bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Significance of Elevated Xanthine Dehydrogenase Levels and Hyperuricemia in Patients with Sepsis
Authors: Matsuoka Masaru , Yamaguchi Junko , Kinoshita Kosaku
Published: September 2023

Patient outcomes for severe sepsis and septic shock remain poor. Excessive oxidative stress accelerates organ dysfunction in severe acute illnesses. Uric acid (UA) is the most abundant antioxidant. We hypothesized that UA and related molecules, which play a critical role in antioxidant activity, might be markers of oxidative stress in sepsis. The study aimed to clarify the clinical significance of UA and the relationship between UA, molecules related to UA, and outcomes by measuring blood UA, xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels over time. Blood UA levels in septic patients were correlated with the SOFA score (ρ = 0.36, p < 0.0001) and blood XDH levels (ρ = 0.27, p < 0.0001). Blood XDH levels were correlated with the SOFA score (ρ = 0.59, p < 0.0001) and blood 8-OHdG levels (ρ = −0.32, p < 0.0001). Blood XDH levels were persistently high in fatal cases. Blood XDH level (OR 8.84, 95% CI: 1.42–91.2, p = 0.018) was an independent factor of poor outcomes. The cutoff of blood XDH level was 1.38 ng/mL (sensitivity 92.8%, specificity 61.9%), and those 1.38 ng/mL or higher were associated with a significantly reduced survival rate (blood XDH level > 1.38 ng/mL: 23.7%, blood XDH level < 1.38 ng/mL: 96.3%, respectively, p = 0.0007). Elevated UA levels due to elevated blood XDH levels in sepsis cases may reduce oxidative stress. Countermeasures against increased oxidative stress in sepsis may provide new therapeutic strategies.
Human Prune Regulates the Metabolism of Mammalian Inorganic Polyphosphate and Bioenergetics
Authors: Scoma Ernest R. , Da Costa Renata T. , Leung Ho Hang , Urquiza Pedro , Guitart-Mampel Mariona , Hambardikar Vedangi , Riggs Lindsey M. , Wong Ching-On , Solesio Maria E.
Published: September 2023

Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is an evolutionarily conserved and ubiquitous polymer that is present in all studied organisms. PolyP consists of orthophosphates (Pi) linked together by phosphoanhydride bonds. The metabolism of polyP still remains poorly understood in higher eukaryotes. Currently, only F0F1-ATP synthase, Nudt3, and Prune have been proposed to be involved in this metabolism, although their exact roles and regulation in the context of polyP biology have not been fully elucidated. In the case of Prune, in vitro studies have shown that it exhibits exopolyphosphatase activity on very short-chain polyP (up to four units of Pi), in addition to its known cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity. Here, we expand upon studies regarding the effects of human Prune (h-Prune) on polyP metabolism. Our data show that recombinant h-Prune is unable to hydrolyze short (13–33 Pi) and medium (45–160 Pi) chains of polyP, which are the most common chain lengths of the polymer in mammalian cells. Moreover, we found that the knockdown of h-Prune (h-Prune KD) results in significantly decreased levels of polyP in HEK293 cells. Likewise, a reduction in the levels of polyP is also observed in Drosophila melanogaster loss-of-function mutants of the h-Prune ortholog. Furthermore, while the activity of ATP synthase, and the levels of ATP, are decreased in h-Prune KD HEK293 cells, the expression of ATP5A, which is a main component of the catalytic subunit of ATP synthase, is upregulated in the same cells, likely as a compensatory mechanism. Our results also show that the effects of h-Prune on mitochondrial bioenergetics are not a result of a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential or of significant changes in mitochondrial biomass. Overall, our work corroborates the role of polyP in mitochondrial bioenergetics. It also demonstrates a conserved effect of h-Prune on the metabolism of short- and medium-chain polyP (which are the predominant chain lengths found in mammalian cells). The effects of Prune in polyP are most likely exerted via the regulation of the activity of ATP synthase. Our findings pave the way for modifying the levels of polyP in mammalian cells, which could have pharmacological implications in many diseases where dysregulated bioenergetics has been demonstrated.
Copper(I)/Triphenylphosphine Complexes Containing Naphthoquinone Ligands as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Leite Celisnolia M. , Araujo-Neto João H. , Guedes Adriana P. M. , Costa Analu R. , Demidoff Felipe C. , Netto Chaquip D. , Castellano Eduardo E. , Nascimento Otaciro R. , Batista Alzir A.
Published: September 2023

Four new Cu/PPh3/naphtoquinone complexes were synthesized, characterized (IR, UV/visible, 1D/2D NMR, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and X-ray diffraction), and evaluated as anticancer agents. We also investigated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation capacity of complex 4, considering the well-established photochemical property of naphthoquinones. Therefore, employing the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) “spin trap”, 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) technique, we identified the formation of the characteristic •OOH species (hydroperoxyl radical) adduct even before irradiating the solution containing complex 4. As the irradiation progressed, this radical species gradually diminished, primarily giving rise to a novel species known as •DMPO-OH (DMPO + •OH radical). These findings strongly suggest that Cu(I)/PPh3/naphthoquinone complexes can generate ROS, even in the absence of irradiation, potentially intensifying their cytotoxic effect on tumor cells. Interpretation of the in vitro cytotoxicity data of the Cu(I) complexes considered their stability in cell culture medium. All of the complexes were cytotoxic to the lung (A549) and breast tumor cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7). However, the higher toxicity for the lung (MRC5) and breast (MCF-10A) non-tumoral cells resulted in a low selectivity index. The morphological analysis of MDA-MB-231 cells treated with the complexes showed that they could cause decreased cell density, loss of cell morphology, and loss of cell adhesion, mainly with concentrations higher than the inhibitory concentration of 50% of cell viability (IC50) values. Similarly, the clonogenic survivance of these cells was affected only with concentrations higher than the IC50 values. An antimigratory effect was observed for complexes 1 and 4, showing around 20–40% of inhibition of wound closure in the wound healing experiments.
Chest X-ray Foreign Objects Detection Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Kufel Jakub , Bargieł-Łączek Katarzyna , Koźlik Maciej , Czogalik Łukasz , Dudek Piotr , Magiera Mikołaj , Bartnikowska Wiktoria , Lis Anna , Paszkiewicz Iga , Kocot Szymon , Cebula Maciej , Gruszczyńska Katarzyna , Nawrat Zbigniew
Published: September 2023

Diagnostic imaging has become an integral part of the healthcare system. In recent years, scientists around the world have been working on artificial intelligence-based tools that help in achieving better and faster diagnoses. Their accuracy is crucial for successful treatment, especially for imaging diagnostics. This study used a deep convolutional neural network to detect four categories of objects on digital chest X-ray images. The data were obtained from the publicly available National Institutes of Health (NIH) Chest X-ray (CXR) Dataset. In total, 112,120 CXRs from 30,805 patients were manually checked for foreign objects: vascular port, shoulder endoprosthesis, necklace, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Then, they were annotated with the use of a computer program, and the necessary image preprocessing was performed, such as resizing, normalization, and cropping. The object detection model was trained using the You Only Look Once v8 architecture and the Ultralytics framework. The results showed not only that the obtained average precision of foreign object detection on the CXR was 0.815 but also that the model can be useful in detecting foreign objects on the CXR images. Models of this type may be used as a tool for specialists, in particular, with the growing popularity of radiology comes an increasing workload. We are optimistic that it could accelerate and facilitate the work to provide a faster diagnosis.
Cemented Sacroiliac Screw Fixation versus Conservative Therapy in Fragility Fractures of the Posterior Pelvic Ring: A Matched-Pair Analysis of a Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Aigner Rene , Föhr Jan , Lenz Julia , Knauf Tom , Bäumlein Martin , Ruchholtz Steffen , Oberkircher Ludwig , Hack Juliana
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of cemented sacroiliac screw fixation to that of conservative treatment in nondisplaced fragility fractures of the sacrum during a 12-month follow-up. Therefore, matched-pair analysis including 40 patients from a previously performed prospective observational study was conducted. Pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), functional capabilities and mobility were assessed using the Barthel index, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) was assessed using the EQ-5D questionnaire at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after the fracture, respectively. No significant differences between the two groups were seen regarding pain. In the operative group, a significantly improved Barthel index was observed after 6 months. A significantly higher HRQL was identified after 6 weeks in the operative group. Their mobility was comparable between the two groups before the fracture; after 6 weeks, mobility was significantly improved in the operative group. After 12 months, no significant differences were found regarding the functional outcome, HRQL or mobility. The 1-year mortality rate was 25% in the conservative group versus 5% in the operative group (not statistically significant). The present study revealed favorable short-term outcomes concerning the functional outcome, HRQL and mobility after sacroiliac screw fixation. After 12 months, the outcomes were similar to those of the patients managed conservatively.
Evaluation of Gingival Phenotype in the Early Transitional Dentition Phase in Children—Comparison of Three Non-Invasive Methods
Authors: Kus-Bartoszek Agnieszka , Lipski Mariusz , Jarząbek Anna , Manowiec Joanna , Marek Ewa , Droździk Agnieszka
Published: September 2023

Gingival phenotype (GP) is determined based on the thickness and width of the gingival tissue. An evaluation of GP is essential for adequate treatment planning and outcome monitoring, including orthodontic treatments in a paediatric population. The present study aimed to compare the reliability of the visual and TRAN methods with that of the ultrasound biometer measurements in the early transitional dentition phase. One hundred ninety three generally healthy, 7-year-old children were examined. An assessment of GP was performed by a paedodontist and a periodontist. The average thickness of the gingiva was 0.76 ± 0.36 mm, which was classified as a thin GP. The agreement between a visual assessment and the biometric ultrasound measurements reached the highest (94%) level when assessing a very thin GP (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient r = 0.37, p < 0.01). Similarly, 99% agreement in the diagnosis of a thin GP was recorded for the TRAN and ultrasound methods (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient r = 0.49, p < 0.001). In total, 86% of cases diagnosed as having a thick GP using the TRAN method turned out to be thin according to the ultrasound measurements. The dentist’s specialization and professional experience in the assessment of GP were irrelevant (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient r = 0.49, p < 0.001). All methods tested in the present study were proven to be easy to perform and well accepted by the children. The visual assessment and TRAN methods, despite the fact that they enabled the diagnosis of a thin GP (crucial for treatment planning), cannot be recommended during the teeth replacement period. A misdiagnosis of thick GP may deprive a young at-risk patient of special supervision, which may develop into mucogingival deformities. A biometric ultrasound, although expensive, allows for reliable assessment of the gingiva thickness when needed.
Ligand Composition and Coating Density Co-Modulate the Chondrocyte Function on Poly(glycerol-dodecanedioate)
Authors: Qin Yue , Coleman Rhima M.
Published: September 2023

Inducing chondrocyte redifferentiation and promoting cartilaginous matrix accumulation are key challenges in the application of biomaterials in articular cartilage repair. Poly(glycerol-dodecanedioate) (PGD) is a viable candidate for scaffold design in cartilage tissue engineering (CTE). However, the surface properties of PGD are not ideal for cell attachment and growth due to its relative hydrophobicity compared with natural extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, PGD was coated with various masses of collagen type I or hyaluronic acid, individually or in combination, to generate a cell–material interface with biological cues. The effects of ligand composition and density on the PGD surface properties and shape, metabolic activity, cell phenotype, and ECM production of human articular chondrocytes (hACs) were evaluated. Introducing ECM ligands on PGD significantly improved its hydrophilicity and promoted the chondrocyte’s anabolic activity. The morphology and anabolic activity of hACs on PGD were co-modulated by ligand composition and density, suggesting a combinatorial effect of both coating parameters on chondrocyte function during monolayer culture. Hyaluronic acid and its combination with collagen maintained a round cell shape and redifferentiated phenotype. This study demonstrated the complex mechanism of ligand-guided interactions between cell and biomaterial substrate and the potential of PGD as a scaffold material in the field of CTE.
Efficient Dehazing with Recursive Gated Convolution in U-Net: A Novel Approach for Image Dehazing
Authors: Wang Zhibo , Jia Jia , Lyu Peng , Min Jeongik
Published: September 2023

Image dehazing, a fundamental problem in computer vision, involves the recovery of clear visual cues from images marred by haze. Over recent years, deploying deep learning paradigms has spurred significant strides in image dehazing tasks. However, many dehazing networks aim to enhance performance by adopting intricate network architectures, complicating training, inference, and deployment procedures. This study proposes an end-to-end U-Net dehazing network model with recursive gated convolution and attention mechanisms to improve performance while maintaining a lean network structure. In our approach, we leverage an improved recursive gated convolution mechanism to substitute the original U-Net’s convolution blocks with residual blocks and apply the SK fusion module to revamp the skip connection method. We designate this novel U-Net variant as the Dehaze Recursive Gated U-Net (DRGNet). Comprehensive testing across public datasets demonstrates the DRGNet’s superior performance in dehazing quality, detail retrieval, and objective evaluation metrics. Ablation studies further confirm the effectiveness of the key design elements.
The ANTI-Vea-UGR Platform: A Free Online Resource to Measure Attentional Networks (Alertness, Orienting, and Executive Control) Functioning and Executive/Arousal Vigilance
Authors: Coll-Martín Tao , Román-Caballero Rafael , Martínez-Caballero María del Rocío , Martín-Sánchez Paulina del Carmen , Trujillo Laura , Cásedas Luis , Castellanos M. Concepción , Hemmerich Klara , Manini Greta , Aguirre María Julieta , Botta Fabiano , Marotta Andrea , Martín-Arévalo Elisa , Luna Fernando G. , Lupiáñez Juan
Published: September 2023

The Attentional Networks Test for Interactions and Vigilance—executive and arousal components (ANTI-Vea) is a computerized task of 32 min duration in the standard format. The task simultaneously assesses the main effects and interactions of the three attentional networks (i.e., phasic alertness, orienting, and executive control) and two dissociated components of vigilance with reasonable reliability (executive and arousal vigilance). We present this free and publicly accessible resource (ANTI-Vea-UGR; https://anti-vea.ugr.es/) developed to easily run, collect, and analyze data with the ANTI-Vea (or its subtasks measuring some attentional and/or vigilance components embedded in the ANTI-Vea). Available in six different languages, the platform allows for the adaptation of stimulus timing and procedure to facilitate data collection from different populations (e.g., clinical patients, children). Collected data can be freely downloaded and easily analyzed with the provided scripts and tools, including a Shiny app. We discuss previous evidence supporting that attention and vigilance components can be assessed in typical lab conditions as well as online and outside the laboratory. We hope this tutorial will help researchers interested in measuring attention and vigilance with a tool useful to collect data from large sample sizes and easy to use in applied contexts.
Experimental Evaluation and Validation of Pressure Distributions in Ice–Structure Collisions Using a Pendulum Apparatus
Authors: Jang Ho-Sang , Hwang Se-Yun , Lee Jang Hyun
Published: September 2023

This study introduced an experimental setup designed to predict collision pressure exerted on a structure due to ice impacts. The primary aim was to forecast the pressure distribution and structural behavior following an ice collision on a laboratory scale. The apparatus comprises a double-pendulum system situated within a cold chamber, facilitating the prediction of collision forces by varying both the collision energy and velocity. Experiments were conducted at collision velocities of 5, 7, and 10 knots, representative of conditions in Arctic regions. By altering these velocities, we measured both the strain experienced by a steel plate and the pressure due to the ice collision. The pressure distribution on the steel plate surface was also recorded by using pressure-sensitive film. This setup effectively captured the pressure distribution across the collision contact area. The measured pressure and force were compared with that of previous studies to determine the validity of the ice collision force measurement. This methodology successfully captures the relationship between the increasing collision speed and force, providing valuable insights into ice-induced forces and structural strain. It offers an effective measurement technique beneficial for designing ice-resistant structures. In conclusion, this paper enhances our understanding of ice–structure interactions, particularly in the domains of collision force and strain metrics.
Sustainable Solutions for Small/Medium Ports a Guide to Efficient and Effective Planning
Authors: Argyriou Ioannis , Tsoutsos Theocharis
Published: September 2023

Ports are under increased pressure to reduce their negative climate and environmental impacts. Their roles and functions in transportation systems and the economy make them a key industry in promoting sustainability. In particular, small- and medium-sized ports (SMSPs) should serve as lighthouses or flagships of environmental and digital transformation, allowing access to remote locations and integrating peripheral regions. Their sustainability planning faces significant challenges in this context, such as limited resources, access to technical expertise, and stakeholder involvement. Sustainable planning strives for long-term viability, while balancing economic, social, and environmental goals. Ports can ensure that they are cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and capable of satisfying local people’s and companies’ long-term demands by applying sustainable planning methods. This research aims to assist stakeholders in designing and implementing activities that will optimize the sustainability of SMSPs, promote the sustainable development of the neighboring communities, and encourage the sustainable use of coastal and marine resources.
Phase-Resolved Wave Simulation over Isolated Seamount
Authors: Latifah Arnida L. , Hariyanto Henokh Lugo , Handri Durra , van Groesen E.
Published: September 2023

This paper investigates the wind wave deformations above two isolated shallow seamounts using a phase-resolved wave model simulation using the HAWASSI-AB software. The first seamount is located some 8 km from the south coast of Jawa, Indonesia, near Glagah, with its top area about 2 m from the water level, while the second is the Socotra Rock, in the East China Sea, which has a top 4.6 m under the sea surface. The simulations found that isolated shallow bathymetry may generate a crossing sea region endangering ships. In both domains, short-crested wave simulations of second order show strong refraction and diffraction effects when waves run towards and downstream of the top of the seamount. Waves near the summit embrace the seamount and form a focal area with larger waves downstream. After crossing the Socotra Rock, the interaction waves lead to a crossing sea in the deep water. On the other hand, having passed the Glagah, waves further downstream are partly absent over a substantial stretch of the coast. For both cases, the phase-resolved wave simulation results determine detailed wind wave conditions and wave spectra over the whole area, compensating for a lack of experimental data.
Expanding the Microcolonial Black Fungi Aeminiaceae Family: Saxispiralis lemnorum gen. et sp. nov. (Mycosphaerellales), Isolated from Deteriorated Limestone in the Lemos Pantheon, Portugal
Authors: Paiva Diana S. , Trovão João , Fernandes Luís , Mesquita Nuno , Tiago Igor , Portugal António
Published: September 2023

With an impressive ability to survive in harsh environments, black fungi are an ecological group of melanized fungi that are widely recognized as a major contributor to the biodeterioration of stone cultural heritage materials. As part of the ongoing efforts to study the fungal diversity thriving in a deteriorated limestone funerary art piece at the Lemos Pantheon, a national monument located in Águeda, Portugal, two isolates of an unknown microcolonial black fungus were retrieved. These isolates were thoroughly studied through a comprehensive analysis based on a multi-locus phylogeny of a combined dataset of ITS rDNA, LSU, and rpb2, along with morphological, physiological, and ecological characteristics. Based on the data obtained from this integrative analysis, we propose a new genus, Saxispiralis gen. nov., and a new species, Saxispiralis lemnorum sp. nov., in the recently described Aeminiaceae family (order Mycosphaerellales). Prior to this discovery, this family only had one known genus and species, Aeminium ludgeri, also isolated from deteriorated limestone. Additionally, considering the isolation source of the fungus and to better understand its potential contribution to the overall stone monument biodeterioration, its in vitro biodeteriorative potential was also evaluated. This work represents a significant contribution to the understanding of the fungal diversity involved in the biodeterioration of limestone heritage.
A Segmentation Study of Digital Pirates and Understanding the Effectiveness of Targeted Anti-Piracy Communication
Authors: Jeong Bong-Keun , Khan Sarah S. , Kang Bomi
Published: September 2023

The objective of this study is to improve the effectiveness of anti-piracy educational strategies by identifying unique digital pirate segments and delivering personalized campaign messages to the target audiences. In the first study, we introduced a segmentation study of digital pirates based on different types of risks involved in pirating activities. We identify four digital pirate segments (anti-pirates, hard-core pirates, performance-sensitive pirates, and finance-sensitive pirates), each demonstrating distinctive characteristics. Further profiling of the segments revealed different risk perceptions regarding gender and piracy experience. In the second study, we conduct an experiment to test the effects of targeted campaign messages for the newly identified pirating segments. Our results show that targeted piracy campaign messages have a significantly higher message persuasiveness, while they damage the attitude towards piracy. However, we found that the targeted piracy campaign messages have a marginal effect on changing the intention to pirate. Findings from this study offer useful implications for the design and implementation of anti-piracy educational campaigns.
Drought Stress Affects the Reproductive Biology of Avena sterilis ssp. ludoviciana
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Williams Alwyn , Widderick Michael , Haque Mohammad Anamul , Adkins Steve
Published: September 2023

Avena sterilis ssp. ludoviciana (hereafter, A. ludoviciana) is considered the most difficult-to-control winter weed in the Northern Grains Region (NGR) of Australia. The abundance of this weed has increased after the adoption of the no-tillage conservation agriculture (NTCA) approach, which does not bury seeds deep in the soil profile. In addition, the increasing frequency and intensity of drought stress events during the late winter to early spring period in the NGR may modify this weed’s persistence mechanisms, which may further impact crop production. The present study focused on plant maturity time and seed production, dormancy, and longevity of four NGR A. ludoviciana biotypes in relation to the severity of drought stress over 2 consecutive years. Plants of all four A. ludoviciana biotypes were grown under 100% plant available water capacity (PAWC) until panicle initiation. At panicle initiation, very mild (80% PAWC), mild (60% PAWC), moderate (40% PAWC), and severe (20% PAWC) drought stresses were imposed on plants and continued through to maturity; an additional subset of plants were maintained at 100% PAWC through to maturity (control). Plants exposed to severe drought stress matured 24 days earlier than control plants, and produced 34% fewer filled seeds, with seeds having a 42% lower mass, 70% less dormancy, and shorter predicted longevity of at least 2 years compared to the seeds produced on control plants. All reproductive traits were less affected when the severity of the drought stress was decreased. The increasing frequency of drought stress in combination with the widely adopted practice of NTCA favours seeds of A. ludoviciana to undergo rapid germination in the following autumn/winter NGR planting season. However, effective control of A. ludoviciana remains a challenge in the NGR due to this weed’s genetic variability with respect to its response toward the seasonal variability of the NGR.
The Role of Online Learning Environments in the Enhancement of Language Learners’ Intercultural Competence: A Scoping Review of Studies Published between 2015 and 2022
Authors: Muszyńska Barbara , Pfingsthorn Joanna , Giesler Tim
Published: September 2023

Developing intercultural competence (IC) through foreign language is believed to lead to rejecting prejudices and stereotypes and fostering bilingualism and biculturalism. Despite the growth of publications on technologies and IC, a significant gap exists between what is known (evidence) and what is done (practice) at the levels of decision making and course design. This scoping review, guided by the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, is conducted to systematically map peer-reviewed literature, taking a longitudinal perspective to update the existing reviews, identify knowledge gaps, and provide a new conclusion to the topic investigated. A transparent, replicable review protocol was designed a priori. A formal Advisory Group was established to incorporate various perspectives and ensure the applicability of the review findings. The main findings suggest that the concept of IC is not uniformly defined across the studies examined, and the development and dynamic nature of the concept is not captured. Numerous studies rely on chosen aspects of the construct only. Still, most of them report largely positive findings concerning the development of IC in FL online learning environments. It is possible that this high number of positive findings includes some cases of type II error or false positives.
The Effects of Tocotrienol on Gut Microbiota: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kumareswaran Aswini , Ekeuku Sophia Ogechi , Mohamed Norazlina , Muhammad Norliza , Hanafiah Alfizah , Pang Kok-Lun , Wong Sok Kuan , Chew Deborah Chia Hsin , Chin Kok-Yong
Published: September 2023

Gut dysbiosis has been associated with many chronic diseases, such as obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer. Gut dysbiosis triggers these diseases through the activation of the immune system by the endotoxins produced by gut microbiota, which leads to systemic inflammation. In addition to pre-/pro-/postbiotics, many natural products can restore healthy gut microbiota composition. Tocotrienol, which is a subfamily of vitamin E, has been demonstrated to have such effects. This scoping review presents an overview of the effects of tocotrienol on gut microbiota according to the existing scientific literature. A literature search to identify relevant studies was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Only original research articles which aligned with the review’s objective were examined. Six relevant studies investigating the effects of tocotrienol on gut microbiota were included. All of the studies used animal models to demonstrate that tocotrienol altered the gut microbiota composition, but none demonstrated the mechanism by which this occurred. The studies induced diseases known to be associated with gut dysbiosis in rats. Tocotrienol partially restored the gut microbiota compositions of the diseased rats so that they resembled those of the healthy rats. Tocotrienol also demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory effects in these animals. In conclusion, tocotrienol could exert anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing inflammation directly or partially by altering the gut microbiota composition, thus achieving its therapeutic effects.
Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis across Operating Conditions Based on Unsupervised Domain Adaptation
Authors: Zhong Zhidan , Liu Hao , Mao Wentao , Xie Xinghui , Cui Yunhao
Published: September 2023

In practical industrial scenarios, mechanical equipment frequently operates within dynamic working conditions. To address the challenge posed by the incongruent data distribution between source and target domains amidst varying operational contexts, particularly in the absence of labels within the target domain, this study presents a solution involving deep feature construction and an unsupervised domain adaptation strategy for rolling bearing fault diagnosis across varying working conditions. The proposed methodology commences by subjecting the original vibration signal of the bearing to a fast Fourier transform (FFT) to extract spectral information. Subsequently, an innovative amalgamation of a one-dimensional convolutional layer and an auto-encoder were introduced to construct a convolutional auto-encoder (CAE) dedicated to acquiring depth features from the spectrum. In a subsequent step, leveraging the depth features gleaned from the convolutional auto-encoder, a balanced distribution adaptation (BDA) mechanism was introduced to facilitate the domain adaptation of features from both the source and target domains. The culminating stage entails the classification of adapted features using the K-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm to attain cross-domain diagnosis. Empirical evaluations are conducted on two extensively used datasets. The findings substantiate that the proposed approach is capable of accomplishing the cross-domain fault diagnosis task even without labeled data within the target domain. Furthermore, the diagnostic accuracy and stability of the proposed method surpass those of various other migration and deep learning approaches.
Antibacterial Activity and Sustained Effectiveness of Calcium Silicate-Based Cement as a Root-End Filling Material against Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Moon Seong-Hee , Shin Seong-Jin , Oh Seunghan , Bae Ji-Myung
Published: September 2023

Several calcium silicate cement (CSC) types with improved handling properties have been developed lately for root-end filling applications. While sealing ability is important, a high biocompatibility and antimicrobial effects are critical. This study aimed to conduct a comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy and sustained antibacterial effectiveness against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) of commercially available CSCs mixed with distilled water (DW) and chlorhexidine (CHX). Various products, viz., ProRoot mixed with DW (PRW) or with CHX (PRC), Endocem mixed with DW (EW) or with CHX (EC), and Endocem premixed (EP) syringe type, were used. While antibacterial activity against E. faecalis was evaluated using a direct contact method, the specimens were stored in a shaking incubator for 30 d for antibacterial sustainability. The cytotoxicity was evaluated using a cell counting kit-8 assay in human periodontal ligament stem cells. The antibacterial activities of EP, EW, and EC were greater than those of PRC and PRW (p < 0.05). The antibacterial sustainability of EP was the highest without cytotoxicity for up to 30 days (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the pre-mixed injectable type EP was most effective in terms of antibacterial activity and sustained antibacterial effectiveness without cytotoxicity.
Mineralogical Characterization of Historic Copper Slag to Guide the Recovery of Valuable Metals: A Namibian Case Study
Authors: Dzinomwa Godfrey , Mapani Benjamin , Nghipulile Titus , Maweja Kasonde , Kurasha Jaquiline Tatenda , Amwaama Martha , Chigayo Kayini
Published: September 2023

The depletion of the ore reserves in the world necessitates the search for secondary sources such as waste products (tailings and slag). The treatment and cleaning up of such secondary sources also has a positive impact on the environment. A smelter in Namibia we examined had historic slag which accumulated over decades of its operating life, thus posing the challenge of how best to collect representative samples to evaluate and propose viable methods of recovering contained metals. In this study, analytical and mineralogical characterization of the slag was performed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS), ICP-OES, scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis, and optical microscopy analysis. The chemical analyses showed that the metal values contained in the slag were mainly copper, lead, and zinc whose average contents were approximately 0.35% Cu, 3% Pb, and 5.5% Zn. About 10.5% Fe was also contained in the slag. Germanium was detected by scanning electron microscopy, but was however below detection limits of the chemical analysis equipment used. Based on the results, approximate conditions under which the different slag phases were formed were estimated and the recovery routes for the various metals were proposed. Analysis by both optical and scanning electron microscopy revealed that Zn and Fe occurred mainly in association with O as oxides, while Cu and Pb were mainly associated with S as sulphides. The slag consisted of three different phases, namely the silicate phase (slag), metallic phase and the sulphide phases. The phases in the slag were mainly silicate phases as well as metallic and sulphide phases. It was observed that the metallic and sulphide phases were dominant in the finer size fractions (−75 µm) whereas the sulphide phase was also present in the coarser size fractions (+300 µm). An important finding from the microscopy examination was that the sulphide phases were interstitial and could be liberated from the slag. This finding meant that liberation and subsequent concentration of the sulphide phases was feasible using conventional processing techniques.
Cyclic Load Impact Assessment of Long-Term Properties in Compression to Steel and Polyvinyl Alcohol Fibre-Reinforced Geopolymer Composites
Authors: Gailitis Rihards , Sprince Andina , Łach Michał , Gavrilovs Pavels , Pakrastins Leonids
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the cyclic load application impact on fly-ash-based geopolymer composites that are reinforced with a low amount of fibre reinforcement. For reinforcement purposes, polyvinyl alcohol and steel fibres are used. For testing purposes, four geopolymer composite mixes were made, three of which had fibre reinforcement. Simultaneously, specimens were tested for shrinkage, static-load-induced creep, and cyclic-load-induced creep. For static and cyclic creep testing, specimens were loaded with 20% of their strength. For cyclic creep testing, load application and release cycles were seven days long. When each cycle was introduced, the load was applied in steps. Necessary load application or unloading lasted for 5 min and consisted of four steps, each 25% of the necessary load. From the long-term static and cyclic creep tests, it was seen that only the plain specimens showed that static creep strains are within cyclic creep strains. For all the other specimens, the static load was higher than the cyclic-load-induced creep amplitude. Also, 1% polyvinyl alcohol fibre-reinforced specimens showed the most elastic characteristics under cyclic load, and 1% steel fibre-reinforced specimens appeared to be the most resistant to the cyclic load introduction.
A Customized IMOEA/D for Bi-Objective Single-Machine Scheduling with Adaptive Preventive Maintenance
Authors: Wang Na , Wu Fang , Wang Hongfeng
Published: September 2023

The prolonged operation of machines in the production process can lead to continuous deterioration or even failure, and the necessary maintenance measures can alleviate the above negative effects. For this reason, this study investigates a joint optimization problem of single-machine production and preventive maintenance (PM) considering linear deterioration effects. The objective is to obtain an integrated sequence of degrading jobs and PM activities in order to simultaneously minimize the makespan and the total cost. Based on the problem characteristics, an adaptive PM strategy is first designed. To efficiently solve the problem, an improved multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (IMOEA/D) is tailored, where the biased-distribution weight vector is proposed to enhance the search capability at both ends of the Pareto front. Five instances are used to evaluate the performance of the customized IMOEA/D and two classical multi-objective evolutionary algorithms. Numerical studies show that the IMOEA/D can substantially improve the hypervolume metric, the maximum spread metric, and the distributivity of the Pareto front at a slight sacrifice of the spacing metric.
Necessary Conditions for the Optimality and Sustainability of Solutions in Infinite-Horizon Optimal Control Problems
Authors: Aseev Sergey M.
Published: September 2023

The paper deals with an infinite-horizon optimal control problem with general asymptotic endpoint constraints. The fulfillment of constraints of this type can be viewed as the minimal necessary condition for the sustainability of solutions. A new version of the Pontryagin maximum principle with an explicitly specified adjoint variable is developed. The proof of the main results is based on the fact that the restriction of the optimal process to any finite time interval is a solution to the corresponding finite-horizon problem containing the conditional cost of the phase vector as a terminal term.
Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets with Ordered Pairs and Their Usage in Multi-Attribute Decision Making: A Novel Intuitionistic Fuzzy TOPSIS Method with Ordered Pairs
Authors: Kahraman Cengiz , Cebi Selcuk , Oztaysi Basar , Cevik Onar Sezi
Published: September 2023

Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets with Ordered Pairs (IFSOP) are the recent extension of intuitionistic fuzzy sets by incorporating functional and dysfunctional points of view into the definition of membership functions. This paper extends the Technique of Order Preference Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method to the Intuitionistic Fuzzy TOPSIS (IF TOPSIS) with ordered pairs method and applies it to a multi-criteria risk-based supplier selection problem under fuzziness. IF TOPSIS with ordered pairs involves finding a positive ideal solution and a negative ideal solution, and measuring the distance between each alternative and these solutions. The final ranking of the alternatives is obtained based on the proportion of distances between the positive and negative ideal solutions. By asking functional and dysfunctional questions in this ranking process, the developed IF TOPSIS with ordered pairs method incorporates the accuracy and consistency of expert judgments, enhancing the decision-making process. A sensitivity analysis is also presented in order to show the robustness of the rankings obtained by IF TOPSIS with ordered pairs.
Investigation of Zebrafish Embryo Membranes at Epiboly Stage through Electrorotation Technique
Authors: Sanchis-Otero Aránzazu , Reina-Maldonado María Teresa , Roldán José , Barragán Vicenta María , Muñoz Sagrario
Published: September 2023

A preliminary exploration of the physiology and morphology of the zebrafish embryo (ZFE) during the late-blastula and early-gastrula stages through its electrical properties was performed, applying the electrorotation (ROT) technique. This method, based on induced polarizability at the interfaces, was combined with an analytical spherical shell model to obtain the best fit of empirical data and the desired information, providing a means of understanding the role of different membranes. Suspended in two solutions of low conductivity, the major compartments of the ZFE were electrically characterized, considering morphological data from both observed records and data from the literature. Membrane integrity was also analyzed for dead embryos. The low permeability and relatively high permittivity obtained for the chorion probably reflected both its structural characteristics and external conditions. Reasonable values were derived for perivitelline fluid according to the influx of water that occurs after the fertilization of the oocyte. The so-called yolk membrane, which comprises three different and contiguous layers at the epiboly stage, showed atypical electrical values of the membrane, as did the yolk core with a relatively low permittivity. The internal morphological complexity of the embryo itself could be addressed in future studies by developing an accurate geometric model.
Transcriptomic and Targeted Metabolomics Analysis of Detached Lycium ruthenicum Leaves Reveals Mechanisms of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis Induction through Light Quality and Sucrose Treatments
Authors: Zeng Haitao , Zheng Tao , Peng Xue , Tang Qi , Xu Hao , Chen Mengjiao
Published: September 2023

Light quality and sucrose-induced osmotic stress are known to cause anthocyanin synthesis in detached Lycium ruthenicum leaves. To identify the mechanisms by which the kind of light quality and sucrose concentration are induced, here, we conducted transcriptome sequencing in detached L. ruthenicum leaves treated with different qualities of light and sucrose concentrations. Leaves treated with blue light or sucrose showed a significantly increased total anthocyanins content compared to those treated with white light. Delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside and delphinidin-3-O-glucoside production were differentially regulated by the BL(−S), BL(+S), and WL(+S) treatments. The structural genes CHS, CHI, F3′H, F3′5′H, ANS, and UFGT were significantly up-regulated in leaves treated with blue light or sucrose. Leaves treated with blue light additionally showed up-regulation of the light photoreceptors CRY1, PIF3, COP1, and HY5. The anthocyanin-related genes NCED1, PYR/PYL, PP2C, SnRK2, and ABI5 were significantly up-regulated in leaves treated with sucrose, promoting adaptability to sucrose osmotic stress. Co-expression and cis-regulatory analyses suggested that HY5 and ABI5 could regulate LrMYB44 and LrMYB48 through binding to the G-box element and ABRE element, respectively, inducing anthocyanin synthesis in response to blue light or sucrose treatment. Candidate genes responsive to blue light or sucrose osmotic stress in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway were validated through quantitative reverse transcription PCR. These findings deepen our understanding of the mechanisms by which blue light and sucrose-induced osmotic stress regulate anthocyanin synthesis, providing valuable target genes for the future improvement in anthocyanin production in L. ruthenicum.
Towards Low-Temperature CVD Synthesis and Characterization of Mono- or Few-Layer Molybdenum Disulfide
Authors: Shendokar Sachin , Aryeetey Frederick , Hossen Moha Feroz , Ignatova Tetyana , Aravamudhan Shyam
Published: September 2023

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) transistors are a promising alternative for the semiconductor industry due to their large on/off current ratio (>1010), immunity to short-channel effects, and unique switching characteristics. MoS2 has drawn considerable interest due to its intriguing electrical, optical, sensing, and catalytic properties. Monolayer MoS2 is a semiconducting material with a direct band gap of ~1.9 eV, which can be tuned. Commercially, the aim of synthesizing a novel material is to grow high-quality samples over a large area and at a low cost. Although chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth techniques are associated with a low-cost pathway and large-area material growth, a drawback concerns meeting the high crystalline quality required for nanoelectronic and optoelectronic applications. This research presents a lower-temperature CVD for the repeatable synthesis of large-size mono- or few-layer MoS2 using the direct vapor phase sulfurization of MoO3. The samples grown on Si/SiO2 substrates demonstrate a uniform single-crystalline quality in Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning transmission electron microscopy. These characterization techniques were targeted to confirm the uniform thickness, stoichiometry, and lattice spacing of the MoS2 layers. The MoS2 crystals were deposited over the entire surface of the sample substrate. With a detailed discussion of the CVD setup and an explanation of the process parameters that influence nucleation and growth, this work opens a new platform for the repeatable synthesis of highly crystalline mono- or few-layer MoS2 suitable for optoelectronic application.
Mediterranean Plants with Antimicrobial Activity against Staphylococcus aureus, a Meta-Analysis for Green Veterinary Pharmacology Applications
Authors: Oppedisano Francesca , De Fazio Rosario , Gugliandolo Enrico , Crupi Rosalia , Palma Ernesto , Abbas Raza Sayed Haidar , Tilocca Bruno , Merola Carmine , Piras Cristian , Britti Domenico
Published: September 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a global health crisis, necessitating the search for innovative strategies to combat infectious diseases. The unique biodiversity of Italian flora offers a treasure trove of plant species and their associated phytochemicals, which hold immense potential as a solution to address AMR. By investigating the antimicrobial properties of Italian flora and their phytochemical constituents, this study aims to shed light on the potential of phyto-complexes as a valuable resource for developing novel or supportive antimicrobial agents useful for animal production.