bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Permeability of Potential Ballast Rocks from Northern Rio de Janeiro State under Different Fouling Rates after Sodium Sulfate Attack
Authors: Souza Rodolpho N. , de Castro Xavier Gustavo , da Costa Kelly  de Oliveira Borges , Alexandre Jonas , Ribeiro Rogério P. , de Azevedo Afonso R. G.
Published: May 2023

This paper aimed to analyze the reduction in the ballast layer permeability simulated in a laboratory in saturated conditions by the presence of rock dust as a contaminant of three types of rocks explored in different deposits in the northern region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, through laboratory testing relating the physical properties of rock particles before and after sodium sulfate attack. Sodium sulfate attack is justified by the proximity of some sections of the planned EF-118 Vitória-Rio railway line to the coast and of the sulfated water table to the ballast bed, which could degrade the material used and compromise the railway track. Granulometry and permeability tests were performed to compare ballast samples with fouling rates of 0, 10, 20, and 40% rock dust by volume. A constant head permeameter was used to analyze hydraulic conductivity and establish correlations between the petrography and mercury intrusion porosimetry of the rocks, namely two types of metagranite (Mg1 and Mg3) and a gneisse (Gn2). Rocks, such as Mg1 and Mg3, with a larger composition of minerals susceptible to weathering according to petrography analyses, tend to be more sensitive to weathering tests. This, in conjunction with the climate in the region studied, with average annual temperature and rainfall of 27 °C and 1200 mm, could compromise track safety and user comfort. Additionally, the Mg1 and Mg3 samples showed greater percentage variation in wear after the Micro-Deval test, which could damage the ballast due to the considerable changeability of the material. The mass loss caused by abrasion due to the passage of rail vehicles was assessed by the Micro-Deval test, with Mg3 (intact rock) declining from 8.50 ± 1.5 to 11.04 ± 0.5% after chemical attack. However, Gn2, which exhibited the greatest mass loss among the samples, showed no significant variation in average wear, and its mineralogical characteristics remained almost unchanged after 60 sodium sulfate cycles. These aspects, combined with its satisfactory hydraulic conductivity rate, indicate that Gn2 is suitable for use as railway ballast in the EF-118 railway line.
Influence of Pretreatment Methods on Compressive Performance Improvement and Failure Mechanism Analysis of Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Lv Dongbin , Huang Kainan , Wang Wensheng
Published: May 2023

The utilization of recycled aggregate can avert the squandering of resources and the destruction of the environment. Nevertheless, there exists a slew of old cement mortar and microcracks on the surface of recycled aggregate, which give rise to the poor performance of aggregates in concrete. In this study, for the sake of ameliorating this property of recycled aggregates, the surface of the recycled aggregates is covered with a layer of cement mortar to compensate for the microcracks on the surface and reinforce the bond between old cement mortar and aggregates. In order to demonstrate the influence of recycled aggregate by different cement mortar pretreatment methods, this study prepared natural aggregate concrete (NAC) and concretes with recycled aggregate after the wetting pretreatment (RAC-W) and cement mortar pretreatment (RAC-C), and conducted uniaxial compressive strength tests on different types of concrete at different curing ages. The test results indicated that the compressive strength of RAC-C at a 7 d curing age was higher than that of RAC-W and NAC, and the compressive strength of RAC-C at a 28 d curing age was higher than RAC-W but lower than NAC. The compressive strength of NAC and RAC-W at a 7 d curing age was about 70% of that at a 28 d curing age, and the compressive strength of RAC-C at a 7 d curing age was about 85–90% of that at a 28 d curing age. The compressive strength of RAC-C increased dramatically at the early stage, while the post-strength of the NAC and RAC-W groups increased rapidly. The fracture surface of RAC-W mainly occurred in the transition zone between the recycled aggregates and old cement mortar under the pressure of the uniaxial compressive load. However, the main failure of RAC-C was the crushing destruction of cement mortar. With changes in the amount of cement added beforehand, the proportion of aggregate damage and A-P interface damage of RAC-C also changed accordingly. Therefore, the recycled aggregate pretreated with cement mortar can significantly improve the compressive strength of recycled aggregate concrete. The optimal amount of pre-added cement was 25%, which is recommended for practical engineering.
Synthesis of Ion-Exchange Catalysts by Introduction of Fluorinated Ponytails into Novel Mesoporous Polymers
Authors: Dalla Valle Chiara , Sandri Francesco , Zecca Marco , Rastrelli Federico , Campestrini Sandro , Centomo Paolo
Published: May 2023

A novel synthetic procedure for the functionalisation of styrenic cross-linked polymers with perfluorinated acyl chains has been reported. The effective significant grafting of the fluorinated moieties is supported by {1H}-13C and {19F}-13C NMR characterisations. This kind of polymer appears promising as catalytic support for a variety of reactions requiring a highly lipophilic catalyst. Indeed, the improved lipophilicity of the materials resulted in enhanced catalytic properties of the corresponding sulfonic materials in the reaction of esterification of a solution in a vegetable oil of stearic acid with methanol.
First Results on Zinc Oxide Thick Film Deposition by Inverted Magnetron Sputtering for Cyclotron Solid Targets Production
Authors: Kotliarenko Alisa , Azzolini Oscar , Cisternino Sara , El Idrissi Mourad , Esposito Juan , Keppel Giorgio , Pira Cristian , Taibi Angelo
Published: May 2023

The magnetron sputtering technique has been investigated in recent years with ever-growing interest as a verifiable solid target manufacturing technology aimed at the production of medical radionuclides by using low-energy cyclotron accelerators. However, the possible loss of high-cost materials prevents access to work with isotopically enriched metals. The need for expensive materials for the supply of the growing demand for theranostic radionuclides makes the material-saving approach and recovery essential for the radiopharmaceutical field. To overcome the main magnetron sputtering drawback, an alternative configuration is proposed. In this work, an inverted magnetron prototype for the deposition of tens of μm film onto different substrates is developed. Such configuration for solid target manufacturing has been proposed for the first time. Two ZnO depositions (20–30 μm) onto Nb backing were carried out and analysed by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and XRD (X-ray Diffractogram). Their thermomechanical stability under the proton beam of a medical cyclotron was tested as well. A possible improvement of the prototype and the perspective of its utilisation were discussed.
Mössbauer and X-ray Studies of Radiation-Induced Processes in Nb–Zr Alloys Implanted with 57Fe Ions
Authors: Vereshchak Mikhail , Manakova Irina , Shokanov Adilkhan
Published: May 2023

The effect of implanting 57Fe ions on the crystal structure of Nb–Zr alloys has been studied using Mössbauer spectroscopy on 57Fe nuclei and X-ray diffraction. As a result of implantation, a metastable structure was formed in the Nb–Zr alloy. The XRD data indicated a decrease in the crystal lattice parameter of niobium; that is, there was a compression of the niobium planes when implanted with iron ions. Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed three states of iron. The singlet indicated a supersaturated Nb(Fe) solid solution; the doublets characterized the diffusion migration of atomic planes and crystallization of voids. It was shown that the values of the isomer shifts in all three states did not depend on the implantation energy, which indicates the invariance of the electron density on the 57Fe nuclei in the studied samples. The resonance lines of the Mössbauer spectra were significantly broadened, which is typical for materials with low crystallinity and a metastable structure that is stable at room temperature. The paper discusses the mechanism of radiation-induced and thermal transformations in the Nb–Zr alloy, which leads to the formation of a stable well-crystallized structure. A Fe2Nb intermetallic compound and the Nb(Fe) solid solution formed in its near-surface layer, while Nb(Zr) remained in the bulk.
In-Vitro Study of Indium (III) Sulfate-Containing Medium on the Viability and Adhesion Behaviors of Human Dermal Fibroblast on Engineered Surfaces
Authors: Eskandari Ali , Yim Evelyn K. F. , Glerum D. Moira , Tsui Ting Y.
Published: May 2023

Tissues and organs consist of cells organized in specified patterns that support their function, as exemplified by tissues such as skin, muscle, and cornea. It is, therefore, important to understand how external cues, such as engineered surfaces or chemical contaminants, can influence the organization and morphology of cells. In this work, we studied the impact of indium sulfate on human dermal fibroblast (GM5565) viability, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), morphology, and alignment behavior on tantalum/silicon oxide parallel line/trench surface structures. The viability of cells was measured using the alamarBlue™ Cell Viability Reagent probe, while the ROS levels in cells were quantified using cell-permeant 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. Cell morphology and orientation on the engineered surfaces were characterized using fluorescence confocal and scanning electron microscopy. When cells were cultured in media containing indium (III) sulfate, the average cell viability decreased by as much as ~32% and the concentration of cellular ROS increased. Cell geometry became more circular and compact in the presence of indium sulfate. Even though actin microfilaments continue to preferentially adhere to tantalum-coated trenches in the presence of indium sulfate, the cells are less able to orient along the line axes of the chips. Interestingly, the indium sulfate-induced changes in cell alignment behavior are pattern dependent—a larger proportion of adherent cells on structures with line/trench widths in the range of 1 μm and 10 μm lose the ability to orient themselves, compared to those grown on structures with line widths smaller than 0.5 μm. Our results show that indium sulfate impacts the response of human fibroblasts to the surface structure to which they adhere and underscores the importance of evaluating cell behaviors on textured surfaces, especially in the presence of potential chemical contaminants.
Investigation of the Effect of Double-Filler Atoms on the Thermoelectric Properties of Ce-YbCo4Sb12
Authors: Binh Nguyen Vu , Van Du Nguyen , Lee Nayoung , Kang Minji , Ryu So Hyeon , Lee Munhwi , Seo Deokcheol , Nam Woo Hyun , Roh Jong Wook , Lee Soonil , Kim Se Yun , Koo Sang-Mo , Shin Weon Ho , Cho Jung Young
Published: May 2023

Skutterudite compounds have been studied as potential thermoelectric materials due to their high thermoelectric efficiency, which makes them attractive candidates for applications in thermoelectric power generation. In this study, the effects of double-filling on the thermoelectric properties of the CexYb0.2−xCo4Sb12 skutterudite material system were investigated through the process of melt spinning and spark plasma sintering (SPS). By replacing Yb with Ce, the carrier concentration was compensated for by the extra electron from Ce donors, leading to optimized electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and power factor of the CexYb0.2−xCo4Sb12 system. However, at high temperatures, the power factor showed a downturn due to bipolar conduction in the intrinsic conduction regime. The lattice thermal conductivity of the CexYb0.2−xCo4Sb12 skutterudite system was clearly suppressed in the range between 0.025 and 0.1 for Ce content, due to the introduction of the dual phonon scattering center from Ce and Yb fillers. The highest ZT value of 1.15 at 750 K was achieved for the Ce0.05Yb0.15Co4Sb12 sample. The thermoelectric properties could be further improved by controlling the secondary phase formation of CoSb2 in this double-filled skutterudite system.
Contribution of Ion Energy and Flux on High-Aspect Ratio SiO2 Etching Characteristics in a Dual-Frequency Capacitively Coupled Ar/C4F8 Plasma: Individual Ion Energy and Flux Controlled
Authors: Jeong Wonnyoung , Kim Sijun , Lee Youngseok , Cho Chulhee , Seong Inho , You Yebin , Choi Minsu , Lee Jangjae , Seol Youbin , You Shinjae
Published: May 2023

As the process complexity has been increased to overcome challenges in plasma etching, individual control of internal plasma parameters for process optimization has attracted attention. This study investigated the individual contribution of internal parameters, the ion energy and flux, on high-aspect ratio SiO2 etching characteristics for various trench widths in a dual-frequency capacitively coupled plasma system with Ar/C4F8 gases. We established an individual control window of ion flux and energy by adjusting dual-frequency power sources and measuring the electron density and self-bias voltage. We separately varied the ion flux and energy with the same ratio from the reference condition and found that the increase in ion energy shows higher etching rate enhancement than that in the ion flux with the same increase ratio in a 200 nm pattern width. Based on a volume-averaged plasma model analysis, the weak contribution of the ion flux results from the increase in heavy radicals, which is inevitably accompanied with the increase in the ion flux and forms a fluorocarbon film, preventing etching. At the 60 nm pattern width, the etching stops at the reference condition and it remains despite increasing ion energy, which implies the surface charging-induced etching stops. The etching, however, slightly increased with the increasing ion flux from the reference condition, revealing the surface charge removal accompanied with conducting fluorocarbon film formation by heavy radicals. In addition, the entrance width of an amorphous carbon layer (ACL) mask enlarges with increasing ion energy, whereas it relatively remains constant with that of ion energy. These findings can be utilized to optimize the SiO2 etching process in high-aspect ratio etching applications.
Catalytic Oxidation Activity of NO over Mullite-Supported Amorphous Manganese Oxide Catalyst
Authors: Yang Jianlin , Zhao Lu , Zhou Tianran , Ma Shuhua , Wang Xiaohui
Published: May 2023

Nitric oxide (NO) can pose a severe threat to human health and the environment. Many catalytic materials that contain noble metals can oxidize NO into NO2. Therefore, the development of a low-cost, earth-abundant, and high-performance catalytic material is essential for NO removal. In this study, mullite whiskers on a micro-scale spherical aggregate support were obtained from high-alumina coal fly ash using an acid–alkali combined extraction method. Microspherical aggregates and Mn(NO3)2 were used as the catalyst support and the precursor, respectively. A mullite-supported amorphous manganese oxide (MSAMO) catalyst was prepared by impregnation and calcination at low temperatures, in which amorphous MnOx is evenly dispersed on the surface and inside of aggregated microsphere support. The MSAMO catalyst, with a hierarchical porous structure, exhibits high catalytic performance for the oxidation of NO. The MSAMO catalyst, with a 5 wt% MnOx loading, presented satisfactory NO catalytic oxidation activity at 250 °C, with an NO conversion rate as high as 88%. Manganese exists in a mixed-valence state in amorphous MnOx, and Mn4+ provides the main active sites. The lattice oxygen and chemisorbed oxygen in amorphous MnOx participate in the catalytic oxidation of NO into NO2. This study provides insights into the effectiveness of catalytic NO removal in practical industrial coal-fired boiler flue gas. The development of high-performance MSAMO catalysts represents an important step towards the production of low-cost, earth-abundant, and easily synthesized catalytic oxidation materials.
Study on Sinusoidal Post-Buckling Deformation of Coiled Tubing in Horizontal Wells Based on the Separation Constant Method
Authors: Li Zhuang , Chen Liangyu , Zhong Yan , Wang Lei
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a set of partial differential equations considering the dynamic effects of the coiled tubing (CT) is established based on the bending theory of slender beams considering the axial loads. The analytical solution of sinusoidal deformation with the time term is obtained. The critical load of coiled tubing during sinusoidal buckling and the change of half-wave number during sinusoidal post-buckling are studied through the introduction of the necessary conditions, solution and the separation constant. The contact force of coiled tubing with sinusoidal post-buckling on the horizontal well wall is analyzed. The results show that the critical load for sinusoidal buckling of fixed-size CT is related to the section angular acceleration coefficient. The half-wave number produced by the sinusoidal post-buckling bending of the CT gradually decreases during compression. The contact force of the deformed CT to the borehole wall is related to the compression speed of the CT. By introducing the dynamic term and the separation constant, this research model can provide a theoretical basis for studying the transformation of the CT from sinusoidal buckling to helical buckling.
Alzheimer’s Disease Detection from Fused PET and MRI Modalities Using an Ensemble Classifier
Authors: Shukla Amar , Tiwari Rajeev , Tiwari Shamik
Published: May 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an old-age disease that comes in different stages and directly affects the different regions of the brain. The research into the detection of AD and its stages has new advancements in terms of single-modality and multimodality approaches. However, sustainable techniques for the detection of AD and its stages still require a greater extent of research. In this study, a multimodal image-fusion method is initially proposed for the fusion of two different modalities, i.e., PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Further, the features obtained from fused and non-fused biomarkers are passed to the ensemble classifier with a Random Forest-based feature selection strategy. Three classes of Alzheimer’s disease are used in this work, namely AD, MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) and CN (Cognitive Normal). In the resulting analysis, the Binary classifications, i.e., AD vs. CN and MCI vs. CN, attained an accuracy (Acc) of 99% in both cases. The class AD vs. MCI detection achieved an adequate accuracy (Acc) of 91%. Furthermore, the Multi Class classification, i.e., AD vs. MCI vs. CN, achieved 96% (Acc).
A Generalized Finite Difference Method for Solving Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman Equations in Optimal Investment
Authors: Lin Jiamian , Li Xi , Hoe SingRu (Celine) , Yan Zhongfeng
Published: May 2023

This paper studies the numerical algorithm of stochastic control problems in investment optimization. Investors choose the optimal investment to maximize the expected return under uncertainty. The optimality condition, the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation, satisfied by the value function and obtained by the dynamic programming method, is a partial differential equation coupled with optimization. One of the major computational difficulties is the irregular boundary conditions presented in the HJB equation. In this paper, two mesh-free algorithms are proposed to solve two different cases of HJB equations with regular and irregular boundary conditions. The model of optimal investment under uncertainty developed by Abel is used to study the efficacy of the proposed algorithms. Extensive numerical studies are conducted to test the impact of the key parameters on the numerical efficacy. By comparing the numerical solution with the exact solution, the proposed numerical algorithms are validated.
Experimental Research on the Settlement Feature of Two Ground Deformation Modes Induced by Tunnelling
Authors: Lin Qingtao , Guo Caixia , Meng Xu , Dong Hongyu , Kong Fanchao
Published: May 2023

Two ground deformation modes, i.e., the arching mode and collapsing mode, may be caused by tunnel excavation. However, the development of the ground deformation corresponding to the two modes is unclear. A piece of a model test facility is designed to study the ground settlement induced by tunnel excavation. Tunnel excavation is realized by decreasing the area of the model tunnel. Two model tests with different soil cohesion are conducted, and the two ground deformation modes form in the two tests, respectively. The former mode is observed at higher soil cohesion while the latter is found to develop at lower soil cohesion. Whether the failure surface develops to the ground surface or not is the most significant difference between the two ground deformation modes. In the two modes, the failure surface occurs at the position where the ground settlement contours distribute densely, and the shape of the failure surface can be described by the semi-oval for both modes. Meanwhile, for both the arching mode and the collapsing mode, Gaussian curves can reasonably describe the ground settlement troughs before the ground surface settlement becomes stable or increases sharply, and distribution of the trough width parameter is similar.
Analytical Solutions to the Chavy-Waddy–Kolokolnikov Model of Bacterial Aggregates in Phototaxis by Three Integration Schemes
Authors: León-Ramírez Alejandro , González-Gaxiola Oswaldo , Chacón-Acosta Guillermo
Published: May 2023

In this work, we find analytical solutions to the Chavy-Waddy–Kolokolnikov equation, a continuum approximation for modeling aggregate formation in bacteria moving toward the light, also known as phototaxis. We used three methods to obtain the solutions, the generalized Kudryashov method, the e−R(ξ)-expansion, and exponential function methods, all of them being very efficient for finding traveling wave-like solutions. Findings can be classified into the case where the nonlinear term can be considered a small perturbation of the linear case and the regime of instability and pattern formation. Standing waves and traveling fronts were also found among the physically interesting cases, in addition to recovering stationary spike-like solutions.
Green Supply Chain Coordination Considering Carbon Emissions and Product Green Level Dependent Demand
Authors: Li Xin , Zhu Guanlai
Published: May 2023

As traditional supply chains face increasingly severe environmental issues, and as countries promote green development and sustainable development policy concepts, cultivating green supply chain operation models is gradually coming to be highly valued by governments and enterprises. Generally speaking, the production of green products incurs higher additional costs, and thus, their total production costs also increase. In this work, we studied the coordination mechanism, by considering carbon emissions and product green level dependent demand, in which the product green level is related to the random demand. Under the green supply chain buyback contract with the green product R&D cost sharing between the manufacturer and the retailer, both the product green level and the order quantity need to be decided, to maximize the channel profit. In order to coordinate the green supply chain, the manufacturer needs to share both the risk of good salvage and the green product R&D cost with the retailer. We found that both the wholesale price and the buyback price increase in the manufacturer’s proposition of the green product R&D cost, but decrease in the emission reduction efficiency coefficient or carbon trading price. In addition, the product green level, the optimal order quantity and the channel profit increase in the emission reduction efficiency coefficient, but decrease in the R&D cost coefficient of the product green level. Interestingly, we found that if the carbon trading price is low, the manufacturer will set a low product green level, and the product carbon emission trading is a cost for the supply chain. The increment of the carbon trading price leads to a higher cost, such that the channel profit is decreased. However, if the carbon trading price is high, the manufacturer will set a high product green level, and the product carbon emission trading is a revenue for the supply chain. The increment of the carbon trading price leads to a higher revenue, such that the channel profit is increased.
Bio-Inspired Multi-UAV Path Planning Heuristics: A Review
Authors: Aljalaud Faten , Kurdi Heba , Youcef-Toumi Kamal
Published: May 2023

Despite the rapid advances in autonomous guidance and navigation techniques for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, there are still many challenges in finding an optimal path planning algorithm that allows outlining a collision-free navigation route from the vehicle’s current position to a goal point. The challenges grow as the number of UAVs involved in the mission increases. Therefore, this work provides a comprehensive systematic review of the literature on the path planning algorithms for multi-UAV systems. In particular, the review focuses on biologically inspired (bio-inspired) algorithms due to their potential in overcoming the challenges associated with multi-UAV path planning problems. It presents a taxonomy for classifying existing algorithms and describes their evolution in the literature. The work offers a structured and accessible presentation of bio-inspired path planning algorithms for researchers in this subject, especially as no previous review exists with a similar scope. This classification is significant as it facilitates studying bio-inspired multi-UAV path planning algorithms under one framework, shows the main design features of the algorithms clearly to assist in a detailed comparison between them, understanding current research trends, and anticipating future directions. Our review showed that bio-inspired algorithms have a high potential to approach the multi-UAV path planning problem and identified challenges and future research directions that could help improve this dynamic research area.
LCANet: A Lightweight Context-Aware Network for Bladder Tumor Segmentation in MRI Images
Authors: Wang Yixing , Li Xiang , Ye Xiufen
Published: May 2023

Accurate segmentation of the lesion area from MRI images is essential for diagnosing bladder cancer. However, the precise segmentation of bladder tumors remains a massive challenge due to their similar intensity distributions, various tumor morphologies, and blurred boundaries. While some seminal studies, such as those using CNNs combined with transformer segmentation methods, have made significant progress, (1) how to reduce the computational complexity of the self-attention mechanism in the transformer while maintaining performance and (2) how to build a better global feature fusion process to improve segmentation performance still require further exploration. Considering the complexity of bladder MRI images, we developed a lightweight context-aware network (LCANet) to automatically segment bladder lesions from MRI images. Specifically, the local detail encoder generates local-level details of the lesion, the lightweight transformer encoder models the global-level features with different resolutions, the pyramid scene parsing module extracts high-level and multiscale semantic features, and the decoder provides high-resolution segmentation results by fusing local-level details with global-level cues at the channel level. A series of empirical studies on T2-weighted MRI images from 86 patients show that LCANet achieves an overall Jaccard index of 89.39%, a Dice similarity coefficient of 94.08%, and a Class pixel accuracy of 94.10%. These advantages show that our method is an efficient tool that can assist in reducing the heavy workload of radiologists.
Tisochrysis lutea F&M-M36 Mitigates Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome and Promotes Visceral Fat Browning through β3-Adrenergic Receptor/UCP1 Signaling
Authors: D’Ambrosio Mario , Bigagli Elisabetta , Cinci Lorenzo , Gencarelli Manuela , Chioccioli Sofia , Biondi Natascia , Rodolfi Liliana , Niccolai Alberto , Zambelli Francesca , Laurino Annunziatina , Raimondi Laura , Tredici Mario R. , Luceri Cristina
Published: May 2023

Pre-metabolic syndrome (pre-MetS) may represent the best transition phase to start treatments aimed at reducing cardiometabolic risk factors of MetS. In this study, we investigated the effects of the marine microalga Tisochrysis lutea F&M-M36 (T. lutea) on cardiometabolic components of pre-MetS and its underlying mechanisms. Rats were fed a standard (5% fat) or a high-fat diet (20% fat) supplemented or not with 5% of T. lutea or fenofibrate (100 mg/Kg) for 3 months. Like fenofibrate, T. lutea decreased blood triglycerides (p < 0.01) and glucose levels (p < 0.01), increased fecal lipid excretion (p < 0.05) and adiponectin (p < 0.001) without affecting weight gain. Unlike fenofibrate, T. lutea did not increase liver weight and steatosis, reduced renal fat (p < 0.05), diastolic (p < 0.05) and mean arterial pressure (p < 0.05). In visceral adipose tissue (VAT), T. lutea, but not fenofibrate, increased the β3-adrenergic receptor (β3ADR) (p < 0.05) and Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1) (p < 0.001) while both induced glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) protein expression (p < 0.001) and decreased interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β gene expression (p < 0.05). Pathway analysis on VAT whole-gene expression profiles showed that T. lutea up-regulated energy-metabolism-related genes and down-regulated inflammatory and autophagy pathways. The multitarget activity of T. lutea suggests that this microalga could be useful in mitigating risk factors of MetS.
Physical Performance and Falling Risk Are Associated with Five-Year Mortality in Older Adults: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Salis Francesco , Mandas Antonella
Published: May 2023

Background: Falls in older people have a significant impact on public health. The scientific literature has provided evidence about the necessity for older adults to be physically active, since it reduces the incidence of falls, several diseases, and deaths, and can even slow down some effects of aging. The primary aim of our study is to identify if physical performances and risk of falling are related to 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year mortality. Its secondary aim is to establish if people with both severely impaired physical performance and a high risk of falling also present impairment in other geriatric domains. Methods: In this prospective study, we enrolled subjects aged 65 years or more, subjected them to comprehensive assessment (including assessment of risk of falling, physical capacities, comorbidities, autonomies in daily living, cognitive abilities, mood, and nutritional status), and followed them for 5 years. Results: We included 384 subjects, 280 of whom were women (72.7%), with a median age of 81 years. Our results showed that physical performances and risk of falling are highly correlated to each other (rho = 0.828). After divided the sample into three groups (people without augmented risk of falling and able to perform adequate physical activity; people with moderate risk of falling and/or disability; people with severe risk of falling and/or disability), we found that the more severe the disability and risk of falling were, the more compromised the other geriatric domains were. Moreover, the survival probability progressively increased following the same trend, amounting to only 41% in severely compromised people, 51.1% in moderately compromised people, and 62.8% in people without physical compromise nor an augmented falling risk (p = 0.0124). Conclusions: Poor physical performance combined with a high risk of falling, correlated with each other, are associated with higher mortality and impairment in multiple domains in older adults.
Ventilation Difficulty Caused by Obstructed Heated Breathing Circuit
Authors: Kwon Jiyeon , Kang Eunsu , Shin Sunghyun , Lee Byeongcheol , Ko Myoungjin , Kim Sehun , Lee Soojee
Published: May 2023

For perioperative hypothermia prevention, a heated, humidified breathing circuit equipped with a fluid-warming unit inside the inspiratory limb has been developed. We report a ventilation difficulty caused by an obstructed heated breathing circuit. Cotton surrounding the hot wire, temperature sensor, and fluid tubing in the distal inspiratory limb was irregularly thicker than that of a normal circuit and nearly blocked the lumen. Despite carrying out routine checks on the anesthesia workstation preoperatively, we failed to make a prediagnosis by omitting the flow test after changing the circuit. This case puts emphasis on a routine flow test with a meticulous examination of the heated breathing circuit before every procedure.
Laser Devices and Autologous Platelet Concentrates in Prevention and Treatment of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws: A Systematic Review
Authors: Scribante Andrea , Ghizzoni Martina , Pellegrini Matteo , Pulicari Federica , Spadari Francesco
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is a disease that affects many patients taking anti-angiogenic and antiresorptive medicines. Since the pathogenetic mechanism is still partially unknown, preventive strategies, as well as treatment alternatives, are needed. Therefore, the aim of this research is to describe the main evidence from the last 10 years of clinical trials regarding the use of auxiliary devices such as autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) and laser, other than their effects against MRONJ disease onset or therapy. Advantages in the healing process and recurrence rates were also analyzed. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of the electronic databases of PubMed and Scopus was carried out. Data from the studies were analyzed, and the risk of bias was evaluated. Results: Nineteen studies between interventional studies, observational studies, and cohort studies have been considered in this review. Conclusions: Based on the studies included, the literature analysis shows that APCs could be a beneficial alternative in preventing and treating MRONJ. Laser technology, as a surgical tool or used on the antimicrobial photodynamic or photobiomodulation side, has been becoming increasingly popular in the last few years. The latest proposal concerning the combination of both auxiliary tools suggests interesting effects, but more studies should be conducted to evaluate eventual relapses and long-term consequences.
Differences between Very Highly Sensitized Kidney Transplant Recipients as Identified by Machine Learning Consensus Clustering
Authors: Thongprayoon Charat , Miao Jing , Jadlowiec Caroline C. , Mao Shennen A. , Mao Michael A. , Vaitla Pradeep , Leeaphorn Napat , Kaewput Wisit , Pattharanitima Pattharawin , Tangpanithandee Supawit , Krisanapan Pajaree , Nissaisorakarn Pitchaphon , Cooper Matthew , Cheungpasitporn Wisit
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives: The aim of our study was to categorize very highly sensitized kidney transplant recipients with pre-transplant panel reactive antibody (PRA) ≥ 98% using an unsupervised machine learning approach as clinical outcomes for this population are inferior, despite receiving increased allocation priority. Identifying subgroups with higher risks for inferior outcomes is essential to guide individualized management strategies for these vulnerable recipients. Materials and Methods: To achieve this, we analyzed the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN)/United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database from 2010 to 2019 and performed consensus cluster analysis based on the recipient-, donor-, and transplant-related characteristics in 7458 kidney transplant patients with pre-transplant PRA ≥ 98%. The key characteristics of each cluster were identified by calculating the standardized mean difference. The post-transplant outcomes were compared between the assigned clusters. Results: We identified two distinct clusters and compared the post-transplant outcomes among the assigned clusters of very highly sensitized kidney transplant patients. Cluster 1 patients were younger (median age 45 years), male predominant, and more likely to have previously undergone a kidney transplant, but had less diabetic kidney disease. Cluster 2 recipients were older (median 54 years), female predominant, and more likely to be undergoing a first-time transplant. While patient survival was comparable between the two clusters, cluster 1 had lower death-censored graft survival and higher acute rejection compared to cluster 2. Conclusions: The unsupervised machine learning approach categorized very highly sensitized kidney transplant patients into two clinically distinct clusters with differing post-transplant outcomes. A better understanding of these clinically distinct subgroups may assist the transplant community in developing individualized care strategies and improving the outcomes for very highly sensitized kidney transplant patients.
Corrosion Current Density of API 5L X65 Carbon Steel in Contact with Natural Callovian-Oxfordian Clay Pore Water, Assessed by Various Electrochemical Methods over 180 Days
Authors: Sano Moyeme Yendoube Charles , Betelu Stephanie , Bertrand Johan , Groenen Serrano Karine , Ignatiadis Ioannis
Published: May 2023

Near-neutral pH and a low redox potential are considered favorable conditions for immobilizing radionuclides in deep repository systems within clay formations. Cigeo is the future French Industrial Center for Geological Disposal for high- and intermediate-level long-lived radioactive waste, to be built at a depth of 500 m within the Callovian–Oxfordian clay. In-depth knowledge of the mechanisms and kinetics of corrosion occurring on the surface of API 5L X65 (X65) carbon steel tubing is essential for the reversible nuclear waste management of the Cigeo site. By using all-solid and robust handmade electrodes in addition to electrochemical and gravimetric techniques, we determined the corrosion phenomenology and kinetics of X65 in contact with natural Cox pore water in equilibrium with its rock gases, flowing continuously through a multi-parameter probe device and placed at a depth of 500 m at the Bure Underground Research Laboratory, for over 180 days. Two iron oxidants were encountered, namely, depleted dioxygen (O2) and proton H(I), accompanied by hydrogen sulfide. Corrosion mechanisms and kinetics were well established for the two X65 electrodes, whether electrochemically perturbed or not. The corrosion thickness loss rates, determined by both electrochemical and gravimetric techniques, were between 0.016 and 0.032 mm/year. This study demonstrates, on site, the reliability of a developed methodology for continuous monitoring of the corrosion kinetics of the API 5L X65 carbon steel at the same time as the temporal variation of the key geochemical parameters of the fluid was assessed.
Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of Cu-Al-Ni-B Alloys with Thermoelastic Martensitic Transformation
Authors: Svirid Alexey E. , Afanasiev Sergey V. , Davydov Denis I. , Kuranova Natalia N. , Makarov Vladimir V. , Pushin Vladimir G. , Ustyugov Yurii M.
Published: May 2023

For the first time, using optical, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy and X-ray phase analysis in combination with measurements of tensile mechanical properties, we obtained data on the structural features of the polycrystalline shape-memory eutectoid Cu-Al-Ni-(B) alloys doped by aluminum (of 10 and 14 wt% Al in total amount), nickel (of 3, 4, and 4.5 wt% Ni), and boron (0.02–0.3 wt% B) in various compositions. The effect of boron on the grain sizes, structure, phase composition, and mechanical properties of shape memory (SM) alloys has been studied. The localization of aluminum borides in the structure was investigated and an effect of grain growth inhibition in the (α + β) and β Cu-Al-Ni-B alloys was established, both in the cast state of the alloys considered and after their heat treatment.
The Impact of High-Speed and Thermal-Assisted Machining on Tool Wear and Surface Roughness during Milling of SKD11 Steel
Authors: Mac Thi-Bich , Luyen The-Thanh , Nguyen Duc-Toan
Published: May 2023

This research investigates the impact of high-speed and thermal-assisted machining (HS-TAM) on tool wear and surface roughness during the milling of SKD11 steel. The goal is to identify high-speed and elevated temperature zones that can improve machining efficiency, enhance surface quality, minimize costs, and extend tool life. The study involves the high-speed milling of SKD11 steel at various temperature conditions to evaluate the effect of temperature on tool wear and surface roughness. Additionally, experiments are conducted at the highest allowable support temperature with increased high-speed cutting to examine the effect of high speed on tool wear and surface roughness. The study demonstrates the correlation between cutting-tool wear and surface roughness at various high-speed cutting conditions and TAM environments and provides recommendations for cutting speeds and heating temperatures for different quality and productivity objectives. The findings indicate that high-speed milling of SKD11 at 600 m/min and 500 °C can decrease cutting tool-wear height (wear volume) and surface roughness by 82.47% (95.74%) and 91.08%, respectively, compared to machining at room temperature. Furthermore, the higher-speed modes at 500 °C result in a slight increase in wear height and surface roughness for high-speed cutting below 800 m/min, but reduces surface roughness for high-speed cutting beyond 800 m/min, reaching a value of 0.158 µm at the high-speed cutting limit of 1000 m/min.
Surface Formation of Sloping Features in Laser Powder–Bed Fusion by Multi-Track Multi-Layer Simulations
Authors: Le Trong-Nhan , Chou Kevin
Published: May 2023

Laser powder–bed fusion (L-PBF) metal additive manufacturing has been widely utilized in various industries. However, large variability and inconsistent quality of the built parts still hinder the full potential of this manufacturing technology. Regarding part quality, the poor surface finish of sloping features remains one of the major shortcomings of L-PBF. The process parameters and contouring strategies have been identified as the primary factors dictating the surface roughness of the inclined surfaces, both up-skin and down-skin. Experimental approaches to modify the surface roughness by tuning contouring parameters could be costly and time-consuming. In addition, such methods cannot provide adequate physical insights into the phenomenon. Therefore, this study presents a multi-physics modeling framework to simulate a multi-track multi-layer L-PBF process in fabricating an inclined sample. The established simulation provides a valuable physical understanding of the driving forces exacerbating the formation and roughness of the inclined surfaces. The simulation results imply that the voids, formed due to insufficient melting in the low-energy contouring scan, are the leading cause of higher surface roughness for up-skin regions. On the other hand, though the visualization of attached particles is challenging regarding the down-skin surface, the simulated results show a lower and abnormal thermal gradient at the melt boundary due to the poorly supported melt region. The presence of thermal gradient irregularities suggests an overabundance of powder particles adhering to the melt boundary, resulting in increased surface roughness on the down-skin.
Shades of Fine Dark Chocolate Colors: Polyphenol Metabolomics and Molecular Networking to Enlighten the Brown from the Black
Authors: Dias Aecio Luís de Sousa , Fenger Julie-Anne , Meudec Emmanuelle , Verbaere Arnaud , Costet Pierre , Hue Clotilde , Coste Florent , Lair Sophie , Cheynier Véronique , Boulet Jean-Claude , Sommerer Nicolas
Published: May 2023

High-quality dark chocolates (70% cocoa content) can have shades from light to dark brown color. This work aimed at revealing compounds that discriminate black and brown chocolates. From 37 fine chocolate samples from years 2019 and 2020 provided by Valrhona,8 dark black samples and 8 light brown samples were selected. A non-targeted metabolomics study was performed based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography—high resolution mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry experiments, univariate, multivariate, and feature-based molecular networking analyses. Twenty-seven overaccumulated discriminating compounds were found for black chocolates. Among them, glycosylated flavanols including monomers and glycosylated A-type procyanidin dimers and trimers were highly representative. Fifty overaccumulated discriminating compounds were found for brown chocolates. Most of them were B-type procyanidins (from trimers to nonamers). These phenolic compounds may be partially related to the chocolate colors as precursors of colored compounds. This study increases the knowledge on the chemical diversity of dark chocolates by providing new information about the phenolic profiles of black and brown chocolates.
A Low-Loss 1.2 kV SiC MOSFET with Improved UIS Performance
Authors: Wu Lijuan , Zhang Mengyuan , Liang Jiahui , Liu Mengjiao , Zhang Tengfei , Yang Gang
Published: May 2023

In this article, a 1.2-kV-rated double-trench 4H-SiC MOSFET with an integrated low-barrier diode (DT-LBDMOS) is proposed which eliminates the bipolar degradation of the body diode and reduces switching loss while increasing avalanche stability. A numerical simulation verifies that a lower barrier for electrons appears because of the LBD; thus, a path that makes it easier for electrons to transfer from the N+ source to the drift region is provided, finally eliminating the bipolar degradation of the body diode. At the same time, the LBD integrated in the P-well region weakens the scattering effect of interface states on electrons. Compared with the gate p-shield trench 4H-SiC MOSFET (GPMOS), the reverse on-voltage (VF) is reduced from 2.46 V to 1.54 V; the reverse recovery charge (Qrr) and the gate-to-drain capacitance (Cgd) are 28% and 76% lower than those of the GPMOS, respectively. The turn-on and turn-off losses of the DT-LBDMOS are reduced by 52% and 35%. The specific on-resistance (RON,sp) of the DT-LBDMOS is reduced by 34% due to the weaker scattering effect of interface states on electrons. The HF-FOM (HF-FOM = RON,sp × Cgd) and the P-FOM (P-FOM = BV2/RON,sp) of the DT-LBDMOS are both improved. Using the unclamped inductive switching (UIS) test, we evaluate the avalanche energy of devices and the avalanche stability. The improved performances suggest that DT-LBDMOS can be harnessed in practical applications.