bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2cChIP-seq and 2cMeDIP-seq: The Carrier-Assisted Methods for Epigenomic Profiling of Small Cell Numbers or Single Cells
Authors: Hu Congxia , Wu Jun , Li Pengxiao , Zhang Yabin , Peng Yonglin , Liu Ruiqi , Du Wenfei , Kang Yani , Sun Jielin , Wu Ji , Shao Zhifeng , Zhao Xiaodong
Published: November 2022

Chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) can profile genome-wide epigenetic marks associated with regulatory genomic elements. However, conventional ChIP-seq is challenging when examining limited numbers of cells. Here, we developed a new technique by supplementing carrier materials of both chemically modified mimics with epigenetic marks and dUTP-containing DNA fragments during conventional ChIP procedures (hereafter referred to as 2cChIP-seq), thus dramatically improving immunoprecipitation efficiency and reducing DNA loss of low-input ChIP-seq samples. Using this strategy, we generated high-quality epigenomic profiles of histone modifications or DNA methylation in 10–1000 cells. By introducing Tn5 transposase-assisted fragmentation, 2cChIP-seq reliably captured genomic regions with histone modification at the single-cell level in about 100 cells. Moreover, we characterized the methylome of 100 differentiated female germline stem cells (FGSCs) and observed a particular DNA methylation signature potentially involved in the differentiation of mouse germline stem cells. Hence, we provided a reliable and robust epigenomic profiling approach for small cell numbers and single cells.
Axonal Tract Reconstruction Using a Tissue-Engineered Nigrostriatal Pathway in a Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Struzyna Laura A. , Browne Kevin D. , Burrell Justin C. , Vélez Wisberty J. Gordián , Wofford Kathryn L. , Kaplan Hilton M. , Murthy N. Sanjeeva , Chen H. Isaac , Duda John E. , España Rodrigo A. , Cullen D. Kacy
Published: November 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects 1–2% of people over 65, causing significant morbidity across a progressive disease course. The classic PD motor deficits are caused by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), resulting in the loss of their long-distance axonal projections that modulate striatal output. While contemporary treatments temporarily alleviate symptoms of this disconnection, there is no approach able to replace the nigrostriatal pathway. We applied microtissue engineering techniques to create a living, implantable tissue-engineered nigrostriatal pathway (TE-NSP) that mimics the architecture and function of the native pathway. TE-NSPs comprise a discrete population of dopaminergic neurons extending long, bundled axonal tracts within the lumen of hydrogel micro-columns. Neurons were isolated from the ventral mesencephalon of transgenic rats selectively expressing the green fluorescent protein in dopaminergic neurons with subsequent fluorescent-activated cell sorting to enrich a population to 60% purity. The lumen extracellular matrix and growth factors were varied to optimize cytoarchitecture and neurite length, while immunocytochemistry and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) revealed that TE-NSP axons released dopamine and integrated with striatal neurons in vitro. Finally, TE-NSPs were implanted to span the nigrostriatal pathway in a rat PD model with a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine SNpc lesion. Immunohistochemistry and FSCV established that transplanted TE-NSPs survived, maintained their axonal tract projections, extended dopaminergic neurites into host tissue, and released dopamine in the striatum. This work showed proof of concept that TE-NSPs can reconstruct the nigrostriatal pathway, providing motivation for future studies evaluating potential functional benefits and long-term durability of this strategy. This pathway reconstruction strategy may ultimately replace lost neuroarchitecture and alleviate the cause of motor symptoms for PD patients.
Hepatocyte DAX1 Deletion Exacerbates Inflammatory Liver Injury by Inducing the Recruitment of CD4+ and CD8+ T Cells through NF-κB p65 Signaling Pathway in Mice
Authors: Yun Hyo-Jeong , Suh Young-Joo , Kim Yu-Bin , Kang Eun-Jung , Choi Jung Hyeon , Choi Young-Keun , Lee In-Bok , Choi Dong-Hee , Seo Yun Jeong , Noh Jung-Ran , Choi Hueng-Sik , Kim Yong-Hoon , Lee Chul-Ho
Published: November 2022

Fulminant hepatitis is characterized by rapid and massive immune-mediated liver injury. Dosage-sensitive sex reversal-adrenal hypoplasia congenita critical region on the X chromosome, gene 1 (DAX1; NR0B1) represses the transcription of various genes. Here, we determine whether DAX1 serves as a regulator of inflammatory liver injury induced by concanavalin A (ConA). C57BL/6J (WT), myeloid cell-specific Dax1 knockout (MKO), and hepatocyte-specific Dax1 knockout (LKO) mice received single intravenous administration of ConA. Histopathological changes in liver and plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels in Dax1 MKO mice were comparable with those in WT mice following ConA administration. Unlike Dax1 MKO mice, Dax1 LKO mice were greatly susceptible to ConA-induced liver injury, which was accompanied by enhanced infiltration of immune cells, particularly CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, in the liver. Factors related to T-cell recruitment, including chemokines and adhesion molecules, significantly increased following enhanced and prolonged phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 in the liver of ConA-administered Dax1 LKO mice. This is the first study to demonstrate that hepatocyte-specific DAX1 deficiency exacerbates inflammatory liver injury via NF-κB p65 activation, thereby causing T-cell infiltration by modulating inflammatory chemokines and adhesion molecules. Our results suggest DAX1 as a therapeutic target for fulminant hepatitis treatment.
Encapsulation Reduces the Deleterious Effects of Salicylic Acid Treatments on Root Growth and Gravitropic Response
Authors: Sampedro-Guerrero Jimmy , Vives-Peris Vicente , Gomez-Cadenas Aurelio , Clausell-Terol Carolina
Published: November 2022

The role of salicylic acid (SA) on plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses is well documented. However, the mechanism by which exogenous SA protects plants and its interactions with other phytohormones remains elusive. SA effect, both free and encapsulated (using silica and chitosan capsules), on Arabidopsis thaliana development was studied. The effect of SA on roots and rosettes was analysed, determining plant morphological characteristics and hormone endogenous levels. Free SA treatment affected length, growth rate, gravitropic response of roots and rosette size in a dose-dependent manner. This damage was due to the increase of root endogenous SA concentration that led to a reduction in auxin levels. The encapsulation process reduced the deleterious effects of free SA on root and rosette growth and in the gravitropic response. Encapsulation allowed for a controlled release of the SA, reducing the amount of hormone available and the uptake by the plant, mitigating the deleterious effects of the free SA treatment. Although both capsules are suitable as SA carrier matrices, slightly better results were found with chitosan. Encapsulation appears as an attractive technology to deliver phytohormones when crops are cultivated under adverse conditions. Moreover, it can be a good tool to perform basic experiments on phytohormone interactions.
Gma-miR408 Enhances Soybean Cyst Nematode Susceptibility by Suppressing Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation
Authors: Feng Yaxing , Qi Nawei , Lei Piao , Wang Yuanyuan , Xuan Yuanhu , Liu Xiaoyu , Fan Haiyan , Chen Lijie , Duan Yuxi , Zhu Xiaofeng
Published: November 2022

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycine) is a serious damaging disease in soybean worldwide, thus resulting in severe yield losses. MicroRNA408 (miR408) is an ancient and highly conserved miRNA involved in regulating plant growth, development, biotic and abiotic stress response. Here, we analyzed the evolution of miR408 in plants and verified four miR408 members in Glycine max. In the current research, highly upregulated gma-miR408 expressing was detected during nematode migration and syncytium formation response to soybean cyst nematode infection. Overexpressing and silencing miR408 vectors were transformed to soybean to confirm its potential role in plant and nematode interaction. Significant variations were observed in the MAPK signaling pathway with low OXI1, PR1, and wounding of the overexpressing lines. Overexpressing miR408 could negatively regulate soybean resistance to SCN by suppressing reactive oxygen species accumulation. Conversely, silencing miR408 positively regulates soybean resistance to SCN. Overall, gma-miR408 enhances soybean cyst nematode susceptibility by suppressing reactive oxygen species accumulation.
12-Vertex closo-3,1,2-Ruthenadicarbadodecaboranes with Chelate POP-Ligands: Synthesis, X-ray Study and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Zimina Anastasiya M. , Somov Nikolay V. , Malysheva Yulia B. , Knyazeva Nadezhda A. , Piskunov Alexander V. , Grishin Ivan D.
Published: November 2022

A class of so-called POP ligands (Xanthos, NiXantphos, DPEphos) are of a great interest to the coordination chemistry due to their wide P-M-P bite angles and ability to show either κ2- or κ3-binding modes. Such κ2–κ3-rearrangement is valuable for catalytic application and internal stabilization of intermediates. To widen the scope of ruthenium-based catalysts for Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) two new approaches to the synthesis of closo-ruthenacarboranes with aforementioned POP ligands were developed and six new 17-e (3,3-(POP)-3-Cl-closo-3,1,2-RuC2B9H11; 2, 4, 7) and 18-e (3,3-(POP)-3-NCCH3-closo-3,1,2-RuC2B9H11; 3, 5, 8) clusters were synthesized and characterized by means of NMR or ESR spectroscopy, MALDI mass-spectrometry and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The unique 18-e complex of Ru(II) with dioxygen ligand 3,3-(DPEphos)-3-(η2-O2)-closo-3,1,2-RuC2B9H11 (9) was isolated and characterized by X-ray diffraction. It was shown that aforementioned POP ligands coordinate to ruthenium by two phosphorus atoms in a κ2-fashion. The performed electrochemical studies have shown reversible Ru(II)-Ru(III) transition making the complexes suitable for application in catalysis of polymerization. The test experiments on methyl methacrylate (MMA) polymerization indicate the proceeding of the process in according with an ATRP mechanism.
Effects of Acute Exposure and Acclimatization to High-Altitude on Oxygen Saturation and Related Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Health and Disease
Authors: Furian Michael , Tannheimer Markus , Burtscher Martin
Published: November 2022

Maximal values of aerobic power (VO2max) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2max) decline in parallel with gain in altitude. Whereas this relationship has been well investigated when acutely exposed to high altitude, potential benefits of acclimatization on SpO2 and related VO2max in healthy and diseased individuals have been much less considered. Therefore, this narrative review was primarily aimed to identify relevant literature reporting altitude-dependent changes in determinants, in particular SpO2, of VO2max and effects of acclimatization in athletes, healthy non-athletes, and patients suffering from cardiovascular, respiratory and/or metabolic diseases. Moreover, focus was set on potential differences with regard to baseline exercise performance, age and sex. Main findings of this review emphasize the close association between individual SpO2 and VO2max, and demonstrate similar altitude effects (acute and during acclimatization) in healthy people and those suffering from cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, in patients with ventilatory constrains, i.e., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, steep decline in SpO2 and V̇O2max and reduced potential to acclimatize stress the already low exercise performance. Finally, implications for prevention and therapy are briefly discussed.
More Space, Less Noise—New-generation Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging Systems Can Improve Patient Comfort: A Prospective 0.55T–1.5T-Scanner Comparison
Authors: Rusche Thilo , Vosshenrich Jan , Winkel David J. , Donners Ricardo , Segeroth Martin , Bach Michael , Merkle Elmar M. , Breit Hanns-Christian
Published: November 2022

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess patient comfort when imaged on a newly introduced 0.55T low-field magnetic resonance (MR) scanner system with a wider bore opening compared to a conventional 1.5T MR scanner system. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, fifty patients (mean age: 66.2 ± 17.0 years, 22 females, 28 males) underwent subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations with matched imaging protocols at 0.55T (MAGNETOM FreeMax, Siemens Healthineers; Erlangen, Germany) and 1.5T (MAGNETOM Avanto Fit, Siemens Healthineers; Erlangen, Germany) on the same day. MRI performed between 05/2021 and 07/2021 was included for analysis. The 0.55T MRI system had a bore opening of 80 cm, while the bore diameter of the 1.5T scanner system was 60 cm. Four patient groups were defined by imaged body regions: (1) cranial or cervical spine MRI using a head/neck coil (n = 27), (2) lumbar or thoracic spine MRI using only the in-table spine coils (n = 10), (3) hip MRI using a large flex coil (n = 8) and (4) upper- or lower-extremity MRI using small flex coils (n = 5). Following the MRI examinations, patients evaluated (1) sense of space, (2) noise level, (3) comfort, (4) coil comfort and (5) overall examination impression on a 5-point Likert-scale (range: 1= “much worse” to 5 = “much better”) using a questionnaire. Maximum noise levels of all performed imaging studies were measured in decibels (dB) by a sound level meter placed in the bore center. Results: Sense of space was perceived to be “better” or “much better” by 84% of patients for imaging examinations performed on the 0.55T MRI scanner system (mean score: 4.34 ± 0.75). Additionally, 84% of patients rated noise levels as “better” or “much better” when imaged on the low-field scanner system (mean score: 3.90 ± 0.61). Overall sensation during the imaging examination at 0.55T was rated as “better” or “much better” by 78% of patients (mean score: 3.96 ± 0.70). Quantitative assessment showed significantly reduced maximum noise levels for all 0.55T MRI studies, regardless of body region compared to 1.5T, i.e., brain MRI (83.8 ± 3.6 dB vs. 89.3 ± 5.4 dB; p = 0.04), spine MRI (83.7 ± 3.7 dB vs. 89.4 ± 2.6 dB; p = 0.004) and hip MRI (86.3 ± 5.0 dB vs. 89.1 ± 1.4 dB; p = 0.04). Conclusions: Patients perceived 0.55T new-generation low-field MRI to be more comfortable than conventional 1.5T MRI, given its larger bore opening and reduced noise levels during image acquisition. Therefore, new concepts regarding bore design and noise level reduction of MR scanner systems may help to reduce patient anxiety and improve well-being when undergoing MR imaging.
Trends in Minimally Invasive Approaches for Liver Resections–A Systematic Review
Authors: Graur Florin , Ciocan Razvan Alexandru , Ciocan Andra , Puia Ion Cosmin , Mois Emil , Furcea Luminita , Zaharie Florin , Popa Calin , Schlanger Diana , Vaida Calin , Pisla Doina , Al Hajjar Nadim
Published: November 2022

Background: SILS (single incision laparoscopic surgery) and NOTES (natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery) are considered breakthroughs in minimally invasive surgery, the first consisting in the surgeon working via a single entrance site and the second via a natural orifice (e.g., oral cavity). Methods: Since 2000 until 2022, the original articles published in the online databases were analyzed. Eligible studies included information about the current therapy of patients with liver surgical pathology and how the two new techniques improve the surgical approach. Results: A total of 798 studies were identified. By applying the exclusion criteria, nine studies remained to be included in the review. Two out of nine studies examined the NOTES approach in liver surgery, whereas the other seven focused on the SILS technique. The age of the patients ranged between 24 and 83 years. Liver resections for hepatocellular carcinoma or colorectal metastases were undertaken and biliary or hydatid cysts were removed. The mean procedure time was 95 to 205 min and the average diameter of the lesions was 5 cm. Conclusions: When practiced by multidisciplinary teams, transvaginal liver resection is feasible and safe. The goals of SILS and NOTES are to be less intrusive, more easily tolerated and aesthetic.
Composites for Aqueous-Mediated Heterogeneously Catalyzed Degradation and Mineralization of Water Pollutants on TiO2—A Review
Authors: Maridevaru Madappa C. , Sorrentino Andrea , Aljafari Belqasem , Anandan Sambandam
Published: November 2022

Wastewater incorporates a wide range of organic toxins, which have an adverse impact on the health of humans and other living things. In recent years, nanotechnology has promoted effective strategies for the photodegradation of industrial organic toxins and tenacious medical contaminants present in wastewater. Advanced composites based on photocatalysts can provide promising solutions for environmental cleanup without generating hazardous byproducts, because they promote the complete oxidation of contaminants. This survey article recaps the essentials of heterogeneous catalysis. Among the major players in heterogeneous catalysis, the metal oxide catalyst (e.g., TiO2) groups cover photocatalysis of water toxins such as dyes, harmful organic molecules, and pharmaceutical contamination. The reasons for the proposal of TiO2 as an active filler for heterogeneous photocatalysts include its superior surface area, significant activity for distinct oxidation and reduction reactions at low temperatures and pressures, effective interaction with metal supports, and chemical stability. Because of the aforementioned features, heterogeneous TiO2 catalysts have a lot of potential in photocatalyst applications, and they can be improved even further by doping them with anionic or cationic dopants.
Morphology of Biomaterials Affect O-Glycosylation of HUVECs
Authors: Hu Xingyou , Sheng Jiaoyue , Guan Guoping , Ju Tongzhong , Smith David F. , Wang Lu
Published: November 2022

Biomaterials have been widely used as substitutes for diseased tissue in surgery and have gained great success and attention. At present, the biocompatibility of biomaterials such as PET woven fabrics is often evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. However, the current experimental methods cannot reveal the relationship between material surfaces and cell adhesion, and few research works have focused on the mechanisms of how the surface morphology of biomaterials affects cell adhesion and proliferation. Thus, it is meaningful to find out how the altered surfaces could affect cell adhesion and growth. In this study, we employed Ar low-temperature plasma treatment technology to create nano-grooves on the warp yarn of PET woven fabrics and seeded human umbellar vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) on these fabrics. We then assessed the O-glycan and N-glycan profiles of the cells grown on different structures of the polyester woven fabrics. The result showed that the surface morphology of polyester woven fabrics could affect the O-glycan profile but not the N-glycan profile of cultured HUVEC. Taken together, the study describes the effects of the surface morphology of biomaterial on the biosynthesis of cellular glycans and may provide new insights into the design and manufacture of biomaterials used as blood vessels based on the expression profiles of O-glycans on cultured cells.
Escherichia coli Biofilm Formation, Motion and Protein Patterns on Hyaluronic Acid and Polydimethylsiloxane Depend on Surface Stiffness
Authors: Vigué Annabelle , Vautier Dominique , Kaytoue Amad , Senger Bernard , Arntz Youri , Ball Vincent , Ben Mlouka Amine , Gribova Varvara , Hajjar-Garreau Samar , Hardouin Julie , Jouenne Thierry , Lavalle Philippe , Ploux Lydie
Published: November 2022

The surface stiffness of the microenvironment is a mechanical signal regulating biofilm growth without the risks associated with the use of bioactive agents. However, the mechanisms determining the expansion or prevention of biofilm growth on soft and stiff substrates are largely unknown. To answer this question, we used PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane, 9–574 kPa) and HA (hyaluronic acid gels, 44 Pa–2 kPa) differing in their hydration. We showed that the softest HA inhibited Escherichia coli biofilm growth, while the stiffest PDMS activated it. The bacterial mechanical environment significantly regulated the MscS mechanosensitive channel in higher abundance on the least colonized HA-44Pa, while Type-1 pili (FimA) showed regulation in higher abundance on the most colonized PDMS-9kPa. Type-1 pili regulated the free motion (the capacity of bacteria to move far from their initial position) necessary for biofilm growth independent of the substrate surface stiffness. In contrast, the total length travelled by the bacteria (diffusion coefficient) varied positively with the surface stiffness but not with the biofilm growth. The softest, hydrated HA, the least colonized surface, revealed the least diffusive and the least free-moving bacteria. Finally, this shows that customizing the surface elasticity and hydration, together, is an efficient means of affecting the bacteria’s mobility and attachment to the surface and thus designing biomedical surfaces to prevent biofilm growth.
Automated Defect Analysis of Additively Fabricated Metallic Parts Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Nemati Saber , Ghadimi Hamed , Li Xin , Butler Leslie G. , Wen Hao , Guo Shengmin
Published: November 2022

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF)-based additive manufacturing (AM) has the flexibility in fabricating parts with complex geometries. However, using non-optimized processing parameters or using certain feedstock powders, internal defects (pores, cracks, etc.) may occur inside the parts. Having a thorough and statistical understanding of these defects can help researchers find the correlations between processing parameters/feedstock materials and possible internal defects. To establish a tool that can automatically detect defects in AM parts, in this research, X-ray CT images of Inconel 939 samples fabricated by LPBF are analyzed using U-Net architecture with different sets of hyperparameters. The hyperparameters of the network are tuned in such a way that yields maximum segmentation accuracy with reasonable computational cost. The trained network is able to segment the unbalanced classes of pores and cracks with a mean intersection over union (mIoU) value of 82% on the test set, and has reduced the characterization time from a few weeks to less than a day compared to conventional manual methods. It is shown that the major bottleneck in improving the accuracy is uncertainty in labeled data and the necessity for adopting a semi-supervised approach, which needs to be addressed first in future research.
The Scale Effect Study on the Transient Fluid–Structure Coupling Performance of Composite Propellers
Authors: Huang Zheng , Chen Zhangtao , Zhang Yanbing , Xiong Ying , Duan Kemin
Published: November 2022

In order to predict the fluid–structure coupling performance of a full-scale composite propeller under a wake flow field behind a full ship, a bidirectional transient fluid–structure coupling algorithm was established. The performance includes the transient fluid–structure coupling deformation, structural natural frequency, and unsteady hydrodynamic performance. The results showed that the circumferential non-uniform wake flow field can cause periodic pulsation of the propeller’s hydrodynamic force. The average values of thrust and torque coefficient increase, while the pulsation ratio decreases with the increase in scale. The maximum deformation ratio of fluid–structure coupling is linearly related to the scale ratio. Due to the influence of fluid-added stiffness, the maximum deformation ratio needs to be modified by 3% based on the cantilever plate deflection formula. The first five natural frequencies of dry mode and wet mode decrease with the increasing scale, and the wet natural frequencies of each order decrease by 60~68% compared with dry mode. The fluid–structure coupling hydrodynamic performance still show a periodic pulsation with the phase angle, and its average value increases linearly with the scale ratio, while the pulsation ratio decreases with the power relationship of the scale ratio.
Recent Technological and Methodological Advances for the Investigation of Submarine Landslides
Authors: Shan Zhigang , Wu Hao , Ni Weida , Sun Miaojun , Wang Kuanjun , Zhao Liuyuan , Lou Yihuai , Liu An , Xie Wei , Zheng Xing , Guo Xingsen
Published: November 2022

Submarine landslides have attracted widespread attention, with the continuous development of ocean engineering. Due to the recent developments of in-situ investigation and modelling techniques of submarine landslides, significant improvements were achieved in the evolution studies on submarine landslides. The general characteristics of typical submarine landslides in the world are analyzed. Based on this, three stages of submarine landslide disaster evolution are proposed, namely, the submarine slope instability evolution stage, the large deformation landslide movement stage, and the stage of submarine landslide deposition. Given these three stages, the evolution process of submarine landslide disaster is revealed from the perspectives of in-situ investigation techniques, physical simulation, and numerical simulation methods, respectively. For long-term investigation of submarine landslides, an in-situ monitoring system with long-term service and multi-parameter collaborative observation deserves to be developed. The mechanism of submarine landslide evolution and the early warning factors need to be further studied by physical modelling experiments. The whole process of the numerical simulation of submarine landslides, from seabed instability to large deformation sliding to the impact on marine structures, and economizing the computational costs of models by advanced techniques such as parallel processing and GPU-accelerators, are the key development directions in numerical simulation. The current research deficiencies and future development directions in the subject of submarine landslides are proposed to provide a useful reference for the prediction and early warning of submarine landslide disasters.
INS/GPS Integrated Navigation for Unmanned Ships Based on EEMD Noise Reduction and SSA-ELM
Authors: Xiao Jiajia , Li Ying , Zhang Chuang , Zhang Zhaoyi
Published: November 2022

The primary problem faced by the integrated navigation system based on the inertial navigation system (INS) and global positioning system (GPS) is providing reliable navigation and positioning solutions during GPS failure. Thus, this study proposes an innovative integrated navigation algorithm to address the limitation of precise positioning when GPS fails. First, for the limitation of noise interference in INS, noise reduction technology based on ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) is proposed to improve the quality of the INS signal and enhance the noise reduction effect. Second, an INS/GPS integrated framework based on the sparrow search algorithm (SSA) and extreme learning machine (ELM) is proposed. During normal GPS conditions, SSA-ELM is used to develop a high-precision prediction model to estimate differences between INS and GPS. When the GPS signal is interrupted, the difference predicted by SSA-ELM is used as the measurement input and the INS is corrected. To confirm the effectiveness of this method, a real ship experiment is conducted with other commonly used methods. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can improve positioning accuracy and reliability when GPS is interrupted.
Using the Mid-Point Theorem to Establish the Optimal Step Toll Scheme for the Suez Canal
Authors: Laih Chen-Hsiu , Sun Pey-Yuan
Published: November 2022

In the current literature about queuing pricing, the optimal time-varying toll and adjustable step toll schemes have been developed for the Suez Canal to eliminate or alleviate the inefficiency of a large number of ships waiting in line to enter the canal. The purpose of the above two tolling schemes is to solve the serious queuing problem at the canal anchorage, which is completely different from the current navigation toll levied by the Suez Canal to recover the operation and maintenance costs incurred by ships passing through the canal. Because the two developed tolling schemes are complicated in model structure and inconvenient in practical operation, to solve these problems, this paper uses a new approach of the mid-point theorem to establish the optimal step toll scheme as alternative pricing to ease queuing for the Suez Canal. All variables for the optimal step toll scheme are able to be solved by the mid-point theorem, and these solutions show obvious regularities as the number of tolling steps increases progressively. By analyzing these regularities, we obtain three critical formulas for these solutions, such as the toll amount and the corresponding start and end times for each step of the optimal step toll scheme. The contents of the three formulas are extremely concise. These not only reinforce the theoretical basis of the existing queuing pricing model but can also promote implementing electronic toll collection with the optimal step toll scheme. Finally, we use the three formulas to provide a numerical analysis of the optimal triple-step toll scheme for the Suez Canal. This simulation example could be a practical reference for the canal authorities.
A Review of Durability Issues of Reinforced Concrete Structures Due to Coastal Soda Residue Soil in China
Authors: Wu Linjian , Xiang Zhouyu , Jiang Han , Liu Mingwei , Ju Xueli , Zhang Wenxiao
Published: November 2022

Soda residue soil (SRS) is a man-made engineering foundation soil formed by soda residue; it is mainly distributed in coastal areas in China. SRS is rich in a variety of corrosive salts, among which the concentrations of chloride ions are about 2–3 times that of seawater. These highly concentrated chloride ions migrate and diffuse in reinforced concrete (RC) structures built on coastal SRS through multiple transport mechanisms. However, current research on the durability of RC structures exposed to the coastal SRS environment has not led to the publication of any reports in the literature. SRS may be classified by analyzing the quantitative relationships among the corrosive ions it contains. In this paper, the deterioration of RC structures due to the corrosive saline-soil environment in China is discussed, and advances in RC structure durability under such circumstances are reviewed. Our findings show that a corrosive environment, especially when this is a result of coastal SRS, has a significant influence on the deterioration of RC structures, greatly threatening such buildings. A series of effective measures for enhancing the durability of RC structures in saline soil, including improvements in concrete strength, reductions in the water–binder ratio, the addition of mineral admixtures and fiber-reinforcing agents, etc., could provide a vital foundation for enhancing the durability of RC structures which are at risk due to coastal SRS. Vital issues that must be investigated regarding the durability of RC structures are proposed, including the transport mechanism and a prediction model of corrosive ions, dominated by chloride ions (Cl−), in SRS and RC structures, the deterioration mechanism of RC materials, a long-term performance deduction process of RC components, durability design theory, and effective performance enhancement measures. The findings of this paper provide some clear exploration directions for the development of basic theories regarding RC structure durability in coastal SRS environments and go some way to making up for the research gap regarding RC structure durability under corrosive soil environments.
Conflicts between Fisheries and Offshore Wind Power in Taiwan: Legal and Administrative Prospects
Authors: Tseng Huan-Sheng , Kao Shih-Ming
Published: November 2022

Offshore wind power (OWP) has become a new emerging favorable renewable energy in Taiwan. Despite the fact that its development in Taiwan seems promising in the near future, it is facing some unwanted challenges recently, particularly the protests from fishers. The purpose of this paper is to understand jurisdiction over offshore areas in Taiwan via analyzing conflicts between OWP developers and fishers in Taiwan and finds that existing jurisdiction over the offshore areas in Taiwan seems to be not supportive to the development OWP. Jurisdiction among different acts is not consistent, and it is not administered by a specific agency. Most importantly, the Fisheries Act allows some specific people or groups to enjoy fishing rights as their property in rem in Taiwan’s offshore areas. To this end, the revision of the current Fisheries Act to set such rights as a privilege should be a must, but the government will need to pay a vast amount of money for doing so. Further, if a “one-shop” mechanism such as the Ocean Affairs Council would be adopted, the development of OWP and the addressing of disputes among different users, particularly with fishers, fishers’ associations, and cooperatives, would be more effective and promising.
MRI and Ultrasound Analysis of Corticosteroid Injection Combined with Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Lateral Epicondylitis—A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Nambi Gopal , Alghadier Mshari , Ebrahim Elturabi , Verma Anju , Aldhafian Osama , Mohamed Shahul , Alshewaier Shady , Sirajudeen Mohamed , Muthusamy Hariraja , Unnikrishnan Radhakrishnan
Published: November 2022

Objective: The knowledge about the effective implementation of corticosteroid injection and extracorporeal shockwave therapy on radiological changes in chronic lateral epicondylitis is lacking. Therefore, the objective of this study is to find and compare the effects of corticosteroid injection and extracorporeal shockwave therapy on radiological changes in chronic lateral epicondylitis. Methods: A randomized, double-blinded controlled study was conducted on 60 LE participants at a university hospital. The active extracorporeal shockwave therapy group (n = 30) received a corticosteroid injection with active extracorporeal shockwave therapy one session a week for 4 weeks, and the placebo extracorporeal shockwave therapy group received a corticosteroid injection with placebo extracorporeal shockwave therapy. The primary outcome was pain intensity, measured with the visual analog scale. The other outcome measures were the percentage of injury measured by magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound, functional disability, handgrip strength, patient perception, kinesiophobia, depression status, and quality of life. Results: The between-group difference in pain intensity at 4 weeks was 1.4 (CI 95% 0.77 to 2.02), which shows more improvement in the active group than in the placebo group. Improvements in the effects were noted after 8 weeks and at 6 months (1.8; CI 95% 1.50 to 2.09) follow-up. Similar improvements were also found in the percentage of injury, functional disability, handgrip strength, patient perception, kinesiophobia, depression status, and quality of life. Conclusion: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has added effects on corticosteroid injection for improving pain, percentage of injury, functional disability, handgrip strength, patient perception, kinesiophobia, depression status and quality of life in people with chronic lateral epicondylitis.
Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Condition of Two Community-Based Exercise Programs in Subjects with Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: García-Sánchez Esther , Ávila-Gandía Vicente , López-Román F. Javier , Rubio-Arias Jacobo Á. , Menarguez-Puche Juan F.
Published: November 2022

We compared the effect of two community-based physical activity (PA) programs on health-related quality of life (HRQL) and physical condition in people with cardiovascular risk factors. Fifty-one subjects participated in the “ACTIVA Murcia” AM3 program characterized by non-individualized training loads for 3 months, and forty-two participated in the AM6 program characterized by individualized progressive training loads for 6 months. Both programs included a 6-month follow-up period without PA. HRQL was assessed with the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and physical condition by VO2 max, strength, flexibility, and balance. Participants in the AM6 program as compared with those in the AM3 program showed significantly higher scores in the subscales of physical functioning, mental health, energy/vitality, and general health. Mental health and general health at 6 months of follow-up were also scored significantly higher by AM6 participants. VO2 max and flexibility improved more in the AM6 group, whereas strength was better in the AM3 group. Half of the participants in the AM6 program expressed a strong willingness to continue exercising vs. 38% in the AM3 program. In this study, a community-based PA program with individualized progressive training loads of 6-month duration showed a more favorable impact on HRQL than a 3-month non-individualized PA program.
Influence of Obesity and Fluid Balance on Operative Outcomes in Hepatic Resection
Authors: Suh Suk-Won
Published: November 2022

As the number of obese patients requiring hepatic resection is increasing, efforts to understand their operative risk and determine proper perioperative management are necessary. A total of 175 patients who underwent hepatic resection between March 2015 and July 2021 were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups by their body mass index (BMI) using the World Health Organization definition of obesity for Asians: obese patients (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, n = 84) and non-obese patients (BMI < 25 kg/m2, n = 91). The operative duration (195.7 ± 62.9 min vs. 176.0 ± 53.6 min, p = 0.027) was longer and related to a higher estimated blood loss (EBL) ≥ 500 mL (61.9% vs. 40.7%, p = 0.005) in the obese patients than in the non-obese patients. Obesity (odds ratio (OR), 2.204; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.177–4.129; p = 0.014) and central venous pressure (CVP) ≥ 5 (OR, 2.733; 95% CI, 1.445–5.170; p = 0.002) at the start of the surgery were significant risk factors for EBL ≥ 500 mL. Obese patients with low CVP showed significantly lower EBL than those with high CVP, but a similar EBL to non-obese patients (p = 0.003). In conclusion, fluid restriction before hepatic resection would be important, especially in obese patients, to improve their operative outcomes.
Sustainability and Tourist Activities in Protected Natural Areas: The Case of Three Natural Parks of Andalusia (Spain)
Authors: Bahamonde-Rodríguez María , García-Delgado Francisco Javier , Šadeikaitė Giedrė
Published: November 2022

As a form of protection, a nature park is often created to protect and valorise natural and cultural heritage in peripheral rural areas. However, in terms of multifunctionality, new nature parks incorporate traditional productive activities, such as recreational and tourist activities, which sometimes compromise sustainability. The research objective is to study the relationship between tourism and sustainability in the nature parks of Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche, Sierra Norte de Sevilla and Sierra de Hornachuelos that make up the Dehesas de Sierra Morena Biosphere Reserve in Andalusia, Spain. Therefore, selective interviews have been carried out with the stakeholders to establish their perception of sustainable tourism and the presence of dominant discourses. The main conclusions indicate: (1) the presence of different dominant discourses on sustainability, namely the conservationist and mercantilist ones, with the prevalence of the economic dimension; (2) poor awareness and adaptation to the context of global change; and (3) the presence of competitive relationships that generate difficulties for the governance of sustainable tourism.
Urban Tourism Perception and Recommendation in Mexico City and Lima
Authors: Regalado-Pezúa Otto , Sirkis Gabriela , Carvache-Franco Orly , Carvache-Franco Mauricio , Carvache-Franco Wilmer
Published: November 2022

Mexico City and Lima both have great cultural and historical value as they developed close to major pre-Columbian civilizations. When comparing their urban attractiveness factors, they present differences and similarities that need to be understood at a theoretical level. The study has practical implications as tourism officials and managers in each of these two cities can draw inspiration from the best practices of the other city. The method is quantitative, and the exploratory factorial analysis technique was used to reduce the variables in a group of factors. The results indicate that the different aspects of the cities’ tourism attractiveness can be categorized into four factors: the nucleus, the tourist ecosystem, MICE & shows, and related services. A comparison of the two cities’ Kruskal–Wallis test scores shows significant differences in terms of three variables: monuments and historic sites, museums and art galleries, and shops and commercial services.
The Shadow Effect on Surface Biophysical Variables Derived from Remote Sensing: A Review
Authors: Alavipanah Seyed Kazem , Karimi Firozjaei Mohammad , Sedighi Amir , Fathololoumi Solmaz , Zare Naghadehi Saeid , Saleh Samiraalsadat , Naghdizadegan Maryam , Gomeh Zinat , Arsanjani Jamal Jokar , Makki Mohsen , Qureshi Salman , Weng Qihao , Haase Dagmar , Pradhan Biswajeet , Biswas Asim , M. Atkinson Peter
Published: November 2022

In remote sensing (RS), shadows play an important role, commonly affecting the quality of data recorded by remote sensors. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance to detect and model the shadow effect in RS data as well as the information that is obtained from them, particularly when the data are to be used in further environmental studies. Shadows can generally be categorized into four types based on their sources: cloud shadows, topographic shadows, urban shadows, and a combination of these. The main objective of this study was to review the recent literature on the shadow effect in remote sensing. A systematic literature review was employed to evaluate studies published since 1975. Various studies demonstrated that shadows influence significantly the estimation of various properties by remote sensing. These properties include vegetation, impervious surfaces, water, snow, albedo, soil moisture, evapotranspiration, and land surface temperature. It should be noted that shadows also affect the outputs of remote sensing processes such as spectral indices, urban heat islands, and land use/cover maps. The effect of shadows on the extracted information is a function of the sensor–target–solar geometry, overpass time, and the spatial resolution of the satellite sensor imagery. Meanwhile, modeling the effect of shadow and applying appropriate strategies to reduce its impacts on various environmental and surface biophysical variables is associated with many challenges. However, some studies have made use of shadows and extracted valuable information from them. An overview of the proposed methods for identifying and removing the shadow effect is presented.
The Importance of Very-High-Resolution Imagery to Map Invasive Plant Species: Evidence from Galapagos
Authors: Carrión-Klier Carolina , Moity Nicolas , Sevilla Christian , Rueda Danny , Jäger Heinke
Published: November 2022

Invasive species are one of the main threats to biodiversity worldwide, and the Galapagos Islands are no exception. With the need to control many invasive plant species, accurate distribution maps of invasive plant species are crucial for cost-effective management actions. To guide the selection of appropriate multispectral satellite imagery for this, we evaluated the effects that spatial resolution has on the mapping accuracy of the most invasive plant species in Galapagos with different “growth forms”: (1) tall tree: Cuban cedar (Cedrela odorata), (2) medium tree: guava (Psidium guajava), and (3) shrub: blackberry (Rubus niveus). We developed a mapping methodology based on very high resolution (VHR, WorldView-2) imagery and visual interpretation from orthophotos obtained from unmanned aerial vehicles for training and validation. We then compared our VHR mapping results with medium resolution (MR, Landsat) mapping results and calculated the overall accuracy (OA) and Kappa from confusion matrices for each target species and resolution based on the visual interpretation of Google Earth imagery. The results showed that the OA of the maps produced with VHR was significantly higher than the ones produced with MR. The OA was higher for the tall tree growth form, followed by the shrub and the medium tree growth form. Kappa estimates of <0.5 for MR for the medium tree and shrub growth forms demonstrated its unsuitability for accurate mapping. While MR may be sufficient for mapping the tall tree growth form, we concluded that VHR is indispensable for mapping the medium tree and shrub growth forms.
Minimal Influence of Cayenne Pepper on the Human Gastrointestinal Microbiota and Intestinal Inflammation in Healthy Adult Humans—A Pilot Study
Authors: Bu Sihan , Kar Wreeti , Tucker Robin M. , Comstock Sarah S.
Published: November 2022

Diet impacts human gut microbial composition. Phytochemicals in cayenne pepper (CP), such as capsaicin, have anti-inflammatory properties and alter bacterial growth in vitro. However, the evidence that CP impacts the human microbiota and intestinal inflammation in free-living adults is lacking. Thus, the objective of this randomized cross-over study was to determine the influence of CP on human gut microbiota and intestinal inflammation in vivo. A total of 29 participants were randomly allocated to consume two 250 mL servings of tomato juice plus 1.8 g of CP each day or juice only for 5 days before crossing over to the other study arm. Fecal samples were analyzed. CP reduced Oscillibacter and Phascolarctobacterium but enriched Bifidobacterium and Gp6. When stratified by BMI (body mass index), only the increase in Gp6 was observed in all BMI groups during CP treatment. Stool concentrations of lipocalin-2 and calprotectin were similar regardless of CP treatment. However, lipocalin-2 and calprotectin levels were positively correlated in samples taken after CP consumption. Neither lipocalin-2 nor calprotectin levels were related to gut microbial composition. In conclusion, in healthy adult humans under typical living conditions, consumption of CP minimally influenced the gut microbiota and had little impact on intestinal inflammation.