Host Plants of Mealybugs With Their Damage Extent on Some Selected Plants

not available Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 46(2): 201-207, December 2020

Evaluation of laser induced sarcomere micro-damage: Role of damage extent and location in cardiomyocytes

Whereas it is evident that a well aligned and regular sarcomeric structure in cardiomyocytes is vital for heart function, considerably less is known about the contribution of individual elements to the mechanics of the entire cell. For instance, it is unclear whether altered Z-disc elements are the reason or the outcome of related cardiomyopathies. Therefore, it is crucial to gain more insight into this cellular organization. This study utilizes femtosecond laser-based nanosurgery to better understand sarcomeres and their repair upon damage. We investigated the influence of the extent and the location of the Z-disc damage. A single, three, five or ten Z-disc ablations were performed in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. We employed image-based analysis using a self-written software together with different already published algorithms. We observed that cardiomyocyte survival associated with the damage extent, but not with the cell area or the total number of Z-discs per cell. The cell survival is independent of the damage position and can be compensated. However, the sarcomere alignment/orientation is changing over time after ablation. The contraction time is also independent of the extent of damage for the tested parameters. Additionally, we observed shortening rates between 6–7% of the initial sarcomere length in laser treated cardiomyocytes. This rate is an important indicator for force generation in myocytes. In conclusion, femtosecond laser-based nanosurgery together with image-based sarcomere tracking is a powerful tool to better understand the Z-disc complex and its force propagation function and role in cellular mechanisms.

A Predictive Model for Estimating Damage from Wind Waves during Coastal Storms

In recent years, climate abnormalities have been observed globally. Consequently, the scale and size of natural disasters, such as typhoons, wind wave, heavy snow, downpours, and storms, have increased. However, compared to other disasters, predicting the timing, location and severity of damages associated with typhoons and other extreme wind wave events is difficult. Accurately predicting the damage extent can reduce the damage scale by facilitating a speedy response. Therefore, in this study, a model to estimate the cost of damages associated with wind waves and their impacts during coastal storms was developed for the Republic of Korea. The history of wind wave and typhoon damages for coastal areas in Korea was collected from the disaster annual report (1991–2020), and the damage cost was converted such that it reflected the inflation rate as in 2020. Furthermore, data on ocean meteorological factors were collected for the events of wind wave and typhoon damages. Using logistic and linear regression, a wind wave damage prediction model reflecting the coastal regional characteristics based on 74 regions nationwide was developed. This prediction model enabled damage forecasting and can be utilized for improving the law and policy in disaster management.

Damage Identification Method of Box Girder Bridges Based on Distributed Long-Gauge Strain Influence Line under Moving Load

A new method was proposed for the damage identification of box girder bridges under moving load, wherein the difference of strain influence line (DSIL) was taken as an index to represent the long-gauge strain difference before and after damage. The damage identification theory based on long-gauge strain influence lines was derived for box girder bridges with shear lag effect under consideration, and a regularized index DSIL was proposed for the quantitative identifications of damage location and extent. A series of experiments were carried out to study the influences of speed, vehicle type, and vehicle weight on the damage identification, and the experimental data were obtained by long-gauge fiber Bragg grating strain sensors. Moreover, numerical simulations were performed to confirm the method. The experimental and numerical results show that the method can locate the damage accurately, and quantitatively identify the damage extent under different working conditions. The experimental damage extent is generally slightly higher than the theoretical, with an average identification error smaller than 5%. Additionally, the relative error of damage extent is smaller than 3% under different working conditions. Thus, the effectiveness of this method was verified.

Evaluation of the Utility of Amino Acid Citrulline as a Surrogate Metabolomic Biomarker for the Diagnosis of Celiac Disease

Introduction: Citrulline is regarded as a biomarker for celiac disease (CD). Its utility for assessment and evaluation of additive predictive value for latent, potential CD and first degree relatives (FDRs) needs exploration. Method: Consecutive 558 index cases diagnosed as per European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) 2012 guidelines and their 1565 FDRs were evaluated over five and half year period. Serology negative FDRs at initial visit and follow ups were served as controls. HLA typing for DQ2 and DQ8 genotypes, along with plasma and dried blood spot (DBS) filter paper citrulline were evaluated. Results: Median plasma citrulline values were 20.1 and 37.33 µMol/l in cases and controls ( P < .001). Cut off values for Marsh grade 3a, 3b, and 3c were 35.0, 32.8, 25.26 µMol/l in CD patients and 36.51, 30.10, 25.26 µMol/l in biopsy proven FDR. Increasing trends of plasma citrulline levels with decreasing tTG-IgA levels were observed on follow up. Low plasma citrulline levels were observed with HLA DQ 2.5 genotype ( P < .05). Agreement between DBS and plasma citrulline was 94.8%. Conclusion: Citrulline is a good surrogate biomarker for identification of histopathological grade of damage, extent of mucosal recovery and has negative correlation with tTG-IgA. It identifies the silent and latent phase of CD. DBS citrulline provides adequate information and can be used for monitoring CD patients at remote locations.

Online quantitative partial discharge monitor based on interferometry

Interferometry-based online partial discharge (PD) monitor presented in this paper can detect the occurrence of PD sensitively, evaluate the peak value of the discharge inception voltage with random waveform and the damage extent relatively cost effectively. The interferograms affected by the PD are collected online. By extracting the phase information of the interference fringes quantitatively, the peak value of the discharge inception voltage with random waveform can be retrieved real-time. Merits of the proposed method as an online quantitative PD monitor are validated via theoretical analysis as well as experimentations by the use of an artificially localized PD source. Furthermore, the proposed method can capture the light signal emitted by the discharge. Quite in contrast to many commonly used sensor-based methods, our approach avoids the need of amplifying the light signal strength making its practical implantation much convenient. The proposed method promises strong potential for field application.

Simulation of Mining-Induced Ground Damage Using Orthogonal Experiments to Determine Key Parameters of Super-Large Coalface: A Case Study in Shendong Coalfield in China

High-strength mining of super-large coalfaces in the Shendong coalfield causes significant damage to the ground surface. To study the key parameters of undermined coalfaces that affect ground damage, 25 numerical simulation models were designed using an orthogonal experimental method based on the geological and mining conditions of the Bulianta Mine. In the orthogonal design, four factors (the lengths in both the dip and strike directions, the thickness and the mining speed of the coalface) were considered, with five levels designed for each factor. The subsidence displacements and deformations caused by the excavation were then simulated and verified using field surveying data. A damage extent index (DEI) was introduced and used to assess the extent of global ground damage caused by each simulative excavation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) method was then employed to determine the key parameters of the coalface that significantly influence the ground damage. It was found that the coalface dip length and thickness and the coalface thickness can be regarded as the key parameters for ground objects of building and timberland, respectively. This research provides theoretical and technical support for the coordinated exploitation of resources and environments in Shendong and other similar, ecologically fragile coalfields.