bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motif-Based Graph Representation Learning with Application to Chemical Molecules
Authors: Wang Yifei , Chen Shiyang , Chen Guobin , Shurberg Ethan , Liu Hang , Hong Pengyu
Published: January 2023

This work considers the task of representation learning on the attributed relational graph (ARG). Both the nodes and edges in an ARG are associated with attributes/features allowing ARGs to encode rich structural information widely observed in real applications. Existing graph neural networks offer limited ability to capture complex interactions within local structural contexts, which hinders them from taking advantage of the expression power of ARGs. We propose motif convolution module (MCM), a new motif-based graph representation learning technique to better utilize local structural information. The ability to handle continuous edge and node features is one of MCM’s advantages over existing motif-based models. MCM builds a motif vocabulary in an unsupervised way and deploys a novel motif convolution operation to extract the local structural context of individual nodes, which is then used to learn higher level node representations via multilayer perceptron and/or message passing in graph neural networks. When compared with other graph learning approaches to classifying synthetic graphs, our approach is substantially better at capturing structural context. We also demonstrate the performance and explainability advantages of our approach by applying it to several molecular benchmarks.
Modeling the Eu(III)-to-Cr(III) Energy Transfer Rates in Luminescent Bimetallic Complexes
Authors: Coelho Jorge A. A. , Moura Renaldo T. , Longo Ricardo L. , Malta Oscar L. , Carneiro Neto Albano N.
Published: January 2023

There is a growing interest in alternatives to lanthanide ion (Ln(III))-based luminescence sensitizing chromophores for in vivo applications, mainly in optical biological windows. Transition metals (M) are relevant candidates as chromophores as they have high absorption rates and emission bands covering a wide range of visible to near-infrared spectrum. However, despite the importance of theoretical models for the design of M–Ln(III) complexes, few contributions have devoted efforts to elucidating the energy transfer (ET) processes between M and Ln(III) ions. In this context, we adapted the intramolecular energy transfer (IET) to calculate, for the first time, the energy transfer rates for M–Ln(III) complexes. A new model was proposed that considers the assistance of phonons in the calculation of ET rates. As an example, the proposed model can estimate the ET rates between Eu(III) and Cr(III) ions in the [CrEuL3]6+ complex (where L = 2-{6-[N,N-diethylcarboxamido]pyridin-2-yl}-1,1′-dimethyl-5,5′-methylene-2′-(5-methylpyridin-2-yl)bis [1H-benzimidazole]). The calculated rates (930–1200 s−1) are in excellent agreement with the experimentally available data (750–1200 s−1) when a phonon-assisted energy transfer process is considered. Thus, this proposed model can be useful to predict and explain photophysical properties driven by the energy transfer between Ln(III) ions and transition metals.
Using a Further Planning MRI after Neoadjuvant Androgen Deprivation Therapy Significantly Reduces the Radiation Exposure of Organs at Risk in External Beam Radiotherapy of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Merten Roland , Fischer Mirko , Christiansen Hans , Hellms Susanne , von Klot Christoph Alexander Joachim , Thomas Nele Henrike , Knöchelmann Anne Caroline
Published: January 2023

Radiotherapy for prostate cancer is often preceded by neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), which leads to a reduction in the size of the prostate. This study examines whether it is relevant for treatment planning to acquire a second planning magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after ADT (=MRI 2) or whether it can be planned without disadvantage based on an MRI acquired before starting ADT (=MRI 1). The imaging data for the radiotherapy treatment planning of 17 patients with prostate cancer who received two planning MRIs (before and after neoadjuvant ADT) were analyzed as follows: detailed comparable radiation plans were created separately, each based on the planning CT scan and either MRI 1 or MRI 2. After ADT for an average of 17.2 weeks, the prostate was reduced in size by an average of 24%. By using MRI 2 for treatment planning, the V60Gy of the rectum could be significantly relieved by an average of 15% with the same coverage of the target volume, and the V70Gy by as much as 33% (compared to using MRI 1 alone). Using a second MRI for treatment planning after neoadjuvant ADT in prostate cancer leads to a significant relief for the organs at risk, especially in the high dose range, with the same irradiation of the target volume, and should therefore be carried out regularly. Waiting for the prostate to shrink after a few months of ADT contributes to relief for the organs at risk and to lowering the toxicity. However, the use of reduced target volumes requires an image-guided application, and the oncological outcome needs to be verified in further studies.
FAPI PET/CT in Diagnostic and Treatment Management of Colorectal Cancer: Review of Current Research Status
Authors: Cheng Zhiming , Wang Shu , Xu Shuoyan , Du Bulin , Li Xuena , Li Yaming
Published: January 2023

FAPI PET/CT is a novel imaging tool targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP), with high tumor uptake rate and low background noise. Therefore, the appearance of FAPI PET/CT provides a good tumor-to-background ratio between tumor and non-tumor tissues, which is beneficial to staging, tumor description and detection. Colorectal cancer has the biological characteristics of high expression of FAP, which provides the foundation for targeted FAP imaging. FAPI PET/CT may have a potential role in changing the staging and re-staging of colorectal cancer, monitoring recurrence and treatment management, and improving the prognosis of patients. This review will summarize the application status of FAPI PET/CT in colorectal cancer and provide directions for further application research.
Predictors of Preeclampsia in the First Trimester in Normotensive and Chronic Hypertensive Pregnant Women
Authors: Vázquez Susana , Pascual Julio , Durán-Jordà Xavier , Hernández Jose Luís , Crespo Marta , Oliveras Anna
Published: January 2023

Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by the new onset of hypertension (HT) and proteinuria beyond the 20th week of gestation. We aimed to find the best predictor of PE and find out if it is different in women with or without HT. Consecutively attended pregnant women were recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy and followed-up. Laboratory and office and 24 h-ambulatory blood pressure (BP) data were collected. PE occurred in 6.25% of normotensives (n = 124). Both office mean BP and 24 h-systolic BP in the first trimester were higher in women with versus those without PE (p ≤ 0.001). In women with chronic hypertension (cHT), PE occurred in 55%; office SBP (p = 0.769) and 24 h-SBP (p = 0.589) were similar between those with and those without PE. Regarding biochemistry, in cHT, plasma urea and creatinine were higher in PE women than in those without cHT (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004 for the differences in both parameters). These differences were not observed in normotensives. In normotensives, mean BP was the best predictor of PE [ROC curve = 0.91 (95%CI 0.82–0.99)], best cut-off = 80.3 mmHg. In cHT, plasma urea and creatinine were the best predictors of PE, with ROC curves of 0.94 (95%CI 0.84–1.00) and 0.93 (95%CI 0.83–1.00), respectively. In the first trimester of pregnancy, the strongest predictor of PE in normotensive women is office mean BP, while in cHT, renal parameters are the strongest predictors. Otherwise, office BP is non-inferior to 24 h ambulatory BP to predict PE.
The Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Factors of Primary Extramammary Paget’s Disease Treated with Surgery in Anogenital Regions: A Large Population Study from the SEER Database and Our Centre
Authors: Chen Zeyang , Liu Zining , Pan Shaorong , Liu Jin , Zuo Shuai , Wang Pengyuan
Published: January 2023

Background: Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) is a rare malignant cutaneous tumour that is commonly located in anogenital regions. The diagnosis of the disease is always delayed, and treatment is usually troublesome. This study aims to summarise the clinicopathological characteristics and the risk factors of prognosis for EMPD in anogenital regions, potentially providing evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of anogenital EMPD. Methods: 688 patients were sourced from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program between 1992 and 2021. In total, 176 participants from our centre from between 2011 and 2021 were included to investigate the characteristics and prognosis for EMPD in anogenital regions. Results: From the SEER program data, patient age of 65 years or older, metastasis of lymph nodes, Spanish-Hispanic-Latino race, diameter exceeding 10cm and lesions located anally were revealed as independent risk factors for shorter cancer-specific survival (CSS). However, the data from our centre highlighted that metastasis of lymph nodes and tumours extending through the epidermis are independent risk factors of shortened progression-free survival (PFS) and CSS of anogenital EMPD. Conclusion: This synthesised study revealed that some characteristics are regarded as risk factors for poor clinical prognosis, which have potential value in formulating more normative and effective strategies for patients with EMPD in anogenital regions.
Risk of Infective Endocarditis Associated with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: A Propensity Score-Based Analysis
Authors: Calderón-Parra Jorge , de Villarreal-Soto Juan E. , Oteo-Domínguez Juan Francisco , Mateos-Seirul María , Ríos-Rosado Elsa , Dorado Laura , Vera-Puente Beatriz , Arellano-Serrano Carlos , Ramos-Martínez Antonio , Forteza-Gil Alberto
Published: January 2023

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a feared complication after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR)/transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). It is not certain which procedure carries a higher risk. Our aim was to assess the risk of IE after SAVR/TAVI. Methods: We conducted an observational study of a prospective cohort, including patients with TAVI/SAVR, from March 2015 to December 2020. IE was defined according to the modified Duke’s criteria. IE occurring during the first 12 months of the procedure was considered early IE, and an episode occurring after 12 months was considered late IE. The propensity score was designed to include variables previously associated with TAVI/SAVR and IE. An inverse probability of treatment weight was generated. Results: In total, 355 SAVR and 278 TAVI were included. Median follow-up, 38 vs. 41 months, p = 0.550. IE occurred in 5 SAVR (1.41%, 95% CI 0.2–2.6) vs. 13 TAVI (4.65%, 95% CI 2.2–7.2), p = 0.016. TAVI patients had more frequent early IE (3.2% vs. 0.3%, p = 0.006). In the PS analyses, IE risk did not differ: OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.32–1.32. Factors associated with TAVI IE included younger age (74y vs. 83y, p = 0.030), complicated diabetes mellitus (38.5% vs. 6.8%, p = 0.002), COPD (46.2% vs. 16.3%, p = 0.015), advanced heart failure (100% vs. 52.9%, p < 0.001), and peripheral arteriopathy (61.5% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.011). Conclusions: Early IE was higher with TAVI, but in the PS analyses, the risk attributable to each procedure was similar. Studies are needed to identify and optimize the risk factors of IE prior to TAVI.
Critical Influences of Plasma pH on Human Protein Properties for Modeling Considerations: Size, Charge, Conformation, Hydrophobicity, and Denaturation
Authors: Mapiour Majak , Abdelrasoul Amira
Published: January 2023

The fouling of biomaterials (e.g., membranes) by plasma proteins has always garnered attention because it renders biomedical devices ineffective and can jeopardize the patient’s well-being. Modeling the fouling process sheds light on its mechanisms and helps improve the biocompatibility of biomaterials. Assuming proteins to be hard spheres with uniform surface properties reduces the modeling complexity, but it seriously deviates from the accurate, real perspective. One reason for the inaccuracy is that proteins’ properties tend to change as environmental factors such as pH and ionic strength are varied. This study critically reviews the pH-induced changes in protein properties, namely size, charge, conformity, hydrophobicity, and denaturation. Though these properties may be interrelated, they are addressed individually to allow for a thorough discussion. The study illustrates the necessity of incorporating the protein property changes resulting from pH alteration to better explain and model the fouling process. The discussion is focused on human serum albumin and fibrinogen. Human serum albumin is the most abundant plasma protein, while fibrinogen plays a major role in blood clotting and triggering of the thrombogenic response.
Simplified Approach to Nonlinear Vibration Analysis of Variable Stiffness Plates
Authors: Andérez González Jorge , Vescovini Riccardo
Published: January 2023

A formulation for the analysis of the nonlinear vibrations of Variable Stiffness (VS) plates is presented. Third-order Shear Deformation Theory (TSDT) is employed in conjunction with a mixed variational formulation. The solution is sought via Ritz approximation for the spatial dependency, while time dependency is handled via Differential Quadrature (DQ) and Harmonic Balance (HB) methods. The main advantage of the framework is the reduced computational time, which is of particular interest to explore the large design space offered by variable stiffness configurations. The results are validated against reference solutions from the literature. Exemplary parametric studies are presented to demonstrate the potential of the approach as a powerful means for exploring the nonlinear vibration response of VS plates.
Impact Resistant Flax Fiber Fabrics Using Shear Thickening Fluid
Authors: Fehrenbach Joseph , Hall Eric , Gibbon Luke , Smith Tanner , Amiri Ali , Ulven Chad
Published: January 2023

Shear thickening fluids (STFs) have been shown to improve the effectiveness of fabrics used in soft body armor applications. They are used to increase the puncture and ballistic impact resistance of Kevlar® fabrics. However, the effect of using STFs with natural fabrics such as flax appears to have never been studied. Similarly, the hybridization of different fabric types impregnated with STF has also only undergone limited study. The rheology of STFs at varying concentrations of nanosilica dispersed in polyethylene glycol (PEG) was studied at different temperatures. It was found that the STFs behave as a non-Newtonian fluid in response to changes in shear rate. In this study the effectiveness on the puncture and ballistic impact resistance of impregnating flax fabric with STF at concentrations of 30%, 50%, and 70% w/w of nanosilica in PEG was investigated. The effect of hybridization of flax and Kevlar® fabrics impregnated with STF was also investigated. The puncture resistance of both flax fabrics treated with STFs and hybrids treated with STFs was found to increase significantly and can be controlled by STF concentration. The ballistic impact resistance was also found to increase in the hybrid samples when STF concentration was at least 50%. The flax treated with STFs showed either a decrease in specific energy absorption per layer for the lower STF concentration, or a very small increase at 70% STF concentration.
Dynamic Composite Materials Characterisation with Hopkinson Bars: Design and Development of New Dynamic Compression Systems
Authors: Tarfaoui Mostapha
Published: January 2023

The split Hopkinson pressure bars (SHPB) system is the most commonly employed machine to study the dynamic characteristics of different materials under high strain rates. In this research, a numerical investigation is carried out to study different bar shapes such as square, hexagonal, and triangular cross-sections and to compare them with the standard cylindrical bars. The 3D finite element model developed for circular cross-sectional shapes was first validated with the experimental results and then compared with the other proposed shapes. In most scientific research, cylindrical cross-section bars with a square cross-section specimen are traditionally used as they have several advantages, such as in situ imaging of the side surfaces of the specimen during stress wave propagation. Moreover, the flat surfaces of the proposed shapes counter the problem of debonding strain gauges, especially at high impact pressures. Comparison of the results showed an excellent confirmation of the sample dynamic behaviour and different geometric shapes of the bar geometries, which validates the choice of the appropriate system.
Combining IVUS + OCT Data, Biomechanical Models and Machine Learning Method for Accurate Coronary Plaque Morphology Quantification and Cap Thickness and Stress/Strain Index Predictions
Authors: Lv Rui , Wang Liang , Maehara Akiko , Matsumura Mitsuaki , Guo Xiaoya , Samady Habib , Giddens Don P. , Zheng Jie , Mintz Gary S. , Tang Dalin
Published: January 2023

Assessment and prediction of vulnerable plaque progression and rupture risk are of utmost importance for diagnosis, management and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and possible prevention of acute cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. However, accurate assessment of plaque vulnerability assessment and prediction of its future changes require accurate plaque cap thickness, tissue component and structure quantifications and mechanical stress/strain calculations. Multi-modality intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and angiography image data with follow-up were acquired from ten patients to obtain accurate and reliable plaque morphology for model construction. Three-dimensional thin-slice finite element models were constructed for 228 matched IVUS + OCT slices to obtain plaque stress/strain data for analysis. Quantitative plaque cap thickness and stress/strain indices were introduced as substitute quantitative plaque vulnerability indices (PVIs) and a machine learning method (random forest) was employed to predict PVI changes with actual patient IVUS + OCT follow-up data as the gold standard. Our prediction results showed that optimal prediction accuracies for changes in cap-PVI (C-PVI), mean cap stress PVI (meanS-PVI) and mean cap strain PVI (meanSn-PVI) were 90.3% (AUC = 0.877), 85.6% (AUC = 0.867) and 83.3% (AUC = 0.809), respectively. The improvements in prediction accuracy by the best combination predictor over the best single predictor were 6.6% for C-PVI, 10.0% for mean S-PVI and 8.0% for mean Sn-PVI. Our results demonstrated the potential using multi-modality IVUS + OCT image to accurately and efficiently predict plaque cap thickness and stress/strain index changes. Combining mechanical and morphological predictors may lead to better prediction accuracies.
Age- and Gender-Related Differences in the Morphology of Cuff Tear Arthropathy: A Cross Sectional Analysis
Authors: Gruber Michael Stephan , Bischofreiter Martin , Brandstätter Patrick , Hochreiter Josef , Sadoghi Patrick , Ortmaier Reinhold
Published: January 2023

Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) is the most common reason for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). There is minimal understanding of the natural progression of osteoarthritis of the shoulder and of the morphologic differences between men and women and between younger and older patients. This trial comprised 309 patients (342 shoulders) who underwent RSA due to CTA in the period between January 2009 and September 2019. The patients were divided into gender and age groups. Preoperative X-rays, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were conducted using various classifications to describe the morphology of the CTA. Of all 342 analyzed shoulders, 209 were right and 133 were left shoulders. A total of 257 female shoulders and 85 male shoulders were assessed. Both mean age and age distribution were significantly different (74.37 years in female and 70.11 years in male patients, p = 0.001; 70.2% female patients in the age group <75.5 years and 80.1% in the age group >75.5 years, p = 0.045). A larger extent of progression of the fatty infiltration was detected both in the female cohort (p = 0.006) and in the older age group (p = 0.001). Additionally, older patients had significantly higher levels of muscle retraction (Patte; p = 0.003), a lower acromiohumeral distance (p = 0.042) and more advanced CTA (Seebauer; p = 0.006).
Three-Body Abrasive Wear-Resistance Characteristics of a 27Cr-Based 3V-3Mo-3W-3Co Multicomponent White Cast Iron with Different Ti Additions
Authors: Purba Riki Hendra , Shimizu Kazumichi , Kusumoto Kenta
Published: January 2023

A multicomponent white cast iron containing 5 wt.% each of Cr, V, Mo, W, and Co (MWCI) is known to have excellent wear-resistance properties due to the precipitation of some very hard carbides, such as MC, M2C, and M7C3. However, it seems possible to improve the wear resistance of MWCI by increasing the carbide volume fraction (CVF). Thus, 27 wt.% Cr based on 3 wt.% each of V, W, Mo, and Co was simultaneously added into the white cast iron. To avoid the tendency of carbides to crack due to high M7C3 precipitation levels, titanium (0–2 wt.% Ti) was also added. A rubber wheel abrasive machine test according to the ASTM G65 standard with two different abrasive particle sizes (average: 75 and 300 μm) was used to evaluate the wear characteristics of the alloy. The results show that the wear resistance of these new alloys (0Ti, 1Ti, and 2Ti) is lower than that of MWCI in small silica sand, owing to the lower hardness. However, a different condition is present in large silica sand, for which the abrasive wear resistance of MWCI is lower than that of the 0Ti and 1Ti specimens. In addition, TiC precipitation effectively refined the size of M7C3 carbides and reduced their cracking tendency. Thus, the wear resistance of 1Ti is comparable to that of 0Ti, although it has a lower hardness factor. However, the wear resistance of the alloy significantly decreased following the addition of Ti by more than 1 wt.% due to the lower hardness and CVF. Therefore, it can be said that the abrasive wear characteristics of the alloy are not only affected by the hardness, but also by the micro-structural constituents (type, size, and volume fraction of carbides) and silica sand size.
Mutational Profiling of Lung Cancer Using Next Generation Sequencing: A Malaysian Real-World Clinical Diagnostic Experience
Authors: Rajadurai Pathmanathan , Yap Ning Yi , Mohamed Yousoof Saira Bahnu , Cheah Yoke Kqueen
Published: January 2023

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Malaysia. This analysis aimed to evaluate the prevalence of actionable and common mutations, as well as co-mutations frequently occurring with EGFR variants in lung cancer. Mutational profiling of lung tumour samples was performed using next generation sequencing (NGS) panels at the Subang Jaya Medical Centre laboratory. A total of 469 lung tumour samples referred from several medical facilities in Malaysia were analysed and 84% were of the adenocarcinoma subtype. The three most frequent mutations found were EGFR (46.5%), TP53 (37.5%) and KRAS (14.3%). Actionable mutations with approved drug targets for lung cancer were detected in 63.5% of patient samples. Among patients with EGFR mutations, deletions in exon 19 were detected in 44.5% and p.L858R in 38.5% of samples. The most common co-mutations for samples with EGFR mutations were found in the TP53 gene (38.1%). A median turnaround time (TAT) of 3 working days was achievable with an automated NGS platform. NGS testing can provide valuable information on the mutational landscape and the prevalence of common or actionable mutations present in lung cancer patients. This real-world experience demonstrates the high percentage of actionable mutations detected and highlights the value of NGS testing in a clinical diagnostic setting.
A Numerical Model to Simulate the Transport of Radionuclides in the Western Mediterranean after a Nuclear Accident
Authors: Periáñez Raúl , Cortés Carmen
Published: January 2023

The transport of radionuclides in the western Mediterranean Sea resulting from hypothetical accidents in a coastal nuclear power plant, and in a vessel with nuclear power or transporting radioactive material, was assessed with a Lagrangian model developed for this kind of accident assessment. Water circulation was obtained from the HYCOM global ocean model. The transport model was developed in spherical coordinates and includes advection by currents, three-dimensional turbulent mixing, radioactive decay, and radionuclide interactions between water and seabed sediments. Age calculations are included as well. A dynamic model based on kinetic transfer coefficients was used to describe these interactions. Mixing, decay, and water/sediment interactions were solved applying a stochastic method. Hypothetical accidents occurring at different moments were simulated to investigate seasonal effects in the fate of radionuclides. In addition, simulations for different radionuclides were carried out to investigate the effects of their different geochemical behaviours. Thus, in the case of a coastal release, 137Cs is transported at long distances from the source, while 239,240Pu stays close to the release point due to its strong reactivity, most of it being quickly fixed to the seabed sediment. In deep waters, in case of a surface release, 239,240Pu spreads over larger areas since sediments are not reached by radionuclides.
The Characterization and Optimization of an Underwater Gamma-Ray Detection System (DUGS)
Authors: Bezuidenhout Jacques , le Roux Rikus R. , Kilel Kennedy K.
Published: January 2023

Sedimentation can cause numerous problems in rivers, estuaries, harbors, and coastal areas. It is therefore important to trace and model the movement of sediments. The natural physical, chemical, and biological components of the aquatic sediment generally relate to these features in its terrestrial catchment area. It consequently contains the naturally occurring radionuclides of thorium, uranium, and potassium, which can be used as tracers. To achieve this aim, a delta underwater gamma system (DUGS) was developed to map the radionuclides in aquatic sediments. Though the system has been tested for radiometric accuracy, the low concentrations of natural radionuclides in aquatic sediments and the attenuation by the water and detector enclosure necessitated an evaluation to determine the detection efficiency of the detector along with optimal operational parameters. These included spectra accumulation time and underwater speed. The DUGS was consequently used to determine and optimize these parameters for mobile measurement of aquatic sediments. The acquired gamma spectra were also analyzed using full spectrum and energy window analysis to determine the optimal method for extracting the activity concentrations of the nuclides in the sediments.
Experimental Study on Vortex-Induced Vibration of Tension Leg and Riser for Full Depth Mooring Tension Leg Platform
Authors: Zhou Weiwei , Duan Menglan , Chen Rongqi , Qiu Huixian , Li Huiming , Wang Shisheng , Wang Yi
Published: January 2023

According to the geometric parameters of the tension leg platform, the test model was made with a scale ratio of 1:61. The model was used to conduct the full-depth simulation test of uniform flow and wave current combination in the test pool. The model test results showed that when the reduced speed was between 5.5 and 8.5, and the lateral motion response of the platform was the most significant. In the interval of the reduced speed, the response frequency of transverse vortex-induced motion was close to the natural transverse frequency of the platform, and resonance occurred. The amplitude of surge motion increased with the increase of reduced speed. Due to the pull of the floating body, the tension of tension legs and risers increased with the flow rate but did not increase significantly in the floating body lock zone. The mooring tension had a certain limiting effect on the floating body sway. The displacement modes of tension legs and risers were greatly affected by the flow velocity. With the flow velocity increasing, the mode order increased. In addition, the increase in tension caused by the large displacement of the floating body had a certain impact on the displacement amplitude. The wave could reduce the sway of the floating body and strengthen the surge. Therefore, under the combined action of wave and current, the tension amplitude of the tension leg and riser was increased compared with that under the uniform flow. The conclusions obtained in this paper could be used for reference in the engineering design of tension legs and risers.
Development and Validation of Heat Release Characteristics Identification Method of Diesel Engine under Operating Conditions
Authors: Lebedevas Sergejus , Žaglinskis Justas , Drazdauskas Martynas
Published: January 2023

The decarbonisation of maritime transport in connection with the European Union and International Maritime Organisation directives is mainly associated with renewable and low-carbon fuel use. For optimisation of energy indicators of ship power plants in operation on renewable and low-carbon fuel, it is rational to use numerical research methods. The purpose of this research is to devise methodological solutions for determining the heat release characteristics, m and φz parameters of Wiebe model that can be applied to mathematical models of diesel engines under operating conditions. Innovative solutions are proposed, which in contrast with the methods used in practice, are not related to experimental registration of combustion cycle parameters. These registration techniques were replaced by the proposed exhaust gas temperature or exhaust manifold surface temperature registration method. The acceptable accuracy of results validates the methodological solutions for solving practical tasks: according to the Wiebe model, the error of determining m and φz compared with experimental data does not exceed 3–4%. The proposed method was implemented by simulating the energy indicators of two diesel engines, car engine 1Z 1.9 TDI (Pe = 66 kW; n = 4000 RPM) and multipurpose 8V396TC4 (Pe = 380–600 kW; n = 1850 RPM), in a single-zone model. The variation in experimental data when the engines operated on both diesel and rapeseed methyl ester (a biodiesel fuel), was approximately 1%. The authors anticipate further development of completed solutions with their direct application to ship power plants in real operating conditions.
Metabolomic Profiling of Different Antrodia cinnamomea Phenotypes
Authors: Su Chun-Han , Hsieh Yun-Cheng , Chng Jin-Yi , Lai Ming-Nan , Ng Lean-Teik
Published: January 2023

Antrodia cinnamomea (AC) is a precious medicinal fungus with numerous therapeutic benefits. Based on the color appearance of its fruiting bodies, AC can be divided into red AC (RAC), yellow AC (YAC), and white AC (WAC); however, the differences in their metabolomic profiles remain unknown. This study aimed to analyze the metabolomic profiles of three different AC phenotypes and examine their relationship to the color appearance of fruiting bodies. The results showed that although RAC, YAC, and WAC appear to have a relatively similar profile of index triterpenoids, their total triterpenoid contents were significantly different. Among the annotated triterpenoids, many of them were highly present in RAC but not in YAC and WAC, and the relative contents of the four ergostanes (antcamphin F, antcamphin L, antcin B, and antcin K) and one lanostane (versisponic acid D) were found to be significantly different among AC phenotypes. The metabolomic profiles of the AC fruiting bodies demonstrated a total of 140 metabolites, and 41 of them were very different among AC phenotypes. This study indicates that red, yellow, and white AC can biosynthesize the diverse structures of triterpenoids, and RAC possesses a relatively higher contents of triterpenoids and diverse unannotated metabolites than YAC and WAC.
Reference-Based RADseq Unravels the Evolutionary History of Polar Species in ‘the Crux Lichenologorum’ Genus Usnea (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota)
Authors: Otero Ana , Barcenas-Peña Alejandrina , Lumbsch H. Thorsten , Grewe Felix
Published: January 2023

Nearly 90% of fungal diversity, one of the most speciose branches in the tree of life, remains undescribed. Lichenized fungi as symbiotic associations are still a challenge for species delimitation, and current species diversity is vastly underestimated. The ongoing democratization of Next-Generation Sequencing is turning the tables. Particularly, reference-based RADseq allows for metagenomic filtering of the symbiont sequence and yields robust phylogenomic trees of closely related species. We implemented reference-based RADseq to disentangle the evolution of neuropogonoid lichens, which inhabit harsh environments and belong to Usnea (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota), one of the most taxonomically intriguing genera within lichenized fungi. Full taxon coverage of neuropogonoid lichens was sampled for the first time, coupled with phenotype characterizations. More than 20,000 loci of 126 specimens were analyzed through concatenated and coalescent-based methods, including time calibrations. Our analysis addressed the major taxonomic discussions over recent decades. Subsequently, two species are newly described, namely U. aymondiana and U. fibriloides, and three species names are resurrected. The late Miocene and Pliocene-Pleistocene boundary is inferred as the timeframe for neuropogonoid lichen diversification. Ultimately, this study helped fill the gap of fungal diversity by setting a solid backbone phylogeny which raises new questions about which factors may trigger complex evolutionary scenarios.
Alternatively Spliced Isoforms of MUC4 and ADAM12 as Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Althenayyan Saleh , AlMuhanna Mohammed H. , AlAbdulrahman Abdulkareem , Alghanem Bandar , Alsagaby Suliman A. , Alfahed Abdulaziz , Alasiri Glowi , Aziz Mohammad Azhar
Published: January 2023

There is a pertinent need to develop prognostic biomarkers for practicing predictive, preventive and personalized medicine (PPPM) in colorectal cancer metastasis. The analysis of isoform expression data governed by alternative splicing provides a high-resolution picture of mRNAs in a defined condition. This information would not be available by studying gene expression changes alone. Hence, we utilized our prior data from an exon microarray and found ADAM12 and MUC4 to be strong biomarker candidates based on their alternative splicing scores and pattern. In this study, we characterized their isoform expression in a cell line model of metastatic colorectal cancer (SW480 & SW620). These two genes were found to be good prognostic indicators in two cohorts from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. We studied their exon structure using sequence information in the NCBI and ENSEMBL genome databases to amplify and validate six isoforms each for the ADAM12 and MUC4 genes. The differential expression of these isoforms was observed between normal, primary and metastatic colorectal cancer cell lines. RNA-Seq analysis further proved the differential expression of the gene isoforms. The isoforms of MUC4 and ADAM12 were found to change expression levels in response to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment in a dose-, time- and cell line-dependent manner. Furthermore, we successfully detected the protein isoforms of ADAM12 and MUC4 in cell lysates, reflecting the differential expression at the protein level. The change in the mRNA and protein expression of MUC4 and ADAM12 in primary and metastatic cells and in response to 5-FU qualifies them to be studied as potential biomarkers. This comprehensive study underscores the importance of studying alternatively spliced isoforms and their potential use as prognostic and/or predictive biomarkers in the PPPM approach towards cancer.
Altered Cerebral Blood Flow in the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Lin Weizhao , Liu Mengchen , Wu Xixin , Meng Shandong , Yu Kanghui , Su Huanhuan , Liang Quanhai , Chen Feng , Li Jincheng , Xiao Wenqin , Ling Huangsheng , Wu Yunfan , Jiang Guihua
Published: January 2023

Background: In chronic kidney disease (CKD), cognitive impairment is a definite complication. However, the mechanisms of how CKD leads to cognitive impairment are not clearly known. Methods: Cerebral blood flow (CBF) information was collected from 37 patients with CKD (18 in stage 3; 19 in stage 4) and 31 healthy controls (HCs). For CKD patients, we also obtained laboratory results as well as neuropsychological tests. We conducted brain perfusion imaging studies using arterial spin labeling and calculated the relationship between regional CBF changes and various clinical indicators and neuropsychological tests. We also generated receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves to explore whether CBF value changes in certain brain regions can be used to identify CKD. Results: Compared with HCs, CBF decreased in the right insula and increased in the left hippocampus in the CKD4 group; through partial correlation analysis, we found that CBF in the right insula was negatively correlated with the number connection test A (NCT-A) (r = −0.544, p = 0.024); CBF in the left hippocampus was positively correlated with blood urea nitrogen (r = 0.649, p = 0.005) and negatively correlated with serum calcium level (r = −0.646, p = 0.005). By comparing the ROC curve area, it demonstrated that altered CBF values in the right insula (AUC = 0.861, p < 0.01) and left hippocampus (AUC = 0.862, p < 0.01) have a good ability to identify CKD. Conclusions: Our study found that CBF alterations in the left hippocampus and the right insula brain of adult patients with stage 4 CKD were correlated with disease severity or laboratory indicators. These findings provide further insight into the relationship between altered cerebral perfusion and cognitive impairment in patients with non-end-stage CKD as well as, additional information the underlying neuropathophysiological mechanisms.
A Case Series of Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation Treatment for Depressive Symptoms in Individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: Real World TMS Study in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area
Authors: Noda Yoshihiro , Fujii Kyoshiro , Mimura Yu , Taniguchi Keita , Nakajima Shinichiro , Kitahata Ryosuke
Published: January 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. While the symptoms of ASD are present from early childhood, there has been an increase in the number of adults with ASD in recent years who visit healthcare professionals to seek the treatment of depression due to maladjustment resulting from the core symptoms and are eventually diagnosed with ASD. Currently, no treatment is available for the core symptoms of ASD, and pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are often provided mainly for secondary disorders such as depression and anxiety. However, the effectiveness of these therapies is often limited in individuals with ASD compared to those with major depression. In this context, neuromodulation therapies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have gained increasing attention as potential treatments. In this case series, we retrospectively analyzed 18 cases with ASD from the TMS registry data who had failed to improve depressive symptoms with pharmacotherapy and were treated with intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) therapy to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). We also explored the relationship between treatment efficacy and clinical epidemiological profile. Our results indicated that, despite the limitations of an open-label preliminary case series, TMS therapy in the form of iTBS may have some beneficial therapeutic effects on depressive symptoms in individuals with ASD. The present findings warrant further validation through randomized, sham-controlled trials with larger sample sizes.
Collective Properties of Trentino: From Traditional Competences to Modern Solution Providers
Authors: Tognon Alisia , Martellozzo Nicola , Gretter Alessandro
Published: January 2023

This paper focuses on the context of the Autonomous Province of Trento in Northern Italy, which has hosted common regime institutions that manage collective mountain properties daily since the 13th century. These institutions operate in the most significant part of the territory and adapt their routines to emerging challenges. From different scientific perspectives (economic, anthropological, and architectural), we analyzed how this method has been actualized as the most effective management of local resources, generating opportunities for commoners, new citizens, and external users. This includes the exposure of the communities to novel economic activities, adaptation of the internal normative and planning systems, and reflection on how to combine natural resources with local needs and global scenarios.
Projecting Development through Tourism: Patrimonial Governance in Indonesian Geoparks
Authors: Ristiawan Rucitarahma , Huijbens Edward , Peters Karin
Published: January 2023

Research on governance of tourism development predominantly focuses on sustainable management of a tourism destination, pinning hopes on the market and individual entrepreneurs. In Indonesia, this mission has been codified in post-reformation era (1998–2014) policies of land-use change promoting tourism and environmental conservation. One of these is the introduction of the UNESCO Geopark charter as a tool to realize the image of a modern state and “modernizing” regional economies. In this, a particular patrimonial governance arrangement appears to govern land use distribution to accrue the potential value of land from different use. This particular clientelist order will be analyzed in this article, namely by examining how finance, state power, and informal interactions between the national and regional structures of governance mesh in arranging land-use conversions for tourism purposes. Based on 4 months of ethnographic fieldwork and 32 interviews with various stakeholders in the Gunungsewu and Ciletuh UNESCO Geoparks, the paper will show how Indonesian post-reformation decentralization policies induced regional clientelism in the production of tourism destinations. This includes hierarchical relations between the local elite, private business owners, and governments representing asymmetric loyalty relations, negotiated subordination, and dominance. The more recent re-centralization attempts from the national government under Joko Widodo’s regime seem only to encourage this clientelism as a form of resistance to the state. This evidences that the Indonesian patrimonial governance and the production of tourism destinations in geoparks run counter to the ideals in governance as promoted for destination development.
Occurrence and Duration of Pauses in Relation to Speech Tempo and Structural Organization in Two Speech Genres
Authors: Šturm Pavel , Volín Jan
Published: January 2023

Pauses act as important acoustic cues to prosodic phrase boundaries. However, the distribution and phonetic characteristics of pauses have not yet been fully described either cross-linguistically or in different genres and speech styles within languages. The current study examines the pausal performance of 24 Czech speakers in two genres of read speech: news reading and poetry reciting. The pause rate and pause duration are related to genre differences, overt and covert text organization, and speech tempo. We found a significant effect of several levels of text organization, including a strong effect of punctuation. This was reflected in both measures of pausal performance. A grammatically informed analysis of a subset of pauses within the smallest units revealed a significant contribution for pause rate only. An effect of tempo was found in poetry reciting at a macro level (speaker averages) but not when pauses were observed individually. Genre differences did not manifest consistently and analogically for the two measures. The findings provide evidence that pausing is used systematically by speakers in read speech to convey not only prosodic phrasing but also text structure, among other things.
Design of Equity Crowdfunding in the Digital Age
Authors: Riswandi Budi Agus , Alfaqiih Abdurrahman , Wicaksono Lucky Suryo
Published: January 2023

Equity crowdfunding is a form of alternative financing for MSMEs in Indonesia. However, the provision of equity crowdfunding still has various issues that boil down to the absence of guarantees of legal certainty for the parties. This, of course, can hinder the development of equity crowdfunding itself in the MSME financing scheme. For this reason, the review of this is carried out based on normative legal research, where it examines various applicable legal provisions in regulating equity crowdfunding. Studies are also based on statute, comparative and conceptual approaches. The result is that, first, the arrangement regarding equity crowdfunding has not provided guarantees of legal certainty for the parties; second, many countries develop equity crowdfunding regulatory frameworks that are oriented to guarantee legal certainty for the parties; and third, the design of equity crowdfunding arrangements that provide guarantees of legal certainty to the parties can be made in the form of co-regulation arrangements.
Effects of Hybrid Rockwool–Wood Fiber on the Performance of Asbestos-Free Brake Friction Composites
Authors: Wang Nan , Liu Hao , Huang Fei
Published: January 2023

The present study explores the physical-mechanical and tribological properties of hybrid wood fiber and rockwool-reinforced asbestos-free resin-based friction materials. We developed asbestos-free brake friction composites with different contents of hybrid fiber (wood and rockwool fiber) at a total fixed fiber loading of 30%. Then, the developed composites were investigated on the physical, mechanical, and tribological properties according to the industry standards. The results show that, with the increase in wood fiber, the density, hardness, and strength decrease, and the water absorption increases. Meanwhile, rockwool fiber can improve the coefficient of friction and enhance friction stability, while wood fiber has a significant impact on wear resistance. The sample with 5% wood fiber and 25% rockwool fiber presented the best performance in terms of the coefficients of friction, wear rate, and fade–recovery behavior. It provides a new idea for the research of asbestos-free composites.