bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance Investigation of The Bed Adsorption of An Adsorption Desalination Using CFD Simulation
Authors: Bakhshandeh Mohamad Hossein , Zarei Taleb , Khorshidi Jamshid 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
One of the critical elements of an adsorption desalination system is the adsorption bed. System dynamics of a 2-bed single-stage silica gel plus water-based AD system was analyzed. A great pattern is expanded using energy conservation and mass connected with the kinetics of the ad- sorption/desorption process. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling was handled for simulation of the adsorption process for a rectangular finned tube-based adsorption bed featured with silica gel adsorbent substance. For the simulation, the adsorbents were considered as a solid volume with defined porosity based on Darcy equation. The adsorption and desorption mode of the adsorption bed was simulated. The CFD techniques were then applied to study fin thickness and fin height. The results showed that decreasing the fin thickness increased the water uptake by up to 8% and decreased the fin height from 30mm to 20mm, which resulted in an increase of the water uptake up to 17%. The CFD technique was also used to investigate the effect of plate type on the adsorption bed performance. The results showed that the copper plate improved the water uptake up to 9%. The copper plate decreased the temperature of the adsorption bed up to 11% more than the aluminum plate.
Current Status of Black-Necked Crane Grus Nigricollis in Southern Xinjiang China: Conservation Implications
Authors: Turghan Mardan Aghabey , Buzzard Paul Jason , Maming Roller 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we update the status of Black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis) in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China where it has hardly been recorded. We report on research in Southern Xinjiang，mainly in Altun (Arjin in Chinese) and Kunlun Mountain ranges and their adjacent areas, including part of Pamir Plateau and the southern edge of Lop Nur Basin. Black-necked cranes were observed in seven counties, by direct observation in 2010 to 2017, and we deduced that 180-220 individuals of the species inhabited Kunlun and Altun Mountains and the surrounding areas. 137 cranes, the largest population, were recorded in the autumn migration season in the Altun Mountain Nature Reserve in 2013. The most recent record of Black-necked cranes in the Lop Nur Basin ( N 40°19', E 91°58', alt. 790 m) was observed on May 2010 would be the northernmost distribution location with the lowest latitude and extreme arid environment．
Warm Perches: A Novel Approach For Reducing Cold Stress Effect on Production, Plasma Hormones, and Immunity in Laying Hens
Authors: Hu Jiaying , Cheng Heng Wei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Cold temperature is a common environmental stressor that has a great impact on the poultry industries, inducing pathophysiological stress in birds with profound economic losses. Current methods used for preventing cold stress, such as reducing ventilation and using gas heaters, are facing challenges due to poor indoor air quality and its deleterious effects on bird and caretaker health. The aim of this study was to examine if the novelly designed warmed perch system, as a thermal device, can reduce cold stress-associated adverse effects on laying hens. Methods: Seventy-two 32-week-old DeKalb hens were randomly assigned to 36 cages arranged to 3 banks. The banks were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: cages with warmed perches (WP; perches with circulating water at 30 oC), air perches (AP, regular perches only) or no perches (NP) for a 21- day trial. The room temperature was set at 10 oC during the entire experimental period. Rectal temperature and body weight were measured from the same bird of each cage at day 1, 8, 15, and 21 during the cold exposure. Egg production was recorded daily. Feed intake, egg and eggshell quality were determined during the 1st and 3rd week of cold stress. Plasma levels of corticosterone, thyroid hormones (3, 3’, 5-triiodothyronine and thyroxine), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10, were determined at day 1 and 21 post initiation of cold exposure. Results: Compared to both AP and NP hens, WP hens were able to maintain their body temperature without increasing feed intake and losing body weight. The eggs laid by WP hens had thicker eggshell during the 3rd week of cold exposure. Warmed perch hens also had a lower thyroxine conversion rate (3, 3’, 5-triiodothyronine/thyroxine) at day 1, while higher plasma concentrations of IL-6 at day 21. Plasma levels of corticosterone, 3, 3’, 5-triiodothyronine, and IL-10 were not different among treatments. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the warmed perch system can be used as a novel thermal device for preventing cold stress-induced negative effects on hen health and welfare through regulating innate immunity and metabolic hormonal homeostasis.
A Simple Analysis of Texture Induced Friction Reduction Based on Surface Roughness Ratio
Authors: Ye Jiaxin , Xuan Jiazhou , Qiao Yongliang , Zhang Yifan , Zhang Haiyang , Xu Jimin , Liu Xiaojun , Liu Kun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The effect of surface texture on friction reduction under fluid lubrication has been broadly acknowledged in the tribology community. However, the lack of understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains a challenge for the advancement of textured enhanced lubrication. Numerous models have been proposed, but they are almost all based on the hydrodynamic effect alone and have proven cumbersome, system specific and unreflective of the beneficial secondary lubrication provided by the residual lubricants within the texture. This paper presents a simple analysis of texture induced friction reduction based on the actual liquid-solid interface area and the secondary lubrication hypothesis. A simple model based on the surface roughness ratio (the ratio between the actual and projected solid surface area) of the textured surface was proposed which 1) is simple, intuitive, quantitative and sensitive to texture shape and area fraction; 2) directly reflects proposed secondary lubrication mechanisms; 3) reflects the general data trend in the collected literature. By focusing on the variations of key texture parameters, the proposed model combined with a sampling of independent studies in literature has demonstrated that 1) the effect of increased pit depth-to-diameter ratio (d/D) on friction reduction is most significant between 0.01 and 0.2; 2) further increase in d/D only marginally affects the friction coefficient; 3) texture’s area fraction plays a much weaker role than the depth/diameter ratio in friction reduction. By quantitatively isolating the secondary lubrication effects, this model may help to link disparate studies in the literature while providing defensible quantitative insights into texture induced lubrication mechanisms.
A Highly Contiguous Genome Assembly of a Major Forest Pest, the Eurasian Spruce Bark Beetle Ips Typographus
Authors: Powell Daniel , Grosse-Wilde Ewald , Krokene Paal , Roy Amit , Chakraborty Amrita , Vogel Heiko , Löfstedt Christer , Andersson Martin , Schlyter Fredrik 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Conifer-feeding bark beetles are important herbivores and decomposers in forest ecosystems. These species have evolved specializations to complete their life cycle in nutritionally poor wooden substrates and some can overwhelm tree defences and kill enormous numbers of trees during population outbreaks. The Eurasian spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) is one tree-killing species; during a recent epidemic it destroyed >100 million m3 of spruce in a single year. We report a 236 Mb, highly contiguous I. typographus genome assembly using PacBio long-read sequencing. The final phased assembly had a contig N50 of 6.65 Mb in 272 contigs and was predicted to contain 23,923 protein-coding genes. Comparative genomic analysis including 11 additional coleopterans revealed expanded gene families associated with plant cell wall degradation, including pectinases, aspartyl proteases, and glycosyl hydrolases. This first whole-genome sequence from the genus Ips provides timely resources to address important questions about the evolutionary biology of the true weevils (Curculionidae), one of the most species-rich animal families. This resource will also allow for improved studies of functional genomics of both fundamental and applied value. In forests of today, increasingly stressed by global warming, this draft genome may ultimately assist in developing novel pest control strategies to mitigate outbreaks.
Landslide Hazard Assessment Based on Bayesian Optimization-Support Vector Machine in Nanping City, China
Authors: Xie Wei , Nie Wen , Saffari Pooya , Robledo Luis F. , Descote Pierre-Yves , Jian Wenbin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Landslide hazard assessment is critical for preventing and mitigating landslide disasters. The tuning of model hyperparameters is of great importance to the accuracy and precision of one landslide hazard assessment model. In this study, Bayesian Optimization (BO) method was used to tune the hyperparameters of Support Vector Machine (SVM) model to obtain a high accuracy landslide hazard zoning map. 1711 historical landslide disaster points were obtained as landslide inventory in a case of Nanping City landslide hazard assessment. A total of 12 factors including elevation, slope, aspect, curvature, lithology, soil type, soil erosion, rainfall, river, land use, highway, and railway were selected as landslide conditional factors. The multicollinearity diagnosis was performed on factors using the Spearman correlation coefficient. 1711 landslides and 1711 non-landslides were collected as the dataset and divided into the same number of training dataset and testing dataset. The confusion matrix and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to verify the models. The results of confusion matrix accuracy and the area under ROC curve (AUC) showed that BO-SVM (89.53%, 97%) performed better than only SVM (84.91%, 0.93), which indicated the superiority of the proposed method during this study.
Isolation and Characterization of Urine Microvesicles from Prostate Cancer Patients: Different Approaches, Different Visions
Authors: García-Flores María , Sánchez-López Christian M. , Ramírez-Calvo Marta , Fernández-Serra Antonio , Marcilla Antonio , López-Guerrero José Antonio 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundBecause of their specific and biologically relevant cargo, urine extracellular vesicles (EVs) constitute a valuable source of potential non-invasive biomarkers that could support the clinical decision-making to improve the management of prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Different EV isolation methods differ in terms of complexity and yield, conditioning, as consequence, the analytical result. MethodsThe aim of this study was to compare three different isolation methods for urine EVs: ultracentrifugation (UC), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and a commercial kit (Exolute® Urine Kit). Urine samples were collected from 6 PCa patients and 4 healthy donors (HDs). After filtered through 0.22 µm filters, urine was divided in 3 equal volumes to perform EVs isolation with each of the three approaches. Isolated EVs were characterized by spectrophotometric protein quantification, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), AlphaScreen Technology, and whole miRNA Transcriptome. ResultsOur results showed that UC and SEC provided better results in terms of EVs yield and purity than Exolute®, non-significant differences were observed in terms of EV-size. Interestingly, luminescent AlphaScreen assay demonstrated a significant enrichment of CD9 and CD63 positive microvesicles in SEC and UC methods compared with Exolute®. This heterogeneity was also demonstrated in terms of miRNA content indicating that the best correlation was observed between UC and SEC. ConclusionsOur study highlights the importance of standardizing the urine EV isolation methods to guaranty the analytical reproducibility necessary for their implementation in a clinical setting.
RT001 in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy—Clinical and In-Vitro Observations.
Authors: Angelova Plamena , Andruska Kristin , Midei Mark G. , Barilani Mario , Atwal Paldeep , Tucher Oliver , Milner Peter , Heerinckx Frederic , Shchepinov Misha S. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background: Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a progressive movement disorder associated with lipid peroxidation and intracerebral accumulation of tau. RT001 is a deuterium reinforced isotopologue of linoleic acid that prevents lipid peroxidation (LPO) through the kinetic isotope effect. Methods: The effects of RT001 pre-treatment on various oxidative and bioenergetic parameters were evaluated in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) derived from patients with PSP compared to controls. In parallel, 3 patients with PSP were treated with RT001 and followed clinically. Results: MSCs derived from PSP patients had a significantly higher rate of LPO (161.8 ± 8.2% of control; p<0.001). A 72-hour incubation with RT001 restored the PSP MSCs to normal levels. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction in PSP-MSCs significantly decreased the level of GSH compared to control MSCs (to 56% and 47% of control; p<0.05). Incubation with RT001 significantly increased level of GSH in PSP MSCs. The level of mitochondrial DNA in the cells was significantly lower in PSP-MSCs (67.5%), compared to control MSCs. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, size, and shape were also observed.Three subjects with possible or probable PSP were treated with RT001 for a mean duration of 26 months. The slope of the PSPRS changed from the historical decline of 0.91 points/month to a mean of decline of 0.16 points/month (+/- 0.23 SEM). The UPDRS slope changed from an expected increase of 0.95 points/month to an average increase in score of 0.28 points/month (+/- 0.41 SEM).Conclusions: MSCs derived from patients with PSP have elevated basal levels of LPO, ROS, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings are reversed after incubation with RT001. In PSP patients, the progression of disease may be reduced by treatment with RT001.
Complex Seasonal and Day-to-day Movements of an Alpine Passerine May Act as an Insurance Against Environmental Variability
Authors: Barras Arnaud Gian , Liechti Felix , Arlettaz Raphaël 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Mountains naturally offer very contrasted habitat conditions, but their biodiversity is nowadays facing the extra challenge of adapting to rapid environmental shifts that are much more pronounced than in the lowlands. Among the possible adaptive responses of wildlife, intra- and inter-seasonal movements represent an important coping strategy that remains largely unexplored. We investigated the seasonal and day-to-day movements of the ring ouzel Turdus torquatus, a European mountain bird species that declines in many parts of its distribution. We tracked individuals breeding in the Swiss Alps using geolocators, multi-sensor loggers and GPS. Of the birds traced to their non-breeding quarters, two thirds reached the Atlas Mountains while one third stayed in Spain, a region potentially more significant for overwintering than previously thought. The birds remained mostly above 1000 m throughout the annual cycle, highlighting a strict association of ring ouzels with mountain habitats. We also evidenced daily transhumance, especially upon spring arrival on the breeding grounds, which provides some noticeable behavioural flexibility, i.e. adaptative potential in response to environmental variation. This study shows how modern technology can deliver deeper insights into animal movements, paving the way for refined assessments of species vulnerability to ongoing global change while providing basic conservation guidance.
Multifunctional Composite Film Based on Biodegradable Grape Skin and Polyvinyl Alcohol
Authors: Qiu Zhe , Niu Weidong , Wang Shuo , Yu Fanjun , Yu Yang , Fan Jing , Zheng Longhong , Wang Yonggui , Xiao Zefang , Xie Yanjun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In winemaking, large amounts of grape skin (GS) are produced as by-products, which contain not only abundant degradable cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin but various functional polyphenols. In contrast to most studies focusing on the utilization of extractives, the current study investigates the use of an ultrasonicated grape skin (UGS) containing all components to develop a multifunctional composite film. Owing to dissociation during ultrasonication, all GS components were well dispersed in water to obtain the UGS suspension. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the celluloses were successfully transformed into cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), which can improve the uniformity of the composite film. Subsequently, biodegradable and multifunctional composite films were fabricated by combining the UGS and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The UGS and PVA formed a good interface owing to strong hydrogen bonds, and the resulting films exhibited excellent thermal stability and moisture-sensitive mechanical properties. The polyphenols in the UGS suspension endowed the composite film with multiple functions, including pH-responsive color change, excellent antioxidant activity, ultraviolet shielding, and antimicrobial properties. The use of PVA enhanced the flexibility, strength, and elongation of the UGS film. The easily prepared, tailored, multifunctional, and biodegradable UGS/PVA composite film exhibits excellent potential for application in agriculture, cosmetics, and healthcare.
Enhanced Thermal Decomposition and Laser Ignition Properties of Nanostructured NC/Al/RDX Composite Fibers Fabricated by Electrospinning
Authors: Wang Weimin , Li Hui , Yang Yanjing , Zhao Fengqi , Li Heng , Xu Kangzhen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Nano Al has always been the research hotspot in the field of energetic materials because of its high energy density and combustion temperature, and has been considered as a fuel to enhance the energy release of various propulsive systems. In this work, nanocomposite fibers were fabricated by electrospinning technology, in which nano Al and recrystallized RDX particles were integrated with NC fibers. The morphology and chemical components of NC/Al, NC/RDX, and NC/Al/RDX composite fibers were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM and BET. The agglomeration of nano Al particles in fibers is significantly inhibited, and the recrystallized RDX and nano Al particles are uniformly dispersed in NC fibers, resulting in the rough surfaces of the composite fibers. The thermal analysis shows that nano NC fibers have lower thermal decomposition temperature (202.1 ℃) and apparent activation energy (149.32 kJ mol-1) than raw NC (208.2 ℃ and 218.5 kJ mol-1), and NC/Al/RDX exhibits improved thermal decomposition properties compared with NC/RDX and NC/Al. The laser ignition experiments suggest that the uniformly dispersed nano Al particles could obviously promote the combustion and shorten ignition delay time. However, RDX may delay ignition due to its high decomposition temperature, but can significantly enhance the combustion properties of NC/Al/RDX fibers. Among the all samples, the NC/Al/RDX (1:1:0.2) exhibits shortest ignition delay time and most violent combustion flames, which can be attributed to the fibrous structure and the enhanced heat and mass transfer between the components.
ISPRF: A Machine Learning Model to Predict the Immune Subtype of Kidney Cancer Samples by Four Genes
Authors: Wang Zhifeng , Chen Zihao , Zhao Hongfan , Lin Hao , Wang Junjie , Wang Ning , Li Xiqing , Ding Degang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common type of renal cell carcinoma. Immunotherapy, especially anti-PD-1, is becoming a pillar of ccRCC treatment. However, precise biomarkers and robust models are needed to select the appropriate patients for immunotherapy.MethodsA total of 831 ccRCC transcriptomic profiles were obtained from 6 datasets. Unsupervised clustering was performed to identify the immune subtypes among ccRCC samples based on immune cell enrichment scores. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify hub genes distinguishing subtypes and related to prognosis. A machine learning model was established by random forest algorithm, and employed to an open and free online website to predict the immune subtype. ResultsIn the identified immune subtypes, subtype2 was enriched in immune cell enrichment scores and immunotherapy biomarkers. WGCNA analysis identified 4 hub genes related to immune subtype, CTLA4, FOXP3, IFNG, and CD19. The random forest model was constructed by mRNA expression of these four hub genes, and the value of areas under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) was 0.78. Subtype2 patients in the independent validation cohort had a better drug response and prognosis for immunotherapy treatment. Moreover, an open and free website was developed by the random forest model (https://immunotype.shinyapps.io/ISPRF/). ConclusionsThe current study constructs a model and provides a free online website that could identify suitable ccRCC patients for immunotherapy, and it is an important step forward to personalized treatment.
670nm Photobiomodulation Modulates Bioenergetics And Oxidative Stress, Decreasing Inflammatory Mediator Production In An In Vitro Model Of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Nonarath Hannah J. , Hall Alexandria E. , SenthilKumar Gopika , Abroe Betsy , Eells Janis T. , Liedhegner Elizabeth 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), the most common complication of diabetes mellitus, is associated with oxidative stress, nuclear factor-kB (NFkB) activation, and excess production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Current therapies are invasive, frequently ineffective, and have adverse effects. The application of far-red to near-infrared (NIR) light (630-1000nm) reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Thus, we hypothesize that 670nm light treatment will dimish oxidative stress preventing downstream inflammatory mechanisms associated with DR. We used an in vitro model system of rat Müller glial cells grown under normal (5 mM) or high (25 mM) glucose conditions and treated with a 670 nm light emitting diode array (LED) (4.5 J/cm2) or no light (sham) daily. We report that a single 670 nm light treatment diminished ROS production and preserved mitochondrial integrity and ATP production in this in vitro model of diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, treatment for 3 days in culture reduced NFkB activity to levels observed in normal glucose and prevented the subsequent increase in ICAM-1. The ability of 670nm light treatment to prevent early molecular changes in this established DR model system suggests light treatment could become an early therapeutic option for DR.