bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Mantle Cell Lymphoma; Insights into Its Potential Role in the Era of New Immunotherapeutic and Targeted Therapies: The GETH/GELTAMO Experience
Authors: Gutierrez Antonio , Bento Leyre , Novelli Silvana , Martin Alejandro , Gutierrez Gonzalo , Queralt Salas Maria , Bastos-Oreiro Mariana , Perez Ariadna , Hernani Rafael , Cruz Viguria Maria , Lopez-Godino Oriana , Montoro Juan , Piñana Jose , Ferra Christelle , Parody Rocio , Martin Carmen , Español Ignacio , Yañez Lucrecia , Rodriguez Guillermo , Zanabili Joud , Herrera Pilar , Varela Maria , Sampol Antonia , Solano Carlos , Caballero Dolores ,   on behalf of the Grupo Español de Trasplante de Progenitores Hematopoyéticos (GETH) and Grupo Español de Linfoma y Trasplante Autólogo (GELTAMO)
Published: May 2022

Allo-SCT is a curative option for selected patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) MCL, but with significant NRM. We present the long-term results of patients receiving allo-SCT in Spain from March 1995 to February 2020. The primary endpoints were EFS, OS, and cumulative incidence (CI) of NRM, relapse, and GVHD. We included 135 patients, most (85%) receiving RIC. After a median follow-up of 68 months, 5-year EFS and OS were 47 and 50%, respectively. Overall and CR rates were 86 and 80%. The CI of relapse at 1 and 3 years were 7 and 12%. NRM at day 100 and 1 year were 17 and 32%. Previous ASCT and Grade 3–4 aGVHD were associated with a higher NRM. Grade 3–4 aGVHD, donor type (mismatch non-related), and the time-period 2006–2020 were independently related to worse EFS. Patients from 1995–2005 were younger, most from HLA-identical sibling donors, and were pretreated less. Our data confirmed that allo-SCT may be a curative option in R/R MCL with low a CI of relapse, although NRM is still high, being mainly secondary to aGVHD. The arrival of new, highly effective and low toxic immunotherapeutic or targeted therapies inevitably will relegate allo-SCT to those fit patients who fail these therapies, far away from the optimal timing of treatment.
The Association between the Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value and Cancer Prognosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Guven Deniz Can , Sahin Taha Koray , Erul Enes , Kilickap Saadettin , Gambichler Thilo , Aksoy Sercan
Published: May 2022

Background: Prognostic scores derived from the blood count have garnered significant interest as an indirect measure of the inflammatory pressure in cancer. The recently developed pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV), an equation including the neutrophil, platelet, monocyte, and lymphocyte levels, has been evaluated in several cohorts, although with variations in the tumor types, disease stages, cut-offs, and treatments. Therefore, we evaluated the association between survival and PIV in cancer, performing a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: We conducted a systematic review from the Pubmed, Medline, and Embase databases to filter the published studies until 17 May 2022. The meta-analyses were performed with the generic inverse-variance method with a random-effects model. Results: Fifteen studies encompassing 4942 patients were included. In the pooled analysis of fifteen studies, the patients with higher PIV levels had significantly increased risk of death than those with lower PIV levels (HR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.51–2.64, p < 0.001) and increased risk of progression or death (HR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.39–2.32, p < 0.001). Analyses were consistent across several clinical scenarios, including non-metastatic or metastatic disease, different cut-offs (500, 400, and 300), and treatment with targeted therapy or immunotherapy (p < 0.001 for each). Conclusion: The available evidence demonstrates that PIV could be a prognostic biomarker in cancer. However, further research is needed to explore the promise of PIV as a prognostic biomarker in patients with non-metastatic disease or patients treated without immunotherapy or targeted therapy.
Co-Doped, Tri-Doped, and Rare-Earth-Doped g-C3N4 for Photocatalytic Applications: State-of-the-Art
Authors: Phoon Bao Lee , Ong Chong Cheen , Lee Kuan-Ching , Pan Guan-Ting , Leo Bey Fen , Chong Siewhui , Pan Kuan-Lun
Published: May 2022

Rapid industrialization and overpopulation have led to energy shortages and environmental pollution, accelerating research to solve the issues. Currently, metal-free photocatalysts have gained the intensive attention of scientists due to their environmental-friendly nature and ease of preparation. It was noticed that g-C3N4 (GCN) consists of a few outstanding properties that could be used for various applications such as water treatment and clean energy production. Nonetheless, bare GCN contains several drawbacks such as high charge recombination, limited surface area, and low light sensitivity. Several solutions have been applied to overcome GCN limitations. Co-doping, tri-doping, and rare-earth-doping can be effective solutions to modify the GCN structure and improve its performance toward photocatalysis. This review highlights the function of multi-elemental and rare-earth dopants in GCN structure, mechanisms, and performance for photocatalytic applications as well as the advantages of co-doping, tri-doping, and rare-earth-doping of GCN. This review summarizes the different roles of dopants in addressing the limitations of GCN. Therefore, this article critically reviewed how multi-elemental and rare-earth-doping affect GCN properties and enhanced photoactivity for various applications.
Enzymatic Preparation of l-Malate in a Reaction System with Product Separation and Enzyme Recycling
Authors: Li Guosi , Zhu Fucheng , Gu Fangli , Yin Xinjian , Xu Qilin , Ma Menghua , Zhu Li , Lu Baowei , Chen Naidong
Published: May 2022

Reaction coupling separation systems using calcium fumarate as a substrate can break the reaction equilibrium and promote the production of l-malate. However, the low reusability and stability of fumarase limit its further application. In this study, partially purified fumarase of Thermus thermophilus (87.0 U mg−1) was immobilized within konjac-κ-carrageenan beads. An amalgamation of konjac and carrageenan gum (2%) was used to form the beads, and polyethylene polyamine (0.2%) and glutaraldehyde (0.1%) were used as the cross-linking agents. The pH and temperature profiles of free and immobilized fumarases were remarkably similar. The diffusion limit of immobilized fumarase caused a decline in the maximal velocity (Vmax), whereas the kinetic constant (Km) value increased. Optimization of the parameters for biotransformation by immobilized fumarase showed that 88.3% conversion of 200 mM calcium fumarate could be achieved at 55 °C within 8 h. The beads were stored for 30 days at 4 °C with minimal loss in activity and were reusable for up to 20 cycles with 78.1% relative activity. By recycling the reaction supernatant, a total amount of 3.98 M calcium fumarate was obtained with a conversion of 99.5%, which is the highest value ever reported.
Au Nanoparticles Supported by Porous Aromatic Frameworks—Efficient and Recyclable Catalysts for Nitro Reduction
Authors: You Bingxin , Tian Yuyang , Wang Baolin , Zhu Guangshan
Published: May 2022

A strategy has been developed for the preparation of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) supported by porous aromatic frameworks (Au@PAF-184, Au@PAF-185) with high Au NPs loading, good stability and excellent activity. This approach contains two steps: the first step is ion exchange between cationic porous aromatic frameworks with NaAuCl4, fixing AuCl4− by the electrostatic interaction between anions and cations; the second step is reduction with NaBH4. Au@PAF-184 and Au@PAF-185 were successfully prepared accordingly. In comparison with the previously prepared similar types of materials such as Au@PAF-93 (2.86 wt% Au loading) and Au@PAF-94 (4.69 wt% Au loading) prepared by coordination and reduction, etc., the loading of Au NPs of Au@PAF-184 (24.2 wt% Au loading) and Au@PAF-185 (34.9 wt% Au loading) has increased by about 8 times. When employed as catalysts for nitrobenzene reduction, both Au@PAF-184 and Au@PAF-185 exhibited high catalytic activity and excellent reusability.
Synthesis and Selected Transformations of 2-Unsubstituted Imidazole N-Oxides Using a Ball-Milling Mechanochemical Approach
Authors: Mlostoń Grzegorz , Celeda Małgorzata , Heimgartner Heinz , Duda Damian , Obijalska Emilia , Jasiński Marcin
Published: May 2022

Synthetically relevant 2-unsubstituted imidazole N-oxides were obtained by using the ball-milling mechanochemical method. The presented approach extended the scope of the known method and enabled the preparation of hitherto little known N(1)-aryl-substituted derivatives, which are of interest as starting materials for the synthesis of more complex imidazole-based organic materials, generally in good to excellent yields. In addition, selected one-pot mechanochemical transformations including N- and O-alkylations as well as sulfur transfer reactions based on either (3+2)-cycloaddition reaction with 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-dithione or sulfurization of the transient imidazol-2-ylidenes, generated from corresponding imidazolium salts, were studied. The reported results can be considered as a continuation of long-term studies focused on the synthesis and applications of 2-unsubstituted imidazole N-oxides.
Progesterone Signaling in Endometrial Epithelial Organoids
Authors: Hewitt Sylvia C. , Wu San-pin , Wang Tianyuan , Young Steven L. , Spencer Thomas E. , DeMayo Francesco J.
Published: May 2022

For pregnancy to be established, uterine cells respond to the ovarian hormones, estrogen, and progesterone, via their nuclear receptors, the estrogen receptor (ESR1) and progesterone receptor (PGR). ESR1 and PGR regulate genes by binding chromatin at genes and at distal enhancer regions, which interact via dynamic 3-dimensional chromatin structures. Endometrial epithelial cells are the initial site of embryo attachment and invasion, and thus understanding the processes that yield their receptive state is important. Here, we cultured and treated organoids derived from human epithelial cells, isolated from endometrial biopsies, with estrogen and progesterone and evaluated their transcriptional profiles, their PGR cistrome, and their chromatin conformation. Progesterone attenuated estrogen-dependent gene responses but otherwise minimally impacted the organoid transcriptome. PGR ChIPseq peaks were co-localized with previously described organoid ESR1 peaks, and most PGR and ESR1 peaks were in B (inactive) compartment regions of chromatin. Significantly more ESR1 peaks were assigned to estrogen-regulated genes by considering chromatin loops identified using HiC than were identified using ESR1 peak location relative to closest genes. Overall, the organoids model allowed a definition of the chromatin regulatory components governing hormone responsiveness.
Single-Cell Analysis of CHO Cells Reveals Clonal Heterogeneity in Hyperosmolality-Induced Stress Response
Authors: Romanova Nadiya , Schmitz Julian , Strakeljahn Marie , Grünberger Alexander , Bahnemann Janina , Noll Thomas
Published: May 2022

Hyperosmolality can occur during industrial fed-batch cultivation processes of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells as highly concentrated feed and base solutions are added to replenish nutrients and regulate pH values. Some effects of hyperosmolality, such as increased cell size and growth inhibition, have been elucidated by previous research, but the impact of hyperosmolality and the specific effects of the added osmotic-active reagents have rarely been disentangled. In this study, CHO cells were exposed to four osmotic conditions between 300 mOsm/kg (physiologic condition) and 530 mOsm/kg (extreme hyperosmolality) caused by the addition of either high-glucose-supplemented industrial feed or mannitol as an osmotic control. We present novel single-cell cultivation data revealing heterogeneity in mass gain and cell division in response to these treatments. Exposure to extreme mannitol-induced hyperosmolality and to high-glucose-oversupplemented feed causes cell cycle termination, mtDNA damage, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization, which hints at the onset of premature stress-induced senescence. Thus, this study shows that both mannitol-induced hyperosmolality (530 mOsm/kg) and glucose overfeeding induce severe negative effects on cell growth and mitochondrial activity; therefore, they need to be considered during process development for commercial production.
A Possible Novel Protective Effect of Piceatannol against Isoproterenol (ISO)-Induced Histopathological, Histochemical, and Immunohistochemical Changes in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Alghamdi Samar A. , Mugri Maryam H. , Elamin Nahid M. H. , Kamil Mona Awad , Osman Hind , Eid Basma G. , Shaik Rasheed A. , Shaker Soad S. , Alrafiah Aziza
Published: May 2022

Dry mouth is characterized by lower saliva production and changes in saliva composition. In patients with some salivary gland function remaining, pharmaceutical treatments are not recommended; therefore, new, more effective methods of promoting saliva production are needed. Hence, this study aimed to provide an overview of the histological changes in the salivary gland in the model of isoproterenol (ISO)-induced degenerative changes in male Wistar rats and to evaluate the protective effect of piceatannol. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, the ISO group, and the piceatannol (PIC)-1, and -2 groups. After the third day of the experiment, Iso (0.8 mg/100 g) was injected intraperitoneally (IP) twice daily into the animals. PIC was given IP in different daily doses (20 and 40 mg/kg) for three days before ISO and seven days with ISO injection. The salivary glands were rapidly dissected and processed for histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical (Ki-67), and morphometric analysis. Upon seven days of treatment with ISO, marked hypertrophy was observed, along with an increased number of positive Ki-67 cells. Proliferation was increased in some endothelial cells as well as in ducts themselves. Despite the significant decrease in proliferation activity, the control group did not return to the usual activity level after treatment with low-dose PIC. Treatment with a high dose of PIC reduced proliferative activity to the point where it was substantially identical to the results seen in the control group. An ISO-driven xerostomia model showed a novel protective effect of piceatannol. A new era of regenerative medicine is dawning around PIC’s promising role.
First Record of Microsporidia Infection in the Damselfly Ischnura elegans Larvae: Temperature and Predator Cue Effects on the Host’s Life History
Authors: Antoł Andrzej , Labecka Anna Maria , Larsson J. I. Ronny , Sniegula Szymon
Published: May 2022

Here, we report, for the first time, a microsporidian infection in laboratory-reared larvae of the damselfly Ischnura elegans. Infected larvae originated from field-collected adult females, which were caught in southern Poland in August 2020 (the second half of the flight season). Higher rearing temperatures and the presence of predator cues from the invasive alien signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) increased the number of infected larvae. Infected larvae had distorted wing development, and all individuals died before emergence. Hence, microsporidian infection in I. elegans larvae impacted damselfly morphology and life history. We propose that warming temperature and stress caused by non-consumptive effects triggered by invasive alien predators are possible factors that produce negative fitness consequences following microsporidian infection in a key amphibious ectotherm.
Breeding Ecology of Adélie Penguins in Mid Victoria Land, Ross Sea Antarctica
Authors: Olmastroni Silvia , Ferretti Francesco , Burrini Lucia , Ademollo Nicoletta , Fattorini Niccolò
Published: May 2022

Identifying the factors influencing seabird breeding output is critical for their conservation because breeding performance in turn influences population dynamics. This is particularly important in sensitive environments, where ecological disturbances can lead to changes in population trends of extremely specialized species in a relatively short time. Here, we have reported on the breeding output of the Adélie penguin Pygoscelis adeliae in three colonies of the Mid Victoria Land, Ross Sea (Antarctica), in 2017/2018–2018/2019 to provide scientific information for the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area research and management plan. Breeding chronology, breeding success and chick growth did not differ between study colonies and were in line with data reported for other penguin colonies across Antarctica. Penguin breeding success was higher in central than in peripheral nests and decreased with an increasing number of neighboring nesting skuas; conversely, at-nest weather conditions experienced by chicks did not seem to play a role. Our findings suggest that the quality of the nesting environment seems more important than the general condition of the colony in determining breeding output. Therefore, along with marine habitat characteristics for the planning of management and conservation of seabirds, the importance of the terrestrial environment must be also duly considered.
Radiomics in Oncological PET Imaging: A Systematic Review—Part 2, Infradiaphragmatic Cancers, Blood Malignancies, Melanoma and Musculoskeletal Cancers
Authors: Morland David , Triumbari Elizabeth Katherine Anna , Boldrini Luca , Gatta Roberto , Pizzuto Daniele , Annunziata Salvatore
Published: May 2022

The objective of this review was to summarize published radiomics studies dealing with infradiaphragmatic cancers, blood malignancies, melanoma, and musculoskeletal cancers, and assess their quality. PubMed database was searched from January 1990 to February 2022 for articles performing radiomics on PET imaging of at least 1 specified tumor type. Exclusion criteria includd: non-oncological studies; supradiaphragmatic tumors; reviews, comments, cases reports; phantom or animal studies; technical articles without a clinically oriented question; studies including <30 patients in the training cohort. The review database contained PMID, first author, year of publication, cancer type, number of patients, study design, independent validation cohort and objective. This database was completed twice by the same person; discrepant results were resolved by a third reading of the articles. A total of 162 studies met inclusion criteria; 61 (37.7%) studies included >100 patients, 13 (8.0%) were prospective and 61 (37.7%) used an independent validation set. The most represented cancers were esophagus, lymphoma, and cervical cancer (n = 24, n = 24 and n = 19 articles, respectively). Most studies focused on 18F-FDG, and prognostic and response to treatment objectives. Although radiomics and artificial intelligence are technically challenging, new contributions and guidelines help improving research quality over the years and pave the way toward personalized medicine.
The Maternal–Neonatal Outcomes of Twin Pregnancies with Preeclampsia and Their Association with Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Huanrong , Lyu Meilu , Zhao Ruqian , Zang Yuqin , Huang Pengzhu , Li Jie , Yan Ye , Wang Yingmei , Li Zengyan , Han Cha , Xue Fengxia
Published: May 2022

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the maternal–neonatal outcomes of twin pregnancies of mothers with preeclampsia and their association with assisted reproductive technology (ART). Methods: A retrospective study on the clinical and maternal–neonatal outcome data of 698 women with twin pregnancies who delivered in our hospital from December 2013 to September 2021 was conducted. Continuous variables were analyzed using a Student’s t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Categorical variables were analyzed using the Chi-square test. The risk factors of twin pregnancies with preeclampsia were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: The rate of twin pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia was 17.62% (123/698). Logistic regression analysis showed that ART increased the risk of preeclampsia in twin pregnancies (AOR: 1.868, 95% CI: 1.187–2.941). Mothers with preeclampsia carrying twins conceived with ART had a higher rate of delivery at gestational week < 34 (29.9% vs. 12.5%) and asphyxia of the neonate at 5 min after delivery (13.4% vs. 1.8%) than those with preeclampsia conceived without ART (p < 0.05). Conclusions: ART increases the risk of preeclampsia in twin pregnancies and the rate of adverse maternal–neonatal outcomes for twin pregnancies with preeclampsia. The policy of single embryo transfer is a method to reduce the adverse pregnancy outcomes of ART.
Cut-Out Towne-View Whole-Brain 320-Row Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography Angiography for Assessing the Anterior Intracranial Collateral Status: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Mori Takahisa , Shimizu Toshimitsu , Sato Hirobumi , Mashikawa Natsuki
Published: May 2022

Whole-brain four-dimensional computed tomography angiography (W4D-CTA) using a 320-row area detector CT (320r-ADCT) has been applied before thrombectomy. Endovascular physicians require images with high interrater reliability (IRR) for making appropriate decisions. However, the 320r-ADCT gantry cannot be tilted, and the patient’s head position influences the anteroposterior (AP)-view W4D-CTA images. This study aimed to determine which W4D-CTA images are appropriate pre-thrombectomy, whether the unedited AP view or cut-out Towne view. This study included the W4D-CTA images of acute stroke patients with occlusion of the internal carotid artery or the middle cerebral artery (MCA) from April to July 2021. Images produced by 320r-ADCT were transferred to a workstation. Unedited AP-view images were automatically generated. Towne-view images were cut out for this study. Collateral status was evaluated as poor, intermediate, or good based on the visualization of the MCA peripheral branches. In addition, the IRR was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) (2,1). Fifteen patients were analyzed. In the unedited AP-view and cut-out Towne-view W4D-CTA images, the ICC (2,1) were 0.147 and 0.796, respectively. Cut-out Towne-view W4D-CTA images with substantial IRR are superior to the unedited AP-view images for assessing the anterior intracranial collateral status.
Border-Zone Infarction Due to Cerebrovascular Fibromuscular Dysplasia
Authors: Chen Yu-Ming
Published: May 2022

A 45-year-old male presented with acute-onset left-sided weakness and slurred speech. Non-contrast-enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed cortical and internal border-zone infarcts compatible with stroke. A survey of ischemic stroke risk factors in young adults excluded coagulopathy, vasculitis, and cardiac disease. Nevertheless, neck-computed tomography angiography revealed a long-segmental narrowing of the right internal carotid artery with wall thickening and a “string-of-beads” appearance suspicious for fibromuscular dysplasia, which was confirmed on further angiography. His clinical condition stabilized after intensive medical therapy. This case demonstrates cerebrovascular fibromuscular dysplasia as a possible cause of ischemic stroke in young adults.
A Three-Layered Multifactorial Evolutionary Algorithm with Parallelization for Large-Scale Engraving Path Planning
Authors: Liang Antian , Yang Hanshi , Sun Liming , Sun Meng
Published: May 2022

Today, although laser engraving technology is widely used in 2D image engraving, when the image is larger and more complicated, most existing algorithms for engraving path planning have a huge computational burden and reduced engraving efficiency. Accordingly, this article addresses the trajectory optimization problem in large-scale image engraving. First, we formulate the problem as an improved model based on the large-scale traveling salesman problem (TSP). Then, we propose a three-layered algorithm called 3L-MFEA-MP, structured as follows: an upper layer, the genetic algorithm (GA); a middle layer, the GA; and a bottom layer, the parallel multifactorial evolutionary algorithm. Experiments on four classic large-scale TSP datasets show that our algorithm exhibits superior performance in terms of the path length and engraving time compared with other algorithms. In particular, compared with the single-thread algorithm, the proposed parallel algorithm reduced the engraving time by 80%. Moreover, the engraving machine experiment demonstrated that the engraving time of our algorithm on mona-lisa 100K, vangogh 120K, and venus 140K was approximately one tenth that of the traditional dot engraving method. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm can reduce the computational burden and improve engraving efficiency in engraving path planning.
An Off-Axis Measuring Method of Structural Parameters for Lenslet Array
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Li Jianying , Guo Xinmin , Zhang Jianlong , Zhang Yong , Yang Zhen
Published: May 2022

Aiming at the problem that the vertex detection method is difficult to deal with the high-efficiency detection of the large-scale spherical lenslet array, a contact off-axis measuring method is proposed and the measurement accuracy and detection efficiency are verified by experiments. Firstly, by analyzing the 3D model of the relationship between a spherical lens and probe of profilometer, the mathematical model of probe trajectory arc is established based on the off-axis trajectory characteristics of the spherical lenslet array. Then, the error mechanism under the off-axis condition is analyzed, and a mathematical algorithm is proposed to restore the structural parameters at the main optical axis of the lens by using the process design value of the unit lens aperture. Finally, a comparative experiment is carried out between the off-axis detection method and vertex detection method. The experimental results demonstrate that: Compared with the coaxial detection method, the relative errors of the measured lens curvature radius R0 and the lens vector height f0 under the off-axis detection method are 1.71% and 1.95%, respectively. Under the sampling measurement scale, the detection efficiency of the off-axis detection method is 41 times higher than that of vertex detection method.
Obstacle Identification and Analysis to the Commercialization of CCUS Technology in China under the Carbon Neutrality Target
Authors: Sun Yanting , Li Yanbin , Zhang Feng , Liu Chang
Published: May 2022

As the largest emitter of carbon dioxide all over the world, China requires a rapid breakthrough and large-scale commercial application of carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS) technology to achieve the 2060 carbon neutrality target. However, the process of CCUS technology commercialization in China is quite slow. Firstly, an obstacle system with 15 factors is established based on a literature review and expert consultation, namely on economic, technical, political, market, and social obstacles. Secondly, taking into account the uncertainty and randomness inherent in subjective judgment, Vague set is introduced for the first time to improve the DEMATEL-ANP (DANP) method in order to analyze comprehensive importance and causal relationship of obstacles. According to the study, in advancing CCUS’s commercialization in China, economic obstacles are simply the tip of the iceberg, with the deeper reasons rooted in political obstacles. Specifically, seven critical obstacles are lack of standards and regulations, inadequate legal and regulatory framework, insufficient incentive policies, limited carbon dioxide conversion efficiency, high energy consumption, low rate of return on investments and low investment enthusiasm of enterprise. We conclude with a series of recommendations to address these obstacles, and these findings can be used as a guide for government regulation and business practice.
Directions of Modification of the Model of Perception of the Thermal Environment by Patients of Selected Hospital Wards
Authors: Uścinowicz Piotr , Bogdan Anna
Published: May 2022

Patients are different regarding their health conditions, illnesses and ailments, and mobility. These and other factors could affect their specific feelings about the thermal environment. Current methods of predicting thermal sensations were developed based on research on a group of healthy people. Therefore, the use of these methods with patients should be verified. This paper aimed to verify selected thermal comfort models in terms of their reliability to predict the average assessment of thermal conditions in the patient rooms and the percentage of dissatisfied patients. Thermal condition analyses were based on microclimate parameter measurements and extensive questionnaires among patients, done in parallel in the hospital’s patient rooms. The research was carried out in 23 hospitals located in the following provinces in Poland: (Warmińsko-Mazurskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Mazowieckie, Wielkopolskie, Łódzkie, Świętokrzyskie, Lubelskie and Dolnośląskie). Overall, 890 patients from 14 different specialities participated in the research. Actual thermal sensations of patients differed from predictions obtained from selected thermal comfort models. A comparison of the actual thermal sensations with the PMV model indicates the shift of the comfort curve towards cooler rather than neutral conditions. A comparison of the same to the adaptive model predictions indicates that patients had a higher dissatisfaction rate and preferred cooler thermal conditions than predicted. Research findings show that normative models are not fully reliable in predicting patients’ thermal sensations.
Measuring Interparticle Friction of Granules for Micromechanical Modeling
Authors: Li Yuan , Chan Dave , Nouri Alireza
Published: May 2022

The aim of this paper is to develop an experimental procedure to measure contact friction between granular particles. The contact friction is a micro-property needed in the micromechanical modeling of a granular medium. The proposed method can measure the interparticle friction of idealized spherical particles using the conventional direct shear apparatus in soil testing. In preparation for the test, the test specimen is made of four steel balls embedded halfway in a sulfaset paste plate positioned in a statically determinant configuration to provide point contacts among the steel balls. The upper half of the shear box contains one steel ball, which is supported by three steel balls in the lower shear box, ensuring contact points at all times during the test. Shear force and shear displacement are measured under a specific normal force during the test. An analytical equation is developed based on the geometrical configuration of the balls to calculate the interparticle friction angle. The test is shown to be repeatable, and the calculated interparticle friction angle agrees well with experimental measurements with a high degree of accuracy and consistency.
Review of Study on the Coupled Dynamic Performance of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines
Authors: Dong Yehong , Chen Yewen , Liu Hao , Zhou Shuni , Ni Yuanxiang , Cai Chang , Zhou Teng , Li Qing’an
Published: May 2022

Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWT) have attracted more and more attention in recent years. However, environmental loads on FOWTs have higher complexity than those on the traditional onshore or fixed-bottom offshore wind turbines. In addition to aerodynamic loads on turbine blades, hydrodynamic loads also act on the support platform. A review on the aerodynamic analysis of blades, hydrodynamic simulation of the supporting platform, and coupled aero- and hydro-dynamic study on FOWTs, is presented in this paper. At present, the primary coupling method is based on the combination of BEM theory and potential flow theory, which can simulate the performance of the FOWT system under normal operating conditions but has certain limitations in solving the complex problem of coupled FOWTs. The more accurate and reliable CFD method used in the research of coupling problems is still in its infancy. In the future, multidisciplinary theories should be used sufficiently to research the coupled dynamics of hydrodynamics and aerodynamics from a global perspective, which is significant for the design and large-scale utilization of FOWT.
Operation Control and Performance Analysis of an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion System Based on the Organic Rankine Cycle
Authors: Yang Xiaowei , Liu Yanjun , Chen Yun , Zhang Li
Published: May 2022

The development and utilization of marine renewable energy is an important measure for achieving energy conservation, emissions reduction and carbon neutrality. Ocean thermal energy is the most stable energy among all the types of marine renewable energy. This paper built a simulation model of an ocean thermal energy conversion system based on actual device specifications by Aspen and MATLAB and put forward a corresponding control strategy. The opening control signal of the control valve at the turbine inlet was the condenser inlet pressure in this paper, and the frequency control of the working fluid pump depended on the evaporating pressure and flow rate of the working fluid. This paper analyzed the key operating parameter changes of the system under different working conditions. According to the analysis results, the turbogenerator in this system was able to generate 50 kW power for about 8 months per year. The highest net output power of the Organic Rankine Cycle was 47.3 kW; the highest cycle thermal efficiency was 3.2%.
Breeding of a High-Nisin-Yielding Bacterial Strain and Multiomics Analysis
Authors: Han Leshan , Liu Xiaomeng , Wang Chongchuan , Liu Jianhang , Wang Qinglong , Peng Shuo , Ren Xidong , Zhu Deqiang , Liu Xinli
Published: May 2022

Nisin is a green, safe and natural food preservative. With the expansion of nisin application, the demand for nisin has gradually increased, which equates to increased requirements for nisin production. In this study, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis lxl was used as the original strain, and the compound mutation method was applied to induce mutations. A high-yielding and genetically stable strain (Lactobacillus lactis A32) was identified, with the nisin titre raised by 332.2% up to 5089.29 IU/mL. Genome and transcriptome sequencing was used to analyse A32 and compare it with the original lxl strain. The comparative genomics results show that 107 genes in the A32 genome had mutations and most base mutations were not located in the four well-researched nisin-related operons, nisABTCIPRK, nisI, nisRK and nisFEG: 39 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 34 insertion mutations and 34 deletion mutations. The transcription results show that the expression of 92 genes changed significantly, with 27 of these differentially expressed genes upregulated, while 65 were downregulated. Our findings suggest that the output of nisin increased in L. lactis strain A32, which was accompanied by changes in the DNA replication-related gene dnaG, the ABC-ATPase transport-related genes patM and tcyC, the cysteine thiometabolism-related gene cysS, and the purine metabolism-related gene purL. Our study provides new insights into the traditional genetic mechanisms involved nisin production in L. lactis, which could provide clues for a more efficient metabolic engineering process.
Golden Berry Waste for Electricity Generation
Authors: Segundo Rojas-Flores , De La Cruz-Noriega Magaly , Nazario-Naveda Renny , Benites Santiago M. , Delfín-Narciso Daniel , Angelats-Silva Luis , Díaz Felix
Published: May 2022

The environmental problems caused by the excessive use of fossil fuels for electricity generation have led to the development of new technologies. Microbial fuel cells constitute a technology that uses organic sources for electricity generation. This research gives a novel means of using Golden Berry waste as fuel for electricity generation through microbial fuel cells made at low cost, achieving current and voltage peaks of 4.945 ± 0.150 mA and 1.03 ± 0.02 V, respectively. Conductivity values increased up to 148 ± 1 mS/cm and pH increased up to 8.04 ± 0.12 on the last day. The internal resistance of cells was 194.04 ± 0.0471 Ω, while power density was 62.5 ± 2 mW/cm2 at a current density of 0.049 A/cm2. Transmittance peaks of the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum showed a decrease when comparing the initial and final spectra, while the bacterium Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was molecularly identified with an identity percentage of 99.93%. The three cells connected in series managed to generate 2.90 V, enough to turn on a TV remote control. This research has great potential to be scalable if it is possible to increase the electrical parameters, generating great benefits for companies, farmers, and the population involved in the production and marketing of this fruit.
Functional Characterization and Molecular Marker Development of the Proenkephalin as Biomarker of Food Addiction in Food Habit Domestication of Mandarin Fish (Siniperca chuatsi)
Authors: Li Yingcen , Miao Yunliang , Liang Xufang , He Shan
Published: May 2022

Proenkephalin (PENK), as the precursor of endogenous opioid enkephalin (ENK), is widely present in the nervous system and plays an important role in animal food addiction and rewarding behavior. In our study, we intend to study the functional characterization and molecular marker development of the penk gene related to food habit domestication of mandarin fish. We found that the penk gene of mandarin fish had three types of endogenous opioid peptide sequences. Compared with other tissues, penk mRNA was highly expressed in the whole brain. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of lysine or methionine significantly increased the expression of penk mRNA. The expression of penk mRNA in the brain of mandarin fish that could be easily domesticated from eating live prey fish to artificial diets was significantly higher than those that could not. After feeding with high-carbohydrate artificial diets, the expression of penk mRNA showed no significant difference between mandarin fish with hypophagia and those that still ate normally. A total of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) loci related to easy domestication toward eating artificial diets were screened from the mandarin fish population. Additionally, the TT genotype at one of the loci was significantly correlated with the food habit domestication of mandarin fish.
Numerical Study on Pool Boiling of Hybrid Nanofluids Using RPI Model
Authors: Kamel Mohammed Saad , Albdoor Ahmed K. , Nghaimesh Saad Jabbar , Houshi Mohannad Naeem
Published: May 2022

The performance of deionized (DI) water and hybrid nanofluids for pool boiling from a horizontal copper heater under atmospheric pressure conditions is numerically examined in the current study. The Eulerian–Eulerian scheme is adopted with a Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) sub-boiling model to simulate the boiling phenomena and predict the heat and mass transfer in the interior of the pool boiling vessel. This paper attempts to correct the coefficient of the bubble waiting time (BWTC) in the quenching heat flux partition as a proportion of the total heat flux and then correlate this coefficient to the superheat temperature. The pool boiling curve and pool boiling heat transfer coefficient (PBHTC) obtained for the present model are verified against experimental data from the literature and show good agreement. In addition, this work comprehensively discusses the transient analysis of the vapor volume fraction contours, the vapor velocity vectors, and the streamlines of water velocity at different superheat temperatures. Finally, for BWTC, new proposed correlations with high coefficients of determination of 0.999, 0.932, and 0.923 are introduced for DI water and 0.05 vol.% and 0.1 vol.% hybrid nanofluids, respectively.
Free-Decay Heave Motion of a Spherical Buoy
Authors: Colling Jacob K. , Jafari Kang Saeed , Dehdashti Esmaeil , Husain Salman , Masoud Hassan , Parker Gordon G.
Published: May 2022

We examined the heave motion of a spherical buoy during a free-decay drop test. A comprehensive approach was adopted to study the oscillations of the buoy involving experimental measurements and complementary numerical simulations. The experiments were performed in a wave tank equipped with an array of high-speed motion-capture cameras and a set of high-precision wave gauges. The simulations included three sets of calculations with varying levels of sophistication. Specifically, in one set, the volume-of-fluid (VOF) method was used to solve the incompressible, two-phase, Navier–Stokes equations on an overset grid, whereas the calculations in other sets were based on Cummins and mass-spring-damper models that are both rooted in the linear potential flow theory. Excellent agreements were observed between the experimental data and the results of VOF simulations. Although less accurate, the predictions of the two reduced-order models were found to be quite credible, too. Regarding the motion of the buoy, the obtained results indicate that, after being released from a height approximately equal to its draft at static equilibrium (which is about 60% of its radius), the buoy underwent nearly harmonic damped oscillations. The conducted analysis reveals that the draft length of the buoy has a profound effect on the frequency and attenuation rate of the oscillations. For example, compared to a spherical buoy of the same size that is half submerged at equilibrium (i.e., the draft is equal to the radius), the tested buoy oscillated with a period that was roughly 20% shorter, and its amplitude of oscillations decayed almost twice faster per period. Overall, the presented study provides additional insights into the motion response of a floating sphere that can be used for optimal buoy design for energy extraction.
Prediction of ACE-I Inhibitory Peptides Derived from Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): In Silico Assessments Using Simulated Enzymatic Hydrolysis, Molecular Docking and ADMET Evaluation
Authors: Arámburo-Gálvez Jesús Gilberto , Arvizu-Flores Aldo Alejandro , Cárdenas-Torres Feliznando Isidro , Cabrera-Chávez Francisco , Ramírez-Torres Giovanni I. , Flores-Mendoza Lilian Karem , Gastelum-Acosta Pedro Erick , Figueroa-Salcido Oscar Gerardo , Ontiveros Noé
Published: May 2022

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) peptides have shown in vitro potential to inhibit the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE-I). However, the potential molecular interactions between chickpea peptides (CP) and ACE-I as well as their ADMET (absorption/distribution/metabolism/excretion/toxicity) characteristics remain unknown. Thus, our aim was to study the in silico interactions of CP with ACE-I and the CP ADMET characteristics. Legumin and provicilin sequences were submitted to in silico analysis to search for ACE-I inhibitory peptides. Simulated enzymatic hydrolysis was performed using the BIOPEP-UWM database, and the ACE-I inhibitory peptides generated (EC50 ≤ 200 μM) were selected to perform molecular docking and ADMET analysis. After hydrolysis, 59 out of 381 peptides with ACE-I inhibitory potential were released. Based on A and B parameters, the legumin peptides showed better ACE-I inhibitory potential than the provicilin ones. CP mainly interact with residues from pocket S1 (Ala354/Glu384) and S2 (His353/His513) through hydrogen bonds (distances < 3.0 Å) and hydrophobic interactions (binding energy from −5.7 to −9.2 kcal/mol). Through ADMET analysis, CP showed optimal values for inhibiting ACE-I in vivo. ACE-I inhibitory peptides from legumin and provicilin can bind strongly and tightly to the active site of ACE-I. Further studies to evaluate in vivo the antihypertensive effects of CP are warranted.
Selection and Development of Nontoxic Nonproteolytic Clostridium botulinum Surrogate Strains for Food Challenge Testing
Authors: Poortmans Marijke , Vanoirbeek Kristof , Dorner Martin B. , Michiels Chris W.
Published: May 2022

Clostridium botulinum causes severe foodborne intoxications by producing a potent neurotoxin. Challenge studies with this pathogen are an important tool to ensure the safety of new processing techniques and newly designed or modified foods, but they are hazardous and complicated by the lack of an effective selective counting medium. Therefore, this study aimed to develop selectable nontoxic surrogate strains for group II, or nonproteolytic, C. botulinum, which are psychotropic and hence of particular concern in mildly treated, refrigerated foods. Thirty-one natural nontoxic nonproteolytic strains, 16 of which were isolated in this work, were characterized in detail, revealing that 28 strains were genomically and phenotypically indistinguishable from toxic strains. Five strains, representing the genomic and phenotypic diversity of group II C. botulinum, were selected and successfully equipped with an erythromycin (Em) resistance marker in a defective structural phage gene without altering phenotypic features. Finally, a selective medium containing Em, cycloserine (Cs), gentamicin (Gm), and lysozyme (Ly) was developed, which inhibited the background microbiota of commercial cooked ham, chicken filet, and salami, but supported spore germination and growth of the Em-resistant surrogate strains. The surrogates developed in this work are expected to facilitate food challenge studies with nonproteolytic C. botulinum for the food industry and can also provide a safe alternative for basic C. botulinum research.
Tychonoff Solutions of the Time-Fractional Heat Equation
Authors: Ascione Giacomo
Published: May 2022

In the literature, one can find several applications of the time-fractional heat equation, particularly in the context of time-changed stochastic processes. Stochastic representation results for such an equation can be used to provide a Monte Carlo simulation method, upon proving that the solution is actually unique. In the classical case, however, this is not true if we do not consider any additional assumption, showing, thus, that the Monte Carlo simulation method identifies only a particular solution. In this paper, we consider the problem of the uniqueness of the solutions of the time-fractional heat equation with initial data. Precisely, under suitable assumptions about the regularity of the initial datum, we prove that such an equation admits an infinity of classical solutions. The proof mimics the construction of the Tychonoff solutions of the classical heat equation. As a consequence, one has to add some addtional conditions to the time-fractional Cauchy problem to ensure the uniqueness of the solution.
Fractional View Analysis of Cahn–Allen Equations by New Iterative Transform Method
Authors: Ali Liaqat , Shah Rasool , Weera Wajaree
Published: May 2022

In this article, the new iterative transform method is applied to evaluate the time-fractional Cahn–Allen model solution. In this technique, Elzaki transformation is a mixture of the new iteration technique. Two problems are studied to demonstrate and confirm the accuracy of the proposed technique. The current technique’s mathematical analysis showed that the method is simple to understand and reliable. These solutions indicate that the proposed technique is advantageous and simple to apply in science and engineering problems.