs, heat sinks, boost converter, and the Battery Management Chip (BMC) working in tandem. The testing results were acquired by replicating field service conditions using a test plan that reproduces speeds encountered on a realistic railroad route and run on a laboratory dynamic bearing test rig. The test plan simulates a train completing a round trip between Billings, MT and Council Bluffs, IA. Preliminary testing results show that, over an average trip where train speeds vary, the energy harvesting system can significantly extend the battery life by producing enough energy to maintain or increase the charge of the battery while also powering the sensors and wireless transceiver for the duration of the trip.
Wheel-Rail Contact Force and Traction Analysis Under Wet and Oil-Contaminated Conditions
Authors: Radmehr Ahmad , Pan Yu , Tajaddini Ali , Vollebregt Edwin , Ahmadian Mehdi
Published: June 2022

The changes in wheel-rail traction coefficients under wet and oil-contaminated rail surfaces are evaluated using the state-of-the-art Virginia Tech-Federal Railroad Administration (VT-FRA) roller rig. This one-fourth scaled test rig provides a controlled environment to measure real-time contact forces under pre-defined conditions. In addition, the rig is equipped with a high-precision fluid dispenser to apply the exact amount of fluids onto the rolling surfaces. Two series of experiments are conducted with water and oil applied individually at the wheel-rail contact with 0.02cc, 0.10cc, and 0.50cc, using a precise dispensing system at a low flow rate of 0.3cc/min, a medium flow rate of 1.5cc/min, and a high flow rate of 7.5cc/min, respectively. The tests include three or fewer cycles of water or oil applications for 4.1s under stable traction conditions. All other test conditions, including creepage, duration, and wheel load, are maintained unchanged throughout the tests, to focus on the effect of water on traction values. The results indicate a high correlation between the amount of water or oil applied to the surface and reduction in traction, in some cases for a short duration and in some over a long period of time. For low and medium flow rates of water, traction reduces immediately upon the application of water but recovers quickly after a short duration to nearly the same level as the dry condition. The duration of reduced traction is directly proportional to the volume of water. A distinctly different result is observed for oil. Even a small amount of oil (0.3cc/min) causes a significant reduction in traction that prolongs over an extended period of time. For the medium application of oil (1.5cc/min), traction remains low for a long period of time and only recovers to approximately 1/2 of the dry condition. For high oil application (7.5cc/min), traction remains extremely low (approximately 1/5 of dry condition) for the duration of the test and does not show any indication of recovery. Oil residue can be felt at the running surface when rubbing a finger over the roller surface. The results indicate that both water and oil cause a significant reduction in traction, with traction recovering to its dry level shortly after the source of water (i.e., rain) stops. When oil is applied to the rail, even a small amount can significantly diminish traction for a prolonged period of time. This is attributed to the possible seasoning of the rail due to oil.
Deep Autoencoder for Ultrasound-Based Rail Flaw Detection
Authors: Wu Yuning , Zhu Xuan , Baillargeon Jay
Published: June 2022

Safety is the principal concern of the railway industry, and rail internal defects can pose significant risks to safe and efficient railroad operations. Effective rail flaw detection, especially for transverse defects, is critical to prevent accidents and derailments due to broken rails. Both industrial and research communities have invested much effort in solving this problem. For example, the rail industry relies heavily on ultrasonic bulk waves and, more recently, began exploring ultrasonic guided waves for rail internal defect detection. This study developed an improved semi-supervised learning algorithm based on a deep autoencoder (DAE) for ultrasound-based rail flaw detection. The DAE algorithm identifies observations in a dataset that deviate significantly from the remaining observations. First, the team trained a DAE to reconstruct ultrasonic signals obtained from clean rail segments. To improve the robustness for defect detection, we then optimized the architecture and hyperparameters of the DAE models. Also, we adopted mean squared error (MSE) as a feature to highlight rail defects. Lastly, the team fed the test set of ultrasonic signals into the trained DAE model and evaluated its capability for rail defect detection. We found the proposed DAE can support a superior and robust ultrasonic rail defect detection capability compared to conventional knowledge-driven approaches.
Examination of Fast Track Geometry and Vehicle/Track Interaction Exceptions
Authors: Meddah Abe , Galván-Núñez Silvia
Published: June 2022

Track conditions can change rapidly when operating in a revenue service heavy axle load environment. Because the assessment of track health for safe railroad operations is a fundamental priority for the railroad industry in North America, various track monitoring technologies, such as Track Geometry Measurement Vehicles (TGMVs) and unattended Vehicle/Track Interaction (V/TI) systems, are regularly deployed to determine whether track maintenance attention is warranted. To investigate the track condition monitoring differences between TGMV and V/TI technologies in a controlled environment where rapid tonnage is accumulated, Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) engineers conducted a study on the High Tonnage Loop (HTL) at the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST) in Pueblo, CO. This study used TTCI’s rail-bound TGMV and a TTCI-developed Instrumented Freight Car (IFC), an autonomous car-based V/TI monitoring technology designed to run with the FAST train for continuous track condition assessment in a heavy axle load environment. In this investigation, funded by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Strategic Research Initiatives (SRI) program, a total of six TGMV and IFC tests were conducted at different intervals with over 87.4 million gross tons (MGT) accumulated since the first track geometry baseline test was conducted. Compliance with track geometry standards was determined based on the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulatory geometry defects for track Classes 1 through 5. Exception track locations were identified for the IFC when empirically derived, pre-set performance limits were exceeded. This paper both examines and contrasts the findings of the testing results of both the IFC and TGMV technologies as studied at FAST.
Friction-Slip Curves – The Pathway From Twin-Disc Tribo Measurements to Full-Scale Locomotive Multibody Simulations
Authors: Bernal Esteban , Spiryagin Maksym , Stichel Sebastian , Bosso Nicola , Lewis Roger , Bosomworth Christopher , Wu Qing , Cole Colin
Published: June 2022

Locomotive multibody simulations are commonly used as a cost-effective tool to study, energy efficiency, wheel-rail wear, rolling contact fatigue, etc. The accuracy of the wheel-rail contact forces from multibody simulations depends on the correct modelling of the friction conditions. The friction coefficient is a function of the slip velocity, and it is influenced by several tribological parameters including, for example, material mechanical properties, environmental conditions and the presence of third body layers that vary spatially and temporally along the track. In most cases, generic friction-slip curves obtained from publications and public reports are used as inputs to the wheel-rail contact model in the locomotive simulations, as direct friction measurements using full-scale experimental set-ups are generally cost-prohibitive. A pathway to produce friction-slip curves from tribo-machine friction measurements is proposed in this paper. The pathway involves manufacturing discs from actual wheel and rail material samples to measure the traction coefficient at a spectrum of slip set points using a twin-disc tribo-machine. The tribo-machine results are scaled to be used in a locomotive multibody model that uses the modified Fastsim and a traction system co-simulation approach. Two friction curves for wet and dry conditions are processed and exemplified in a dynamic model.
Implementation of the Contact Roughness at the Wheel-Rail Contact Model for Locomotive Traction Studies
Authors: Spiryagin Maksym , Ahmad Sanjar , Bernal Esteban , Oldknow Kevin , Persson Ingemar , Wu Qing , Cole Colin , Mcsweeney Tim
Published: June 2022

This paper introduces a solution to deliver the relation between the contour and real contact areas considering characteristics of surface geometry based on the adaptation of a tribological method [1] for calculation of the real area of contact and the real pressure between two rough surfaces.

The implementation in the wheel-rail coupling architecture is kept the same as per the previously developed wheel-rail multibody couplings [2,3] based on the modified Fastsim [4] and Extended Contact [5] algorithms, which allows switching between the previous and new developed coupling for a comparative analysis. The results obtained, and limitations, are stated in this paper.
Associations Between Kindergarten Participation in Organized Physical Activity and Subsequent Healthy Body Weight and Leg Strength by the End of Second Grade
Authors: Kosak Laurie-Anne , Harandian Kianoush , Harbec Marie-Josée , Pagani Linda S.
Published: June 2022

Background: Childhood sport helps children develop growth and maturation, while simultaneously offering self-regulation, motor, and social skills training. This study aims to estimate the influence of sport participation at age 6 years on indicators of health at age 8 years, using a prospective longitudinal birth cohort design. Methods: Participants were 1492 children aged 6–8 years from the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development. Lower muscular power was measured with the standing long jump test. Girth used the children’s waist circumference in centimeters. Body mass index was computed from child height and weight. We regressed these directly measured health indicators at age 8 years on parent-reported physical activity at age 6 years using linear Ordinary Least Squares regression. Results: Boys who participated in more physical activity at age 6 years had better lower muscular power (b = 2.368; 95% CI, 0.341 to 4.395) and higher body mass index (b = 0.340; 95% CI, 0.055 to 0.626). No significant results were found for girls. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that physical activity in kindergarten has a positive impact on muscular power by the end of the second grade in boys. This supports the pertinence of implementing physical activity to a routine early in life to help children improve their general health.
Pleiotropic effects of trans-regulatory mutations on fitness and gene expression
Authors: Vande Zande Pétra , Hill Mark S. , Wittkopp Patricia J.
Published: June 2022

Variation in gene expression arises from cis- and trans-regulatory mutations, which contribute differentially to expression divergence. We compare the impacts on gene expression and fitness resulting from cis- and trans-regulatory mutations in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, with a focus on the
TDH3
gene. We use the effects of cis-regulatory mutations to infer effects of trans-regulatory mutations attributable to impacts beyond the focal gene, revealing a distribution of pleiotropic effects. Cis- and trans-regulatory mutations had different effects on gene expression with pleiotropic effects of trans-regulatory mutants affecting expression of genes both in parallel to and downstream of the focal gene. The more widespread and deleterious effects of trans-regulatory mutations we observed are consistent with their decreasing relative contribution to expression differences over evolutionary time.
The hiatus of the handshake
Authors: Nelson Kristin , Lopman Ben
Published: June 2022

Human contact has been altered in ways that may affect endemic infections for years to come
Sea Change
Authors: Grimm David
Published: June 2022

Can former pirates help scientists study troubled waters?
Preferences of Australian healthcare providers regarding education on long-term health after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a qualitative study
Authors: Roth Heike , Morcos Veronica , Roberts Lynne M , Hanley Lisa , Homer Caroline S E , Henry Amanda
Published: June 2022

Objectives)

To explore Australian healthcare providers’ (HCPs’) preferred content, format and access to education regarding long-term health after hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP), in order to guide the development of education programmes.

Design and setting

A qualitative study using a framework analysis was undertaken. Registered HCP who were practising in Australia and previously completed a survey about long-term health after HDP were invited to participate.

Participants

Twenty HCP were interviewed, including midwives, specialist obstetrician/gynaecologists, general practitioners with a diploma in obstetrics and gynaecology, and cardiologists.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Exploration of preferred content, format and distribution of educational material post-HDP.

Results

Twenty HCP were interviewed in April to May 2020. Four main categories were identified. ‘Obtaining evidence-based information for own learning’ addressing own learning with preference for multi-disciplinary education, preferably endorsed or facilitated by professional organisations. ‘Optimising the referral process from hospital to community health services’ was about the need for structured long-term follow-up to transition from hospital to community health and align with HDP guidelines. ‘Facilitating women’s health literacy’ addressed the need for evidence-based, print or web-based material to assist risk discussions with women. ‘Seizing educational opportunities’ addressed the responsibility of all HCP to identify education opportunities to initiate key health discussions with women.

Conclusion(s

HCP provided ideas on content, format and access of education regarding long-term health post-HDP within the parameters of the Australian healthcare context. This evidence will guide educational developments for HCP on post-HDP health to ensure they can better care for women and families.
BOrderliNe symptoms and suIcide-related outcomes: proTOcol for a systematic review/meta-analysis and an individual patient data meta-analysis (BONITO study)
Authors: Calati Raffaella , Romano Daniele , Lopez-Castroman Jorge , Turolla Federica , Zimmermann Johannes , Madeddu Fabio , Courtet Philippe , Preti Emanuele
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviours is higher among patients with borderline personality disorder than the general population. However, evidence concerning the role of specific borderline symptoms for predicting suicide-related outcomes is lacking and no systematic review/meta-analysis (SR/MA) investigated this topic. Our aim will be to investigate the relationship between any borderline symptom (except criterion 5) and suicide-related outcomes both through an SR/MA and an individual patient data meta-analysis (IPD-MA).

Methods

We will search PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Library databases from 1974 until September 2021. Both published and unpublished studies showing the association between any borderline symptom (except criterion 5) and suicide-related outcomes (death wish, suicidal ideation, suicidal plan, non-suicidal self-injury, deliberate self-harm, suicide attempt, suicidal behaviour disorder, suicide) will be included. Two team members will independently perform the selection of the studies and data extraction, with the supervision of two other members in case of discrepancies; and assess each study with study quality assessment tools by National Institutes of Health and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Each author will be contacted. If possible, we will perform both random-effect meta-analyses on the collected data (odds, risk, rate ratios or correlations) and an IPD-MA on collected databases.

Ethics and dissemination

This study does not require an ethical approval. Results will be publicly disseminated, included in research presentations and published in peer-review journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018078696.
Impact of COPD and asthma on in-hospital mortality and management of patients with heart failure in England and Wales: an observational analysis
Authors: Gulea Claudia , Zakeri Rosita , Kallis Constantinos , Quint Jennifer K
Published: June 2022

Objective

To evaluate the association between having concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, and in-patient mortality and post-discharge management among patients hospitalised for acute heart failure (HF).

Setting

Data were obtained from patients enrolled in the National Heart Failure Audit.

Participants

217 329 patients hospitalised for HF in England–Wales between March 2012 and 2018.

Outcomes

In-hospital mortality, referrals to cardiology follow-up and prescriptions for HF medications were compared between patients with comorbid COPD (COPD-HF) or asthma (asthma-HF) versus HF-alone using mixed-effects logistic regression.

Results

Patients with COPD-HF were more likely to die during hospitalisation, and those with asthma-HF had a reduced likelihood of death, compared with patients who had HF-alone ((adjusted)ORadj, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.06 to 1.14 and ORadj, 95% CI: 0.84, 0.79 to 0.88). In patients who survived to discharge, referral to HF follow-up services differed between groups: patients with COPD-HF had reduced odds of cardiology follow-up (ORadj, 95% CI 0.79, 0.77 to 0.81), while cardiology referral odds for asthma-HF were similar to HF-alone. Overall, proportions of HF medication prescriptions at discharge were low for both COPD-HF and asthma-HF groups, particularly prescriptions for beta-blockers.

Conclusions

In this nationwide analysis, we showed that COPD and asthma significantly impact the clinical course in patients hospitalised for HF. COPD is associated with higher in-patient mortality and lower cardiology referral odds, while COPD and asthma are both associated with lower use of prognostic HF therapies on discharge. These data highlight therapeutic gaps and a need for better integration of cardiopulmonary services to improve healthcare provision for patients with HF and coexisting respiratory disease.
Exploring the key anthropological drivers of and barriers to zoonotic malaria preventative behaviour in a community exposed to Plasmodium knowlesi infection in Malaysia: protocol for a qualitative study with a participatory research design
Authors: Naserrudin Nurul Athirah , Culleton Richard , Hod Rozita , Saffree Jeffree Mohammad , Ahmed Kamruddin , Hassan Mohd Rohaizat
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Plasmodium knowlesi malaria is a zoonotic mosquito-borne disease with complex epidemiology. According to the WHO, the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases require community participation to increase coherence between malaria interventions and sustainable public health programmes. We describe a participatory research (PR) design for a study aimed at exploring the key anthropological drivers of and barriers to zoonotic malaria preventive behaviour among communities exposed to P. knowlesi infection in Malaysia. Participatory approaches can facilitate policymakers in designing future zoonotic malaria control programmes by investigating community perspectives and concerns about zoonotic malaria in a local context.

Methods and analysis

The PR will be conducted over a period of 12 months, from March 2022 to March 2023, among adults (>18 years old) who are permanent residents in a rural village exposed to P. knowlesi malaria in Sabah, Malaysia. We will select patients who were diagnosed with P. knowlesi infection from January to December 2021 for focus group discussions (FGDs), as they can provide perspectives on the disease from the point of view of those previously diagnosed with infection. In-depth interviews (IDIs) with people of importance in the community, such as village heads, will also be conducted. Both FGDs and IDIs will be conducted from March 2022 until June 2022. Concurrently, a photovoice with adults over 18 years old who reside in the community will be conducted. The target sample sizes for FGDs, IDIs and photovoice are 6–8, 12 and 10–15 participants, respectively. We will use a study framework as a theoretical lens to guide the exploration of the beliefs, social contexts, barriers and drivers surrounding zoonotic malaria preventive behaviour.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Medical Research and Ethics Committee Ministry of Health Malaysia (NMRR ID-21-01980-JEH) and the Research and Innovation Secretariat, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (FF-2021-462). All participants will provide consent prior to participation. The results will be reported in international peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences and on other platforms.
Effect of subgrade on tensile strains in a geomembrane for tailings storage applications
Authors: Fan Jiying , Rowe R. Kerry
Published: June 2022

Experiments were conducted to quantify short-term tensile strains induced in a 1.5 mm thick high-density polyethylene geomembrane overlain by tailings. Four subgrades, a poorly graded angular to subangular gravel (GP), a well-graded angular to subangular gravel (GW), a poorly subrounded graded sand (SP), and silty sand (SM), and two nonwoven geotextiles, 450 and 1420 g/m2, were evaluated. All the indentations in the geomembrane (GMB) were due to the subgrade, and with an adequate fraction of sand size particles in the subgrade, the tensile strains could be minimized. At 2000 kPa, the maximum tensile strain was 32% for GP, 16% for GW, 13% for SP, and no discernable indentation was observed for SM prepared at the optimum water content of 11%. For the soft SM subgrade prepared at 20% water content, only one indentation with the tensile strain of 2% was observed. At 2000 kPa, a 450 g/m2 geotextile beneath the GMB reduced the maximum tensile strain from 32% to 23% for GP subgrade, from 16% to 8% for GW subgrade, and from 13% to 6% for SP subgrade; the 1420 g/m2 geotextile reduced the maximum tensile strain to 14% for GP subgrade. Thus, minimal subgrade indentation induced strain and hence the possibility of a very long service life of GMB could be achieved using SM subgrade.
Predicting distribution overlaps betweenDendroctonus adjunctusBlandford 1897 and sixPinusspecies in Mexico under global climate change
Authors: Estrada-Contreras Israel , Ruiz-Montiel Cesar , Ibarra-Zavaleta Sara Patricia , Sánchez-Velásquez Lázaro Rafael , Hoyos-Rivera Guillermo J. , Cristóbal-Salas Alfredo , Bourg Amandine , Pineda-López María Del Rosario
Published: June 2022

Species that coexist nowadays will not necessarily match their distributions in the future due to different climate suitability. The aim of this study was to identify potential distribution areas where the bark beetle Dendroctonus adjunctus and six of its host tree species overlap under different climate change scenarios. Potential distribution maps were built with species presence data using the MaxLike R library. For each projection, we used WorldClim bioclimatic variables, current and future (2050, 2070) condition climate data, two greenhouse gas concentration scenarios (RCP 4.5, RCP 8.5), and three general circulation models. The results show that the projected current potential distribution area of the bark beetle extends over 216 000 km2. This potential distribution range spans across 28 of the 32 Mexican states, eight of which have not yet reported the insect's presence. Of the 72 overlapping maps that we made, the largest covers more than 118 000 km2for Pinus duranguensis, while all future projections show a reduction in spatial coincidence. Given future climatic scenarios, D. adjunctus will probably reach higher altitudinal sites. The information contained in this study can be used to identify areas to prioritize monitoring, management, plant sanitation treatment, and reforestation strategies in Mexican pine forests.
Uptake of PCBs into sediment dwellers and trophic transfer in relation to sediment conditions in the Salish Sea
Authors: Burd Brenda J , Lowe Christopher J , Morales-Caselles Carmen
Published: June 2022

We examined uptake of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into various marine sediment feeders relative to physical and geochemical factors and transfer to higher trophic levels. PCBs exceeding Canadian Council Ministers of the Environment Guidelines by 6–55× were found in industrialized harbours and some near-outfall sediments, indicating ongoing land input. Sediment PCBs were correlated with organic flux and content. Tissue PCBs were >10× sediment PCBs in all samples and highest in Victoria Harbour infauna, suggesting considerable uptake from these extremely contaminated, organically enriched, chronically disturbed sediments. Sediment PCBs were the primary predictor of tissue lipid PCBs followed by %fines. This results in generally higher tissue PCBs in more depositional regions. The lipid/sediment PCBs (uptake rate) declined with increasing sediment PCBs, acid volatile sulfides and benthos biomass turnover. PCB homologue composition did not change with uptake from sediments or at higher trophic levels, suggesting minimal metabolization in tissues. Trophic bio-magnification occurs since lipid PCBs were 2–100× higher in seal blubber than sediment feeders. PCBs were compared with polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) for the same samples. PCBs were highest in industrialized harbours, whereas PBDEs were elevated in harbours but highest near wastewater discharges. This reflects differences in usage history, sediment dynamics, and affinities. PCBs appear to be more bio-accumulative and persistent at higher trophic levels than PBDEs.
Research Advances in Lotus Leaf as Chinese Dietary Herbal Medicine
Authors: Zheng Haoxue , Han Lintao , Shi Wenfeng , Fang Xiaoping , Hong Yi , Cao Yan
Published: June 2022

Lotus leaf (Heye), the dry foliage of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn, has been valuable as a dietary herbal medicine for thousands of years. Phytochemical studies indicated that alkaloids and flavonoids are the main components of Heye. Polysaccharides, terpenes, and amino acids are also active ingredients. The drug properties of Heye are mild and bitter. Meridian tropism is mainly distributed in the liver, spleen, and stomach meridian. In the Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theoretical system, it is in many formulas for the therapy of various symptoms, including wasting-thirst induced by summer heat, diarrhea caused by summer heat-dampness and spleen deficiency, hematochezia, flooding and spotting, among others. Nowadays, the extracts and active components of Heye demonstrate multiple bioactivities, for instance anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, cardiovascular protective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, antiviral, antimicrobial, as well as hemostatic activities. This review will provide an overview of Heye serving as a typical plant with functions of both medicine and food, including its practical applications in terms of TCM and healthy diet, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, together with its toxicity. Besides, the new points and prospects of Heye in the overview are also outlined straightforwardly.
Wogonin Ameliorated Obesity-Induced Lipid Metabolism Disorders and Cardiac Injury via Suppressing Pyroptosis and Deactivating IL-17 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Yin Xiaoling
Published: June 2022

Obesity leads to structural and functional changes in the heart and has become a global burden of disease. Wogonin is a natural flavonoid which possesses cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer properties. However, the effects of wogonin on obesity-induced cardiac injury remain unclear. In this study, the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice model was successfully established. Moreover, HFD induced a fat mass and cardiac injury in mice. More importantly, wogonin treatment reduced fat mass and improved cardiac function of HFD mice. Consistently, wogonin ameliorated myocardial lipid metabolism in HFD-induced obese mice by reducing triglyceride (TC), total cholesterol (TG), and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels in serum, as well as the TG and free fatty acids (FFA) levels in heart tissues. Interestingly, wogonin treatment alleviated myocardial pyroptosis in HFD-induced obese mice. Through bioinformatic analysis, the IL-17 signaling pathway was predicted to be modulated by wogonin. Results showed that wogonin deactivated the IL-17 signaling pathway in HFD mice. These findings suggested that wogonin ameliorated obesity-induced disorders of lipid metabolism and cardiac injury via suppressing pyroptosis and deactivating the IL-17 signaling pathway, which provided a novel therapeutic strategy for HFD-induced cardiac injury.
Modeling the Importation and Local Transmission of Huanglongbing Disease: Bifurcation and Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Zhang Fumin , Qiu Zhipeng , Feng Tao , Dai Yanfei , Fan Guihong
Published: June 2022

Huanglongbing (HLB), primarily transmitted by the citrus psyllid, is the most devastating citrus disease worldwide. Planting disease-free citrus seedlings is one of the significant intervention strategies for HLB. In this paper, a compartment model is used to investigate the importation and local transmission of the disease. Due to the continuous input of the diseased citrus seedlings from outside, the traditional theoretical analysis methods are insufficient to describe and predict its dynamical behaviors based on the analysis determined by the basic reproductive ratio [Formula: see text]. The criteria for the existence and local stability of disease-free and endemic equilibria are deduced. Then a complete theoretical, bifurcation, and sensitivity analyses are carried out on the simplified system. Based on our study, we have the following interesting findings: (a) the importation of diseased citrus seedlings in orchards plays a vital role in the transmission of HLB, and planting disease-free citrus seedlings will effectively inhibit the spread of the disease; (b) the importation of diseased citrus seedlings can affect the stability of the equilibrium of the full system; (c) the simplified system may exhibit some complex dynamic phenomena, such as saddle-node bifurcation, forward bifurcation, backward bifurcation, and bistability; (d) global sensitivity analysis shows that the mortality and biting rate of citrus psyllids have a greater impact on [Formula: see text] than other parameters. These observations provide theoretical guidance for policymakers to determine the long-term viability of implemented HLB intervention strategies.
Asymptotic Properties and Stability Switch of a Delayed-Within-Host-Dengue Infection Model with Mitosis and Immune Response
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Tian Xiaohong
Published: June 2022

In this paper, a delayed-within-host-dengue infection model with mitosis and immune response is analyzed. The basic reproduction number is calculated and a detailed discussion on the local and global dynamics of the model is conducted. By using comparison arguments, it is shown that when the basic reproduction number is less than unity, the infection-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. When the basic reproduction number is greater than unity, the existence of Hopf bifurcation and stability switch at the immunity-activated infection equilibrium of the model with or without delay is established. Furthermore, by means of Lyapunov functional and LaSalle’s invariance principle, sufficient conditions are obtained for the global stability of the immunity-activated infection equilibrium. Numerical simulations are given to illustrate the main theoretical results. The normal form is calculated to analyze some properties of the bifurcation periodic solution when the time delay is absent. Moreover, we carry out sensitivity analysis on basic reproduction number to determine crucial parameters that affect the stability of each of feasible equilibrium.
Analysis of Stochastic Bifurcations in the Eco-Epidemiological Oscillatory Model with Weak Allee Effect
Authors: Bashkirtseva Irina , Perevalova Tatyana
Published: June 2022

An eco-epidemiological model of dynamical interaction of susceptible prey, infected prey, and predator is studied in the presence of the Allee effect and random disturbances. A bifurcation analysis of the deterministic variant of the model versus Allee parameter is carried out. Various regimes of tri-rhythmicity with coexistence of three cycles, or two cycles and one chaotic attractor are revealed. The complication of population dynamics due to stochastic transitions between coexisting oscillatory attractors and order-chaos transformations is studied both numerically and analytically, by the method of confidence ellipsoids and tori. The phenomenon of noise-induced extinction of predator with increasing amplitudes of oscillations for susceptible or infected prey is discussed.
Effects of home-based leg heat therapy on walking performance in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease: a pilot randomized trial
Authors: Monroe Jacob C. , Pae Byung Joon , Kargl Christopher , Gavin Timothy P. , Parker Jason , Perkins Susan M. , Han Yan , Klein Janet , Motaganahalli Raghu L. , Roseguini Bruno T.
Published: June 2022

This is the first sham-controlled trial to examine the effects of home-based leg heat therapy (HT) on walking performance in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). We demonstrate that unsupervised HT using water-circulating trousers is safe, well-tolerated, and elicits meaningful changes in walking ability in patients with symptomatic PAD. This home-based treatment option is practical, painless, and may be a feasible adjunctive therapy to counteract the decline in lower extremity physical function in patients with PAD.
Atomic Marginal Distribution and Squeezing Phenomena of Correlated Two Modes Interacting with a Three-Level Atom in the Presence of an External Classical Field
Authors: Obada A.-S. F. , Khalil E.M. , Sanad S. , Habeba H.F.
Published: June 2022

The influence of the external classical field on a correlated two-mode of the electromagnetic field interacting with a three-level atom in the

Λ

structure is studied. A rotation of the atomic basis is used to remove the classical field terms. The time-dependent wave function is obtained by solving the Schrödinger equation. The influence of the classical field on the phenomenon of revival, collapse, squeezing, and marginal atomic distribution are discussed. In our analysis, the cavity field is prepared in the entangled pair coherent states and the atomic system in the upper state. The results showed that the occupation of the atomic level is significantly affected by the addition of the classical field. The presence of the classical field reduces the squeezing intervals and the extreme values of the atomic marginal distribution.
Analysis of Data Interaction Process Based on Data Mining and Neural Network Topology Visualization
Authors: Dai Nina
Published: June 2022

This paper addresses data mining and neural network model construction and analysis to design a data interaction process model based on data mining and topology visualization. This paper performs preprocessing data operations such as data filtering and cleaning of the collected data. A typical multichannel convolutional neural network (MCNN) in deep learning techniques is applied to alert students’ academic performance. In addition, the network topology of the CNN is optimized to improve the performance of the model. The CNN has many hyperparameters that need to be tuned to construct an optimal model that can effectively interact with the data. In this paper, we propose a method to visualize the network topology within unstable regions to address the current problem of lacking an effective way to layout the network topology into specified areas. The technique transforms the network topology layout problem within the unstable region into a circular topology diffusion problem within a convex polygon, ensuring a clear, logical topology connection, and dramatically reducing the gaps in the area, making the layout more uniform beautiful. This paper constructs a real-time data interaction model based on JSON format and database triggers using message queues for reliable delivery. A platform-based real-time data interaction solution is designed by combining the timer method with the original key. The solution designed in this paper considers the real-time accuracy, security and reliability of data interaction. It satisfies the platform’s initial and newly discovered requirements for data interaction.
The Impact of the “Belt and Road” Initiative on Tourism Economic Development in Chinese Regions along the Route—An Empirical Analysis Based on DID Model
Authors: Colak Alaaddin , Lu Yuyang
Published: June 2022

As an important component of modern service industry, tourism is regarded as a “green” driver to regional economic growth and industrial upgrading. Applying the “quasi‐natural experiment” advocated by the “The Belt and Road” initiative, this paper, based on the method of DID, assessed the influence of this initiative on regional tourism development by analyzing panel data collected from 286 prefecture‐level cities in China over the period of 2007–2018. It is found that the “The Belt and Road” initiative has stimulated market dynamics and promoted tourism development in the regions along the route and has significantly improved indicators such as per capita domestic and inbound tourism revenue and per capita domestic and inbound tourist receipt. Also, the degree of contribution of domestic tourists to the tourism economy of the regions where the policy has been implemented is stronger than that of inbound tourists. In sum, the results of this paper not only confirm that the “The Belt and Road” initiative has significantly contributed to the high‐quality tourism development of Chinese provinces along the routes but also provide important policy enlightenment for the upgrading of regional tourism industry and regional economic balance.
Thermal Inactivation of Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes in Quesillo Manufactured from Raw Milk
Authors: Márquez-González Mayra , Osorio Luis F. , Velásquez-Moreno Carmen G. , García-Lira Alvaro G.
Published: June 2022

Quesillo is an artisanal Honduran cheese made from raw milk. During fabrication, curd melting is considered a killing step for pathogenic bacteria. This work was aimed at determining the survival of Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes on inoculated curd packaged in plastic bags and immersed in a water bath at 48, 54, 60, 65, and 70°C for predetermined times. Survival counts of each pathogen were used to estimateDvalues by linear regression, andzvalues were estimated by the linear regression of theDvalues. S. entericaDvalues ranged from 4.5 min at 60°C to 0.80 min at 70°C (z=10.7°C). For L. monocytogenes,Dvalues ranged from 6.08 min at 60°C to 0.90 min at 70°C (z=11.3°C). Validation of 7-log reduction was performed on inoculated curd heated at 65°C for 34.7 min, and recovering enrichment procedures were used for each pathogen. Neither S. enterica nor L. monocytogenes cells were recovered after the enrichment of samples. The results obtained in this study could be applied by Honduran quesillo processors to improve the safety of their products.
Autonomous Robotic Manipulation: Real-Time, Deep-Learning Approach for Grasping of Unknown Objects
Authors: Sayour Malak H. , Kozhaya Sharbel E. , Saab Samer S.
Published: June 2022

Recent advancement in vision-based robotics and deep-learning techniques has enabled the use of intelligent systems in a wider range of applications requiring object manipulation. Finding a robust solution for object grasping and autonomous manipulation became the focus of many engineers and is still one of the most demanding problems in modern robotics. This paper presents a full grasping pipeline proposing a real-time data-driven deep-learning approach for robotic grasping of unknown objects using MATLAB and convolutional neural networks. The proposed approach employs RGB-D image data acquired from an eye-in-hand camera centering the object of interest in the field of view using visual servoing. Our approach aims at reducing propagation errors and eliminating the need for complex hand tracking algorithm, image segmentation, or 3D reconstruction. The proposed approach is able to efficiently generate reliable multi-view object grasps regardless of the geometric complexity and physical properties of the object in question. The proposed system architecture enables simple and effective path generation and a real-time tracking control. In addition, our system is modular, reliable, and accurate in both end effector path generation and control. We experimentally justify the efficacy and effectiveness of our overall system on the Barrett Whole Arm Manipulator.
Soil Deformation around a Cylindrical Cavity under Drained Conditions: Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Mabe Fogang Pieride , Liu Yang , Zhao Jiale , Azeuda Ndonfack Kevin Igor
Published: June 2022

This paper proposes analytical solutions to the soil deformation around a cylindrical cavity under drained conditions. Analytical procedures are used to predict the degree of interaction between cavities and ground surface loads based on mathematical theorems. The stresses applied at the boundary condition induce the ground motions around the cylindrical cavity wall. Additionally, the Airy stresses are obtained through mathematical derivatives and integrations by combining the Fourier analysis test with the Navier equations. Next, we established a schematic representation of the horizontal and vertical displacement related to the corrective shear model to obtain insight into the intensity and directions of ground stresses. The resulting transformations include displacement, shear, and deviatoric stresses applied to the cylindrical cavity wall. These data can be used as input parameters for numerical simulations to alternatively solve the groundmass redistribution problems and calibrate the horizontal stress of drained soil conditions.