bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DUX: One Transcription Factor Controls 2-Cell-like Fate
Authors: Ren Wei , Gao Leilei , Mou Yaling , Deng Wen , Hua Jinlian , Yang Fan
Published: February 2022

The double homeobox (Dux) gene, encoding a double homeobox transcription factor, is one of the key drivers of totipotency in mice. Recent studies showed Dux was temporally expressed at the 2-cell stage and acted as a transcriptional activator during zygotic genome activation (ZGA) in embryos. A similar activation occurs in mouse embryonic stem cells, giving rise to 2-cell-like cells (2CLCs). Though the molecular mechanism underlying this expanded 2CLC potency caused by Dux activation has been partially revealed, the regulation mechanisms controlling Dux expression remain elusive. Here, we discuss the latest advancements in the multiple levels of regulation of Dux expression, as well as Dux function in 2CLCs transition, aiming to provide a theoretical framework for understanding the mechanisms that regulate totipotency.
Histological and Immunohistochemical Studies to Determine the Mechanism of Cleft Palate Induction after Palatal Fusion in Mice Exposed to TCDD
Authors: Sakuma Chisato , Imura Hideto , Yamada Tomohiro , Hirata Azumi , Ikeda Yayoi , Ito Masaaki , Natsume Nagato
Published: February 2022

Rupture of the basement membrane in fused palate tissue can cause the palate to separate after fusion in mice, leading to the development of cleft palate. Here, we further elucidate the mechanism of palatal separation after palatal fusion in 8–10-week-old ICR female mice. On day 12 of gestation, 40 μg/kg of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), sufficient to cause cleft palate in 100% of mice, was dissolved in 0.4 mL of olive oil containing toluene and administered as a single dose via a gastric tube. Fetal palatine frontal sections were observed by H&E staining, and epithelial cell adhesion factors, apoptosis, and cell proliferation were observed from the anterior to posterior palate. TUNEL-positive cells and Ki67-positive cells were observed around the posterior palatal dissection area of the TCDD-treated group. Moreover, in fetal mice exposed to TCDD, some fetuses exhibited cleft palate dehiscence during fusion. The results suggest that palatal dehiscence may be caused by abnormal cell proliferation in epithelial tissues, decreased intercellular adhesion, and inhibition of mesenchymal cell proliferation. By elucidating the mechanism of cleavage after palatal fusion, this research can contribute to establishing methods for the prevention of cleft palate development.
In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmacological Characterization of a Novel TRPM8 Inhibitor Chemotype Identified by Small-Scale Preclinical Screening
Authors: Iraci Nunzio , Ostacolo Carmine , Medina-Peris Alicia , Ciaglia Tania , Novoselov Anton M. , Altieri Andrea , Cabañero David , Fernandez-Carvajal Asia , Campiglia Pietro , Gomez-Monterrey Isabel , Bertamino Alessia , Kurkin Alexander V.
Published: February 2022

Transient receptor potential melastatin type 8 (TRPM8) is a target for the treatment of different physio-pathological processes. While TRPM8 antagonists are reported as potential drugs for pain, cancer, and inflammation, to date only a limited number of chemotypes have been investigated and thus a limited number of compounds have reached clinical trials. Hence there is high value in searching for new TRPM8 antagonistic to broaden clues to structure-activity relationships, improve pharmacological properties and explore underlying molecular mechanisms. To address this, the EDASA Scientific in-house molecular library has been screened in silico, leading to identifying twenty-one potentially antagonist compounds of TRPM8. Calcium fluorometric assays were used to validate the in-silico hypothesis and assess compound selectivity. Four compounds were identified as selective TRPM8 antagonists, of which two were dual-acting TRPM8/TRPV1 modulators. The most potent TRPM8 antagonists (BB 0322703 and BB 0322720) underwent molecular modelling studies to highlight key structural features responsible for drug–protein interaction. The two compounds were also investigated by patch-clamp assays, confirming low micromolar potencies. The most potent compound (BB 0322703, IC50 1.25 ± 0.26 μM) was then profiled in vivo in a cold allodinya model, showing pharmacological efficacy at 30 μM dose. The new chemotypes identified showed remarkable pharmacological properties paving the way to further investigations for drug discovery and pharmacological purposes.
DNA Hypomethylation Is Associated with the Overexpression of INHBA in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Kao Chien-Chang , Chang Yin-Lun , Liu Hui-Ying , Wu Sheng-Tang , Meng En , Cha Tai-Lung , Sun Guang-Huan , Yu Dah-Shyong , Luo Hao-Lun
Published: February 2022

Urothelial carcinoma includes upper urinary tract cancer (UTUC) and bladder cancer. Although nephroureterectomy is the standard treatment for UTUC, the recurrence rate is approximately half and the tumor is associated with poor prognoses. Metastases are the most devastating and lethal clinical situation in urothelial carcinoma. Despite its clinical importance, few potential diagnostic biomarkers are suitable for early UC detection. We compared high-stage/high-grade urothelial carcinoma tissues to adjacent normal urothelial tissues using methyl-CpG binding domain protein capture for genome-wide DNA methylation analysis. Based on our findings, inhibin βA (INHBA) might be associated with carcinogenesis and metastasis. Further, clinical UC specimens had significant INHBA hypomethylation based on pyrosequencing. INHBA was detected by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry staining, and was found to be highly expressed in clinical tissues and cell lines of urothelial carcinoma. Further, INHBA depletion was found to significantly reduce BFTC-909 cell growth and migration by INHBA-specific small interfering RNA. Interestingly, a positive correlation was found between SMAD binding and extracellular structure organization with INHBA using gene set enrichment analysis and gene ontology analysis. Together, these results are the first evidence of INHBA promoter hypomethylation and INHBA overexpression in UTUC. INHBA may affect urothelial carcinoma migration by reorganizing the extracellular matrix through the SMAD pathway.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Inorganics in 2021
Authors:   Inorganics Editorial Office
Published: February 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Immune Response of Adult Sickle Cell Disease Patients after COVID-19 Vaccination: The Experience of a Greek Center
Authors: Varelas Christos , Gavriilaki Eleni , Sakellari Ioanna , Klonizakis Philippos , Koravou Evaggelia-Evdoxia , Christodoulou Ioanna , Mavrikou Ioulia , Kourelis Andreas , Chatzopoulou Fani , Chatzidimitriou Dimitrios , Touloumenidou Tasoula , Papalexandri Apostolia , Anagnostopoulos Achilles , Vlachaki Efthimia
Published: February 2022

Vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are essential weapons to control the spread of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic and protect immunocompromised patients. With a greater susceptibility to infection, sickle cell disease (SCD) patients are considered as “high risk” patients during the current COVID-19 pandemic. In our study, we try to determine the immune response of adult SCD patients monitored at our center after the first and second dose of the qualified mRNA vaccines available and correlate them to several disease-specific markers, as well as complement activation. The results demonstrate that the levels of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) against SARS-CoV-2 were adequate for most patients studied after the second dose and there seemed to be a certain association with complement activation. Further studies are critical to determine the durability of this immune response and the potential benefit of a third dose.
Trajectory of Antidepressant Effects after Single- or Two-Dose Administration of Psilocybin: A Systematic Review and Multivariate Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yu Chia-Ling , Liang Chih-Sung , Yang Fu-Chi , Tu Yu-Kang , Hsu Chih-Wei , Carvalho Andre F. , Stubbs Brendon , Thompson Trevor , Tsai Chia-Kuang , Yeh Ta-Chuan , Yang Szu-Nian , Shin Jae Il , Chu Che-Sheng , Tseng Ping-Tao , Su Kuan-Pin
Published: February 2022

We examined the cardiovascular safety, acceptability, and trajectory of the antidepressant effects of psilocybin after single- or two-dose administration. Four major electronic databases were systematically searched. Data were pooled using a multivariate random-effects meta-analysis. Primary outcomes were changes in depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes were cardiovascular safety and acceptability. Ten studies were included. The estimated effect sizes (standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals) for psilocybin were −0.75 (−1.15 to −0.35) on day 1, −1.74 (−2.15 to −1.32) at 1 week, −1.35 (−1.77 to −0.93) at 1 month, −0.91 (−1.31 to −0.51) at 3 months, and −1.12 (−1.56 to −0.68) at 6 months. Higher doses and two sessions of psilocybin treatment were significantly associated with superior antidepressant effects. The all-cause discontinuation and heart rate after psilocybin administration were comparable to placebo; meanwhile, psilocybin increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 19.00 mmHg and 8.66 mmHg, respectively. There were no significant differences between SMD derived from placebo-controlled trials compared to those from pre–post changes and SMD in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared to those in non-RCTs. The present study demonstrates that single- or two-dose psilocybin administration has rapid and sustained antidepressant effects for up to 6 months, with favorable cardiovascular safety and acceptability.
Association of Variability in the DDAH1, DDAH2, AGXT2 and PRMT1 Genes with Circulating ADMA Concentration in Human Whole Blood
Authors: Hannemann Juliane , Zummack Julia , Hillig Jonas , Rendant-Gantzberg Leonard , Böger Rainer
Published: February 2022

Asymmetric dimethylarginine is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis and a cardiovascular risk factor. Its regulation has been studied extensively in experimental models, but less in humans. We studied common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding for enzymes involved in ADMA biosynthesis and metabolism, i.e., PRMT1, DDAH1, DDAH2, and AGXT2, and assessed their associations with blood ADMA concentration in 377 unselected humans. The minor allele of DDAH1 SNP rs233112 was significantly more frequent in individuals with ADMA in the highest tertile or in the highest quartile, as was the major allele of DDAH2 rs805304. A combined genotype comprising both SNPs showed a significant genotype–phenotype association, with increasing ADMA concentration by an increasing number of inactive alleles. SNPs in the AGXT2 and PRMT1 genes showed no significant associations with blood ADMA concentration. Our study provides comprehensive evidence that DDAH1 and DDAH2 are the major enzymes regulating blood ADMA concentration, whilst PRMT1 indirectly affects ADMA, and AGXT2 may act as a back-up enzyme in ADMA metabolism under pathophysiological conditions only.
Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Monocentric Case Series and Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Patti Francesco , Chisari Clara Grazia , Toscano Simona , Arena Sebastiano , Finocchiaro Chiara , Cimino Vincenzo , Milone Giuseppe
Published: February 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory and immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system (CNS), commonly affecting young adults and potentially associated with life-long disability. About 14 disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) are currently approved for the treatment of MS. However, despite the use of highly effective therapies, some patients exhibit a highly active disease with an aggressive course from onset and a higher risk of long-term disability accrual. In the last few years, several retrospective studies, clinical trials, meta-analyses and systematic reviews have investigated autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) as a possible therapeutic option in order to address this unmet clinical need. These studies demonstrated that AHSCT is a highly efficacious and relatively safe therapeutic option for the treatment of highly active MS. Particularly, over recent years, the amount of evidence has grown, with significant improvements in the development of patient selection criteria, choice of the most suitable transplant technique and clinical experience. In this paper, we present six patients who received AHSCT in our MS center and we systematically reviewed recent evidence about the long-term efficacy and safety of AHSCT and the placement of AHSCT in the rapidly evolving therapeutic armamentarium for MS.
Mid-Term Impact of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents on Intraocular Pressure
Authors: Hannappe Marc-Antoine , Baudin Florian , Mariet Anne-Sophie , Gabrielle Pierre-Henri , Arnould Louis , Bron Alain M. , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine
Published: February 2022

The effect of intraocular injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on intraocular pressure (IOP) has not been clearly stated. We extracted data from the electronic health records at Dijon University Hospital of 750 patients who were unilaterally injected with anti-VEGF agents between March 2012 and March 2020. These were treatment-naïve patients who had received at least three injections of the same treatment (aflibercept, bevacizumab, or ranibizumab) in one eye only, and had IOP measurements before and after the injections. Fellow untreated eyes were used as comparators. A clinically significant IOP rise was determined as an IOP above 21 mmHg and an increase of at least 6 mmHg compared to baseline, or the need for IOP-lowering agents. We found an overall slight increase in IOP between treated and untreated eyes at 6 months (+0.67 ± 3.33 mmHg, 95% confidence interval 0.33–1.02, p < 0.001). Ranibizumab had a higher final IOP at 1 and 3 months. Age, sex, and the number of injections were not associated with IOP variation. Ranibizumab was associated with a higher rate of increase in clinically significant IOP at 6 months (p = 0.03). Our study confirms that anti-VEGF injections constitute a relatively safe treatment regarding their impact on IOP.
Current and Emerging Medical Therapies in Pituitary Tumors
Authors: Sahakian Nicolas , Castinetti Frédéric , Brue Thierry , Cuny Thomas
Published: February 2022

Pituitary tumors (PT) represent in, the majority of cases, benign tumors for which surgical treatment still remains, except for prolactin-secreting PT, the first-line therapeutic option. Nonetheless, the role played by medical therapies for the management of such tumors, before or after surgery, has evolved considerably, due in part to the recent development of well-tolerated and highly efficient molecules. In this review, our aim was to present a state-of-the-art of the current medical therapies used in the field of PT and the benefits and caveats for each of them, and further specify their positioning in the therapeutic algorithm of each phenotype. Finally, we discuss the future of PT medical therapies, based on the most recent studies published in this field.
A Longitudinal Study of Mitral Regurgitation Detected after Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Sharma Harish , Yuan Mengshi , Shakeel Iqra , Hodson James , Radhakrishnan Ashwin , Brown Samuel , May John , O’Connor Kieran , Zia Nawal , Doshi Sagar N. , Hothi Sandeep S. , Townend Jonathan N. , Myerson Saul G. , Ludman Peter F. , Steeds Richard P. , Nadir M. Adnan
Published: February 2022

Background: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is common following myocardial infarction (MI). However, the subsequent trajectory of MR, and its impact on long-term outcomes are not well understood. This study aimed to examine the change in MR severity and associated clinical outcomes following MI. Methods: Records of patients admitted to a single centre between 2016 and 2017 with acute MI treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were retrospectively examined. Results: 294/1000 consecutive patients had MR on baseline (pre-discharge) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), of whom 126 (mean age: 70.9 ± 11.4 years) had at least one follow-up TTE. At baseline, most patients had mild MR (n = 94; 75%), with n = 30 (24%) moderate and n = 2 (2%) severe MR. Significant improvement in MR was observed at the first follow-up TTE (median 9 months from baseline; interquartile range: 3–23), with 36% having reduced severity, compared to 10% having increased MR severity (p < 0.001). Predictors of worsening MR included older age (mean: 75.2 vs. 66.7 years; p = 0.003) and lower creatinine clearance (mean: 60 vs. 81 mL/min, p = 0.015). Change in MR severity was significantly associated with prognosis: 16% with improving MR reached the composite endpoint of death or heart failure hospitalisation at 5 years, versus 44% (p = 0.004) with no change, and 59% (p < 0.001) with worsening MR. Conclusions: Of patients with follow-up TTE after MI, MR severity improved from baseline in approximately one-third, was stable in around half, with the remainder having worsening MR. Patients with persistent or worsening MR had worse clinical outcomes than those with improving MR.
Impact of Maternal Age on Singleton Pregnancy Outcomes in Primiparous Women in South Korea
Authors: Kim Eui Hyeok , Lee Jaekyung , Lee Sang Ah , Jung Yong Wook
Published: February 2022

We aimed to determine the association between maternal age and pregnancy outcomes in singleton primigravidae in South Korea. We reviewed the medical data of singleton primigravidae women who gave birth between 2013 and 2018 and underwent the National Health Screening Examination using the administrative database from the National Health Insurance claims data. As advanced maternal age is associated with various comorbidities that could affect pregnancy outcomes, we divided the patients according to their age and comparatively analyzed the prevalence of high-risk pregnancy complications including rates of cesarean delivery, after adjusting for maternal demographics. Perinatal and postpartum complications according to maternal age were also investigated. Overall, 548,080 women were included in this study: 441,902 were aged <35 years; 85,663, 35–39 years; 20,515, ≥40 years. Patients’ demographics differed according to their age. Increasing maternal age was significantly associated with higher income levels and higher rates of obesity, pre-existing diabetes, and hypertension. With the increasing maternal age, the rate of obstetric complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, placenta previa, placental abruption, and cesarean delivery, increased. Maternal age was also positively correlated with perinatal morbidity including preterm birth and low birth weight. Additionally, advanced maternal age was a risk factor for hospitalization before delivery, more frequent outpatient visits, and readmission after delivery. These observations were maintained in the multivariate analysis results. Advanced maternal age appears to be associated with various adverse obstetric outcomes for primigravidae women, and the frequency of hospitalizations was higher in this group. Considering the current social environment of late pregnancies and childbirth in South Korea, effective policy consideration is required to support safe childbirth in women with advanced maternal age.
The Evaluation of the Periodontal Status of Hemodialysis Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Dembowska Elżbieta , Jaroń Aleksandra , Rasławska-Socha Joanna , Gabrysz-Trybek Ewa , Bladowska Joanna , Gacek Szymon , Trybek Grzegorz
Published: February 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasingly common condition observed in developing countries. Similarly, a high prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis is observed. There are reports in the literature about the interrelationship between chronic kidney disease and periodontitis pathophysiology. This dissertation attempts to: assess the extent of gingivitis and periodontitis in a group of patients with the end-stage renal disease treated with hemodialysis compared to healthy subjects. The study included 200 subjects: 100 hemodialysis patients (HD) and 100 healthy control subjects (K). Periodontal status was assessed by measuring pocket depth (PD) clinical level of connective tissue attachment (CAL). Gingival inflammation indices Gingival Index (GI) and Bleeding on Probing (BOP) were also performed. PD with a depth of more than 6mm was found in 25% of the HD group and 5% of the K group. CAL ≥ 5 mm was found in 55% of HD and 24% of the K group. As defined by Page and Eke, severe periodontitis was found in 21% of HD, and 4% of K. Moderate gingivitis was noted in 55% of HD and 5% of the K group. The mean values of the BOP index in the HD group were 32.08% and in the K group 3.09%. The HD group had a higher incidence and severity of gingivitis and periodontitis than the control group.
Cerebral Diseases in Liver Transplant Recipients: Systematic Review of Clinical Evidence
Authors: Dudek Paula , Andruszkiewicz Paweł , Gelo Remigiusz , Badenes Rafael , Bilotta Federico
Published: February 2022

This systematic review presents clinical evidence on early and long-term cerebral diseases in liver transplant recipients. The literature search led to the retrieval of 12 relevant studies. Early postoperative cerebral complications include intracranial hemorrhage associated with a coexisting coagulopathy, perioperative hypertension, and higher MELD scores and is more frequent in critically ill recipients; central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis are associated with notable perioperative changes in the plasma Na+ concentration and massive transfusion. Long-term follow-up cerebral complications include focal brain lesions, cerebrovascular diseases, and posterior reversible encephalopathy; there is no proven relationship between the toxicity immunosuppressive drugs and cerebral complications. This SR confirms a very low incidence of opportunistic cerebral infections.
Persistence of Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis after DAA Induced HCV Cure
Authors: Danishwar Mahmood , Jamil Zahid , Khan Salman , Nakhla Michael , Ahmad Ishtiaq , Ali Muhammad Ashar , Lau Daryl T. Y.
Published: February 2022

Treatment with a direct acting antiviral (DAA) has revolutionized HCV therapy, as more than 95% of patients achieve a sustained virological response (SVR). Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CryoVas), however, can persist and recur after the HCV cure. In this systematic review, we include data from 19 studies that provided information on the persistence and recurrence of CryoVas after the HCV cure with DAAs. A complete clinical response (CR) was reported in 63.7% to 90.2% of the DAA-treated patients after achieving SVR. Relapse of CryoVas symptoms was reported in 4% to 18% of the patients. Neuropathy, nephropathy, and dermatological complications were the most common manifestations of CryoVas. B-cell clones persisted in 31–40% of the patients and could contribute to CryoVas relapse. INFL3-rs12979860, ARNTL-rs648122, RETN-rs1423096, and SERPINE1-rs6976053 were associated with a higher incidence of persistence and recurrence of CryoVas. Prospective multicenter studies with diverse patient populations are needed to validate these findings for the timely and effective management of this challenging condition.
Recovery Strategies in Endurance Athletes
Authors: Braun-Trocchio Robyn , Graybeal Austin J. , Kreutzer Andreas , Warfield Elizabeth , Renteria Jessica , Harrison Kaitlyn , Williams Ashlynn , Moss Kamiah , Shah Meena
Published: February 2022

In order to achieve optimal performance, endurance athletes need to implement a variety of recovery strategies that are specific to their training and competition. Recovery is a multidimensional process involving physiological, psychological, emotional, social, and behavioral aspects. The purpose of the study was to examine current implementation, beliefs, and sources of information associated with recovery strategies in endurance athletes. Participants included 264 self-identified endurance athletes (male = 122, female = 139) across 11 different sports including placing top three overall in competition (n = 55) and placing in the top three in their age group or division (n = 113) during the past year. Endurance athletes in the current study preferred hydration, nutrition, sleep, and rest in terms of use, belief, and effectiveness of the recovery strategy. Female endurance athletes use more recovery strategies for training than males (p = 0.043, d = 0.25), but not in competition (p = 0.137, d = 0.19). For training, top three finishers overall (p < 0.001, d = 0.61) and by division (p < 0.001, d = 0.57), used more recovery strategies than those placing outside the top three. Similar findings were reported for competition in top three finishers overall (p = 0.008, d = 0.41) and by division (p < 0.001, d = 0.45). These athletes are relying on the people around them such as coaches (48.3%) and fellow athletes (47.5%) along with websites (32.7%) for information and recommendations. Endurance athletes should be educated on other strategies to address the multidimensionality of recovery. These findings will be useful for healthcare professionals, practitioners, and coaches in understanding recovery strategies with endurance athletes.
Sensor Selection for Optimal Target localization with 3-D Angle of Arrival Estimation in Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhou Rongyan , Chen Jianfeng , Tan Weijie , Cai Chang
Published: February 2022

This paper investigates a sensor selection scheme for optimal target localization with three-dimensional (3-D) Angle of Arrival (AOA) estimation in Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSN). Specifically, we present a new 3-D AOA-based localization measurement model, which considers correlated noises and Gaussian priors. The trace of Cramer–Rao lower bound (CRLB) for the 3-D AOA measurement model is derived by introducing a special vector to denote the selected sensors with the azimuth and elevation angle measurements. Based on the presenting expressions of the CRLB, we formulate the sensor selection problem as an optimization problem, which has been transformed into the semidefinite problem program by convex relaxation, and a randomization method is adopted to improve the quality of the SDP solution. Simulation results illustrate that the proposed method receives better estimation performance over the reference methods and approaches the exhaustive search method.
Methodology Based on Photogrammetry for Testing Ship-Block Resistance in Traditional Towing Tanks: Observations and Benchmark Data
Authors: Gutiérrez-Romero José Enrique , Ruiz-Capel Samuel , Esteve-Pérez Jerónimo , Zamora-Parra Blas , Luna-Abad Juan Pedro
Published: February 2022

The real resistance that a ship must face when it is navigating in ice floes is the key factor for knowing the necessary power and the required engine size. The aim of this work is to provide valuable data to help other research in which numerical frameworks will be developed to study ship navigation in broken ice. In this work, we used paraffin wax as an alternative to obtain affordable solutions, avoiding the high cost of ice tests. The experiments were carried out in a traditional basin facility and they consisted of towing tank tests with a ship model using different concentrations of blocks simulated by the use of paraffin wax. Photogrammetry was used as technique to determine the initial position of the ice blocks, which is important as starting data in the current development of numerical simulation code for studying the features of ship resistance in drift ice. These data are available for some ice concentrations in attached files. In addition, a procedure for testing in traditional towing facilities is presented and discussed. The results of the resistance obtained in the experiments in the presence of simulated floes are presented for three concentrations and three model speeds. Some findings may be applicable to ice sailing, under given circumstances.
Passive Acoustic Detection of Vessel Activity by Low-Energy Wireless Sensors
Authors: Lowes Gavin James , Neasham Jeffrey , Burnett Richie , Sherlock Benjamin , Tsimenidis Charalampos
Published: February 2022

This paper presents the development of a low-energy passive acoustic vessel detector to work as part of a wireless underwater monitoring network. The vessel detection method is based on a low-energy implementation of Detection of Envelope Modulation On Noise (DEMON). Vessels produce a broad spectrum modulated noise during propeller cavitation, which the DEMON method aims to extract for the purposes of automated detection. The vessel detector design has different approaches with mixtures of analogue and digital processing, as well as continuous and duty-cycled sampling/processing. The detector re-purposes an existing acoustic modem platform to achieve a low-cost and long-deployment wireless sensor network. This integrated communication platform enables the detector to switch between detection/communication mode seamlessly within software. The vessel detector was deployed at depth for a total of 84 days in the North Sea, providing a large data set, which the results are based on. Open sea field trial results have shown detection of single and multiple vessels with a 94% corroboration rate with local Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. Results showed that additional information about the detected vessel such as the number of propeller blades can be extracted solely based on the detection data. The attention to energy efficiency led to an average power consumption of 11.4 mW, enabling long term deployments of up to 6 months using only four alkaline C cells. Additional battery packs and a modified enclosure could enable a longer deployment duration. As the detector was still deployed during the first UK lockdown, the impact of COVID-19 on North Sea fishing activity was captured. Future work includes deploying this technology en masse to operate as part of a network. This could afford the possibility of adding vessel tracking to the abilities of the vessel detection technology when deployed as a network of sensor nodes.
Enhanced Near-Field Interference Suppression Scheme for the Non-Cooperative Underwater Acoustic Pulse Detection of the Towed Linear Array
Authors: Wei Kun , Fang Shiliang , Tao Jun
Published: February 2022

Near-field interference suppression for a towed linear array (TLA) is investigated in this paper. The existing eigencomponent association (ECA) scheme and multiple signal classification interference suppression (MUSIC-IS) scheme require the prior information of a target bearing in order to achieve satisfactory performance. To improve this, we propose the use of an enhanced ECA (EECA) scheme that achieves interference suppression in a non-cooperative scenario. It identifies non-target eigenvectors by scanning the tail direction zone of the TLA. With the non-target-only eigenvectors subtracted, the beam power spectrum of the EECA manifests null troughs at the target bearings. Numerical simulations show the superiority of the EECA method. This method can effectively suppress strong interference without prior information, capture a target even at a low signal-to-interference (SIR) level of −25 dB, and obtain dozens of dB processing gains compared to the ECA and MUSIC-IS.
A Numerical Analysis of Dynamic Slosh Dampening Utilising Perforated Partitions in Partially-Filled Rectangular Tanks
Authors: Borg Mitchell G. , DeMarco Muscat-Fenech Claire , Tezdogan Tahsin , Sant Tonio , Mizzi Simon , Demirel Yigit Kemal
Published: February 2022

Conventional liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo vessels are imposed with tank-fill limitations as precautions to prevent structural damage and stability-loss due to high-impact sloshing, enforcing cargo volume-fills to be lower than 10% or higher than 70% of the tank height. The restrictions, however, limit commercial operations, specifically when handling spot trades and offshore loading/unloading at multiple ports along a shipping route. The study puts forward a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) sloshing analysis of partially-filled chamfered rectangular tanks undergoing sinusoidal oscillatory kinetics with the use of the explicit volume-of-fluid and non-iterative time-advancement schemes. Establishing a 20% to 60% fill-range, the sloshing dynamics were acknowledged within an open-bore, partitioned, and perforated-partitioned tank when oscillating at frequencies of 0.5 Hz and 1 Hz. The overall torque and static pressure induced on the tank walls were investigated. High-impact slamming at the tank roof occurred at 40% and 60% fills, however, the implementation of the partition and perforated-partition barriers successfully reduced the impact due to suppression and dissipation of the wave dynamics.
Diversity of ESI-MS Based Phosphatidylcholine Profiles in Basidiomycetes
Authors: Kotlova Ekaterina R. , Senik Svetlana V. , Manzhieva Bairta S. , Kiyashko Anna A. , Shakhova Natalia V. , Puzansky Roman K. , Volobuev Sergei V. , Misharev Alexander D. , Serebryakov Eugeny B. , Psurtseva Nadezhda V.
Published: February 2022

Phosphatidylcholines (PC) are the main membrane lipid constituents comprising more than 50% of total glycerophospholipids. They coordinate a number of cell functions, particularly cell growth, homeostasis, secretion, recognition and communication. In basidial fungi PC are synthesized via the Kennedy pathway as well as through methylation of phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) and then undergo remodeling in Lands cycle that replaces fatty acids in PC molecules. The molecular profile of PC is determined by the genetic features that are characteristic for every species and depend on the environment. Here we present the results of ESI-MS based analyses of PC profiles of 38 species of basidiomycetes belonging to Agaricales (12), Polyporales (17), Russulales (5), Gleophyllales (2), Cantharellales (1), Auriculariales (1), Phallales (1). Although the variety of PC molecular species of basidiomycetes is rather diverse (20–38 molecular species in every profile), only 1–3 main molecular species represent 70–90% of total PC content. The most abundant of them are C36:4 and C36:3, followed by C34:1, C34:2, C36:5, C36:2. In the majority of basidiomycetes, C36:4 reaches up to 50–70% of total PC molecular species. Based on the results of hierarchical cluster analysis four main types of PC profiles which characterized the studied fungi independently from their taxonomic position, ecology, trophic status, and hyphal differentiation have been revealed. Comparative analyses of studied fungi using PCA method have shown that species of Polyporales differ from those of Agaricales by higher variability of PC profiles.
Identification and Characterization of an Intergenic “Safe Haven” Region in Human Fungal Pathogen Cryptococcus gattii
Authors: Li Yeqi , Pham Tuyetnhu , Xie Xiaofeng , Lin Xiaorong
Published: February 2022

Cryptococcus gattii is a primary fungal pathogen, which causes pulmonary and brain infections in healthy as well as immunocompromised individuals. Genetic manipulations in this pathogen are widely employed to study its biology and pathogenesis, and require integration of foreign DNA into the genome. Thus, identification of gene free regions where integrated foreign DNA can be expressed without influencing, or being influenced by, nearby genes would be extremely valuable. To achieve this goal, we examined publicly available genomes and transcriptomes of C. gattii, and identified two intergenic regions in the reference strain R265 as potential “safe haven” regions, named as CgSH1 and CgSH2. We found that insertion of a fluorescent reporter gene and a selection marker at these two intergenic regions did not affect the expression of their neighboring genes and were also expressed efficiently, as expected. Furthermore, DNA integration at CgSH1 or CgSH2 had no apparent effect on the growth of C. gattii, its response to various stresses, or phagocytosis by macrophages. Thus, the identified safe haven regions in C. gattii provide an effective tool for researchers to reduce variation and increase reproducibility in genetic experiments.
Effect of γ-Heptalactone on the Morphology and Production of Monascus Pigments and Monacolin K in Monascus purpureus
Authors: Shi Ruoyu , Luo Qiaoqiao , Liu Yutong , Chen Wei , Wang Chengtao
Published: February 2022

Monascus is used widely in Asian countries and produces various biologically active metabolites, such as Monascus pigments (MPs) and monacolin K (MK). In this study, the effect of γ-heptalactone on secondary metabolites and mycelial growth during Monascus purpureus M1 fermentation was investigated. After the addition of 50 μM γ-heptalactone, the yields of MPs (yellow, orange, and red) reached maxima, increased by 115.70, 141.52, and 100.88%, respectively. The 25 μM γ-heptalactone groups showed the highest yield of MK was increased by 62.38% compared with that of the control. Gene expression analysis showed that the relative expression levels of MPs synthesis genes (MpPKS5, MpFasA2, mppB, mppC, mppD, mppG, mpp7, and mppR1/R2) were significantly upregulated after γ-heptalactone treatment. The relative expression levels of MK synthesis genes (mokA, mokC, mokE, mokH, and mokI) were significantly affected. The mycelium samples treated with γ-heptalactone exhibited more folds and swelling than that in the samples of the control group. This study confirmed that the addition of γ-heptalactone has the potential to induce yields of MPs and MK, and promote the expression of biosynthesis genes, which may be related to the transformation of mycelial morphology in M. purpureus.
Certificate of Need Laws and Health Care Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Roy Choudhury Agnitra , Ghosh Sriparna , Plemmons Alicia
Published: February 2022

This paper investigates the impact of state-level Certificate-of-Need (CON) laws on COVID and non-COVID deaths in the United States during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. CON laws limit the expansion and acquisition of new medical services, such as new hospital beds. The coronavirus pandemic created a surge in demand for medical services, which might be exacerbated in some states that have CON laws. Our investigation focuses on mortality due to COVID and non-COVID reasons and understanding how these laws affect access to healthcare for illnesses that might require similar medical equipment to COVID patients. We find that states with high healthcare use due to COVID that reformed their CON laws during the pandemic had a reduction in mortality resulting from COVID-19, septicemia, diabetes, chronic lower respiratory disease, influenza or pneumonia, and Alzheimer’s Disease, relative to non-reforming CON states.
Opportunities and Barriers for FinTech in SAARC and ASEAN Countries
Authors: Imam Tasadduq , McInnes Angelique , Colombage Sisira , Grose Robert
Published: February 2022

This article assesses the opportunities and challenges for different categories of FinTechs in the SAARC and ASEAN regions. We consider the global financial inclusion data released by the World Bank and map the responses to gain insights into the opportunities and challenges for FinTechs in the respective regions. We develop a new index, termed the FinTech Opportunity Index (FOI), to conceptualise the opportunities and barriers based on individual savings, borrowings, purchasing behaviour, and payment preferences. We note that FinTech services have potential opportunities for expansion in the ASEAN regions but less so in the SAARC regions. The need for different types of FinTech services varies between regions. Services such as crowdfunding, neobanks, and InsurTech have potential in the ASEAN regions, especially with the positive attitude towards entrepreneurship and asset investments. In the SAARC regions, InsurTechs linked to health care has potential along with LendTechs and neobanks. We further note that males, and the young are more likely adopters of FinTechs in both regions. The analysis suggests the need for innovative promotions and education to motivate the more sceptical, especially women and the elderly population, to adopt FinTech services.
Testing Stock Market Efficiency from Spillover Effect of Panama Leaks
Authors: Nasir Adeel , Gherghina Ștefan Cristian , Mata Mário Nuno , Khan Kanwal Iqbal , Mata Pedro Neves , Ferrão Joaquim António
Published: February 2022

On 3 April 2016, Mossack Fonseca provided the historically most significant leak of its shareholder’s data for owning offshore companies. Shareholders include many political and influential figures around the globe, which causes a moral hazard. The study analyses the effects of Panama leak events on five stock exchanges to ensure the market efficiency and investor perception related to the Panama leaks. Event study methodology is used on five occasions associated with Panama papers, i.e., the resignation of the Prime Minister of Iceland on 5 April 2016, Jurgen Mossack’s resignation on 7 April 2016, the resignation of the Spanish Minister of Industry on 15 April 2016, the 450 personalities of Pakistan that were nominated in Panama papers on 15 April 2016, and the formation of an inquiry commission to inquire into the matter. The market efficiency of five stock exchanges was checked, i.e., the KSE 100 of Pakistan, the OMXIPI exchange of Iceland, the IBEX 35 of Spain, the New York stock exchange (NYSE), and S&P 500. The market remains efficient for most events and investor behaviour changes for one or two days around the event day (this event has concise term significant abnormal returns in all stock exchanges or concise term significant abnormal macroeconomic effects are observed in all stock exchanges).
Evolution of the Structure of the Urban Land-Price System in China Based on the Rank-Size Law
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Xin Liangjie
Published: February 2022

China’s cities have experienced rapid and uneven development in recent decades, which influenced urban land prices crucially. Understanding the distribution of the urban land-price system and its evolution would help to provide an in-depth understanding of the development of China’s urban system. Therefore, we combined rank-size law and fractal theory to analyze the patterns and variations of the rank-size distributions of China’s urban land-price system based on land transfer data for 2007–2019. We concluded the following: (1) the rank-size law explains the distribution of the urban land-price system in China—the system was balanced and showed an equilibrium–disequilibrium development; (2) the actual land prices were higher than the theoretical land prices in southeastern China, especially in urban agglomerations, while they were lower in northwestern China; (3) the number of cities located in China’s urban development system was decreasing, and the unevenness of urban land-price system was increasing; and (4) the imbalance of land-price rank-size distributions was higher in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei and Guangdong–Hongkong–Macau Greater Bay Area urban agglomerations, while they were more balanced in the Chengdu–Chongqing and Central Plains urban agglomerations. We suggest that the development of small cities in China has a large upside, which should be noticed.
Multiple Roles for Landscape Ecology in Future Farming Systems: An Editorial Overview
Authors: Pearson Diane , Gorman Julian , Aspinall Richard
Published: February 2022

Farming faces new and urgent pressures, with an array of mounting social, environmental and economic challenges, and growing public and political expectations for improved stewardship of natural resources [...]
Free Vibration Analysis of Spinning Sandwich Annular Plates with Functionally Graded Graphene Nanoplatelet Reinforced Porous Core
Authors: Huang Tianhao , Ma Yu , Zhao Tianyu , Yang Jie , Wang Xin
Published: February 2022

This paper conducted the free vibration analysis of a sandwich annular thin plate with whirl motion. The upper and lower faces of the annular plate are made of uniform solid metal, while its core is porous foamed metal reinforced by graphene nanoplatelets (GPLs). Both uniform and non-uniform distributions of GPLs and porosity along the direction of plate thickness which leads to a functionally graded (FG) core are taken into account. The effective material properties including Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio and mass density are calculated by employing the Halpin–Tsai model and the rule of mixture, respectively. Based on the Kirchhoff plate theory, the differential equations of motion are derived by applying the Lagrange’s equation. Then, the assumed mode method is utilized to obtain free vibration behaviors of the sandwich annular plate. The finite element method is adopted to verify the present model and vibration analysis. The effects of porosity coefficient, porosity distribution, graphene nanoplatelet (GPL) distribution, graphene nanoplatelet (GPL) weight fraction, graphene nanoplatelet length-to-thickness ratio (GPL-LTR), graphene nanoplatelet length-to-width ratio (GPL-LWR), spinning speed, outer radius-to-thickness ratio and inner radius-to-thickness ratio of the plate, are examined in detail.
Effect of Fly Ash and Metakaolin on Properties and Microstructure of Magnesium Oxysulfate Cement
Authors: Liu Tong , Li Chunqing , Li Li , Fan Wenqiang , Dong Yudong , Liang Huihui , Yang Hongjian
Published: February 2022

To improve the mechanical performance and lower the production cost of magnesium oxysulfate cement (MOSC), this article investigates the effects of single and compounded addition of metakaolin (MK) and/or fly ash (FA) on the setting time, mechanical strength, water resistance, hydration product, composition, and microstructure of the resulting cement. MOSC samples with different proportions, ranging from 0 to 30 wt.%, of FA and/or MK substituting magnesium oxide (MgO) were prepared. The microstructure was explored by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The findings suggest that adding FA can delay the setting of MOSC; however, the effect of adding MK to MOSC was reversed. Furthermore, the phase composition of the MOSC hydration products was unaltered upon adding FA and/or MK, but thicker and longer 517 phase crystals were observed. FA and MK can effectively fill the large pores of MOSC through filling and nucleation effects, reduce the pore size, and form a denser microstructure, thereby improving its mechanical properties. The optimal MOSC sample was found by substituting 10 wt.% of both FA and MK, resulting in a cement that exhibited a short setting time and an incredibly high mechanical strength and density. These findings will further the development of stronger, more cost-efficient, and more water-resistant MOSC products.
Tungsten-Based Hybrid Composite Shield for Medical Radioisotope Defense
Authors: Kim Seon-Chil
Published: February 2022

The shielding performance of shielding clothing is typically improved by increasing the shielding material content, but this lowers the tensile strength of the material. The weight and wearability of the shielding suit are also adversely affected. Important considerations when developing shielding fabric are thickness and flexibility to allow the wearer sufficient mobility. Insufficient thickness lowers the shielding performance, whereas excessive thickness decreases the flexibility of the garment. This study aimed to develop a composite shield that reproduces the shielding performance and meets the flexibility of the process technology. The new shield was manufactured by combining two layers: the shielding fabric fabricated from tungsten wire and a shielding sheet produced by mixing a polymer (PDMS) with tungsten powder. These two shields were bonded to develop a double hybrid composite. Compared with the existing shielding sheet (produced from lead equivalent of 0.55 mmPb), the shielding performance of the hybrid composite shield improved by approximately 17% on average and the tensile strength was 53% higher. The hybrid composite shield has a thickness of 1.35 ± 0.02 mm and delivers the same shielding performance as the lead equivalent. The new hybrid composite shield offers higher wearer mobility while shielding against radiation exposure in medical institutions.