bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Linear Algebraic Threshold Essential Secret Image Sharing Scheme
Authors: Ghebleh Mohammad , Kanso Ali , Alazemi Abdullah
Published: February 2022

A secret sharing scheme allocates to each participant a share of a secret in such a way that authorized subsets of participants can reconstruct the secret, while shares of unauthorized subsets of participants provide no useful information about the secret. For positive integers r,s,t,n with r⩽s⩽t⩽n, an (r,s,t,n)–threshold essential secret sharing scheme is an algorithm that decomposes a secret S into n shares, s of which are essential, in a way that authorized subsets are precisely those with at least t members, at least r of whom are essential. This work proposes a lossless linear algebraic (r,s,t,n)–threshold essential secret image sharing scheme that decomposes the secret, S, into equally-sized shares, each of size 1/t the size of S. For each block, B, of S, the scheme assigns to the n participants distinct signature vectors v1,v2,…,vn in the vector space F2αt, where α is a suitable positive integer, typically between 2 and 5, inclusive. These signature vectors must adhere to some admissibility conditions in order to satisfy the secret sharing threshold properties. The decomposition of B into n shares is obtained by partitioning B into t vectors, then computing the share yj of the jth participant (1≤j≤n), as a linear combination of these parts with coefficients from the signature vj. The presented simulations showcase the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed scheme against standard statistical and security attacks. They further demonstrate its superiority with respect to existing schemes.
Stochastic Robustness of Delayed Discrete Noises for Delay Differential Equations
Authors: Alsaadi Fawaz , Feng Lichao , Alassafi Madini , Alotaibi Reem , Ahmad Adil , Cao Jinde
Published: February 2022

Stochastic robustness of discrete noises has already been proposed and studied in the previous work. Nevertheless, the significant phenomenon of delays is left in the basket both in the deterministic and the stochastic parts of the considered equation by the existing work. Stimulated by the above, this paper is devoted to studying the stochastic robustness issue of delayed discrete noises for delay differential equations, including the issues of robust stability and robust boundedness.
Extreme Multistability and Its Incremental Integral Reconstruction in a Non-Autonomous Memcapacitive Oscillator
Authors: Chen Bei , Cheng Xinxin , Bao Han , Chen Mo , Xu Quan
Published: February 2022

Extreme multistability has frequently been reported in autonomous circuits involving memory-circuit elements, since these circuits possess line/plane equilibrium sets. However, this special phenomenon has rarely been discovered in non-autonomous circuits. Luckily, extreme multistability is found in a simple non-autonomous memcapacitive oscillator in this paper. The oscillator only contains a memcapacitor, a linear resistor, a linear inductor, and a sinusoidal voltage source, which are connected in series. The memcapacitive system model is firstly built for further study. The equilibrium points of the memcapacitive system evolve between a no equilibrium point and a line equilibrium set with the change in time. This gives rise to the emergence of extreme multistability, but the forming mechanism is not clear. Thus, the incremental integral method is employed to reconstruct the memcapacitive system. In the newly reconstructed system, the number and stability of the equilibrium points have complex time-varying characteristics due to the presence of fold bifurcation. Furthermore, the forming mechanism of the extreme multistability is further explained. Note that the initial conditions of the original memcapacitive system are mapped onto the controlling parameters of the newly reconstructed system. This makes it possible to achieve precise control of the extreme multistability. Furthermore, an analog circuit is designed for the reconstructed system, and then PSIM circuit simulations are performed to verify the numerical results.
Large Deviations for the Maximum of the Absolute Value of Partial Sums of Random Variable Sequences
Authors: Wang Xia , Zhang Miaomiao
Published: February 2022

Let {ξi:i≥1} be a sequence of independent, identically distributed (i.i.d. for short) centered random variables. Let Sn=ξ1+⋯+ξn denote the partial sums of {ξi}. We show that sequence {1nmax1≤k≤n|Sk|:n≥1} satisfies the large deviation principle (LDP, for short) with a good rate function under the assumption that P(ξ1≥x) and P(ξ1≤−x) have the same exponential decrease.
Prognostic Impact of In-Hospital Use of Mechanical Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Devices Compared with Manual Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Nationwide Population-Based Observational Study in South Korea
Authors: Kim Wonhee , Ahn Chiwon , Kim In-Young , Choi Hyun-Young , Kim Jae-Guk , Kim Jihoon , Shin Hyungoo , Moon Shinje , Lee Juncheol , Lee Jongshill , Cho Youngsuk , Lee Yoonje , Shin Dong-Geum
Published: February 2022

Background and Objectives: This study analyzed the prognostic impact of mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) devices in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients, in comparison to manual CPR. Materials and Methods: This study was a nationwide population-based observational study in South Korea. Data were retrospectively collected from 142,905 OHCA patients using the South Korean Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Surveillance database. We included adult OHCA patients who received manual or mechanical CPR in the emergency room. The primary outcome was survival at discharge and the secondary outcome was sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Statistical analysis included propensity score matching and multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 19,045 manual CPR and 1125 mechanical CPR cases (671 AutoPulseTM vs. 305 ThumperTM vs. 149 LUCASTM) were included. In the matched multivariate analyses, all mechanical CPR devices were associated with a lower ROSC than that of manual CPR. AutoPulseTM was associated with lower survival in the multivariate analysis after matching (aOR with 95% CI: 0.57 (0.33–0.96)), but the other mechanical CPR devices were associated with similar survival to discharge as that of manual CPR. Witnessed arrest was commonly associated with high ROSC, but the use of mechanical CPR devices and cardiac origin arrest were associated with low ROSC. Only target temperature management was the common predictor for high survival. Conclusions: The mechanical CPR devices largely led to similar survival to discharge as that of manual CPR in OHCA patients; however, the in-hospital use of the AutoPulseTM device for mechanical CPR may significantly lower survival compared to manual CPR.
Poly(ionic liquid)s with Dicationic Pendants as Gas Separation Membranes
Authors: Ravula Sudhir , O’Harra Kathryn E. , Watson Keith A. , Bara Jason E.
Published: February 2022

Poly(norbornene)s and poly(ionic liquid)s are two different classes of attractive materials, which are known for their structural tunability and thermal stabilities, and have been extensively studied as gas separation membranes. The incorporation of ionic liquids (ILs) into the poly(norbornene) through post-polymerization has resulted in unique materials with synergistic properties. However, direct polymerization of norbornene-containing IL monomers as gas separation membranes are limited. To this end, a series of norbornene-containing imidazolium-based mono- and di-cationic ILs (NBM-mIm and NBM-DILs) with different connectivity and spacer lengths were synthesized and characterized spectroscopically. Subsequently, the poly(NBM-mIm) with bistriflimide [Tf2N−] and poly([NBM-DILs][Tf2N]2) comprising homo-, random-, and block- (co)polymers were synthesized via ring-opening metathesis polymerization using the air-stable Grubbs second-generation catalyst. Block copolymers (BCPs), specifically, [NBM-mIM][Tf2N] and [NBM-ImCnmIm] [Tf2N]2 (n = 4 and 6) were synthesized at two different compositions, which generated high molecular weight polymers with decent solubility relative to homo- and random (co)polymers of [NBM-DILs] [Tf2N]2. The prepared BCPs were efficiently analyzed by a host of analytical tools, including 1H-NMR, GPC, and WAXD. The successfully BCPs were cast into thin membranes ranging from 47 to 125 μm and their gas (CO2, N2, CH4, and H2) permeations were measured at 20 °C using a time-lag apparatus. These membranes displayed modest CO2 permeability in a non-linear fashion with respect to composition and a reverse trend in CO2/N2 permselectivity was observed, as a usual trade-off behavior between permeability and permselectivity.
Sustainable Treatment and Resource Recovery of Anion Exchange Spent Brine by Pilot-Scale Electrodialysis and Ultrafiltration
Authors: Sun Hongfang , Zhu Daoxu , Shi Peng , Ji Wenxiang , Cao Xun , Cheng Shi , Lou Yufeng , Li Aimin
Published: February 2022

The anion exchange (AIX) spent brine, generated during the NDMP-3 resin regeneration process, highly loaded with organic substances mainly humic substances (HSs) and salts (mainly NaCl) remains an environmental concern. In this study, pilot-scale electro dialysis (ED) and ultrafiltration (UF) hybrid technologies were first used to recover NaCl solution as a resin regeneration agent and HSs, which could be utilized as a vital ingredient of organic fertilizer, from the AIX spent brine. Recovered ≈ 15% w/w NaCl solution obtained by two-stage pilot-scale ED can be used to regenerate saturated NDMP-3 anion exchange resins; the regeneration–readsorption performance of NDMP-3 resins was equivalent to that of fresh ≈ 15% w/w NaCl solution. The two-stage dilute solution with low-salt content (0.49% w/w) was further concentrated by pilot-scale UF, so that the HS content in the retentate solution was >30 g/L, which meets the HS content required for water-soluble organic fertilizers. The HS liquid fertilizer could significantly stimulate the growth of green vegetables with no phytotoxicity, mainly due to special properties of HSs. These results demonstrate that ED + UF hybrid technologies can be a promising approach for the sustainable treatment and resource recovery of AIX spent brine.
Research Advances in Hierarchically Structured PVDF-Based All-Organic Composites for High-Energy Density Capacitors
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyong , Zhang Longyan , Li Meng , Chen Weixing , Chen Jie , Liu Yan-Jun , Wang Yifei
Published: February 2022

Polymer film capacitors have been widely applied in many pulsed power fields owing to their fastest energy-released rates. The development of ferroelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based composites has become one of the hot research directions in the field of high-energy storage capacitors. Recently, hierarchically-structured all-organic composites have been shown to possess excellent comprehensive energy storage performance and great potential for application. In this review, most research advances of hierarchically-structured all-organic composites for the energy storage application are systematically classified and summarized. The regulating strategies of hierarchically structured all-organic composites are highlighted from the perspective of preparation approaches, tailored material choices, layer thicknesses, and interfaces. Systematic comparisons of energy storage abilities are presented, including electric displacement, breakdown strength, energy storage density, and efficiency. Finally, we present the remaining problems of hierarchically structured all-organic composites and provide an outlook for future energy storage applications.
Experimental and Simulation Study on the Effect of Reduction Pretreatment on the Void Healing of Heavy Plate
Authors: Ning Zhen , Li Xue , Liu Hongqiang , Cai Qingwu , Yu Wei
Published: February 2022

In addition to eliminating voids in a billet, the reduction pretreatment (RP) process can refine the austenite structure after reheating and can deform the residual voids, which affect the void healing behavior during insulation before rolling, and then can affect the final quality of the steel plate. In this study, the effect of the RP process on the evolution of voids in billets and steel plates was investigated by experimental and numerical simulation. RP and non-RP billets were reheated and rolled into 60 mm-thick steel plates, respectively, and the evolutionary behavior of voids within the plates was analyzed using ultrasonic flaw detection methods. Finite element method (FEM) and phase-field method (PFM) were used to investigate the mechanism behind improving the quality of steel plates under the RP process. The simulation results show that, in addition to directly closing the voids through plastic deformation, the RP process can promote the diffusive healing behavior during insulation before rolling by refining the reheated austenite organization and by increasing the curvature of the void surface. Due to the reduction in voids inside the steel plate, the impact energy of the RP steel plate is higher.
Coupling Flotation Rate Constant and Viscosity Models
Authors: Sajjad Mohsin , Otsuki Akira
Published: February 2022

In a flotation process, the particle–bubble and particle–particle interactions are key factors influencing collection efficiencies. In this work, the generalized Sutherland equation collision model and the modified Dobby–Finch attachment model for potential flow conditions were used to calculate the efficiencies of particle–bubble collision and attachment, respectively, for a flotation particle size of 80 μm. The negative effects of increase in the suspension viscosity due to the presence of fine particles on the flotation performance of fine particles have been reported, but there is no overarching model coupling the suspension viscosity and the flotation performance in the literature. Therefore, our study addressed this very important research gap and incorporated the viscosity model as a function of solid concentration, shear rate, and particle size into a flotation rate constant model that was proposed and conducted for the first time. This is quite a unique approach because the previously developed flotation rate constant model has never been coupled with a suspension rheology model taking into account the solid particle concentration and shear rate, although they are very important flotation variables in practice. The effect of the presence of ultra-fine/fine particles on the viscosity of the suspension and the flotation efficiencies and rate constant of flotation particle size of 80 μm were also investigated in order to better understand the mechanism of the problematic behavior of ultra-fine/fine particles in flotation. This coupling study started with the simplest case: flowing suspensions of inert, rigid, monomodal spherical particles (called hard spheres). Even for hard spheres, the effect of shear rate and particle size which produces deviation from the ideal case (constant viscosity at constant temperature regardless of shear rate) was clearly identified. It was found that the suspension viscosity increases with the decrease in fine/ultra-fine particle size (i.e., 1 µm–8 nm) and at higher solid particle concentration. Then, the colloidal particle suspensions, where interparticle forces play a significant role, were also studied. The suspension viscosity calculated for both cases was incorporated into the flotation efficiencies and rate constant models and discussed in terms of the effects of the presence of ultra-fine and fine particles on the flotation kinetics of flotation particle size of 80 μm.
An Approach to Predict Geometrically and Thermo-Mechanically Induced Stress Concentrations in Ribbed Reinforcing Bars
Authors: Robl Tobias , Wölfle Christoph Hubertus , Shahul Hameed Muhammed Zubair , Rappl Stefan , Krempaszky Christian , Werner Ewald
Published: February 2022

Ribbed reinforcing steel bars (rebars) are used for the reinforcement of concrete structures. In service, they are subjected to cyclic loading. Several studies addressing the relationship between rib geometry, stresses at the rebar surface induced by service loads and the rebar fatigue performance can be found in literature. However, the rebar’s fatigue performance is also influenced by residual stresses originating from the manufacturing process. In this contribution, a modeling approach is proposed to examine geometrically and thermo-mechanically induced stress concentrations in ribbed reinforcing bars made of the steel grade B500B. A linear-elastic load stress analysis and a thermo-mechanical analysis of the manufacturing process are conducted. The results are discussed and compared to literature results. In case of the load stress analysis, the results agree well with findings reported in literature and extend the current state of knowledge for B500B rebars with small diameters. In case of the thermo-mechanical analysis, compressive residual stresses at the rebar surface between two ribs and tensile residual stresses in the longitudinal direction at the tip of the ribs can be reported.
Research of Feeding Effect of Ductile Cast Iron under Different Riser Conditions
Authors: Wang Tingli , Yao Shan
Published: February 2022

Ductile cast iron has typical characteristics of mushy solidification and ductile expansion. The feeding effect of ductile cast iron was studied by means of numerical simulation and pouring tests. The prototypes used for experiments were designed into three types: riser without neck; riser with narrow neck; and riser-less. The corresponding molds were made of coated sand. The pouring temperature was set to 1350 °C, 1300 °C, and 1250 °C, separately. Results showed that the feeding effect could be controlled by the riser structure and the pouring temperature comprehensively. If the pouring temperature was higher than a certain value, the casting should be fed by a riser, and the riser structure would play an important role. However, it was very hard to design a riser exactly, and the unsuitable riser would cause macro porosity or surface sink. When the pouring temperature decreased to a certain value, there was no macro porosity or surface sink. It could provide a potential method to simplify the feeding process and improve the casting quality.
Chimney Structure of Hollow Sand Mold for Casting Solidification
Authors: Xu Jingying , Kang Jinwu , Shangguan Haolong , Deng Chengyang , Hu Yongyi , Yi Jihao , Mao Weimin
Published: February 2022

The hollow sand mold can affect the cooling of the casting during the solidification process. A chimney structure of a hollow sand mold that mainly consists of a two-layer shell with through channels was proposed. The design method was proposed for the chimney structure. Due to the chimney effect, cool air can enter the chimney from the bottom entrance, and hot air flows out from its top opening. Air transfers heat from the sand mold and forms a temperature gradient from bottom to top. A hollow sand mold with a chimney structure was applied to the wedge plate casting. During the solidification process, natural cooling and forced air cooling through open channels were applied. The effects of the chimney on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and residual stress of the castings under these two different cooling conditions were analyzed and compared with those of the casting in a dense mold. During the solidification stage of the castings, the chimney structure prolonged their solidification time. After solidification, the chimney structure under forced air condition increased the cooling rate of the castings by 61% and the temperature gradient along the vertical direction by a factor of three. The Si content in the Al matrix increased by 20.4%, and the tensile strength increased by 32.66%.
The Vaginal Microbiota Composition and Genital Infections during and after Pregnancy among Women in Pemba Island, Tanzania
Authors: Juliana Naomi C. A. , Deb Saikat , Juma Mohamed H. , Poort Linda , Budding Andries E. , Mbarouk Abdalla , Ali Said M. , Ouburg Sander , Morré Servaas A. , Sazawal Sunil , Ambrosino Elena
Published: February 2022

We investigated the vaginal microbiota (VMB) composition, prevalence of genital pathogens and their association among pregnant and post-delivery women in Pemba Island, Tanzania. Vaginal swabs were collected from 90 women, at two time points during pregnancy (<20 weeks of gestational age [GA] and ≥20 weeks GA) and once after delivery, when possible. IS-pro assay was used for VMB characterization. Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) and human papillomavirus (HPV) were detected by qPCRs. VMB were mostly Lactobacillus dominant during pregnancy and non-Lactobacillus dominant post-delivery. A significant decrease in VMB richness was observed during pregnancy among paired and unpaired samples. Shannon diversity was significantly lower during pregnancy than post-delivery among unpaired samples. Klebsiella species and Streptococcus anginosus were the most commonly identified pathobionts at all timepoints. A high abundance of pathobionts was mostly seen in women with non-Lactobacillus dominant VMB. At ≥20 weeks GA timepoint during pregnancy, 63.0% of the women carrying one or more genital pathogen (either HPV, CT, TV, or MG) had L. iners dominant VMB. NG was not detected pre-delivery. This study contributes evidence on VMB composition, its changes during pregnancy and post-delivery, and their association with pathobionts and genital pathogens.
Pre-Clinical Tools for Predicting Drug Efficacy in Treatment of Tuberculosis
Authors: Margaryan Hasmik , Evangelopoulos Dimitrios D. , Muraro Wildner Leticia , McHugh Timothy D.
Published: February 2022

Combination therapy has, to some extent, been successful in limiting the emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis. Drug combinations achieve this advantage by simultaneously acting on different targets and metabolic pathways. Additionally, drug combination therapies are shown to shorten the duration of therapy for tuberculosis. As new drugs are being developed, to overcome the challenge of finding new and effective drug combinations, systems biology commonly uses approaches that analyse mycobacterial cellular processes. These approaches identify the regulatory networks, metabolic pathways, and signaling programs associated with M. tuberculosis infection and survival. Different preclinical models that assess anti-tuberculosis drug activity are available, but the combination of models that is most predictive of clinical treatment efficacy remains unclear. In this structured literature review, we appraise the options to accelerate the TB drug development pipeline through the evaluation of preclinical testing assays of drug combinations.
Early Antibiotic Exposure Alters Intestinal Development and Increases Susceptibility to Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Mechanistic Study
Authors: Chaaban Hala , Patel Maulin M. , Burge Kathryn , Eckert Jeffrey V. , Lupu Cristina , Keshari Ravi S. , Silasi Robert , Regmi Girija , Trammell MaJoi , Dyer David , McElroy Steven J. , Lupu Florea
Published: February 2022

Increasing evidence suggests that prolonged antibiotic therapy in preterm infants is associated with increased mortality and morbidities, such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating gastrointestinal pathology characterized by intestinal inflammation and necrosis. While a clinical correlation exists between antibiotic use and the development of NEC, the potential causality of antibiotics in NEC development has not yet been demonstrated. Here, we tested the effects of systemic standard-of-care antibiotic therapy for ten days on intestinal development in neonatal mice. Systemic antibiotic treatment impaired the intestinal development by reducing intestinal cell proliferation, villi height, crypt depth, and goblet and Paneth cell numbers. Oral bacterial challenge in pups who received antibiotics resulted in NEC-like intestinal injury in more than half the pups, likely due to a reduction in mucous-producing cells affecting microbial–epithelial interactions. These data support a novel mechanism that could explain why preterm infants exposed to prolonged antibiotics after birth have a higher incidence of NEC and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Applying a Generalized FMEA Framework to an Oil Sands Tailings Dam Closure Plan in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Schafer Haley L. , Beier Nicholas A. , Macciotta Renato
Published: February 2022

Historically, tailings facilities have been designed primarily with consideration of the mine’s active life. This is problematic, as the lifespan of a tailings dam may far exceed the life of the mine. Over time, it is expected that these structures will transform into a mine waste structure and then eventually a landform. In Alberta, Canada, dam owners can submit a decommissioning, closure, and abandonment (DCA) plan and completion reports to apply for the facility to be de-registered as a dam. If successful, the structure would be considered a solid waste structure and may be reclassified and regulated as a mine waste dump. The Alberta Energy Regulator expects DCAs to be accompanied and supported by risk assessments that consider long-term physical failure modes, including failure modes that may not be applicable during operations, in accordance with Manual 019. To help support the process of de-registering a tailings dam, a risk management tool, referred to as a Generalized Failure Modes Effects (G-FMEA) framework, was developed and presented in the Journal of Minerals in the Special Issue Tailings Dams: Design, Characterization, Monitoring, and Risk Assessment. The G-FMEA was designed to be used for assessing risks of an external tailings facility in closure, with the goal of assessing the long-term risk of geotechnical failure to support the process of de-registration. In Alberta, a number of tailings dams are undergoing closure and reclamation activities. This paper applies the developed G-FMEA framework to an oil sands tailings dam in Alberta to demonstrate the application of the framework. The paper assesses two specific failure modes of two different elements, including clogging of the drains and surface erosion of the berm. The failure modes are assessed over different timescales to demonstrate how the consequence, likelihood, and risk rating may change over time. The results of this process are discussed in the context of the potential for the facility to be de-registered as a dam.
Chemical Composition, Insecticidal, Persistence and Detoxification Enzyme Inhibition Activities of Essential Oil of Artemisia maritima against the Pulse Beetle
Authors: Chauhan Nandita , Kashyap Urvashi , Dolma Shudh Kirti , Reddy Sajjalavarahalli G. Eswara
Published: February 2022

Pulse beetle is the major pests of pulses that cause significant loss to grains leads to unfit for consumption and marketing. Indiscriminate use of synthetic pesticides for the control of pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis and Callosobruchus maculatus) led to insect resistance, pesticide residues on grains which affect consumer’s health and environment. Essential oils (EOs) are good alternatives to synthetics due to their safety to the environment and consumers’ health. The main objective of the present study was to explore the chemical composition, fumigant, repellency, ovipositional deterrence, persistence, and detoxification enzyme inhibition of Artemisia maritima essential oil against pulse beetle. Results showed that primary components of the EO were 1,8-Cineole and bornyl acetate. EO showed promising fumigant toxicity to C. chinensis and C. maculatus (LC50 = 1.17 and 0.56 mg/L, respectively) after 48 h. In the repellent assay, EO at 8 mg/L showed 92–96% repellence after 1 h. In ovipositional deterrence assay, EO showed more ovipositional deterrence against C. chinensis (OD50 = 3.30 mg/L) than C. maculatus (OD50 = 4.01 mg/L). Higher concentrations of oil (8 and 6 mg/L) in C. maculatus showed significant inhibition of the glutathione-S-transferase enzyme (7.14 and 5.61 n mol/min/mL, respectively).
Transition Metal Substituted Barium Hexaferrite-Modified Electrode: Application as Electrochemical Sensor of Acetaminophen
Authors: Granja-Banguera Claudia Patricia , Silgado-Cortázar Daniel Gerardo , Morales-Morales Jimmy Alexander
Published: February 2022

This study used substituted barium hexaferrites, which were previously prepared and reported by the authors, to detect acetaminophen by the modification of a conventional glassy carbon electrode (GCE), which led to promising results. The synthesis of this electrode-modifying material was conducted using a citrate sol gel process. A test synthesis using glycerin and propylene glycol revealed that glycerin produced a better result, while less positive anodic potential values were associated with the electrooxidation of N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (NAP). Excellent electroactivity was exhibited by the cobalt-substituted barium-hexaferrite-nanomaterial-modified electrode. A good linear relationship between the concentration and the current response of acetaminophen (paracetamol) was obtained with a detection limit of (0.255 ± 0.005) µM for the Ba1.0Co1.22Fe11.41O18.11 GCE, (0.577 ± 0.007) µM for the Ba1.14Cu0.82Fe11.65O18.02 GCE, and (0.595 ± 0.008) µM for the bare GCE. The levels of NAP in a real sample of urine were quantitatively analyzed using the proposed method, with recovery ranges from 96.6% to 101.0% and 93.9% to 98.4% for the modified electrode with Cobalt-substituted barium hexaferrites (CoFM) and Copper-substituted barium hexaferrites (CuFM), respectively. These results confirm the high electrochemical activity of Ba1.0Co1.22Fe11.41O18.11 nanoparticles and thus their potential for use in the development of sensing devices for substances of pharmaceutical interest, such as acetaminophen (NAP).
Multiple Bioactivities of Manihot esculenta Leaves: UV Filter, Anti-Oxidation, Anti-Melanogenesis, Collagen Synthesis Enhancement, and Anti-Adipogenesis
Authors: Jampa Manuschanok , Sutthanut Khaetthareeya , Weerapreeyakul Natthida , Tukummee Wipawee , Wattanathorn Jintanaporn , Muchimapura Suparporn
Published: February 2022

The cassava root is an important global agro-industrial crop that yields cassava leaf as a left-over co-product of interest for further development as a sustainable resource of health and cosmeceutical active compounds. This work aimed to investigate the cosmeceutical potential and chemical composition of an ethanolic cassava leaf extract (BM). rutin, apigenin, and kaempferol were found to be major constituents via HPLC-DAD UV analysis. Interestingly, the multiple beneficial bioactivities of BM for cosmeceutical applications were manifested in a dose-dependent manner, including anti-oxidation in a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, anti-melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells, collagen synthesis enhancement in human fibroblasts, and anti-adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Furthermore, the potential of the collagen synthesis enhancement of BM and rutin was significant when compared to ascorbic acid. Additionally, a UV filter property comparable to BEMT with characteristics of board spectral absorption and constant high absorptivity throughout all UV wavelength ranges was exhibited by UV-visible spectrophotometric analysis. In conclusion, the cassava leaf was found to be a potential natural cosmeceutical active agent with multiple cosmeceutical-related bioactivities with respect to a substantial composition of bioactive flavonols. These obtained data will support and encourage the further study and development of cassava leaves as potential economic and sustainable sources of bioactive agents for health and cosmeceutical applications.
In Vitro and Computational Studies of Perezone and Perezone Angelate as Potential Anti-Glioblastoma Multiforme Agents
Authors: Hernández-Rodríguez Maricarmen , Mendoza Sánchez Pablo I. , Martínez Joel , Macías Pérez Martha E. , Rosales Cruz Erika , Żołek Teresa , Maciejewska Dorota , Miranda Ruvalcaba René , Mera Jiménez Elvia , Nicolás-Vázquez María I.
Published: February 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) represents the most malignant type of astrocytoma, with a life expectancy of two years. It has been shown that Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) protein is over-expressed in GBM cells, while its expression in healthy tissue is low. In addition, perezone, a phyto-compound, is a PARP-1 inhibitor with anti-neoplastic activity. As a consequence, in the present study, both in vitro and computational evaluations of perezone and its chemically related compound, perezone angelate, as anti-GBM agents were performed. Hence, the anti-proliferative assay showed that perezone angelate induces higher cytotoxicity in the GBM cell line (U373 IC50 = 6.44 μM) than perezone (U373 IC50 = 51.20 μM) by induction of apoptosis. In addition, perezone angelate showed low cytotoxic activity in rat glial cells (IC50 = 173.66 μM). PARP-1 inhibitory activity (IC50 = 5.25 μM) and oxidative stress induction by perezone angelate were corroborated employing in vitro studies. In the other hand, the performed docking studies allowed explaining the PARP-1 inhibitory activity of perezone angelate, and ADMET studies showed its probability to permeate cell membranes and the blood–brain barrier, which is an essential characteristic of drugs to treat neurological diseases. Finally, it is essential to highlight that the results confirm perezone angelate as a potential anti-GBM agent.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Effect of 20(R)-Ginsenoside Rg3 on Stroke Recovery in Rats via the Integrative miRNA–mRNA Regulatory Network
Authors: Zhang Rui , Chen De-Yun , Luo Xing-Wei , Yang Yuan , Zhang Xiao-Chao , Yang Ren-Hua , Chen Peng , Shen Zhi-Qiang , He Bo
Published: February 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, endogenous, noncoding RNAs. Recent research has proven that miRNAs play an essential role in the occurrence and development of ischemic stroke. Our previous studies confirmed that 20(R)-ginsenosideRg3 [20(R)-Rg3] exerts beneficial effects on cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury (CIRI), but its molecular mechanism has not been elucidated. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing to investigate the differentially expressed miRNA and mRNA expression profiles of 20(R)-Rg3 preconditioning to ameliorate CIRI injury in rats and to reveal its potential neuroprotective molecular mechanism. The results show that 20(R)-Rg3 alleviated neurobehavioral dysfunction in MCAO/R-treated rats. Among these mRNAs, 953 mRNAs were significantly upregulated and 2602 mRNAs were downregulated in the model group versus the sham group, whereas 437 mRNAs were significantly upregulated and 35 mRNAs were downregulated in the 20(R)-Rg3 group in contrast with those in the model group. Meanwhile, the expression profile of the miRNAs showed that a total of 283 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, of which 142 miRNAs were significantly upregulated and 141 miRNAs were downregulated in the model group compared with the sham group, whereas 34 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the 20(R)-Rg3 treatment group compared with the model group, with 28 miRNAs being significantly upregulated and six miRNAs being significantly downregulated. Furthermore, 415 (391 upregulated and 24 downregulated) differentially expressed mRNAs and 22 (17 upregulated and 5 downregulated) differentially expressed miRNAs were identified to be related to 20(R)-Rg3′s neuroprotective effect on stroke recovery. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) results showed that 20(R)-Rg3 could modulate multiple signaling pathways related to these differential miRNAs, such as the cGMP-PKG, cAMP and MAPK signaling pathways. This study provides new insights into the protective mechanism of 20(R)-Rg3 against CIRI, and the mechanism may be partly associated with the regulation of brain miRNA expression and its target signaling pathways.
Changes in Whey Proteome between Mediterranean and Murrah Buffalo Colostrum and Mature Milk Reflect Their Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Value
Authors: Abdel-Hamid Mahmoud , Yang Pan , Mostafa Islam , Osman Ali , Romeih Ehab , Yang Yongxin , Huang Zizhen , Awad Awad A. , Li Ling
Published: February 2022

Milk represents an integrated meal for newborns; its whey protein is rich in many health beneficial components and proteins. The current study aimed to investigate the differences between colostrum and mature milk from Mediterranean and Murrah buffaloes using labeled proteomics and bioinformatics tools. In the current work, LC-MS/MS analysis led to identification of 780 proteins from which 638 were shared among three independent TMT experiments. The significantly changed proteins between the studied types were analyzed using gene ontology enrichment and KEGG pathways, and their interactions were generated using STRING database. Results indicated that immunological, muscular development and function, blood coagulation, heme related, neuronal, translation, metabolic process, and binding proteins were the main terms. Overall, colostrum showed higher levels of immunoglobulins, myosins, actin, neurofascin, syntaxins, thyroglobulins, and RNA-binding proteins, reflecting its importance in the development and activity of immunological, muscular, cardiac, neuronal, and thyroid systems, while lactoferrin and ferritin were increased in mature milk, highlighting its role in iron storage and hemoglobin formation.
Agrawal Axisymmetric Rotational Stagnation-Point Flow of a Water-Based Molybdenum Disulfide-Graphene Oxide Hybrid Nanofluid and Heat Transfer Impinging on a Radially Permeable Moving Rotating Disk
Authors: Khan Umair , Zaib Aurang , Ishak Anuar , Waini Iskandar , Abdel-Aty Abdel-Haleem , Sheremet Mikhail A. , Yahia Ibrahim S. , Zahran Heba Y. , Galal Ahmed M.
Published: February 2022

The hybrid nanofluid has sparked new significance in the industrial and engineering sectors because of their applications like water heating in solar and analysis of heat exchanger surfaces. As a result, the current study emphasizes the analysis of heat transfer and Agrawal axisymmetric flow towards a rotational stagnation point incorporated via hybrid nanofluids imposing on a radially permeable shrinking/stretching rotating disk. The leading partial differential equations are refined into ordinary differential equations by using appropriate similarity variables. The bvp4c solver in MATLAB is then employed to solve the simplified system numerically. The current numerical procedure is adequate of generating double solutions when excellent initial guesses are implemented. The results show that the features of fluid flow along with heat transfer rate induced by hybrid nanofluid are significantly influenced. The Nusselt number and the tendency of the wall drag force can be improved as the concentration of nanoparticles and the suction factor are increased. Moreover, the results of the model have been discussed in detail for both solution branches due to the cases of rotating disk parameter as well as non-rotating disk parameter. Therefore, an extraordinary behavior is observed for the branch of lower solutions in the case of rotating disk parameter. In addition, the shear stress in the radial direction upsurges for the first solution but declines for the second solution with higher values of suction. Moreover, the rotating parameter slows down the separation of the boundary layer.
Explorations on Growth of Blue-Green-Yellow-Red InGaN Quantum Dots by Plasma-Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy
Authors: Zhang Xue , Xing Zhiwei , Yang Wenxian , Qiu Haibing , Gu Ying , Suzuki Yuta , Kaneko Sakuya , Matsuda Yuki , Izumi Shinji , Nakamura Yuichi , Cai Yong , Bian Lifeng , Lu Shulong , Tackeuchi Atsushi
Published: February 2022

Self-assembled growth of blue-green-yellow-red InGaN quantum dots (QDs) on GaN templates using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy were investigated. We concluded that growth conditions, including small N2 flow and high growth temperature are beneficial to the formation of InGaN QDs and improve the crystal quality. The lower In/Ga flux ratio and lower growth temperature are favorable for the formation of QDs of long emission wavelength. Moreover, the nitrogen modulation epitaxy method can extend the wavelength of QDs from green to red. As a result, visible light emissions from 460 nm to 622 nm have been achieved. Furthermore, a 505 nm green light-emitting diode (LED) based on InGaN/GaN MQDs was prepared. The LED has a low external quantum efficiency of 0.14% and shows an efficiency droop with increasing injection current. However, electroluminescence spectra exhibited a strong wavelength stability, with a negligible shift of less than 1.0 nm as injection current density increased from 8 A/cm2 to 160 A/cm2, owing to the screening of polarization-related electric field in QDs.
Advances in Laser Additive Manufacturing of Cobalt–Chromium Alloy Multi-Layer Mesoscopic Analytical Modelling with Experimental Correlations: From Micro-Dendrite Grains to Bulk Objects
Authors: Mahmood Muhammad , Ur Rehman Asif , Ristoscu Carmen , Demir Mehmet , Popescu-Pelin Gianina , Pitir Fatih , Salamci Metin , Mihailescu Ion
Published: February 2022

This study presents two analytical models for the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process. To begin, the single layer’s dimensions were measured using principal operating conditions, including laser power, laser scanning speed, powder layer thickness, and hatch distance. The single-layer printing dimensions were transformed into multi-layer printing using the hatch distance. The thermal history of the printed layers was used as an input to the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami-Kolmogorov model to estimate the average dendrite grain size. LPBF experiments were conducted for a Cobalt–chromium (Co–Cr) alloy to validate the developed model. The average dendrite grain size was estimated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) combined with “Image J” software. The Vickers hardness test was performed to correlate the average dendrite grain size and operating conditions. A 10–15% mean absolute deviation was presented between experiments and simulation results. In all samples, a Co-based γ-FCC structure was identified. An inverse correlation was established between the laser power and smaller average dendrite grain, while a direct relationship has been determined between laser scanning speed and average dendrite grain size. A similar trend was identified between hatch distance and average dendrite grain size. A direct link has been determined between the average dendrite grain size and hardness value. Furthermore, a direct relationship has connected the laser volume energy density and hardness value. This study will help experimentalists to design operating conditions based on the required grain size and corresponding mechanical characteristics.
Investigating Farm Fragmentation as a Risk Factor for Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle Herds: A Matched Case-Control Study from Northern Ireland
Authors: Milne Georgina , Graham Jordon , McGrath John , Kirke Raymond , McMaster Wilma , Byrne Andrew William
Published: February 2022

Bovine tuberculosis remains a challenging endemic pathogen of cattle in many parts of the globe. Spatial clustering of Mycoacterium bovis molecular types in cattle suggests that local factors are the primary drivers of spread. Northern Ireland’s agricultural landscape is comprised of highly fragmented farms, distributed across spatially discontinuous land parcels, and these highly fragmented farms are thought to facilitate localised spread. We conducted a matched case control study to quantify the risks of bovine tuberculosis breakdown with farm area, farm fragmentation, fragment dispersal, and contact with neighbouring herds. Whilst our results show small but significant increases in breakdown risk associated with each factor, these relationships were strongly confounded with the number of contiguous neighbours with bovine tuberculosis. Our key finding was that every infected neighbour led to an increase in the odds of breakdown by 40% to 50%, and that highly fragmented farms were almost twice as likely to have a bTB positive neighbour compared to nonfragmented farms. Our results suggest that after controlling for herd size, herd type, spatial and temporal factors, farm fragmentation increasingly exposes herds to infection originating from first-order spatial neighbours. Given Northern Ireland’s particularly fragmented landscape, and reliance on short-term leases, our data support the hypothesis that between-herd contiguous spread is a particularly important component of the region’s bovine tuberculosis disease system.
Mapping Research on miRNAs in Cancer: A Global Data Analysis and Bibliometric Profiling Analysis
Authors: Shaw Peter , Lokhotiya Kartik , Kumarasamy Chellan , Sunil Krishnan , Suresh Deepa , Shetty Sameep , Muthukaliannan Gothandam Kodiveri , Baxi Siddhartha , Mani Ravishankar Ram , Sivanandy Palanisamy , Chandramoorthy Harish C. , Gupta Madan Mohan , Samiappan Suja , Jayaraj Rama
Published: February 2022

miRNAs biomarkers are emerging as an essential part of clinical oncology. Their oncogenic and tumour suppressor properties playing a role in malignancy has generated interest in their potential for use in disease prognosis. While several studies on miRNA have been carried out across the globe, evaluating the clinical implications of miRNAs in cancer diagnosis and prognosis research has currently not been attempted. A study delineating the area of miRNA research, including the topics presently being focused on, the seminal papers in this field, and the direction of research interest, does not exist. This study aims to conduct a large-scale, global data analysis and bibliometric profiling analysis of studies to evaluate the research output of clinical implications of miRNAs in cancer diagnosis and prognosis listed in the SCOPUS database. A systematic search strategy was followed to identify and extract all relevant studies, subsequently analysed to generate a bibliometric map. SPSS software (version 27) was used to calculate bibliometric indicators or parameters for analysis, such as year and country of affiliation with leading authors, journals, and institutions. It is also used to analyse annual research outputs, including total citations and the number of times it has been cited with productive nations and H-index. The number of global research articles retrieved for miRNA-Cancer research over the study period 2003 to 2019 was 18,636. Between 2012 and 2019, the growth rate of global publications is six times (n = 15,959; 90.71 percent articles) that of 2003 to 2011. (2704; 9.29 per cent articles). China published the most publications in the field of miRNA in cancer (n = 7782; 41%), while the United States had the most citations (n = 327,538; 48%) during the time span. Of these journals, Oncotarget has the highest percentage of article publications. The journal Cancer Research had the most citations (n = 41,876), with 6.20 per cent (n = 41,876). This study revealed a wide variety of journals in which miRNA-Cancer research are published; these bibliometric parameters exhibit crucial clinical information on performance assessment of research productivity and quality of research output. Therefore, this study provides a helpful reference for clinical oncologists, cancer scientists, policy decision-makers and clinical data researchers.