bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Development of a Permanent Implantable Spacer with the Function of Size Adjustability for Customized Treatment of Regurgitant Heart Valve Disease
Authors: Chon Min-Ku , Jung Su-Jin , Seo Jae-Young , Shin Dong-Hoon , Park Jun-Hui , Kim Hyun-Sook , Hahn Joo-Yong , Kim Eun-Kyoung , Lee Seung-Whan , Park Yong-Hyun , Lee Sang-Hyun , Kim June-Hong
Published: August 2023

The Pivot Mandu is an innovative device featuring a leak-tight adjustable 3D balloon spacer, incorporating inner mesh support, an outer e-PTFE layer, and a compliant balloon in the middle layer with a specialized detachable system. To assess its feasibility, proof of concept was rigorously evaluated through bench testing and survival porcine animal experiments. The results demonstrated successful remote inflation of the balloon system, with the balloon spacer exhibiting sustained patent and functional integrity over an extended observation period of up to 6 months. A noteworthy feature of the newly designed 3D balloon spacer is its capability for easy size adjustment during procedures, enhancing its adaptability and practicality in clinical settings. This three-layered 3D balloon spacer, with its established long-term patency, exhibits highly encouraging outcomes that hold promise in overcoming the current limitations of spacer devices for heart valve diseases. Given the compelling results from preclinical investigations, the translation of the Pivot Mandu into human trials is strongly warranted.
Self-Reporting Theranostic: Nano Tool for Arterial Thrombosis
Authors: Deb Suryyani , Azharuddin Mohammad , Ramström Sofia , Ghosh Kanjaksha , Singha Santiswarup , Romu Thobias , Patra Hirak Kumar
Published: August 2023

Arterial thrombosis (AT) originates through platelet-mediated thrombus formation in the blood vessel and can lead to heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular diseases. Restricting the thrombus growth and its simultaneous monitoring by visualisation is an unmet clinical need for a better AT prognosis. As a proof-of-concept, we have engineered a nanoparticle-based theranostic (combined therapy and monitoring) platform that has the potential to monitor and restrain the growth of a thrombus concurrently. The theranostic nanotool is fabricated using biocompatible super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as a core module tethered with the anti-platelet agent Abciximab (ReoPro) on its surface. Our in vitro feasibility results indicate that ReoPro-conjugated SPIONS (Tx@ReoPro) can effectively prevent thrombus growth by inhibiting fibrinogen receptors (GPIIbIIIa) on the platelet surface, and simultaneously, it can also be visible through non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for potential reporting of the real-time thrombus status.
Intelligent Grapevine Disease Detection Using IoT Sensor Network
Authors: Hnatiuc Mihaela , Ghita Simona , Alpetri Domnica , Ranca Aurora , Artem Victoria , Dina Ionica , Cosma Mădălina , Abed Mohammed Mazin
Published: August 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) has gained significance in agriculture, using remote sensing and machine learning to help farmers make high-precision management decisions. This technology can be applied in viticulture, making it possible to monitor disease occurrence and prevent them automatically. The study aims to achieve an intelligent grapevine disease detection method, using an IoT sensor network that collects environmental and plant-related data. The focus of this study is the identification of the main parameters which provide early information regarding the grapevine’s health. An overview of the sensor network, architecture, and components is provided in this paper. The IoT sensors system is deployed in the experimental plots located within the plantations of the Research Station for Viticulture and Enology (SDV) in Murfatlar, Romania. Classical methods for disease identification are applied in the field as well, in order to compare them with the sensor data, thus improving the algorithm for grapevine disease identification. The data from the sensors are analyzed using Machine Learning (ML) algorithms and correlated with the results obtained using classical methods in order to identify and predict grapevine diseases. The results of the disease occurrence are presented along with the corresponding environmental parameters. The error of the classification system, which uses a feedforward neural network, is 0.05. This study will be continued with the results obtained from the IoT sensors tested in vineyards located in other regions.
Diabetes-Induced Amplification of Nociceptive DRG Neuron Output by Upregulation of Somatic T-Type Ca2+ Channels
Authors: Ivasiuk Arsentii , Matvieienko Maksym , Kononenko Nikolai I. , Duzhyy Dmytro E. , Korogod Sergiy M. , Voitenko Nana , Belan Pavel
Published: August 2023

The development of pain symptoms in peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is associated with the upregulation of T-type Ca2+ channels (T-channels) in the soma of nociceptive DRG neurons. Moreover, a block of these channels in DRG neurons effectively reversed mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in animal diabetic models, indicating that T-channel functioning in these neurons is causally linked to PDN. However, no particular mechanisms relating the upregulation of T-channels in the soma of nociceptive DRG neurons to the pathological pain processing in PDN have been suggested. Here we have electrophysiologically identified voltage-gated currents expressed in nociceptive DRG neurons and developed a computation model of the neurons, including peripheral and central axons. Simulations showed substantially stronger sensitivity of neuronal excitability to diabetes-induced T-channel upregulation at the normal body temperature compared to the ambient one. We also found that upregulation of somatic T-channels, observed in these neurons under diabetic conditions, amplifies a single action potential invading the soma from the periphery into a burst of multiple action potentials further propagated to the end of the central axon. We have concluded that the somatic T-channel-dependent amplification of the peripheral nociceptive input to the spinal cord demonstrated in this work may underlie abnormal nociception at different stages of diabetes development.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of an Innovative Polycomponent Formulation on Adult and Aged Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Augello Francesca Rosaria , Lombardi Francesca , Artone Serena , Ciafarone Alessia , Altamura Serena , Di Marzio Luisa , Cifone Maria Grazia , Palumbo Paola , Giuliani Maurizio , Cinque Benedetta
Published: August 2023

Skin aging is a dynamic process that determines structural alterations in ECM and reduction in dermal fibroblasts. The recent availability on the market of an innovative polycomponent formulation (KARISMA Rh Collagen® FACE, K) containing noncrosslinked high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA), a human recombinant polypeptide of collagen-1 alpha chain, and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), attracted our scientific interest in evaluating its biomolecular effects on human dermal adult and aged fibroblasts. After treatment with increasing K concentrations, cell proliferation, collagen I, prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4HA1), an essential protein in collagen biosynthesis, and α-SMA levels were assessed. The fibroblast contractility, TGF-β1 levels, and oxidative stress markers were also evaluated. K formulation exposure led to a significant and dose-dependent increase in the proliferation and migration of adult fibroblasts. Of note, the K exposure counteracted the H2O2-induced aging by promoting cell proliferation, reducing β-galactosidase activity, and neutralizing the aging-associated oxidative damage. Moreover, an increase in collagen I, P4HA1, α-SMA, TGF-β1 levels, and improved contractility of adult and aged fibroblasts were observed after treatment. Overall, our results show evidence that the K treatment is efficacious in improving biological functions in adult fibroblasts and suppressing the biomolecular events associated with H2O2-induced cellular aging, thus supporting the regenerative and bio-revitalizing action of the K formulation helpful in preventing or treating skin aging.
Long Non-Coding RNAs in Colorectal Cancer: Navigating the Intersections of Immunity, Intercellular Communication, and Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Shakhpazyan Nikolay K. , Mikhaleva Liudmila M. , Bedzhanyan Arcady L. , Sadykhov Nikolay K. , Midiber Konstantin Y. , Konyukova Alexandra K. , Kontorschikov Andrey S. , Maslenkina Ksenia S. , Orekhov Alexander N.
Published: August 2023

This comprehensive review elucidates the intricate roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) within the colorectal cancer (CRC) microenvironment, intersecting the domains of immunity, intercellular communication, and therapeutic potential. lncRNAs, which are significantly involved in the pathogenesis of CRC, immune evasion, and the treatment response to CRC, have crucial implications in inflammation and serve as promising candidates for novel therapeutic strategies and biomarkers. This review scrutinizes the interaction of lncRNAs with the Consensus Molecular Subtypes (CMSs) of CRC, their complex interplay with the tumor stroma affecting immunity and inflammation, and their conveyance via extracellular vesicles, particularly exosomes. Furthermore, we delve into the intricate relationship between lncRNAs and other non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs and circular RNAs, in mediating cell-to-cell communication within the CRC microenvironment. Lastly, we propose potential strategies to manipulate lncRNAs to enhance anti-tumor immunity, thereby underlining the significance of lncRNAs in devising innovative therapeutic interventions in CRC.
Long-Term L-Glutamine Treatment Reduces Hemolysis without Ameliorating Hepatic Vaso-Occlusion and Liver Fibrosis in a Mouse Model of Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Katoch Omika , Ungalara Ramakrishna , Kaminski Tomasz , Li Ziming , Dubey Rikesh K. , Burholt Isabella , Gudapati Shweta , Pradhan-Sundd Tirthadipa
Published: August 2023

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive monogenic disorder caused by a homozygous mutation in the β-globin gene, which leads to erythrocyte sickling, hemolysis, vaso-occlusion, and sterile inflammation. The administration of oral L-glutamine has been shown to reduce the frequency of pain in SCD patients; however, the long-term effect of L-glutamine in SCD remains to be determined. To understand the long-term effect of L-glutamine administration in the liver we used quantitative liver intravital microscopy and biochemical analysis in humanized SCD mice. We here show that chronic L-glutamine administration reduces hepatic hemoglobin–heme–iron levels but fails to ameliorate ischemic liver injury. Remarkably, we found that this failure in the resolution of hepatobiliary injury and persistent liver fibrosis is associated with the reduced expression of hepatic Kupffer cells post-L-glutamine treatment. These findings establish the importance of investigating the long-term effects of L-glutamine therapy on liver pathophysiology in SCD patients.
Benefits of Chlorella vulgaris against Cadmium Chloride-Induced Hepatic and Renal Toxicities via Restoring the Cellular Redox Homeostasis and Modulating Nrf2 and NF-KB Pathways in Male Rats
Authors: Farag Mayada R. , Alagawany Mahmoud , Mahdy Eman A. A. , El-Hady Enas , Abou-Zeid Shimaa M. , Mawed Suzan A. , Azzam Mahmoud M. , Crescenzo Giuseppe , Abo-Elmaaty Azza M. A.
Published: August 2023

In our life scenarios, we are involuntarily exposed to many heavy metals that are well-distributed in water, food, and air and have adverse health effects on animals and humans. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic 10 chemicals reported by The World Health Organization (WHO), affecting organ structure and function. In our present study, we use one of the green microalga Chlorella vulgaris (ChV, 500 mg/kg body weight) to investigate the beneficial effects against CdCl2-induced hepato-renal toxicity (Cd, 2 mg/kg body weight for 10 days) on adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. In brief, 40 adult male rats were divided into four groups (n = 10); Control, ChV, Cd, and Cd + ChV. Cadmium alters liver and kidney architecture and disturbs the cellular signaling cascade, resulting in loss of body weight, alteration of the hematological picture, and increased ALT, AST, ALP, and urea in the blood serum. Moreover, cadmium puts hepatic and renal cells under oxidative stress due to the up-regulation of lipid peroxidation resulting in a significant increase in the IgG level as an innate immunity protection and induction of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) that causes hepatic hemorrhage, irregular hepatocytes in the liver and focal glomeruli swelling and proximal tubular degeneration in the kidney. ChV additive to CdCl2, could organize the protein translation process via NF-kB/Nrf2 pathways to prevent oxidative damage by maintaining cellular redox homeostasis and improving the survival of and tolerance of cells against oxidative damage caused by cadmium. The present study shed light on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of Chlorella vulgaris that suppress the toxicity influence of CdCl2.
SAMM50-rs2073082, -rs738491 and -rs3761472 Interactions Enhancement of Susceptibility to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Zhao Jinhan , Xu Xiaoyi , Wei Xinhuan , Zhang Shuang , Xu Hangfei , Wei Xiaodie , Zhang Yang , Zhang Jing
Published: August 2023

Background and aim: Several studies have identified that three SAMM50 polymorphisms (rs2073082, rs738491, rs3761472) are associated with an increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the clinical significance of the SAMM50 SNP in relation to NAFLD remains largely unknown. Therefore, we conducted a clinical study and SNP–SNP interaction analysis to further elucidate the effect of the SAMM50 SNP on the progression of NAFLD in the elderly. Methods: A total of 1053 patients over the age of 65 years were recruited. Liver fat and fibrosis were detected by abdominal ultrasound or FibroScan, respectively. Genomic DNA was extracted and then genotyped by Fluidigm 96.96 Dynamic Array. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between NAFLD and SNP. SNP–SNP interactions were analyzed using generalized multivariate dimensionality reduction (GMDR). Results: The risk of NAFLD was substantially higher in people who carried SAMM50-rs2073082 G and -rs738491 T alleles (OR, 1.962; 95% CI, 1.448–2.659; p < 0.001; OR, 1.532; 95% CI, 1.246–1.884; p = 0.021, respectively) compared to noncarriers. Carriers of the rs738491 T and rs3761472 G alleles in the cohort showed a significant increase in liver stiffness measurements (LSM). The combination of the three SNPs showed the highest predictive power for NAFLD. The rs2073082 G allele, rs738491 T allele and rs3761472 G carriers had a two-fold higher risk of NAFLD compared to noncarriers. Conclusions: Our research has demonstrated a strong correlation between the genetic polymorphism of SAMM50 and NAFLD in the elderly, which will contribute to a better understanding of the impact of age and genetics on this condition. Additionally, this study provides a potential predictive model for the early clinical warning of NAFLD.
Progress in Electrochemical Immunosensors with Alkaline Phosphatase as the Signal Label
Authors: Chen Changdong , La Ming , Yi Xinyao , Huang Mengjie , Xia Ning , Zhou Yanbiao
Published: August 2023

Electrochemical immunosensors have shown great potential in clinical diagnosis, food safety, environmental protection, and other fields. The feasible and innovative combination of enzyme catalysis and other signal-amplified elements has yielded exciting progress in the development of electrochemical immunosensors. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is one of the most popularly used enzyme reporters in bioassays. It has been widely utilized to design electrochemical immunosensors owing to its significant advantages (e.g., high catalytic activity, high turnover number, and excellent substrate specificity). In this work, we summarized the achievements of electrochemical immunosensors with ALP as the signal reporter. We mainly focused on detection principles and signal amplification strategies and briefly discussed the challenges regarding how to further improve the performance of ALP-based immunoassays.
Evaluation of the Seismic Performance of Single-Plate Metallic Slit Dampers Using Experimental and Numerical Data
Authors: Payawal John Mark Go , Kim Dong-Keon
Published: August 2023

Passive energy dissipation systems and devices are helpful in mitigating the danger of earthquake damage to structures. Metallic slit dampers (MSDs) are one of the most efficient and cost-effective solutions for decreasing seismic energy intake. The potential importance of MSDs in managing vibrations and limiting structural fatigue continues to grow as research advances and new materials and designs are introduced. This study evaluated the seismic performance of single-plate MSDs (SPMSDs) through a combination of numerical simulation and assessment of experimental results. ABAQUS software was used to create an assembly consisting of endplates, bolts, and SPMSDs. A real-world earthquake scenario was simulated using cyclic loads based on ASCE/SEI standards, and displacement-measuring devices such as strain gauges and LVDT were employed to record the behavior of the SPMSDs. The results of the experiment are used to assess the compliance of the SPMSDs and discuss their behavior as they undergo minimum and maximum displacements due to minimum and maximum applied forces. The energy dissipation capabilities of the dampers are presented by analyzing and comparing the area of their hysteresis loops, equivalent viscous damping, and their damping ratios. Actual failure modes are identified and shown to describe the limitations and potential vulnerability of the dampers. The relative error between the lowest and greatest recorded forces from experimental data and numerical simulation ranges from 4.4% to 5.7% for SPMSD 1 and from 1.6% to 2.1% for SPMSD 2, respectively. These deviation values represent a satisfactory level of precision, demonstrating that the numerical simulation accurately predicts the actual performance and behavior of the dampers when subjected to cyclic stress. The topology optimization performed in this study yielded an improved geometry of the SPMSD suited for a corresponding maximum considered earthquake (MCER) displacement of ±33 mm. This research also suggests practical implementations of the investigated and improved SPMSDs.
The Impact of New Composite Curing Agents on the Curing Properties of Glacial Debris in the Pulang Copper Deposit
Authors: Zeng Qingtian , Feng Xinglong , Ren Hanmeng , Sui Sugang , Wang Shaoyong , Sun Wei , Liu Juanhong
Published: August 2023

In recent years, Pulang Copper Deposit has experienced multiple occurrences of debris flow, of varying magnitudes, which have significantly impacted the safety of mining operations. Debris flow has become a major safety hazard of natural caving mining in Pulang Copper Deposit. To address the issues of the formation of debris flow due to the collapse of glacial debris in the Pulang Copper Deposit, this paper proposes new composite curing agents for grouting and curing glacial debris. The study investigates the influence of curing agents’ proportions on the mechanical property, water stability, and permeability of solidified glacial debris. Hydration and consolidation mechanisms were analyzed based on XRD and SEM test results. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of solidified glacial debris with the new composite curing agents A, B, and C are superior to those with cement. The permeability coefficients of the solidified glacial debris with 7% dosage of the new composite curing agents A, B and C are both less than 1 × 10−6 cm/s. The reaction between the new composite curing agents and the glacial debris generates crystalline product ettringite (AFt) and gel-like hydration product calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H). These products enhance interparticle bonding and fill the voids among the glacial debris, which is the main source of strength for the solidified glacial debris. These new composite curing agents provide important reference value for addressing and preventing surface glacial debris collapse.
Effects of Marine Shellfish on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Coral Concrete
Authors: Zhao Xiangran , Wu Qing , Akbar Muhammad , Yin Rongrong , Ma Shiliang , Zhi Yong
Published: August 2023

Using coral debris as coarse and fine aggregates and seawater as mixing water has been proposed to address transportation and material shortage issues in island and reef construction projects. However, the utilization of coral may result in impurities, such as shellfish and other marine organisms, which could impact the mechanical properties of the resulting concrete. The goal of this study is to find out how different amounts of shellfish and marine organism impurities affect the mechanical properties and microstructure of coral concrete. This study builds on the process of making full coral concrete. Substitution optimization is carried out using the response surface method (RSM), with the polynomial work expectation serving as a validation measure. The experimental findings indicate that impurities have an insignificant impact on the mechanical properties of coral concrete when their dosage is below 2%, causing a decrease of only around 6%. The mechanical properties of coral concrete containing shellfish and marine organism impurities exhibit a strong correlation at 28 days. SEM and XRD analysis revealed that the primary factor contributing to the decline of mechanical properties in coral concrete with shellfish and marine organism impurities is the weak strength of the impurity shell structure, in addition to the rehydration of internal biomass during the cement hydration process, leading to the formation of numerous small pores within the coral concrete. The results of an ANOVA test indicate that the model is statistically significant, with a p-value of less than 0.05.
Interaction Mechanism of Cementitious Composites Containing Different Twisted PVA Fiber Bundles
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Hu Fan , Duan Yuanfeng , Yang Jiaqi , Duan Zhengteng , Cao Lening
Published: August 2023

Fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs) have made significant progress in improving the tensile and flexural properties of concrete members. Studies have shown that polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers can effectively enhance the toughness of FRCCs, but the haphazard distribution of short-cut fibers makes it difficult to give full play to the high tensile strength of the fibers, and it is difficult for bundled fibers to effectively bond with the concrete substrate, which has become a challenge in the study of changing materials. Twisting the fibers by a physical process to improve the bonding performance of PVA fibers with FRCC substrate is a safe and feasible solution. However, research on silicate cementitious composites reinforced with twisted PVA fibers is limited. In this study, the interaction mechanism of through-length twisted PVA FRCCs with different twist factors and fiber bundle numbers was investigated. A concrete matrix material configured from silicate cement, fly ash, silica fume, and medium sand, in which PVA fibers with different twist factors were pre-incorporated, was used for the tests. Three-point bending tests were carried out on specimens with different twist factors (0, 50, 100, and 150 twists per meter) and fiber bundle numbers 1, 2, and 3. Compared to the untwisted PVA fiber specimens, the twist factor of 100 and the single fiber bundle specimens showed significant improvements in the bending properties, including a 36% increase in deflection, a 68% increase in the equivalent bending stress, and a 119% increase in energy consumption. Micro-X-ray computed tomography scans showed improved bending properties and energy consumption capabilities due to enhanced bonding properties as a result of the increased fiber–matrix interaction area and surface toughness.
Teaching Building Information Modeling in the Metaverse—An Approach Based on Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation of the Students Perspective
Authors: Bartels Niels , Hahne Kristina
Published: August 2023

The teaching of civil engineering consists of different didactic approaches, such as lectures, group work or research-based teaching, depending on the respective courses. Currently, the metaverse is gaining importance in teaching and offers the possibility of a new teaching approach for civil engineering and especially for the teaching of courses from the areas of “Digital Design and Construction”. Although the advantages of teaching in the metaverse, such as location and time independence or a higher learning outcome, are mentioned in the literature, there are also challenges that must be considered when teaching in the metaverse. Against this background, this paper examines the implications of using the metaverse as a teaching tool in teaching “Digital Design and Construction”. The impact of teaching BIM in the metaverse is evaluated by (1) a literature review and workshops to evaluate use cases and demands for extended reality (XR) and the metaverse, (2) integrating XR and the metaverse in the courses and valuation by quantitative evaluations and (3) analyzing student papers of the courses and outcomes of a World Café. Due to these steps, this paper presents a novel approach by reflecting the students’ perspective. Furthermore, this paper presents a validated approach for integrating BIM and the metaverse in teaching.
Construction of Palladium Nanoparticles Modified Covalent Triazine Frameworks towards Highly-Efficient Dehydrogenation of Dipentene for p-Cymene Production
Authors: Liu Yanni , Chen Yonghui , Wang Yikai , Xiao Zijie , Chen Yilin , Jiang Jianchun , Rao Xiaoping , Zheng Yun
Published: August 2023

The generation of p-cymene from the catalytic dehydrogenation of dipentene is one of the most vital approaches for the synthesis of p-cymene in the chemical industry. Herein, CTF polymer was synthesized by an ionothermal method via using terephthalonitrile as monomer and NaCl-KCl-ZnCl2 ternary mixture as catalyst and solvent, and Pd/CTF catalyst was prepared by loading CTF matrix with Pd nanoparticles via a chemical reduction method. The as-obtained Pd/CTF catalyst with the loading amount of 5 wt% Pd showed remarkable catalytic activity in the dehydrogenation of dipentene to p-cymene with a high conversion rate of 100% and a high selectivity of 96% at the reaction temperature of 220 °C in a stainless-steel autoclave containing 0.1 MPa of Ar gas, and also exhibited good stability in the recycling tests. The strong interaction between Pd nanoparticles and CTF and the enhanced electron transfer at the metal-semiconductor interface contribute to the outstanding catalytic performance of Pd/CTF for the dehydrogenation of dipentene to p-cymene. This work demonstrates that the metal-semiconductor catalysts possessed excellent potential in the production of high-value-added chemical products from terpenes conversion.
Dry Reforming of Methane over Ni-Supported SBA-15 Prepared with Physical Mixing Method by Complexing with Citric Acid
Authors: Ren Hua-Ping , Tian Shao-Peng , Ding Si-Yi , Ma Qiang , Song Wen-Qi , Zhao Yu-Zhen , Zhang Zhe , Miao Zongcheng , Wang Wei
Published: August 2023

Ni-supported SBA-15 catalysts were prepared by physical mixing of Ni(NO3)2·6H2O and SBA-15 (Ni/SBA-15-M) and in the presence of citric acid as the complexing agent (Ni/SBA-15-M-C). Moreover, an Ni-supported SBA-15 catalyst was also prepared by the conventional incipient impregnation method (Ni/SBA-15-I). All the catalysts were systematically evaluated for carbon dioxide reforming of methane (CDR) at CO2/CH4 = 1.0, gas hourly space velocity of 60,000 mL·g−1·h−1, and reaction temperature of 700 °C. The characterization results show that the Ni particle size of Ni/SBA-15-M-C is significantly smaller than that of Ni/SBA-15-M due to the coordination effect of citric acid and Ni2+. Consequently, the Ni/SBA-15-M-C exhibits superior anti-coking and anti-sintering during the CDR-operated period because of the higher Ni dispersion and stronger Ni–support interaction. Compared to the Ni/SBA-15-I, the physical mixing of nickel salt and mesoporous material for preparing of Ni-based catalyst is easy to operate, although the crystal size and catalytic performance of Ni/SBA-15-C are very similar to that of Ni/SBA-15-M-I. Thus, the efficient and easily controlled catalyst structure makes the physical mixing strategy very promising for preparing highly active and stable CDR catalysts.
Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells for Therapeutic Angiogenesis
Authors: Mohamad Yusoff Farina , Higashi Yukihito
Published: August 2023

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are known to possess medicinal properties to facilitate vascular regeneration. Recent advances in the understanding of the utilities of MSCs in physiological/pathological tissue repair and technologies in isolation, expansion, and enhancement strategies have led to the use of MSCs for vascular disease-related treatments. Various conditions, including chronic arterial occlusive disease, diabetic ulcers, and chronic wounds, cause significant morbidity in patients. Therapeutic angiogenesis by cell therapy has led to the possibilities of treatment options in promoting angiogenesis, treating chronic wounds, and improving amputation-free survival. Current perspectives on the options for the use of MSCs for therapeutic angiogenesis in vascular research and in medicine, either as a monotherapy or in combination with conventional interventions, for treating patients with peripheral artery diseases are discussed in this review.
Medium-Chain Fatty Acids Rescue Motor Function and Neuromuscular Junction Degeneration in a Drosophila Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Dunn Ella , Steinert Joern R. , Stone Aelfwin , Sahota Virender , Williams Robin S. B. , Snowden Stuart , Augustin Hrvoje
Published: August 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease characterised by progressive degeneration of the motor neurones. An expanded GGGGCC (G4C2) hexanucleotide repeat in C9orf72 is the most common genetic cause of ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD); therefore, the resulting disease is known as C9ALS/FTD. Here, we employ a Drosophila melanogaster model of C9ALS/FTD (C9 model) to investigate a role for specific medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in reversing pathogenic outcomes. Drosophila larvae overexpressing the ALS-associated dipeptide repeats (DPRs) in the nervous system exhibit reduced motor function and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) defects. We show that two MCFAs, nonanoic acid (NA) and 4-methyloctanoic acid (4-MOA), can ameliorate impaired motor function in C9 larvae and improve NMJ degeneration, although their mechanisms of action are not identical. NA modified postsynaptic glutamate receptor density, whereas 4-MOA restored defects in the presynaptic vesicular release. We also demonstrate the effects of NA and 4-MOA on metabolism in C9 larvae and implicate various metabolic pathways as dysregulated in our ALS model. Our findings pave the way to identifying novel therapeutic targets and potential treatments for ALS.
Transcription Factor NFE2L1 Decreases in Glomerulonephropathies after Podocyte Damage
Authors: Elshani Mustafa , Um In Hwa , Leung Steve , Reynolds Paul A. , Chapman Alex , Kudsy Mary , Harrison David J.
Published: August 2023

Podocyte cellular injury and detachment from glomerular capillaries constitute a critical factor contributing to kidney disease. Notably, transcription factors are instrumental in maintaining podocyte differentiation and homeostasis. This study explores the hitherto uninvestigated expression of Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-related Factor 1 (NFE2L1) in podocytes. We evaluated the podocyte expression of NFE2L1, Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-related Factor 2 (NFE2L2), and NAD(P)H:quinone Oxidoreductase (NQO1) in 127 human glomerular disease biopsies using multiplexed immunofluorescence and image analysis. We found that both NFE2L1 and NQO1 expressions were significantly diminished across all observed renal diseases. Furthermore, we exposed human immortalized podocytes and ex vivo kidney slices to Puromycin Aminonucleoside (PAN) and characterized the NFE2L1 protein isoform expression. PAN treatment led to a reduction in the nuclear expression of NFE2L1 in ex vivo kidney slices and podocytes.
Parents’ Beliefs about Children’s Emotions and Children’s Social Skills: The Mediating Role of Parents’ Emotion Regulation
Authors: Cenușă Maria , Turliuc Maria Nicoleta
Published: August 2023

Few studies have investigated the relationship between parents’ beliefs about children’s emotions and children’s social skills. Fewer studies have addressed this association and its underlying mechanisms while obtaining data from both parents. In this context, the present study explores the mediating role of parents’ emotion regulation in the association between parents’ beliefs about children’s emotions and children’s social skills. The participants were 90 parental dyads (N = 180) with typically developing preschool children. They completed self-report scales regarding parents’ beliefs about their children’s emotions, parents’ emotion regulation, and children’s social skills. The data were analyzed using the common fate mediation model (CFM with mediation). The results indicate that only parents’ cognitive reappraisal mediates the relationship between their emotion-related beliefs and their children’s social skills. Specifically, parental beliefs about “children’s anger is valuable” and “children use their emotions to manipulate others” are directly and negatively associated with children’s social skills, and indirectly through the parents’ cognitive reappraisal. Future intervention programs should focus on restructuring parents’ beliefs and their ability to regulate emotions.
The Detection and Attribution of Northern Hemisphere Land Surface Warming (1850–2018) in Terms of Human and Natural Factors: Challenges of Inadequate Data
Authors: Soon Willie , Connolly Ronan , Connolly Michael , Akasofu Syun-Ichi , Baliunas Sallie , Berglund Johan , Bianchini Antonio , Briggs William , Butler C. , Cionco Rodolfo , Crok Marcel , Elias Ana , Fedorov Valery , Gervais François , Harde Hermann , Henry Gregory , Hoyt Douglas , Humlum Ole , Legates David , Lupo Anthony , Maruyama Shigenori , Moore Patrick , Ogurtsov Maxim , ÓhAiseadha Coilín , Oliveira Marcos , Park Seok-Soon , Qiu Shican , Quinn Gerré , Scafetta Nicola , Solheim Jan-Erik , Steele Jim , Szarka László , Tanaka Hiroshi , Taylor Mitchell , Vahrenholt Fritz , Velasco Herrera Víctor , Zhang Weijia
Published: August 2023

A statistical analysis was applied to Northern Hemisphere land surface temperatures (1850–2018) to try to identify the main drivers of the observed warming since the mid-19th century. Two different temperature estimates were considered—a rural and urban blend (that matches almost exactly with most current estimates) and a rural-only estimate. The rural and urban blend indicates a long-term warming of 0.89 °C/century since 1850, while the rural-only indicates 0.55 °C/century. This contradicts a common assumption that current thermometer-based global temperature indices are relatively unaffected by urban warming biases. Three main climatic drivers were considered, following the approaches adopted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s recent 6th Assessment Report (AR6): two natural forcings (solar and volcanic) and the composite “all anthropogenic forcings combined” time series recommended by IPCC AR6. The volcanic time series was that recommended by IPCC AR6. Two alternative solar forcing datasets were contrasted. One was the Total Solar Irradiance (TSI) time series that was recommended by IPCC AR6. The other TSI time series was apparently overlooked by IPCC AR6. It was found that altering the temperature estimate and/or the choice of solar forcing dataset resulted in very different conclusions as to the primary drivers of the observed warming. Our analysis focused on the Northern Hemispheric land component of global surface temperatures since this is the most data-rich component. It reveals that important challenges remain for the broader detection and attribution problem of global warming: (1) urbanization bias remains a substantial problem for the global land temperature data; (2) it is still unclear which (if any) of the many TSI time series in the literature are accurate estimates of past TSI; (3) the scientific community is not yet in a position to confidently establish whether the warming since 1850 is mostly human-caused, mostly natural, or some combination. Suggestions for how these scientific challenges might be resolved are offered.
Computational Modelling and Comparative Analysis of Friction Stir Welding and Stationary Shoulder Friction Stir Welding on AA6061
Authors: Marode Roshan Vijay , Awang Mokhtar , Janga Venkata Somi Reddy
Published: August 2023

This research focuses on the computational modelling and comparative analysis of friction stir welding (FSW) and stationary shoulder friction stir welding (SSFSW) applied to AA6061-T6 aluminium alloy. SSFSW, an FSW variant, employs a stationary shoulder and a rotating pin. This study introduces a numerical model for both processes, using the innovative Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) technique to capture their distinct thermo-mechanical characteristics. The aim is to unravel its mechanics and multi-physics in SSFSW and compare it with conventional FSW. The temperatures predicted by the model exhibited a close agreement between the advancing side (AS) and retreating side (RS). Plastic strain patterns show that regular FSW is different from SSFSW. In SSFSW, the strain is less, and the plastic area is comparatively slightly narrower. The distinct “ironing effect” resulting from the stationary shoulder in SSFSW reduces the heat-affected zone (HAZ). Yet, it maintains efficient plasticisation and material flow within the pin-affected zone (PAZ). This research emphasises the significant impact of temperature, strain, material flow, and thermo-mechanical characteristics on the quality of joints. Future suggestions include exploring process parameters more broadly, examining dissimilar welding techniques and hybrid approaches, and comprehensively investigating the diverse effects of SSFSW under various configurations and joint angles.
Fatigue Behavior and Mechanism Study on Lugs of TC18 Titanium Alloy
Authors: Liu Cuiyun , Liu Bo , Ma Chaoli
Published: August 2023

Aerospace structural components are in a complex stress state when they undertake load due to their specific geometric construction. Their fatigue behavior is quite different from the materials that undertake the standard stress state. The research on fatigue behavior of aircraft structures was the foundation of their design and life prediction. Lugs are one of the important connected components of aircrafts. In this paper, the mathematical mechanics’ method was used to calculate the structural feature parameters of TC18 Titanium alloy lugs under several specific loads. The design reference values of structural feature parameters were put forward for lugs. The fatigue behavior and fatigue failure characteristics under specific loads were studied experimentally. The fatigue experiment was conducted to verify the criterion, and the validity of the criterion mentioned above was confirmed by the test results. The fatigue life S-N curves under different loading forms and different mean stresses were researched. The fatigue failure characteristics, such as fatigue crack initiation, propagation, and final fracture, were also studied. These studies provided theoretical support for the anti-fatigue damage design of lugs.
Exploring the Paradox of Bone Mineral Density in Type 2 Diabetes: A Comparative Study Using Opportunistic Chest CT Texture Analysis and DXA
Authors: Kim Min Woo , Huh Jung Wook , Noh Young Min , Seo Han Eol , Lee Dong Ha
Published: August 2023

Background: This study aimed to validate the application of CT texture analysis in estimating Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and comparing it with the results of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in a normative cohort. Methods: We analyzed a total of 510 cases (145 T2D patients and 365 normal patients) from a single institution. DXA-derived BMD and CT texture analysis-estimated BMD were compared for each participant. Additionally, we investigated the correlation among 45 different texture features within each group. Results: The correlation between CT texture analysis-estimated BMD and DXA-derived BMD in T2D patients was consistently high (0.94 or above), whether measured at L1 BMD, L1 BMC, total hip BMD, or total hip BMC. In contrast, the normative cohort showed a modest correlation, ranging from 0.66 to 0.75. Among the 45 texture features, significant differences were found in the Contrast V 64 and Contrast V 128 features in the normal group. Conclusion: In essence, our study emphasizes that the clinical assessment of bone health, particularly in T2D patients, should not merely rely on traditional measures, such as DXA BMD. Rather, it may be beneficial to incorporate other diagnostic tools, such as CT texture analysis, to better comprehend the complex interplay between various factors impacting bone health.
Variability of Sentinel Lymph Node Location in Patients with Trunk Melanoma
Authors: Bobirca Florin , Leventer Mihaela , Georgescu Dragos Eugen , Dumitrescu Dan Andrei , Alexandru Cristina , Serban Dragos , Valeanu Liana , Pătrașcu Traian , Bobircă Anca
Published: August 2023

(1) Background: Melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of neoplasia, and the management of this pathology requires a correct staging, as well as a personalized modern oncological treatment. The main objective of the study is to determine the variability of the lymphatic drainage for patients with melanomas located on the trunk and, secondarily, to determine the features of individuals who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) depending on the exact location on the trunk. (2) Methods: This retrospective, observational, single-center study included 62 cases of trunk melanoma operated between July 2019 and March 2023, in which SLNB was performed and a total of 84 lymph nodes were excised. (3) Results: Patients had a median age of 54.5 (33–78) years, with 58.1% being male; the melanomas had a median Breslow index of 2.3 (0.5–12.5) mm. Approximately 64.3% of the cohort had melanoma on the upper part of the trunk (54 cases) and 35.7% had it on the lower part (30 cases). The type of anesthesia chosen was general anesthesia in 53 cases and spinal anesthesia in 9 cases (85.5% vs. 14.5%, p < 0.001). The number of sentinel lymph nodes excised was 54 for melanomas located on the upper part of the trunk (8 cervical and 46 axillary) and 30 sentinel lymph nodes for melanomas of the lower part of the trunk (16 at the axillary level and 14 at the inguinal level). Out of the 54 LNs identified in patients with melanoma on the upper part of the trunk, 13 were positive, with a total of 12 positive lymph nodes (LNs) from the axillar basin, and only one from the cervical region. Additionally, the incidence of patients with a minimum of two identified sentinel lymph nodes was 32.2%, with a total of seven having LN involvement in two basins, and only one of these cases showed positivity for malignancy. (4) Conclusions: SLNBs were more frequent in the axillary region overall, and had more positive SLNs. Moreover, melanoma on the upper part of the trunk had a higher rate of positive SLNs compared to the lower part. Tumors located on the lower part of the truck had more positive SLNs in the axillary region than in the inguinal one.
Corneal Confocal Microscopy Predicts Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events and Demonstrates Greater Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes and Foot Ulcers
Authors: Lim Jonathan Z. M. , Burgess Jamie , Ooi Cheong , Ferdousi Maryam , Azmi Shazli , Kalteniece Alise , Anson Matthew , Cuthbertson Daniel J. , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Malik Rayaz A. , Wilding John P. H. , Alam Uazman
Published: August 2023

Objective: In this study, we evaluate small and large nerve fibre pathology in relation to diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) and incident cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on people with T1D without diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) (n = 25), T1D with DPN (n = 28), T1D with DFU (n = 25) and 32 healthy volunteers. ROC analysis of parameters was conducted to diagnose DPN and DFU, and multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive ability of corneal nerves for cardiac and cerebrovascular events over 3 years. Results: Corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL), fibre density (CNFD) and branch density (CNBD) were lower in T1D-DPN and T1D-DFU vs. T1D (all p < 0.001). In ROC analysis, CNFD (sensitivity 88%, specificity 87%; AUC 0.93; p < 0.001; optimal cut-off 7.35 no/mm2) and CNFL (sensitivity 76%, specificity 77%; AUC 0.90; p < 0.001; optimal cut-off 7.01 mm/mm2) had good ability to differentiate T1D with and without DFU. Incident cardiovascular events (p < 0.001) and cerebrovascular events (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in T1D-DPN and T1D-DFU. Corneal nerve loss, specifically CNFD predicted incident cardiovascular (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.50, p = 0.01) and cerebrovascular (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.26, p = 0.02) events. Conclusions: Our study provides threshold values for corneal nerve fibre metrics for neuropathic foot at risk of DFU and further demonstrates that lower CNFD predicts incident cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in T1D.
Exploiting the Abstract Calculus Pattern for the Integration of Ordinary Differential Equations for Dynamics Systems: An Object-Oriented Programming Approach in Modern Fortran
Authors: Zaghi Stefano , Andolfi Cristiano
Published: August 2023

This manuscript relates to the exploiting of the abstract calculus pattern (ACP) for the (numerical) solution of ordinary differential equation (ODEs) systems, which are ubiquitous mathematical formulations of many physical (dynamical) phenomena. We present FOODIE, a software suite aimed to numerically solve ODE problems by means of a clear, concise, and efficient abstract interface. The results presented prove manifold findings, in particular that our ACP approach enables ease of code development, clearness and robustness, maximization of code re-usability, and conciseness comparable with computer algebra system (CAS) programming (interpreted) but with the computational performance of compiled programming. The proposed programming model is also proven to be agnostic with respect to the parallel paradigm of the computational architecture: the results show that FOODIE applications have good speedup with both shared (OpenMP) and distributed (MPI, CAF) memory architectures. The present paper is the first announcement of the FOODIE project: the current implementation is extensively discussed, and its capabilities are proved by means of tests and examples.
A Semi-Quantum Private Comparison Base on W-States
Authors: Li Jian , Wang Zhuo , Yang Jun , Ye Chongqiang , Che Fanting
Published: August 2023

Privacy comparison is an important research topic in secure multi-party computing, widely used in e-commerce, secret ballots, and other fields. However, the development of quantum computing power poses a growing potential security threat to secure multi-party algorithms based on mathematically tricky problems, and most of the proposed quantum privacy comparison schemes could be more efficient. Therefore, based on the W-state, we offer a more efficient semi-quantum privacy comparison method. The security analysis shows that the scheme can resist third-party, measurement, and entanglement attacks. Compared with the previous work, the scheme significantly improves communication efficiency and has stronger practicability.