bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alteration in the Expression of Genes Involved in Cerebral Glucose Metabolism as a Process of Adaptation to Stressful Conditions
Authors: Herbet Mariola , Piątkowska-Chmiel Iwona , Motylska Monika , Gawrońska-Grzywacz Monika , Nieradko-Iwanicka Barbara , Dudka Jarosław
Published: April 2022

Exposure to chronic stress leads to disturbances in glucose metabolism in the brain, and changes in the functioning of neurons coexisting with the development of depression. The detailed molecular mechanism and cerebral gluconeogenesis during depression are not conclusively established. The aim of the research was to assess the expression of selected genes involved in cerebral glucose metabolism of mice in the validated animal paradigm of chronic stress. To confirm the induction of depression-like disorders, we performed three behavioral tests: sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swim test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST). In order to study the cerebral glucose metabolism of the brain, mRNA levels of the following genes were determined in the prefrontal cortex of mice: Slc2a3, Gapdh, Ldha, Ldhb, and Pkfb3. It has been shown that exogenous, chronic administration of corticosterone developed a model of depression in behavioral tests. There were statistically significant changes in the mRNA level of the Slc2a3, Ldha, Gapdh, and Ldhb genes. The obtained results suggest changes in cerebral glucose metabolism as a process of adaptation to stressful conditions, and may provide the basis for introducing new therapeutic strategies for chronic stress-related depression.
Immune Landscape in PTEN-Related Glioma Microenvironment: A Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Giotta Lucifero Alice , Luzzi Sabino
Published: April 2022

Introduction: PTEN gene mutations are frequently found in the genetic landscape of high-grade gliomas since they influence cell proliferation, proangiogenetic pathways, and antitumoral immune response. The present bioinformatics analysis explores the PTEN gene expression profile in HGGs as a prognostic factor for survival, especially focusing on the related immune microenvironment. The effects of PTEN mutation on the susceptibility to conventional chemotherapy were also investigated. Methods: Clinical and genetic data of GBMs and normal tissue samples were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-GBM and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) online databases, respectively. The genetic differential expressions were analyzed in both groups via the one-way ANOVA test. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were applied to estimate the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer platform was chosen to assess the response of PTEN-mutated GBMs to temozolomide (TMZ). p < 0.05 was fixed as statistically significant. On Tumor Immune Estimation Resource and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis databases, the linkage between immune cell recruitment and PTEN status was assessed through Spearman’s correlation analysis. Results: PTEN was found mutated in 22.2% of the 617 TCGA-GBMs patients, with a higher log2-transcriptome per million reads compared to the GTEx group (255 samples). Survival curves revealed a worse OS and DFS, albeit not significant, for the high-PTEN profile GBMs. Spearman’s analysis of immune cells demonstrated a strong positive correlation between the PTEN status and infiltration of Treg (ρ = 0.179) and M2 macrophages (ρ = 0.303). The half-maximal inhibitor concentration of TMZ was proven to be lower for PTEN-mutated GBMs compared with PTEN wild-types. Conclusions: PTEN gene mutations prevail in GBMs and are strongly related to poor prognosis and least survival. The infiltrating immune lymphocytes Treg and M2 macrophages populate the glioma microenvironment and control the mechanisms of tumor progression, immune escape, and sensitivity to standard chemotherapy. Broader studies are required to confirm these findings and turn them into new therapeutic perspectives.
A Scientometric Analysis and Systematic Literature Review for Construction Project Complexity
Authors: Ghaleb Hassan , Alhajlah Hamed Hamdan , Bin Abdullah Abdul Aziz , Kassem Mukhtar A. , Al-Sharafi Mohammed A.
Published: April 2022

The construction industry has been experiencing a rapid increase in complex projects for the last two decades. Simultaneously, project complexity has received more attention from academics and practitioners worldwide. Many studies suggest that perceiving complexity is critical for successful construction project management. This study investigates the current status and future trends in construction project complexity (CPC) literature from the Scopus database. This review systematically uses bibliometric and scientometric methods through co-occurrence and co-citation analysis. First, 644 academic documents were retrieved from the Scopus database. Then, co-occurrence and co-citation analysis were performed along with network visualization to examine research interconnections’ patterns. As a result, relevant keywords, productive authors, and important journals have been highlighted. The prominent research topics within the literature on construction project complexity focus on the following topics: identifying and measuring project complexity, schedule performance and cost estimation, system integration and dynamic capabilities, and risk assessment and uncertainty. Finally, the potential research directions are developing towards safety performance, organizational resilience, and integrated project delivery (IPD). The study still has a limitation. The review focuses only on the academic documents retrieved from the Scopus database, thus restricting the coverage of the reviewed literature relating to construction project complexity. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first study that provides a systematic review of the literature from the Scopus database on construction project complexity.
Sustainable Synthesis of N/S-Doped Porous Carbon from Waste-Biomass as Electroactive Material for Energy Harvesting
Authors: Perumal Suguna , Chandra Kishore Somasundaram , Atchudan Raji , Sundramoorthy Ashok K. , Alagan Muthulakshmi , Lee Yong Rok
Published: April 2022

It is absolutely essential to convert biomass waste into usable energy in a rational manner. This investigation proposes the economical synthesis of heteroatom (N and S)-doped carbon (ATC) from Aesculus turbinata seed as a natural precursor by carbonization at 800 °C. The final product obtained was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, high-resolution transmittance electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in order to investigate its structural property and chemical composition. The porous carbon achieved by this method contained oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur from Aesculus turbinata seed and had pores rich in micropores and mesopores. Crystalline ATC obtained with a high surface area (560 m2 g−1) and pore size (3.8 nm) were exploited as electrode material for the supercapacitor. The electrochemical studies revealed a specific capacitance of 142 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 using 1 M H2SO4 as an electrolyte. ATC had exceptional cycling stability, and the capacitance retention was 95% even after 10,000 charge-discharge cycles. The findings show that ATC derived from biomass proved to be a potential energy storage material by converting waste biomass into a high-value-added item, a supercapacitor.
DFT Study on the Combined Catalytic Removal of N2O, NO, and NO2 over Binuclear Cu-ZSM-5
Authors: Gao Congru , Li Jianwei , Zhang Jie , Sun Xiuliang
Published: April 2022

The large amount of nitrogen oxides (N2O, NO, NO2, etc.) contained in the flue gas of industrial adipic acid production will seriously damage the environment. A designed binuclear Cu-ZSM-5 catalyst can be applied to decompose N2O and reduce NO and NO2, purifying the air environment. Using the density functional theory method, the catalytic decomposition mechanisms of N2O, NOX-NH3-SCR, and NOX-assisted N2O decomposition is simulated over the Cu-ZSM-5 model. The results indicate that N2O can be catalytically decomposed over the binuclear Cu active site in the sinusoidal channel. The speed-limiting step is the second N2O molecule activation process. After the decomposition of the first N2O molecule, a stable extra-frame [Cu-O-Cu]2+ structure will generate. The subsequent discussion proved that the NOX-NH3-SCR reaction can be realized over the [Cu-O-Cu]2+ active site. In addition, it proved that the decomposition reaction of NO and NO2 can be carried out over the [Cu-O-Cu]2+ active site, and NO can greatly reduce the energy barrier for the conversion of the active site from [Cu-O-Cu]2+ to the binuclear Cu form, while NO2 can be slightly reduced. Through discussion, it is found that the binuclear Cu-ZSM-5 can realize the combined removal of N2O and NOX from adipic acid flue gas, hoping to provide a theoretical basis for the development of a dual-functional catalyst.
Prediction of Sperm Progression in Three Dimensions Using Rapid Optical Imaging and Dynamic Mechanical Modeling
Authors: Nassir Mayssam , Levi Mattan , Dardikman-Yoffe Gili , Mirsky Simcha K. , Shaked Natan T.
Published: April 2022

We present a multidisciplinary approach for predicting how sperm cells with various morphologies swim in three-dimensions (3D), from milliseconds to much longer time scales at spatial resolutions of less than half a micron. We created the sperm 3D geometry and built a numerical mechanical model using the experimentally acquired dynamic 3D refractive-index profiles of sperm cells swimming in vitro as imaged by high-resolution optical diffraction tomography. By controlling parameters in the model, such as the size and shape of the sperm head and tail, we can then predict how different sperm cells, normal or abnormal, would swim in 3D, in the short or long term. We quantified various 3D structural factor effects on the sperm long-term motility. We found that some abnormal sperm cells swim faster than normal sperm cells, in contrast to the commonly used sperm selection assumption during in vitro fertilization (IVF), according to which sperm cells should mainly be chosen based on their progressive motion. We thus establish a new tool for sperm analysis and male-infertility diagnosis, as well as sperm selection criteria for fertility treatments.
Role of Plant-Derived Active Constituents in Cancer Treatment and Their Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Khan Abdul Waheed , Farooq Mariya , Haseeb Muhammad , Choi Sangdun
Published: April 2022

Despite significant technological advancements in conventional therapies, cancer remains one of the main causes of death worldwide. Although substantial progress has been made in the control and treatment of cancer, several limitations still exist, and there is scope for further advancements. Several adverse effects are associated with modern chemotherapy that hinder cancer treatment and lead to other critical disorders. Since ancient times, plant-based medicines have been employed in clinical practice and have yielded good results with few side effects. The modern research system and advanced screening techniques for plants’ bioactive constituents have enabled phytochemical discovery for the prevention and treatment of challenging diseases such as cancer. Phytochemicals such as vincristine, vinblastine, paclitaxel, curcumin, colchicine, and lycopene have shown promising anticancer effects. Discovery of more plant-derived bioactive compounds should be encouraged via the exploitation of advanced and innovative research techniques, to prevent and treat advanced-stage cancers without causing significant adverse effects. This review highlights numerous plant-derived bioactive molecules that have shown potential as anticancer agents and their probable mechanisms of action and provides an overview of in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial studies on anticancer phytochemicals.
An Unanticipated Modulation of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitors: The Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs
Authors: Bencivenga Debora , Stampone Emanuela , Vastante Angela , Barahmeh Myassar , Della Ragione Fulvio , Borriello Adriana
Published: April 2022

It is now definitively established that a large part of the human genome is transcribed. However, only a scarce percentage of the transcriptome (about 1.2%) consists of RNAs that are translated into proteins, while the large majority of transcripts include a variety of RNA families with different dimensions and functions. Within this heterogeneous RNA world, a significant fraction consists of sequences with a length of more than 200 bases that form the so-called long non-coding RNA family. The functions of long non-coding RNAs range from the regulation of gene transcription to the changes in DNA topology and nucleosome modification and structural organization, to paraspeckle formation and cellular organelles maturation. This review is focused on the role of long non-coding RNAs as regulators of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors’ (CDKIs) levels and activities. Cyclin-dependent kinases are enzymes necessary for the tuned progression of the cell division cycle. The control of their activity takes place at various levels. Among these, interaction with CDKIs is a vital mechanism. Through CDKI modulation, long non-coding RNAs implement control over cellular physiology and are associated with numerous pathologies. However, although there are robust data in the literature, the role of long non-coding RNAs in the modulation of CDKIs appears to still be underestimated, as well as their importance in cell proliferation control.
Special Issue “Neuromuscular Disorders in Children and Adolescents”
Authors: Korinthenberg Rudolf
Published: April 2022

Our call for contributions in early 2021 resulted in 10 peer-reviewed publications by the end of the year covering a wide range of topics in the field of neuromuscular diseases in children and adolescents [...]
Microstructure and Micro-Hardness of Dissimilar Metal Cladding from a Pipe–Nozzle Mockup for PWR
Authors: Wang Jiazhen , Ming Hongliang , Zhang Zhiming , Chen Jian , Wang Jianqiu
Published: April 2022

In this study, the dissimilar metal cladding from a pressure vessel pipe–nozzle mockup for PWR was studied using an optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, electron back-scattering diffraction, and micro-hardness measurement. The microstructure of the SA508 side is non-uniform along the fusion boundary, especially at the concave and convex areas. Martensitic layer (type I and type II) boundaries are found at the fusion boundary area. The chemical composition, residual strain, and microstructure across the SA508–309L fusion boundary are very complex and hence result in a complicated micro-hardness distribution.
Rheological and Tribological Properties of Lithium Grease and Polyurea Grease with Different Consistencies
Authors: Wang Yanshuang , Zhang Pu , Lin Jianghai , Gao Xudong
Published: April 2022

The rheological properties of lithium grease and polyurea grease at different temperatures and consistencies were determined with a rotary rheometer. The plateau moduli of the greases were calculated, and the mechanism of influence of consistency and temperature on the rheological properties of the greases was explained. The tribological and wear properties of the two greases were measured by high-temperature friction and wear tester. The friction and wear mechanisms are probed by the rheological properties of lubricating grease. The results show that the plateau modulus GN can be used to assess the structural strength of different greases, but it can only assess the degree of entanglement of the same grease. The higher the consistency of the grease, the larger the apparent viscosity, structural strength, and yield stress. The rheological properties of PAO-polyurea grease are greatly affected by temperature, but its structural strength is better than that of mineral oil-lithium grease. The consistency of mineral oil-lithium grease is expected to affect the friction coefficient and wear through its influence on the grease’s structural strength and film-forming ability. For PAO-polyurea, the consistency in a certain range has little effect on the friction coefficient and wear resistance.
A Multi-Analytical Investigation of Roman Frescoes from Rapoltu Mare (Romania)
Authors: Ion Rodica-Mariana , Barbu Marius Gheorghe , Gonciar Andrei , Vasilievici Gabriel , Gheboianu Anca Irina , Slamnoiu-Teodorescu Sofia , David Madalina Elena , Iancu Lorena , Grigorescu Ramona Marina
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Due to the precarious situation of many monuments or archeological sites, analytical investigations are necessary to obtain information about the used materials, as well as to identify the most appropriate solutions for their conservation/restoration. This paper addresses the characterization of mural painting fragments collected during the excavation in 2018 in Rapoltu Mare (La vie), Deva. (2) Methods: Specific analytical techniques were used, as follows: X-ray diffractometry (XRD), wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), optical microscopy (OM), zoom microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), spectroscopic techniques (UV–Vis, FTIR, Raman), porosity and thermal analysis, all of which provide information about the structure, chemical composition, morphology and topography of pigments and their deterioration as well. (3) Results: Up to seven different pigments were identified: Egyptian blue, carbon, calcite, gypsum, hematite, goethite and green earth. Egyptian Blue is identified in all the other color areas, except the white area: in the green zone (as degradation product with beeswax) and in the red zone (in mixture with ochre) too. In addition, carbon and beeswax were highlighted as toner and binder for pigments, respectively. In the presence of the organic beeswax binding environment, the Egyptian blue pigment particles darkened or turned yellow significantly, changing the blue to a greenish color. It is also possible to identify wollastonite (CaSiO3) in the blue pigment, which indicates that the temperature used in the manufacturing of Egyptian blue was higher than 950 °C from thermal analysis. The presence of apatite, hematite and gypsum deposits in the Hunedoara region certifies that these pigments could have been of local origin, as demonstrated by the presence of analytically identified elements (Fe, P, S, Ca). (4) Conclusions: The analytical techniques used for such investigations have highlighted the main pigments used in Roman times for various Roman murals.
Identification, Characterization, and Preliminary X-ray Diffraction Analysis of a Novel Esterase (ScEst) from Staphylococcus chromogenes
Authors: Hwang Jisub , Jeon Sangeun , Lee Min Ju , Yoo Wanki , Chang Juwon , Kim Kyeong Kyu , Lee Jun Hyuck , Do Hackwon , Kim T. Doohun
Published: April 2022

Ester prodrugs can develop novel antibiotics and have potential therapeutic applications against multiple drug-resistant bacteria. The antimicrobial activity of these prodrugs is activated after being cleaved by the esterases produced by the pathogen. Here, novel esterase ScEst originating from Staphylococcus chromogenes NCTC10530, which causes dairy cow mastitis, was identified, characterized, and analyzed using X-ray crystallography. The gene encoding ScEst was cloned into the pVFT1S vector and overexpressed in E. coli. The recombinant ScEst protein was obtained by affinity and size-exclusion purification. ScEst showed substrate preference for the short chain length of acyl derivatives. It was crystallized in an optimized solution composed of 0.25 M ammonium citrate tribasic (pH 7.0) and 20% PEG 3350 at 296 K. A total of 360 X-ray diffraction images were collected at a 1.66 Å resolution. ScEst crystal belongs to the space group of P212121 with the unit cell parameters of a = 50.23 Å, b = 68.69 Å, c = 71.15 Å, and α = β = γ = 90°. Structure refinement after molecular replacement is under progress. Further biochemical studies will elucidate the hydrolysis mechanism of ScEst. Overall, this study is the first to report the functional characterization of an esterase from Staphylococcus chromogenes, which is potentially useful in elaborating its hydrolysis mechanism.
Smartphone-Enabled versus Conventional Otoscopy in Detecting Middle Ear Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Chih-Hao , Huang Chii-Yuan , Cheng Hsiu-Lien , Lin Heng-Yu Haley , Chu Yuan-Chia , Chang Chun-Yu , Lai Ying-Hui , Wang Mao-Che , Cheng Yen-Fu
Published: April 2022

Traditional otoscopy has some limitations, including poor visualization and inadequate time for evaluation in suboptimal environments. Smartphone-enabled otoscopy may improve examination quality and serve as a potential diagnostic tool for middle ear diseases using a telemedicine approach. The main objectives are to compare the correctness of smartphone-enabled otoscopy and traditional otoscopy and to evaluate the diagnostic confidence of the examiner via meta-analysis. From inception through 20 January 2022, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched. Studies comparing smartphone-enabled otoscopy with traditional otoscopy regarding the outcome of interest were eligible. The relative risk (RR) for the rate of correctness in diagnosing ear conditions and the standardized mean difference (SMD) in diagnostic confidence were extracted. Sensitivity analysis and trial sequential analyses (TSAs) were conducted to further examine the pooled results. Study quality was evaluated by using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool 2. Consequently, a total of 1840 examinees were divided into the smartphone-enabled otoscopy group and the traditional otoscopy group. Overall, the pooled result showed that smartphone-enabled otoscopy was associated with higher correctness than traditional otoscopy (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.51; p = 0.01; I2 = 70.0%). Consistently significant associations were also observed in the analysis after excluding the simulation study (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.21; p = 0.04; I2 = 0%) and normal ear conditions (RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.40; p = 0.04; I2 = 65.0%). For the confidence of examiners using both otoscopy methods, the pooled result was nonsignificant between the smartphone-enabled otoscopy and traditional otoscopy groups (SMD, 0.08; 95% CI, -0.24 to 0.40; p = 0.61; I2 = 16.3%). In conclusion, smartphone-enabled otoscopy was associated with a higher rate of correctness in the detection of middle ear diseases, and in patients with otologic complaints, the use of smartphone-enabled otoscopy may be considered. More large-scale studies should be performed to consolidate the results.
Association between the Concentrations of Essential and Toxic Elements in Mid-Trimester Amniotic Fluid and Fetal Chromosomal Abnormalities in Pregnant Polish Women
Authors: Suliburska Joanna , Pankiewicz Jakub , Sajnóg Adam , Paczkowska Magdalena , Nowakowska Beata , Bakinowska Ewa , Barałkiewicz Danuta , Kocyłowski Rafał
Published: April 2022

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the concentrations of essential and toxic elements present in the amniotic fluid (AF) and fetal chromosomal abnormalities in pregnant women. A total of 156 pregnant white Polish women aged between 20 and 43 years and screened to detect high risk for chromosomal defects in the first trimester were included in the study. AF samples were collected from these women during routine diagnostic and treatment procedures at mid-gestation (15–22 weeks of their pregnancies). The concentrations of various minerals in the AF were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Genomic hybridization and cytogenetic karyotyping were performed to detect chromosomal aberrations in the fetuses. The genetic analysis revealed chromosomal aberrations in 19 fetuses (over 12% of all the evaluated women). The major abnormalities identified were trisomy 21 (N = 11), trisomy 18 (N = 2), and triploidy (N = 2). Fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities more frequently showed lower manganese concentration in the AF in the second trimester as compared to those with normal karyotype. A coincidence was observed between high iron levels in the AF and a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetuses.
Using the Indocyanine Green (ICG) Lymphography to Screen Breast Cancer Patients at High Risk for Lymphedema
Authors: Liu Miao , Liu Siyao , Zhao Quanping , Cui Ying , Chen Jin , Wang Shu
Published: April 2022

Background: Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography is a newer technique for diagnosing lymphedema. Our study aimed to find whether the abnormality of ICG lymphography can predict the occurrence of early lymphedema and then select candidates at high risk of developing lymphedema. Methods: Postoperative breast cancer patients who visited the lymphedema clinic of Peking University People’s Hospital from December 2016 to September 2019 were consecutively enrolled and received ICG lymphography and circumference measurement. Data were collected on the patients’ characteristics and correlation between ICG lymphography and the occurrence of lymphedema. Results: The analysis included 179 patients. There were 91 patients in the lymphedema group and 88 patients in the non-lymphedema group. By multivariate analysis, age, axillary surgery, radiotherapy, and time since breast cancer surgery were regarded as risk factors for lymphedema (p < 0.05). According to the results of ICG lymphography, patients in the non-lymphedema group (n = 88) were divided into ICG-positive (n = 47) and ICG-negative (n = 41) groups. The incidence of lymphedema in the ICG-positive group was significantly higher than that in the ICG-negative group (19.1% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.027). Conclusion: Lymphatic disorder can be detected before circumference change using ICG lymphography. Abnormal ICG lymphography is an independent risk factor for lymphedema. Patients with abnormal dermal backflow patterns are considered to be a high-risk group for lymphedema and should undergo early interventions to prevent lymphedema.
Detection of Chronic Blast-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury with Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Support Vector Machines
Authors: Harrington Deborah L. , Hsu Po-Ya , Theilmann Rebecca J. , Angeles-Quinto Annemarie , Robb-Swan Ashley , Nichols Sharon , Song Tao , Le Lu , Rimmele Carl , Matthews Scott , Yurgil Kate A. , Drake Angela , Ji Zhengwei , Guo Jian , Cheng Chung-Kuan , Lee Roland R. , Baker Dewleen G. , Huang Mingxiong
Published: April 2022

Blast-related mild traumatic brain injury (bmTBI) often leads to long-term sequalae, but diagnostic approaches are lacking due to insufficient knowledge about the predominant pathophysiology. This study aimed to build a diagnostic model for future verification by applying machine-learning based support vector machine (SVM) modeling to diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) datasets to elucidate white-matter features that distinguish bmTBI from healthy controls (HC). Twenty subacute/chronic bmTBI and 19 HC combat-deployed personnel underwent DTI. Clinically relevant features for modeling were selected using tract-based analyses that identified group differences throughout white-matter tracts in five DTI metrics to elucidate the pathogenesis of injury. These features were then analyzed using SVM modeling with cross validation. Tract-based analyses revealed abnormally decreased radial diffusivity (RD), increased fractional anisotropy (FA) and axial/radial diffusivity ratio (AD/RD) in the bmTBI group, mostly in anterior tracts (29 features). SVM models showed that FA of the anterior/superior corona radiata and AD/RD of the corpus callosum and anterior limbs of the internal capsule (5 features) best distinguished bmTBI from HCs with 89% accuracy. This is the first application of SVM to identify prominent features of bmTBI solely based on DTI metrics in well-defined tracts, which if successfully validated could promote targeted treatment interventions.
Effects of Fermented Lingonberry Juice Mouthwash on Salivary Parameters—A One-Year Prospective Human Intervention Study
Authors: Pärnänen Pirjo , Lomu Sari , Räisänen Ismo T. , Tervahartiala Taina , Sorsa Timo
Published: April 2022

A one-year prospective human intervention study was performed to examine the effects of fermented lingonberry juice (FLJ), used as a mouthwash for six months, on salivary parameters. A total of 25 adult participants used 10 mL of FLJ as mouthwash 30 s daily for 6 months in addition to their normal oral homecare routines. Standard oral examinations and gathering of samples were performed at the beginning of the study and after six months and one year. Resting and stimulated saliva secretion rates, resting saliva pH, and stimulated saliva buffering capacity were determined. A questionnaire of participants’ subjective sensations of mouth dryness was also recorded at each timepoint. Fermented lingonberry juice mouthwash had positive effect to all five salivary parameters and were, according to the omnibus test, statistically significant during the study period. Analysis of the subjective dry mouth sensation questionnaires revealed that symptoms of xerostomia decreased due to the use of FLJ. This study revealed that the once-a-day use of FLJ mouthwash had a beneficial, increasing effect on salivary flow rates, buffering capacity, and salivary pH. FLJ thus can be safely used as an adjunctive and beneficial therapy in oral homecare, protecting teeth and oral mucosa, including periodontium, and also relieving dry mouth symptoms.
Electrification of Smart Cities
Authors: Lai Chun Sing , Tsang Kim Fung , Wang Yinhai
Published: April 2022

Electrification plays a key role in decarbonizing energy consumption for various sectors, including transportation, heating, and cooling [...]
Automatic Classification of Normal–Abnormal Heart Sounds Using Convolution Neural Network and Long-Short Term Memory
Authors: Chen Ding , Xuan Weipeng , Gu Yexing , Liu Fuhai , Chen Jinkai , Xia Shudong , Jin Hao , Dong Shurong , Luo Jikui
Published: April 2022

The phonocardiogram (PCG) is an important analysis method for the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, which is usually performed by experienced medical experts. Due to the high ratio of patients to doctors, there is a pressing need for a real-time automated phonocardiogram classification system for the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. This paper proposes a deep neural-network structure based on a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) and a long short-term memory network (LSTM), which can directly classify unsegmented PCG to identify abnormal signal. The PCG data were filtered and put into the model for analysis. A total of 3099 pieces of heart-sound recordings were used, while another 100 patients’ heart-sound data collected by our group and diagnosed by doctors were used to test and verify the model. Results show that the CNN-LSTM model provided a good overall balanced accuracy of 0.86 ± 0.01 with a sensitivity of 0.87 ± 0.02, and specificity of 0.89 ± 0.02. The F1-score was 0.91 ± 0.01, and the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) plot produced an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.92 ± 0.01. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the 100 patients’ data were 0.83 ± 0.02, 0.80 ± 0.02 and 0.85 ± 0.03, respectively. The proposed model does not require feature engineering and heart-sound segmentation, which possesses reliable performance in classification of abnormal PCG; and is fast and suitable for real-time diagnosis application.
A Lightweight Certificateless Group Key Agreement Method without Pairing Based on Blockchain for Smart Grid
Authors: Wang Zhihao , Huo Ru , Wang Shuo
Published: April 2022

In smart grids, the access verification of a large number of intelligent gateways and terminal devices has become one of the main concerns to ensure system security. This means that smart grids need a new key management method that is safe and efficient and has a low computational cost. Although a large number of scholars have conducted relevant research, most of these schemes cannot balance the computational overhead and security. Therefore, we propose a lightweight and secure key management method, having a low computational overhead, based on blockchain for smart grids. Firstly, we redesigned the architecture of the smart grid based on blockchain and completed the division of various entities. Furthermore, we designed a pairing-free certification authenticated group key agreement method based on blockchain under the architecture. Finally, we achieved higher security attributes, and lower authentication delay and computational overhead, compared to the traditional schemes, as shown in performance analysis and comparison.
Blood Flow Simulation to Determine the Risk of Thrombosis in the Fontan Circulation: Comparison between Atriopulmonary and Total Cavopulmonary Connections
Authors: Tsubota Ken-ichi , Sonobe Hidetaka , Sughimoto Koichi , Liu Hao
Published: April 2022

Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed in the anastomotic region of the Fontan route between the venae cava and pulmonary arteries to investigate the risk of thrombosis due to blood stasis in the Fontan circulation. The finite volume method based on the time-averaged continuity and Navier–Stokes equations combined with the k-ω SST turbulent model was used in the CFD simulations. Low shear rate (SR) and SR on the wall (WSR) of <10 s−1 were used as markers to assess blood stasis as a cause of blood coagulation. Simulated blood flow velocity and both SR and WSR were reduced in the right atrium (RA) as the cavity of a flow channel in the atriopulmonary connection (APC) Fontan model, whereas the values increased in the total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) Fontan model, which has no cavity. The volume of SR <10 s−1 and wall surface area of WSR <10 s−1 were, respectively, 4.6–261.8 cm3 and 1.2–38.3 cm2 in the APC Fontan model, and 0.1–0.3 cm3 and 0.1–0.6 cm2 in the TCPC Fontan model. The SR and WSR increased in the APC model with a normal-sized RA and the TCPC model as the flow rate of blood from the inferior vena cava increased with exercise; however, the SR and WSR in the RA decreased in the APC model with a dilated RA owing to the development of a recirculating flow. These findings suggest that the APC Fontan has a higher risk of thrombosis due to blood stasis than the TCPC Fontan and a higher RA dilation is associated with a higher risk of thrombosis from a fluid mechanics perspective.
Impact of Porous Media on Boundary Layer Turbulence
Authors: Satcunanathan Sutharsan , Meinke Matthias , Schröder Wolfgang
Published: April 2022

The subsonic flows around NACA 0012 aerofoils with a solid, a porous, and a poro-serrated trailing edge (TE) at a Reynolds number of 1 × 106 are investigated by a hybrid Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS)/large-eddy simulation (LES) approach. The porosity is treated by the method-of-volume averaging. In the RANS, a two-equation low Reynolds number k-ε turbulence model is modified to include the porous treatment. Similarly the equations in the LES are extended by the Darcy–Forchheimer model. The simulation is set up with the broadband turbulent boundary layer trailing edge (TBL-TE) noise prediction as a future objective in mind, i.e., the noise sources in the trailing edge region are captured by the LES. To enforce a physically realistic transition from an averaged RANS solution towards a resolved turbulent flow field, at the inflow of the LES coherent structures are generated by means of the reformulated synthetic turbulence generation (RSTG) method. For the poro-serrated TE, turbulence statistics vary in the spanwise direction between the two extremes of a pure solid and a rectangular porous TE, where porosity locally increases the level of turbulence intensity and alters the near wall turbulence anisotropy.
Calculation of the Pressure Field for Turbulent Flow around a Surface-Mounted Cube Using the SIMPLE Algorithm and PIV Data
Authors: Pallas Nikolaos-Petros , Bouris Demetri
Published: April 2022

The calculation of the pressure field on and around solid bodies exposed to external flow is of paramount importance to a number of engineering applications. However, conventional pressure measurement techniques are inherently linked to problems principally caused by their point-wise and/or intrusive nature. In the present paper, we attempt to calculate a time-averaged two-dimensional pressure field by integrating PIV (particle image velocimetry) velocity measurements into a CFD code and modifying them by the respective correction step of the SIMPLE algorithm. Boundary conditions are applied from the PIV data as a three-layer area of constant velocities adjacent to the boundaries. A novel characteristic of the approach is the straightforward inclusion of the Reynolds stresses into the source terms of the momentum equations, calculated directly from the PIV statistics. The methodology is applied to three regions of the symmetry plane parallel to the main boundary layer flow past a surface-mounted cube. In spite of findings of deviations from the planar 2D flow assumption, the derived pressure fields and the adjusted velocity fields are found to be reliable, while the intrinsic turbulent nature of the flow is considered without modelling the Reynolds stresses.
Study on the Pasting Properties of Indica and Japonica Waxy Rice
Authors: Fang Sicong , Chen Cheng , Yao Yuan , Nsor-Atindana John , Liu Fei , Chen Maoshen , Zhong Fang
Published: April 2022

In this study, the physicochemical properties of indica (IWR) and japonica (JWR) waxy rice were investigated to find the critical factor that differentiates the pasting behaviors among the two cultivars. The results showed that the peak viscosity of 5 IWR flours was in the range of 1242 to 1371 cP, which was significantly higher than 4 JWR flours (667 to 904 cP). Correlation analysis indicated that all pasting parameters were not correlated (p < 0.05) with physicochemical properties of rice flours and the fine structure of isolated starches. The pasting profiles of IWRs were still significantly higher than those of JWRs after removing lipid, while there were no significant differences between the two cultivars after removing protein sequentially. Meanwhile, the addition of extracted protein from JWR to the isolated starch significantly decreased the viscosity compared to the addition of protein extracted from IWR. The protein composition results found that the IWR protein contained about 18% globulin and 64% glutelin, while the JWR protein contained 11% globulin and 73% glutelin. The addition of glutelin to isolated starch significantly decreased viscosity compared to the addition of globulin. Therefore, the differences in the content of globulin and glutelin might be the main reasons that differentiate the pasting behaviors of the two cultivars.
Property of Phytosterols and Development of Its Containing Mayonnaise-Type Dressing
Authors: Matsuoka Ryosuke
Published: April 2022

Phytosterols are functional ingredients with known efficacy and safety. Phytosterols are found as free sterols or as their esters with fatty acids. Although phytosterol esters are soluble in oil and have been used in many commercial foods, it has been difficult to similarly use free phytosterols since they are insoluble in water and practically insoluble in oil. We have developed mayonnaise-type dressing materials using free phytosterols since people who are conscious about cholesterol intake are likely to be conscious about oil. In this review article, we summarized pieces of evidence for the development of phytosterol-containing mayonnaise-type dressing materials.
Synchronization of Incommensurate Fractional-Order Chaotic Systems Based on Linear Feedback Control
Authors: Qi Fei , Qu Jianfeng , Chai Yi , Chen Liping , Lopes António M.
Published: April 2022

The dynamics and synchronization of fractional-order (FO) chaotic systems have received much attention in recent years. However, the research are focused mostly on FO commensurate systems. This paper addresses the synchronization of incommensurate FO (IFO) chaotic systems. By employing the comparison principle for FO systems with multi-order and the linear feedback control method, a sufficient condition for ensuring the synchronization of IFO chaotic systems is developed in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Such synchronization condition relies just on the system parameters, and is easily verify and implemented. Two typical FO chaotic systems, named the IFO Genesio-Tesi system and Hopfied neural networks are selected to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.
The Sharp Bounds of the Third-Order Hankel Determinant for Certain Analytic Functions Associated with an Eight-Shaped Domain
Authors: Shi Lei , Shutaywi Meshal , Alreshidi Naseer , Arif Muhammad , Ghufran Syed Muhammad
Published: April 2022

The main focus of this research is to solve certain coefficient-related problems for analytic functions that are subordinated to a unique trigonometric function. For the class Ssin*, with the quantity zf′(z)f(z) subordinated to 1+sinz, we obtain an estimate on the initial coefficient a4 and an upper bound of the third Hankel determinant. For functions in the class BTsin, with f′(z) lie in an eight-shaped domain in the right-half plane, we prove that its upper bound of third Hankel determinant is 116. All the results are proven to be sharp.
Rockfall Vulnerability of a Rural Road Network—A Methodological Approach in the Harz Mountains, Germany
Authors: Wohlers Annika , Damm Bodo
Published: April 2022

Mass movements are linked to increasing amounts of damage and disruptions to transportation infrastructures. A valid risk assessment in order to reduce future costs is not always appropriate, as adequate information on landslide data is missing. The presented study estimates the rockfall susceptibility on a rural road network in the Harz mountains using a bivariate statistical method (information value method). The model is validated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. In addition, the vulnerability of the road network is estimated using vulnerability indicators. The susceptibility model assigns a high or very high susceptibility to 23% of the area in the road network corridor. The relevant road sections are linked to high slope values, NE orientations of road sections, and low-to-moderate vulnerability values. The highest vulnerability values can be found on marginal road sections with high average daily traffic volumes. The combination of the presented methods proposes an easily applicable estimate of vulnerability where conventional methods (i.e., vulnerability curves, matrices) cannot be implemented.
How Greek Students Perceive Concepts Related to Geoenvironment: A Semiotics Content Analysis
Authors: Georgousis Efthymios , Savelidi Maria , Savelides Socrates , Mosios Spyros , Holokolos Maximos-Vasileios , Drinia Hara
Published: April 2022

In order to design a geoeducation program in the context of the possibilities given to the Experimental Schools of Greece of Lower Secondary Education, teachers identified the need for diagnostically assess students’ understanding of basic concepts of the geoenvironment and particularly the concepts of geodiversity, geoheritage, geoethics and geotourism. In addition, there was a need to apply the educational technique of creating cognitive conflicts in order to promote the scientific perceptions of these concepts. Thus, research questions were identified which led the research to assess the current latent state of students’ perceptions regarding the thematic areas of the concepts and to identify concepts whose perceptions can be used in the educational process in order to achieve effective cognitive conflicts in order to promote scientific perceptions of them. The students briefly answered a four-question questionnaire, wherein each question examined their perceptions regarding the four concepts of geoenvironment: geodiversity, geoheritage, geoethics and geotourism. All 45 students of the geoeducation program that took part in the survey were aged between 12 and 15 years old. The qualitative research strategy approach was selected and specifically the hybrid technique of semiotics content analysis in combination with thematic analysis. This technique was selected due to the need to identify, code, categorize and count both obvious and latent meanings in the students’ written answers; these meanings were related to the four concepts under examination. The results of the research show that the current latent state of students’ perceptions regarding the thematic fields of the four concepts of the geoenvironment can be considered as particularly confused since the majority of students did not understand the concepts as they are employed in the international literature. The research also highlighted concepts that can be used by teachers in their efforts to develop students’ clear or even scientifically acceptable perceptions for the concepts of geodiversity, geoheritage, geoethics and geotourism in the thematic field of the geoenvironment.
Woody Canker and Shoot Blight Caused by Botryosphaeriaceae and Diaporthaceae on Mango and Litchi in Italy
Authors: Aiello Dalia , Guarnaccia Vladimiro , Costanzo Mariangela Benedetta , Leonardi Giuseppa Rosaria , Epifani Filomena , Perrone Giancarlo , Polizzi Giancarlo
Published: April 2022

In recent years, the cultivation of tropical fruit crops has increased in the Mediterranean basin, especially in southern Italy. In surveys conducted from 2014 to 2019 woody canker and shoot blight were observed on mango plants (cvs. Kent, Keitt, Sensation, Osteen, and Kensington Pride) and litchi plants (cvs. Way Chee and Kwai Mai Pink) cultivated in Sicily. Botryosphaeriaceae and Diaporthaceae were consistently isolated from symptomatic samples. Morphological characterization and multi-locus phylogenies using three genomic loci (a portion of translation elongation factor 1-α gene, a portion of the β-tubulin gene, and an internal transcribed spacer) identified these fungi as Neofusicoccum parvum, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Diaporthe foeniculina, and Diaporthe baccae on mango and Diaporthe foeniculina and Diaporthe rudis on litchi. Pathogenicity tests on healthy mango (cv. Kensington Pride) and litchi (cv. Way Chee) plants demonstrated the pathogenicity of the isolates used in the study, and Koch’s postulates were fulfilled for all pathogens. To our knowledge, this is the first report of L. theobromae, B. dothidea, and Diaporthe species on mango in Italy and the first report worldwide of woody canker and shoot blight caused by D. foeniculina and D. rudis on litchi plants.
Bioconversion of Agricultural Wastes into a Value-Added Product: Straw of Norwegian Grains Composted with Dairy Manure Food Waste Digestate in Mushroom Cultivation
Authors: Jasinska Agnieszka , Wojciechowska Ewelina , Stoknes Ketil , Roszak Michał
Published: April 2022

Commercial mushroom production is based on composted locally available agro-industrial wastes rich in carbon and nitrogen such as wheat straw supplemented with chicken manure. Either component can be replaced by other kinds of grain straw: barley, oat, or a mixture of different straw types and combined with diary manure—food waste digestate after anaerobic biogas digestion. Original, unseparated liquid digestate is nutritious, rich in nitrogen and organic matter. This research aimed to investigate the effect of digestate and different straw ratios on the composting process and productivity and their consequent effect on mushroom cultivation parameters of Agaricus subrufescens. All investigated experimental mushroom compost (EMC) types worked well during the composting process, reaching the desired moisture of 65–75%, N content of 1.43–1.93%, and a C/N ratio ranging from 21.5 to 29.1, supporting growth of mycelium and producing mushrooms. Supplementation with barley straw resulted in better EMC structure with the highest yield and biological efficiency (BE) (157.9 g kg−1; 64%), whereas oat addition gave the lowest yield and BE (88.6 g kg−1 and 38%). Precociousness (yield at mid-cycle of the crop development) was higher for oat substrates (68.9%), while earliness (days to harvest from casing) was lower for barley EMC.