bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case of Glottic Amyloidosis Presenting as Leukoplakia
Authors: Moon Seong Kyu , Beag Moon Seung , Lee Mi Ji , Kim Seung Woo
Published: May 2022

Amyloidosis is defined as a deposit of amyloid substance. While it rarely occurs in the head and neck region, it is most commonly found in the larynx. Laryngeal amyloidosis can occur in the false vocal cord, ventricle, and glottis etc. The typical feature of laryngeal amyloidosis is a round yellowish submucosal mass. A 72-year-old male presented with voice change that began a couple of years ago. The rigid laryngoscopy showed a whitish patch in the medial and superior surfaces of the left true vocal fold. He was pathologically diagnosed with amyloidosis by laryngeal microsurgery. With a relevant review of literature, we report this case as it demonstrates rare, atypical features of laryngeal amyloidosis.
Neonatal hypertension: concerns within and beyond the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Altemose Kathleen , Dionne Janis M.
Published: May 2022

Neonatal hypertension occurs in 1%–2% of neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) although may be underdiagnosed. Blood pressure values in premature neonates change rapidly in the first days and weeks of life which may make it more difficult to recognize abnormal blood pressure values. In addition, the proper blood pressure measurement technique must be used to ensure the accuracy of the measured values as most blood pressure devices are not manufactured specifically for this population. In premature neonates, the cause of the hypertension is most commonly related to prematurity-associated complications or management while in term neonates is more likely to be due to an underlying condition. Both oral and intravenous antihypertensive medications can be used in neonates to treat high blood pressure although none are approved for use in this population by regulatory agencies. The natural history of most neonatal hypertension is that it resolves over the first year or two of life. Of concern are the various neonatal risk factors for later cardiovascular and kidney disease that are present in most NICU graduates. Prematurity increases the risk of adulthood hypertension while intrauterine growth restriction may even lead to hypertension during childhood. From neonates through to adulthood NICU graduates, this review will cover each of these topics in more detail and highlight the aspects of blood pressure management that are established while also highlighting where knowledge gaps exist.
Traits of tidal marsh plants determine survival and growth response to hydrodynamic forcing: implications for nature-based shoreline protection
Authors: Schoutens K , Luys P , Heuner M , Fuchs E , Minden V , Schulte Ostermann T , Bouma TJ , Van Belzen J , Temmerman S
Published: May 2022

Tidal marshes are increasingly valued for their nature-based shoreline protection function, as they reduce waves, currents and erosion. The effectiveness of this function depends on the ability of tidal marsh plants to grow and survive under pressure from waves and currents. However, how this varies with species-dependent plant traits is poorly understood. We performed a field transplantation experiment to quantify species-specific growth responses to different levels of hydrodynamic exposure and tidal inundation for 3 NW European marsh species: Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, Bolboschoenus maritimus and Phragmites australis. In this order, these species showed increasing shoot stiffness, length and biomass, which are traits that increase hydrodynamic drag forces experienced by plants. Increased exposure to tidal inundation and hydrodynamics reduced the growth of all 3 species, but species with lower biomass and shorter, thinner and more flexible shoots could better cope with higher hydrodynamic exposure and tidal inundation. Furthermore, transplants of S. tabernaemontani (i.e. the species with the lowest shoot stiffness, length and biomass that survived under all tested conditions) developed smaller, thinner and more flexible shoots in response to higher hydrodynamic exposure and inundation. Hence our study indicates that similar inter- and intra-specific plant traits drive plant growth in response to hydrodynamics and inundation. This suggests that the spatial distribution of species typically observed in tidal marshes results not only from species-specific tolerance to tidal inundation gradients but also from hydrodynamic gradients. Allowing enough space for development of species zonation may be important to increase the efficiency of nature-based shoreline protection by tidal marshes.
Cyanobacterial blooms alter benthic community structure and parasite prevalence among invertebrates in Florida Bay, USA
Authors: Duermit-Moreau E , Bojko J , Behringer DC
Published: May 2022

Many marine habitats are at risk due to increasing frequency, intensity, and persistence of harmful algal blooms. Repeated cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) in Florida Bay, USA, kill sponges, resulting in reduced filtration and loss of shelter for benthic species. The loss of these key ecosystem functions can impact disease dynamics if fewer pathogens are filtered from the water column (dilution), if shelter loss increases host density in remaining shelters and a directly transmitted disease is present (host regulation), or if shelter loss changes species distributions and foraging patterns (trophic exposure). We show persistent impacts to hard-bottom communities relative to non-impacted communities 2 yr after a significant cyanoHAB. We compared benthic structure, invertebrate epibenthic/infaunal community composition, and parasitism among macroinvertebrates, stone crab Menippe mercenaria, and Caribbean spiny lobster Panulirus argus. On sites degraded by cyanoHABs, we found more, smaller sponges, indicating regrowth. Despite this evidence of recovery, epibenthic/infaunal invertebrate communities were distinct and more diverse on unimpacted sites. Additionally, there were fewer, smaller bivalves on impacted sites. The bivalve Tucetona pectinata, prey for stone crabs, was nearly absent on impacted sites, resulting in decreased prevalence of the apicomplexan gregarine Nematopsis sp., which is trophically transmitted from T. pectinata to M. mercenaria. Panulirus argus virus 1 also appears to be affected by cyanoHABs, as it was absent on impacted sites but present in 26.5% of spiny lobster on unimpacted sites. Impacts remain evident 2 yr after significant cyanoHABs, which does not bode well for these areas considering the frequent reoccurrence of blooms.
Ursodesoxycholic acid and heme-arginate are unable to improve hematopoiesis and liver injury in an erythropoietic protoporphyria mouse model
Authors: Abitbol M , Puy H , Sabaté J-M , Guénet J-L , Deybach J-Ch , Montagutelli X
Published: May 2022

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is an inherited disorder of heme biosynthesis caused by partial ferrochelatase deficiency, resulting in protoporphyrin overproduction which is responsible for painful skin photosensitivity. Chronic liver disease is the most severe complication of EPP, requiring liver transplantation in some patients. Data from a mouse model suggest that cytotoxic bile formation with high concentrations of bile salts and protoporphyrin may cause biliary fibrosis by damaging bile duct epithelium. In humans, cholestasis is a result of intracellular and canalicular precipitation of protoporphyrin. To limit liver damage two strategies may be considered: the first is to reduce protoporphyrin production and the second is to enhance protoporphyrin excretion. Bile salts are known to increase protoporphyrin excretion via the bile, while heme arginate is used to decrease the production of porphyrins in acute attacks of hepatic porphyrias. The Griseofulvin-induced protoporphyria mouse model has been used to study several aspects of human protoporphyria including the effects of bile salts. However, the best EPP animal model is an ethylnitrosourea-induced point mutation with fully recessive transmission, named ferrochelatase deficiency (Fech(m1Pas)). Here we investigate the effect of early ursodesoxycholic acid (UDCA) administration and heme-arginate injections on the ferrochelatase deficient EPP mouse model. In this model UDCA administration and heme-arginate injections do not improve the protoporphyric condition of Fech(m1Pas)/Fech(m1Pas) mice.
The influence of low-frequency left prefrontal repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on memory for words but not faces
Authors: Škrdlantová L , Horáček J , Dockery C , Lukavský J , Kopeček M , Preiss M , Novák T , Höschl C
Published: May 2022

Brain imaging studies suggest localization of verbal working memory in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) while face processing and memory is localized in the inferior temporal cortex and other brain areas. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of left DLPFC low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on verbal recall and face recognition. The study revealed a significant decrease of free recall in word encoding under rTMS (110% of motor threshold, 0.9 Hz) in comparison with sham stimulation (p=0.03), while no significant difference was found with facial memory tests. Our findings support the essential role of the left DLPFC in word but not facial memory and confirm the content specific arrangement of cortical areas involved in semantic memory. As a non-invasive tool, rTMS is useful for cognitive brain mapping and the functional localization of the category specific memory system.
SMART E-CRADLE USING RASPBERRY PI
Authors: Sivalingamaiah M , Gopi K
Published: May 2022

This paper presents an idea to design a smart E-cradle which will help the parents to monitor & detect every activity of their baby even if they are away from home. In order to detect each & every activity of baby, different sensors are attached to the cradle: temperature sensing module for detection of temperature of a baby, BPM sensor to measure the BPM of the baby, a camera on top of the cradle for live video footage, sound sensor to detect the crying condition of baby and soil moisture sensor to detect whether baby huggies is wet or dry. If any abnormal condition will be detected then mail and message will be sent automatically to the registered mail id and phone number. When baby is in crying condition, if the sound level is more than the given threshold level then the cradle will swing automatically.
DESIGN OF HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR IN A TYPICAL AEROSPACE VEHICLE
Authors:   Department of Mechanical,K.D.K.College of Engineering,Nandanvan, Nagpur-440009, Maharashtra, India, P. Bagal Nishant , D. Singh Kshitij , Mishra Ashish S , V. Vanalkar Dr. A
Published: May 2022

An Aerospace Vehicle is equipped for flight both inside and outside the reasonable air. An Actuation System is quite possibly the main Systems of an Aerospace vehicle. This paper study includes itemized investigation of different controls Actuation System and Design of an average Hydraulic Actuation Systems. An actuator control framework worried about electrical, electronic or electro mechanical. Actuator control frameworks may appear as incredibly straightforward, physically worked start-and-stop stations, or complex, programmable PC frameworks. Pressure driven Actuation System contains Electro Hydraulic Actuators, Servo Valves, Feedback Sensing components, Pump Motor bundle, Hydraulic Reservoir, Accumulator, different wellbeing valves, Filters and so on. The main objective of this study involves design of Hydraulic Actuator and selection of various other components for the Actuation Systems of an Aerospace Vehicle. Plan of the framework incorporates plan of Hydraulic actuator and furthermore the Modeling and Analysis of actuator utilizing refined Software.
Effects of Static and Dynamic Exercises on Core Muscle Strength and Endurance
Authors: Kibildaitė Monika , Nemčiauskienė Diana , Žlibinaitė Laura
Published: May 2022

Background. Rehabilitation research is currently focused on the effects of exercise on patients with acute or chronic low back pain. However, there is a lack of preventive research investigating the effects of dynamic and static exercises on the strength and endurance of the core stability muscle in individuals engaged in leisure-time non-professional sports activities.

The aim. To determine the effect of static and dynamic muscle exercises on core stability muscle strength and endurance.

Methods. The study involved 12 volunteers (20–30 years old) engaged in leisure-time non-professional sports activities that did not experience back pain. Two groups were formed: the first (n = 7), in which the subjects performed static exercises, and the second (n = 5), in which the subjects performed dynamic exercises. The strength and endurance of the core flexor and extensor muscles were assessed at the beginning and end of the study. The study lasted 5 weeks. Exercise sessions were held 3 times a week for 20–30 minutes.

Results. Strength and endurance of the core flexor and extensor muscles significantly increased in both groups. Comparing the effects of static and dynamic exercises on core flexor and extensor muscle strength and endurance, a statistically significant difference was observed in the change in core extensor muscle strength.

Conclusions. The strength and endurance of the core flexor and extensor muscles increased both after dynamic exercise and static exercise interventions. Core muscle strength increased more after the dynamic exercise intervention.

Keywords: core stability, isometric strength, physical therapy, exercise, young individuals.
Through the Lens of Situated Learning and Levels of Scale: Theorizing Development of Remote Teaching and the Role of On-Site Facilitators
Authors: Siljebo Josef , Pettersson Fanny
Published: May 2022

The aim of this paper is to contribute to theoretical development within a field otherwise mostly characterized by empirical contributions, with a primary focus on the practice and perspectives of on-site facilitators. To theoretically understand the development and use of remote teaching, we focus on the interaction between systems of human activity in education and the relationships enacted in practice through their interaction, with a focus on on-site facilitators’ work. In doing so, we use the concept levels of scale in situated learning. Through levels of scale, we conceptualize the historical development of remote teaching as the large scale and the remote learning environment as the small scale. Integrating the levels of scale and tracing the historical development of remote teaching in Sweden into the enactments taking place in a classroom of modern language teaching is the concrete theoretical development that our aim entails.
Looking Back to See Ahead: An Analysis of K-12 Distance, Online, and Remote Learning During the Pandemic
Authors: Barbour Michael K
Published: May 2022

While the use of distance and online learning had been used for over a century in the K-12 setting (including in isolated ways during previous pandemics and natural disasters), the complete worldwide closure of schools focused attention on the use of distance and online tools and content to provide continuity of learning in a remote context. The way in which both practitioners and scholars make sense of what has occurred over the past 18 months, and what is likely to continue into the future, will impact both regular schooling and how we prepare for future crisis. This article explores this pandemic pedagogy, with a goal of situating the events since March 2020 within the broader field and providing guidance on a path forward.
Shifting Selves and Spaces: Conceptualising School Emergency Remote Teaching as a Third Space
Authors: Johnston David H , Carver Mark , Foy Katrina , Mulligan Aloyise , Shanks Rachel
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic was the catalyst for unprecedented change within education systems around the world. Teaching and learning which had traditionally taken place in school classrooms suddenly moved online. Teachers’ responses to the emergency changed not just pedagogy but who was teaching as well as when and where teaching took place. Bhabha’s ‘third space’ (1994) provides a way of re-imagining the new spaces (both physical and virtual) which were created in response to the pandemic. We report on data from two research studies in Scotland conducted in the 2020-21 academic year covering two lockdown (stay at home) periods: one comprising interviews with nine educators in Scotland; the other study using two rounds of focus groups with eleven early career teachers. Our research thus enquires into the lockdown practices of a range of teachers and managers across different local authorities in Scotland, exploring how they engaged learners using digital technologies during two national lockdowns. Across both studies, digital technology played a key role in how this third space was mediated and the findings show participants’ emotional highs and lows of working within this new space. It also shows teachers’ changing perceptions of children and families and how power relations evolved over the lockdown periods. Technology facilitated the emergency response, but questions remain as to what the legacy of this forced shift will be. This paper points to the importance of two-way communication between home and school and how third spaces using digital technologies could bring home and school funds of knowledge closer together.
In Need of Development, Learning and Research? : On the Possibilities of a Common Point of Departure for Digital and Educational Development
Authors: From Jörgen , Pettersson Fanny
Published: May 2022

A growing body of initiatives aims to connect school improvement with external actors, such as universities, by means of networks and collaborative partnerships of different kinds. Simultaneously, many schools have difficulties in assessing or predicting their needs associated with the digitalization of a specific local school practice given their lack of existing tools to articulate those needs. This has made it difficult to study digitalization in a complementary and symmetrical way between academia and practice. In this study, we used a quantitative instrument to generate findings and development needs relevant to both research and school development. The instrument, which we distributed to all school leaders in one municipality, measures perceptions of three overall areas: (a) levels of digitalization, (b) organizational digital maturity, and (c) notions of leadership. The data shows, for example, that digitalization, in this municipality, was a concern or issue on an individual level. Achieving a more complex view of digitalization as school development—a collegial approach and mindset together with leadership and organization that focuses on strategy and common goals—appears to be a high priority for research and practice. To conclude, the results generated from the instrument used in this study can contribute to a shared understanding of the findings and the needs relevant to both research and school development.
Analysis of International Trade Relation Regarding India and the European Union
Authors: M Khan, M. , N.* Hajdú,
Published: May 2022

The world's major importers and exporters are India and the European Union. When considering the notions of growth, the flow of trade plays a significant part in defining a country's economic development rate since business allows for the improvement of technology in an area critical to production and competitiveness. estimates argue that commerce alone cannot result in monetary growth and development since other elements such as political stability, the extent to which the rule of law is enforced, and the population growth rate, among other critical concerns, all contribute to a country's economy.
In the study, the influence of the EU exports and imports on India's GDP will be analyzed. The results of the data processing and calculation are summarized. The prediction of Indian export and import by 2025 is also included in the research.
Hot Workability and Dynamic Recrystallization Behaviors of Medium-Carbon Cr-Mo Alloys for High Strength Cold Heading Quality Wire Rod
Authors: Jo YongDeok , Lee HuiJu , Nam SungSil , Kang HyeonWoo , Jang ByoungLok
Published: May 2022

The hot deformation behavior of medium-carbon Cr-Mo alloy, which has been developed for high strength cold-heading quality wire rod, was investigated to evaluate its hot workability. A flow curve was derived using the hot torsion test, under conditions with temperatures of 1173-1273 K and strain rates of 0.1-1.0 s-1. At lower deformation temperature and higher strain rate, the overall stress of the flow curve increased, and the flow curve showed a three-stage variation related to the offset of dynamic recrystallization and dynamic recovery. First, as the strain increased, the stress also increased due to work hardening, and reached peak stress. After that, the stress decreased due to softening of the dynamic recrystallization. And when the effect of the dynamic recrystallization and the dynamic recovery reached equilibrium, the stress became steady state. In this paper, the constitutive equation of the peak stress was established using a form of a hyperbolic sine function, and here the thermal activation energy for deformation of the specimen was 244.90 kJ/mol. The peak stresses calculated from the constitutive equation were in good agreement with the experimental results. The dynamic-recrystallized grains were observed using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). It showed that the volume fraction of dynamic recrystallization increased as the strain increased under hot deformation. Based on the Avrami kinetic equation, a dynamic recrystallization kinetic model was established. The volume fraction of dynamic recrystallization was predicted from the kinetic model, and can be applied at arbitrary deformation temperatures and strain rates.
Effect of Sn addition on the Microstructure and Friction–wear Properties of a Nodular Graphite Cast Iron
Authors: Shin Won-Sang , Baek Seungwoo , Kim Yoon-Jun
Published: May 2022

Nodular graphite cast iron is used in the railway and automobile industries because of its excellent workability, abrasion resistance, mechanical strength, and hardenability. To use nodular graphite cast iron in harsh environments, it is essential to examine their friction–wear properties in conjunction with the surface hardness of the materials. Therefore, in this study, a pin–on–disk type method was used to investigate specimens whose surface hardness was improved by the addition of Sn alloying element, followed by high-frequency heat treatment. The results revealed that Sn inhibited the growth of nodular graphite by acting as a barrier to the movement of carbon and promoted the transformation of some matrix from ferrite to pearlite. In contrast, most of the matrix of the high-frequency heat treated specimen was transformed into pearlite. Consequently, the specimens prepared using both methods achieved higher surface hardness than the as-cast state. With regards to the friction–wear properties, the Sn added alloy exhibited a relatively weak matrix, and therefore, delamination of the surface and spalling on the nodular graphite occurred, with significant wear width and depth. In contrast, surface delamination was not observed in the specimen after high-frequency heat treatment.
Effect of Silica Nanoparticle Dispersion on Flexural Strength of Sand Mold with Sodium Silicate Binder
Authors: Kim Panseong , Bae Min A , Baek Jae Ho , Jae Jung Ho , Lee Man Sig
Published: May 2022

Sodium silicate solutions are used as an eco-friendly binder in the casting process. However, the strength of sand molds using the sodium silicate solutions is reduced because of their low humidity resistance. In this study, silica nanoparticles were added to a sodium silicate solution with a constant SiO2/Na2O ratio to improve the humidity resistance of the inorganic binder. The effects of the dissolution times and particle size of the silica on the flexural strength of the molds was also investigated. The physiochemical properties of the inorganic binders were characterized by viscometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Sand molds for the flexural strength test were prepared by mixing artificial sand and inorganic binders. The addition of silica nanoparticles reduced the viscosity and water evaporation rate of the inorganic binders and improved the humidity resistance of the molds due to an increase in the SiO2/Na2O ratio. The flexural strength of the molds increased as the size of the silica nanoparticles increased, due to formation of discrete silica aggregates with high surface area. However, as the dissolution times of the silica nanoparticles increased, the strength of the molds decreased due to an enhanced Q2/Q3 ratio. Therefore, we suggest that the addition of silica nanoparticles will improve the humidity resistance of molds, and that varying the particle size and dissolution time of the silica nanoparticles affects the strength of the molds.
Project Citizen Preliminary Report Year One
Authors: Owen Diana
Published: May 2022

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Project Citizen teacher professional development program and curriculum intervention. Project Citizen is a widely used curriculum intervention that actively engages young people in cooperative, project-based learning as they work as a class to identify a problem in their community, research alternative policy-based solutions, develop a policy proposal to address the problem, and design a political action plan to convince public officials to adopt and implement the policy. PC also supports students’ development of English Language Arts (ELA) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) knowledge and skills. The intervention includes a professional development (PD) program for teachers that increases their content knowledge, improves their capacity to effectively engage young people in PC, and increases their professional engagement with other educators.
The Problem of Measuring Intra-industry Trade
Authors: Dutta Sourish
Published: May 2022

From a historical perspective, the development of research studies concerning the emergence of intra-industry trade is fruitful interaction between theoretical explanations and empirical methods to measure this phenomenon. The foundation of indicators to measure the intensity of intra-industry trading caused the rise of theoretical models explaining the determinants of these trade flows. It also contributed to the debate on the need to distinguish, in empirical analyses, intra-industry trade in horizontal differentiation from that in vertical differentiation.
EVALUASI TATA LETAK FASILITAS DI PT MBG PUTRA MANDIRI YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Tarigan Elsya , Zetli Sri
Published: May 2022

Perencanaan fasilitas suatu perusahaan sangatlah penting untuk diperhatikan, karena apabila tata letak perusahaan tersebut sudah baik dan tepat secara tidak langsung akan menghemat dari segi biaya produksinya. PT MBG Putra Mandiri adalah perusahaan yang bergerak di bidang manufaktur yang memiliki delapan  departemen untuk proses produksinya, dimana di dalam tata-letaknya terdapat kekurangan karena adanya gerakan bolak-balik yang secara tidak langsung menyebabkan total ongkos material handling yang sangat besar dan juga energi yang dikeluarkan juga semakin besar. Di dalam pemecahan masalahnya algoritma yang dipakai adalah algoritma CRAFT dan BLOCPLAN karena berdasarkan penelitian yang dilakukan oleh G. Anisa K. (2002), algoritma yang terbaik untuk memecahkan masalah tata letak fasilitas yang memiliki jumlah departemen kurang dari sepuluh departemen adalah algoritma CRAFT dan BLOCPLAN. Berdasarkan hasil yang diperoleh dari masing-masing algoritma, algoritma yang memberikan total ongkos material handling yang  paling kecil adalah algoritma BLOCPLAN dan CRAFT yaitu sebesar Rp 427.520,00 yang bila dibandingkan dengan tata letak awal sebesar Rp 3.068.124 dan memiliki selisih sebesar Rp 2.640.604,00.
Development of a Sequence Searchable Database of Celiac Disease-Associated Peptides and Proteins for Risk Assessment of Novel Food Proteins
Authors: Amnuaycheewa Plaimein , Abdelmoteleb Mohamed , Wise John , Bohle Barbara , Ferreira Fatima , Tetteh Afua O. , Taylor Steve L. , Goodman Richard E.
Published: May 2022

Celiac disease (CeD) is an autoimmune enteropathy induced by prolamin and glutelin proteins in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale recognized by genetically restricted major histocompatibility (MHC) receptors. Patients with CeD must avoid consuming these proteins. Regulators in Europe and the United States expect an evaluation of CeD risks from proteins in genetically modified (GM) crops or novel foods for wheat-related proteins. Our database includes evidence-based causative peptides and proteins and two amino acid sequence comparison tools for CeD risk assessment. Sequence entries are based on the review of published studies of specific gluten-reactive T cell activation or intestinal epithelial toxicity. The initial database in 2012 was updated in 2018 and 2022. The current database holds 1,041 causative peptides and 76 representative proteins. The FASTA sequence comparison of 76 representative CeD proteins provides an insurance for possible unreported epitopes. Validation was conducted using protein homologs from Pooideae and non-Pooideae monocots, dicots, and non-plant proteins. Criteria for minimum percent identity and maximumE-scores are guidelines. Exact matches to any of the 1,041 peptides suggest risks, while FASTA alignment to the 76 CeD proteins suggests possible risks. Matched proteins should be tested further by CeD-specific CD4/8+ T cell assays orin vivochallenges before their use in foods.
Preparation of BMP-2/PDA-BCP Bioceramic Scaffold by DLP 3D Printing and its Ability for Inducing Continuous Bone Formation
Authors: Yang Ziyang , Xie Li , Zhang Boqing , Zhang Gang , Huo Fangjun , Zhou Changchun , Liang Xi , Fan Yujiang , Tian Weidong , Tan Yinghui
Published: May 2022

Digital light processing (DLP)-based 3D printing is suitable to fabricate bone scaffolds with small size and high precision. However, the published literature mainly deals with the fabrication procedure and parameters of DLP printed bioceramic scaffold, but lacks the subsequent systematic biological evaluations for bone regeneration application. In this work, a biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) macroporous scaffold was constructed by DLP-based 3D printing technique. Furthermore, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) was facilely incorporated into this scaffold through a facile polydopamine (PDA) modification process. The resultant scaffold presents an interconnected porous structure with pore size of ∼570 μm, compressive strength (∼3.6 MPa), and the self-assembly Ca-P/PDA nanocoating exhibited excellent sustained-release property for BMP-2. Notably, this BMP-2/PDA-BCP scaffold presents favorable effects on the adhesion, proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and mineralization of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Furthermore, in vivo experiments conducted on rats demonstrated that the scaffolds could induce cell layer aggregation adjacent to the scaffolds and continuous new bone generation within the scaffold. Collectively, this work demonstrated that the BMP-2/PDA-BCP scaffold is of immense potential to treat small craniofacial bone defects in demand of high accuracy.
Improvement of Emulsion Stability and Plugging Performance of Nanopores Using Modified Polystyrene Nanoparticles in Invert Emulsion Drilling Fluids
Authors: Huang Xianbin , Meng Xu , Wu Leping , Gao Chongyang , Lv Kaihe , Sun Baolu
Published: May 2022

Drilling fluid invasion and pressure transmission caused by the development of micropores and fractures in shale oil and gas formations are the major factors contributing to wellbore instability during drilling using oil-based drilling fluids (OBFs). In this study, a modified polystyrene latex (MPL) material was synthesized through emulsion polymerization and was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, and contact angle testing. The influence of the MPL on the stability of a water-in-oil emulsion was analyzed via sedimentation observations and electrical stability tests. The effects of the MPL on the plugging mechanism of white oil and water-in-oil emulsions were evaluated using 0.1–1.0 μm micro-porous filtration films. The experimental results revealed that the MPL has a favorable thermal stability, with an initial thermal decomposition temperature of 363°C, a median particle size (D50) of 233 nm, and a three-phase contact angle of 103.5°. The MPL can enhance the sedimentation stability of an emulsion to a considerable extent and can improve the electrical stability (ES) of the emulsion, which is conducive to the stability of OBFs. Due to the deformability of the MPL, it has a wide range of adaptations for micro-scale pores and fractures. In both the white oil and water-in-oil emulsions, the MPL can reduce the filtration loss through microporous membranes with pore sizes of 0.1–1.0 μm to within 10 ml. This paper details the methodology of the synthesis of nanomaterials that can effectively plug a formation’s nanopores and fractures; thereby, stabilizing OBFs.
A Novel Adult Murine Model of Typical Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli Infection Reveals Microbiota Dysbiosis, Mucus Secretion, and AAF/II-Mediated Expression and Localization of β-Catenin and Expression of MUC1 in Ileum
Authors: Moran-Garcia Nadia , Lopez-Saucedo Catalina , Becerra Adriana , Meza-Segura Mario , Hernandez-Cazares Felipe , Guerrero-Baez Jair , Galindo-Gómez Silvia , Tsutsumi Víctor , Schnoor Michael , Méndez-Tenorio Alfonso , Nataro James P. , Estrada-Garcia Teresa
Published: May 2022

Typical enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (tEAEC) is a diarrheagenic E. coli pathotype associated with pediatric and traveler’s diarrhea. Even without diarrhea, EAEC infections in children also lead to increased gut inflammation and growth shortfalls. EAEC strain’s defining phenotype is the aggregative adherence pattern on epithelial cells attributable to the aggregative adherence fimbriae (AAF). EAEC only causes diarrhea in humans; therefore, not much is known of the exact intestinal region of infection and damage or its interactions with intestinal enterocytes in vivo and in situ. This study aimed to develop a new tEAEC mouse model of infection, characterize the microbiota of infected mice, and evaluate in situ the expression of host adherence and surface molecules triggering EAEC infection and the role of the EAEC AAF-II in adherence. Six-week-old C57BL/6 mice, without previous antibiotic treatment, were orally challenged with EAEC 042 strain or EAEC 042 AAF-II mutant (ΔAAF/II) strain, or DAEC-MXR strain (diffusely adherent E. coli clinical isolate), and with saline solution (control group). Paraffin sections of the colon and ileum were stained with H&E and periodic acid-Schiff. ZO-1, β-catenin, MUC1, and bacteria were analyzed by immunofluorescence. EAEC-infected mice, in comparison with DAEC-MXR-infected and control mice, significantly lost weight during the first 3 days. After 7 days post-infection, mucus production was increased in the colon and ileum, ZO-1 localization remained unaltered, and morphological alterations were more pronounced in the ileum since increased expression and apical localization of β-catenin in ileal enterocytes were observed. EAEC-infected mice developed dysbiosis 21 days post-infection. At 4 days post-infection, EAEC strain 042 formed a biofilm on ileal villi and increased the expression and apical localization of β-catenin in ileal enterocytes; these effects were not seen in animals infected with the 042 ΔAAF/II strain. At 3 days post-infection, MUC1 expression on ileal enterocytes was mainly detectable among infected mice and colocalized with 042 strains on the enterocyte surface. We developed a novel mouse model of EAEC infection, which mimics human infection, not an illness, revealing that EAEC 042 exerts its pathogenic effects in the mouse ileum and causes dysbiosis. This model is a unique tool to unveil early molecular mechanisms of EAEC infection in vivo and in situ.
From Metrics to Action: A Framework for Identifying Limiting Factors, Key Causes, and Possible Solutions in Food-Energy-Water Security
Authors: Schmidt Jennifer I. , Huntington Henry P. , Whitney Erin , Huang Daisy , Wies Richard , Aggarwal Srijan
Published: May 2022

Food, energy, and water (FEW) security require adequate quantities and forms of each resource, conditions that are threatened by climate change and other factors. Assessing FEW security is important, and needs to be understood in the context of multiple factors. Existing frameworks make it hard to disentangle the contributors to FEW insecurity and to determine where best to expend efforts on short- and long-term solutions. We identified four consistent components of FEW security (availability, access, preference, quality). This framework provides detailed and nuanced insights into factors that limit or bolster security in each of the three sectors. The integrated framework identifies proximate and ultimate underlying causes of deficiencies in each security component providing opportunities to identify short- and long-term solutions.
Multiscale Influences on Persistent Extreme Precipitation Events in North China
Authors: Guan Xiaojun , Gao Jianyun , Li Tim , Wang Lan , Chen Xiaoxiao
Published: May 2022

This study classifies regional persistent extreme precipitation events (PEPEs) in North China into two types in accordance with variance contributions and significance of different timescale rainfall variability in boreal summer. For type 1, PEPEs are dominated by a 10–20-day periodicity, and for type 2, PEPEs are mainly influenced by a 30–60-day mode. Atmospheric circulation anomalies associated with the two types of PEPEs are characterized by a zonal wave train (the EU pattern) in the mid–high latitudes in type 1 but a meridional wave train (the EAP pattern) in East Asia in type 2. The common feature of the two types is anomalous southerly on the west edge of the West Pacific Subtropical High (WPSH), which favors anomalous moisture transport into the key region. Additional moisture source for type 2 is linked to anomalous cross-equatorial flow. Both types of PEPEs result from the combined effect of intraseasonal oscillations in both the mid–high latitudes and the tropics. The impact of ENSO on the two types of PEPEs is investigated. While a La Niña SST condition in the preceding winter favor the occurrence of PEPEs, their subsequent transition in central and eastern equatorial Pacific will determine which of the two types of PEPEs is pronounced.
Spatial-Temporal Patterns of Network Structure of Human Settlements Competitiveness in Resource-Based Urban Agglomerations
Authors: Yu Wenbo , Yang Jun , Sun Dongqi , Yu Huisheng , Yao Yao , Xiao Xiangming , Xia Jianhong(Cecilia)
Published: May 2022

Resource-based urban agglomerations often encounter greater challenges in the sustainable development of human settlements. The aim of this study is to propose an approach to the coordinated development of competitiveness by analyzing the interaction of human settlements competitiveness (HSC) in resource-based urban agglomerations. Through the compound evaluation model of HSC and urban network analysis, this study finds: 1) the HSC measure increased from 35.12 in 1990 to 52.15 in 2015 and showed a downward trend from 2015 to 2019, with an average value of 47.82 in 2019; 2) The change trend of the relevance network density is the same as that of the HSC, while the difference network density reaches the lowest value of 0.441 when the HSC is the highest, indicating that the HSC of the urban agglomerations has improved to a certain extent but is more unsustainable, and 3) Communities in the relevance network are obviously bounded by the borders of provinces or urban agglomerations, while the communities in the difference network are differentiated into two types: high-competitiveness and low-competitiveness. Using the theory of “co-opetition” to analyze the sustainable development path of resource-based urban agglomerations, the study believes that a coordination mechanism and a guarantee mechanism for benefit distribution should be established between urban agglomerations to curb local protectionism, and promote regional dislocation development. The development gradient level also should be established within the urban agglomeration to narrow the gap between HSC of cities, and innovative development should be the core of promoting industrial transformation and upgrading.
The Effect of Sloping Land Conversion Program on Soil Erosion in Shaanxi Province, China: A Spatial Panel Approach
Authors: Xie Yifan , Wang Liye , An Rui , Luo Xuan , Lu Yanchi , Liu Yaolin , Yao Shunbo , Liu Yanfang
Published: May 2022

Soil erosion is a land degradation process that may threaten the sustainability of ecosystem as well as cause severe social and economic problems. The studies on the effect of ecological restoration policies on soil erosion have been well documented, while the spatial relationships and spillover effects of the policies on soil erosion have been rarely scrutinized, though it is of great policy implications in soil erosion control. Based on the analysis of the spatio-temporal evolution of soil erosion in 107 counties of Shaanxi Province with Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation, this study employs a panel spatial Durbin model (SDM) with multi-source data for 107 counties from 2000 to 2015 to investigate the spatial effects of the Sloping Land Conversion Program (SLCP) on soil erosion control with investment data of SLCP. The results show that during 2000–2015, the average amount of soil erosion exhibited a significant downtrend contributed by the continuous investment of SLCP. The spatial economic results demonstrate that the own effect, as well as the spillover effect of investment on soil erosion control, is significant and positive. A 0.1 billion CNY increase in investment in a county will result in a reduction of the total soil erosion by 288.69 thousand t/a, of which 63% is contributed to the own direct effect on local soil erosion control and the 37% of it is contributed to the spillover effect on the neighbors. Moreover, rainfall has a significant and positive moderating effect on the mitigation effect of SLCP on soil erosion at county scale; the marginal contribution of investment of SLCP on soil erosion control in the county with less rainfall is greater than that with more rainfall. These findings contribute to further our understanding of the long-term effects of ecological restoration policies and transboundary ecological governance.
Psychosocial Effects of Receiving Genome-Wide Polygenic Risk Information Concerning Type 2 Diabetes and Coronary Heart Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Halmesvaara Otto , Vornanen Marleena , Kääriäinen Helena , Perola Markus , Kristiansson Kati , Konttinen Hanna
Published: May 2022

Receiving polygenic risk estimates of future disease through health care or direct-to-consumer companies is expected to become more common in the coming decades. However, only a limited number of studies have examined if such estimates might evoke an adverse psychosocial reaction in receivers. The present study utilized data from a sub-section of a personalized medicine project (the P5 study) that combines genomic and traditional health data to evaluate participants’ risk for certain common diseases. We investigated how communication of future disease risk estimates related to type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease influenced respondents’ risk perception, self-efficacy, disease-related worry, and other emotions. A randomized controlled trial was conducted, where the experimental group (n = 714) received risk estimates based on traditional and polygenic risk factors and the control group (n = 649) based solely on traditional risk factors. On average, higher disease risk was associated with higher perceived risk (ps, <0.001, ηp2 = 0.087–0.071), worry (ps <0.001, ηp2 = 0.061–0.028), lower self-efficacy (p <0 .001, ηp2 = 0.012), less positive emotions (ps <0.04, ηp2 = 0.042–0.005), and more negative emotions (ps <0.048, ηp2 = 0.062–0.006). However, we found no evidence that adding the polygenic risk to complement the more traditional risk factors would induce any substantive psychosocial harm to the recipients (ps >0.06).
An Interaction-Based Method for Refining Results From Gene Set Enrichment Analysis
Authors: Wang Yishen , Hong Yiwen , Mao Shudi , Jiang Yukang , Cui Yamei , Pan Jianying , Luo Yan
Published: May 2022

Purpose: To demonstrate an interaction-based method for the refinement of Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) results.

Method: Intravitreal injection of miR-124-3p antagomir was used to knockdown the expression of miR-124-3p in mouse retina at postnatal day 3 (P3). Whole retinal RNA was extracted for mRNA transcriptome sequencing at P9. After preprocessing the dataset, GSEA was performed, and the leading-edge subsets were obtained. The Apriori algorithm was used to identify the frequent genes or gene sets from the union of the leading-edge subsets. A new statistic d was introduced to evaluate the frequent genes or gene sets. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to validate the expression trend of candidate genes after the knockdown of miR-124-3p.

Results: A total of 115,140 assembled transcript sequences were obtained from the clean data. With GSEA, the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, C-type-like lectin receptor signaling pathway, phagosome, necroptosis, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, leukocyte transendothelial migration, chemokine signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway and RIG-I-like signaling pathway were identified as the top 10 enriched pathways, and their leading-edge subsets were obtained. After being refined by the Apriori algorithm and sorted by the value of the modulus of d, Prkcd, Irf9, Stat3, Cxcl12, Stat1, Stat2, Isg15, Eif2ak2, Il6st, Pdgfra, Socs4 and Csf2ra had the significant number of interactions and the greatest value of d to downstream genes among all frequent transactions. Results of RT-qPCR validation for the expression of candidate genes after the knockdown of miR-124-3p showed a similar trend to the RNA-Seq results.

Conclusion: This study indicated that using the Apriori algorithm and defining the statistic d was a novel way to refine the GSEA results. We hope to convey the intricacies from the computational results to the low-throughput experiments, and to plan experimental investigations specifically.