bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Swallowing Outcome and Dysphagia in Advanced Staged Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas after Radiotherapy
Authors: Yildiz Erdem , Grasl Stefan , Denk-Linnert Doris-Maria , Altorjai Gabriela , Herrmann Harald , Grasl Matthaeus , Erovic Boban , Janik Stefan
Published: May 2022

Objective: To evaluate the impact of radiotherapy (RT) on dysphagia and long-term swallowing outcome in patients with stage III and IV head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Material and Methods: Between 2005 and 2008, 189 patients with HNSCCs underwent primary or adjuvant RT in a curative setting. Long-term swallowing outcome was evaluated in 50 patients. Among them, 26 were further eligible for prospective analysis of long-term swallowing and dysphagia outcome. Medical charts were retrospectively reviewed regarding pre- and post-treatment dysphagia (3 months after last irradiation setting) as well as persisting long-term dysphagia (2019–2021). Results: Pre-treatment dysphagia was observed in 24 (48%) of 50 patients, particularly in oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal stage III–IV tumors (OR 9.3; p = 0.003). Conversely, 46 patients (92%) complained about post-treatment dysphagic symptoms, which were more commonly seen in patients with positive neck nodes (OR 10.5; p = 0.037). The post-treatment dysphagia rate dropped from 92% to 24% (p < 0.001) during surveillance, which was significantly linked to xerostomia (OR 5.77; p = 0.019), dysgeusia (OR 9.9; p = 0.036) and free flap reconstruction (OR 6.1; p = 0.022). Conclusion: Pretreatment dysphagia is common in advanced stage HNSCCs and almost all patients complain about dysphagia at the end of RT. Importantly, applied RT protocols did not affect long-term dysphagia, which improves significantly in the majority of patients over time. Meeting Information: Preliminary results have been presented at the 65th Annual Meeting of the Austrian Society of Otorhinolaryngology, 22–26 September 2021, Austria.
The Long-Term Effects of Budesonide Nasal Irrigation in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Asthma
Authors: Jung Seon Min , Kwak Jin Hye , Kim Moo Keon , Tae Kyung , Cho Seok Hyun , Jeong Jin Hyeok
Published: May 2022

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in asthmatic patients has a high recurrence rate even after surgery. For this reason, oral steroids are frequently used, but their long-term use may cause side effects. The purpose of this study is to investigate the long-term effects of budesonide nasal irrigation (BNI) in CRSwNP and asthma. An analysis of 33 patients with CRSwNP and well-controlled asthma, who performed BNI for more than 12 months, was performed. We compared oral steroid and antibiotic dosages as well as nasal endoscopy scores before, and every six months after, BNI. The six-month dosages of oral steroids and antibiotics prescribed were significantly decreased at all time points after BNI compared to before BNI. When the dosages were compared at the time point immediately preceding six months, oral steroid intake decreased significantly until 12 months, and antibiotic intake decreased until 6 months. Furthermore, the endoscopic score decreased significantly until 12 months. The nasal symptom questionnaire score also significantly improved after BNI. Therefore, BNI is considered an effective treatment method that can improve subjective symptoms and objective intranasal findings while reducing oral steroid and antibiotic doses after long-term use in patients with CRSwNP accompanied by asthma.
Overview of Cochrane Systematic Reviews of Rehabilitation Interventions for Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Mapping Synthesis
Authors: Young Vanessa M. , Hill Juan R. , Patrini Michele , Negrini Stefano , Arienti Chiara
Published: May 2022

Background: The World Health Organization has identified an unmet global need for rehabilitation interventions concerning 20 non-communicable diseases, traumatic brain injury included. This overview compiles and synthesizes the quality and quantity of available evidence on the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions for traumatic brain injury from Cochrane systematic reviews (CSRs). The results will be used to develop the Package of Interventions for Rehabilitation. Methods: All CSRs on TBI tagged in the Cochrane Rehabilitation database published between August 2009 and September 2021 were included. Evidence mapping was implemented to extract study characteristics and evidence from the CSRs. Results: Six CSRs (42 studies; n = 3983) examined the effectiveness of either non-pharmacological or pharmacological interventions after TBI. Among 19 comparisons, 3% were rated as high in quality of evidence, 9% moderate, 54% low, and 34% very low. Non-pharmacological interventions with moderate quality, hospital-based cognitive rehabilitation and cognitive didactic therapy, likely produced minimal to no changes in the return-to-work rate. Anti-epileptic drugs and neuroprotective agents resulted in a minimal difference to the frequency of late seizure episodes in post-traumatic epilepsy. Conclusions: No prominent advances in treatment options were reported in any of the CSRs. The high rate of low and very low quality of evidence makes it difficult to ascertain the effectiveness of several recommended non-pharmacological interventions.
Estimation of Functional Aerobic Capacity Using the Sit-to-Stand Test in Older Adults with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Fuentes-Abolafio Iván José , Escriche-Escuder Adrian , Bernal-López María Rosa , Gómez-Huelgas Ricardo , Ricci Michele , Trinidad-Fernández Manuel , Roldán-Jiménez Cristina , Arjona-Caballero José María , Cuesta-Vargas Antonio Ignacio , Pérez-Belmonte Luis Miguel
Published: May 2022

Background: The 6-Min Walking Test (6MWT) has been proposed to assess functional aerobic capacity in patients with heart failure, but many older adults with heart failure cannot complete it. The adequacy of the 5-repetition Sit-To-Stand (5-STS), a simpler test than 6MWT, to assess the functional aerobic capacity in older adults with heart failure has not been evaluated. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the usefulness of 5-STS in estimating maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) in older adults with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out. Patients 70 years and older with HFpEF were included. A bivariant Pearson correlation and subsequent multivariate linear regression analysis were used to analyze the correlations between the 5-STS and the estimated VO2 peak. Results: Seventy-six patients (80.74 (5.89) years) were recruited. The 5-STS showed a moderate and inversely correlation with the estimated VO2 peak (r = −0.555, p < 0.001). The 5-STS explained 40.4% of the variance in the estimated VO2 peak, adjusted by age, sex, and BMI. When older adults were stratified by BMI, the 5-STS explained 70% and 31.4% of the variance in the estimated VO2 peak in older adults with normal weight and overweight/obesity, respectively. Conclusions: The 5-STS may be an easy tool to assess functional aerobic capacity in older adults with HFpEF, especially for those with normal weight.
Research Progress on Global Marine Gas Hydrate Resistivity Logging and Electrical Property Experiments
Authors: Chen Qiang , Wu Nengyou , Liu Changling , Zou Changchun , Liu Yang , Sun Jianye , Li Yanlong , Hu Gaowei
Published: May 2022

Natural gas hydrate is widely spread in marine environments around the world. It has great energy potential due to its high methane gas content. High-precision exploration and evaluation of marine gas hydrate still face great challenges as it is affected by the complex reservoir control mechanisms and distribution characteristics. Resistivity is widely used in geophysical logging and theoretical research on gas hydrate-bearing reservoirs by utilizing the high sensitivity electrical response. In this paper, based on the examination of the global marine gas hydrate occurrences, resistivity logging results are summarized. Then the key remaining gas hydrate resistivity experimental concerns are reviewed. In summary, resistivity properties are a reliable means to derive the gas hydrate reservoir characteristics, despite the effect induced by the anisotropic properties of hydrate reservoirs and drilling technology. The overall resistivity change associated with the occurrence of pore filling gas hydrate in reservoirs are relatively small, and the specific value is affected by sediment lithology and hydrate saturation. On the other hand, fracture filling hydrate reservoirs have strong anisotropy, and massive hydrate occurrences (i.e., layers of gas hydrate with no sediment) section shows very high resistivity variation. Clay minerals are an important factor restricting the accurate estimation of gas hydrate saturations from in situ resistivity measurements. Many experimental studies have proposed the correction of Archie empirical formula, but widely representative models have not yet been developed. It is worth noting that more complex resistivity measurements may be able to provide additional electrical response information on various gas hydrate systems.
A High-Precision Deep Learning Algorithm to Localize Idiopathic Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Chang Ting-Yung , Chen Ke-Wei , Liu Chih-Min , Chang Shih-Lin , Lin Yenn-Jiang , Lo Li-Wei , Hu Yu-Feng , Chung Fa-Po , Lin Chin-Yu , Kuo Ling , Chen Shih-Ann
Published: May 2022

Background: An accurate prediction of ventricular arrhythmia (VA) origins can optimize the strategy of ablation, and facilitate the procedure. Objective: This study aimed to develop a machine learning model from surface ECG to predict VA origins. Methods: We obtained 3628 waves of ventricular premature complex (VPC) from 731 patients. We chose to include all signal information from 12 ECG leads for model input. A model is composed of two groups of convolutional neural network (CNN) layers. We chose around 13% of all the data for model testing and 10% for validation. Results: In the first step, we trained a model for binary classification of VA source from the left or right side of the chamber with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.963. With a threshold of 0.739, the sensitivity and specification are 90.7% and 92.3% for identifying left side VA. Then, we obtained the second model for predicting VA from the LV summit with AUC is 0.998. With a threshold of 0.739, the sensitivity and specificity are 100% and 98% for the LV summit. Conclusions: Our machine learning algorithm of surface ECG facilitates the localization of VPC, especially for the LV summit, which might optimize the ablation strategy.
Interleaved Optical Coherence Tomography: Clinical and Laboratory Biomarkers in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Suciu Corina-Iuliana , Suciu Vlad-Ioan , Cuţaş Ancuţa , Nicoară Simona Delia
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: The global burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) has been estimated to reach 600 million patients worldwide by 2040. Approximately 200 million people will develop diabetic retinopathy within this time frame. Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a severe, vision-threatening complication that can develop at any stage of diabetic retinopathy, and it represents the main cause of vision loss in patients with DM. Its harmful consequences on visual function could be prevented with timely recognition and treatment. (2) Methods: This study assessed the clinical (demographic characteristics, diabetic evolution, and systemic vascular complications); laboratory (glycated hemoglobin, metabolic parameters, capillary oxygen saturation, and renal function); ophthalmologic exam; and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD–OCT) (macular volume, central macular thickness, maximal central thickness, minimal central thickness, foveal thickness, superior inner, inferior inner, nasal inner, temporal inner, inferior outer, superior outer, nasal outer, and temporal outer thicknesses, disruption of the ellipsoid zone, and disruption of the inner retinal layers (DRIL) parameters in three groups of individuals: healthy controls (HC), patients with DME and type 1 DM (T1DM—group A), and patients with DME and type 2 DM (T2DM—group B) to identify novel correlations between them that would open a path to new pathogenetic hypotheses and, implicitly, to the identification of new therapeutic methods, as part of a tailored treatment within the concept of precision medicine. (3) Results: The duration of DM was significantly longer in group A as compared with group B, as were the prevalence of smoking and systemic vascular complications. Capillary oxygen saturation and estimated glomerular filtration rates were significantly lower, and serum creatinine levels were significantly higher in group A as compared to group B. Regarding the OCT findings, DME had a predominantly eccentric pattern, and the right eye was more severely affected in both groups of patients. Significantly higher values were obtained in group B as compared to group A for the following OCT biomarkers: macular volume, central macular thickness, maximal central thickness, minimal central thickness, foveal thickness, superior inner, inferior inner, nasal inner, inferior outer and nasal outer thickness. The disruption of the ellipsoid zone was significantly more prevalent within group A, whereas the overall disruption of the retinal inner layers (DRIL) was identified significantly more frequently in group B. (4) Conclusions: Whereas systemic and laboratory biomarkers were more severely affected in patients with DME and T1DM, the OCT quantitative biomarkers revealed significantly higher values in patients with DME and T2DM.
Establishment and Characterization of MUi027-A: A Novel Patient-Derived Cell Line of Polycystic Kidney Disease with PKD1 Mutation
Authors: Linn Aung Khine , Maneepitasut Warun , Tubsuwan Alisa , Kitiyanant Narisorn , Phakdeekitcharoen Bunyong , Borwornpinyo Suparerk , Hongeng Suradej , Phanthong Phetcharat
Published: May 2022

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one of the most prevalent genetic diseases affecting the kidneys. A genetically specific mutation model is required to comprehend its pathophysiology and to develop a drug treatment. In this study, we successfully developed human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) named MUi027-A from skin fibroblasts of a patient diagnosed with ADPKD and carrying the PKD1 frameshift mutation (c.7946_7947delCT). MUi027-A cells showed the same genetic fingerprints as the parental cells, including the presence of the PKD1 mutation. MUi027-A hiPSCs displayed embryonic stem cell-like characteristics with the capability of differentiating into the three germ layers. Upon directed differentiation, MUi027-A hiPSCs could be differentiated into tubular organoids with the expression of renal cell markers. Furthermore, we compared the efficiency of cyst formation in two human iPSC lines with different PKD1 mutations. When cyst formation was induced by either forskolin or blebbistatin, MUi027-A hiPSC-derived kidney organoids displayed higher frequencies of cyst formation when compared to organoids generated from an iPSC cell line with non-truncating PKD1 mutation genotype (c.5878C > T), suggesting the presence of physiological differences in the mechanism of cyst formation between different PKD1 mutants. Overall, we generated and characterized a novel human iPSC line with a specific PKD mutation and demonstrated its potential as a disease model to study the pathophysiology of genetic determinants in the development of ADPKD disease.
Dysregulated miRNAs as Biomarkers and Therapeutical Targets in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Gentile Giulia , Morello Giovanna , La Cognata Valentina , Guarnaccia Maria , Conforti Francesca Luisa , Cavallaro Sebastiano
Published: May 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are representative neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) characterized by degeneration of selective neurons, as well as the lack of effective biomarkers and therapeutic treatments. In the last decade, microRNAs (miRNAs) have gained considerable interest in diagnostics and therapy of NDs, owing to their aberrant expression and their ability to target multiple molecules and pathways. Here, we provide an overview of dysregulated miRNAs in fluids (blood or cerebrospinal fluid) and nervous tissue of AD, PD, and ALS patients. By emphasizing those that are commonly dysregulated in these NDs, we highlight their potential role as biomarkers or therapeutical targets and describe the use of antisense oligonucleotides as miRNA therapies.
Growth Curves of Chinese Children with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome: A Multicenter Registry Study
Authors: Zhao Xiu , Su Zhe , Chen Shaoke , Wang Xiumin , Yang Yu , Chen Linqi , Liang Li , Liu Geli , Wang Yi , Song Yanning , Fan Lijun , Ren Xiaoya , Gong Chunxiu
Published: May 2022

Objective: To provide new information about androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), we studied growth patterns in Chinese children with AIS. Subjects: Data are from 118 untreated AIS patients who were admitted to eight pediatric endocrine centers from January 2010 to December 2019. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, clinical data were collected from a multicenter database. We compared physical assessment data among AIS patients and standard growth charts for Chinese pediatric population. Results: 1. Children with AIS grew slightly less than the mean before 6 months of age, and then, height gradually increased before 12 years of age, from the median to +1 standard deviation (SD), according to the standard reference for Chinese pediatric population. After 12 years of age, height showed differently in profiles: The mean height in AIS patients gradually decreased from the mean to −1 SD, according to the standard for Chinese boys, and increased from the mean to +2 SD, according to the standard for Chinese girls. 2. The weights of children with AIS were greater than the mean standards of Chinese pediatric population from newborn to 11 years of age. From 12–16 years of age, the mean weight of children with AIS showed different profiles, from the mean to −1 SD, according to the standard for Chinese boys and from the mean to +1.5 SD, according to the standard for Chinese girls. 3. Weight standard deviation (WtSDS) and target height (THt) in northern Chinese AIS patients were significantly higher than those from the southern region (p = 0.035, 0.005, respectively). Age in northern Chinese AIS patients was significantly younger than those from the southern region (p = 0.034). No difference was found among birth weight (BW), birth length (BL), height standard deviation (HtSDS) and body mass index (BMI) in AIS patients from different regions (p > 0.05). 4. HtSDS and WtSDS in complete AIS (CAIS) patients were higher than those in partial AIS (PAIS) patients without significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Growth of children with AIS varied to different degrees. AIS patients seemed not to experience a puberty growth spurt. CAIS and PAIS patients show little difference in their growth. Regional differences have no effect on the height but influence the weight of AIS patients.
The Tongass National Forest, Southeast Alaska, USA: A Natural Climate Solution of Global Significance
Authors: DellaSala Dominick A. , Gorelik Seth R. , Walker Wayne S.
Published: May 2022

The 6.7 M ha Tongass National Forest in southeast Alaska, USA, supports a world-class salmon fishery, is one of the world’s most intact temperate rainforests, and is recognized for exceptional levels of carbon stored in woody biomass. We quantified biomass and soil organic carbon (C) by land use designation, Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs), young and productive old-growth forests (POGs), and 77 priority watersheds. We used published timber harvest volumes (roundwood) to estimate C stock change across five time periods from early historical (1909–1951) through future (2022–2100). Total soil organic and woody biomass C in the Tongass was 2.7 Pg, representing ~20% of the total forest C stock in the entire national forest system, the equivalent of 1.5 times the 2019 US greenhouse gas emissions. IRAs account for just over half the C, with 48% stored in POGs. Nearly 15% of all C is within T77 watersheds, >80% of which overlaps with IRAs, with half of that overlapping with POGs. Young growth accounted for only ~5% of the total C stock. Nearly two centuries of historical and projected logging would release an estimated 69.5 Mt CO2e, equivalent to the cumulative emissions of ~15 million vehicles. Previously logged forests within IRAs should be allowed to recover carbon stock via proforestation. Tongass old growth, IRAs, and priority watersheds deserve stepped-up protection as natural climate solutions.
Detecting Differences in the Impact of Construction Land Types on Carbon Emissions: A Case Study of Southwest China
Authors: Wang Min , Wang Yang , Wu Yingmei , Yue Xiaoli , Wang Mengjiao , Hu Pingping
Published: May 2022

The area with the highest concentration of carbon emission activities is construction land. However, few studies have been conducted that investigated the different effects of various types of construction land on carbon emissions and the extent of their impact. To address this shortcoming, this study constructed a multi-indicator evaluation system with 393 counties in Southwest China and integrated ordinary least squares and spatial regression models to deeply analyze the different impacts of construction land types on carbon emissions. The results revealed that (1) in Southwest China, carbon emissions were generally distributed in clusters, with significant spatial variability and dependence; (2) the distribution of urban land scale, rural settlement land scale, and other construction land scale all showed obvious spatial clustering differences; (3) all three types of construction land’s effect on carbon emissions was positive, and the direction of impact was in line with theoretical expectations; and (4) the other construction land scale had the highest effect on carbon emissions, followed by rural settlement land scale, while the urban land scale was slightly lower. The findings help to further explain the different impacts of construction land types on carbon emissions and provide theoretical references for the government to formulate more refined emissions reduction policies.
High Mobility Group A 1 Expression as a Poor Prognostic Marker Associated with Tumor Invasiveness in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Chang Hung-Pin , Sun Jen-Tang , Cheng Chiao-Yin , Liang Yao-Jen , Chen Yen-Lin
Published: May 2022

The prognosis of advanced gastric cancer remains poor. Overexpression of high mobility group A 1 (HMGA1) in breast cancer and neuroblastoma indicates a poor prognosis. However, the relationship between HMGA1 expression and gastric cancer development remains unclear. Treatment strategies can be developed by identifying potential markers associated with gastric cancer. We used a constructed tissue array and performed hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining. We quantified the staining results and performed statistical analysis to evaluate the relationship between HMGA1 expression and prognosis. HMGA1 expression was related to the expression of Ki-67, caspase3, CD31, N-cadherin, fibronectin, pAkt, and pErk. In the Kaplan–Meier graph, higher HMGA1 expression levels were associated with a relatively poor survival rate (p = 0.04). High expression of HMGA1 leads to a low survival rate, which is associated with HMGA1, proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and tyrosine kinase.
SBRT for Localized Prostate Cancer: CyberKnife vs. VMAT-FFF, a Dosimetric Study
Authors: Serra Marcello , De Martino Fortuna , Savino Federica , D’Alesio Valentina , Arrichiello Cecilia , Quarto Maria , Loffredo Filomena , Di Franco Rossella , Borzillo Valentina , Muto Matteo , Ametrano Gianluca , Muto Paolo
Published: May 2022

In recent years, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has gained popularity among clinical methods for the treatment of medium and low risk prostate cancer (PCa), mainly as an alternative to surgery. The hypo-fractionated regimen allows the administration of high doses of radiation in a small number of fractions; such a fractionation is possible by exploiting the different intrinsic prostate radiosensitivity compared with the surrounding healthy tissues. In addition, SBRT treatment guaranteed a better quality of life compared with surgery, avoiding risks, aftermaths, and possible complications. At present, most stereotactic prostate treatments are performed with the CyberKnife (CK) system, which is an accelerator exclusively dedicated for stereotaxis and it is not widely spread in every radiotherapy centre like a classic linear accelerator (LINAC). To be fair, a stereotactic treatment is achievable also by using a LINAC through Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), but some precautions must be taken. The aim of this work is to carry out a dosimetric comparison between these two methodologies. In order to pursue such a goal, two groups of patients were selected at Instituto Nazionale Tumori—IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale: the first group consisting of ten patients previously treated with a SBRT performed with CK; the second one was composed of ten patients who received a hypo-fractionated VMAT treatment and replanned in VMAT-SBRT flattening filter free mode (FFF). The two SBRT techniques were rescaled at the same target coverage and compared by normal tissue sparing, dose distribution parameters and delivery time. All organs at risk (OAR) constraints were achieved by both platforms. CK exhibits higher performances in terms of dose delivery; nevertheless, the general satisfying dosimetric results and the significantly shorter delivery time make VMAT-FFF an attractive and reasonable alternative SBRT technique for the treatment of localized prostate cancer.
Soil Organic Carbon Mineralization and Its Temperature Sensitivity under Different Substrate Levels in the Mollisols of Northeast China
Authors: Yu He , Sui Yueyu , Chen Yimin , Bao Tianli , Jiao Xiaoguang
Published: May 2022

Soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization plays an important role in global climate change. Temperature affects SOC mineralization, and its effect can be limited by the substrate available. However, knowledge of the effects of temperature and substrate quality on SOC mineralization in the Mollisols of Northeast China is still lacking. In this study, based on a spatial transplant experiment, we conducted a 73-day incubation to examine the effects of temperature on SOC mineralization and its temperature sensitivity under different carbon levels. We found that the SOC content, incubation temperature and their interaction had significant effects on SOC mineralization. A higher SOC content and higher incubation temperature resulted in higher SOC mineralization. The temperature sensitivity of SOC mineralization was affected by the substrate quality. The temperature sensitivity of SOC mineralization, showed a downward trend during the incubation period, and the range of variation in the Q10 declined with the increment in the SOC content. The study suggested that there was a higher SOC mineralization in high levels of substrate carbon when the temperature increased. Further, SOC mineralization under higher SOC contents was more sensitive to temperature changes. Our study provides vital information for SOC turnover and the CO2 sequestration capacity under global warming in the Mollisols of Northeast China and other black soil regions of the world.
Ser/Thr Protein Kinase SpkI Affects Photosynthetic Efficiency in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 upon Salt Stress
Authors: Wang Xiaoting , Ge Haitao , Zhang Ye , Wang Yingchun , Zhang Pengpeng
Published: May 2022

High salinity is a common environmental factor that limits productivity and growth for photosynthetic organisms. Here, we identified a mutant defected in gene sll1770, which encodes a Ser/Thr protein kinase SpkI, with a significantly low maximal quantum yield of PSII under high salt condition in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Physiological characterization demonstrated that the ΔspkI mutant had normal growth and photosynthesis under control condition. And a significantly higher NPQ capacity was also observed in ΔspkI when grown under control condition. However, when grown under high salt condition, ΔspkI exhibited apparently slower growth as well as decreased net photosynthesis and PSII activity. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the amount of major photosynthetic proteins declined sharply in ΔspkI when cells grown under high salt condition. Redox kinetics measurement suggested that the activities of PSI and cytochrome b6f complex were modified in ΔspkI under high salt condition, which resulted in a more reduced PQ pool in ΔspkI. Chlorophyll fluorescence traces suggested that the OA− reoxidation and state transition was also impaired in ΔspkI under high salt condition. Above all, we propose that Ser/Thr protein kinase SpkI plays a role in maintaining high-effective photosynthesis during high-salt acclimation process in Synechocystis.
Manufacturing of Aluminum Matrix Composites Reinforced with Carbon Fiber Fabrics by High Pressure Die Casting
Authors: Bedmar Javier , Torres Belén , Rams Joaquín
Published: May 2022

Aluminum matrix composites reinforced with carbon fiber have been manufactured for the first time by infiltrating an A413 aluminum alloy in carbon fiber woven using high-pressure die casting (HPDC). Composites were manufactured with unidirectional carbon fibers and with 2 × 2 twill carbon wovens. The HPDC allowed full wetting of the carbon fibers and the infiltration of the aluminum alloy in the fibers meshes using aluminum at 680 °C. There was no discontinuity at the carbon fiber-matrix interface, and porosity was kept below 0.1%. There was no degradation of the carbon fibers by their reaction with molten aluminum, and a refinement of the microstructure in the vicinity of the carbon fibers was observed due to the heat dissipation effect of the carbon fiber during manufacturing. The mechanical properties of the composite materials showed a 10% increase in Young’s modulus, a 10% increase in yield strength, and a 25% increase in tensile strength, which are caused by the load transfer from the alloy to the carbon fibers. There was also a 70% increase in elongation for the unidirectionally reinforced samples because of the finer microstructure and the load transfer to the fibers, allowing the formation of larger voids in the matrix before breaking. The comparison with different mechanical models proves that there was an effective load transference from the matrix to the fibers.
Comparison of Hydrogen Embrittlement Susceptibility of Different Types of Advanced High-Strength Steels
Authors: Cho Sangwon , Kim Geon-Il , Ko Sang-Jin , Yoo Jin-Seok , Jung Yeon-Seung , Yoo Yun-Ha , Kim Jung-Gu
Published: May 2022

This study investigated the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) characteristics of advanced high-strength steels (AHSSs). Two different types of AHSSs with a tensile strength of 1.2 GPa were investigated. Slow strain rate tests (SSRTs) were performed under various applied potentials (Eapp) to identify the mechanism with the greatest effect on the embrittlement of the specimens. The SSRT results revealed that, as the Eapp increased, the elongation tended to increase, even when a potential exceeding the corrosion potential was applied. Both types of AHSSs exhibited embrittled fracture behavior that was dominated by HE. The fractured SSRT specimens were subjected to a thermal desorption spectroscopy analysis, revealing that diffusible hydrogen was trapped mainly at the grain boundaries and dislocations (i.e., reversible hydrogen-trapping sites). The micro-analysis results revealed that the poor HE resistance of the specimens was attributed to the more reversible hydrogen-trapping sites.
Structure-Controlled Porous Cordierite Ceramics with High Solid Content Prepared by Pickering Emulsion Technique Using Sucrose as a Porogen
Authors: Luan Xuezhu , Li Jinhong , Feng Wuwei , Liu Rui , Liu Shuo , Wang Ziyao
Published: May 2022

Porous cordierite ceramics (PCCs) with stable 3D microstructures were prepared by Pickering emulsion technique using sucrose as a porogen. The microstructural and mechanical properties could be adjusted by varying O/S ratios, sintering temperature, and sucrose content. The formation of the spherical structure was due to the broken oil bubbles. The appearance of cordierite and the concurrent consumption of sucrose were responsible for the observation of gradient pore structure. When the O/S ratio was 2, the pore-structure-controlled PCCs with cordierite as the main phase was obtained after sintering at 1300 °C. With the addition of 30 wt.% of sucrose, the obtained PCCs possessed high solid content of 45 vol.%, the porosity of 90.83%, the compressive strength of 6.09 MPa, and the optimized thermal conductivity of 0.4794 W/m.K. Compared with the predecessors’ research results, the as-prepared precursor of PCCs with sucrose content had the lowest initial Zeta potential without adjusting the pH to ensure the stable suspension. Our results showed that the addition of sucrose not only acts as a solvent to increase the solid content, but also acts as a pH modifier to maintain precursor stability, which enables the increase in compressive strength. In this work, via the scenario of “oil droplet” 3D accumulation, the stable and orderly spatial arrangement of the micro-emulsion system was successfully realized to obtain the structure-controlled PCCs by controlling the precursor conditions.
Monazite-Type SmPO4 as Potential Nuclear Waste Form: Insights into Radiation Effects from Ion-Beam Irradiation and Atomistic Simulations
Authors: Leys Julia M. , Ji Yaqi , Klinkenberg Martina , Kowalski Piotr M. , Schlenz Hartmut , Neumeier Stefan , Bosbach Dirk , Deissmann Guido
Published: May 2022

Single-phase monazite-type ceramics are considered as potential host matrices for the conditioning of separated plutonium and minor actinides. Sm-orthophosphates were synthesised and their behaviour under irradiation was investigated with respect to their long-term performance in the repository environment. Sintered SmPO4 pellets and thin lamellae were irradiated with 1, 3.5, and 7 MeV Au ions, up to fluences of 5.1 × 1014 ions cm−2 to simulate ballistic effects of recoiling nuclei resulting from α-decay of incorporated actinides. Threshold displacement energies for monazite-type SmPO4 subsequently used in SRIM/TRIM simulations were derived from atomistic simulations. Raman spectra obtained from irradiated lamellae revealed vast amorphisation at the highest fluence used, although local annealing effects were observed. The broadened, but still discernible, band of the symmetrical stretching vibration in SmPO4 and the negligible increase in P–O bond lengths suggest that amorphisation of monazite is mainly due to a breaking of Ln–O bonds. PO4 groups show structural disorder in the local environment but seem to behave as tight units. Annealing effects observed during the irradiation experiment and the distinctively lower dose rates incurred in actinide bearing waste forms and potential α-radiation-induced annealing effects indicate that SmPO4-based waste forms have a high potential for withstanding amorphisation.
A New Parameter Identification Method for Industrial Robots with Friction
Authors: Kou Bin , Huang Yao , Wang Pengpeng , Ren Dongcheng , Zhang Jie , Guo Shijie
Published: May 2022

Commonly used intelligent algorithms that are used to identify the parameters of friction of industrial robots have poor accuracy or involve complex coding, which is not conducive to their use in engineering. This paper uses the random wandering simulated annealing-based variable-step beetle antennae search (RWSAVSBAS) algorithm to identify the parameters of friction of industrial robots. The moment of friction of the third joint of the robot is experimentally obtained and used to establish a Stribeck friction model. Following this, the RWSAVSBAS algorithm is used to identify the frictional parameters of the industrial robot. These parameters can be used to accurately predict the friction-induced torque of the robot.
Natural Frequency Degradation Prediction for Offshore Wind Turbine Structures
Authors: Park Gwanghee , You Dayoung , Oh Ki-Yong , Nam Woochul
Published: May 2022

The scale of offshore wind turbines (OWTs) has increased in order to enhance their energy generation. However, strong aero/hydrodynamic loads can degrade the dynamic characteristics of OWTs because they are installed on soft seabeds. This degradation can shorten the structural life of the system; repetitive loads lead to seabed softening, reducing the natural frequency of the structure close to the excitation frequency. Most of the previous studies on degradation trained prediction algorithms with actual sensor signals. However, there are no actual sensor data on the dynamic response of OWTs over their lifespan (approximately 20 years). In order to address this data issue, this study proposes a new prediction platform combining a dynamic OWT model and a neural network-based degradation prediction model. Specifically, a virtual dynamic response was generated using a three-dimensional OWT and a seabed finite element model. Then, the LSTM model was trained to predict the natural frequency degradation using the dynamic response as the model input. The results show that the developed model can accurately predict natural frequencies over the next several years using past and present accelerations and strains. In practice, this LSTM model could be used to predict future natural frequencies using the dynamic response of the structure, which can be measured using actual sensors (accelerometers and strain gauges).
Deep Learning-Based Detection of Fake Multinational Banknotes in a Cross-Dataset Environment Utilizing Smartphone Cameras for Assisting Visually Impaired Individuals
Authors: Pham Tuyen Danh , Lee Young Won , Park Chanhum , Park Kang Ryoung
Published: May 2022

The automatic handling of banknotes can be conducted not only by specialized facilities, such as vending machines, teller machines, and banknote counters, but also by handheld devices, such as smartphones, with the utilization of built-in cameras and detection algorithms. As smartphones are becoming increasingly popular, they can be used to assist visually impaired individuals in daily tasks, including banknote handling. Although previous studies regarding banknote detection by smartphone cameras for visually impaired individuals have been conducted, these studies are limited, even when conducted in a cross-dataset environment. Therefore, we propose a deep learning-based method for detecting fake multinational banknotes using smartphone cameras in a cross-dataset environment. Experimental results of the self-collected genuine and fake multinational datasets for US dollar, Euro, Korean won, and Jordanian dinar banknotes confirm that our method demonstrates a higher detection accuracy than conventional “you only look once, version 3” (YOLOv3) methods and the combined method of YOLOv3 and the state-of-the-art convolutional neural network (CNN).
Sharp Bounds for a Generalized Logarithmic Operator Mean and Heinz Operator Mean by Weighted Ones of Classical Operator Ones
Authors: Zhu Ling
Published: May 2022

In this paper, using a criteria for the monotonicity of the quotient of two power series, we present some sharp bounds for a generalized logarithmic operator mean and Heinz operator mean by weighted ones of classical operator ones.
Estimation of the Hurst Parameter in Spot Volatility
Authors: Li Yicun , Teng Yuanyang
Published: May 2022

This paper contributes in three stages in a logic of the cognitive process: we firstly propose a new estimation of Hurst exponent by changing frequency method which is purely mathematical. Then we want to check if the new Hurst is efficient, so we prove the advantages of this new Hurst in asymptotic variance in the perspective compared with other two Hurst estimator. However, a purely mathematical game is not enough, a good estimation should be proven by reality, so we apply the new Hurst estimator into truncated and non-truncated spot volatility which fills the gap of previous literatures using 5-min price data (Source: Wind Financial Terminal) of 10 Chinese A-share industry indices from 1 January 2005 until 31 December 2020.
Modelling Trade Durations Using Dynamic Logarithmic Component ACD Model with Extended Generalised Inverse Gaussian Distribution
Authors: Tan Yiing Fei , Ng Kok Haur , Koh You Beng , Peiris Shelton
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes a logarithmic version of the two-component ACD (LogCACD) model with no restrictions on the sign of the model parameters while allowing the expected durations to be decomposed into the long- and short-run components to capture the dynamics of these durations. The extended generalised inverse Gaussian (EGIG) distribution is used for the error distribution as its hazard function consists of a roller-coaster shape for certain parameters’ values. An empirical application from the trade durations of International Business Machines stock index has been carried out to investigate this proposed model. Extensive comparisons are carried out to evaluate the modelling and forecasting performances of the proposed model with several benchmark models and different specifications of error distributions. The result reveals that the LogCACDEGIG(1,1) model gives the best in-sample fit based on the Akaike information criterion and other criteria. Furthermore, the estimated parameters obtained through the maximum likelihood estimation confirm the existence of the roller-coaster-shaped hazard function. The examination of LogCACDEGIG(1,1) model also provides the best out-of-sample forecasts evaluated based on the mean square forecast error using the Hansen’s model confidence set. Lastly, different levels of time-at-risk forecasts are provided and tested with Kupiec likelihood ratio test.
A Simplified Radial Basis Function Method with Exterior Fictitious Sources for Elliptic Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Liu Chih-Yu , Ku Cheng-Yu
Published: May 2022

In this article, we propose a simplified radial basis function (RBF) method with exterior fictitious sources for solving elliptic boundary value problems (BVPs). Three simplified RBFs, including Gaussian, multiquadric (MQ), and inverse multiquadric (IMQ) without the shape parameter, are adopted in this study. With the consideration of many exterior fictitious sources outside the domain, the radial distance of the RBF is always greater than zero, such that we can remove the shape parameter from RBFs. Additionally, simplified Gaussian, MQ, and IMQ RBFs and their derivatives in the governing equation are always smooth and nonsingular. Comparative analysis is conducted for three different collocation types, including conventional uniform centers, randomly fictitious centers, and exterior fictitious sources. Numerical examples of elliptic BVPs in two and three dimensions are carried out. The results demonstrate that the proposed simplified RBFs with exterior fictitious sources can significantly improve the accuracy, especially for the Laplace equation. Furthermore, the proposed simplified RBFs exhibit the simplicity of solving elliptic BVPs without finding the optimum shape parameter.
Correction: Tomasino et al. Diversity and Hydrocarbon-Degrading Potential of Deep-Sea Microbial Community from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, South of the Azores (North Atlantic Ocean). Microorganisms 2021, 9, 2389
Authors: Tomasino Maria Paola , Aparício Mariana , Ribeiro Inês , Santos Filipa , Caetano Miguel , Almeida C. Marisa R. , de Fátima Carvalho Maria , Mucha Ana P.
Published: May 2022

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Development of a Highly Sensitive Nested PCR and Its Application for the Diagnosis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka
Authors: De Silva Nirmitha Lalindi , De Silva Viraji Nefertiti Hiromel , Deerasinghe Arachchige Theja Hemapala , Rathnapala Upeksha Lakmini , Itoh Makoto , Takagi Hidekazu , Weerasooriya Mirani Vasanthamala , Kato Hirotomo , Yahathugoda Thishan Channa
Published: May 2022

The recent surge in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sri Lanka has rendered clinical diagnosis difficult; thus, laboratory confirmation is indispensable. A modified (two novel inner primers to detect CL caused by Leishmania donovani) nested Internal Transcribed Spacer-1 (ITS1) PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) method was developed and tested. The sensitivity of the modified nested PCR was tested using serial dilutions (103 to 10−2) of the DNA extract of a cultured L. donovani DD8 strain. Patients (n = 194) from Southern Sri Lanka were examined clinically, microscopically (Slit Skin Smear-SSS) and using the modified nested PCR. The modified nested PCR detected 2.55 fg of parasite DNA compared to ITS1 PCR (25 fg) and detected more cases than SSS (94.3% vs. 77.3%; p < 0.01). The RFLP pattern was L. donovani in all cases. The modified nested PCR performed well in clinically doubtful lesions (95% by PCR vs. 60% by SSS; p < 0.01), ulcerated nodules (91% vs. 71.8%; p < 0.01) and plaques (100% vs. 66.7%; p < 0.01). SSS demonstrated sensitivity (80.9%), specificity (81.8%), PPV (98.7%) and NPV (20.5%) against modified PCR. Low parasite loads and atypical lesions can be diagnosed by the proposed method with higher accuracy.
Bacterial and Protistan Community Variation across the Changjiang Estuary to the Ocean with Multiple Environmental Gradients
Authors: Jiang Xinjun , Zhu Zhu , Wu Jinnan , Lian Ergang , Liu Dongyan , Yang Shouye , Zhang Ruifeng
Published: May 2022

Plankton microorganisms play central roles in the marine food web and global biogeochemical cycles, while their distribution and abundance are affected by environmental variables. The determinants of microbial community composition and diversity in estuaries and surrounding waters with multiple environmental gradients at a fine scale remain largely unclear. Here, we investigated bacterial and protistan community assembly in surface waters from 27 stations across the Changjiang Estuary to the ocean, with salinity ranging from 0 to 32.1, using 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Statistical analyses revealed that salinity is the major factor structuring both bacterial and protistan communities. Salinity also acted as a significant environmental determinant influencing alpha-diversity patterns. Alpha diversity indices for bacterial and protistan communities revealed a species minimum in higher-salinity waters (22.1–32.1). Contrary to the protistan community, the highest bacterial diversity was identified in medium-salinity waters (2.8–18.8), contrasting Remane’s Artenminimum concept. The distribution of major planktonic taxa followed the expected pattern, and the salinity boundary for Syndiniales was specifically identified. These findings revealed the significant effects of salinity on the microbial community across an estuary to ocean transect and the distinct response to salinity between bacterial and protistan communities.
Effects of Two Natural Bisbenzylisoquinolines, Curine and Guattegaumerine, Extracted from Isolona hexaloba on Rhodamine Efflux by Abcb1b from Rat Glycocholic-Acid-Resistant Hepatocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Sergent Jacques-Aurélien , Mathouet Hilarion , Hulen Christian , Lameiras Pedro , Feuilloley Marc , Elomri Abdelhakim , Lomri Nour-Eddine
Published: May 2022

To develop new therapeutic molecules, it is essential to understand the biological effects and targets of clinically relevant compounds. In this article, we describe the extraction and characterization of two alkaloids from the roots of Isolona hexaloba—curine and guattegaumerine. The effect of these alkaloids on the multidrug efflux pump ABCB1 (MDR1/P-Glycoprotein) and their antiproliferative properties were studied. Compared to verapamil, a widely used inhibitor of P-gp, curine and guattegaumerine were found to be weak inhibitors of MDR1/P-Glycoprotein. The highest inhibition of efflux produced by verapamil disappeared in the presence of curine or guattegaumerine as competitors, and the most pronounced effect was achieved with curine. Altogether, this work has provided new insights into the biological effects of these alkaloids on the rat Mdr1b P-gp efflux mechanism and would be beneficial in the design of potent P-gp inhibitors.