bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgery for T4 Colorectal Cancer in Older Patients: Determinants of Outcomes
Authors: Osseis Michael , Nehmeh William A , Rassy Nathalie , Derienne Joseph , Noun Roger , Salloum Chady , Rassy Elie , Boussios Stergios , Azoulay Daniel
Published: September 2022

Background: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of older and younger patients with T4 colorectal cancer (CRC) treated with surgery. Methods: Consecutive patients with T4 CRC treated surgically at Henri Mondor Hospital between 2008 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed in age subgroups (1) 50–69 years and (2) ≥70 years for overall and relative survival. The multivariable analyses were adjusted for adjusted for age, margin status, lymph node involvement, CEA level, postoperative complications (POC), synchronous metastases, and type of surgery. Results: Of 106 patients with T4 CRC, 57 patients (53.8%) were 70 years or older. The baseline characteristics were generally balanced between the two age groups. Older patients underwent adjuvant therapy less commonly (42.9 vs. 57.1%; p = 0.006) and had a longer delay between surgery and chemotherapy (median 40 vs. 34 days; p < 0.001). A higher trend for POC was reported among the older patients but did not impact the survival outcomes. After adjusting for confounding factors, the overall survival was shorter among the older patients (HR = 3.322, 95% CI 1.49–7.39), but relative survival was not statistically correlated to the age group (HR = 0.873, 95% CI 0.383–1.992). Conclusions: Older patients with CRC were more prone to severe POC, but age did not impact the relative survival of patients with T4 colorectal cancer. Older patients should not be denied surgery based on age alone.
Management of Inadvertent Arterial Catheterization during Central Venous Catheter Placement: A Case Series
Authors: Papastratigakis Georgios , Marouli Diamantina , Proklou Athanasia , Nasis Nikolaos , Kondili Eumorfia , Kehagias Elias
Published: September 2022

Percutaneous central venous catheterization, although a widely used technique in ICU patients worldwide, is not devoid of complications even under real-time ultrasound guidance. Arterial puncture is a well-recognized complication, while unintended subclavian or carotid artery cannulations during attempted central venous catheterization are infrequent, but documented complications with potentially deleterious consequences. Recently, endovascular balloon tamponade has emerged as the preferred initial approach to repair inadvertent arterial cannulations. Herein, we present a case series of inadvertent arterial catheterization during an attempted ultrasound-guided access of the right internal jugular and the left subclavian vein that were successfully managed with endovascular balloon tamponade.
Hyaluronic Acid as an Adjunct to Coronally Advanced Flap Procedures for Gingival Recessions: A Systematic Review and Meta—Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Rojas Mariana A. , Marini Lorenzo , Sahrmann Philipp , Pilloni Andrea
Published: September 2022

Previous systematic reviews have reported that coronally advanced flap (CAF) + connective tissue graft (CTG) are the gold standard in root coverage procedures (RCP). Nevertheless, adjunctive treatment with hyaluronic acid (HA) has been proposed to aim at improving clinical outcomes and reducing patient morbidity. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the use of HA as an adjunctive treatment to CAF procedures in Miller class I and II (recession type 1; RT1) gingival recession (GR) defects treatment with no adjunctive/other treatments. MEDLINE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Scopus databases and gray literature were searched up to April 2022. The primary outcome variables were mean recession coverage (MRC) and reduction of the recession depth (RecRed). Weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals between treatments were estimated using a random-effect mode. From 264 titles identified, 3 RCTs reporting 90 GR defects in 60 patients were included. Overall analysis of MRC and RecRed were 0.27% (p = 0.01) and 0.40 mm (p = 0.45) in favor of CAF + HA compared to CAF alone/CAF + subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG), respectively, with a statistically significant difference only for MRC values. Nevertheless, due to the limited number and heterogeneity of the included studies, well-performed RCTs are needed to clarify a potential advantage of HA in RCPs in the future.
Direct and Indirect Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Amazon’s Financial Situation
Authors: Qin Zixuan , Hassan Abeer , Adhikariparajuli Mahalaxmi
Published: September 2022

We provide theoretical and empirical insights into the impact of COVID-19 on Amazon’s financial position. A longitudinal case study of Amazon’s financial situation during the 2016–2020 period, and time-series analysis, ratio analysis, and DuPont analysis, are employed as a quantitative methodology to explore Amazon’s financial situation changes before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. As for the robustness of the in-depth analysis, we compare Amazon’s financial performance and position with Walmart. The result shows that the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a huge negative impact on the companies’ financial performance because of its promotion of their development. However, this study provides an in-depth analysis of the influence of COVID-19 on Amazon’s financial situation, which financial aspects are most affected by COVID-19, which are not, and the company’s response to COVID-19. Therefore, this study sheds light on the accounting literature to demonstrate the impact of COVID-19 on Internet companies’ financial performance and provides some reference values for subsequent academic research.
Effect of Structural Economic Vulnerability on the Participation in International Trade
Authors: Gnangnon Sena Kimm
Published: September 2022

This paper investigates the effect of countries’ structural economic vulnerability (EVI) on their participation in international trade using an unbalanced panel dataset of 118 countries from 1996 to 2018 and the two-step system generalized method of moments estimator. It has revealed several findings. Higher EVI leads to lower participation in international trade, and this negative effect is more pronounced in countries that face higher trade costs. This is particularly the case for landlocked developing countries and the least developed countries. Development aid contributes to dampening the negative effect of EVI on countries’ participation in international trade. Moreover, this negative impact may turn out to be positive for high amounts of development aid. The policy implications of this analysis have been discussed.
Kiukainen Culture Site Locations—Reflections from the Coastal Lifestyle at the End of the Stone Age
Authors: Soisalo Janne , Roiha Johanna
Published: September 2022

The Kiukainen culture constitutes a poorly known phase at the end of the Stone Age in Finland, approximately 2500–1800 cal. BC. It is best known for its pottery, and most of the finds are from the coastal area of the Baltic Sea between Helsinki and Ostrobothnia. Previous research on the culture was done several decades ago, so this study aims to define the geographical distribution of the sites known thus far and discuss the landscape around the settlement sites. Creating an overall view of the culture and lifestyle of the people is also an important part of the study. First, it focuses on different collections of Kiukainen pottery and then maps the location of all the sites where pottery has been found. For the landscape visualizations, three different areas were chosen for closer evaluation. Elevation models were, then, used to visualize the Stone Age coastal landscape. Altogether, we identified 99 settlement sites with a confirmed connection to Kiukainen culture. One common feature of the locations is a connection to the sea. The sites are located in various types of environments, but they all have easy access to seafaring and good landing possibilities from the sea.
Remote Sensing-Based Prediction of Temporal Changes in Land Surface Temperature and Land Use-Land Cover (LULC) in Urban Environments
Authors: Ramzan Mohsin , Saqib Zulfiqar Ahmad , Hussain Ejaz , Khan Junaid Aziz , Nazir Abid , Dasti Muhammad Yousif Sardar , Ali Saqib , Niazi Nabeel Khan
Published: September 2022

Pakistan has the highest rate of urbanization in South Asia. The climate change effects felt all over the world have become a priority for regulation agencies and governments at global and regional scales with respect assessing and mitigating the rising temperatures in urban areas. This study investigated the temporal variability in urban microclimate in terms of land surface temperature (LST) and its correlation with land use-land cover (LULC) change in Lahore city for prediction of future impact patterns of LST and LULC. The LST variability was determined using the Landsat Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) and the land surface emissivity factor. The influence of LULC, using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), the normalized difference building index (NDBI), and the normalized difference bareness index (NDBaI) on the variability LST was investigated applying Landsat Satellite data from 1992 to 2020. The pixel-level multivariate linear regression analysis was employed to compute urban LST and influence of LULC classes. Results revealed that an overall increase of 41.8% in built-up areas at the expense of 24%, 17.4%, and 0.4% decreases in vegetation, bare land, and water from 1992–2020, respectively. Comparison of LST obtained from the meteorological station and satellite images showed a significant coherence. An increase of 4.3 °C in temperature of built-up areas from 1992–2020 was observed. Based on LULC and LST trends, the same were predicted for 2025 and 2030, which revealed that LST may further increase up to 1.3 °C by 2030. These changes in LULC and LST in turn have detrimental effects on local as well as global climate, emphasizing the need to address the issue especially in developing countries like Pakistan.
Evaluation of the Antihyperglycemic and Antihyperlipidemic Activity of Saussurea hypoleuca Root in Alloxan-Induced Diabetes in Rat Model and Correlation to Its Major Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Arshad Numera , Ishtiaq Saiqa , Kamran Sairah Hafeez , Rehman Muhammad Sajid-ur , Akbar Shehla , Rehman Saira , Rehman Sarah , Hareeri Rawan H. , Fadil Sana A. , Youssef Fadia S. , Elhady Sameh S.
Published: September 2022

Saussurea hypoleuca belongs to the family Asteraceae, which has previously shown hepatoprotective, anticancer, and antioxidant activity. This study aimed to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activity of its root methanol extract and various fractions for the first time. This was performed using alloxan-induced diabetes in the rat model for both short, and long-term periods using different administration doses. Different biochemical parameters were studied and further consolidated by histopathological examination and in silico molecular modeling. The results showed that in the long-term study, at a dose of 400 mg/kg b.wt, the ethyl acetate fraction caused a pronounced reduction in fasting blood glucose level (FBG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 77.2% and 36.8%, respectively, compared to the diabetic group. This was confirmed by the histopathological examination of the animals’ pancreatic sections. The ethyl acetate fraction also showed a reduction in total cholesterol (TC), total glycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. It improved kidney and liver functions, causing a reduction in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), urea, and creatinine levels. This is mainly attributed to its richness in secondary metabolites. Molecular docking showed that all the tested compounds showed certain inhibitory potential towards human α-glucosidase (HAG) and ATP citrate lyase (ACL). Thus, Saussurea hypoleuca roots can help in the management of hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hepatic and kidney dysfunction.
Study on Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Potential of Bulgarian Rosa damascena Mill. and Rosa alba L. Hydrosols—In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Gerasimova Tsvetelina , Jovtchev Gabriele , Gateva Svetla , Topashka-Ancheva Margarita , Stankov Alexander , Angelova Tsveta , Dobreva Ana , Mileva Milka
Published: September 2022

The Rosa alba L. and Rosa damascena Mill. growing in Bulgaria are known for their extremely fine essential oil and valuable hydrosols. Irrespectively of its wide use in human life, little research exists on the cytotoxic and genotoxic activity of the hydrosols. This set our goal to conduct cytogenetic analyses to study these effects. A complex of classical cytogenetic methods was applied in three types of experimental test systems—higher plant in vivo, ICR mice in vivo, and human lymphocytes in vitro. Mitotic index, PCE/(PCE + NCE) ratio, and nuclear division index were used as endpoints for cytotoxicity and for genotoxicity—induction of chromosome aberrations and micronuclei. Rose hydrosol treatments range in concentrations from 6% to 20%. It was obtained that both hydrosols did not show considerable cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. These effects depend on the type of the tested rose hydrosols, the concentrations applied in the experiments, and the sensitivity and specificity of the test systems used. Human lymphocytes in vitro were the most sensitive to hydrosols, followed by higher plant and animal cells. Chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus assays suggested that R. damascena and R. alba hydrosols at applied concentrations possess low genotoxic risk. Due to the overall low values in terms of cytotoxic and/or genotoxic effects in all test systems, hydrosols are promising for further use in various areas of human life.
Recent Advances in the Study of Gas Vesicle Proteins and Application of Gas Vesicles in Biomedical Research
Authors: Pfeifer Felicitas
Published: September 2022

The formation of gas vesicles has been investigated in bacteria and haloarchaea for more than 50 years. These air-filled nanostructures allow cells to stay at a certain height optimal for growth in their watery environment. Several gvp genes are involved and have been studied in Halobacterium salinarum, cyanobacteria, Bacillus megaterium, and Serratia sp. ATCC39006 in more detail. GvpA and GvpC form the gas vesicle shell, and additional Gvp are required as minor structural proteins, chaperones, an ATP-hydrolyzing enzyme, or as gene regulators. We analyzed the Gvp proteins of Hbt. salinarum with respect to their protein–protein interactions, and developed a model for the formation of these nanostructures. Gas vesicles are also used in biomedical research. Since they scatter waves and produce ultrasound contrast, they could serve as novel contrast agent for ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. Additionally, gas vesicles were engineered as acoustic biosensors to determine enzyme activities in cells. These applications are based on modifications of the surface protein GvpC that alter the mechanical properties of the gas vesicles. In addition, gas vesicles have been decorated with GvpC proteins fused to peptides of bacterial or viral pathogens and are used as tools for vaccine development.
Identification of Suitable Drug Combinations for Treating COVID-19 Using a Novel Machine Learning Approach: The RAIN Method
Authors: Kiaei Aliakbar , Salari Nader , Boush Mahnaz , Mansouri Kamran , Hosseinian-Far Amin , Ghasemi Hooman , Mohammadi Masoud
Published: September 2022

COVID-19 affects several human genes, each with its own p-value. The combination of drugs associated with these genes with small p-values may lead to an estimation of the combined p-value between COVID-19 and some drug combinations, thereby increasing the effectiveness of these combinations in defeating the disease. Based on human genes, we introduced a new machine learning method that offers an effective drug combination with low combined p-values between them and COVID-19. This study follows an improved approach to systematic reviews, called the Systematic Review and Artificial Intelligence Network Meta-Analysis (RAIN), registered within PROSPERO (CRD42021256797), in which, the PRISMA criterion is still considered. Drugs used in the treatment of COVID-19 were searched in the databases of ScienceDirect, Web of Science (WoS), ProQuest, Embase, Medline (PubMed), and Scopus. In addition, using artificial intelligence and the measurement of the p-value between human genes affected by COVID-19 and drugs that have been suggested by clinical experts, and reported within the identified research papers, suitable drug combinations are proposed for the treatment of COVID-19. During the systematic review process, 39 studies were selected. Our analysis shows that most of the reported drugs, such as azithromycin and hydroxyl-chloroquine on their own, do not have much of an effect on the recovery of COVID-19 patients. Based on the result of the new artificial intelligence, on the other hand, at a significance level of less than 0.05, the combination of the two drugs therapeutic corticosteroid + camostat with a significance level of 0.02, remdesivir + azithromycin with a significance level of 0.03, and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist protein + camostat with a significance level 0.02 are considered far more effective for the treatment of COVID-19 and are therefore recommended. Additionally, at a significance level of less than 0.01, the combination of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist protein + camostat + azithromycin + tocilizumab + oseltamivir with a significance level of 0.006, and the combination of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist protein + camostat + chloroquine + favipiravir + tocilizumab7 with corticosteroid + camostat + oseltamivir + remdesivir + tocilizumab at a significant level of 0.009 are effective in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 and are also recommended. The results of this study provide sets of effective drug combinations for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. In addition, the new artificial intelligence used in the RAIN method could provide a forward-looking approach to clinical trial studies, which could also be used effectively in the treatment of diseases such as cancer.
Effects of Secretoneurin and Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist on the Spawning of Captive Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili)
Authors: Yanlong Song , Yinjun Jiang , Ji Chen , Binbin Tao , Wen Xu , Yang Huang , Guangli Li , Zhu Chunhua , Wei Hu
Published: September 2022

The greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili), a pelagic marine species with a global distribution, has considerable worldwide potential as an aquaculture species. However, difficulties have been encountered in inducing spontaneous spawning in cultured fish stocks. In this study, we analysed the key regulatory factors, secretoneurin (SN) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), in greater amberjack. Active peptides of SN and GnRH, SdSNa, and SdGnRH, respectively, were obtained by comparative analysis of homologous proteins from different species. Amino acid substitutions of the SdGnRH decapeptide at position 6 with a dextrorotatory (D) amino acid and at position 10 with an ethylamide group yielded a super-active agonist (SdGnRHa). The injection of SdSNa and SdGnRHa elevated luteinizing hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and oxytocin levels in the sera of sexually mature fish, whereas it reduced the level of follicle-stimulating hormone. Furthermore, in response to the SdSNa and SdGnRHa injections, we detected an increase in the expression of genes associated with oocyte development and spermatogenesis. We established that the greater amberjack cultured along the southern coast of China reached sexual maturity at three years of age, and its reproductive season extended from February to April. Spawning of the cultured greater amberjack was successfully induced with a single injection of SdGnRHa/SdSN/DOM/HCG. Our findings indicate that similar to GnRHa, SNa is a potential stimulator of reproduction that can be used to artificially induce spawning in marine fish.
Reprocessed Materials Used in Rotationally Moulded Sandwich Structures for Enhancing Environmental Sustainability: Low-Velocity Impact and Flexure-after-Impact Responses
Authors: Saifullah Abu , Radhakrishnan Pappu , Wang Lei , Saeed Burhan , Sarker Forkan , Dhakal Hom N.
Published: September 2022

In the rotational moulding industry, non-used, scrap, and waste purge materials have tremendous potential to be reprocessed and applied in skin-foam-skin sandwich structures to replace and reduce the use of virgin polymers. This approach not only encourages the re-use of these waste materials but also significantly contributes to reduce environmental impacts associated with the use of virgin polymers in this sector. The demand of rotationally moulded sandwich structures is rapidly increasing in automotive, marine, and storage tanks, where investigating their impact and after-impact responses are crucial. Hence, this study investigated the low-velocity impact (LVI) and flexure-after-impact (FAI) responses of rotationally moulded sandwich structures manufactured using reprocessed materials. Results obtained from LVI induced damage at two different incident energy levels (15 J, 30 J), and the residual flexural strength of impacted structures evaluated by three-points bending tests were compared with non-reprocessed sandwich structures (virgin materials). The impact damage progression mechanism was characterized using the X-ray micro-computer-tomography technique. Reprocessed sandwiches demonstrated 91% and 66% post-impact residual strength at 15 J and 30 J respectively, while for non-reprocessed sandwiches, these values were calculated as 93% and 88%. Although reprocessed sandwich structures showed a lower performance over non-reprocessed sandwiches, they have a strong potential to be used in sandwich structures for various applications.
Human Factor Analysis of the Railway Traffic Operators
Authors: Janota Aleš , Pirník Rastislav , Ždánsky Juraj , Nagy Peter
Published: September 2022

The human factor is an essential aspect of the operability and safety of many technical systems. This paper focuses on the analysis of human errors in the railway domain. The subject of human reliability analysis is the behavior of operators of station-signaling systems responsible for rail traffic management. We use a technique for human-error rate prediction as the 1st generation human reliability analysis to deal with task analyses, error identification and representation, and the quantification of human error probabilities. The paper contributes to the comparison of three technologically different railway traffic control systems, having different degrees of automation—from the manually operated (electro-mechanical), through semi-automated (relay-based) to almost fully automated (computer-based) station-signaling systems. We observe the frequency of individual operations performed in time intervals and calculate human error probability and human success probability values for each operation. Thus, we can analyze human reliability and compare the workload of operators working with control systems of different degrees of automation.
Signal Processing of Acoustic Data for Condition Monitoring of an Aircraft Ignition System
Authors: Ahmed Umair , Ali Fakhre , Jennions Ian
Published: September 2022

Degradation of the ignition system can result in startup failure in an aircraft’s auxiliary power unit. In this paper, a novel acoustics-based solution that can enable condition monitoring of an APU ignition system was proposed. In order to support the implementation of this research study, the experimental data set from Cranfield University’s Boeing 737-400 aircraft was utilized. The overall execution of the approach comprised background noise suppression, estimation of the spark repetition frequency and its fluctuation, spark event segmentation, and feature extraction, in order to monitor the state of the ignition system. The methodology successfully demonstrated the usefulness of the approach in terms of detecting inconsistencies in the behavior of the ignition exciter, as well as detecting trends in the degradation of spark acoustic characteristics. The identified features proved to be robust against non-stationary background noise, and were also found to be independent of the acoustic path between the igniter and microphone locations, qualifying an acoustics-based approach to be practically viable.
Weak Inflationary BL-Algebras and Filters of Inflationary (Pseudo) General Residuated Lattices
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , Liang Rong , Bedregal Benjamín
Published: September 2022

After the research on naBL-algebras gained by the non-associative t-norms and overlap functions, inflationary BL-algebras were also studied as a recent kind of non-associative generalization of BL-algebras, which can be obtained by general overlap functions. In this paper, we show that not every inflationary general overlap function can induce an inflationary BL-algebra by a counterexample and thus propose the new concept of weak inflationary BL-algebras. We prove that each inflationary general overlap function corresponds to a weak inflationary BL-algebra; therefore, two mistaken results in the previous paper are revised. In addition, some properties satisfied by weak inflationary BL-algebras are discussed, and the relationships among some non-classical logic algebras are analyzed. Finally, we establish the theory of filters and quotient algebras of inflationary general residuated lattice (IGRL) and inflationary pseudo-general residuated lattice (IPGRL), and characterize the properties of some kinds of IGRLs and IPGRLs by naBL-filters, (weak) inflationary BL-filters, and weak inflationary pseudo-BL-filters.
Analytical, Numerical and Big-Data-Based Methods in Deep Rock Mechanics
Authors: Wang Shaofeng , Cai Xin , Zhou Jian , Song Zhengyang , Li Xiaofeng
Published: September 2022

With the increasing requirements for energy, resources and space, numerous rock engineering projects (e [...]
The Mathematical Model of Cyclic Signals in Dynamic Systems as a Cyclically Correlated Random Process
Authors: Lupenko Serhii
Published: September 2022

This work is devoted to the procedure for constructing of a cyclically correlated random process of a continuous argument as a mathematical model of cyclic signals in dynamic systems, which makes it possible to consistently describe cyclic stochastic signals, both with regular and irregular rhythms, not separating them, but complementing them within the framework of a single integrated model. The class of cyclically correlated random processes includes the subclass of cyclostationary (periodically) correlated random processes, which enable the use of a set of powerful methods of analysis and the forecasting of cyclic signals with a stable rhythm. Mathematical structures that model the cyclic, phase and rhythmic structures of a cyclically correlated random process are presented. The sufficient and necessary conditions that the structural function and the rhythm function of the cyclically correlated random process must satisfy have been established. The advantages of the cyclically correlated random process in comparison with other mathematical models of cyclic signals with a variable rhythm are given. The obtained results contribute to the emergence of a more complete and rigorous theory of this class of random processes and increase the validity of the methods of their analysis and computer simulation.
Marine Alga Ulva fasciata-Derived Molecules for the Potential Treatment of SARS-CoV-2: An In Silico Approach
Authors: Kalasariya Haresh S. , Patel Nikunj B. , Gacem Amel , Alsufyani Taghreed , Reece Lisa M. , Yadav Virendra Kumar , Awwad Nasser S. , Ibrahium Hala A. , Ahn Yongtae , Yadav Krishna Kumar , Jeon Byong-Hun
Published: September 2022

SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic. This in silico study aimed to elucidate therapeutic efficacies against SARS-CoV-2 of phyco-compounds from the seaweed, Ulva fasciata. Twelve phyco-compounds were isolated and toxicity was analyzed by VEGA QSAR. Five compounds were found to be nonmutagenic, noncarcinogenic and nontoxic. Moreover, antiviral activity was evaluated by PASS. Binding affinities of five of these therapeutic compounds were predicted to possess probable biological activity. Fifteen SARS-CoV-2 target proteins were analyzed by the AutoDock Vina program for molecular docking binding energy analysis and the 6Y84 protein was determined to possess optimal binding affinities. The Desmond program from Schrödinger’s suite was used to study high performance molecular dynamic simulation properties for 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol—6Y84 for better drug evaluation. The ligand with 6Y84 had stronger binding affinities (−5.9 kcal/mol) over two standard drugs, Chloroquine (−5.6 kcal/mol) and Interferon α-2b (−3.8 kcal/mol). Swiss ADME calculated physicochemical/lipophilicity/water solubility/pharmacokinetic properties for 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, showing that this therapeutic agent may be effective against SARS-CoV-2.
Electrochemical Noise Analysis of the X70 Pipeline Steel under Stress Conditions Using Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Electrode Systems
Authors: Carmona-Hernández Andres , Orozco-Cruz Ricardo , Carpio-Santamaria Franco Antonio , Campechano-Lira Clarisa , López-Huerta Francisco , Mejía-Sánchez Edgar , Contreras Antonio , Galván-Martínez Ricardo
Published: September 2022

In this work, electrochemical monitoring of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of a X70 steel in acidic synthetic soil solution during the slow strain rate test (SSRT) was performed by electrochemical noise (EN) using the conventional arrangement of symmetrical electrodes and electrochemical emission spectroscopy (EES) using the asymmetrical arrangement replacing the second working electrode for a platinum micro-cathode. The statistical method, fast Fourier transform, and discrete wavelet transform were used for analyzing the potential and current signals recorded by both arrangements. The results showed that EN arrangement was more effective to detect the crack initiation at a point close to yield strength despite stress-induced asymmetry in one of the electrodes. For the EES arrangement, the micro-cathode had a strong influence on the electrochemical noise of the current and potential under stress conditions. From the transient features, statistical parameters, and wavelet analysis, a discontinuous transgranular SCC mechanism was found. The resistance values obtained by EN measurements had better correlation with the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results (EIS) than EES measurements.
Improvement of the Fatigue Resistance of Super Duplex Stainless-Steel (SDSS) Components Fabricated by Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)
Authors: Sales Andrew , Kotousov Andrei , Perilli Egon , Yin Ling
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to improve the overall fatigue properties of WAAM-produced SDSS by changing the interpass temperatures. Micro-computed tomography was used to quantitatively characterise the internal defects, such as porosity, in large-volume WAAM-fabricated SDSS materials. An increase in the interpass temperature led to a reduction in the ferrite phase balance by up to 20%. The fatigue anisotropy was still evident, but the fatigue limit in the weakest (transverse) direction was increased to 250 MPa or by approximately 40%. Meanwhile, the increased interpass temperature had no significant effect on fatigue resistance in the longitudinal direction. This study suggests that the interpass temperature can be critical for both achieving isotropic mechanical properties and increasing fatigue life of structural components fabricated with the WAAM method.
Impaired Neurovascular Function Underlies Poor Neurocognitive Outcomes and Is Associated with Nitric Oxide Bioavailability in Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Schmithorst Vanessa J. , Adams Phillip S. , Badaly Daryaneh , Lee Vincent K. , Wallace Julia , Beluk Nancy , Votava-Smith Jodie K. , Weinberg Jacqueline G. , Beers Sue R. , Detterich Jon , Wood John C. , Lo Cecilia W. , Panigrahy Ashok
Published: September 2022

We use a non-invasive MRI proxy of neurovascular function (pnvf) to assess the ability of the vasculature to supply baseline metabolic demand, to compare pediatric and young adult congenital heart disease (CHD) patients to normal referents and relate the proxy to neurocognitive outcomes and nitric oxide bioavailability. In a prospective single-center study, resting-state blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) and arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI scans were successfully obtained from 24 CHD patients (age = 15.4 ± 4.06 years) and 63 normal referents (age = 14.1 ± 3.49) years. Pnvf was computed on a voxelwise basis as the negative of the ratio of functional connectivity strength (FCS) estimated from the resting-state BOLD acquisition to regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) as estimated from the ASL acquisition. Pnvf was used to predict end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2) levels and compared to those estimated from the BOLD data. Nitric oxide availability was obtained via nasal measurements (nNO). Pnvf was compared on a voxelwise basis between CHD patients and normal referents and correlated with nitric oxide availability and neurocognitive outcomes as assessed via the NIH Toolbox. Pnvf was shown as highly predictive of PETCO2 using theoretical modeling. Pnvf was found to be significantly reduced in CHD patients in default mode network (DMN, comprising the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and posterior cingulate/precuneus), salience network (SN, comprising the insula and dorsal anterior cingulate), and central executive network (CEN, comprising posterior parietal and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) regions with similar findings noted in single cardiac ventricle patients. Positive correlations of Pnvf in these brain regions, as well as the hippocampus, were found with neurocognitive outcomes. Similarly, positive correlations between Pnvf and nitric oxide availability were found in frontal DMN and CEN regions, with particularly strong correlations in subcortical regions (putamen). Reduced Pnvf in CHD patients was found to be mediated by nNO. Mediation analyses further supported that reduced Pnvf in these regions underlies worse neurocognitive outcome in CHD patients and is associated with nitric oxide bioavailability. Impaired neuro-vascular function, which may be non-invasively estimated via combined arterial-spin label and BOLD MR imaging, is a nitric oxide bioavailability dependent factor implicated in adverse neurocognitive outcomes in pediatric and young adult CHD.
Vertical Gate-All-Around Device Architecture to Improve the Device Performance for Sub-5-nm Technology
Authors: Noh Changwoo , Han Changwoo , Won Sang Min , Shin Changhwan
Published: September 2022

In this work, we propose a vertical gate-all-around device architecture (GAA-FinFET) with the aim of simultaneously improving device performance as well as addressing the short channel effect (SCE). The GAA-FinFET was built using the technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulation tool, and then, its electrical characteristics were quantitatively evaluated. The electrical characteristics of the GAA-FinFET were compared to those of conventional FinFET and nano-sheet FET (NSFET) at 7 nm or 5 nm nodes. When comparing the GAA-FinFET against the FinFET, it achieved not only better SCE characteristics, but also higher on-state drive current due to its gate-all-around device structure. This helps to improve the ratio of effective drive current to off-state leakage current (i.e., Ieff/Ioff) by ~30%, resulting in an improvement in DC device performance by ~10%. When comparing the GAA-FinFET against the NSFET, it exhibited SCE characteristics that were comparable or superior thanks to its improved sub-channel leakage suppression. It turned out that the proposed GAA-FinFET (compared to conventional FinFET at the 7 nm or 5 nm nodes, or even beyond) is an attractive option for improving device performance in terms of SCE and series resistance. Furthermore, it is expected that the device structure of GAA-FinFET is very similar to that of conventional FinFET, resulting in further improvement to its electrical characteristics as a result of its gate-all-around device structure without significant modification with respect to the processing steps for conventional FinFET.
Developing a Real-Time Working Method That Improves Process Efficiency in High-Power Fiber Laser Systems
Authors: Yalçın Uğur , Karanfil Uğur
Published: September 2022

The need for studies on new simulation and monitoring methods for interactions occurring during material processing in high-power fiber laser systems has increased. In this manuscript, a structure that can intervene in real time and improved solutions that demonstrate the potential of photodiode-based monitoring are presented. By processing the signals instantly received during material processing with InGaAs and Si photodiodes integrated into the cutting head in algorithms, the method that intervenes in the process by detecting the last stage of the piercing process and the problems that may occur during cutting are explained. The stability of the proposed system has been tested on the most used materials in the industry such as St37, stainless steel, and aluminum at laser powers of 6, 8, and 10 kW, respectively. In this article, it is shown that there is a relationship between the signals observed in the infrared (IR) and visible (VIS) spectrum and the characteristics of the cut quality and scenario. Analysis results of photo-diode tracking signals obtained according to material, power, and gas type are presented. Among the innovations added by the method are related application process improvements, material analysis, and cutting and piercing parameter improvements.
Interaction of Shock Waves with Water Saturated by Nonreacting or Reacting Gas Bubbles
Authors: Frolov Sergey M. , Avdeev Konstantin A. , Aksenov Viktor S. , Sadykov Illias A. , Shamshin Igor O. , Frolov Fedor S.
Published: September 2022

A compressible medium represented by pure water saturated by small nonreactive or reactive gas bubbles can be used for generating a propulsive force in large-, medium-, and small-scale thrusters referred to as a pulsed detonation hydroramjet (PDH), which is a novel device for underwater propulsion. The PDH thrust is produced due to the acceleration of bubbly water (BW) in a water guide by periodic shock waves (SWs) and product gas jets generated by pulsed detonations of a fuel–oxidizer mixture. Theoretically, the PDH thrust is proportional to the operation frequency, which depends on both the SW velocity in BW and pulsed detonation frequency. The studies reported in this manuscript were aimed at exploring two possible directions of the improvement of thruster performances, namely, (1) the replacement of chemically nonreacting gas bubbles by chemically reactive ones, and (2) the increase in the pulsed detonation frequency from tens of hertz to some kilohertz. To better understand the SW-to-BW momentum transfer, the interaction of a single SW and a high-frequency (≈7 kHz) sequence of three SWs with chemically inert or active BW containing bubbles of air or stoichiometric acetylene–oxygen mixture was studied experimentally. Single SWs and SW packages were generated by burning or detonating a gaseous stoichiometric acetylene–oxygen or propane–oxygen mixture and transmitting the arising SWs to BW. The initial volume fraction of gas in BW was varied from 2% to 16% with gas bubbles 1.5–4 mm in diameter. The propagation velocity of SWs in BW ranged from 40 to 580 m/s. In experiments with single SWs in chemically active BW, a detonation-like mode of reaction front propagation (“bubbly quasidetonation”) was realized. This mode consisted of a SW followed by the front of bubble explosions and was characterized by a considerably higher propagation velocity as compared to the chemically inert BW. The latter could allow increasing the PDH operation frequency and thrust. Experiments with high-frequency SW packages showed that on the one hand, the individual SWs quickly merged, feeding each other and increasing the BW velocity, but on the other hand, the initial gas content for each successive SW decreased and, accordingly, the SW-to-BW momentum transfer worsened. Estimates showed that for a small-scale water guide 0.5 m long, the optimal pulsed detonation frequency was about 50–60 Hz.
Optimization of the Field Plate Design of a 1200 V p-GaN Power High-Electron-Mobility Transistor
Authors: Liu Chia-Hao , Huang Chong-Rong , Wang Hsiang-Chun , Kang Yi-Jie , Chiu Hsien-Chin , Kao Hsuan-Ling , Chu Kuo-Hsiung , Kuo Hao-Chung , Chen Chih-Tien , Chang Kuo-Jen
Published: September 2022

This study optimized the field plate (FP) design (i.e., the number and positions of FP layers) of p-GaN power high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) on the basic of simulations conducted using the technology computer-aided design software of Silvaco. Devices with zero, two, and three FP layers were designed. The FP layers of the HEMTs dispersed the electric field between the gate and drain regions. The device with two FP layers exhibited a high off-state breakdown voltage of 1549 V because of the long distance between its first FP layer and the channel. The devices were subjected to high-temperature reverse bias and high-temperature gate bias measurements to examine their characteristics, which satisfied the reliability specifications of JEDEC.
Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Thymus vulgaris Essential Oil Nanoemulsion on Acne Vulgaris
Authors: Abdelhamed Farah M. , Abdeltawab Nourtan F. , ElRakaiby Marwa T. , Shamma Rehab N. , Moneib Nayera A.
Published: September 2022

Antibiotics are frequently used in acne treatment and their prolonged use has led to an emergence of resistance. This study aimed to investigate the use of natural antimicrobials as an alternative therapy. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of five commonly used essential oils (EOs) (tea tree, clove, thyme, mentha and basil EOs), and their possible mechanisms of action against Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, were explored. The effect of the most potent EO on membrane permeability was elucidated and its anti-inflammatory action, when formulated as nanoemulsion, was tested in an in vivo acne model. The in vitro studies showed that thyme EO had the most potent antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity, with phenolics and terpenoids as main antimicrobial constituents of EO. Thyme EO affected cell membrane permeability of both bacterial species, evident by the detection of the leakage of intracellular ions and membrane integrity by the leakage of nucleic acids. Morphological alteration in bacterial cells was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Thyme EO nanoemulsion led to the suppression of an inflammatory response in acne animal models along with a bacterial load decrease and positive histopathological changes. Collectively, thyme EO nanoemulsion showed potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects compared to the reference antibiotics, suggesting its effectiveness as a natural alternative in acne treatment.
Evaluation of the Shrinkage Produced with the Use of Cements with Pozzolanic Additions in the Production of Concrete
Authors: Diaz-Garcia Maria Betania , Diaz-Cardenas Yosvany , Ribalta-Quesada Juan , Martirena-Hernandez Fernando
Published: September 2022

Early age cracking in concrete is caused by a combination of the chemical and autogenous shrinkage caused by the exhaustion of the water in the pores during the hydration of cement phases. Generally, this process takes place in the first 72 h of concrete casting. The use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) can mitigate cracking due to several factors, among them: dilution effect, provision of extra nucleation sites due to the high specific surface of the SCMs, and the increased water retention associated with the presence of fine SCMs. This paper compares the impact of two SCMs systems on early age cracking of the following concretes: (i) pozzolanic cement with natural pozzolan (zeolite) and (ii) a ternary binder limestone-calcined clay cement (LC3). The study was Carried out on cement paste and concrete. The addition of calcined clay and limestone decreases early age cracking better than in any other system, including the Portland-pozzolan system. It is related to a lower clinker factor and improved hydration of the system, and a better-developed microstructure at early ages due to the energetic reaction of the alumina phase C3A, enhanced by the extra alumina (Al2O3) provided by the calcined clay.
The Analysis of Bio-Precursor Organic Matter Compositions and Its Significance for Gas Shale Reservoir of Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation from Dingshan Area, Sichuan Basin
Authors: Wang Zhihong , Xie Xiaomin , Wen Zhigang , Xu Yaohui , Liu Yan
Published: September 2022

In order to analyze the organic matter (OM) composition, this study carefully identified the OM types of 66 samples from Well A in the Dingshan area under microscope, and made an effort to obtain the semi-quantitative statistics contents of different bio-precursor derived OM. The results of OM content obtained under microscope showed a strong positive relationship (R2 = 0.85) with the TOC content analyzed by carbon–sulfur analyzer. The OM contained bethic algae debris, phytoplankton amorphous organic matter (AOM), acritarch, vitrinite-like particles, zooplankton (including graptolite, chitinozoa and others) and solid bitumen which was secondary formation OM. The phytoplankton AOM, graptolite and solid bitumen were the dominated OM in this interval. Solid bitumen (8%~11%) was filled at the bottom of the Wufeng Formation, which could be one reason for the high shale gas production in the lower part of this shale interval. N2 adsorption results showed that micropores and mesopores were predominant in this shale gas system, while pore volumes illustrated better positive relationships with organic matter than minerals, especially AOM content. Thus, both solid bitumen and AOM kerogen were the main sources for shale gas generation in this shale gas system.
Advances in Pulsed Power Mineral Processing Technologies
Authors: Chanturiya Valentine A. , Bunin Igor Zh.
Published: September 2022

In Russia and globally, pulsed power technologies have been proposed based on the conversion of energy into a short-pulsed form and exposing geomaterials (minerals, rocks, and ores) to strictly dosed high-power pulsed electric and magnetic fields, beams of charged particles, microwave radiation, neutrons and X-ray quanta, and low-temperature plasma flows. Such pulsed energy impacts are promising methods for the pretreatment of refractory mineral feeds (refractory ores and concentration products) to increase the disintegration, softening, and liberation performance of finely disseminated mineral complexes, as well as the contrast between the physicochemical and process properties of mineral components. In this paper, we briefly review the scientific foundations of the effect of both high-power nanosecond electromagnetic pulses (HPEMP) and dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in air on semiconductor ore minerals (sulfides, rare metals minerals) and rock-forming dielectric minerals. The underlying mechanisms of mineral intergrowth disintegration and changes in the structural and chemical states of the mineral surface when exposed to HPEMP and DBD irradiation are discussed. The high performance and potential limitations of pulsed energy impact and low-temperature plasma produced by DBD treatment of geomaterials are discussed in terms of the directional change in the process properties of the minerals to improve the concentration performance of refractory minerals and ores.