bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological and Epigenetic Reaction of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to the Foliar Application of Silicon under Soil Salinity Conditions
Authors: Stadnik Barbara , Tobiasz-Salach Renata , Mazurek Marzena
Published: January 2022

Soil salinity is an important environmental factor affecting physiological processes in plants. It is possible to limit the negative effects of salt through the exogenous application of microelements. Silicon (Si) is widely recognized as an element improving plant resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. The aim of the research was to determine the impact of foliar application of Si on the photosynthetic apparatus, gas exchange and DNA methylation of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown under salt stress. Plants grown under controlled pot experiment were exposed to sodium chloride (NaCl) in the soil at a concentration of 200 mM, and two foliar applications of Si were made at three concentrations (0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2%). Measurements were made of relative chlorophyll content in leaves (CCl), gas exchange parameters (Ci, E, gs, and PN), and selected chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm, Fv/F0, PI and RC/ABS). Additionally, DNA methylation level based on cytosine methylation within the 3′CCGG 5′ sequence was analyzed. Salinity had a negative effect on the values of the parameters examined. Exogenous application of Si by spraying leaves increased the values of the measured parameters in plants. Plants treated with NaCl in combination with the moderate (0.1%) and highest (0.2%) dose of Si indicated the lowest methylation level. Decrease of methylation implicated with activation of gene expression resulted in better physiological parameters observed in this group of barley plants.
Production and Biochemical Characterization of Dimeric Recombinant Gremlin-1
Authors: Mitola Stefania , Ravelli Cosetta , Corsini Michela , Gianoncelli Alessandra , Galvagni Federico , Ballmer-Hofer Kurt , Presta Marco , Grillo Elisabetta
Published: January 2022

Gremlin-1 is a secreted cystine-knot protein that acts as an antagonist of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and as a ligand of heparin and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), thus regulating several physiological and pathological processes, including embryonic development, tissue fibrosis and cancer. Gremlin-1 exerts all these biological activities only in its homodimeric form. Here, we propose a multi-step approach for the expression and purification of homodimeric, fully active, histidine-tagged recombinant gremlin-1, using mammalian HEK293T cells. Ion metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) of crude supernatant followed by heparin-affinity chromatography enables obtaining a highly pure recombinant dimeric gremlin-1 protein, exhibiting both BMP antagonist and potent VEGFR2 agonist activities.
Regulation of Developmental Cell Death in the Animal Kingdom: A Critical Analysis of Epigenetic versus Genetic Factors
Authors: Montero Juan A. , Lorda-Diez Carlos Ignacio , Hurle Juan M.
Published: January 2022

The present paper proposes a new level of regulation of programmed cell death (PCD) in developing systems based on epigenetics. We argue against the traditional view of PCD as an altruistic “cell suicide” activated by specific gene-encoded signals with the function of favoring the development of their neighboring progenitors to properly form embryonic organs. In contrast, we propose that signals and local tissue interactions responsible for growth and differentiation of the embryonic tissues generate domains where cells retain an epigenetic profile sensitive to DNA damage that results in its subsequent elimination in a fashion reminiscent of what happens with scaffolding at the end of the construction of a building. Canonical death genes, including Bcl-2 family members, caspases, and lysosomal proteases, would reflect the downstream molecular machinery that executes the dying process rather than being master cell death regulatory signals.
Integration of the Metabolomic and Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Remarkable Compounds of G. bicolor Young and Mature Leaves under Different Iron Nutrient Conditions
Authors: Feng Zhe , Ji Shuyu , Cui Di
Published: January 2022

Gynura bicolor (Roxb. ex Willd.) DC. (G. bicolor) is a functional vegetable rich in iron (Fe) and widely grown in Asia (e.g., Japan and China). Because most Fe in the soil exists in the form of insoluble oxides or hydroxides, it is difficult for plants to obtain Fe from the soil. A comparative metabolomic and transcriptome study was carried out to investigate the effect of Fe deficiency on metabolite synthesis and gene expression in young and mature leaves of G. bicolor. Fe deficiency caused chlorosis and decreased the chlorophyll content in young leaves. The metabolomic results for young leaves showed that l-glutamate and 4-hydroxybutanoic acid lactone significantly increased and decreased, respectively. The transcriptome results showed that the expression levels of genes involved in ferric reduction oxidase 7 and 14-kDa proline-rich protein DC2.15-like were significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively. However, Fe deficiency had little effect on mature leaves.
Spheroid Culture Differentially Affects Cancer Cell Sensitivity to Drugs in Melanoma and RCC Models
Authors: Filipiak-Duliban Aleksandra , Brodaczewska Klaudia , Kajdasz Arkadiusz , Kieda Claudine
Published: January 2022

2D culture as a model for drug testing often turns to be clinically futile. Therefore, 3D cultures (3Ds) show potential to better model responses to drugs observed in vivo. In preliminary studies, using melanoma (B16F10) and renal (RenCa) cancer, we confirmed that 3Ds better mimics the tumor microenvironment. Here, we evaluated how the proposed 3D mode of culture affects tumor cell susceptibility to anti-cancer drugs, which have distinct mechanisms of action (everolimus, doxorubicin, cisplatin). Melanoma spheroids showed higher resistance to all used drugs, as compared to 2D. In an RCC model, such modulation was only observed for doxorubicin treatment. As drug distribution was not affected by the 3D shape, we assessed the expression of MDR1 and mTor. Upregulation of MDR1 in RCC spheroids was observed, in contrast to melanoma. In both models, mTor expression was not affected by the 3D cultures. By NGS, 10 genes related with metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome p450 were deregulated in renal cancer spheroids; 9 of them were later confirmed in the melanoma model. The differences between 3D models and classical 2D cultures point to the potential to uncover new non-canonical mechanisms to explain drug resistance set by the tumor in its microenvironment.
Early Intervention of Cold-Water Swimming on Functional Recovery and Spinal Pain Modulation Following Brachial Plexus Avulsion in Rats
Authors: Hsieh Yueh-Ling , Yang Nian-Pu , Chen Shih-Fong , Lu Yu-Lin , Yang Chen-Chia
Published: January 2022

Brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) causes peripheral nerve injury complications with motor and sensory dysfunction of the upper limb. Growing evidence has shown an active role played by cold-water swimming (CWS) in alleviating peripheral neuropathic pain and functional recovery. This study examined whether CWS could promote functional recovery and pain modulation through the reduction of neuroinflammation and microglial overactivation in dorsal horn neurons at the early-stage of BPA. After BPA surgery was performed on rats, they were assigned to CWS or sham training for 5 min twice a day for two weeks. Functional behavioral responses were tested before and after BPA surgery, and each week during training. Results after the two-week training program showed significant improvements in BPA-induced motor and sensory loss (p < 0.05), lower inflammatory cell infiltration, and vacuole formation in injured nerves among the BPA–CWS group. Moreover, BPA significantly increased the expression of SP and IBA1 in dorsal horn neurons (p < 0.05), whereas CWS prevented their overexpression in the BPA–CWS group. The present findings evidenced beneficial rehabilitative effects of CWS on functional recovery and pain modulation at early-stage BPA. The beneficial effects are partially related to inflammatory suppression and spinal modulation. The synergistic role of CWS combined with other management approaches merits further investigation.
Human Genetic Diseases Linked to the Absence of NEMO: An Obligatory Somatic Mosaic Disorder in Male
Authors: Pescatore Alessandra , Spinosa Ezia , Casale Carmela , Lioi Maria Brigida , Ursini Matilde Valeria , Fusco Francesca
Published: January 2022

De novo somatic mutations are well documented in diseases such as neoplasia but are rarely reported in rare diseases. Hovewer, severe genetic diseases that are not compatible with embryonic development are caused exclusively by deleterious mutations that could only be found as mosaic and not as inherited mutations. We will review here the paradigmatic case of Incontinentia Pigmenti, a rare X-linked dominant disease caused by deficiency of the NEMO (also called IKKgamma) protein, which plays a pivotal role in tissue homeostasis. The loss-of-function mutations of NEMO are embryonically lethal in males while females survive because of unbalanced X-inactivation due to NEMO wild type (WT) expressing cells survival despite of NEMO mutant expressing cells. The few surviving IP males are obligatory mosaic mutants with the typical clinical presentation of IP in female. Indeed, the IP pathogenesis in the female and most likely also in the male somatic mosaics is based on the cellular effects of an impaired NEMO activity, but in the context of the interaction of genetically different cells in the affected tissue, which might underline the inflammatory status.
Knowledge, Decisions, and Norms: A Framework for Studying the Structuration of Spreadsheets in Social Organizations
Authors: Rose Patrick Allen , Pennings Anthony J.
Published: January 2022

This article applies Anthony Giddens’ theory of structuration to analyze how digital spreadsheet technologies both produce and are the products of structures that reinforce and transform the institutionalized routine practices of workers in social organizations from which the effects of power flow. Specifically, it identifies the built-in capabilities and features of spreadsheet applications that are reconfigured to embed organizational structures within them. A framework is proposed to explain the ways spreadsheets are assembled to embody three general forms of modalities central to Structuration Theory: (1) interpretive schemes, (2) facilities, and (3) norms. The proposed framework characterizes specific spreadsheet properties by their roles in enabling how these structural modalities construct realities with digital information that predetermine organizational thinking and doing. Illustrations of spreadsheets-in-practice are given as evidence of how digital spreadsheets reinforce and change organizational structures through their widespread diffusion and use.
Adult Presentation of Subaortic Stenosis with Subaortic Membrane Treated with Surgical Removal
Authors: Kang Se Hun , Kim In Jai , Kim Won-Jang
Published: January 2022

Subaortic stenosis (SAS) is a rare heart disease in adults with an unclear etiology and variable clinical presentation. In some cases, SAS appears as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with obstruction due to the accompanying systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve. A 46-year-old male with dizziness for several months presented in the outpatient department. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated a slightly hypertrophic left ventricle with normal systolic function without wall-motion abnormalities. Just below the aortic valve, a linear structure protruding from the septum side and the left-ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) side of the mitral valve was confirmed, which was causing a significant pressure gradient (mean and maximum of 91 mmHg and 138 mmHg, respectively). A diagnosis of SAS with subaortic membrane was made, and surgical myomectomy and subaortic membrane removal surgery were performed. Postoperative transthoracic echocardiography did not show flow acceleration through the LVOT, nor a significant pressure gradient across the aortic valve. This case report highlights the clinical significance of SAS with subaortic membrane, which can be confused with aortic stenosis of other etiology.
Electromyographic Study of Masticatory Muscle Function in Children with Down Syndrome
Authors: Szyszka-Sommerfeld Liliana , Sycińska-Dziarnowska Magdalena , Machoy Monika , Wilczyński Sławomir , Maglitto Marzia , Cernera Mariangela , Spagnuolo Gianrico , Woźniak Krzysztof
Published: January 2022

This study assessed the electrical activity of the masticatory muscles in both children with down syndrome (DS) and healthy children. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 patients aged between 7.9 and 11.8 years participated in the study. They were divided into two groups of 15: DS and non-DS. A DAB-Bluetooth device (Zebris Medical GmbH, Germany) was used to record the electromyographical (EMG) activity of the right and left temporal and of the right and left masseter muscles at rest and during maximum voluntary clenching (MVC). The asymmetry index between right and left masticatory muscle EMG activity was calculated for each position. The Mann–Whitney U test was applied to analyze the study results. There were no differences in the electrical activity of the temporal and masseter muscles at rest between the groups. During MVC, the asymmetry index for the masseter muscles was significantly higher in subjects with DS. The electrical potentials of the temporal and masseter muscles in children with DS were significantly lower compared to the corresponding parameters for healthy children when clenching.
Efficacy and Radiographic Analysis of Minimally Invasive Posterior Mono-Axial Pedicle Screw Fixation in Treating Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures
Authors: Shim Jae-Hoon , Seo Eun-Min
Published: January 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of minimally invasive posterior mono-axial pedicle screws fixation in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures. Methods: In the present study, we analyzed 98 patients retrospectively who had thoracolumbar burst fractures without a neurological deficit. Patients were divided into two groups: mono-axial pedicle screw fixation group (n = 52) and poly-axial pedicle screw fixation group (n = 46). We collected clinical data (visual analog scale (VAS) score for back pain) and included radiographic measurements. Results: Sagittal index was significantly improved at postop and last follow-up in the mono group and the poly group. The mono group was better for reducing and maintaining anterior vertebral height. For the mono group, the mean postoperative regional kyphosis correction rate was 62.31%, and correction loss was 14.18% in late follow-up. For the poly group, the mean postoperative regional kyphosis correction rate was 52.17%, and correction loss was 33.42% in late follow-up. The mono-axial pedicle screw group had a good correction rate and reduced the risks of correction loss. The mean VAS scores for back pain improved by 2.4/2.5 and 3.8/4.2 for the mono and poly groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between groups. Conclusions: The mono-axial pedicle screw fixation was better for reducing and maintaining anterior vertebral height and regional kyphosis. Therefore, the mono-axial pedicle screw is a better optional instrumentation to treat thoracolumbar vertebral fractures.
Periodontitis in Ischemic Stroke Patients: Case Definition Challenges of the New Classification Scheme (2018)
Authors: Costea Cristina Andrada , Christodorescu Ruxandra , Soancă Andrada , Roman Alexandra , Micu Iulia Cristina , Stratul Ștefan Ioan , Rusu Darian , Popescu Dora Maria , Popa-Wagner Aurel , Bulboacă Adriana Elena
Published: January 2022

The identification of the associative relationships between ischemic stroke (IS) and risk factors such as advanced age and periodontitis is essential to design real screening protocols and to address them using primary and secondary preventive policies. This study primarily aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the 2018 European Federation of Periodontology/American Academy of Periodontology (EFP/AAP) case definition in detecting periodontitis against the 2012 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology (CDC/AAP) case definition in a group of IS patients. Secondarily, we report the periodontal status of IS patients and the associative relationship with respect to some risk factors. Patients with their first IS were assessed based on demographic data, medical, oral risk factors and periodontal parameters. The two case definitions were applied to identify the periodontitis burden. The agreement between the two case definition systems, as well as the misclassification ratio, were calculated. A total of 141 patients were included. According to the 2012 CDC/AAP and the 2018 EFP/AAP case definitions, a frequency of periodontitis of 98.5% and 97.8% based on two modalities of inclusion of cases in the severity groups, sensitivity values of 98.54% or 100%, and specificity values of 25% or 14.7% were calculated. Thus, the new case definition system has a higher capacity to detect periodontitis, especially the well-established forms.
Normal Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPO-Ab) Titers and Active Arterial Wall Thickening among Euthyroid Individuals: A Prospective Study
Authors: Shimizu Yuji , Kawashiri Shin-Ya , Noguchi Yuko , Nakamichi Seiko , Nagata Yasuhiro , Hayashida Naomi , Maeda Takahiro
Published: January 2022

Among euthyroid individuals, having an anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) titer in the normal range (negative) is positively associated with atherosclerosis as evaluated based on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Atherosclerosis is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but no significant association between yearly progression in CIMT and cardiovascular disease has been reported. Therefore, clarifying the association between having a TPO-Ab titer in the normal range and yearly progression in CIMT (i.e., active arterial wall thickening) among euthyroid individuals could help inform strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease. We conducted a prospective study of 1069 Japanese subjects with free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine levels within the normal range. Having a TPO-Ab titer in the normal range was significantly positively associated with baseline atherosclerosis and significantly inversely associated with active arterial wall thickening. After adjusting for known confounding factors, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of log (TPO-Ab titer) for baseline atherosclerosis and active arterial wall thickening was 2.16 (1.07, 4.35) and 0.59 (0.37, 0.93), respectively. Since progression in CIMT is a process of aggressive endothelial repair, deficient endothelial repair inhibits active arterial wall thickening. Therefore, high–normal TPO-Ab titers might induce a deficiency in endothelial repair.
No Influence of Previous Coxiella burnetii Infection on ICU Admission and Mortality in Emergency Department Patients Infected with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Weehuizen Jesper M. , van Spronsen Rik , Hoepelman Andy I. M. , Bleeker-Rovers Chantal P. , Oosterheert Jan Jelrik , Wever Peter C.
Published: January 2022

Background: the geographical similarities of the Dutch 2007–2010 Q fever outbreak and the start of the 2020 coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) outbreak in the Netherlands raised questions and provided a unique opportunity to study an association between Coxiella burnetii infection and the outcome following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study in two Dutch hospitals. We assessed evidence of previous C. burnetii infection in COVID-19 patients diagnosed at the ED during the first COVID-19 wave and compared a combined outcome of in-hospital mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) admission using adjusted odds ratios (OR). Results: In total, 629 patients were included with a mean age of 68.0 years. Evidence of previous C. burnetii infection was found in 117 patients (18.6%). The combined primary outcome occurred in 40.2% and 40.4% of patients with and without evidence of previous C. burnetii infection respectively (adjusted OR of 0.926 (95% CI 0.605–1.416)). The adjusted OR of the secondary outcomes in-hospital mortality, ICU-admission and regular ward admission did not show an association either. Conclusion: no influence of previous C. burnetii infection on the risk of ICU admission and/or mortality for patients with COVID-19 presenting at the ED was observed.
Morphology of Meibomian Glands in a 65-Year-Old Norwegian Population without Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Chen Xiangjun , Badian Reza A. , Hynne Håvard , Tashbayev Behzod , Hove Lene Hystad , Jensen Janicke Liaaen , Utheim Tor Paaske
Published: January 2022

Analyses of meibography may help in the diagnosis, prevention, and management of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). However, there is currently a paucity of data regarding meibography analyses in the young elderly populations in the Nordic countries. In the current study, meibography of the upper and lower eyelids of 117 65-year-old residents in Oslo, Norway, who did not fulfil the diagnosis of dry eye disease (DED) were analysed. Meibomian gland (MG) dropout and tarsal areas were measured semi-automatically using ImageJ software. The relationship between morphological features of the MGs and clinical dry eye tests was examined. The median percent MG dropout was 26.1% and 40.7% in the upper and lower eyelids, respectively. There was no significant difference between males and females. None of the MG morphological parameters demonstrated significant values in discriminating abnormal dry eye symptom loads or MGD diagnosis from the normal loads. We therefore concluded that moderate MG atrophy was common among the Norwegian population of 65-year-olds without DED and showed no sexual differences. Meibography alone cannot discriminate MGD from non-MGD; thus, both morphological and functional MG tests are necessary when screening for MGD.
How Long to Continue Eyelid Hygiene to Treat Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Authors: Ahn Hyunmin , Kim Bo Yi , Kim Jinyoung , Ji Yong Woo , Jun Ikhyun , Kim Tae-im , Lee Hyung Keun , Seo Kyoung Yul
Published: January 2022

To determine the efficacy duration of eyelid hygiene for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) treatment, a total of 1015 participants with primary MGD, followed for at least 6 months, were enrolled. The participants were classified into the eyelid hygiene group and the control group. The participants who had stopped eyelid hygiene at any point in the observation period after the initial 2 months were classified into the withdrawal group. Analysis was conducted with a generalized linear mixed model. Treatment group, age, sex, ocular surface inflammation, anti-inflammatory treatments, and baseline MGD subtype were considered as fixed effects, and the individual factor was considered as a random effect. The MGD stage decreased significantly for the observational period in the eyelid hygiene group (p < 0.001). Approximately 40.1% of the participants continuously maintained eyelid hygiene throughout the observational period. The MGD stage in the eyelid hygiene group continued to decrease for 6 months and was maintained thereafter. After 4 months of stopping eyelid hygiene, the MGD stage in the withdrawal group was worse than in the eyelid hygiene group (p < 0.001) and similar to that in the control group (p = 0.762). Maintaining eyelid hygiene was significantly effective in MGD treatment. Efficacy increased with treatment for 6 months, and the efficacy duration was maintained for 4 months even after stopping eyelid hygiene. Therefore, we recommend that patients with MGD maintain eyelid hygiene, and compliance should be checked continuously.
Assessing Failure in Steel Cable-Reinforced Rubber Belts Using Multi-Scale FEM Modelling
Authors: Frankl Siegfried Martin , Pletz Martin , Wondracek Alfred , Schuecker Clara
Published: January 2022

This work introduces a finite element model of a steel cable-reinforced conveyor belt to accurately compute stresses in the splice. In the modelled test rig, the belt runs on two drums and is loaded with a cyclic longitudinal force. An explicit solver is used to efficiently handle the high number of elements and contact conditions. This, however, introduces some issues of dynamics in the model, which are subsequently solved: (a) the longitudinal load is applied with a smooth curve and damping is introduced in the beginning of the simulation, (b) residual stresses are applied in regions of the belt that are initially bent around the drums, and (c) supporting drums are introduced at the start of the simulation to hinder oscillations of the belt at low applied forces. To accurately capture the tensile and bending stiffness of the cables, they are modelled by a combination of solid and beam elements. The results show that numerical artefacts can be reduced to an acceptable extent. In the region of highest stresses, the displacements are additionally mapped onto a submodel with a smaller mesh size. The results show that, for the investigated belt, the local maximum principal stresses significantly increase when this region of highest stresses comes into contact with, and is bent by, the drum. Therefore, it is essential to also consider the belt’s bending to predict failure in such applications.
Uniaxial Compressive Behavior of AA5083/SiC Co-Continuous Ceramic Composite Fabricated by Gas Pressure Infiltration for Armour Applications
Authors: Prasanth Achuthamenon Sylajakumari , Krishnaraj Vijayan , Nampoothiri Jayakrishnan , Sindhumathi Ramalingam , Akthar Sadik Mohamed Raeez , Escobedo Juan Pablo , Shankar Krishna
Published: January 2022

A novel approach of a gas pressure infiltration technique is presented for the synthesis of Co-Continuous Ceramic Composite (C4). SiC foams of varying pore sizes were infiltrated with aluminium AA5083. Optical examination revealed that the SiC foams contained open cells with a network of triangular voids. The number of pores-per-inch (PPI) in the foams was found to depend on the strut thickness and pore diameter. The compressive strengths of two foam configurations, 10 and 20 PPI, were estimated to lie between 1–2 MPa. After infiltration, the compressive yield strength of the resulting C4 was observed to increase to 126 MPa and 120 MPa, respectively, for the 10 and 20 PPI C4. Additionally, the infiltration of ceramic foam with the AA5083 alloy resulted in an increase in strength of 58–100 times when compared with plain ceramic foam. The failure modes of the composites in compression were analyzed by crack propagation and determining the type of failure. The study revealed that shear failure and vertical splitting were the predominant mechanisms of compression failure, and that the fabricated C4 is advantageous in mechanical properties compared to the plain ceramic foam. This study, therefore, suggests the use of C4 composites in armour applications.
A Review on the Processing of Aero-Turbine Blade Using 3D Print Techniques
Authors: Sinha Ayush , Swain Biswajit , Behera Asit , Mallick Priyabrata , Samal Saswat Kumar , Vishwanatha H. M. , Behera Ajit
Published: January 2022

Additive manufacturing (AM) has proven to be the preferred process over traditional processes in a wide range of industries. This review article focused on the progressive development of aero-turbine blades from conventional manufacturing processes to the additive manufacturing process. AM is known as a 3D printing process involving rapid prototyping and a layer-by-layer construction process that can develop a turbine blade with a wide variety of options to modify the turbine blade design and reduce the cost and weight compared to the conventional production mode. This article describes various AM techniques suitable for manufacturing high-temperature turbine blades such as selective laser melting, selective laser sintering, electron beam melting, laser engineering net shaping, and electron beam free form fabrication. The associated parameters of AM such as particle size and shape, powder bed density, residual stresses, porosity, and roughness are discussed here.
Equivalent Aerodynamic Design of Blade for Offshore Floating Wind Turbine Model
Authors: Lin Jiahuan , Duan Huawei , Xu Baoming , Wang Yangwei , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2022

The Froude-scaled offshore floating wind turbine model is inevitably affected by the Reynolds number effect, making the model unable to correctly reproduce the thrust performance of the reference wind turbine (RWT). To solve this problem, an Xfoil-AirfoilPrep-Matlab (XAM) system and a wide tip speed ratio search method (WTSM) are proposed to design a wide tip speed ratio (TSR) thrust-match model blade. The XAM system is utilized to select the best airfoil for WTSM by calculating the lift and drag coefficients of several airfoils. The WTSM is utilized to optimize the blade chord and twist. It formalizes the blade chord and twist by polynomials and then optimizes the polynomial coefficients. The thrust coefficients construct the optimization object at different TSRs. For validating the effect of the redesigned blade, the thrust performance is compared to that of the RWT blade. In addition, the thrust performance of redesigned blade at different pitch angles is also calculated and compared to those of the RWT blade. Results show that the thrust performance of redesigned blade matches well with that of the RWT blade at 0 pitch angle, and it can also match the variations of that of the RWT blade at the other pitch angles well.
Examining Metal Additives in a Marine Hybrid-Propellant, Water-Breathing Ramjet
Authors: Eisen Nachum E. , Gany Alon
Published: January 2022

This research focuses on theoretically and experimentally evaluating the performance of a metallized hybrid-propellant, water-breathing ramjet. The aluminum and/or magnesium particles added to a polymeric (polyester) fuel grain are hydro-reactive, using the surrounding water as an oxidizer, in addition to a source of gas. Theoretically, the metal additives significantly increase the specific impulse of the motor, and as the percentage of the hydro-reactive ingredient increases, the theoretical performance increases as well. Additionally, aluminum is more energetic than magnesium. However, it was experimentally discovered that the addition of aluminum beyond 20% resulted in a slag formation and did not increase the specific impulse. Adding 30% of magnesium was relatively favorable to aluminum due to its better reactivity, enabling the achievement of an actual specific impulse of up to 485 s at standard conditions, approximately double the performance of common solid rockets.
A Compact Design of Underwater Mining Vehicle for the Cobalt-Rich Crust with General Support Vessel Part A: Prototype and Tests
Authors: Xie Chao , Wang Lan , Yang Ning , Agee Casey , Chen Ming , Zheng Jinrong , Liu Jun , Chen Yuxiang , Xu Lixin , Qu Zhiguo , Yao Shaoming , Wang Liquan , Chen Zongheng
Published: January 2022

This paper proposed a compact design of the subsea cobalt-rich crust mining vehicle with a general purpose support vessel for subsea resource exploration, sample collection, and research. The necessary functions were considered in the concept design, including walk, crushing/mining, sample collection, cutter head adaptation, vehicle orientation, crust texture measurement, awareness, positioning, and navigation. The prototype was tested in both tank and subsea environment. The sea trials were carried out with the support of a general purpose support vessel. The track design worked well in both the tank and subsea environment and the mining vehicle walked smoothly in the sea trial. The crust was crushed to the size of 2 mm and 10 mm with different cutting parameters and successfully collected by the jet pump, 6 kg in total. The crust texture was measured by the onboard sonar successfully and can be used for cutting parameter selection. The cameras captured the images of the subsea environment, but the actions of crushing and sample collection produced plumes, which blocked the camera vision. In the situation, the front image sonar can be used to keep the vehicle away from big rocks. The mining vehicle is not limited to the mining and sampling of subsea cobalt-rich crust. Most of the subsea solid resources on the seabed can be considered to use the compact mining vehicle for sampling and related research. The only issues to be considered are the crushing ability and sample size required.
Prediction of the Influence of Runner Tip Clearance on the Performance of Tubular Turbine
Authors: Wu Yanzhao , Wang Xiaohang , Yang Xiaolong , Ding Junfeng , Zhu Di , Tao Ran , Wang Huanmao , Xiao Ruofu
Published: January 2022

Tubular turbine is a type of turbine with low-head. Due to the fact that the runner of a tubular turbine is of axial-flow type, there will be a certain width of blade tip between the blade and the chamber. In order to explore the influence of tip clearance width on the flow inside the turbine, taking the model tubular turbine as the research object, six different tip clearance widths were compared and analyzed. The research shows that the increase in blade tip clearance width affects the performance of the turbine, reduces the minimum pressure at blade tip and causes cavitation in advance. Larger tip clearance width significantly increases pressure pulsation intensity inside the turbine, especially in the vaneless region between the runner and guide vane and the area of the runner tip. However, the increase in tip clearance width can greatly reduce the axial force for about 100 N and radial excitation force for about 50% of rotating parts. Therefore, during the design and processing of tubular turbines, the blade tip clearance width should be carefully selected to ensure safe and stable operation of the unit.
Review of Ship Behavior Characteristics in Mixed Waterborne Traffic
Authors: Tang Yingjie , Mou Junmin , Chen Linying , Zhou Yang
Published: January 2022

Through the continuous development of intellectualization, considering the lifecycle of ships, the future of a waterborne traffic system is bound to be a mixed scenario where intelligent ships of different autonomy levels co-exist, i.e., mixed waterborne traffic. According to the three modules of ships’ perception, decision-making, and execution, the roles of humans and machines under different autonomy levels are analyzed. This paper analyzes and summarizes the intelligent algorithms related to the three modules proposed in the last five years. Starting from the characteristics of the algorithms, the behavior characteristics of ships with different autonomous levels are analyzed. The results show that in terms of information perception, relying on the information perception techniques and risk analysis methods, the ship situation can be judged, and the collision risk is evaluated. The risk can be expressed in two forms, being graphical and numerical. The graphical images intuitively present the risk level, while the numerical results are easier to apply into the control link of ships. In the future, it could be considered to establish a risk perception system with digital and visual integration, which will be more efficient and accurate in risk identification. With respect to intelligent decision-making, currently, unmanned ships mostly use intelligent algorithms to make decisions and tend to achieve both safe and efficient collision avoidance goals in a high-complexity manner. Finally, regarding execution, the advanced power control devices could improve the ship’s maneuverability, and the motion control algorithms help to achieve the real-time control of the ship’s motion state, so as to further improve the speed and accuracy of ship motion control. With the upgrading of the autonomy level, the ship’s behavior develops in a safer, more efficient, and more environment-friendly manner.
The Potential of Wave Energy Conversion to Mitigate Coastal Erosion from Hurricanes
Authors: Ozkan Cigdem , Mayo Talea , Passeri Davina L.
Published: January 2022

Wave energy conversion technologies have recently attracted more attention as part of global efforts to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy resources. While ocean waves can provide renewable energy, they can also be destructive to coastal areas that are often densely populated and vulnerable to coastal erosion. There have been a variety of efforts to mitigate the impacts of wave- and storm-induced erosion; however, they are either temporary solutions or approaches that are not able to adapt to a changing climate. This study explores a green and sustainable approach to mitigating coastal erosion from hurricanes through wave energy conversion. A barrier island, Dauphin Island, off the coast of Alabama, is used as a test case. The potential use of wave energy converter farms to mitigate erosion due to hurricane storm surges while simultaneously generating renewable energy is explored through simulations that are forced with storm data using the XBeach model. It is shown that wave farms can impact coastal morphodynamics and have the potential to reduce dune and beach erosion, predominantly in the western portion of the island. The capacity of wave farms to influence coastal morphodynamics varies with the storm intensity.
Whole Genome Sequence of an Edible Mushroom Stropharia rugosoannulata (Daqiugaigu)
Authors: Li Shuwen , Zhao Shuxue , Hu Chunhui , Mao Chengzhi , Guo Lizhong , Yu Hailong , Yu Hao
Published: January 2022

Stropharia rugosoannulata, also known as Daqiugaigu in China, is a well-known edible mushroom that has been widely cultivated in China in recent years. Many studies have focused on its nutrients, bioactive compounds, and lignin degradation capacity, although there are few molecular and genetic breeding studies due to the lack of genomic information. Here, we present the 47.9 Mb genome sequence of an S. rugosoannulata monokaryotic strain (A15), which has 20 contigs and an N50 of 3.64 Mb, which was obtained by a combination of Illumina and Nanopore sequencing platforms. Further analysis predicted 12,752 protein-coding genes, including 486 CAZyme-encoding genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close evolutionary relationship between S. rugosoannulata and Hypholoma sublateritium, Psilocybe cyanescens, and Galerina marginata based on single-copy orthologous genes. Proteomic analysis revealed different protein expression profiles between the cap and the stipe of the S. rugosoannulata fruiting body. The proteins of the stipe associated with carbon metabolism, energy production, and stress-response-related biological processes had higher abundance, whereas proteins involved in fatty acid synthesis and mRNA splicing showed higher expression in the cap than in the stipe. The genome of S. rugosoannulata will provide valuable genetic resources not only for comparative genomic analyses and evolutionary studies among Basidiomycetes but also for alleviating the bottlenecks that restrict the molecular breeding of this edible mushroom.
Application of Non-Thermal Plasma to Fungal Resources
Authors: Veerana Mayura , Yu Nannan , Ketya Wirinthip , Park Gyungsoon
Published: January 2022

In addition to being key pathogens in plants, animals, and humans, fungi are also valuable resources in agriculture, food, medicine, industry, and the environment. The elimination of pathogenic fungi and the functional enhancement of beneficial fungi have been the major topics investigated by researchers. Non-thermal plasma (NTP) is a potential tool to inactivate pathogenic and food-spoiling fungi and functionally enhance beneficial fungi. In this review, we summarize and discuss research performed over the last decade on the use of NTP to treat both harmful and beneficial yeast- and filamentous-type fungi. NTP can efficiently inactivate fungal spores and eliminate fungal contaminants from seeds, fresh agricultural produce, food, and human skin. Studies have also demonstrated that NTP can improve the production of valuable enzymes and metabolites in fungi. Further studies are still needed to establish NTP as a method that can be used as an alternative to the conventional methods of fungal inactivation and activation.
Professional Self-Concept and Self-Confidence for Nurses Dealing with COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Allobaney Nabeel F. , Eshah Nidal F. , Abujaber Ahmad A. , Nashwan Abdulqadir J. J.
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To identify the impact of dealing with COVID-19 patients in clinical areas on nurses’ professional self-concept and self-confidence. Background: Professional self-concept is considered a critical factor in the recruitment/retention process in nursing, nursing shortage, career satisfaction, and academic achievements. Professional self-confidence is also a crucial determinant in staff satisfaction, reducing turnover, and increasing work engagement. Design: Descriptive, comparative study. Methods: The study was conducted between February to May 2021 by utilizing a convenience sampling technique. A total of 170 nurses from two facilities were recruited from two COVID-19- and non-COVID-19-designated facilities. The level of professional self-concept and self-confidence was assessed by utilizing the Nurses’ Self-Concept Instrument and Self-Confidence Scale. Results: The professional self-concept level among the group exposed to COVID-19 patients was lower than the comparison group, while the professional self-confidence level among the exposed group to COVID-19 patients was similar to the comparison group. On the other hand, the satisfied staff and those who received professional training in dealing with COVID-19 patients reported a higher level of professional self-concept. Conclusions: Dealing with COVID-19 patients has an impact on professional self-concept; the exposure group was lower than those who did not deal with COVID-19 patients, while the professional self-confidence level among the exposed group was similar to the comparison group. Getting professional training in dealing with COVID-19 patients and being satisfied at work were significant factors in improving professional self-concept. Policymakers should create strategies that target the improvement of professional training in dealing with COVID-19 patients.
Impact of Scaling and Periodontal Treatment during Pregnancy on the Risk of Adverse Birth Outcomes
Authors: Chen Jhih-Jhen , Wu Dai-Rong , Lin Wei-Szu , Chen I-Chieh , Liu Jeng-Fen , Chen Hui-Ling , Lin Ching-Heng
Published: January 2022

Background: Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) are associated with periodontal disease owing to the induction of a chronic systemic inflammatory response. Hence, knowledge of periodontal status during pregnancy is important in order to reduce the risk of APOs. The aim of this study was to compare the risk of APOs in women with and without periodontal disease to ascertain whether regular scaling performed prior to pregnancy improves the risk of APOs. Method: This case-control study enrolled1,386,887 pregnant women from the National Health Insurance Research Database who gave birth to their first child between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2014. The study population included mothers who gave birth to low birth weight (LBW) and non-LBW newborns, totaling 86,958 and 1,299,929, respectively. Scaling and periodontal emergency treatment during and before pregnancy were assessed. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the associations between periodontal treatment and LBW risk. Results: Compared with the comparison cohort, the pregnant women who didnot have periodontal emergency treatment or scaling treatment during pregnancy exhibited a significantly increased risk of LBW than those who had treatment. Women who underwent scaling within the2 years before pregnancy or during pregnancy had a lower risk of delivering a LBW baby (odds ratio (OR), 0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.91–0.94). In the normal group, the mothers who had periodontal emergency treatment within the2 years before pregnancy or during pregnancy had a higher risk of delivering a LBW baby (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02–1.08). In those who had scaling treatment, a lower risk of delivering a LBW baby was noted (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93–0.97). Conclusion: The risk of LBW was significantly increased in women who underwent periodontal treatment, and our findings suggested that periodontal disease is an important risk factor for preterm LBW babies in an East Asian population.
High Expression of Interferon Pathway Genes CXCL10 and STAT2 Is Associated with Activated T-Cell Signature and Better Outcome of Oral Cancer Patients
Authors: Huang Yun-Cian , Huang Jau-Ling , Tseng Lu-Chia , Yu Ping-Hung , Chen Si-Yun , Lin Chang-Shen
Published: January 2022

To improve the survival rate of cancer patients, biomarkers for both early diagnosis and patient stratification for appropriate therapeutics play crucial roles in precision oncology. Investigation of altered gene expression and the relevant molecular pathways in cancer cells are helpful for discovering such biomarkers. In this study, we explore the potential prognostic biomarkers for oral cancer patients through systematically analyzing five oral cancer transcriptomic data sets (TCGA, GSE23558, GSE30784, GSE37991, and GSE138206). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was individually applied to each data set and the upregulated Hallmark molecular pathways of each data set were intersected to generate 13 common pathways including interferon-α/γ pathways. Among the 5 oral cancer data sets, 43 interferon pathway genes were commonly upregulated and 17 genes exhibited prognostic values in TCGA cohort. After validating in another oral cancer cohort (GSE65858), high expressions of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) and Signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2) were confirmed to be good prognostic biomarkers. GSEA of oral cancers stratified by CXCL10/STAT2 expression showed that activation of T-cell pathways and increased tumor infiltration scores of Type 1 T helper (Th1) and CD8+ T cells were associated with high CXCL10/STAT2 expression. These results suggest that high CXCL10/STAT2 expression can predict a favorable outcome in oral cancer patients.
A Non-Linear Relationship between Preoperative Total Bilirubin Level and Postoperative Delirium Incidence after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Lu Ru-Yi , Zhu Heng-Kai , Liu Xiang-Yan , Zhuang Li , Wang Zhuo-Yi , Lei Yuan-Li , Wang Ting , Zheng Shu-Sen
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to explore the correlation between preoperative total bilirubin (TBil) level and postoperative delirium (POD) in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). All the OLT consecutively performed between April 2019 and March 2021 were retrospectively reviewed with data retrieved from a prospectively collected database. Logistic regression model and generalized additive model were used to identify both linear and non-linear relationships between TBil and POD. A two-piecewise regression model was performed to calculate the saturation effect. Subgroup analyses were performed using stratified logistic regression models. A total of 402 recipients were enrolled. After fully adjusted for covariates, TBil was indicated to have a non-linear relationship with POD. The two-piecewise regression model showed the inflection point was 20 mg/dL. On the left side of the inflection point, the incidence of POD increased by 5% per 1 mg/dL increment of TBil (p = 0.026). On the right side of the inflection point, the effect size had no statistical significance (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.90–1.05; p = 0.482). The relationship between preoperative TBil level and POD incidence is non-linear in OLT recipients. The incidence of POD is positively correlated with TBil level when it is below 20 mg/dL. A saturation effect is observed when TBil level reaches 20 mg/dL.