bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibition augments the T cell response against HOXB7‐expressing tumor through human leukocyte antigen upregulation
Authors: Komatsuda Hiroki , Wakisaka Risa , Kono Michihisa , Kumai Takumi , Hayashi Ryusuke , Yamaki Hidekiyo , Sato Ryosuke , Nagato Toshihiro , Ohkuri Takayuki , Kosaka Akemi , Ohara Kenzo , Takahara Miki , Katada Akihiro , Kobayashi Hiroya
Published: October 2022

Homeobox B7 (HOXB7) is a master regulatory gene that regulates cell proliferation and activates oncogenic pathways. Overexpression of HOXB7 correlates with aggressive behavior and poor prognosis in patients with cancer. However, the expression and role of HOXB7 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain unclear. In this study, we observed that most samples from patients with oropharyngeal cancer and HNSCC expressed HOXB7. As no direct inhibitor has been reported, we identified a potent peptide epitope to target HOXB7‐expressing tumors through immune cells. A novel HOXB7‐derived peptide epitope (HOXB78–25) elicited antigen‐specific and tumor‐reactive promiscuous CD4+ T cell responses. These CD4+ T cells produced γ‐interferon (IFN‐γ) and had the direct ability to kill tumors through granzyme B. Notably, downregulation of HOXB7 using siRNA enhanced human leukocyte antigen class II expression on tumor cells by decreasing the phosphorylation of MAPK. Mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibition augmented IFN‐γ production by HOXB7‐reactive CD4+ T cell responses without decreasing the expression of HOXB7. These results suggest that combining HOXB7 peptide‐based vaccine with MAPK inhibitors could be an effective immunological strategy for cancer treatment.
Nivolumab‐induced radiation recall pneumonitis in non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients with thoracic radiation therapy
Authors: Noda‐Narita Shoko , Naito Tomoyuki , Udagawa Hibiki , Goto Koichi , Miyawaki Taichi , Mamesaya Nobuaki , Nakashima Kazuhisa , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Shimokawaji Tadasuke , Kato Terufumi , Hakozaki Taiki , Okuma Yusuke , Nakamura Masaki , Nakayama Yuko , Watanabe Hirokazu , Kusumoto Masahiko , Ohe Yuichiro , Horinouchi Hidehito
Published: October 2022

The role of previous thoracic radiation therapy as a risk factor of immune‐related pneumonitis is unclear. Furthermore, some patients develop radiation recall pneumonitis, which is characterized by a radiation pneumonitis‐like imaging pattern with consolidation progressing within a previous radiation field. In this multicenter retrospective study, we analyzed the relationship of previous thoracic radiation therapy with immune‐related pneumonitis and the characteristics of radiation recall pneumonitis. The medical records of patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer who had received nivolumab between December 2015 and March 2017 at five institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Incidence, imaging patterns, clinical course, and risk factors of immune‐related pneumonitis and radiation recall pneumonitis were evaluated. A total of 669 patients were evaluated, and the incidences of all‐grade and grade 3 or higher immune‐related pneumonitis were 8.8% and 2.6%, respectively. The incidences of immune‐related pneumonitis were 13.2% (34/257) and 6.1% (25/412) in patients with and those without previous thoracic radiation therapy, respectively. A history of previous thoracic radiation therapy was associated with immune‐related pneumonitis (odds ratio, 2.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.21–3.69 in multivariate analysis). Among the patients with previous thoracic radiation therapy, 6.2% (16/257) showed radiation recall pattern. This study found an increased risk of nivolumab‐induced immune‐related pneumonitis associated with a history of thoracic radiation therapy. Radiation recall pattern was one of the major patterns of immune‐related pneumonitis among the patients with previous thoracic radiation therapy. Incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcome of radiation recall pneumonitis were elucidated.
The identification of a novel CCNQ gene tail extension variant contributing to syndactyly, telecanthus and anogenital and renal malformations syndrome
Authors: Che Ruochen , Wang Chunli , Huang Songming , Zheng Bixia , Li Huixia , Cheng Xueqin , Zhao Fei , Ding Guixia , Jia Zhanjun , Zhang Aihua
Published: October 2022

The “toe syndactyly, telecanthus and anogenital and renal malformations” (STAR) syndrome is a rare X‐linked dominant inherited kidney ciliopathy caused by CCNQ gene mutations. Here, we investigated the genotype and phenotype in the first two twin sisters with a novel tail extension CCNQ variant in Asia. Genetic variants of the pedigree were screened using whole‐exome sequence analysis and validated by direct Sanger sequencing. The genetic function was investigated through cultured cells and zebrafish embryos transfected with mutant. The proband is suffered from end‐stage renal disease, telecanthus, scoliosis, anal atresia, bilateral hydronephrosis pyeloureter dilation and hearing loss, while her twin sister had milder phenotypes. A novel heterozygous variant c.502_518delinsA (p.Val168SerfsTer173) in CCNQ gene was identified in the twins and their asymptomatic mosaic mother. The concurrent deletion of 17 bases and insertion of one base variant led to the loss of 5 amino acids, subsequently caused a 96 more amino acids tail extension delaying the appearance of stop codon. The loss‐of‐function variant of CCNQ not only led to the impaired expression of cyclin M but also increased the binding affinity of CDK10‐cyclin M complex, which is different from the previous study. The research expanded the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of STAR syndrome.
Novel View Synthesis Of Transparent Object From a Single Image
Authors: Zhou Shizhe , Wang Zezu , Ye Dongwei
Published: October 2022

We propose a method for converting a single image of a transparent object into multi‐view photo that enables users observing the object from multiple new angles, without inputting any 3D shape. The complex light paths formed by refraction and reflection makes it challenging to compute the lighting effects of transparent objects from a new angle. We construct an encoder–decoder network for normal reconstruction and texture extraction, which enables synthesizing novel views of transparent object from a set of new views and new environment maps using only one RGB image. By simultaneously considering the optical transmission and perspective variation, our network learns the characteristics of optical transmission and the change of perspective as guidance to the conversion from RGB colours to surface normals. A texture extraction subnetwork is proposed to alleviate the contour loss phenomenon during normal map generation. We test our method using 3D objects within and without our training data, including real 3D objects that exists in our lab, and completely new environment maps that we take using our phones. The results show that our method performs better on view synthesis of transparent objects in complex scenes using only a single‐view image.
Gut bacterial profiles in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review
Authors: Li Zhe , Liang Hongfeng , Hu Yingyu , Lu Lin , Zheng Chunye , Fan Yuzhen , Wu Bin , Zou Tao , Luo Xiaodong , Zhang Xinchun , Zeng Yan , Liu Ziyan , Zhou Zhicheng , Yue Zhenyu , Ren Yi , Li Zhuo , Su Qiaozhen , Xu Pingyi
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Recent advances have highlighted the relationships between gut dysbiosis and Parkinson's disease (PD). Microbiota transplantation from PD patients to mice can induce increased alpha‐synuclein‐mediated motor deficits. Human studies have identified differences in the gut microbiota of PD patients compared to healthy controls. We undertook a systematic review to evaluate the available evidence for the involvement of gut bacteria in the etiology of PD.

Methods

The PubMed databank, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure databank, and Wanfang Data were searched from inception until June 2021 to identify human case–control studies that investigated relationships between PD and microbiota quantified from feces. We evaluated the resulting studies focusing on bacterial taxa that were different between PD patients and healthy controls.

Results

Twenty‐six studies were found in which 53 microbial families and 98 genera exhibited differences between patients with PD and healthy controls. The genera identified by more than two studies as increased in PD were Bifidobacterium, Alistipes, Christensenella, Enterococcus, Oscillospira, Bilophila, Desulfovibrio, Escherichia/Shigella, and Akkermansia, while Prevotella, Blautia, Faecalibacterium, Fusicatenibacter, and Haemophilus had three or more reports of being lower in PD patients. More than one report demonstrated that Bacteroides, Odoribacter, Parabacteroides, Butyricicoccus, Butyrivibrio, Clostridium, Coprococcus, Lachnospira, Lactobacillus, Megasphaera, Phascolarctobacterium, Roseburia, Ruminococcus, Streptococcus, and Klebsiella were altered in both directions.

Conclusion

Our review shows that the involvement of the gut microbiome in the etiology of PD may involve alterations of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs)‐producing bacteria and an increase in putative gut pathobionts. SCFAs‐producing bacteria may vary above or below an “optimal range,” causing imbalances. Considering that Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia are beneficial for human health, increased Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the PD gut microbiome may be associated with PD medications, especially COMT inhibitors, while a high level of Akkermansia may be associated with aging.
Effects of riparian forest and agricultural land use on stream fish diet and trophic position
Authors: Effert‐Fanta Eden L. , Chow Shaun L. , Wahl David H.
Published: October 2022

To examine agricultural impacts on stream food webs, we used gut content analysis (GCA) and stable isotope analysis (SIA) to investigate the influence of riparian forest buffers on the diet and trophic position of five stream fish species in a row‐crop agricultural watershed. Six study streams were divided into two categories (forested and agricultural) based on percentages of riparian forest and agriculture in the watershed. Results suggest alterations in riparian vegetation (forested vs. cropland) had strong impacts on instream characteristics and basal resources that affected prey abundances and fish trophic structure. Although differences varied among species, GCA revealed fish in forested streams had a more diverse diet that included greater numbers of terrestrial invertebrates and aquatic invertebrate predators, whereas fish in agricultural streams consumed more aquatic herbivores and decapods. Diet shifts of the omnivorous creek chub followed differences in basal resource biomass, with greater proportions of algae consumed in agricultural sites contrasted by greater detritus consumed in forested sites. SIA Bayesian mixing‐model results supported diet differences shown by GCA, including higher contributions of terrestrial invertebrates to fish diets in forested streams. However, the isotopic overlap of aquatic invertebrates in agricultural streams limited diet contribution comparisons. SIA indicated fish trophic position was higher in forested than agricultural streams for all species, but GCA was required to identify that greater consumption of predatory prey likely caused this widespread change in fish trophic structure. Results highlight the benefits of integrating SIA and GCA and the importance of riparian forests to stream fishes in agricultural watersheds.
High Ca and P homeostasis ensure stable forage Ca:P following historical nitrogen inputs in a temperate steppe
Authors: Kang Nian‐Qian , Hu Yan‐Yu , Guo Yu‐Heng , Zhang Zhi‐Wei , Yin Jiang‐Xia , Lü Xiao‐Tao
Published: October 2022

Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) are essential nutrients for plant growth, with consequences on ruminant diet and health. Their balance in forage, as indicated by Ca:P ratio, is important for the absorption and utilisation of both elements by livestock. While nitrogen (N) deposition has been globally observed, it is declining or is projected to decline due to controls on N emissions in many countries. It is an open question whether N inputs would have legacy effects on forage Ca and P nutrition in grasslands. Here, we examine the changes of Ca and P concentrations and Ca:P ratio in plants and soils in a temperate steppe for three continuous years (2016 ~ 2018) following historically 6 years N inputs (2008 ~ 2013) with a gradient ranging from 0 to 20 g N m−2 year−1. Soil extractable Ca concentrations significantly decreased with increasing N addition rates in all the 3 years, but soil available P concentrations increased and Ca:P ratio decreased only in 2016. Ca and P nutrition varied greatly amongst the four plant functional types, but they were generally conservative across the historical N addition rates, due to the high stoichiometric homeostasis. Furthermore, plant Ca and P concentrations and Ca:P ratios at the community level showed no significant variation along the N addition gradient. Our results highlighted the role of plant Ca and P homeostasis in ensuring stable Ca and P nutrition in forage following historical N inputs in temperate grasslands.
Likelihood‐Based Inference for the Finite Population Mean with Post‐Stratification Information Under Non‐Ignorable Non‐Response
Authors: Zangeneh Sahar Z. , Little Roderick J.
Published: October 2022

We describe models and likelihood‐based estimation of the finite population mean for a survey subject to unit non‐response, when post‐stratification information is available from external sources. A feature of the models is that they do not require the assumption that the data are missing at random (MAR). As a result, the proposed models provide estimates under weaker assumptions than those required in the absence of post‐stratification information, thus allowing more robust inferences. In particular, we describe models for estimation of the finite population mean of a survey outcome with categorical covariates and externally observed categorical post‐stratifiers. We compare inferences from the proposed method with existing design‐based estimators via simulations. We apply our methods to school‐level data from California Department of Education to estimate the mean academic performance index (API) score in years 1999 and 2000. We end with a discussion.
Physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory characteristics of Chenopodium album, ashwagandha, flaxseed, and Giloy fortified bun
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Arora Shubhangi , Kumar Vinod , Joshi Saloni , Naik Bindu , Bisht Bhawna , Tomar Mahipal Singh , Gururani Prateek
Published: October 2022

This investigation was focused on the fortification of the bun with an optimized ratio of Chenopodium album, ashwagandha, flaxseeds, and giloy. Totally, five formulations were prepared along with control, that is, Bb1, Bb2, Bb3, Bb4, and CRWFB. The result of sensory evaluation revealed that C. album, ashwagandha, flaxseeds, and giloy fortified bun Bb4 with 50% of C. album paste received the highest OA and was followed by Bb1with 20% C. album paste without any aftertaste while control, that is, CRWFB lacked in flavor, taste, and sponginess as well as scored lowest in overall acceptability. The fortified buns have higher ash content, protein content, and carbohydrate content compared with the control while having lower water activity. The fortified buns have higher total phenolic content and energy compared with the control except for Bb1. The results showed that the use of C. album, ashwagandha, flaxseeds, and giloy had a positive influence on the physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory characteristics of fortified buns.

Novelty impact statement

Buns were prepared with the incorporation of Chenopodium album, ashwagandha, flaxseeds, and giloy as Bb1, Bb2, Bb3, and Bb4.

Chenopodium album, ashwagandha, flaxseeds, and giloy had a positive influence on the physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory characteristics of fortified buns.

Nutritionwise Bb4 signifies an enhancement in nutritional as well as functional characteristics.
Disseminated histiocytic sarcoma in a squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus)
Authors: Sakurai Masashi , Yamamoto Yukihiro , Tamaru Masae , Shimoda Hiroshi , Sakai Yusuke , Morimoto Masahiro
Published: October 2022

A 14‐years‐old squirrel monkey was euthanized due to weakness. Histopathological examination revealed multifocal growth of oval cells with severe atypia in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. The neoplastic cells were positive for histiocytic markers (Iba1, HLA‐DR, CD204). This is the fourth case of histiocytic sarcoma in non‐human primates.
The economics of long‐term care. An overview1
Authors: Klimaviciute Justina , Pestieau Pierre
Published: October 2022

With the rapid increase in long‐term care (LTC) needs, it is important to assess the expected contributions of the traditional providers of LTC: the state, the market and the family. We first survey the literature devoted to the family and the market. Then, given the declining role of family caregiving and the negligible role of the market, we look at a number of studies exploring the design of public policies in support of the dependent elderly, particularly those who cannot count on the assistance from their family and those who lack basic means. Those public policies are conceived in such a way that they also rely on both the market and the family.
TWIST1 regulates proliferation, migration, and invasion and is a prognostic marker for oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: de Morais Everton Freitas , de Farias Morais Hannah Gil , de Moura Santos Edilmar , Barboza Carlos Augusto Galvão , Téo Fábio Haach , Salo Tuula , Coletta Ricardo D. , de Almeida Freitas Roseana
Published: October 2022

Background

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition is one of the main mechanisms for tumor progression and metastasis. Transcription factors such as TWIST1 are key regulators of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition and are regarded as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer. The purpose of this study was to examine TWIST1 as a possible epithelial‐mesenchymal transition‐related prognostic biomarker in oral epithelial dysplasia and oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas, as well as the biological behavior of TWIST1‐silencing in oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas cell lines.

Methods

Immunohistochemical analysis of TWIST1, E‐cadherin, and N‐cadherin was carried out in 47 samples representing oral epithelial dysplasia and 41 oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas. The suppression of TWIST1 expression was performed using shRNA‐expression vectors in HSC‐3 and SCC‐9 cells to investigate in vitro the impact of TWIST1 on proliferation, apoptosis, viability, migration, and invasion of SCC‐9 and HSC‐3 cells.

Results

The expression of nuclear TWIST1 was significantly higher in oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas than in oral epithelial dysplasis (p < 0.0001), whereas TWIST1 in the cytoplasm was more expressed in oral epithelial dysplasis (p = 0.012). The high cytoplasmic expression of TWIST1 was significantly associated with shortened overall survival (p < 0.05), and increased nuclear TWIST1 expression was significantly related to high risk of recurrence (p = 0.03). Knockdown of TWIST1 in oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas cells induced the expression of E‐cadherin and inhibited N‐cadherin, which were followed by decreased proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Conclusions

Our research suggests that TWIST1 is linked to the development of oral tongue carcinogenesis and may be used as a prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas patients.
Telehealth among substance using justice‐involved persons on community supervision: Benefits, challenges, and suggestions for future use
Authors: Zaller Nickolas , Varghese Femina P. , Bull Chelsey , Skaggs Sydney , Braziel Heath L. , Snyder Logan R. , Stigar Lorraine V.
Published: October 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to understand the uses of telehealth with justice‐involved adults under community supervision with substance use problems, including their experiences during the pandemic.

Methods

Structured interviews were administered among 17 justice‐involved adults under community supervision about their experiences with telehealth services to treat substance use disorders. Thematic coding was used for the analysis.

Results

We identified 5 primary themes: (1) knowledge about and experiences with telehealth services during the pandemic; (2) telehealth services available; (3) service changes during the pandemic; and (4) individual motivations around treatment‐seeking behavior.

Conclusion

Overall, our findings reveal that many individuals on probation or parole appreciate having access to telehealth and found that modality convenient for counseling services. Findings shed light on participants' understanding of telehealth, their experiences in using the modality, and how this modality may serve their needs in other ways. External and internal barriers to accessing telehealth are also discussed.
Equity, empathy, and diagnostic competence: Can medical education meet all expectations?
Authors: Øvretveit John
Published: October 2022

Ovretveit juxtaposes reviews on professionalism, clinical reasoning, and empathy development to reflect on what can be expected of medical education.
Genomic and functional analysis of phage‐mediated horizontal gene transfer in Pseudomonas syringae on the plant surface
Authors: Hulin Michelle T. , Rabiey Mojgan , Zeng Ziyue , Vadillo Dieguez Andrea , Bellamy Sophia , Swift Phoebe , Mansfield John W. , Jackson Robert W. , Harrison Richard J.
Published: October 2022

Many strains of Pseudomonas colonise plant surfaces, including the cherry canker pathogens, Pseudomonas syringae pathovars syringae and morsprunorum. We have examined the genomic diversity of P. syringae in the cherry phyllosphere and focused on the role of prophages in transfer of genes encoding Type 3 secreted effector (T3SE) proteins contributing to the evolution of virulence.

Phylogenomic analysis was carried out on epiphytic pseudomonads in the UK orchards. Significant differences in epiphytic populations occurred between regions. Nonpathogenic strains were found to contain reservoirs of T3SE genes. Members of P. syringae phylogroups 4 and 10 were identified for the first time from Prunus.

Using bioinformatics, we explored the presence of the gene encoding T3SE HopAR1 within related prophage sequences in diverse P. syringae strains including cherry epiphytes and pathogens. Results indicated that horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of this effector between phylogroups may have involved phage. Prophages containing hopAR1 were demonstrated to excise, circularise and transfer the gene on the leaf surface.

The phyllosphere provides a dynamic environment for prophage‐mediated gene exchange and the potential for the emergence of new more virulent pathotypes. Our results suggest that genome‐based epidemiological surveillance of environmental populations will allow the timely application of control measures to prevent damaging diseases.
Endophytic yeast protect plants against metal toxicity by inhibiting plant metal uptake through an ethylene‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Domka Agnieszka , Jędrzejczyk Roman , Ważny Rafał , Gustab Maciej , Kowalski Michał , Nosek Michał , Bizan Jakub , Puschenreiter Markus , Vaculίk Marek , Kováč Ján , Rozpądek Piotr
Published: October 2022

Toxic metal pollution requires significant adjustments in plant metabolism. Here, we show that the plant microbiota plays an important role in this process. The endophytic Sporobolomyces ruberrimus isolated from a serpentine population of Arabidopsis arenosa protected plants against excess metals. Coculture with its native host and Arabidopsis thaliana inhibited Fe and Ni uptake. It had no effect on host Zn and Cd uptake. Fe uptake inhibition was confirmed in wheat and rape. Our investigations show that, for the metal inhibitory effect, the interference of microorganisms in plant ethylene homeostasis is necessary. Application of an ethylene synthesis inhibitor, as well as loss‐of‐function mutations in canonical ethylene signalling genes, prevented metal uptake inhibition by the fungus. Coculture with S. ruberrimus significantly changed the expression of Fe homeostasis genes: IRT1, OPT3, OPT6, bHLH38 and bHLH39 in wild‐type (WT) A. thaliana. The expression pattern of these genes in WT plants and in the ethylene signalling defective mutants significantly differed and coincided with the plant accumulation phenotype. Most notably, down‐regulation of the expression of IRT1 solely in WT was necessary for the inhibition of metal uptake in plants. This study shows that microorganisms optimize plant Fe and Ni uptake by fine‐tuning plant metal homeostasis.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DQB1*05:01:47 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Blandin Lucie , Wojciechowski Elodie , Ralazamahaleo Mamy , Lemal Richard , Rouzaire Paul
Published: October 2022

HLA‐DQB1*05:01:47 differs from HLA‐DQB1*05:01:01:03 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 144 in exon 3.
Rat resistance to rheumatoid arthritis induction as a function of the early‐phase adrenal–pineal crosstalk
Authors: Córdoba‐Moreno Marlina O. , Mendes Mariana Trivilin , Markus Regina P. , Fernandes Pedro Augusto
Published: October 2022

Chronic inflammatory diseases are triggered by causal stimuli that might occur long before the appearance of the symptoms. Increasing evidence suggests that these stimuli are necessary but not always sufficient to induce the diseases. The murine model of type II collagen emulsified in Freund's incomplete adjuvant (collagen‐induced arthritis) to induce rheumatoid arthritis (RA) follows this pattern as some animals do not develop the chronically inflamed phenotype. Considering that in the immune–pineal axis (IPA) theory adrenal–pineal cross‐talk adjusts early phases of inflammatory processes, we investigated whether differences in IPA activation could explain why some animals are resistant (RES) while others develop RA. We observed a similar increase in 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) excretion from day 3 to 13 in both RES and RA animals, followed by a significant decrease in RA animals. This pattern of aMT6s excretion positively correlated with plasma corticosterone (CORT) in RES animals. Additionally, RA animals presented a lower aMT6s/CORT ratio than saline‐injected or RES animals. Plasmatic levels of tumour necrosis factor were similar in both groups, but interleukin (IL)‐1β and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1) levels were lower in RES compared to RA animals. IL‐2 and IL‐4 were decreased in RES animals compared to saline‐injected animals. The aMT6s/CORT ratio inversely correlated with the paw thickness and the inflammatory score (levels of IL‐1β, MCP‐1, IL‐2 and IL‐4 combined). Thus, adrenocortical–pineal positive interaction is an early defence mechanism for avoiding inflammatory chronification.

image

Key points

Immune–pineal axis imbalance is observed in early‐phase rheumatoid arthritis development.

Only resistant animals present a positive association between adrenal and pineal hormones.

The 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin/corticosterone ratio is decreased in animals that develop rheumatoid arthritis.

The inflammatory score combining the levels of nocturnal interleukin (IL)‐1β, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, IL‐2 and IL‐4 presents a very strong positive correlation with the size of inflammatory lesion.

The 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin/corticosterone ratio presents a strong negative correlation with the inflammatory score and paw oedema size.
Impact of Trailing Edge Overhang Length on the Loss Characteristics of Fully Cooled Transonic Nozzle Guide Vanes
Authors: Burdett Daniel , Povey Thomas
Published: October 2022

The trailing edge (TE) design of a cooled high-pressure (HP) nozzle guide vane (NGV) requires consideration of both cooling and aerodynamic performances. Two designs are in common use: the centered-ejection design, in which coolant is ejected through a slot in the TE with roughly symmetrical suction-side (SS) and pressure-side (PS) TE tips; and the SS-overhang design, in which the SS and PS TE tips are staggered. This second design has been favored in recent years because it has been presumed to be aerodynamically advantageous. In this article, we re-examine this assumption by studying a parametric design set between these two design extremes. We do this using extensive high-fidelity experimental measurements performed at engine-scaled conditions (matched Mach number, Reynolds number, and coolant-to-mainstream pressure ratio) on a full-annular cascade of real engine parts. To provide insight into the mechanisms affecting loss, we use complementary unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. We analyze the changes in the flow structure, local loss coefficient distribution, wake mixing rate, average profile loss coefficient, and base pressures.
The Relationship Between Reliability and Environmental Impact in Tidal Stream Turbine Deployments
Authors: Walker Stuart , Thies Philipp , Johanning Lars
Published: October 2022

Though tidal stream energy is a source of electricity with low environmental impact, the manufacture and operation of tidal energy devices has inbuilt environmental impact and cost. Maintenance costs can be significant and reliability challenges have limited the growth of the sector to date.

This study considers two designs of tidal stream energy device (seabed-fixed and floating horizontal axis turbines) and estimates the environmental impact of maintenance in the context of sector reliability to date. Lifetime environmental impact of fixed and floating devices were quantified using Life Cycle Assessment methods, based on reliability data for 58 deployments.

Maintenance has a significant impact on the total environmental impact of tidal stream energy devices, contributing between 4% and 25% of total embodied emissions.

Floating devices offer maintenance advantages over seabed-fixed devices due to easier access and reduced downtime, but these devices are more likely to experience minor failures and curtailments. The results show that standard maintenance contributes more to the overall environmental impact than the mitigation of failure or curtailment, due to frequency and the need for replacement parts. Type and manufacture of parts were found to be a major contributor to environmental impact, making up 97% of the impact of standard maintenance for floating devices and 91% for seabed-fixed devices. Reducing the frequency of part replacement was found to be the best route to reducing the environmental impact of maintenance.
Interaction of Offshore Support Vessel With Adjacent Offshore Wind Turbine During Maintenance Operation
Authors: Ren Xiudi , Tao Longbin , Nuernberg Martin , Ramzanpoor Iman
Published: October 2022

The operation and maintenance (O&M) of an offshore wind turbine consumes large percentage of cost in the whole life of the offshore wind project. In most maintenance strategies, the service operation vessels (SOV) are widely employed in the maintenance activities. So far, the SOVs are large vessels to satisfy the requirement of equipment and functions. Some regular inspections for the wind farm are carried out by remotely operated underwater vessels (ROV). The offshore support vessel can be smaller in regular inspections. An attempt of small service operation vessel with ROV operating regular inspections is discussed in present research. The single point mooring method between offshore wind turbine and offshore support vessel is applied in the case. The relative distance between the vessel and the tension in the connecting lines are discussed under different environmental conditions. The numerical results are validated by the full-scale measurements on the vessel. It is found that the tension in the connecting lines is highly determined by the wind and wave directions. The wind-wave misalignments are also considered in the present study. It is found that the wind-wave misalignment may lead the sharp increase of relative distance and tension in connecting lines between offshore wind turbine and support vessel.
Fatigue Life Evaluation of a Tidal Turbine Blade: From Simulations Using BEMT/FEM and CFD/FEM Couplings to Full-Scale Test
Authors: Paboeuf Stéphane , Guisser Meryem , Loubeyre Sébastien , Davies Peter , Arhant Maël , Dumergue Nicolas , Nicolas Erwann
Published: October 2022

In the race towards a greener and safer tomorrow, renewable energies are playing an uncontestably key role. The energetic transition to cleaner energy has been the go to strategy for countries around the globe. Nature offers many power sources and tidal turbine is one of marine systems able to convert tide energy in electricity. However, tidal turbine technology is still under development and research area remains an important aspect before commercial deployment.

RealTide, a European research project on advanced monitoring, simulation and control of tidal devices in unsteady, highly turbulent realistic tide environments, is the perfect example of the investment that goes into research and development to create better technologies in order to help with the energetic transition. The goal of the project is to combine advanced in flow measurement in highly energetic tidal currents with condition monitoring systems to design reliable tidal turbines. This implies the study of the turbine components, chiefly the blades, and the causes of their failure.

The aim of the present paper is to hand over the work performed within RealTide project on a blade, developed by Sabella for the next tidal turbine generation, made in composite materials. Firstly, a Finite Element Model (FEM) is carried out of the 5-meters length blade in carbon fibre. A modal and static analysis under various testing loads are run on the FEM and results are then compared with measurements performed on a full-scale blade at Ifremer facilities. Furthermore, a Blade Element Momentum Theory (BEMT) tool and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software are used to generate operational and extreme environmental loads applying on the blade. BEMT/FEM one-way coupling and CFD/FEM two-way coupling numerical simulations have been realised and results between both methods have been compared. Finally, the fatigue life, in operational condition, has been evaluated with the recent fatigue methodology, based on a ply-by-ply approach, developed by Bureau Veritas. Several design optimisations including glass fibres plies have also been studied in order to reduce costs of production.
The Application of the Spectral Domain Modeling to the Techno-Economic Analysis of the Adjustable Draft Point Absorbers
Authors: Tan Jian , Jarquin Laguna Antonio , Polinder Henk , Miedema Sape
Published: October 2022

A spectral domain model is established to analyze the performance of a recently proposed wave energy concept, namely the adjustable draft point absorber. The non-linear hydrostatic force is incorporated in the spectral domain model. To improve the accuracy of the proposed model, the incident wave elevation is considered in the statistic linearization of the non-linear term. The proposed model is verified by the results obtained by the non-linear time domain simulations. The results suggest that the proposed spectral domain model could include the non-linear hydrostatic force while maintaining a higher computational efficiency than the non-linear time domain model. Based on the proposed model, the power performance of the adjustable draft WEC is identified. Furthermore, a techno-economic analysis is performed to reveal the benefits of the adjustable draft WEC for a given European sea site. The results show that the adjustable draft WEC is associated with higher power absorption in powerful sea states compared with the conventional fixed draft WEC. In addition, the adjustable draft system could contribute to the improvement of the annual energy production as well as the reduction of the levelized cost of energy of WECs.
Investigating the Impact of Disruptive Events on the Fabrication and Installation Processes for a Floating Offshore Wind Farm
Authors: Sarichloo Zohreh , Murphy Adrian , Butterfield Joseph , Doran John , Hannigan Paddy , Desmond Cian
Published: October 2022

In this study, we investigate how the interruptions and non-deterministic operational behavior at the base port affect the installation time and resource utilization. Scenarios such as equipment breakdown are examples of interruption occurrences. The work provides a detailed study of realistic port tasks and scenarios. The operations at the base port and those between the port and the offshore site include fabrication, assembly, load-out, ballasting tasks of the floater, turbine assembly, integrated floater-turbine towing, and hook-up operations. The reference floating substructure, adopted in this study, is an innovative submersible platform concept, developed by CENER for the INNWIND 10MW wind turbine. SimPy, an open-source Python-based package is used to model critical port and installation procedure operations using Discrete Event Simulation. The results are obtained for a range of disruption frequency from 0.0005 to 0.01 (hr−1) and repair times of 8 and 16 (hrs). Results showed an increase in the installation time when disruption frequency and repair time increased. The predicted delay in the installation operations was significant in case of higher disruption frequencies and could reach 21%, compared to the reference case without any failure. Moreover, the utilization of fabrication machines decreased by increasing the disruption rate and repair time. For example, utilization of welding machines for pontoons fabrication reduced by 19% for a high disruption frequency of 0.01 (hr−1), compared to the reference case.
A Study of Offshore Wind Turbine Wake Effects in Yaw Conditions Using an Improved Actuator Line Method
Authors: Fan Ning , Liao Kangping , Wang Qian
Published: October 2022

The study of wind turbine wakes is very important for the layout of offshore wind farms. In recent years, the method of reducing the influence on the downstream turbines by setting yaw angles of the upstream wind turbine has received constant attention. In this paper, a numerical method based on OpenFOAM solver combined with an improved actuator line method is applied to study the wake interactions between yaw wind turbine and downstream wind turbine. The improvement of the actuator line method mainly includes two aspects, which are, Gaussian anisotropic body force projection method and integral velocity sampling method. Numerical accuracy is validated with a benchmark wind turbine model (NREL 5MW wind turbine), which provided a certain accuracy guarantee for the wake prediction of the tandem arranged wind turbines. And then, the wake effects from upstream turbine in no yaw condition is simulated, which has good agreements with the published result in the literature. Based on these precision verification efforts, finally, this paper makes a series of predictions of the power coefficients and wake characteristics of two tandem arranged wind turbines in different yaw angles.
Performance Modelling of Flap-Type Wave Energy Converter Array: Flaps With Various Dynamic Characteristics
Authors: Saeidtehrani Saghy , Lavidas George
Published: October 2022

Generally, it is expected that the total power of N energy converters in an array will be less than N times the power of a single operative converter. The goal of this paper is to enhance the oscillation of the flap-type WEC and consequently the energy extraction of the whole array in front of a coastal structure. Flaps in an array show different response patterns in terms of amplitude and frequency based on their dynamic characteristics, incoming wave frequencies, and the distance between the WECs. Through this work, different dynamic characteristics for each flap in combination with various distances between proximate flaps are investigated. An experimentally validated numerical model developed for the simulation of flap-type WEC operating as single and in an array is used for the simulation. The effects of dynamic characteristics and WEC distances on the response and power production are estimated and discussed in detail for a flap operating in an array of two and five. It is shown that by changing the distance between two flaps, the response is enhanced up to 20%. The findings suggest the most efficient ratio of dynamic characteristics of flaps in an array of two is having a period half to the incoming wave period. However, for an array of five, having staggered flaps with a period equal to the incoming wave period make a 4% increase in the overall response of each flap.
Suspended Power Cable Configurations for Floating Offshore Wind Turbines in Deep Water Powering an FPSO
Authors: Schnepf Anja , Lopez-Pavon Carlos , Devulder Aymeric , Johnsen Øyvind , Ong Muk Chen
Published: October 2022

Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) are an opportunity for large energy consumers in the oil and gas industry to reduce emissions. As the oil and gas structures are often installed in deep waters, the connecting power cables conventionally laying on the seabed have very long transmission distances leading to power losses and large cable sizes. In the present study, the novel concept of a suspended power cable between a FOWT and a Floating Production Storage and Offloading Unit (FPSO) in a large water depth of 1000 m is investigated. In this study, the power cable is kept floating between the sea surface and the seabed without touching neither of them. The power cable configuration is varied. A catenary configuration is investigated, as well as two configurations with subsea buoys attached at different locations along the cable. The OC3-Hywind 5 MW reference FOWT is set up with a deepwater mooring system and a spread moored FPSO is modeled having characteristics similar to existing FPSOs. Simulations are carried out in the analysis program OrcaFlex. Environmental conditions for the Campos Basin, Brazil, are assumed. The different configurations are evaluated in a steady-state analysis. The largest tensions occur for the catenary configuration, whereas it shows the lowest cable excursions and hang-off declination. A suspended configuration with buoys attached results in lower tensions that are below common limits but has larger excursions. This setup is studied further with a dynamic analysis. The tension at floater hang-off increases compared to steady-state results. The floater motions and the current seem to be the main factors influencing the suspended cable. The design of a suspended cable configuration is a balance between cable tensions and excursions, versus the amount and distribution of buoyancy attached.
The Influence of Different Configurations and Spacings on the Performance of Oscillating Wave Surge Converters When Operating in Wave Farms
Authors: Benites-Munoz Daniela , Thomas Giles , Huang Luofeng
Published: October 2022

Ocean wave energy is significant and permanent, but it is extremely challenging to capture it efficiently using energy conversion technologies. Thus, research on these technologies and the hydrodynamic response of energy devices is constantly growing. One way of increasing the energy extracted from the ocean is to deploy wave farms consisting of arrays of wave energy devices; however, this is not as straightforward as extending the hydrodynamic response of one device. When the incident wavefield interacts with one device, it will be disturbed/modified by its presence, showing behaviours such as reflection, diffraction, and radiation. This perturbed wavefield will interact with neighbouring devices, and its influence can be beneficial or disadvantageous depending on the hydrodynamics. The q factor is commonly used to assess this interaction, which compares the power capture of a wave farm to that of the sum of the same number of devices performing in isolation. In this work, the q factor of configurations of three Oscillating Wave Surge Converters (OWSC), varying the spacing and arrangement, is predicted using Computational Fluid Dynamics. This resulted in beneficial layouts of three devices in different wave conditions, and the optimal array can be extended to numerous devices, which can be applied to the design of wave farms.
Mooring System Design for Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Working in Intermediate Water
Authors: He Zhen , Chuang Zhenju , Li Chunzheng , Zhang Aobo
Published: October 2022

In China, most of the offshore wind turbine farms are located in the water depth between 30–60 meters. It is a big challenge for positioning mooring system designed for floating wind turbine in such intermediate water. Research work is carried out for mooring system design for an integrated 15MW semi-submersible floating wind turbine working under 60 meters water depth. Mooring system is designed by testing a series of line length, buoys and clump weight impacts. Fully coupled time domain simulations are carried out to investigate dynamic response of the system under different sea loads. Motions and mooring tension of the platform are compared under the same working condition to investigate the rationality and efficiency of the mooring system design. The research results show that mooring line length shall be at least ten-times of water depth to realize proper positioning control. Clump weight and buoys play an effective role to change the catenary shape. The axial force of mooring lines and the motion response under various working conditions are tested by displaying different designs of buoys and clump weights. This study provides a good reference for the future development of the floating wind turbines industry in intermediate waters.
Minimizing Cost in a 100% Renewable Electricity Grid: A Case Study of Wave Energy in California
Authors: Coe Ryan G. , Lavidas George , Bacelli Giorgio , Kobos Peter H. , Neary Vincent S.
Published: October 2022

Wave energy converters have yet to reach broad market viability. Traditionally, levelized cost of energy has been considered the ultimate stage gate through which wave energy developers must pass in order to find success (i.e., the levelized cost of wave energy must be less than that of solar and wind). However, real world energy decisions are not based solely on levelized cost of energy. In this study, we consider the energy mix in California in the year 2045, upon which the state plans to achieve zero carbon energy production. By considering temporal electricity production and consumption, we are able to perform a more informed analysis of the decision process to address this challenge. The results show that, due to high level of ocean wave energy in the winter months, wave energy provides a valuable complement to solar and wind, which have higher production in the summer. Thus, based on this complementary temporal aspect, wave energy appears cost-effective, even when the cost of installation and maintenance is twice that of solar and wind.
Validation Study of a CFD Numerical Solver for the Oscillatory Flow Features Around Heave Plates
Authors: Han Seung-yoon , Bouscasse Benjamin , Gilloteaux Jean-Christophe , Le Touzé David
Published: October 2022

In this study, we present a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver based on OpenFOAM and dedicated to the obtention of the hydrodynamic loads. Considering a single circular cylinder with a heave plate of HiPRWind platform undergoing forced heave oscillation motions, we compare our numerical results to experimental results. Several alternatives to the numerical modelling are discussed with respect to the turbulence models and the spatial resolution. The vorticity fields in the fluid domain are compared to the experimental results obtained by Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) methods presented by Anglada et al. (2020). We calculate the hydrodynamic loads on the cylinder with the heave plate and compare them with the experimental results previously published by Bezunartea et al. (2020).