bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dasatinib and Trametinib Promote Anti-Tumor Metabolic Activity
Authors: Bolf Eric L. , Beadnell Thomas C. , Rose Madison M. , D’Alessandro Angelo , Nemkov Travis , Hansen Kirk C. , Schweppe Rebecca E.
Published: May 2023

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine neoplasm, and despite its overall high survival rate, patients with metastatic disease or tumors that resist radioactive iodine experience a significantly worse prognosis. Helping these patients requires a better understanding of how therapeutics alter cellular function. Here, we describe the change in metabolite profiles after treating thyroid cancer cells with the kinase inhibitors dasatinib and trametinib. We reveal alterations to glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and amino acid levels. We also highlight how these drugs promote short-term accumulation of the tumor-suppressive metabolite 2-oxoglutarate, and demonstrate that it reduces the viability of thyroid cancer cells in vitro. These results show that kinase inhibition profoundly alters the metabolome of cancer cells and highlight the need to better understand how therapeutics reprogram metabolic processes, and ultimately, cancer cell behavior.
School Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Youth, and Considerations for Anxiety, Depression, and a Positive School Climate—A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Monsillion Jessica , Zebdi Rafika , Romo-Desprez Lucia
Published: May 2023

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are growing in popularity, with research concerning their efficacy with youth populations. Following a preliminary analysis of the existing literature, and given the positive effects of such programs, we felt it relevant to assess whether research has considered the implications for MBIs on children and adolescents, with regard to depression, anxiety, and school climate. Objectives: We aim to estimate the effect of MBIs as innovative interventions addressing youths in school settings, with special consideration for anxiety, depression, and school climate outcomes. Method: This review investigates the existing literature in the field of mindfulness, using quasi-experimental and randomized control trial (RCT) models, targeted at youth (5–18 years) in school settings. A search was carried out in four databases—WebofScience, Google Scholar, PubMed, and PsycARTICLES. This resulted in 39 articles, which were sorted based on predetermined inclusion criteria; 12 articles qualified. Results: The results show discrepancies in terms of methodological and implementation variables, types of interventions, instructor trainings, assessment measures, and choice of practices and exercises, which make the effects of existing school MBIs difficult to compare. Consistencies were observed in emotional and behavioral regulation, prosocial behaviors, and reducing stress and anxiety in students. The results of this systematic review also suggest that MBIs could be potential mediators in improving student well-being and environmental factors, such as school and class climates. Specifically, children’s sense of safety and community can be improved by an improved quality of relationships between students, their peers, and teachers. Future research should consider incorporating school climate perspectives, such as implementing whole-school MBI approaches and using replicable and comparable study designs and methods, whilst considering the capacities and limitations of the academic and institutional context.
Facile Synthesis of MXene/MnO2 Nanocomposites for Efficient Removal of Radionuclide Uranium
Authors: Wang Ling , Liu Yi-Lin
Published: May 2023

The efficient removal of radionuclide uranium is crucial for sustainable nuclear energy and achieving a zero-carbon loop. In this study, we synthesized MXene/MnO2 nanocomposites and evaluated their ability to adsorb and reduce uranium. The results showed that the nanocomposites achieved a uranium removal rate of 99% and an adsorption capacity of 696 mg/g. Adsorption experiments were conducted under different conditions, including pH, cation, anion, and humic acid, and the uranium removal rate by the composite remained high at 91%, 70%, and 60% under the influence of pH = 4.97, 1.0 mM CaCl2, and 20 mg/L humic acid, respectively. The XRD and SEM analyses revealed that the uranium element was removed by the reduction and fixation of the composite material. These findings indicate that the MXene/MnO2 composite is an effective adsorption cleaning agent for the purification of radioactive nuclear wastewater, which has significant implications for pollution control.
In Situ Formation of Al3Ti and Its Effects on the Microstructure, Hardness and Tribological Properties of Al Matrix Composites with Various Ti Contents
Authors: Lin Fei , Ren Mengyuan , Wu Hui , Jia Fanghui , Yang Ming , Chen Zhixin , Jiang Zhengyi
Published: May 2023

At present, Al matrix composites (AMCs) have drawn much attention owing to their light weight, high specific strength, high thermal conductivity, and superior excellent wear resistance, which endows them with great potential in the aerospace, automobile and military industries. In this study, AMCs with different Ti contents (0, 5 and 10 vol.%) were prepared by powder metallurgy. During the sintering, Al3Ti particles were in situ formed in the Al matrix. It was found that the Ti completely reacted with the Al matrix and formed fine in situ Al3Ti particles in Al-10Ti, while some large Ti-Al3Ti core-shell formed in Al-5Ti due to the incomplete reaction between the Ti and the Al matrix. Furthermore, the hardness of the composites was significantly improved by the in situ formed Al3Ti particles, reaching 143.3 HV in Al-5Ti and the highest value at 331.2 HV in Al-10Ti, respectively. The wear resistance of the composites is remarkably enhanced by Al3Ti particles compared to the unreinforced Al. Al-5Ti has the highest wear resistance among the samples. The wear resistance of the Al-10Ti composite becomes slightly deteriorated compared to Al-5Ti due to the brittle nature of Al3Ti, which leads to a three-body abrasive wear.
New EoL Routes of Al-Li Aircraft Integral LBW and FSW Welded Panels including New Cr-Free Coatings
Authors: Fernández-Calvo Ana Isabel , Delgado Clara , Dufour Philippe , Aldanondo Egoitz , Díaz Mario , García-Blanco María Belén
Published: May 2023

The end of fife (EoL) of new aircraft panels made of Al-Li alloys in which the stringers and skin were joined, either by laser beam welding (LBW) or by friction stir welding (FSW), was investigated at the lab scale. Different cutting strategies, ranging from cutting only for size reduction to full separation of all materials, including the removal of the welded seam, were defined, with the objective of recycling the maximum amount of panel scrap back into high-quality aircraft Al-Li alloys. Those welded aerostructures were coated with two novel Cr-free coating systems. The effect of the coatings on the recyclability of the panels and the need to eliminate the primer and topcoats were researched. Fading/enrichment of the alloying elements during recycling was determined. The chemical compatibility of the recycled alloys with four commercial Al-Li alloys was examined. The EoL route that maximized closed-loop recycling and the conservation of the valuable alloying elements was identified. Nine out of the ten configurations were found to be compatible with joint recycling. Only the LBW structure with ER4047 filler wire required sorting into scrap fractions and removing the weld seam. Decoating by corundum blasting followed by cutting before remelting is the recommended EoL process.
From Liquid to Solid: Cocrystallization as an Engineering Tool for the Solidification of Pyruvic Acid
Authors: Caro Garrido Camila , Robeyns Koen , Debecker Damien P. , Luis Patricia , Leyssens Tom
Published: May 2023

Pyruvic acid is an organic compound used in various fields (e.g., the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and chemical industries) and subject to constantly growing demand. Pyruvic acid is liquid at room temperature, rendering manipulation less straightforward. Furthermore, in the liquid phase, pyruvic acid is air-sensitive. We here present a multi-component crystal engineering strategy to render pyruvic acid solid under ambient conditions, focusing on cocrystallization and salt formation. Out of 73 screened cocrystal and salt formers, eight were found to form novel crystalline forms with pyruvic acid. Four of these were studied in detail, with pyruvic acid stable in a solid phase at temperatures up to 120 °C. These results illustrate the effectiveness of cocrystallization as a tool to convert unstable liquid compounds into stable crystalline solid forms.
Clustered Occurrence of Osteitis Condensans Ilii in Patients with Symptomatic Hip Dysplasia
Authors: Muellner Maximilian , Ziegeler Katharina , Diekhoff Torsten , Haffer Henryk , Schömig Friederike , Leopold Vincent , Pumberger Matthias , Göhler Friedemann
Published: May 2023

Background: Osteitis condensans ilii (OCI) is a relatively rare benign disease of the lower anterior sacroiliac joint (SIJ) region that can cause symptoms such as low back pain (LBP), lateral hip pain and nonspecific hip or thigh pain. Its exact pathoetiology remains to be clarified. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of OCI in patients with symptomatic developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) to identify potential clustering of OCI in a with altered biomechanics of hip and SIJs. Methods: A retrospective investigation of all patients who underwent periacetabular osteotomy in a tertiary reference hospital from January 2015 to December 2020. Clinical and demographic data were retrieved from the hospital’s internal medical records. Radiographs and magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were reviewed for the presence of OCI. A t-test for independent variables was conducted to identify differences between patients with and without OCI. A binary logistic regression model was established to determine the influence of age, sex and body mass index (BMI) on the presence of OCI. Results: The final analysis included 306 patients (81% female). In 21.2% of the patients (f: 22.6%; m: 15.5%), OCI was present. BMI was significantly higher in patients with OCI (23.7 kg/m2 vs. 25.0 kg/m2; p = 0.044). Binary logistic regression revealed that a higher BMI increased the likelihood of sclerosis in typical osteitis condensans locations, OR = 1.104 (95%-CI [1.024, 1.191]), as did female sex, OR = 2.832 (95%-CI [1.091, 7.352]. Conclusions: Our study revealed a considerably higher prevalence of OCI in patients with DDH than in the general population. Furthermore, BMI was shown to have an influence on the occurrence of OCI. These results support the theory that OCI is attributable to altered mechanical loading of the SIJs. Clinicians should be aware that OCI is common in patients with DDH and a potential cause of LBP, lateral hip pain and nonspecific hip or thigh pain.
In Vivo View of a Reclining Demodex Mite in a Milia Cyst
Authors: Hanlon Katharine , Thomley Meredith , Correa-Selm Lilia
Published: May 2023

Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis are commonly present on facial skin and frequently noted via Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM) examination. These mites inhabit follicles and are often seen in groups of two or more, although D. brevis is usually found as a solitary mite. When observed through RCM, they are typically present as refractile, round groupings seen on a transverse image plane inside the sebaceous opening, as they are vertically oriented, and their exoskeletons refract under near-infrared light. Inflammation may occur, leading to a variety of skin disorders; nonetheless, these mites are considered to be part of normal skin flora. a 59-year-old woman presented to our dermatology clinic for confocal imaging (Vivascope 3000, Caliber ID, Rochester, NY, USA) of a previously excised skin cancer for margin evaluation. She did not exhibit symptoms of rosacea or active inflammation of the skin. Incidentally, a solitary demodex mite was noted in a milia cyst nearby the scar. The mite appeared to be trapped in the keratin-filled cyst and was positioned horizontally to the image plane such that its entire body was captured in a coronal orientation as a stack. Demodex identification using RCM can provide clinical diagnostic value in the context of rosacea or inflammation; in our case, this solitary mite was thought to be part of the patient’s normal skin flora. Demodex are practically ubiquitous on the facial skin of older patients and are frequently noted during RCM examination; however, the orientation of the mite referenced herein is uncommon, allowing for a unique view of its anatomy. The use of RCM to identify demodex may become more routine as access to technology grows.
Vascular Changes in the Macula of Patients after Previous Episodes of Vision Loss Due to Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy and Non-Arteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Nowomiejska Katarzyna , Lesiuk Patrycja , Brzozowska Agnieszka , Tońska Katarzyna , Rejdak Robert
Published: May 2023

Purpose: to assess the vasculature and thickness of the macula using OCT-A in patients who had experienced a previous episode of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) or non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NA-AION). Methods: twelve eyes with chronic LHON and ten eyes with chronic NA-AION and eight NA-AION fellow eyes were examined using OCT-A. The vessel density was measured in the superficial and deep plexus of the retina. Moreover, the full and inner thicknesses of the retina were assessed. Results: There were significant differences in all sectors between the groups in regard to the superficial vessel density and the inner and full thicknesses of the retina. The nasal sector of the macular superficial vessel density was affected more in LHON than in NA-AION; the same with the temporal sector of the retinal thickness. There were no significant differences between the groups in the deep vessel plexus. There were no significant differences between the vasculature of the inferior and superior hemifields of the macula in all groups and no correlation with the visual function. Conclusions: The superficial perfusion and structure of the macula assessed with OCT-A are affected both in chronic LHON and NA-AION, but more in LHON eyes, especially in the nasal and temporal sectors.
Heat Transfer Augmentation Using Duplex and Triplex Tube Phase Change Material (PCM) Heat Exchanger Configurations
Authors: Zaib Aurang , Mazhar Abdur Rehman , Aziz Shahid , Talha Tariq , Jung Dong-Won
Published: May 2023

The significance of latent heat thermal energy storage is more substantial when compared to sensible energy storage due to its higher energy storage capability. In this paper, heat transfer enhancement techniques for melting (charging) and solidification (discharging) by using external fins and internal–external fins for a phase change material (PCM) in duplex and triplex tube heat exchangers (DTHX and TTHX) are investigated numerically. A two-dimensional analysis is carried out using ANSYS Fluent for various configurations. Moreover, the effect of different critical parameters, number of fins, fin length, fin thickness, and the heat exchanger tube material are evaluated in terms of the total time of complete phase change of the PCM. Four cases are investigated; cases 1 and 2 are based upon a DTHX while cases 3 and 4 are TTHXs. By considering case 1 as a reference case, it is found that case 2 and case 3 reduce the total melting time by 48.76% and 90.12%, respectively. Case 4 achieves the shortest time for complete melting of the PCM, and the total melting time is decreased by 92%. Solidification behaviour for all four cases is also investigated. The novel configurations increase (doubled) the supply of heat transfer fluid (HTF) while at the same time significantly enhance the melting/solidification characteristics for all the cases without disrupting the convectional currents during phase change of the PCM. Tube materials with different thermophysical properties are also investigated with the heat transfer rate and melting time significantly improved with a high thermal diffusivity material. Moreover, the heat transfer is found to increase with fin length and fin thickness.
Application of TiO2/Ag/TiO2 as an Ohmic Contact to an AlGaAs Layer in a GaAs Solar Cell
Authors: Vitanov Petko , Milanova Malina , Dikov Hristosko , Petkov Nikolay
Published: May 2023

This paper investigates the possibility of using a nanolaminate TiO2/Ag/TiO2 structure as a transparent conductive coating on GaAs solar cells. A novel result is that this structure forms an Ohmic contact to Al-rich AlGaAs, which is used as a “window” layer in GaAs-based solar cells. The TiO2/Ag/TiO2 structure is deposited by RF magnetron sputtering at room temperature. This nanolaminate coating has good optical and electrical properties: a high transmittance of 94% at 550 nm, a sheet resistance of 7 Ω/sq, and a figure of merit (FOM) of 105 × 10−3 Ω−1. These properties are the result of the presence of a discontinuous layer of Ag between two thin layers of TiO2. The morphology of a discontinuous layer of Ag nanogranules is confirmed by the observation of a cross-section of a sample with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and EDX analyses. Current–voltage diode characteristics of GaAs solar cells measured under standard test illumination at 1000 W/m2 are analyzed. The formation of an Ohmic contact is explained by the Fermi-level pinning effect caused by nanosized Ag particles in the nanolaminate TiO2/Ag/TiO2 structure. The obtained results demonstrate a new application of oxide−metal−oxide (OMO) coatings as Ohmic contacts to III-V compound semiconductors.
Study on the Transformation of Combustion Mechanism and Ejection Phenomenon of Aluminum Particles in Methane Flame
Authors: Xi Sicong , Li Hongyan , Ma Kai , Lu Yingying , Xi Wenxiong
Published: May 2023

In solid propellants, the combustion of aluminum particles often occurs in a hydrocarbon combustion atmosphere. In order to study the combustion energy release process of aluminum particles during propellant combustion, we carried out a study of the combustion behavior of aluminum particles in the combustion atmosphere of hydrocarbon fuels and conducted experiments using a plane flame burner to observe the combustion process of aluminum particles in a methane plane flame combustion atmosphere. High-speed microscopy revealed a new special combustion phenomenon: ejection combustion with the release of internal components from a point on the particle at high speed, in addition to the already observed particle microexplosions. Both phenomena show faster-than-normal combustion with short combustion energy release times. The experiments also showed that the combustion behavior of aluminum particles changes with the combustion environment. As the ambient effective oxidizer mole fraction increases from 13% to 29%, the basic combustion behavior of aluminum particles changes from vapor evaporation combustion to multiphase surface combustion. In addition, the percentage of aluminum particles burned by ejection increases from 18.2% to 49.2%, which becomes the dominant mechanism in the special combustion phenomenon of aluminum particles. This paper argues that the multiphase surface combustion provides higher heating rates due to the heat production collected on the particles and the diffusion combustion in the air around the aluminum particles, compared with the evaporation combustion. Therefore, the rate of temperature rise within the particle is affected by the ambient oxidant concentration, leading to a transformation from microexplosion to ejection combustion. The effect of the temperature of the combustion environment on this phenomenon has also been investigated through experiments conducted under different conditions.
Assessment of the Current and Voltage Ripples of a Buck Converter as a Driver for LEDs Using a Non-Resistive Model
Authors: Alvarado-Maldonado Roberto Carlos , Ponce-Silva Mario , Olivar-Castellanos Gregorio Saúl
Published: May 2023

The main contribution of this paper is the assets of the current and voltage ripples in a buck converter with an LED load. The results indicate that the ripples are different and that it is possible to reduce the passive filter concerning the model of the LED as a simple resistance. The paper presents the design and simulation of a buck converter as a power supply for an LED lamp. Modeling the LED as a resistor and a voltage source (SVRM), the equations to calculate the components of the circuit using the SVRM model are presented, where the Fourier series and phasors are used to calculate the output filter. The equations are validated with SPICE simulations. The results indicate that the SVRM model for the LED load affects the calculation of the output filter of the buck converter as well as the voltage and current ripples, making it a more precise design alternative to the proposed development.
Topographical Influence on Snag Distribution in a Subtropical Forest in South China
Authors: Ma Yifei , Chen Zhipeng , Wang Shuyu , Lin Haoyou , Kan Lei , Du Weijing , Su Zhiyao , Zhang Lu
Published: May 2023

Snags are highly important for many wildlife species and ecological processes. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between snags and topographic factors in a secondary forest plot in South China. Data on 544 snags were collected and recorded from 236 subplots in a permanent plot (400 subplots). The frequency of Castanopsis carlesii and Schima superba was higher than that of other species. The snags derived mostly from saplings and small trees, and the presence of snags decreased as the DBH and height increased after 25 years of logging. The snags displayed an aggregated spatial pattern distribution, which was strongly correlated with elevation, slope steepness, and slope aspect (p < 0.05), as revealed by canonical correspondence analysis (CCA); however, the response of snags varied with topographic factors. Our results demonstrate that topography is an important factor that affects the snag spatial distribution in the subtropical secondary forest. These results will further improve our understanding of forest dynamics and provide guidance for forest management and biodiversity conservation.
The Effects of Dual Ozone and Drought Stresses on the Photosynthetic Properties of Acer rubrum and A. pictum
Authors: Wang Lifan , Qu Laiye , Li Haimei , Wang Tong , Hu Xuemei , Yuan Xiangyang , Guo Xiao
Published: May 2023

Ozone (O3) pollution is accompanied by drought stress, especially at high temperatures. Tree species in cities often face dual stresses from O3 and drought. In this study, Acer rubrum ‘Autumn Blaze’ and A. pictum were used as test plants in open-top-chambers (OTCs) to investigate the trees most tolerant to increasing O3 and drought stresses in urban gardens. The results showed that the dual stresses induced a change in A. rubrum’s leaf coloration from green to red. The leaf representation in A. rubrum was more variable than that of A. pictum. The leaf pigment content affected the plant leaf color difference, and the Chl and Car contents of both species were negatively correlated with L*. Under the dual stresses of O3 and drought, the changes in the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and transpiration rate (Tr) were less variable in A. rubrum than A. pictum. The stomatal conductance (Gs) was more sensitive to higher O3 stress, the effect of which was enhanced by moderate drought (MD) conditions on Gs. The Tr decreased more significantly under drought stress, which mitigated the effect of O3 stress on the stomatal limit value (Ls). A. rubrum displayed differential color changes, resulting in greater structural heterogeneity within the garden landscape. The saplings adjusted their photosynthetic parameters under the dual stresses, whereas the dual stresses played an antagonistic role in protecting A. rubrum, suggesting that A. rubrum can resist O3 and drought. Our study suggests that A. rubrum is an alternative tree species for inclusion in urban gardens exposed to increasing O3 and drought stresses.
Study on the Origin and Classification of Two Poplar Species on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Shi Yu-Jie , Mi Jia-Xuan , Huang Jin-Liang , He Fang , Chen Liang-Hua , Wan Xue-Qin
Published: May 2023

Poplar not only has important ecological and economic value, but also is a model woody plant in scientific research. However, due to the rich morphological variation and extensive interspecific hybridization, the taxonomy of the genus Populus is very confused, especially in the Sect. Tacamahaca. Based on the extensive investigation of Populus on the Plateau and its surrounding areas, two taxa (Populus kangdingensis and Populus schneideri var. tibetica) that are very similar in morphology and habitat and are in doubt in taxonomy were found. First of all, we set up 14 sample sites, carried out morphological investigation and statistics, and found that there were a few morphological traits that could be distinguished between the two taxa. Further phylogenetic analysis based on the whole genome resequencing data showed that the two taxa were hybrid progenies of P. xiangchengensis and P. simonii. Through gene flow detection and genetic differentiation analysis, it was found that there was still strong gene flow from P. xiangchengensis to the two taxa, and there was almost no differentiation between the two taxa. Therefore, P. schneideri var. tibetica should be classified into P. kangdingensis as same taxa. Finally, the population history was reconstructed by PSMC and ABC models, and it was found that they all belonged to a hybrid origin, and the change in population size was closely related to the Quaternary ice age. In addition, the hybrid population has better adaptability, and the suitable distribution area may expand in the future. This study provided a novel and comprehensive method for the phylogeny of Populus and laid a foundation for the development and utilization of poplar resources.
Temporal Pattern of the Occurrence of Japanese Glass Eels (Anguilla japonica) in the Pearl River Estuary
Authors: Shuai Fangmin , Li Jie , Yu Shunchao , Yang Jian
Published: May 2023

Japanese eels (Anguilla japonica) are a typical migratory fish species with high commercial importance. The Pearl River estuary in southern China is an important natural growing ground for Japanese glass eels, but limited information on Japanese glass eel population characteristics is available, despite their ecological importance. In this paper, we examined the annual patterns of the occurrence of Japanese glass eels in the Pearl River estuary from 2011 to 2022. The most frequently occurring Japanese glass eel’s total length is 5.3 cm. The collecting period extended from December to February, and the collection catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) decreased significantly from 2011 to 2022. The generalized linear model (GLM) indicated that daily changes in Japanese glass eel collection were significantly affected by tidal range, water temperature, and lunar distance. The catch peak appeared when the tidal range rose to 1.7 m, and the water temperature dropped below 8 °C on the full moon days. Overall CPUE analysis showed no significant periodic and inter-annual variability in the period 2011–2022, with the ARIMA model suggesting that the CPUE is expected to remain stable but low in the coming years (2023–2026), although recruitment ultimately depends on the overall spawning stock.
Analysis of the Influence of Variable Meteorological Conditions on the Performance of the EV Battery and on the Driving Range
Authors: Armenta-Déu Carlos , Giorgi Baptiste
Published: May 2023

The influence of variable weather conditions on the performance of the battery that powers electric vehicles (EV) was studied and analyzed. This paper also deals with the effects that changes in the performance of the battery have on the driving range of the vehicle. An algorithm to evaluate the influence of temperature on the behavior of the battery and on the real driving range of electric vehicles was developed. Our theoretical approach was assessed in experimental tests run under operating conditions that reproduce real situations. A correction factor was obtained to match theoretical and experimental values with an accuracy higher than 98%. A linear relation between driving range and ambient temperature was observed from a simulation process, with a high regression coefficient. The relation shows that the driving range increases with ambient temperature. The ratio of the estimated driving range from the simulation process and the standard value for a reference temperature of 25 °C was obtained. The ratio shows that the global driving range can be increased by up to 29% in high temperatures associated with the summer season, while for very low temperatures, near −30 °C, the global driving range is reduced by 20%. The comparative analysis of the driving range for different temperatures shows that there is a reduction of about 18% for the low range of ambient temperatures, between −15 °C and 5 °C, while for medium temperatures, between 5 °C and 25 °C, the reduction in the driving range is only 4.6%. Finally, tests demonstrated that with a reduction in high temperatures from 25 °C to 35 °C, the driving range only reduced by about 0.4%. For higher temperatures, around 50 °C, the longest driving distance can be achieved, with a higher accuracy.
Radiation-Driven Wind Hydrodynamics of Massive Stars: A Review
Authors: Curé Michel , Araya Ignacio
Published: May 2023

Mass loss from massive stars plays a determining role in their evolution through the upper Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. The hydrodynamic theory that describes their steady-state winds is the line-driven wind theory (m-CAK). From this theory, the mass loss rate and the velocity profile of the wind can be derived, and estimating these properly will have a profound impact on quantitative spectroscopy analyses from the spectra of these objects. Currently, the so-called β law, which is an approximation for the fast solution, is widely used instead of m-CAK hydrodynamics, and when the derived value is β≳1.2, there is no hydrodynamic justification for these values. This review focuses on (1) a detailed topological analysis of the equation of motion (EoM), (2) solving the EoM numerically for all three different (fast and two slow) wind solutions, (3) deriving analytical approximations for the velocity profile via the LambertW function and (4) presenting a discussion of the applicability of the slow solutions.
The Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Blepharoglossum elegans and B. grossum and Comparative Analysis with Related Species (Orchidaceae, Malaxideae)
Authors: Yang Wenting , Wu Kunlin , Fang Lin , Zeng Songjun , Li Lin
Published: May 2023

Blepharoglossum is a rare orchid genus of the Malaxidinae primarily distributed in tropical Pacific islands, with several species occurring in the Taiwan and Hainan Islands of China. Currently, the monophyletic status of Blepharoglossum has been challenged, and the phylogenetic relationships among its allied groups have remained unresolved with traditional DNA markers. In this study, we initially sequenced and annotated the chloroplast (cp) genomes of two Blepharoglossum species, Blepharoglossum elegans (Lindl.) L. Li and Blepharoglossum grossum (Rchb.f.) L. Li. These cp genomes of Blepharoglossum share the typical quadripartite and circular structure. Each of the genomes encodes a total of 133 functional genes, including 87 protein-coding genes (CDS), 38 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes. By comparing the sequence differences between these two cp genomes, it was found that they are relatively conserved in terms of overall gene content and gene arrangement. However, a total of 684 SNPs and 2664 indels were still identified, with ycf1, clpP, and trnK-UUU protein-coding genes having the highest number of SNPs and indels. In further comparative analyses among the six cp genomes in Malaxidinae, significant sequence divergences were identified in the intergenic regions, namely rps16–trnQ-UUG, trnS-GCU–trnG-GCC, rpoB–trnC-GCA, trnE-UUC–trnT-GGU, trnF-GAA–trnV-UAC, atpB–rbcL, petA–psbJ, psbE–petL, psbB–psbT, trnN-GUU–rpl32, trnV-GAC–rps7, and rps7–trnL-CAA, and five coding regions, including matK, and rpoC2, ycf1, and two ycf2 genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Blepharoglossum and Oberonia form a highly supported sister group relationship. Our results are consistent with previous studies and present increased resolution among major clades.
US Population Data for 94 Identity-Informative SNP Loci
Authors: Kiesler Kevin M. , Borsuk Lisa A. , Steffen Carolyn R. , Vallone Peter M. , Gettings Katherine B.
Published: May 2023

The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) analyzed a set of 1036 samples representing four major US population groups (African American, Asian American, Caucasian, and Hispanic) with 94 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) used for individual identification (iiSNPs). The compact size of iiSNP amplicons compared to short tandem repeat (STR) markers increases the likelihood of successful amplification with degraded DNA samples. Allele frequencies and relevant forensic statistics were calculated for each population group as well as the aggregate population sample. Examination of sequence data in the regions flanking the targeted SNPs identified additional variants, which can be combined with the target SNPs to form microhaplotypes (multiple phased SNPs within a short-read sequence). Comparison of iiSNP performance with and without flanking SNP variation identified four amplicons containing microhaplotypes with observed heterozygosity increases of greater than 15% over the targeted SNP alone. For this set of 1036 samples, comparison of average match probabilities from iiSNPs with the 20 CODIS core STR markers yielded an estimate of 1.7 × 10−38 for iiSNPs (assuming independence between all 94 SNPs), which was four orders of magnitude lower (more discriminating) than STRs where internal sequence variation was considered, and 10 orders of magnitude lower than STRs using established capillary electrophoresis length-based genotypes.
Crosstalk between miRNAs and DNA Methylation in Cancer
Authors: Saviana Michela , Le Patricia , Micalo Lavender , Del Valle-Morales Daniel , Romano Giulia , Acunzo Mario , Li Howard , Nana-Sinkam Patrick
Published: May 2023

miRNAs are some of the most well-characterized regulators of gene expression. Integral to several physiological processes, their aberrant expression often drives the pathogenesis of both benign and malignant diseases. Similarly, DNA methylation represents an epigenetic modification influencing transcription and playing a critical role in silencing numerous genes. The silencing of tumor suppressor genes through DNA methylation has been reported in many types of cancer and is associated with tumor development and progression. A growing body of literature has described the crosstalk between DNA methylation and miRNAs as an additional layer in the regulation of gene expression. Methylation in miRNA promoter regions inhibits its transcription, while miRNAs can target transcripts and subsequently regulate the proteins responsible for DNA methylation. Such relationships between miRNA and DNA methylation serve an important regulatory role in several tumor types and highlight a novel avenue for potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we discuss the crosstalk between DNA methylation and miRNA expression in the pathogenesis of cancer and describe how miRNAs influence DNA methylation and, conversely, how methylation impacts the expression of miRNAs. Finally, we address how these epigenetic modifications may be leveraged as biomarkers in cancer.
Conceptual Model of Expansive Rock or Soil Swelling
Authors: Kavur Boris , Štambuk Cvitanović Nataša Štambuk , Jug Jasmin , Vrkljan Ivan
Published: May 2023

The paper presents a simple yet efficient way to track the void ratio, the water content, and the degree of saturation of a swelling material during saturation. The research aimed to quantitatively describe the drying and wetting processes of the swelling material, which should enable their better understanding and easier modelling. Two identical tall samples, named “twins”, were formed by consolidating the paste prepared from the swelling material in which montmorillonite is the dominant mineral. The twins were together exposed to one-dimensional drying. After drying, lasting for 40 days, one twin was dissected to determine its water content profile. The other twin was subjected to 1D wetting (ponded infiltration experiment) with a constant water column for a period of 21 days and then dissected to determine the moisture profile. The sample preparation reduces uncertainties about the initial state. The results show that during wetting, the material follows a path in the e-w plot which is parallel to the full saturation curve. After reaching some degree of saturation, the path becomes parallel to the residual (shrinking) line. The proposed model predicts the primary and secondary phases of swelling, and under appropriate conditions, it assumes the tertiary phase.
The Story of Elaeagia Resin (Mopa-Mopa), So Far
Authors: Newman Richard , Kaplan Emily , Álvarez-White Maria Cecilia
Published: May 2023

The unusual resin from some species of Elaeagia, a genus now found in certain parts of Central America and South America, was probably first utilized by native peoples in Colombia more than a thousand years ago. It became a crucial part of often elaborately decorated objects made in the southwestern city of Pasto in the colonial period, and it has continued to be used there up to the present, in which it is at the core of a local craft tradition. The resin was also utilized for about 300 years by the Inka, mainly to decorate qeros (ceremonial drinking cups). The resin is often referred to as mopa-mopa and, specifically in Colombia, as barniz de Pasto. The botany, chemistry, properties, and analysis of Elaeagia resin are reviewed, along with a brief survey of the history of its use.
Using Genetic Algorithms to Improve Airport Pavement Structural Condition Assessment: Code Development and Case Study
Authors: Donato Alessia , Carfì David
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we propose a new method of optimization based on genetic algorithms using the MATLAB toolbox “Global Optimization”. The algorithm finds layers moduli of a flexible pavement through the measurement of pavement surface deflections under assigned load conditions. First, the algorithm for the forward calculation is validated, then the algorithm for the back-calculation is proposed, and the results are compared, in the case of airport pavements, with other software using different back-calculation techniques. The goodness of the procedure and the way of managing the algorithm operator is demonstrated by means of positive feedback obtained from the comparison of the results of ELMOD and BackGenetic3D. Moreover, the findings of the analysis prove that, in such an optimization procedure by GA, the best solution is always reached with a low number of generations, generally less than 10, allowing a reduction in the time of calculation and choosing a population big enough to select with good probability, in the initial population, solutions close to the real ones. The code is made available in such a way that the reader can easily apply it to other flexible pavements in the case of fully bonded layers (both for roads and airports). In particular, interested readers can easily modify the algorithm parameters (population number, stop criteria, probability of mutation, cross-over, and reproduction) and the type of fitness function to minimize, together with the geometric and load characteristics (number and thickness of the layers and the range of module variation). The possibility to change the algorithm parameters and the fitness function allows for exploring different scenarios in order to find the best solution in terms of fitness values. It is also possible to intervene in the time of calculation by managing the algorithm’s stopping criteria.
The Visual Behaviour of the Cyclist: Comparison between Simulated and Real Scenarios
Authors: Acerra Ennia Mariapaola , Shoman Murad , Imine Hocine , Brasile Claudia , Lantieri Claudio , Vignali Valeria
Published: May 2023

Cyclists are one of the main categories of road users particularly exposed to accident risk. The increasing use of this ecological means of transport requires a specific assessment of cyclist safety in terms of traffic flow and human factors. In this study, a particular visual tracking tool has been used to highlight not only the main critical points of the infrastructure, where a high level of distraction is recorded, but also the various interactions with different road users (pedestrians, vehicles, buses, wheelchairs, cyclists). To confirm the critical aspects of the infrastructure and the trend of workload, a similar circuit was reproduced in a bicycle simulator, which also allowed a meaningful comparison of cycling behaviour. The innovative component of this paper is a comparison between a real test, held in Stockholm, and a simulator where the same scenario has been represented, in order to highlight the objective differences in behaviour. The cycling performance was also evaluated both from an objective point of view, with the count of frames related to each category of visualization, and from a subjective one, through the questionnaires. The results show the crossing as a critical aspect because only 4/3% fixation is required for both simulated and real tests to confirm the significance of the comparison between the two experiments. The high attention rate, resulting from frame-by-frame analysis, also points to a clear difference in the perception of users, who feel with a low workload.
Prognostic Role of Polyvascular Involvement in Patients with Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Adam Luise , Strickler Eva , Borozadi Meisam , Bein Simone , Bano Arjola , Muka Taulant , Drexel Heinz , Dopheide Jörn
Published: May 2023

Background: Statin therapy is recommended for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, PAD patients with polyvascular (PV) extent remain threatened by an increased residual cardiovascular (CV) risk. Purpose: To investigate the association of prescribed statin therapy and mortality in PAD patients with or without PV extent. Methods: A single-center retrospective longitudinal observational study originating from a consecutive registry with 1380 symptomatic PAD patients over a mean observational time of 60 ± 32 months. The association of atherosclerotic extent and statin use (PAD, plus one additional region (CAD or CeVD, [+1 V]), +2 vascular regions (+CAD and CeVD [+2 V]) with the risk of all-cause mortality was evaluated using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for potential confounding factors. Results: The mean age of the study’s participants was 72.0 ± 11.7 years, with 36% being female. PAD patients with PV extent [+1 V] and [+2 V] were older and suffered from diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia more often; they, too, had more severely impaired kidney function (all p < 0.0001) compared to patients with PAD only. PAD patients with PV [+1 V] and [+2 V] received better statin medication and reached the recommended LDL-C target compared to PAD-only patients (p < 0.001). Despite better statin treatment, the rate of all-cause mortality was higher in PV patients than in PAD-only patients (PAD only: 13%; [+1 V]: 22%; [+2 V]: 35%; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: PV patients receive better statin therapy than PAD-only patients but nevertheless still have higher mortality rates. Future studies are needed to explore whether more aggressive LDL-lowering treatment for PAD patients may be translated into better prognosis.
The Complex Association between Sleep Quality, Psychological Wellbeing, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Childhood
Authors: Roccella Michele , Vetri Luigi , Carotenuto Marco , Costanza Carola
Published: May 2023

During child development, the psychophysiological state is influenced by factors such as family routine, school experiences, stressful life events, or, in general, the environmental context in which the child grows up [...]
CBCT Assessment of Gubernacular Canals on Permanent Tooth Eruption in Down’s Syndrome
Authors: Gomes Carlos Eduardo Vieira da Silva , Conceição Athus Michel Flexa , Júnior Sérgio de Melo Alves , Fonseca Ricardo Roberto de Souza , Laurentino Rogério Valois , Machado Luiz Fernando Almeida
Published: May 2023

Background: The gubernacular canal (GC) is an important dental structure that enables the alveolar bone ridge cohesion of permanent teeth, although GC absence may indicate a dental eruption that might be associated with certain syndromes such as Down’s syndrome. This study aims to correlate the eruptive delay of permanent teeth in individuals with Down’s syndrome (Ds) and the gubernacular canal (GC) through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods and Results: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and July 2022 with a total of 31 individuals (G1 = 16 nonsyndromic and G2 = 15 Down’s syndrome) who went through imaging evaluation using CBCT with the following acquisition parameters: tube voltage of 95 kVp, tube current of 7 mA, exposure time of 5.9 s and voxel sizes and field of view 0.15 mm and 0.30 mm, respectively. The imaging evaluation was to assess whether all teeth analyzed had the presence of GC and/or teeth eruption disturbance, with a descriptive statistical analysis of relative frequencies and quantitative variables as well as the p-value (p < 0.005) by G Test. Results: A total of 618 teeth among 31 individuals were analyzed, 475 (76.8%) GC were detected by CBCT in 23/31 patients and of these, 6 belonged to G2. G2 had a decreased GC detection rate (n = 180–37.9%) and the most common tooth with GC detected was the mandibular 1st molar (21 GC/25 teeth—84%) and the absence of GC was most frequently observed in impacted and delayed/unerupted teeth of Ds individuals. Conclusion: We concluded that GC absence was higher among Ds individuals, explaining the increased rates of unerupted or impacted teeth in Ds individuals.
Effect of Whitening Toothpastes with Different Active Agents on the Abrasive Wear of Dentin Following Tooth Brushing Simulation
Authors: Dionysopoulos Dimitrios , Papageorgiou Spyros , Papadopoulos Constantinos , Davidopoulou Sotiria , Konstantinidis Avraam , Tolidis Kosmas
Published: May 2023

The aim of this research was to evaluate the abrasive dentin wear that can be induced by three commercial whitening toothpastes following a tooth-brushing simulation (TBS) corresponding to a three-month period. Sixty human canines were selected, and the roots were separated from the crowns. Then the roots were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10) and were submitted to TBS using the following slurries: Group 1—deionized water (RDA = 5); Group 2—ISO dentifrice slurry (RDA = 100); Group 3—a regular toothpaste (RDA = 70); Group 4—a charcoal-containing whitening toothpaste; Group 5—a whitening toothpaste containing blue covasorb and hydrated silica; and Group 6—a whitening toothpaste containing microsilica. Following TBS, surface loss and surface roughness changes were evaluated using confocal microscopy. Additionally, surface morphology and mineral content changes were observed using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The deionized water group presented the lowest surface loss (p < 0.05), while the charcoal-containing toothpaste presented the highest surface loss, followed by ISO dentifrice slurry (p < 0.001). Blue-covasorb-containing and regular toothpastes did not present statistically significant differences (p = 0.245), and neither didmicrosilica-containing toothpaste or ISO dentifrice slurry (p = 0.112). The surface height parameters and surface morphology changes of the experimental groups followed the surface loss patterns, while no differences were detected in mineral content after TBS.Although the charcoal-containing toothpaste exhibited the highest abrasive wear to dentin, according to ISO 11609, all the tested toothpastes exhibited appropriate abrasive behavior towards dentin.