bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roadmap for Digitalized Asset Integrity Management System
Authors: Ali Asad , Maley Kevin , Li Seonyeob , Al Owaid Ahmed , Al Shehhi Abdulla
Published: December 2021

Asset integrity management system (AIMS) consisting of risk based inspection (RBI) and inspection management system (IMS) coupled with digitized equipment records and use of inspection tablets/mobiles will make paperless system for fast and timely decisions & actions. This paper provides a roadmap for implementation of an efficient and cost effective asset integrity management system that will increase the plant reliability & availability, decrease the time and efforts required for inspection, thus ultimately reducing the associated costs of operations. In this paper, the focus is towards digitalized AIMS that should make a company move to digital transformation and enabling it to adapt to industry 4.0 technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, data analytics, machine learning etc.

First step is to perform a gap assessment of existing system to compare what is currently available within organization and what is required for going fully digital for AIM. Next step is to identify software features that are required for AIM digitalization and establish them as point based rating system which are used for rating best suitable software available in the market. Unique features for RBI module, inspection management module and field interface (tablet) module are identified with appropriate weightage to influence the software selection decision. Finally, an estimation of required resources, manpower timeline is provided that will guide in all phases of the implementation.

Return on investment on such projects is manifolds. The digitalized AIM will greatly reduce the cost of day to to asset integrity management operations as it will no longer be needed to use multiple paper based reports and separate systems for RBI and IMS functions. Use of field tablet/mobile with possibility of artificial intelligence tools, will significantly reduce the time required for inspectors to do the on site inspection/testing & reporting. Interfacing of digitalized system with ERP/CMMS will automate the work order/notification system. Thus it will reduce an overall effort both in terms of time & money.

The roadmap for digitalization of AIMS system will help any organization to make its AIMS digital and achieve the benefits of such system. The methodology provided is unique and can be adopted as best practices by the industry for digitally transforming the AIMS.
Gas Lift Valves Replacement in Norway Field Using Riserless Light Well Intervention Vessel
Authors: Fiameni Antonio , Borra Simone , Pasquali Paolo Giovanni , Flamminio Davide , Leo Giuseppe , Vitale Giulio , Lazzari Andrea , Mastrocola Carlo
Published: December 2021

Scope of this paper is to describe the Riserless Well Intervention campaign carried out on Norwegian Barents Sea field in 2019. The intervention campaign was carried out with a Light Well Intervention (LWI) vessel and consisted in the replacement of failed Down Hole Gas Lift Valve (DH-GLV) on six oil producer wells.

Three oil producer wells experienced a DH-GLV failure between 2018-2019 and were consequently shut in due to the loss of the first well barrier envelope.

The Riserless well intervention campaign was carried out in October 2019. The subsea equipment supplied for the campaign was deployed on the X-Tree, acting as well control device and thus allowing the re-entry of the well granting well access from the LWI vessel. The DH-GLV replacement was successfully achieved by wireline operations.

The first DH-GLV replacement confirmed a constructive failure of the valves, therefore the campaign scope of work was extended to all the oil producers of the field where the same type of valve was installed (six wells).

The campaign successfully replaced all the DH-GLV of the field with an average time of six days/well. The first well barrier envelope was re-established, and production restored. The engineered solution that was adopted allowed to carry out the intervention campaign with a LWI vessel, avoiding the mobilization of a winterized rig and consequent IWOCS commissioning, resulting in a sensible OPEX reduction.
A Case Study - Life Extension of Offshore Bridge Bearings
Authors: Abdelkhalek Ahmed , Sudhesh Govindavilas , Sarkar Anjan , Eissa Mohammed
Published: December 2021

Structural bearings of 47 offshore platform-link bridges with average age of 40 years were inspected and recommended for replacements due to their poor condition. Replacement of bridge bearings involves major risk and production interruptions given the structural modifications, and critical piping and E&I disconnections required for safe jacking-lifting activities required during the process. This paper presents the approach adopted to assure the integrity of the bridges and extend their lives without the need to replace the bearings.

The approach employed failure mode and effect analysis to identifying and narrowing down areas that need focused efforts while tackling the problem. Scenario based structural assessments were carried out to examine the impact of the level of movement-allowing bearings functionality on the integrity of the bridge and its supporting structures; identify critical locations to be targeted during focused inspections; and establish envelopes for monitoring thermal expansion and contraction of the bridges. Guidelines were developed and implemented for integrated inspection-maintenance and repair campaign, which aimed to tackle corrosion issues and to install movement-monitoring indicators. Indicator seasonal monitoring is employed to establish the functionality of bearings on the long-term.

The what-if structural assessments revealed that even in the worst-case scenario (in which the bearing are completely jammed) the option of local strengthening of the bridge and its supporting elements is more attractive than bearing replacement. The integrated inspection-maintenance and repair campaigns revealed that excessive corrosion levels observed from historic visual inspections on external non-critical bearing components (e.g: guide plates, angles, etc.) is not indicative of the condition of the internal load-bearing components (pedestals) which experienced much lower corrosion levels. The seasonal monitoring of bridge movements revealed that the 40+ years old Teflon pads are still functional and allow the bridges expansion and contraction.

The developed holistic approach enabled demonstration of the fitness for service of the bearings, and provided means for assuring their long-term performance through monitoring. The results assured safety, integrity and delivered significant cost savings through aversion brownfield modifications, and production loss associated with bridge jacking and bearing replacement operations.
Virtual Remote Factory Acceptance Test
Authors: John Varghese Mangalathu , Selvaraj Edwin Jose , Nandwalkar Prakash Madhukar , Paul Raju , Kamal Faris Ragheb
Published: December 2021

Many of the well-established practices and procedures those were followed in the execution of Oil & Gas Industry Projects were seeing a shift towards digital transformation in recent years, which got accelerated due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Digital transformation is the adoption of digital technologies whereby the existing business processes are modified or new ones are created. This process of redefining the conventional procedures, culture and customer experience to meet the changing requirements benefit the overall business function. Redefining the process of business in the digital age is digital transformation.

Digital transformation in Oil & Gas Industry is embracing of technology to reshape how oil and gas companies manage and operate their assets. The digitally-enabled and data-centric approach leads to improved productivity, higher efficiency and increased cost savings.

One of the Process Transformation example in Oil & Gas sector is to conduct the Factory Inspection and Acceptance Tests remotely utilizing various digital tools available in this digital age instead of the conventional way of physical participation in the testing.

Many industries were already exploring the possibilities of non-conventional work practices such as Work from Home (remotely, away from office), conducting virtual meetings with remotely located participants. These practices were still not accepted in all the industries prior to 2020. However the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic worldwide created a need to accept these non-conventional practices of remote or virtual work. Post Covid (2020), these are widely accepted in most of the industries including Oil & Gas sector.

The concept of Virtual Remote Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) is explored to overcome the unforeseen situation arose due to worldwide Covid-19 outbreak. Travel restrictions were imposed worldwide to curb the covid-19 spread, which made a halt to the normal work practices followed till then.

Virtual Remote FAT is a successful alternative to the conventional way of conducting the FAT and was utilized during Covid-19 outbreak. Virtual remote FAT is successfully completed in some of the recently executed projects and this can be pursued even after the Covid crisis.
Forest succession, management and the economy under a changing climate: coupling economic and forest management models to assess impacts and adaptation options
Authors: Lantz Van , McMonagle Galen , Hennigar Chris , Sharma Chinmay , Withey Patrick , Ochuodho Thomas
Published: December 2021

Climate change is expected to have significant impacts on forests by affecting the successional dynamics of tree species and the performance of plantations, among others. Research is needed to better understand how these factors will affect forests and economies in different regions, and how we can best adapt. To shed some light on these issues, we couple an economic (Computable General Equilibrium) model with a forest management (Woodstock) model to analyze the potential climate change impacts and adaptation options on timber supply and the economy over the 2015-95 period in a case-study province of New Brunswick, Canada. We estimate that climate change may have relatively large negative impacts on softwood timber supply (at 26% by 2095), softwood forestry & logging sector output quantity (at 12% by 2095), and softwood-dependent forestry manufacturing sector output (ranging from 6% to 27% by 2095). Negative impacts on GDP may be relatively smaller (at up to a 0.33% reduction by 2095). Adapting to these climate-related changes by planting drought-resistant softwood seedlings or hardwood seedlings in place of failed softwood plantations can reduce these negative impacts. While the former adaptation option is supported using cost-benefit analysis, the latter is not – due to the large incremental costs of growing, planting, and tending hardwood seedlings. Methods developed in this study can be applied in other regions to help guide decision-making around forest management in the face of a changing climate.
The Value of Transthoracic Echocardiography in the Detection of Extra-Cardiac Lesions
Authors: Yan Lei , Ruan Qinyun , Qu Chaoyang , Huang Chunyan , Fu Liyun
Published: December 2021

Objective: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is generally recognized as the top choice for detecting myocardial and cardiac cavity lesions. Sonographers mostly focus on myocardial, cardiac cavity and cardiac hemodynamics, whereas the abnormal extra-cardiac lesions are always unrecognized. The aim of this study was to investigate the ultrasonic image features in abnormal extra-cardiac lesions and the value of TTE in the detection of extra-cardiac lesions.Methods: 49 cases of abnormal extra-cardiac lesion detected by TTE from January 2014 to December 2019 were collected, which were confirmed by pathology. The two-dimensional ultrasonic characteristics and the relationships with the cardiac and great vessels were summarized on the basis of multi-view by TTE. All patients were also performed by computed tomography (CT). Results: In 49 patients with abnormal extra-cardiac lesions, 37 malignant cases and 12 benign cases were included. There were 41 cases (41/49,86.67%) of mediastinal lesions and 8 cases (8/49,16.33% ) of lung lesions. The maximum diameter ranged from 3.2cm to 13.66cm, and the median diameter was about 7.4cm, among which 29 cases (29/49,59.18%) were larger than 5cm. 4 cases (4/49, 4.08%) of cystic anechoic lesions were pericardial cyst. 2 cases (2/49, 4.08%) of cystic-solid echogenic lesions were teratoma. The remaining 45 cases (45/49, 91.84%) presented as solid hypoechoic or heterogeneous masses. 6 cases compressed the heart and 21 cases encroached on the heart and vessels. Diagnosis coincidence rates of TTE and CT were respectively 77.55% and 93.88%, with a statistical difference (p =0.012).Conclusion: Although the diagnostic coincidence rate of TTE is slightly lower than that of CT, TTE has certain diagnostic value for extra-cardiac lesions.
A Toolkit for Manipulating Cellular Behavior: Peptide with Tryptophan-Selective Ru-TAP Complex Regioselectively Photolabeling Specific Protein in Live Cell
Authors: Chen Tzu-Ho , Garnir Kevin , Chen Chong-Yen , Jian Cheng-Bang , Gao Hua-De , Cheng Bill , Tseng Mei-Chun , Moucheron Cécile , Mesmaeker Andrée Kirsch-De , Lee Hsien-Ming
Published: December 2021

Using a chemical approach to crosslink functionally versatile bioeffectors (such as peptides) to native proteins of interest (POI) directly inside a living cell is a useful toolbox for chemical biologists. However, this goal has not been reached due to unsatisfactory chemoselectivity, regioselectivity, and protein-selectivity in in-cellulo protein labeling. Herein we report a highly selective photoaffinity labeling (PAL) method using a tryptophan-specific Ru-TAP complex as photocrosslinker (Trp-tag). Aside from the high selectivity, the PAL is blue light driven by a photoinduced electron transfer (PeT) and allows the bioeffector to bear an additional UV-responsive unit. The two different photosensitivities are demonstrated by blue light photocrosslinking a UV-sensitive peptide to POI. The remote-control functionality of the peptide allows POI inhibition after blue light irradiation, and reactivation upon UV photolysis. Cytoskeletal dynamics regulation is demonstrated via the unprecedented in-cellulo POI photomanipulation, which opens a new avenue to endogenous protein modification for novel functions.
CPAP Improved Daytime Sleepiness and Memory Function in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Hong Ya-Ling , Shen Yu-Chih , Chang En-Ting , Kung Shu-Chin
Published: December 2021

Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder which results in daytime sleepiness and impaired memory function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on sleepiness and memory function in OSA patients. We also investigated whether CPAP compliance impacted the effect of this treatment.Methods: The case-control study enrolled sixty-six patients with moderate to severe OSA subjects. All subjects completed a polysomnographic study, sleepiness questionnaires (the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and four memory function tests (WM: working memory; PS: processing speed; LM: logical memory; FM: face memory).Results: Prior to CPAP treatment, no significant differences (p< 0.05) were noted in the demographic data, daytime sleepiness, or memory function between the two groups (with/without CPAP). However, OSA patients treated with CPAP for two months showed significant improvements in daytime sleepiness, PS, LM, and FM compared to those who did not receive CPAP treatment. A significant improvement in LM was observed in subjects who exhibited good compliance with CPAP treatment compared to those with poor compliance. Conclusions: In conclusion, CPAP treatment for two months improved daytime sleepiness and memory function in OSA patients. Patients exhibiting good CPAP compliance demonstrated greater improvements in daytime sleepiness and LM function.
Blood Count and Serum Biochemistry Profile in West African Dwarf Goats Fed Ensiled Mixtures of Cocoa Pod, Cassava Pulp and Acacia Leaf
Authors: Raimi OLuwatosin Christie , Adeloye Abiodun Adefunmilayo
Published: December 2021

This study investigated the effects of feeding ensiled graded combinations of cocoa pod, cassava pulp and Acacia leaf on haematological and serum biochemical of West African Dwarf goats. In the bid to control environmental pollution, the wastes of cocoa and cassava were applied as alternative feed ingredients for the goat in spite of its low nutrients’ quality and digestibility. A total of Twenty-eight (28) WAD goats (bucks), aged 4 to 5 months with average body weight of 7.00±0.2kg was used in a completely randomized design for a 45 days study to evaluate the blood profiles of goats fed diet combinations (0:60:40) to (60:0:40). The results revealed significant differences in some of the blood parameters measured among the treatments. The red blood cell, packed cell volume and haemoglobin ranged from 4.90-7.87x106/ul, 19.25-26.83% and 7.33-11.15g/L respectively. The concentrations of mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration varied significantly (p < 0.05), white blood cell (5.57-9.75x109L) were comparable and lymphocytes (%) ranged from 43.85-55.67. For serum biochemistry, values obtained for total protein and albumin with sodium followed the same trend while cholesterol, urea, creatinine and glucose followed the same trend. Alanine amino transferase, Aspartate aminotransferase and Alkaline phosphatase varied significantly (p<0.05) among the treatment groups. Since the parameters measured were within the normal range for goats’ blood profile, combinations of cocoa pod, cassava pulp with acacia leaves in the ratio of 0:60:40 to 20:40:40 as browse plants do not have any deleterious effect on the health of the animals.
Characteristics, Decoupling Effect And Driving Factors of Regional Tourism's Carbon Emissions In China
Authors: Xiong Guobao , Deng Junhong , Ding Baogen
Published: December 2021

Using the tourism's carbon emission data of 30 provinces (cities) in China from 2007 to 2019, we have established a logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) model to identify the main driving factors of carbon emissions related to tourism and a Tapio decoupling model to analyze the decoupling relationship between tourism's carbon emissions and tourism-driven economic growth. Our analysis suggests that China's regional tourism's carbon emissions are growing significantly with marked differences across its regions. Although there are observed fluctuations in the decoupling relationship between regional tourism's carbon emissions and tourism-driven economic growth in China, the data suggest weak decoupling. Nonetheless, the degree of decoupling is rising to various extents across regions. Three of the five driving factors investigated are also found to affect on emissions. Both tourism scale and tourism consumption lead to the growth of tourism's carbon emissions, while energy intensity has a significant effect on reducing emissions. These effects differ across regions.
Depression Affects Working Memory Performance: A Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) Study*
Authors: Vural Özge , Yıldırım Erol
Published: December 2021

Depression is a complex disorder that can be caused by psychosocial and biological conditions and it not only effects mood disorders, but also cognitive functions such as memory, decision making, psychomotor speed and attention. As a result of the studies, some findings indicate that depressed individuals perform worse in neuropsychological tests than healthy individuals, while other studies indicate there is no difference between the two groups. According to neuroimaging studies on this subject, functional and anatomical differences were detected at the cortex and subcortical levels in the prefrontal lobe. This study is consisting of two parts, behavioral and neuroimaging using fNIRS. BDI was applied to the participants. The average age of the group with lower BDI score is 23,9±3,04; the average age of the higher group with higher BDI score is 22,2+2,28. A visuospatial 2-back task, which includes 4 different stimulus types with neutral, emotional, verbal, and non-verbal qualities, was applied to the participants. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in behavioral data. However, when fNIRS results were examined, it was found that the group with the high BDI scores showed more activation in the right PFC during the visuospatial 2-back task compared to the group with low BDI scores. Although the fNIRS results are consistent in the literature, behavioral findings support some of the findings in literature, while contradicting others. It is thought that the reason for this may be that participants are young, and the 2-back task is not difficult enough.
Vitamins a and D Enhance the Expression of Ror-γ-Targeting MiRNAs in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: kordkhayli Marziyeh Mohammadi , Sahraian Mohammd Ali , Ghorbani Samira , Mansuri Fatemeh , Talebi Farideh , Noorbakhsh Farshid , Saboor-Yaraghi Ali Akbar
Published: December 2021

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Autoreactive T cells including cells with a Th17 phenotype are critical players in MS pathogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effects of VitA/D on miRNAs expression involved in Th17 development neuroinflammation using (EAE). Methods: EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice and received IP injections of vitamins A, D or their combination starting one day before the immunization and continued every other day for 30 days. Animals were scored for 30 days. Percentages of Th17 cells were measured in splenocytes following in vitro re-stimulation with MOG using intracellular staining and flow cytometry. Expression of miR-98-5p and Let-7a-5p, two miRNAs that are known to target Ror-t and Ror-t was measured in MOG-stimulated splenocytes as well as in spinal cord tissues using real-time RT-PCR. Results: Treated mice showed decreased frequency of Th17 cells in their spleens following in vitro re-stimulation with antigen, also lower expression of IL17 and Ror-t in their in CNS and splenocytes. Vitamin A and vitamin D-treated splenocytes showed significant upregulation of miR-98-5p in 24 hour and 48 hours time-points and Let-7a-5p expression was induced at 48-hour post-treatment in MOG-treated cells, which showed a strong negative correlation with splenocyte Ror-t levels. Conclusion: Our data suggest that treatment with vitamins A and D can decreased differentiation of Th17 phenotype. This is likely due to upregulation of Ror-t-targeting miRNAs, miR-98-5p and Let-7a-5p following treatment. These findings point to a potential protective role for miRNAs in the context of autoimmune neuroinflammation.
‘I Was Young, I Wanted to Return to Sport, and Re-Ruptured My ACL’ – Young Female Patients’ Voices on the Experience of Sustaining an ACL Re-Rupture, a Mixed Method Study
Authors: Piussi Ramana , Krupic Ferid , Sundemo David , Svantesson Eleonor , Ivarsson Andreas , Johnson Urban , Samuelsson Kristian , Senorski Eric Hamrin
Published: December 2021

Background

Despite ACL re-ruptures being common, research on patient experiences after knee trauma has primarily focused on the time after primary ACL reconstruction. Integrating qualitative research and patient experiences can facilitate researchers and clinicians in understanding the burden of an ACL re-rupture. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of an ACL re-rupture journey in young active females aiming to return to knee-strenuous sports after primary ACL reconstruction.
Method

A two-stage partially mixed sequential dominant status design was used. Fifteen young (19.1[range 16-23] years old) female who suffered an ACL re-rupture were interviewed. Qualitative content analysis using deductive approach based on Wiese-Bjornstal’s ‘integrated model of psychological response to injury’ was used.
Results

The results are presented in two timelines 1) from first ACL injury to ACL re-rupture, and 2) from ACL re-rupture to present day, and further stratified according to the domains of the ‘integrated model of psychological response to injury’. Results in the first timeline are summarised into seven categories: Finding hope for the journey; Accepting my ACL injury; I succeeded; What matters now? Who am I?; Where will this end? What is going to happen? In the second timeline, eight categories were identified: Fighting spirit; A helping hand; Working hard; I am a new me; I am destroyed; Loneliness; Painful changes; and, I could have made it to the pro´s.
Conclusion

Young females who suffered an ACL re-rupture did not express any positive experience following their first ACL injury, however, in contrast, expressed positive experiences and personal growth after going through the ACL re-rupture journey, characterized by a lot of struggling, and ultimately lead to the experience of becoming a new, stronger person.
Hippocampus-Based Static Functional Connectivity Mapping within White Matter in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Wang Pan , Wen Jiaping , Wang Jianlin , Li Hongyi , Biswal Bharat B
Published: December 2021

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), as the early important stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is clinically characterized by memory loss and cognitive impairment closely associated with the hippocampus. Accumulating studies have confirmed the presence of neural signal changes within white matter (WM) in resting-state fMRI. However, how the abnormal hippocampus affects the WM regions remained unclear in MCI. The current study employed 43 MCI, 71 very MCI (VMCI) and 87 matched healthy controls (HC) participants from the public OASIS 3 dataset. Adopting left and right hippocampus (HIP.R) as seed points respectively, whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) maps were obtained for each subject. Subsequently, one-way ANOVA was performed to explore the abnormal FC regions with hippocampus within gray matter (GM)/WM. Further probabilistic tracking was performed to explore whether the abnormal FC corresponded to structural connectivity. Compared to HC, MCI and VMCI groups exhibited common reduced static FC (SFC) in the middle temporal gyrus within GM, and temporal pole and inferior frontal gyrus within WM. Specific dysconnectivity was shown in the cerebellum_crus2 and inferior temporal gyrus within GM, and frontal gyrus within WM. In addition, the fiber bundle connecting the HIP.R and temporal pole within WM showed abnormally increased mean diffusion in MCI. The current study extended a new functional imaging direction for exploring the mechanism of memory decline, and promoted the understanding for pathophysiological mechanism in different early stages of AD.
GOx-Assisted Synthesis of Pillar[5]arene Based Supramolecular Polymeric Nanoparticles for Targeted/Synergistic Chemo-Chemodynamic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wang Jin , Wang Di , Cen Moupan , Jing Danni , Bei Jiali , Huang Youyou , Zhang Jianan , Lu Bing , Wang Yang , Yao Yong
Published: December 2021

Bacground：Cancer is the most serious world's health problems on the global level and various strategies have been developed for cancer therapy. Pillar[5]arene-based supramolecular therapeutic nano-platform (SP/GOx NPs) was constructed successfully via orthogonal dynamic covalent bonds and intermolecular H-bonds with the assistance of glucose oxidase (GOx) and exhibited efficient targeted/synergistic chemo-chemodynamic cancer therapy.Method: The morphology of SP/GOx NPs was characterized by DLS, TEM, SEM and EDS mapping. The cancer therapy efficinecy was investigated both in vivo and in vitro.Results: SP/GOx NPs can load drug molecules (Dox) and modify target molecule (FA-Py) on its surface conveniently. When the resultant FA-Py/SP/GOx/Dox NPs enters blood circulation, FA-Py will target it to cancer cells efficiently, where GOx can catalyst the overexpressed GO to generate H2O2. Subsequently, the generated H2O2 in cancer cells catalyzed by ferrocene unit to form •OH, which can kill cancer cells. Furthermore, the loaded Dox molecules released under acid microenvironment, which can further achieve chemo-therapy.Conclusion: All the experiments showed that the excellent antitumor performance of FA-Py/SP/GOx/Dox NPs, which provided an new method for pillar[5]arene-based supramolecular polymer for biomedical applications.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Polysulfone and Polystyrene-co-maleic Anhydride Blends Compatibility: A mesoscopic, Ewald Approach and Experimental Comparison
Authors: Tesha John Michael
Published: December 2021

This work aims to use molecular modeling to envisage the compatibility of Polysulfone (PSF) and Poly (styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (PSMA) polymers blend. A blend-module was developed based on the molecular dynamics (MD) technique compared to an experimental study. Molecular dynamics simulations were achieved using the condensed phase-optimized molecular-potentials for atomistic simulation studies (COMPASS) force field with atomic-based electrostatic. The PSF/PSMA blend compatibility facets and thermodynamic Gibb’s free energy across ranges of PSF/PSMA blend compositions were calculated. In doing so, the Flory Huggins chi interaction parameter of mixing (χ) and solubility parameters (δ) were computed from 298K and on increasing temperature to predict the miscibility of the polymers blend in the amorphous cell model by atomistic simulations. It was found that the blend-system is miscible using the interaction chi parameter of Florry Huggins at a temperature above 400K. At higher time-step, mesoscopic simulations for PSF/PSMA reached equilibrium and computed free energy. Mixing energy indicated the stability of the PSF/PSMA polymer blend. The results of this work narrate to the Flory Huggins theory enthalpy of mixing for binary blend polymers at 40 and 60 % PSMA.Additionally, the kinetic phase of the miscibility/immiscibility of the PSF/PSMA blend system's miscibility/immiscibility was examined using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The result confirms the good interaction between the two polymers through the shift of glass transition temperature (Tg) values within individual polymers Tg. It is crucial to investigate the miscibility of two different polymers for a variety of polymer applications. The MD simulation provides a powerful, accurate computational tool in the estimation of polymer compatibilities.
Tumor Microenvironment Stimuli-Responsive Macrophage Cell Membrane-Decorated Multi-Functional Self-Assembled Gold-Quantum Dots Nanomaterials for Tumor Theranostic
Authors: Wang Fan , Yu Qinghua , Li Jia , Jiang Junhao , Deng Tao , Yu Chao
Published: December 2021

Tumor microenvironment (TME) is intently related to tumor growth, progression and invasion, leading to drug resistance and insufficient therapeutic efficacy. However, remodelling TME and utilizing TME for exploring intelligent nanomaterials that can realize tumor theranostic is still challenging. Nowadays, the theranostic based on chemotherapy exposes some deficiencies, such as low targeting, weak permeability and premature clearance. Furthermore, it is challenging to cure drug-resistant tumors effectively. For the sake of solving these problems, a biomimetic decomposable nano-theranostic (MMV-Au-CDs-DOX) was well-established in this work. The Au-CDs are coated with macrophage-derived microvesicle to realize drug release accurately and enhance the biocompatibility of internal nanoparticles. Furthermore, MMV-Au-CDs-DOX would locate in the inflammation position of tumor, and disintegrate correspondingly into pieces with certain different functions stimulated by TME. Subsequently, the released anti-tumor nanodrugs were used for multimodal therapy, including chemotherapy and chemodynamic therapy. In addition, combined with the ability of Au-CDs to recognize GSH specifically, the off-on fluorescent probe was constructed to monitor the GSH of patients and provided information on chemotherapy resistance.
On Secrecy Outage Probability for Downlink NOMA Systems With Relay-Antenna Selection
Authors: Xu Shu , Liu Chen , Wang Hong , Qian Mujun , Sun Wenfeng
Published: December 2021

Secure transmission is essential for future non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system. This paper investigates relay-antenna selection (RAS) to enhance physical-layer security (PLS) of cooperative NOMA system in the presence of an eavesdropper, where multiple antennas are deployed at the relays, the users, and the eavesdropper. In order to reduce expense on radio frequency (RF) chains, selection combining (SC) is employed at both the relays and the users, whilst the eavesdropper employs either maximal-ratio combining (MRC) or selection combining (SC) to process the received signals. Under the condition that the channel state information (CSI) of the eavesdropping channel is available or unavailable, two e↵ective relay-antenna selection schemes are proposed. Additionally, the closed-form expressions of secrecy outage probability (SOP) are derived for the proposed relay-antenna selection schemes. In order to gain more deep insights on the derived results, the asymptotic performance of the derived SOP is analyzed. In simulations, it is demonstrated that the theoretical results match well with the simulation results and the SOP of the proposed schemes is less than that of the conventional orthogonal multiple access (OMA) scheme obviously.
Metagenomic Anaysis of Nasal Microbiota-Derived Extracellular Vesicle in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis.
Authors: Chiang Tsai-Yeh , Yang Yu-Ru , Zhuo Ming-Ying , Yang Feng , Zhang Ying-Fei , Fu Chia-Hsiang , Lee Ta-Jen , Chung Wen-Hung , Chen Liang , Chang Chih-Jung
Published: December 2021

Nasal Microbiota is crucial for the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR). However, never study investigates the microbiota in nasal extracellular vesicles (EVs). Objective: We aim to compare the microbiome composition and diversity in EVs between AR and health controls (HCs), and reveal the potential metabolic mechanisms in AR. Eosinophil count and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) were measured in AR patients (n=20) and HCs (n=19). Nasal EVs were identified by transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to profile microbial communities. Alpha and beta diversity were analyzed to reflect the microbial diversity. Taxonomic abundance was analyzed based on linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe). Microbial metabolic pathways were characterized using PICRUSt and KEGG analyses. Eosinophils, total serum IgE, and specific IgE to Dermatophagoides were increased in AR patients. Alpha diversity in nasal EVs from AR patients were lower than that in HCs. Beta diversity showed the microbiome differences between AR and HCs. Microbial abundance was distinct between AR and HCs at different taxonomic levels. The significant higher level of genera Acetobacter, Mycoplasma, Escherichia and Halomonas in AR patients than those in HCs. Conversely, the genera Zoogloea, Streptococcus, Burkholderia as well as Pseudomonas were more abundant in the HCs group. Moreover, 35 microbial metabolic pathways were different between AR and HCs, and 25 pathways were more abundant in AR. AR patients had distinguished microbiota characteristics in nasal EVs compared with HCs. The metabolic mechanisms of microbiota regulating AR development also altered. The nasal fluid may reflect the specific pattern of microbiome EVs in patients with AR.
Biodynamic Lighting Conditions Preserve Nocturnal Melatonin Production in Pregnant Women During Hospitalization: A Randomized Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Bagci Soyhan , Wieduwilt Astrid , Alsat Ebru Aileen , Blickwedel Jana , Strizek Brigitte , Battista Christian Di , Lachner Agnes , Plischke Herbert , Melaku Tamene , Müller Andreas
Published: December 2021

Maternal circadian rhythms are important for maintaining maternal and fetal homeostasis. The maternal circadian system coordinates the internal clock of the fetus with environmental lighting conditions via the melatonin signal. The intensity and wavelength of daylight influence nocturnal melatonin production. This study aims to evaluate the effect of environmental lighting conditions on melatonin production in pregnant women with reduced mobility during hospitalization. We installed a human-centric lighting system with biodynamic effects (BDL, biodynamic lighting) in the patient rooms. The pregnant women in the patient rooms with standard indoor conditions served as a control group. The illuminance (lux) and dose of effective circadian irradiation (Hec) were recorded every 10 seconds by light dosimeters (Lucerne University, Switzerland) attached to the patients` clothing. We analyzed the illuminance status of 47 pregnant women with a median (IQR) gestational age of 29.9 (25.4-32.3) weeks of gestation. The median illuminance in the control group was significantly lower (p<0.05) than in the BDL group in the morning and afternoon from day 1 to 5. BDL patients had a significantly higher effective circadian irradiation in the morning. The effective circadian irradiation showed a significant daily rhythm only in the BDL group. The BDL group had a significantly higher melatonin production on day 3 (p=0.006) and day 6 (p=0.012) than the control group (median (IQR) 15840 (10140-22160) ng vs. 6141 (2080-11328) ng/n on day 3 and 18780 (11320-23562) ng vs. 6380 (3500-17600) ng on day 6). We have demonstrated that dramatically altered lighting conditions of hospitalized pregnant women may be optimized by installing biodynamic lighting systems in the patient rooms resulting in the maintenance of nocturnal melatonin production in pregnant women.
Phase-locked constructing dynamic supramolecular ionic conductive elastomers with superior toughness, autonomous self-healing and recyclability
Authors: Chen Jing , Gao Yiyang , Shi Lei , Yu Wei , Sun Zongjie , Liu Shuang , Mao Heng , Zhang Dongyang , Chen Quan , Yu Demei , Ding Shujiang
Published: December 2021

Stretchable ionic conductors are considerable to be the most attractive candidate for next-generation flexible ionotronic devices. Nevertheless, high ionic conductivity, excellent mechanical properties, good self-healing capacity and recyclability are necessary but can be rarely satisfied in one material. Herein, we demonstrate a novel ionic conductor design, dynamic supramolecular ionic conductive elastomers (DSICE), via “phase-locked” strategy, wherein “locking soft phase” polyether backbone conducts lithium-ion (Li+) transport and the combination of dynamic disulfide metathesis and stronger supramolecular quadruple hydrogen bonds in the hard domains contributes to the self-healing capacity and mechanical versatility. The dual-phase design performs its own functions and the conflict among ionic conductivity, self-healing capability, and mechanical compatibility can be thus defeated. The well-designed DSICE exhibits high ionic conductivity (3.77×10−3 S m−1 at 30°C), high transparency (92.3%), superior stretchability (2615.17% elongation), strength (27.83 MPa) and toughness (164.36 MJ m−3), excellent self-healing capability (~99% at room temperature) and favorable recyclability. This work provides a new strategy for designing the advanced ionic conductors and offers promise for flexible iontronic devices or solid-state batteries.
De Novo Transcriptome Assembly for Venom Gland in Two Spe-Cies of Spiders (Sinopoda Pengi and Trichonephila Clavata)
Authors: Ding Li jun , Wu Xiu mei , Zhang Cheng gui , Gao Peng fei , Zhang Yan , Zhao Yu , Yang Zi zhong
Published: December 2021

Natural molecules from spider venom are considered potential drugs for diseases including cancer and pain, as well as the development of new biological insecticides for agricultural use. During coevolution in the long-term predator-prey game, spiders have formed a huge molecular diversity of toxins. As of March 1 of 2021, a total of 49,243 spider species had been described, but studies of venom have been performed in only a few hundred of these species due to the difficulty of collecting venom. Two technologies have helped partially dealing with this limitation in the recent past: the screening of cDNA libraries constructed from venom gland mRNAs and the heterologous expression of the coded peptides for functional characterization. In this study, transcriptomic analysis was performed to describe the predicted toxins of Sinopoda pengi (hereafter S. pengi) and Trichonephila clavata (hereafter T. clavata). The Trinity assembly result in 163,418 transcripts, 114,127 unigene of S. pengi and 125,099 transcripts, 87,084 unigene of T. clavata. A total of 22 and 24 unigenes were identified which were predicted to inhibitor cysteine knot (ICK) toxins from S. pengi and T. clavata, respectively. In summary, molecular templates with potential application value in medical and biological fields were obtained by classifying and characterizing presumed venom components, which lays a foundation for the further study of venom.
Effects of Drought Stress During Critical Periods on Photosynthesis Characteristics and Production Performance of Naked Oat (Avena Nuda. L)
Authors: Zhang Xinjun , Liu Wenting , Lv Yaci , Li Tianliang , Tang Jianzhao , Yang Xiaohong , Bai Jing , Jin Xin , Zhou Haitao
Published: December 2021

Revealing the effects of drought stress during the critical period on the photosynthetic characteristics and production performance of naked oats could provide theoretical basis for optimizing the water managements and selecting the drought resistance cultivars. In this study, a potted experiment consisting of four water levels was conducted, to investigate the response of photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, biomass, yield and yield components of to drought stress during 12-15 days before heading at a typical site in Zhangjiakou. Results showed that the initial chlorophyll fluorescence rate (Fo) increased by 9.03-50.92% under drought stress, while the maximum fluorescence rate (Fm) and photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) decreased by 8.49-19.73% and 10.37-24.12%. Moreover drought stress decreased the photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (Gs). The CO2 concentration (Ci) decreased under light drought stress, while increased under moderate and severe drought stress. Drought stress during critical periods also had significant impacts on oat yield and yield components. Oat yields decreased by 9.5-12.7%, 16.8-27.0% and 44.1-47.7% under light, moderate and sever drought stress, respectively. The yield components such as grains per spike, 1000-grain weight were decreased by 1.7-12.5%, 8.3-24.3%, 32.7-34.2% and 5.7-8.6%, 12.7-14.5%, 16.8-19.1% under light, moderate and severe drought stress, respectively. But the Spike numbers were not signifigantly different between different treatments. Our study explored the impacts of drought stress on the photosynthetic characteristics and production performance of naked oats, which had significance for enhancing the production efficiency for oat under drought stress.
Measurement For Gap Balancing Technique In Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Large Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Xuequan Zhao , Bin Zhao , Shuzhang Yao , Kanduo Cao , Chongxi Ren
Published: December 2021

Background: Many traditional methods are available to prevent unbalance of extension and flexion gap during total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but there are no reports on the use of measurement and positioning method before tibial osteotomy with self-made tools.We designed a self-made tool measuring the location before tibial osteotomy and determined the clinical effect.Methods: The retrospective study included patients who received TKA at our hospital, between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2015. A new method, named as the measurement and localization before osteotomy with self-made tools, was developed to measure the osteotomy position of the posterior femoral condyle during TKA. They were divided into two groups, one that received the new method (GroupⅠ), and the other that received the traditional method as a control (GroupⅡ). HSS score, Oxford score, VAS score and knee joint activity were evaluated in two groups.Results: One hundred and eighty-seven of 210 eligible patients were included. The function of knee joint in all patients was improved and the pain was obviously relieved. Significant differences were found in the HSS score, Oxford score, VAS score, knee joint activity between two groups at 5-year follow-up (p<0.05).Conclusions: The biomet knee prosthesis was selected for all intraoperative implants. All operations were completed by the same senior surgeon.The use of self-made tools may contribute to improve the balance between flexion and extension gaps as well as the balance between internal and external gaps during TKA, and overcome knee flexion instability.
Efficient Plant Regeneration System for New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens Hawkeri W. Bull) CV. ‘Violet’and ‘Scarlet Bronze Leaf’
Authors: Zhang Di , Wei Jie , Zhou Min , Li Yang , Li Xin Yi , Wen Yong Hui , Huang Mei Juan , Huang Hai Quan
Published: December 2021

New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri W. Bull) is an eye-popping landscaping plant which is of bright and colorful blooms. A highly efficient in vitro plant regeneration system through direct shoot organogenesis was established for the first time from hypocotyl with partial cotyledons of New Guinea Impatiens. The results showed that Explant sterilization method, basic medium type,AgNO3,sucrose and plant growth regulators (PGRs) have greatly influences on in vitro morphogenesis.The regeneration rate in regeneration media that MS supplemented with 0.5mg·L−1 TDZ and 0.1mg·L−1 NAA was acceptable ,the induction rate of 'Violet' was 86.67%, and its proliferation coefficient was 5.27, while the induction rate of 'Scarlet Bronze Leaf' was 83.33%, and its proliferation coefficient was 5.13.PIC was unable to induce clumped sprouts, but it had a better effect on callus induction.We also included a shoot multiplication stage using regeneration New Guinea Impatiens medium that MS supplemented with 0.8mg·L−1 6-BA,0.5mg·L−1 TDZ and 0.05mg ·L−1 NAA.Reducing sucrose concentration to 20g·L−1 or adding 1mg·L−1AgNO3 could alleviate the vitrification phenomenon in the process of tufted bud proliferation.The optimal root culture medium for the regenerated seedlings of 'violet' and 'scarlet bronze leaf' of New Guinea Impatiens was MS supplemented with 0.05mg·L−1IBA, the rooting rate reached 100%.The study examined the micropropagation responses of New Guinea Impatiens in the presence of various growth regulators and provided a simple and more suitable protocol adapted for the mass propagation of clones.