bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cannibalism and synchrony in seabird egg‐laying behavior
Authors: Nurhan Yosia I. , Henson Shandelle M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDuring years of high sea surface temperature, food resources for glaucous‐winged gulls (Larus glaucescens) are scarce. In response, male gulls cannibalize the eggs of neighbors. When this occurs, female gulls in dense areas of the colony adopt a tactic of egg‐laying synchrony, in which they lay eggs synchronously on an every‐other‐day schedule. Field observations show that the first‐laid egg of each clutch is the most likely to be cannibalized. In this paper, we analyzed a discrete‐time model of egg‐laying behavior that tracks egg order in the nest. Using Jury conditions, we found that the equilibrium destabilizes into a two‐cycle as colony density (nests per unit area) increases through a critical value, and that the two‐cycle becomes increasingly synchronous as density increases further. We demonstrated that more eggs survive cannibalism in synchronous colonies than in nonsynchronous colonies.Recommendations for Resource ManagersIn colonial gulls, increased egg cannibalism and every‐other‐day egg‐laying synchrony are two behavioral consequences of rising sea surface temperature.As nest density (nests per unit area) increases, equilibrium egg laying destabilizes into increasingly synchronous two‐cycles.More eggs survive cannibalism in synchronous colonies than in nonsynchronous colonies.
Association of reduced maternal sHLA‐G5 isoform levels and elevated TNF‐α/IL‐4 cytokine ratio with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A study on South Indian women
Authors: Madduru Dhatri , Dirsipam Kethora , Goli Mahalakshmi , Ramana Devi Venkata , Jahan Parveen 
Published: August 2021

AbstractInflammation is of critical importance in successful implantation during pregnancy. However, the establishment of maternal immune tolerance towards semi‐allograft foetus is more exigent and is achieved predominantly by human leukocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) isoforms with a special emphasis on soluble HLA‐G5 (sHLA‐G5). Constant inflammation and lack of resolution by anti‐inflammatory milieu, due to aberrant expression of critical immunoregulatory molecules such as sHLA‐G5 and dysfunctional T helper cells 1 and 2 (Th1‐Th2) cytokine shift, can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes including recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Serum samples of 270 pregnant women (135 healthy parous and 135 with a history of RPL) were evaluated for the concentrations of sHLA‐G5, interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) using sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and found elevated levels of sHLA‐G5 and IL‐4 in controls and higher TNF‐α levels and TNF‐α:IL‐4 ratio in patients (P < .05). Stratified data analysis based on the time of sample collection, that is the first and second trimesters exhibited higher sHLA‐G5 and IL‐4 in both first and second trimesters in controls than patients, while they displayed lower levels concerning TNF‐α and TNF‐α:IL‐4 ratio (P < .05). However, within patients and controls in the first or second trimesters, there was a significant variation concerning sHLA‐G5 alone. Further, the outcome of pregnancies studied in the present investigation revealed a significant elevation in sHLA‐G5 levels among women with successful pregnancies compared with women who experienced pregnancy loss, therefore, concluding the potential application of sHLA‐G5 isoform as a marker in assisting improved pregnancy outcomes.
Volatile terpenes – mediators of plant‐to‐plant communication
Authors: Rosenkranz Maaria , Chen Yuanyuan , Zhu Peiyuan , Vlot A. Corina 
Published: August 2021

SUMMARYPlants interact with other organisms employing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The largest group of plant‐released VOCs are terpenes, comprised of isoprene, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes. Mono‐ and sesquiterpenes are well‐known communication compounds in plant–insect interactions, whereas the smallest, most commonly emitted terpene, isoprene, is rather assigned a function in combating abiotic stresses. Recently, it has become evident that different volatile terpenes also act as plant‐to‐plant signaling cues. Upon being perceived, specific volatile terpenes can sensitize distinct signaling pathways in receiver plant cells, which in turn trigger plant innate immune responses. This vastly extends the range of action of volatile terpenes, which not only protect plants from various biotic and abiotic stresses, but also convey information about environmental constraints within and between plants. As a result, plant–insect and plant–pathogen interactions, which are believed to influence each other through phytohormone crosstalk, are likely equally sensitive to reciprocal regulation via volatile terpene cues. Here, we review the current knowledge of terpenes as volatile semiochemicals and discuss why and how volatile terpenes make good signaling cues. We discuss how volatile terpenes may be perceived by plants, what are possible downstream signaling events in receiver plants, and how responses to different terpene cues might interact to orchestrate the net plant response to multiple stresses. Finally, we discuss how the signal can be further transmitted to the community level leading to a mutually beneficial community‐scale response or distinct signaling with near kin.
Observer-Based Stabilization of Linear Discrete Time-VaryingDelay Systems
Authors: Venkatesh M. , Patra Sourav , Ray Goshaidas 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This paper presents the design of an observer-based stabilizing controller for linear discrete-time systems subject to interval time-varying state-delay. In this work, the problem has been formulated in convex optimization framework by constructing a new Lyapunov–Krasovskii (LK) functional to derive delay-dependent stabilization criteria. The summation inequality and the extended reciprocally convex inequality are exploited to obtain a less conservative delay upper bound in linear matrix inequality (LMI) framework. The derived stability conditions are delay-dependent and thus ensure global asymptotic stability in presence of any time-delay less than the obtained delay upper bound. Numerical examples are included to demonstrate the usefulness of the developed results.
A Numerical Model for the Analysis of the Locomotion of a Cownose Ray
Authors: Bianchi Giovanni , Cinquemani Simone , Schito Paolo , Resta Ferruccio 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Among all aquatic species, mantas and rays swim by flapping their pectoral fins; this motion is similar to other fishes in terms of efficiency, but it gives better maneuverability and agility in turning. The fin's motion is featured by a traveling wave going opposite to the forward motion, producing a force thanks to momentum conservation. This article aims at understanding the swimming dynamics of rays, focusing on energy efficiency. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the swimming motion of a cownose ray has been implemented in openfoam, simulating the acceleration of the fish from still to the steady-state velocity using an overset mesh. In this analysis, the one degree-of-freedom dynamics of forward swimming is solved together with the fluid velocity and pressure. The effect of frequency and wavelength of fin motion on thrust, power, and velocity has been investigated and an analysis of the vortices in the wake showed has been performed. The energy efficiency of a self-propelled body has been defined in a novel way and it has been calculated for different motion conditions. The results showed that batoid fishes swim with high energy efficiency and that they are a promising source of inspiration for biomimetic autonomous underwater vehicles.
Flow and Energy Loss Downstream of Rectangular Sharp-Crested Weirs for Free and Submerged Flows
Authors: Amin Mahmud R. , Rajaratnam Nallamuthu , Zhu David Z. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This work presents an analytical study of the flow and energy loss immediately downstream of rectangular sharp-crested weirs for free and submerged flows, using the theory of plane turbulent jets and the analysis of some relevant studies. The flow regimes downstream of the sharp-crested weir is characterized as the impinging jet and surface flow regimes. Based on the flow characteristics and the downstream tailwater depths, each flow regime is further classified, and the relative energy loss equation is developed. It is found that significant energy loss occurs for the regime of supercritical flow and the upper stage of impinging jet flow. The energy loss for the submerged flow regime is minimal.
Rheological and Biophysical Properties of Living Fluids Under Shear: Active Suspensions ofSynechocystissp. CPCC 534
Authors: Mehdizadeh Allaf Malihe , Habib Zahra , de Bruyn John R. , DeGroot Christopher T. , Peerhossaini Hassan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this study, we focus on the response of biological, rheological, and physical properties of dilute suspensions of cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. CPCC 534 to shear induced by stirring. Experiments were carried out at three different stirring rates in well-controlled conditions, and the results are compared with stationary conditions where only molecular diffusion and cell motility govern the transport phenomena and cell growth. Our results show that the growth, biomass, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid production of Synechocystis sp. under various shear conditions were improved significantly, and the yield was nearly doubled. The viscosity of Synechocystis suspensions, subjected to different shear rates, was also measured. The data showed Newtonian behavior for suspensions at different cell concentrations. Cell concentration showed a noticeable increase in the viscosity of suspensions. However, we observed that this increase was smaller than the one predicted for a suspension of hard spheres. Addition of shear to the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. culture demonstrated a positive impact on the production of value-added products from the micro-organism. The obtained results can be used to improve the bioreactor design for better productivity.
Establishing an Acceptance Criteria for Assessing Fatigue of Additive Repair Processes
Authors: Scott-Emuakpor Onome , Sheridan Luke , Beck Joseph , Runyon Brian , George Tommy 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Criteria for assessing high cycle fatigue (HCF) capability is important for transitioning additive repair technologies to turbine engine applications. By studying the fatigue results of two laser directed energy deposition additive manufacturing repairs on airfoil representative Titanium 6Al-4V coupons, acceptable HCF results for repairs can be determined by observing the confidence in predicted values and the reliability of the empirical data compared to baseline results. The following document details the steps and philosophies behind fabricating coupons that capture the repair capability. Furthermore, regression analysis as well as investigations of dataset distribution, fractography, and microscopy are necessary for instilling confidence in the understanding of repair fatigue behavior. The findings in this work provide a decision gate with quantifiable metrics for advancing novel repair techniques.
A Novel Package-Integrated Cyclone Cooler for the Thermal Management of Power Electronics
Authors: Miorini Rinaldo , Sharar Darin , Gowda Arun , Hoel Cathleen , Whalen Bryan , de Bock Peter 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In order for electronics packaging power density to increase, innovations and improvements in heat transfer are required. Electrification of transportation has the potential for significant fuel and energy savings. Changing to an electrified drive train requires reliable and efficient power electronics to provide power conversion between alternating current motors and direct current energy storage. For high power transportation systems like aircrafts or heavy vehicles, the power density of power electronics needs to be improved. Power density is also an enabler for high power military devices that must be used and transported via air, ground, and sea. This paper summarizes the outcome of a collaborative and multidisciplinary research effort aimed at co-designing a novel electronics cooling device that utilizes two-phase fluid flow. Two-phase flow cooling has been known for decades as well as the risks associated with it: critical heat flux (CHF), dry-out, and thermal runaway. Our research de-risks the two-phase cooling technology by swirling the flow to remove the bubbles from the wall and confining them at the core of the cooler. The combined effects of gas phase removal, enhanced nucleation, and dramatic liquid film agitation and rupture have been quantified by our experiments: double the heat transfer coefficient with only 13% increase in pressure drop. Besides advanced fluid-dynamics, our Package-Integrated Cyclone Cooler (PICCO) utilizes cutting edge packaging and additive manufacturing technology such as direct deposition of a metal substrate and circuits (dies) on a complex helical cooler that can only be manufactured via three-dimensional printing. By co-designing and testing the cooler, we have quantified the impact of the swirled flow on the junction temperature with respect to a conventional (non-swirl) two-phase-flow-cooled power electronics package. At steady-state, our post-test thermal simulations predict a junction temperature reduction from 185 °C to 75 °C at the same power dissipation. When the heat load is unsteady (United States Environmental Protection Agency Urban Drive Cycle), the junction temperature reduction is 140 °C to 60 °C.
Investigation of the Thermal Performance of Energy Tunnel Equipped with the Insulation Layer Considering Ventilation and Groundwater Seepage
Authors: Zhang Guozhu , Cao Ziming , Zhao Xu , Xie Yongli , Liu Xiaohua , Cao Shiding 
Published: August 2021

The insulation layer is usually installed in the tunnel structure, whereas the influence of the insulation layer on the thermal behavior of energy tunnel ground heat exchangers (GHEs) is rarely investigated. The model tests were performed in this study to evaluate the heat transfer potential of the energy tunnel with the insulation layer under ventilation and groundwater seepage. The results can be obtained as follows: first, the fluctuations of air temperature and surrounding rock temperature at different locations are relevant to insulation layer, ventilation, and groundwater seepage. Second, the reduction effect of ventilation on the interface temperature of tunnel lining and surrounding rock is alleviated when using an insulation layer, and the interface temperature at upstream section of groundwater seepage is more easily affected by the energy tunnel GHEs. Third, the variation range of ground temperature is wider at the downstream section of groundwater flow. Moreover, the heat exchange rates of tunnel without the insulation layer improve by 5.82% and 6.45% with increasing wind speed at two groundwater flow velocities of

1
×

10

−
4

and

5
×

10

−
4

m/s, and there are only 2.03% and 0.77% enhancements of heat exchange rates by ventilation for the tunnel with the insulation layer. However, the thermal performance of the energy tunnel improved by groundwater is less relevant to the existence of the insulation layer. The relevant findings can provide an effective guidance for the following research and design of the energy tunnel.
Clinical characteristics and a decision tree model to predict death outcome in severe COVID-19 patients
Authors: Yang Qiao , Li Jixi , Zhang Zhijia , Wu Xiaocheng , Liao Tongquan , Yu Shiyong , You Zaichun , Hou Xianhua , Ye Jun , Liu Gang , Ma Siyuan , Xie Ganfeng , Zhou Yi , Li Mengxia , Wu Meihui , Feng Yimei , Wang Weili , Li Lufeng , Xie Dongjing , Hu Yunhui , Liu Xi , Wang Bin , Zhao Songtao , Li Li , Luo Chunmei , Tang Tang , Wu Hongmei , Hu Tianyu , Yang Guangrong , Luo Bangyu , Li Lingchen , Yang Xiu , Li Qi , Xu Zhi , Wu Hao , Sun Jianguo 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreads rapidly among people and causes a pandemic. It is of great clinical significance to identify COVID-19 patients with high risk of death.

Methods
A total of 2169 adult COVID-19 patients were enrolled from Wuhan, China, from February 10th to April 15th, 2020. Difference analyses of medical records were performed between severe and non-severe groups, as well as between survivors and non-survivors. In addition, we developed a decision tree model to predict death outcome in severe patients.

Results
Of the 2169 COVID-19 patients, the median age was 61 years and male patients accounted for 48%. A total of 646 patients were diagnosed as severe illness, and 75 patients died. An older median age and a higher proportion of male patients were found in severe group or non-survivors compared to their counterparts. Significant differences in clinical characteristics and laboratory examinations were found between severe and non-severe groups, as well as between survivors and non-survivors. A decision tree, including three biomarkers, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein and lactic dehydrogenase, was developed to predict death outcome in severe patients. This model performed well both in training and test datasets. The accuracy of this model were 0.98 in both datasets.

Conclusion
We performed a comprehensive analysis of COVID-19 patients from the outbreak in Wuhan, China, and proposed a simple and clinically operable decision tree to help clinicians rapidly identify COVID-19 patients at high risk of death, to whom priority treatment and intensive care should be given.
Fat-suppressed T2 mapping of human knee femoral articular cartilage: comparison with conventional T2 mapping
Authors: Kim Bo Ram , Yoo Hye Jin , Chae Hee-Dong , Hong Sung Hwan , Choi Ja-Young 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
There is paucity of studies applying fat suppressed (FS) technique to T2 mapping to overcome chemical shift artifacts. The purpose of the study is to difference between FS T2 and conventional T2 mapping and reproducibility of FS T2 mapping in the femoral articular cartilage.

Methods
Eighteen patients who had normal-looking femoral cartilage and underwent knee MRI with conventional T2 and FS T2 mapping were included. T2 values of each mapping were measured by two readers independently from nine regions in the medial femoral condyle (MFC) and lateral femoral condyle (LFC). Each anatomical region was divided by lines at ± 10°, 30°, 50°, 70°, 90°, and 110°. Comparisons of T2 values between conventional and FS T2 mapping were statistically analyzed. The T2 values between FS and conventional T2 mapping in the anterior, central and posterior femoral condyles were compared.

Results
The overall femoral condyle T2 values from the FS T2 map were significantly lower than those from the conventional T2 map (48.5ms vs. 51.0ms, p < 0.001). The differences in the T2 values between the two maps were significantly different among the three divisions of the LFC (p = 0.009) and MFC (p = 0.031). The intra-class correlation coefficients indicated higher agreement in the FS T2 map than in the conventional T2 map (0.943 vs. 0.872).

Conclusions
The T2 values of knee femoral cartilage are significantly lower on FS T2 mapping than on conventional T2 mapping. FS T2 mapping is a more reproducible method for evaluating knee femoral cartilage.
Coronary risk reduction intervention for siblings and offspring of patients with premature coronary heart disease: the CRISO study protocol for a randomised controlled pilot study
Authors: Mifsud Justin Lee , Stephenson John , Astin Felicity , Galea Joseph 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Research has consistently demonstrated that preventive cardiology programs have limited success, and healthy practices among high-risk individuals remain suboptimal. Furthermore, there are no current programmes in Malta that offer support to first-degree relatives of patients with premature coronary heart disease. This internal pilot study will determine the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of a preventative intervention.

Methods/design
We are conducting a 12-month single-centre, two-armed group randomised controlled trial (RCT), recruiting a sample of 100 asymptomatic first-degree relatives of patients with premature coronary heart disease (CHD). The study seeks to test an evidence-based intervention to reduce modifiable risk and determine its feasibility and acceptability. The Intervention will be delivered at an outpatient office based in a large acute academic hospital. It will comprise risk communication using an online risk calculator, a counselling style adapted from motivational interviewing, and 12 weekly telephone goal reinforcement calls (3 months). Control subjects will receive verbal lifestyle advice only. Feasibility will be assessed through recruitment and retention. Qualitative evaluation interviews will be conducted with a subsample of 24 purposefully selected participants at 12 months. Assessment for risk factor changes will be measured at pre-intervention and 6 and 12 months. Associations between variables will also be assessed descriptively.

Discussion
Preventive cardiology guidelines highlighted the importance of lifestyle interventions, and lifestyle intervention adherence was proven to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, regardless of the individual's genetic risk. Preventive cardiology programmes may fail to adequately support persons in modifying risky behaviours, and research demonstrates that healthy practices among high-risk individuals can remain suboptimal.
Siblings and offspring of patients with premature CHD are at increased risk of ASCVD. Despite this, there is no process in place for routine screening and support to modify risk. It is hypothesised that participants assigned to the intervention arm will show more cardio-protective lifestyle-related improvement from the baseline than those in the control group. To date, this is the first trial being conducted amongst Maltese first-degree relatives. This study addresses the needed research, and the results will inform a definitive trial.
The funding institution is the University of Malta.

Trial registration
ISRCTN, ISRCTN21559170; Registered 06/08/2020,