bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Practical Model to Predict Conversion to Total Hip Arthroplasty Following Non-Vascularized Bone Grafting
Authors: Gao Shihua , Mo Liang , Cai Kaishen , He Wei , Li Ziqi
Published: April 2022

Objective

To identify risk factors of failure after Non-Vascularized Bone Grafting (NVBG) in osteonecrosis patients, establish and validate a nomogram predictive model of hip survival after NVBG.

Methods

Data on ONFH patients undergoing NVBG at our institution between 2010 and 2017 were retrospectively collected. Preoperative risk factors potentially associated with failure after NVBG were assessed by univariate Cox regression analyses. A predictive nomogram was developed based on multivariate Cox regression model. The performance of the nomogram model was evaluated by C statistic. Subjects were stratified according to total points calculated from the nomogram and Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to further evaluate the discrimination of the model. The model was also internally validated through calibration curves.

Results

The overall 2-year and 5-year hip survival percentages were 91.8 and 84.6%, respectively. Age, etiology, Association Research Circulation Osseous stage and range of necrotic lesion were independent risk factors of failure after NVBG. The C statistic of the nomogram model established with these predictors was 0.77 and Kaplan-Meier curves of the tertiles showed satisfactory discrimination of the model. Internal validation by calibration curves indicated favorable consistency between actual and predicted hip survival rate.

Conclusion

This predictive model may be a practical tool for patient selection of NVBG. However, future studies are still needed to externally validate this model.
Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using a Stand-Alone Construct for the Treatment of Adjacent-Segment Lumbar Degenerative Disease
Authors: Kai Wang , Cheng Cheng , Yao Qingyu , Zhang Can , Jian Fengzeng , Wu Hao
Published: April 2022

Objective

Adjacent-segment disease (ASD) is common in patients undergone previous lumbar fusion. A typical revision treatment from posterior approach requires management of postoperative scar tissue and previously implanted instrumentation. An oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) approach allows surgeon to reduce the potential risk of posterior approach. This study aimed to analyze the clinical and radiographic efficacy of stand-alone OLIF for the treatment of lumbar adjacent-segment disease.

Methods

A total of 13 consecutive patients who underwent stand-alone OLIF for the treatment of adjacent-segment disease from December 2016 to January 2019 were reviewed. Visual analog scale (VAS) of back pain and leg pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before surgery and at last postoperative clinic visits were obtained. Radiography, CT and MRI before and at last follow-up after surgery was evaluated in all patients.

Results

During the study period, 13 cases were successfully treated with stand-alone OLIF. The mean follow-up was 17.7 ± 8.3 months. The back pain VAS improved from 6.2 ± 1.0 to 2.0 ± 1.1 (P < 0.01), and the leg pain VAS improved from 7.0 ± 1.9 to 1.0 ± 0.9 (P < 0.01). ODI improved from 28.0 ± 7.5 to 10.8 ± 4.0 (P < 0.01). The disc height (DH) increased from 9 ± 2 to 12 ± 2 mm (P < 0.01), the cross-sectional area (CSA) of spinal canal increased from 85 ± 26 to 132 ± 24 mm2 (P < 0.01), the foraminal height increased from 17 ± 2 to 21 ± 3 mm (P < 0.01) and the CSA of foramen increased from 95 ± 25 to 155 ± 36 mm2 (P < 0.01). Cage subsidence was observed in 2 cases.

Conclusions

Stand-alone OLIF provides a safe and effective alternative way to treat ASD.
Results of a Retrospective Fracture Register of Distal Radius Fractures Built Up Using PROM
Authors: Rammensee Johannes , von Matthey Francesca , Biberthaler Peter , Abel Helen
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Although distal radius fractures (DRFs) are the most common fractures of the human body, the best treatment for every fracture type is still debatable. However, randomized controlled trials are difficult to perform. The quality of care can be determined primarily in the context of health care research using register studies. Registers enable standardized documentation of clinical observations over time. So far, no German register studies concerning DRFs exist, and therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a register with the help of patient-reported outcome measurements (PROM).

Patients and Methods

All patients treated surgically at our hospital with a DRF between 2006 and 2016 were enrolled. Patient data such as epidemiological data, treatment, complications, insurance status, etc. were collected and the register was built up as an in-house fracture register with the help of PROM. The Munich Wrist Questionnaire (MWQ) was used as a PROM tool.

Results

Of all 1,796 patients, 339 (19%) with a complete data set could be enrolled, 96 of the patients were male (28%), 243 were female (72%). Thirty-two percent were type A (n = 110), 9% (n = 31) were type B, and 58% (n = 198) were type C fractures. The average follow-up was 66 ± 31 months. Complications occurred in 25 cases (7%). The average postoperative function measured with the MWQ was 91 ± 11%. Patients suffering from a DRF type A had the best outcome. It was significantly better than the outcome of patients with a DRF type C (95 ± 7 vs. 89 ± 13%, p < 0.05 MWUT) and significantly better compared to the results from the whole fracture register (95 ± 7 vs. 91 ± 11%, p < 0.05 MWUT). Type B fractures had a better outcome than type C fractures (92 ± 11%).

Conclusions

Retrospective register studies created with the help of PROM have numerous advantages. Data collection is fast, easy and cost-effective and a huge amount of data can be achieved from numerous patients and the observation period after surgery is quite long. The drop-out rate might be high, but patients enrolled are a representative sample compared to the current literature. This is a valuable tool for monitoring of clinical treatment quality.
Risk Factors, Prognostic Factors, and Nomograms for Bone Metastasis in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Large Population-Based Study
Authors: Zhou Hongmin , Yang Sheng , Xie Tiancheng , Wang Longfei , Zhong Sen , Sheng Tianyang , Fan Guoxin , Liao Xiang , Xu Yunfei
Published: April 2022

Background

This study aimed to investigate risk factors and prognostic factors in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) with bone metastasis (BM) and establish nomograms to provide a quantitative prediction of the risk of BM and survival probability.

Methods

The clinicopathological characteristics of patients with ccRCC between January 2010 and December 2015 were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Independent factors for BM in ccRCC patients were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Prognostic factors for predicting cancer-specific death were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses based on a competing risk regression model. We then constructed a diagnostic nomogram and a prognostic nomogram. The two nomograms were evaluated using calibration curves, receiver operating characteristic curves, and decision curve analysis.

Results

Our study included 34,659 patients diagnosed with ccRCC in the SEER database, with 1,415 patients who presented with bone metastasis. Risk factors for BM in patients with ccRCC included age, stage T, stage N, brain metastasis, liver metastasis, lung metastasis, tumor size, and laterality. Independent prognostic factors for patients with ccRCC patients with BM were Fuhrman grade, tumor size, T stage, N stage, brain metastases, lung metastasis, and surgery. For the diagnostic nomogram, the area under the curve values in the training and testing cohorts were 0.863 (95% CI, 0.851–0.875) and 0.859 (95% CI, 0.839–0.878), respectively. In the prognostic cohort, the area under the curve values for 1-, 2-, and 3-year cancer-specific survival rates in the training cohort were 0.747, 0.774, and 0.780, respectively, and 0.671, 0.706, and 0.696, respectively, in the testing cohort. Through calibration curves and decision curve analyses, the nomograms displayed excellent performance.

Conclusions

Several factors related to the development and prognosis of BM in patients with ccRCC were identified. The nomograms constructed in this study are expected to become effective and precise tools for clinicians to improve cancer management.
RNA-Seq Reveals the Role of miR-29c in Regulating Inflammation and Oxidative Stress of Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Yang Jian , Hu Qi-Chao , Wang Jin-Peng , Ren Qian-Qian , Wang Xing-Ping , Luoreng Zhuo-Ma , Wei Da-Wei , Ma Yun
Published: April 2022

Healthy mammary gland is essential for milk performance in dairy cows. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the key molecules to regulate the steady state of mammary gland in dairy cows. This study investigated the potential role of miR-29c in bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs). RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to measure the transcriptome profile of bovine mammary epithelial cells line (MAC-T) transfected with miR-29c inhibitor or negative control (NC) inhibitor, and then differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened. The results showed that a total of 42 up-regulated and 27 down-regulated genes were found in the miR-29c inhibitor group compared with the NC inhibitor group. The functional enrichment of the above DEGs indicates that miR-29c is a potential regulator of oxidative stress and inflammatory response in bMECs through multiple genes, such as forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and major histocompatibility complex, class II, DQ alpha 5 (BoLA-DQA5) in the various biological process and signaling pathways of stress-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, Epstein-Barr virus infection, inflammatory bowel disease, etc. The results imply that miR-29c plays an important role in a steady state of bMECs or cow mammary gland and may be a potential therapeutic target for mastitis in dairy cows.
Chronic Immune-Mediated Orchitis Is the Major Cause of Acquired Non-obstructive Azoospermia in Dogs
Authors: Goericke-Pesch Sandra , Reifarth Larena , Behrens Mathiesen Christina , Schuler Gerhard , Umbach Anne-Kathrin , Körber Hanna
Published: April 2022

Azoospermia, the lack of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, is the most common finding in infertile but otherwise healthy male dogs and represents an increasing reproductive health issue in men, too. The diagnosis can be further classified as non-obstructive azoospermia and obstructive azoospermia due to an obstruction of the deferent ducts. Although non-obstructive azoospermia comprises more than half of azoospermic cases in men and is a common cause of infertility in the male dog, knowledge of the underlying etiology and pathophysiology is still strongly limited, and much uncertainty exists about the true incidence and possible treatment options. Therefore, this study aims to investigate and characterize infertile canine patients in detail by combining results of andrological examinations (clinical parameters, semen analysis, bacterial examination of semen, andBrucella canisserology), endocrine analysis (luteinizing hormone, testosterone, estradiol-17ß, and thyroid function), analysis of the alkaline phosphatase in seminal plasma, and histological assessment of testicular biopsies of 10 azoospermic dogs. Our results not only verify non-obstructive etiology for 9/10 cases of canine azoospermia but also further identified significant histopathological changes of the testicular tissue with severely disrupted spermatogenesis, including fibrotic remodeling, vacuolization, Sertoli-cell-only syndrome, tubular shadows, and an increase of the interstitial and vascular area. In addition, three dogs showed local and six dogs generalized immune-cell infiltration, indicating chronic immune-mediated orchitis. Only in one case (no. 1) that no immune cells were found, and obstructive azoospermia was suspected due to low alkaline phosphatase activity. Furthermore, the detection of anti-thyroideal antibodies in two dogs indicates an autoimmune thyroid disease and a correlation between the occurrence of thyroidal disorders and azoospermia. Our results confirm previous findings and contribute additional evidence suggesting that chronic immune-mediated orchitis is the major cause of infertility in dogs. Further studies should focus on uncovering underlying inflammatory processes behind spermatogenic failure in these cases and identify possible treatment options to (re-)initialize spermatogenesis.
Credit Risk Modelling of Mortgage Loans in the Supervisory Stress Test of the Magyar Nemzeti Bank
Authors: Szabó András Viktor
Published: April 2022

The study aims to develop a model that can estimate potential credit risk losses for housing and home equity loans using both macro and micro data, can be applied uniformly to all banks and takes into account the new accounting standards (IFRS 9). The model is based on a deal-level database for several Hungarian credit institutions, covering an entire business cycle (2004–2018). It uses economic indicators that strengthen risk sensitivity while also including transaction characteristics that mitigate procyclicality. Modelling in a two-step process allows risk groups to be created during forecasting in accordance with various credit characteristics. The results show that the evolution of employment has a stronger effect on riskier groups which potentially have only ad-hoc employment, while net wealth was not even among the explanatory variables for the group containing the best debtors, who presumably rely more on stable earned income.
Flight Speed Evaluation Using a Special Multi-Element High-Speed Temperature Probe
Authors: Schmirler Michal
Published: April 2022

In the context of aircraft aerodynamics, the compressibility of air flowing around the aircraft must always be considered. This fact brings with it one inconvenience: to evaluate the velocity of the flowing air (airspeed), it is necessary to know its temperature as well. Unfortunately, direct measurement of the temperature of air flowing at high speed (usually at Ma > 0.3) is practically impossible without knowledge of its velocity. Thus, there are two unknown quantities in the problem that depend on each other. The solution is achieved by a method that uses temperature probes composed of multiple sensors with different properties (different recovery factors). The comparison of rendered temperatures subsequently allows the elimination of the necessary knowledge of static temperature and the evaluation of velocity. In this paper, one of such probes is described together with its thermodynamic properties and possible applications.
Nitrate Concentration in Leachate—Essential Information for Reducing Nitrogen Surplus and Groundwater Pollution from Agricultural Land in Slovakia
Authors: Bujnovský Radoslav , Koco Štefan , Cibulka Roman , Vranovská Andrea , Vrablíková Dana
Published: April 2022

The aim of the study was to detect nitrate concentrations in leachate within agricultural land in three districts of Slovakia, namely Nitra, Nové Zámky and Dunajská Streda as well as in the DEEPWATER-CE pilot area. Using the average values of leachable nitrogen in the period 2015–2018 and the long-term amount of percolated water, the nitrate concentration values in leachate were detected. In most defined groundwater monitoring sites, the current nitrogen surplus and corresponding nitrate concentration in leachate create preconditions for the gradual reduction of groundwater nitrate pollution. However, in some groundwater monitoring places, especially in the Nitra district, the nitrate concentration in leachate exceeds 50 mg L−1, which is completely unacceptable from the point of groundwater pollution. In detected hot-spots, it is necessary to reduce the nitrogen surplus up to 15 kg ha−1 on average per year. In this sense, the nitrate concentration in leachate is an important indicator for the revision of existing measures in agriculture.
Brief Biography of Professor Yingguo Zhu
Authors: Hu Jun , Zhu Yuxian
Published: April 2022

Professor Yingguo Zhu was born in November 1939 and grew up in a poor mountain village in Hubei Province, China [...]
Interaction Analysis of Odorant-Binding Protein 12 from Sirex noctilio and Volatiles from Host Plants and Symbiotic Fungi Based on Molecule Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Rong Hao , Li Yini , Hao Enhua , Yuan Xiaohui , Lu Pengfei , Qiao Haili
Published: April 2022

As a quarantine pest of conifer, Sirex noctilio has caused widespread harm around the world. It is expected that the molecular mechanism of protein–ligand binding can be elucidated to carry out the pest control. Through studies of SnocOBP12–ligand hydrophobic binding and dynamics and responsible amino acid residues identification, we got some promising results. SnocOBP12 had a general and excellent affinity for host plant volatiles, and may be a key protein for S. noctilio to find host plants. Among the many odor molecules that are bound to SnocOBP12, (−)-α-cedrene and (E)-β-farnesene from host plants and (−)-globuol from the symbiotic fungi of Sirex noctilio stood out and formed highly stable complexes with SnocOBP12. By the molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) method, the calculated free binding energy of the three complexes was −30.572 ± 0.101 kcal/mol, −28.349 ± 0.119 kcal/mol and −25.244 ± 0.152 kcal/mol, respectively. It was found that the van der Waals energy contributed to the stability of the complexes. Some key amino acid residues were also found: LEU74 and TYR109 were very important for SnocOBP12 to stably bind (−)-α-cedrene, while for (E)-β-farnesene, ILE6, MET10, and LEU74 were very important for the stable binding system. We discovered three potential ligands and analyzed the interaction pattern of the protein with them, this paper provides a favorable molecular basis for optimizing the attractant formulation. Investigation of the binding characteristics in the olfactory system at the molecular level is helpful to understand the behavior of S. noctilio and develop new methods for more effective and environmentally friendly pest control.
No-Tillage Promotes Wheat Seedling Growth and Grain Yield Compared with Plow–Rotary Tillage in a Rice–Wheat Rotation in the High Rainfall Region in China
Authors: Li Fujian , Zhang Xinbo , Xu Dongyi , Ma Quan , Le Tao , Zhu Min , Li Chunyan , Zhu Xinkai , Guo Wenshan , Ding Jinfeng
Published: April 2022

Optimizing soil properties to match ecological conditions can alleviate stress damage and promote crop growth. However, the suitable soil conditions for wheat growth in an integrated rice–wheat breeding scheme under high rainfall and the mechanisms that affect yield production are not well known. Field experiments were carried out at two sites, which were all located in Jiangsu Province, China, a subtropical monsoon climate zone during two wheat growing seasons, to assess the effects of plow tillage followed by rotary tillage (PR) and no-tillage (NT) on soil physical and chemical properties, wheat seedling growth, grain yield, and spike amounts and quality. The finding indicates that with the reduction in soil mixing, soil bulk density was higher in NT than in PR, which helped to maintain moisture in dry soil. In soils with high water content, in NT, when the wheat field was subjected to waterlogging stress, the drainage decreased to deeper soil possibly due to reduced infiltration and a higher evaporation of surface water. The diurnal variation in soil temperature decreased in NT, and when the soil was cold, NT helped to insulate soils at 0–25 cm. Compared with PR, the contents of available nitrogen and phosphorus increased at 0–20 cm in NT. Root biomass and root activity of wheat seedlings at 0–20 cm were also greater in NT than in PR. Compared with PR, wheat also had more culms at the beginning of the overwintering stage, more spikes, and higher grain yield in NT, but the differences were not significant under excessive soil moisture. Therefore, the soil hydrothermal environment and spatial distributions of nutrients in NT promoted shallow root growth and tiller development in the early phase of wheat growth, which led to higher amounts of spikes per plant that resulted in high-yielding wheat crops.
Extensive Sheep and Goat Production: The Role of Novel Technologies towards Sustainability and Animal Welfare
Authors: Silva Severiano R. , Sacarrão-Birrento Laura , Almeida Mariana , Ribeiro David M. , Guedes Cristina , González Montaña José Ramiro , Pereira Alfredo F. , Zaralis Konstantinos , Geraldo Ana , Tzamaloukas Ouranios , Cabrera Marta González , Castro Noemí , Argüello Anastasio , Hernández-Castellano Lorenzo E. , Alonso-Diez Ángel J. , Martín María J. , Cal-Pereyra Luis G. , Stilwell George , de Almeida André M.
Published: April 2022

Sheep and goat extensive production systems are very important in the context of global food security and the use of rangelands that have no alternative agricultural use. In such systems, there are enormous challenges to address. These include, for instance, classical production issues, such as nutrition or reproduction, as well as carbon-efficient systems within the climate-change context. An adequate response to these issues is determinant to economic and environmental sustainability. The answers to such problems need to combine efficiently not only the classical production aspects, but also the increasingly important health, welfare, and environmental aspects in an integrated fashion. The purpose of the study was to review the application of technological developments, in addition to remote-sensing in tandem with other state-of-the-art techniques that could be used within the framework of extensive production systems of sheep and goats and their impact on nutrition, production, and ultimately, the welfare of these species. In addition to precision livestock farming (PLF), these include other relevant technologies, namely omics and other areas of relevance in small-ruminant extensive production: heat stress, colostrum intake, passive immunity, newborn survival, biomarkers of metabolic disease diagnosis, and parasite resistance breeding. This work shows the substantial, dynamic nature of the scientific community to contribute to solutions that make extensive production systems of sheep and goats more sustainable, efficient, and aligned with current concerns with the environment and welfare.
Attachment towards the Owner Is Associated with Spontaneous Sleep EEG Parameters in Family Dogs
Authors: Carreiro Cecília , Reicher Vivien , Kis Anna , Gácsi Márta
Published: April 2022

Affective neuroscience studies have demonstrated the impact of social interactions on sleep quality. In humans, trait-like social behaviors, such as attachment, are related to sleep brain activity patterns. Our aim was to investigate associations between companion dogs’ spontaneous brain activity during sleep (in the presence of the owner) and their relevant behavior in a task-free social context assessing their attachment towards the owner. In random order, each dog participated in a non-invasive sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) measurement and in the Strange Situation Test (SST) to assess their attachment behavior. We found that higher attachment scores were associated with more time spent in NREM sleep, lower NREM alpha power activity and lower NREM alpha–delta anticorrelation. Our results reveal that, when dogs sleep in a novel environment in the company of their owners, differences in their attachment are reflected in their sleep EEG characteristics. This could be best explained by the different degree that owners could be used as a safe haven in an unfamiliar environment and during the unusual procedure of the first EEG measurement.
Hypo-Osmotic Swelling Test (HOST) for Feline Spermatozoa: The Simplified Procedure and the Aspect of Sperm Morphology
Authors: Prochowska Sylwia , Niżański Wojciech , Fontbonne Alain
Published: April 2022

Hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) is used to assess the functional integrity of sperm plasma membranes in many species. The primary aim of this study was to test a simplified HOST procedure for the evaluation of feline semen. The second objective was to check if sperm abnormalities can influence the results of this test. Urethral semen was collected from 19 male, domestic cats. In Exp. 1, HOST was performed in different media (50 mOsm/kg fructose or distilled water), temperature (37 °C or room temperature) and time (5 and 30 min). In Exp. 2, the potential effect of sperm abnormalities on HOST results was assessed by observing individual normal and abnormal spermatozoa microinjected into droplets of distilled water. The results showed no differences between the HOST results performed in different media, temperature and time. Viable abnormal spermatozoa were able to swell under hypo-osmotic conditions in the same manner as normal ones, except spermatozoa with distal droplets, which showed a higher frequency of ‘despiralization’. In conclusion, HOST can be reliably performed at 0 mOsm/kg for 5 min at room temperature, which may contribute to a wider use of this test under clinical environments. Viable abnormal spermatozoa are able to swell under hypo-osmotic conditions; therefore, their presence in the ejaculate would not bias the results of HOST when total coiling is calculated.
Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance Knowledge and Practices in Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Di Khanh Nguyen , Tay Sun Tee , Ponnampalavanar Sasheela Sri La Sri , Pham Duy Toan , Wong Li Ping
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Antibiotic resistance (ABR) has been escalating to seriously high levels worldwide, accelerated by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, especially in Vietnam. In this work, we investigated the Vietnamese public socio-demographic and knowledge factors associated with inappropriate practices of antibiotics to better understand the country’s antibiotic use and ABR. (2) Methods: To this end, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among Vietnamese people aged 18–60 years via Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATIs) from May 2019 to November 2019. (3) Results: Among 3069 responses distributed equally in all 63 provinces in Vietnam, 1306 respondents completed the survey (response rate of 42.5%). Socio-demographically, most participants were male (56.4%), 18–25 years old (40.4%), located in Southern Vietnam (67.1%), highly educated (93.7%), and possessed medical insurance (95.3%). Respondents with higher education levels (college and above) had 2.663 times higher knowledge scores than those with lower education levels (p < 0.001). High-income respondents possessed more knowledge than low-income respondents (OR = 1.555, CI 95% 0.835–2.910, p = 0.024). Students, non-skilled workers, skilled workers, and professionals and managers had 0.052, 0.150, 0.732, and 0.393 times lower practice scores than the unemployed group, respectively (p < 0.001). Furthermore, respondents with higher/adequate knowledge scores had higher practice scores than those with inadequate knowledge scores (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The findings indicate that socio-demographic differences in knowledge and practices exist, and focusing on these issues should be the priority in forthcoming interventions. The research data also provide information for policy makers to raise the community’s awareness of ABR.
α-Acylamino-β-lactone N-Acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing Acid Amidase Inhibitors Encapsulated in PLGA Nanoparticles: Improvement of the Physical Stability and Protection of Human Cells from Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Gagliardi Agnese , Molinaro Roberto , Fresta Massimo , Duranti Andrea , Cosco Donato
Published: April 2022

N-Acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) is an N-terminal cysteine hydrolase that preferentially catalyzes the hydrolysis of endogenous lipid mediators such as palmitoylethanolamide, which has been shown to exhibit neuroprotective and antinociceptive properties by engaging peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α. A few potent NAAA inhibitors have been developed, including α-acylamino-β-lactone derivatives, which are very strong and effective, but they have limited chemical and plasmatic stability, compromising their use as systemic agents. In the present study, as an example of a molecule belonging to the chemical class of N-(2-oxo-3-oxetanyl)amide NAAA inhibitors, URB866 was entrapped in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles in order to increase its physical stability. The data show a monomodal pattern and a significant time- and temperature-dependent stability of the molecule-loaded nanoparticles, which also demonstrated a greater ability to effectively retain the compound. The nanoparticles improved the photostability of URB866 with respect to that of the free molecule and displayed a better antioxidant profile on various cell lines at the molecule concentration of 25 μM. Overall, these results prove that the use of polymeric nanoparticles could be a useful strategy for overcoming the instability of α-acylamino-β-lactone NAAA inhibitors, allowing the maintenance of their characteristics and activity for a longer time.
Advances in Hyperspectral and Multispectral Optical Spectroscopy and Imaging of Tissue
Authors: Toronov Vladislav
Published: April 2022

Optical imaging and characterization of tissue has become a huge applied field due to the advantages of the optical analysis methods, which include non-invasiveness, portability, high sensitivity, and high spectral specificity [...]
Effects of Diesel Hydrocarbon Components on Cetane Number and Engine Combustion and Emission Characteristics
Authors: Wei Yan-Ju , Zhang Ya-Jie , Zhu Xiao-Dong , Gu Hao-Ming , Zhu Zeng-Qiang , Liu Sheng-Hua , Sun Xing-Yu , Jiang Xue-Li
Published: April 2022

Commercial diesel consists of hundreds of hydrocarbons such as alkanes, cycloalkanes, and aromatics. The components of the fuel’s composition are what determine its physical and ignition properties, and their variations affect engine performance. In this study, n-heptane, n-dodecane, tetralin, and decalin were chosen as typical additives to blend with commercial diesel according to the China VI standard (Heavy Duty Diesel Vehicle Pollutant Emission Limits and Measurement Methods) in 20% and 50% volume fractions, respectively. The physical properties of the fuel blends, such as viscosity, density, cetane number (CN), and distillation range, were measured first. Then, the commercial diesel’s lower heat value was measured, and blended fuels were calculated accordingly. The CN of the blended fuel is tested by an Ignition Quality Tester (IQT), which is known as the derived cetane number (DCN). The results show that adding n-dodecane increases the value of DCN, while tetralin reduces the DCN, and n-heptane and decalin have negative effects. This study uses a type of WP12 diesel engine made by Weichai that meets China’s emission regulation 6. During the tests, the fuel injection strategy was kept as a pure diesel operation without any modifications. Compared with pure diesel operation, the bench test results show the following characteristics: the maximum torque output increased with increased decalin, followed by tetralin and n-dodecane, while n-heptane has a side effect compared to pure diesel operation. The addition of n-dodecane and n-heptane can reduce fuel consumption, while tetralin will increase it, and decalin has no obvious effect on fuel consumption. It was found that n-heptane increases HC and NOx emissions significantly. Furthermore, n-dodecane slightly increases CO, HC and NOx emissions. Decalin increases CO and HC emissions when mixed in a large proportion. In addition, tetralin causes a substantial increase in HC, CO and NOx emissions at medium and high loads.
An Efficient and Portable LED Multispectral Imaging System and Its Application to Human Tongue Detection
Authors: Ma Cui , Yu Ming , Chen Fokui , Lin Hui
Published: April 2022

LED illumination-based multispectral imaging has a fast switching ability, high cost-effectiveness, and a simple structure. It has been used in some applications, especially color recognition. In this paper, we introduce an efficient and portable LED multispectral imaging system for human tongue detection. The spatial pixels are categorized based on cosine similarity to reduce the optimization calculation times. Further, segment linear calibration is used to improve the recovery quality. Simulation results show that this method greatly improves the reconstruction speed and that recovered images maintain a high spatial and spectral quality. This LED multispectral imaging system captures images quickly and obtains multispectral images in a timely fashion. We also built a small prototype for human tongue detection in traditional Chinese medicine. The recovered spectra were used to calculate the tongue body color and fur color. By combining these with the spatial information, the fur distribution and fur thickness were analyzed. The results of this study verified the effectiveness of this LED multispectral imaging system. Further experiments will be undertaken for the quantitative analysis of tongue features. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (or Ethics Committee) of Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences.
An Improved Wavelet Modulus Algorithm Based on Fusion of Light Intensity and Degree of Polarization
Authors: Gu Yunting , Lv Jinguang , Bo Jian , Zhao Baixuan , Zheng Kaifeng , Zhao Yingze , Tao Jin , Qin Yuxin , Wang Weibiao , Liang Jingqiu
Published: April 2022

Edge detection is the basis of image analysis and image processing. The wavelet modulus maxima algorithm is a widely used edge-detection algorithm. The algorithm has the advantages of strong anti-noise ability and high precision of edge location, but it still cannot accurately obtain edge information for low-contrast images. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved wavelet mode maximum edge algorithm for the fusion of light intensity and degree of polarization. The improved wavelet mode maximum algorithm was used to extract the edges of a light intensity image and degree of polarization image, and then refine and fuse the two edges to obtain the final edge information. Simulation experiments showed that the edge image obtained by the edge-detection algorithm in this paper had a clearer outline and better connectivity.
Low-Rank Approximation of Frequency Response Analysis of Perforated Cylinders under Uncertainty
Authors: Hakula Harri , Laaksonen Mikael
Published: April 2022

Frequency response analysis under uncertainty is computationally expensive. Low-rank approximation techniques can significantly reduce the solution times. Thin perforated cylinders, as with all shells, have specific features affecting the approximation error. There exists a rich thickness-dependent boundary layer structure, leading to local features becoming dominant as the thickness tends to zero. Related to boundary layers, there is also a connection between eigenmodes and the perforation patterns. The Krylov subspace approach for proportionally damped systems with uncertain Young’s modulus is compared with the full system, and via numerical experiments, it is shown that the relative accuracy of the low-rank approximation of perforated shells measured in energy depends on the dimensionless thickness. In the context of frequency response analysis, it then becomes possible that, at some critical thicknesses, the most energetic response within the observed frequency range is not identified correctly. The reference structure used in the experiments is a trommel screen with a non-regular perforation pattern with two different perforation zones. The low-rank approximation scheme is shown to be feasible in computational asymptotic analysis of trommel designs when the proportional damping model is used.
Short-Term and Long-Term Displacement of Surface and Shield Tunnel in Soft Soil: Field Observations and Numerical Modeling
Authors: Jin Hui , Yuan Dajun , Zhou Shunxin , Zhao Di
Published: April 2022

Constructing subways in soft soil strata by shields may cause large displacement of ground and tunnels during and after construction. To evaluate the corresponding short-term and long-term displacement, this paper presented a three-dimensional numerical model based on the project of Suzhou rail transit line S1. This model adopted the modified Cam-clay model to simulate the behavior of soft soil and can consider the grouting parameters and the water leakage of the assembled segment lining. In addition, an on-site monitoring project was implemented, and the field observations were compared with the simulation results. Finally, the sensitivity of key parameters was carried out by the established numerical model. The results indicated that the grouting volume, the thicknesses of soft soil under the tunnel, and the tunnel leakage conditions have a significant impact on the ground and tunnel settlement. Notably, serious tunnel leakage will cause large long-term consolidation settlement, and the increasing thicknesses of soft soil under the tunnel does not increase the long-term settlement of the stratum and the tunnel when the tunnel meets the secondary waterproof requirements, but does increase the corresponding short-term settlement.
Establishment of an Epicutaneously Sensitized Murine Model of Shellfish Allergy and Evaluation of Skin Condition by Raman Microscopy
Authors: Ichimura-Shimizu Mayuko , Ishimaru Soichiro , Wai Christine (Yee-Yan) , Minamikawa Takeo , Tsunematsu Takaaki , Endo Aiko , Kojima Takumi , Matsumoto Minoru , Kobayashi Tomoko , Sumida Satoshi , Kakimoto Takumi , Miyakami Yuko , Ogawa Hirohisa , Oya Takeshi , Tsuneyama Koichi
Published: April 2022

Background: Shellfish allergy is one of the most common food allergies. Recent studies have shown that sensitization to allergens via the skin is involved in the development of food allergies. In this study, a mouse model of shrimp allergy was generated by epicutaneous sensitization and used to identify skin conditions associated with susceptibility to sensitization. Methods: Four-week-old female BALB/c mice were sensitized by repeated application of 0.1 mg of tropomyosin to tape-stripped skin on days 0, 7, and 15, followed by a challenge on days 28 and 35. Results: Epicutaneously sensitized mice exhibited higher serum levels of tropomyosin-specific IgE on day 15 than control mice. After the oral challenge, model mice had higher anaphylaxis scores and lower rectal temperature. After three tape-strip treatments for sensitization, the skin was analyzed by Raman microscopy. The sensitized mice exhibited lower relative intensities of Raman bands at 399, 915, and 1073 cm−1 than control mice, which could be helpful noninvasive markers in screening for potential sensitization via the skin. Conclusions: An epicutaneous sensitization shellfish allergy model was generated. This model will be useful in studies to elucidate the pathogenesis of skin sensitization. Raman microscopy may also be valuable for capturing subtle skin changes leading to sensitization.
A Study on the Radiation Shielding and Absorption Effects of Nonwoven Composites by Monte-Carlo Simulation Analysis
Authors: Lee Aram , Cha Juhee , Lim Daeyoung , Youk Jiho , Jeon Hanyong
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the radiation attenuation effect due to reflection and refraction that occurs when radiation passes through the composite material through simulation. The gamma-ray shielding ability of composites with different structures, such as layered composite, fibrous composite, and particle-added composites, was compared. For the layered composites, regardless of the thickness, the gamma-ray attenuation effect due to the structure of the layered composite could not be seen. The simulated attenuation coefficient was found to be different than the theoretical value, which increased with the content of inorganic materials. Assuming that the cesium ions absorbed on the nonwoven fabric are located in the center of the nonwoven fabric and the radioactive material absorbent is used in an appropriate amount, it is expected that more than 50% of gamma rays emitted from radioactive cesium can be shielded. If the nonwoven composites have such a shielding ability, it is expected that after adsorbing 137Cs, the intensity of gamma rays due to the adsorbed radioactive cesium can be partially attenuated, thereby contributing to radioactive waste treatment.
Special Issue on the Intensified Conversion of Organic Waste into Biogas
Authors: Martins Gilberto
Published: April 2022

Anaerobic digestion is a sustainable technology used to produce renewable gas from organic wastes [...]
Study on Photocatalytic Degradation of Acid Red 73 by Fe3O4@TiO2 Exposed (001) Facets
Authors: Sun Li , Zhou Quan , Mao Jiaheng , Ouyang Xingyu , Yuan Zhigang , Song Xiaoxiang , Gong Wenbang , Mei Shunqi , Xu Wei
Published: April 2022

Water pollution can be treated through the photocatalytic reaction of TiO2 or TiO2 compounds. A solvothermal method was used to prepare Fe3O4 and Fe3O4@TiO2 composite photocatalyst with (001) high-energy facets exposed in the anatase phase. TiO2 and Fe3O4@TiO2 were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. It was found that the composite Fe3O4@TiO2 can reduce the band gap and maintain a certain proportion of (001) high-energy facet exposure. The band gaps of Fe3O4@TiO2 and TiO2 are 2.5 eV and 2.9 eV, respectively. The exposure percentages of (001) facets of Fe3O4@TiO2 and TiO2 are about 25.2% and 12.1%, respectively. Fe3O4@TiO2 was used for photocatalytic degradation of Acid Red 73, and it was found that Fe3O4@TiO2 could improve the efficiency of photocatalytic degradation of Acid Red 73. The photocatalytic degradation rates of Fe3O4@TiO2 and TiO2 at 24 min were 93.56% and 74.47%, respectively. The cycle experiment of photocatalytic degradation of Acid Red 73 by Fe3O4@TiO2 showed that at the fifth cycle, the rate of dye degradation decreased to 77.05%, but the rate of dye degradation can reach more than 90% after self-cleaning treatment. The photocatalytic degradation mechanism is explained by the energy band theory and the first-order kinetic equation model.
Experimental Study on the Influence of Slurry Concentration and Standing Time on the Friction Characteristics of a Steel Pipe-Soil Interface
Authors: Zeng Cong , Xiao Anfeng , Liu Kaixin , Ai Hui , Chen Zhihan , Zhang Peng
Published: April 2022

In pipe jacking, the continued growth of friction resistance around the pipe may cause problems, such as an insufficient jacking force, soil collapse, and even land subsidence, which seriously endangers the structural safety of the pipe and surrounding structures. Bentonite slurry is often used as a lubrication material, but the friction resistance increases due to the inappropriate slurry concentration, and this may cause construction safety problems. In addition, the slurry standing time increases the difficulty of re-jacking construction. To further study the above problems, the friction characteristics of a steel pipe-soil interface under different slurry concentrations and slurry standing times were studied using direct shear tests. The test results show that the peak shear stress and friction coefficient of the interface first decrease and then increase with the increase in the concentration, which is less than or equal to 20%. The peak shear stress and friction coefficient increase with the increase in the concentration, which is greater than 20%, and the position of shear failure changes from between the slurry soil mixture and pipe wall to between the slurry and pipe wall, and finally to the slurry interior. The influence of the slurry standing time on the friction characteristics of the interface is as follows: For the same slurry concentration, the peak shear stress and friction coefficient of the interface increase with the standing time, approximately increasing first and then stabilizing; for different slurry concentrations, the amplification of the peak shear stress and friction coefficient increase with the increase in the concentration.
Increase in Elastic Stress Limits by Plastic Conditioning: Influence of Strain Hardening on Interference Fits
Authors: Schierz Mario
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a novel method for the design of purely elastic interference fits by exploiting the plastic properties of a material. In this process, the elastic potential of the material is expanded by the targeted application of residual stresses and material strengthening, in such a way that additional operational loads due to rotating bending moments, torsion, temperature changes, and centrifugal forces are absorbed by the hub in a purely elastic manner, and plastic deformations are avoided. In the ideal case, the performance shown by the connection can be almost doubled compared to conventional elastically joined interference fits. Compared with conventional elastically–plastically joined interference fits, a specifically defined additional safety against plastic deformation can be guaranteed. In addition to the prerequisites of plasticity theory, the fundamental aspects of the process are presented and investigated on the basis of two-dimensional numerical calculation models. Both ideal plastic and hardening material models were used. The results of this work showed that previous stress limits can be significantly increased up to full plastic loading and that the utilization of plastic material properties is also made possible by plastic conditioning for applications that were previously designed to be purely elastic.
A Sustainable Location-Allocation Model for Solar-Powered Pest Control to Increase Rice Productivity
Authors: Ramadhan Gilang Titah , Sutopo Wahyudi , Hisjam Muhammad
Published: April 2022

Insect attacks are a very complicated problem in rice cultivation that cause a decrease in rice productivity. It is very important to not use pesticides to kill pests due to environmental and health issues. This study aimed to solve the pest problem by installing solar-powered pest-control technology using waves of ultraviolet light and ultrasonic sound (UVUS, the name of the product). The development of UVUS involved not only innovation from startups but also the adaption of existing technologies such as batteries, solar panels, and sensors. A location-allocation model has been developed in accordance with a flower pollination algorithm (FPA) and sustainability considerations to solve the problem of rice productivity using the innovative technology of solar-powered pest control. The mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) approach was used to determine the number of UVUS required to minimize the areas missed by the ultraviolet light and ultrasonic sound. Numerical analysis of a case study of Delanggu Village showed that the model can be used to determine the number of UVUS required to only miss a certain minimal area. The results show that the proposed model can be applied to solve pest control and can provide promising economical, social, and environmental outcomes.