bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced Architecture of On-Board Multiplex Information Exchange System to Increase Flight Safety
Authors: Dashkiiev Viktor , Povstenko Yuriy
Published: November 2022

Issues of aviation flight safety conducted with an on-board information exchange system are discussed. The system information analysis method is used. An analysis of in-flight hazard sources and the means of their elimination from the information exchange point of view are carried out including the influence of the information exchange system’s parameters, work algorithm and architecture. The value of information exchange speed on safety in dynamic flight conditions is discussed. A modification of architecture and the information exchange system algorithm are proposed to increase the exchange speed and the whole system’s effectiveness based on parallel processing as well as to enhance the probability of successful elimination of an emergency situation.
Physical-Chemical Properties Modification of Hermetia Illucens Larvae Oil and Diesel Fuel for the Internal Combustion Engines Application
Authors: Yusaf Talal , Kamarulzaman Mohd , Adam Abdullah , Hisham Sakinah , Ramasamy Devarajan , Kadirgama Kumaran , Samykano Mahendran , Subramaniam Sivaraos
Published: November 2022

The use of insects as a biofuel feedstock has received limited research, and little is known about the fuel characteristics of insect biofuel. Fuel properties characterization can guide researchers focused on renewable fuel for the internal combustion engine. Therefore, this investigation focused on the physical-chemical properties modification of Hermetia illucens larvae oil (HILO) and diesel fuel blends, which could highly become an alternative renewable fuel. Five test fuel blends of HILO and diesel fuel were prepared at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% on a volume basis. Fuel properties such as chemical composition, density, viscosity, heating value, cetane number, and flash point of the test fuel blends were analyzed and compared to the diesel fuel. The main physical-chemical properties of HILO-diesel fuel blends were determined following the ASTM standards. Based on the results, the density, viscosity, cetane number, and flash point of the diesel fuel-HILO fuel blends were increased by 11.28%, 740.30%, 16.92%, and 86.67%, respectively, with the addition of HILO, except for the heating value reduced by 13.66%.
Comparing e-Fuels and Electrification for Decarbonization of Heavy-Duty Transports
Authors: Prussi Matteo , Laveneziana Lorenzo , Testa Lorenzo , Chiaramonti David
Published: November 2022

The freight sector is expected to keep, or even increase, its fundamental role for the major modern economies, and therefore actions to limit the growing pressure on the environment are urgent. The use of electricity is a major option for the decarbonization of transports; in the heavy-duty segment, it can be implemented in different ways: besides full electric-battery powertrains, electricity can be used to supply catenary roads, or can be chemically stored in liquid or gaseous fuels (e-fuels). While the current EU legislation adopts a tailpipe Tank-To-Wheels approach, which results in zero emissions for all direct uses of electricity, a Well-To-Wheels (WTW) method would allow accounting for the potential benefits of using sustainable fuels such as e-fuels. In this article, we have performed a WTW-based comparison and modelling of the options for using electricity to supply heavy-duty vehicles: e-fuels, eLNG, eDiesel, and liquid Hydrogen. Results showed that the direct use of electricity can provide high Greenhouse Gas (GHG) savings, and also in the case of the e-fuels when low-carbon-intensity electricity is used for their production. While most studies exclusively focus on absolute GHG savings potential, considerations of the need for new infrastructures, and the technological maturity of some options, are fundamental to compare the different technologies. In this paper, an assessment of such technological and non-technological barriers has been conducted, in order to compare alternative pathways for the heavy-duty sector. Among the available options, the flexibility of using drop-in, energy-dense liquid fuels represents a clear and substantial immediate advantage for decarbonization. Additionally, the novel approach adopted in this paper allows us to quantify the potential benefits of using e-fuels as chemical storage able to accumulate electricity from the production peaks of variable renewable energies, which would otherwise be wasted due to grid limitations.
Power Quality Assessment in a Real Microgrid-Statistical Assessment of Different Long-Term Working Conditions
Authors: Ostrowska Anna , Michalec Łukasz , Skarupski Marek , Jasiński Michał , Sikorski Tomasz , Kostyła Paweł , Lis Robert , Mudrak Grzegorz , Rodziewicz Tomasz
Published: November 2022

Power quality (PQ) becomes a more and more pressing issue for the operation stability of power systems with renewable energy sources. An important aspect of PQ monitoring of distribution networks is to compare the PQ indicators in different operating conditions. This paper evaluates the impact of a microgrid implementation in a real distribution network on power quality indicators at the point of common coupling in an LV network. The study includes a classical assessment of the long-term PQ parameters according to the EN 50160 standard, such as nominal frequency deviations, voltage RMS variations, voltage fluctuations (represented by long-term flicker severity), voltage unbalance and total harmonic distortion. The PQ evaluation is extended in statistical assessment based on cluster analysis. The case study contains 5 weeks of power quality observation results obtained at the assessment point in two different working conditions of the distribution system: before and after implementing the microgrid. The study allows establishing general conclusions regarding a microgrid interconnection in order not to exceed power quality limits and considering the influence of photovoltaic generation on power quality parameters.
Most Searched Topics in the Scientific Literature on Failures in Photovoltaic Installations
Authors: Kut Paweł , Pietrucha-Urbanik Katarzyna
Published: November 2022

Photovoltaic installations (PVs) are currently one of the fastest-growing sources of renewable energy. Expanded forms of financial support and higher electricity prices have resulted in a large increase in its installed capacity. PV installations are increasingly being ordered by industry and privates, often for installations capacity of several hundred kilowatts. In addition to the advantages, photovoltaic installations also have drawbacks. One of these is that the increase in the voltage in the power grid leads to the exclusion of individual installations from the grid. An important issue in the operation of photovoltaic installations is also their reliability during their lifetime. The reliability of photovoltaic installations depends on the random nature of the cloud cover as well as the material’s mechanical degradations. This paper presents a literature analysis using Citespace software in terms of reliability. A detailed bibliometric analysis has been performed to outline the main drawbacks of the PV installations cited by researchers. This literature review forms the basis for further analysis. The paper also presents a new approach to implementing the Multiple-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) method for assessing the risk of failure of PV panels. The obtained results showed the main interests of scientists in the field of failure analysis of photovoltaic installations and countries having the largest share in research on this issue. The applied Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) analysis enables supporting the process of managing photovoltaic installations by analyzing installation operations in terms of reliability as reliability impacts the profitability of investments and operating costs. The proposed method can be used by the operators of photovoltaic installations or farms.
The Advances and Challenges of the Ediacaran Fractured Reservoir Development in the Central Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: He Xiao , Guo Guian , Tang Qingsong , Wu Guanghui , Xu Wei , Ma Bingshan , Huang Tianjun , Tian Weizhen
Published: November 2022

The largest Precambrian gasfield in China has been found in the central Sichuan Basin. It has been assumed as an Ediacaran (Sinian) mound–shoal, microfacies-controlled, dolomite reservoir. However, the extremely low porosity–permeability and heterogeneous reservoir cannot establish high production by conventional development technology in the deep subsurface. For this contribution, we carried out development tests on the fractured reservoir by seismic reservoir description and horizontal well drilling. New advances have been made in recent years: (1) the prestack time and depth migration processing provides better seismic data for strike-slip fault identification; (2) seismic planar strike-slip structures (e.g., en échelon/oblique faults) and lithofacies offset together with sectional vertical fault reflection and flower structure are favorable for strike–slip fault identification; (3) in addition to coherence, maximum likelihood and steerable pyramid attributes can be used to identify small strike-slip faults and for fault mapping; (4) fusion attributes of seismic illumination and structural tensor were used to find fractured reservoir along fault damage zone; (5) horizontal wells were carried out across the strike-slip fault damage zone and penetrated fractured reservoir with high production. Subsequently, a large strike-slip fault system has been found throughout the central intracratonic basin, and the “sweet spot” of the fractured reservoir along the strike-slip fault damage zone is widely developed to be a new favorable domain for high-production development. There is still a big challenge in seismic and horizontal well technology for the economical exploitation of the deep fractured reservoirs. This practice provides new insight in the deep tight matrix reservoir development.
Chromatic Coding (ConForest_RGB) for the Detection of Spatial-Temporal Patterns in Collective Lands in Galicia (Spain)
Authors: Rodríguez Gervasio López , Marey Pérez Manuel Francisco
Published: November 2022

In the scientific literature, numerous different analyses have been reported on forest fires, in a constant effort to predict their behavior and occurrence. It is known that a variety of factors come together in these events: climatic, physiographic, socioeconomic and territorial, among others. However, although forest fires have a significant relationship with social conflict, this aspect has not been sufficiently studied. This aspect is particularly important in regions such as Galicia (Northwest Spain), where forest fires, either intentional or related to human activity, account for up to 95% of the total annual number of fires. As a measure of this social conflict, in this article, we compile the court sentences and newspaper reports, in which the montes vecinales en mano común VMC) of Galicia (a special type of property and tenure right) have been involved, which allows us to elaborate a chromatic coding that relates the three factors and allows us to detect spatio-temporal patterns. The resulting coding is a grid made up of 3034 rows and 15 columns, in which the color of each cell indicates the relationship between fires, newspaper reports, and court rulings. This coding also makes it possible to detect differences between the geographical sectors considered, which helps to detect spatio-temporal patterns and facilitates the implementation of specific prevention policies for each geographical sector.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Model for Analysis of the Turbulent Limits of Hydrogen Combustion
Authors: Yakovenko Ivan , Kiverin Alexey , Melnikova Ksenia
Published: November 2022

This paper presents a novel numerical approach for assessing the turbulent limits of hydrogen combustion. In the framework of this approach, the premixed combustion is studied numerically in the externally generated turbulent field with defined parameters. Two-dimensional calculations are carried out for hydrogen–air mixtures of different compositions, and all the possible modes of near-limit combustion are reproduced. Among these modes are: combustion in the form of spatially separated individual kernels and combustion in the form of kernels with subsequent quenching. The critical conditions between the mentioned two modes correspond to the turbulent limits of hydrogen combustion, which are necessary for the evaluation of the hazardous risks related to hydrogen explosions.
Estimation of Transfer Time from Multimodal Transit Services in the Paris Region
Authors: Yin Biao , Leurent Fabien
Published: November 2022

A reliable public transport system is beneficial for people traveling in the metropolitan area. Transfer time in multimodal transit networks has been highlighted as one of the measures of public transport service quality. In this paper, we propose a novel method to estimate the passengers’ transfer time between the transit modes (i.e., train, metro, and bus) based on the 2018 Household Travel Survey in the Paris region, France. The transit trips with a single transit leg are primarily studied, wherein average wait time and mode speeds are estimated through an integrated linear regression model. Based on these inferences, transfer time is deduced within the trips of multiple transit legs. The decomposition procedure of journey time facilitates the estimation of the time components, and reveals the transfer variability in mode, time, and space. From the results, we find that the transfer to the railway modes, especially to the metro, costs less time on average than the transfer to the bus in the study area. The transfer patterns in the morning and evening peak hours are different regarding the transfer duration and locations. Lastly, the results’ reliability, method scalability, and potential applications are discussed in detail.
Cell-Free Hemoglobin in Acute Kidney Injury after Lung Transplantation and Experimental Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Greite Robert , Wang Li , Gohlke Lukas , Schott Sebastian , Kreimann Kirill , Doricic Julian , Leffler Andreas , Tudorache Igor , Salman Jawad , Natanov Ruslan , Ius Fabio , Fegbeutel Christine , Haverich Axel , Lichtinghagen Ralf , Chen Rongjun , Rong Song , Haller Hermann , Vijayan Vijith , Gram Magnus , Scheffner Irina , Gueler Faikah , Gwinner Wilfried , Immenschuh Stephan
Published: November 2022

Cell-free hemoglobin (CFH), a pro-oxidant and cytotoxic compound that is released in hemolysis, has been associated with nephrotoxicity. Lung transplantation (LuTx) is a clinical condition with a high incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI). In this study, we investigated the plasma levels of CFH and haptoglobin, a CFH-binding serum protein, in prospectively enrolled LuTx patients (n = 20) with and without AKI. LuTx patients with postoperative AKI had higher CFH plasma levels at the end of surgery compared with no-AKI patients, and CFH correlated with serum creatinine at 48 h. Moreover, CFH levels inversely correlated with haptoglobin levels, which were significantly reduced at the end of surgery in LuTx patients with AKI. Because multiple other factors can contribute to AKI development in the complex clinical setting of LuTx, we next investigated the role of exogenous CFH administration in a mouse model of mild bilateral renal ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). Exogenous administration of CFH after reperfusion caused overt AKI with creatinine increase, tubular injury, and enhanced markers of renal inflammation compared with vehicle-treated animals. In conclusion, CFH is a possible factor contributing to postoperative AKI after LuTx and promotes AKI in an experimental model of mild transient renal ischemia. Targeting CFH might be a therapeutic option to prevent AKI after LuTx.
Spontaneous, Artificial, and Genome Editing-Mediated Mutations in Prunus
Authors: Prudencio Angel S. , Devin Sama Rahimi , Mahdavi Sayyed Mohammad Ehsan , Martínez-García Pedro J. , Salazar Juan A. , Martínez-Gómez Pedro
Published: November 2022

Mutation is a source of genetic diversity widely used in breeding programs for the acquisition of agronomically interesting characters in commercial varieties of the Prunus species, as well as in the rest of crop species. Mutation can occur in nature at a very low frequency or can be induced artificially. Spontaneous or bud sport mutations in somatic cells can be vegetatively propagated to get an individual with the mutant phenotype. Unlike animals, plants have unlimited growth and totipotent cells that let somatic mutations to be transmitted to the progeny. On the other hand, in vitro tissue culture makes it possible to induce mutation in plant material and perform large screenings for mutant’s selection and cleaning of chimeras. Finally, targeted mutagenesis has been boosted by the application of CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)/Cas9 and Transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) editing technologies. Over the last few decades, environmental stressors such as global warming have been threatening the supply of global demand for food based on population growth in the near future. For this purpose, the release of new varieties adapted to such changes is a requisite, and selected or generated Prunus mutants by properly regulated mechanisms could be helpful to this task. In this work, we reviewed the most relevant mutations for breeding traits in Prunus species such as flowering time, self-compatibility, fruit quality, and disease tolerance, including new molecular perspectives in the present postgenomic era including CRISPR/Cas9 and TALEN editing technologies.
Regulation of Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression in Human T Cells by Glucocorticoid Receptor-Mediated Transrepression of Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells
Authors: Cacheiro-Llaguno Cristina , Hernández-Subirá Elena , Díaz-Muñoz Manuel D. , Fresno Manuel , Serrador Juan M. , Íñiguez Miguel A.
Published: November 2022

Cyclooxygenase (COX) is the key enzyme in prostanoid synthesis from arachidonic acid (AA). Two isoforms, named COX-1 and COX-2, are expressed in mammalian tissues. The expression of COX-2 isoform is induced by several stimuli including cytokines and mitogens, and this induction is inhibited by glucocorticoids (GCs). We have previously shown that the transcriptional induction of COX-2 occurs early after T cell receptor (TCR) triggering, suggesting functional implications of this enzyme in T cell activation. Here, we show that dexamethasone (Dex) inhibits nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)-mediated COX-2 transcriptional induction upon T cell activation. This effect is dependent on the presence of the GC receptor (GR), but independent of a functional DNA binding domain, as the activation-deficient GRLS7 mutant was as effective as the wild-type GR in the repression of NFAT-dependent transcription. Dex treatment did not disturb NFAT dephosphorylation, but interfered with activation mediated by the N-terminal transactivation domain (TAD) of NFAT, thus pointing to a negative cross-talk between GR and NFAT at the nuclear level. These results unveil the ability of GCs to interfere with NFAT activation and the induction of pro-inflammatory genes such as COX-2, and explain some of their immunomodulatory properties in activated human T cells.
PD-L1 Expression in High-Risk Early-Stage Colorectal Cancer—Its Clinical and Biological Significance in Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Chung Bing-Syuan , Liao I-Chuang , Lin Peng-Chan , Wu Shang-Yin , Kang Jui-Wen , Lin Bo-Wen , Chen Po-Chuan , Chan Ren-Hao , Lee Chung-Ta , Shen Meng-Ru , Chen Shang-Hung , Yeh Yu-Min
Published: November 2022

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is an immune checkpoint molecule that can regulate immune responses in the tumor microenvironment (TME); however, the clinical applications of PD-L1 in early-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between PD-L1 expression and survival outcome and explore its relevant immune responses in CRC. PD-L1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining to determine the tumor proportion score and combined positive score (CPS) in a Taiwanese CRC cohort. The oncomine immune response research assay was conducted for immune gene expression analyses. CRC datasets from the TCGA database were reappraised for PD-L1-associated gene enrichment analyses using GSEA. The high expression of PD-L1 (CPS ≥ 5) was associated with longer recurrence-free survival (p = 0.031) and was an independent prognostic factor as revealed by multivariate analysis. High PD-L1 expression was related to six immune-related gene signatures, and CXCL9 is the most significant overexpressed gene in differential analyses. High CXCL9 expression correlated with increased infiltration levels of immune cells in the TME, including CD8+ T lymphocytes and M1 macrophages. These findings suggest that high PD-L1 expression is a prognostic factor of early-stage CRC, and CXCL9 may play a key role in regulating PD-L1 expression.
The Role of Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP Axis in Organ Fibrosis
Authors: Wang Wei , Jia Wenning , Zhang Chunping
Published: November 2022

Fibrosis is a pathological process in which parenchymal cells are necrotic and excess extracellular matrix (ECM) is accumulated due to dysregulation of tissue injury repair. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is a 43 amino acid multifunctional polypeptide that is involved in wound healing. Prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) is the main enzyme that hydrolyzes Tβ4 to produce its derivative N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) which is found to play a role in the regulation of fibrosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that the Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP axis widely exists in various tissues and organs including the liver, kidney, heart, and lung, and participates in the process of fibrogenesis. Herein, we aim to elucidate the role of Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP axis in hepatic fibrosis, renal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Based on this, we attempted to provide novel therapeutic strategies for the regulation of tissue damage repair and anti-fibrosis therapy. The Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP axis exerts protective effects against organ fibrosis. It is promising that appropriate dosing regimens that rely on this axis could serve as a new therapeutic strategy for alleviating organ fibrosis in the early and late stages.
Exosome Secretion and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Ovarian Cancer Are Regulated by Phospholipase D
Authors: Onallah Hadil , Mannully Sheethal Thomas , Davidson Ben , Reich Reuven
Published: November 2022

Phospholipase D (PLD) isoenzymes participate in a variety of cellular functions that are mostly attributed to phosphatidic acid (PA) synthesis. Dysregulation of PLD regulates tumor progression and metastasis, yet little is known about the underlying mechanism. We previously reported on the expression and clinical role of the PLD isoenzymes PLD1 and PLD2 in tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). In the present study, we investigated the biological function of PLD1 and PLD2 using the OVCAR-3 and OVCAR-8 HGSC cell lines. KO cell lines for both PLDs were generated using CRISPR/CAS9 technology and assayed for exosome secretion, spheroid formation, migration, invasion and expression of molecules involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and intracellular signaling. Significant differences between PLD1 and PLD2 KO cells and controls were observed for all the above parameters, supporting an important role for PLD in regulating migration, invasion, metastasis and EMT.
Effect of Light Quality on Metabolomic, Ionomic, and Transcriptomic Profiles in Tomato Fruit
Authors: Xiao Lingran , Shibuya Tomoki , Watanabe Toshihiro , Kato Kazuhisa , Kanayama Yoshinori
Published: November 2022

Light quality affects plant growth and the functional component accumulation of fruits. However, there is little knowledge of the effects of light quality based on multiomics profiles. This study combined transcriptomic, ionomic, and metabolomic analyses to elucidate the effects of light quality on metabolism and gene expression in tomato fruit. Micro-Tom plants were grown under blue or red light-emitting diode light for 16 h daily after anthesis. White fluorescent light was used as a reference. The metabolite and element concentrations and the expression of genes markedly changed in response to blue and red light. Based on the metabolomic analysis, amino acid metabolism and secondary metabolite biosynthesis were active in blue light treatment. According to transcriptomic analysis, differentially expressed genes in blue and red light treatments were enriched in the pathways of secondary metabolite biosynthesis, carbon fixation, and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, supporting the results of the metabolomic analysis. Ionomic analysis indicated that the element levels in fruits were more susceptible to changes in light quality than in leaves. The concentration of some ions containing Fe in fruits increased under red light compared to under blue light. The altered expression level of genes encoding metal ion-binding proteins, metal tolerance proteins, and metal transporters in response to blue and red light in the transcriptomic analysis contributes to changes in the ionomic profiles of tomato fruit.
Blood Analytes as Biomarkers of Mechanisms Involved in Alzheimer’s Disease Progression
Authors: Baldini Andrea , Greco Alberto , Lomi Mirko , Giannelli Roberta , Canale Paola , Diana Andrea , Dolciotti Cristina , Del Carratore Renata , Bongioanni Paolo
Published: November 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, but the pathogenetic factors are not yet well known, and the relationships between brain and systemic biochemical derangements and disease onset and progression are unclear. We aim to focus on blood biomarkers for an accurate prognosis of the disease. We used a dataset characterized by longitudinal findings collected over the past 10 years from 90 AD patients. The dataset included 277 observations (both clinical and biochemical ones, encompassing blood analytes encompassing routine profiles for different organs, together with immunoinflammatory and oxidative markers). Subjects were grouped into four severity classes according to the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) Scale: mild (CDR = 0.5 and CDR = 1), moderate (CDR = 2), severe (CDR = 3) and very severe (CDR = 4 and CDR = 5). Statistical models were used for the identification of potential blood markers of AD progression. Moreover, we employed the Pathfinder tool of the Reactome database to investigate the biological pathways in which the analytes of interest could be involved. Statistical results reveal an inverse significant relation between four analytes (high-density cholesterol, total cholesterol, iron and ferritin) with AD severity. In addition, the Reactome database suggests that such analytes could be involved in pathways that are altered in AD progression. Indeed, the identified blood markers include molecules that reflect the heterogeneous pathogenetic mechanisms of AD. The combination of such blood analytes might be an early indicator of AD progression and constitute useful therapeutic targets.
High-Mobility Naphthalene Diimide Derivatives Revealed by Raman-Based In Silico Screening
Authors: Vener Mikhail V. , Kharlanov Oleg G. , Sosorev Andrey Yu.
Published: November 2022

Charge transport in crystalline organic semiconductors (OSCs) is considerably hindered by low-frequency vibrations introducing dynamic disorder in the charge transfer integrals. Recently, we have shown that the contributions of various vibrational modes to the dynamic disorder correlate with their Raman intensities and suggested a Raman-based approach for estimation of the dynamic disorder and search for potentially high-mobility OSCs. In the present paper, we showcase this approach by revealing the highest-mobility OSC(s) in two series of crystalline naphthalene diimide derivatives bearing alkyl or cycloalkyl substituents. In contrast to our previous studies, Raman spectra are not measured, but are instead calculated using periodic DFT. As a result, an OSC with a potentially high charge mobility is revealed in each of the two series, and further mobility calculations corroborate this choice. Namely, for the naphthalene diimide derivatives with butyl and cyclopentyl substituents, the estimated room-temperature isotropic electron mobilities are as high as 6 and 15 cm2 V–1 s–1, respectively, in the latter case even exceeding 20 cm2 V–1 s–1 in a two-dimensional plane. Thus, our results highlight the potential of using the calculated Raman spectra to search for high-mobility crystalline OSCs and reveal two promising OSCs, which were previously overlooked.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel 1,3,5-Triazines: Effect of Aromatic Ring Decoration on Affinity to 5-HT7 Receptor
Authors: Kułaga Damian , Drabczyk Anna Karolina , Satała Grzegorz , Latacz Gniewomir , Boguszewska-Czubara Anna , Plażuk Damian , Jaśkowska Jolanta
Published: November 2022

Considering the key functions of the 5-HT7 receptor, especially in psychiatry, and the fact that effective and selective 5-HT7 receptor ligands are yet to be available, in this work, we designed and synthesized novel 1,3,5-triazine derivatives particularly based on the evaluation of the effect of substituents at aromatic rings on biological activity. The tested compounds showed high affinity to the 5-HT7 receptor, particularly ligands N2-(2-(5-fluoro-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl)-N4-phenethyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine 2 (Ki = 8 nM) and N2-(2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl)-N4-(2-((4-fluorophenyl)amino)ethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine 12 (Ki = 18 nM) which showed moderate metabolic stability, and affinity to the CYP3A4 isoenzyme. As for the hepatotoxicity evaluation, the tested compounds showed moderate cytotoxicity only at concentrations above 50 µM. Compound 12 exhibited less cardiotoxic effect than 2 on Danio rerio in vivo model.
Fabrication and Supercritical Water Corrosion Resistance of TiN/TiNC/Al2O3 Multilayer Coating on Inconel 625 Alloy by CVD Method
Authors: Zhang Zhidong , Pan Yuelong , Guo Hao , Zeng Xiangcai , Shi Qiwu , Lu Tiecheng
Published: November 2022

A TiN/TiNC/Al2O3 multilayer coating was deposited on an Inconel 625 alloy by the chemical vapor deposition method as a protective barrier to improve the corrosion resistance in supercritical water. The corrosion characteristics were evaluated in a reactor at 500 °C and 25 MPa for 72 h. The surface morphology of the coated samples was relatively dense with no obvious cracks or pores observed. The XRD analysis revealed that the coatings were composed of TiN, TiNC and α-Al2O3 phases. After exposure to supercritical water, the surface morphology of the coatings was still dense and kept integrity. The phase composition of the coatings was also not changed, with no obvious corrosion scales detected. This result demonstrates the effectiveness of TiN/TiNC/Al2O3 coatings as a protective coating under harsh supercritical water environments.
Grain Refiner Settling and Its Effect on the Melt Quality of Aluminum Casting Alloys
Authors: Gyarmati Gábor , Bogoly Levente , Stawarz Marcin , Fegyverneki György , Kéri Zoltán , Tokár Monika , Mende Tamás
Published: November 2022

Grain refiner particles, which are intended to induce the formation of fine equiaxed grain structure during the solidification of aluminum alloys, are prone to settling during the holding of the liquid metal, which phenomenon can affect not only the grain size but the spatial distribution of the double oxide films in the melt. In this study, the settling of Al3Ti inoculant particles, as well as its effects on melt quality and grain refinement, were studied. During the experiments, the Ti-concentration of a liquid Al-Si-Mg-Cu alloy was increased to 0.3 wt.% by the addition of Al-10%Ti master alloy at different melt temperatures. Particle settling and grain size evolution were studied by quantitative metallography, while the interactions of grain refiners and bifilms were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The evolution of melt quality was assessed by the computed tomographic (CT) analysis of reduced pressure test (RPT) samples. It was found that effective grain refinement was only realized when the introduced blocky Al3Ti particles were dissolved and re-precipitated in the form of (Al,Si)3Ti at a lower temperature. Without dissolving at higher holding temperatures, Al3Ti particle settling has taken place within 10 min. The settling of (Al,Si)3Ti particles improved melt quality by the aided sedimentation of bifilms in the melt.
Marine-Inspired Drugs and Biomaterials in the Perspective of Pancreatic Cancer Therapies
Authors: Fernandes Andreia S. , Oliveira Catarina , Reis Rui L. , Martins Albino , Silva Tiago H.
Published: November 2022

Despite its low prevalence, pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest, typically characterised as silent in early stages and with a dramatically poor prognosis when in its advanced stages, commonly associated with a high degree of metastasis. Many efforts have been made in pursuing innovative therapeutical approaches, from the search for new cytotoxic drugs and other bioactive compounds, to the development of more targeted approaches, including improved drug delivery devices. Marine biotechnology has been contributing to this quest by providing new chemical leads and materials originating from different organisms. In this review, marine biodiscovery for PC is addressed, particularly regarding marine invertebrates (namely sponges, molluscs, and bryozoans), seaweeds, fungi, and bacteria. In addition, the development of biomaterials based on marine-originating compounds, particularly chitosan, fucoidan, and alginate, for the production of advanced cancer therapies, is also discussed. The key role that drug delivery can play in new cancer treatments is highlighted, as therapeutical outcomes need to be improved to give further hope to patients.
Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) Technical and Diagnostic Aspects in the Study of Lower Limb Arteries
Authors: Posa Alessandro , Tanzilli Alessandro , Barbieri Pierluigi , Steri Lorenzo , Arbia Francesco , Mazza Giulia , Longo Valentina , Iezzi Roberto
Published: November 2022

Cardiovascular diseases represent one of the most frequent diseases worldwide; among these, lower limb ischemia is a threatening condition, which can lead to permanent disability if not promptly and correctly diagnosed and treated. A patient’s clinical evaluation and diagnostic imaging (e.g., color-Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography angiography (CTA), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) are mandatory to carefully assess arterial lesion extension and severity. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is a minimally invasive technique that represents the gold standard for percutaneous revascularization treatment of symptomatic patients who are refractory to medical management. However, when dealing with patients with lower limb terminal ischemia, the correct interpretation of diagnostic DSA findings is mandatory for treatment re-planning and to effectively evaluate post-treatment results and complications. The purpose of this review is to provide interventional radiologists and endovascular practitioners with an up-to-date practical guide to diagnostic angiography of the lower limbs, which is mandatory to address correct treatment decisions and post-treatment evaluation.
Preliminary Studies on the Electrochemical Conversion of Liquefied Forest Biomass
Authors: Silva Tiago , Condeço José , Santos Diogo M. F.
Published: November 2022

Bio-oils produced from three different biomass sources, namely cork, pinewood, and olive stones, are evaluated concerning their suitability and prospects of including their electrochemical transformations in a biorefinery scenario for the production of added-value compounds. Different types and concentrations of electrolytes (e.g., H2SO4, KOH) are added to the bio-oils to increase the samples’ initially low ionic conductivity. The samples prepared by mixing bio-oil with 2 M KOH aqueous solution (50 vol.%) lead to a stable and homogeneous bio-oil alkaline emulsion suitable for electrochemical studies. The bio-oil samples are characterized by physicochemical methods (e.g., density, viscosity, conductivity), followed by analyzing their electrochemical behavior by voltammetric and chronoamperometric studies. The organics electrooxidation and the hydrogen evolution reaction in the bio-oils are assessed using Pt electrodes. Single- and two-compartment cell laboratory bio-oil electrolyzers are assembled using nickel plate electrodes. Electrolysis is carried out at 2.5 V for 24 h. Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry are applied to identify possible changes in the bio-oil samples’ chemical structure during the electrolysis experiments. Comparing the analyses of the bio-oil samples subjected to electrolysis with the blank samples demonstrates that bulk electrolysis significantly changes the bio-oil composition. The bio-oil obtained from cork biomass shows the most promising results, but further studies are required to understand the nature of the actual changes.
Brief Remarks on Sterba’s Moral Argument from Evil
Authors: Hausmann Marco , Kravitz Amit
Published: November 2022

We pose two challenges to Sterba’s position. First, we show that Sterba fails to consider alternative historical positions such as Leibniz’s (who argues that God knows that the actual world is the best of all possible worlds) or Kant’s (who suggests that God does not necessarily know what free agents would choose or would have chosen, had God not intervened), both of which bear direct relevance to some major aspects of Sterba’s argument. Second, we show that Sterba neither rules out the possibility that God has always intervened in history when his not intervening would have led to significant and horrendous evils, nor the possibility that every immoral action (and its consequences) might have led to significant and horrendous evils.
In Vitro Propagation of Garcinia livingstonei T. Anderson (African Mangosteen) a Woody Tree Species through the Culture of Matured Seed Segments
Authors: Shinde Smita , Murthy Hosakatte Niranjana , Lee Jong-Du , Jang Eun-Bi , Park So-Young
Published: November 2022

The in vitro propagation and ex situ conservation strategy provides new means for the conservation and mass propagation of economically and medicinally important plants. The present work aimed to observe the main characteristics of the in vitro propagation of Garcinia livingstonei from matured seed segments. Successful multiple shoots were induced on a woody plant (WP) medium supplemented with cytokinins. An average of 13.0 shoots per explant were grown from matured seed segments on a WP medium containing 15.0 µM BAP after 12 weeks of culture. The shoot elongation and multiplication were achieved using a repeated and periodic subculturing of shoot clumps in the same medium. The optimum in vitro rooting of shoots was obtained on the half-strength WP medium supplemented with IBA (5.0 µM). The regenerated plantlets were successfully transplanted to pots containing soil, sand, and farmyard manure (1:1:1) and were maintained in a greenhouse with a survival frequency was 80%.
La gestión financiera y estrategia competitiva: análisis de sus diferencias en función del tamaño empresarial
Authors: García Elizabeth
Published: November 2022

El objetivo del presente documento fue determinar empíricamente la existencia de diferencias significativas entre el tamaño de las empresas de acuerdo al uso de su gestión financiera y su estrategia competitiva. Se utilizó una encuesta en 78 PyMES del sectorcomercio al por menor, de las delegaciones Municipal e Industrial del municipio Centro del estado de Tabasco, para tal fin la metodología que se utilizó es de tipo no experimental, trasversal, descriptivo y de enfoque cuantitativo. Los datos se estudiaron a través de la estadística inferencial, con una prueba de ANOVA de un factor, cuyos resultados empíricos muestran que existen diferencias significativas en la gestión financiera y la estrategia competitiva con el tamaño de la empresa, los negocios grandes tienen un mayor nivel de gestión financiera, mayor aplicación de estrategias competitivas que las empresas medianas, pequeñas y micro.
Free-text analysis of general practice out-of-hours (GPOOH) use by people with advanced cancer: an analysis of coded and uncoded free-text data
Authors: Mills Sarah EE , Brown-Kerr Alana , Buchanan Deans , Donnan Peter T , Smith Blair H
Published: November 2022

Background

People with advanced cancer frequently use the GP out-of-hours (GPOOH) service. Considerable amounts of routine GPOOH data are uncoded. Therefore, these data are omitted from existing healthcare datasets.

Aim

To conduct a free-text analysis of a GPOOH dataset, to identify reasons for attendance and care delivered through GPOOH to people with advanced cancer.

Design and setting

An analysis of a GPOOH healthcare dataset was undertaken. It contained all coded and free- text information for 5749 attendances from a cohort of 2443 people who died from cancer in Tayside, Scotland, from 2013–2015.

Method

Random sampling methods selected 575 consultations for free-text analysis. Each consultation was analysed by two independent reviewers to determine the following: assigned presenting complaints; key and additional palliative care symptoms recorded in free text; evidence of anticipatory care planning; and free-text recording of dispensed medications. Inter-rater reliability concordance was established through Kappa testing.

Results

More than half of all coded reasons for attendance (n= 293; 51.0%) were ‘other’ or ‘missing’. Free-text analysis demonstrated that nearly half (n= 284; 49.4%) of GPOOH attendances by people with advanced cancer were for pain or palliative care. More than half of GPOOH attendances (n= 325; 56.5%) recorded at least one key or additional palliative care symptom in free text, with the commonest being breathlessness, vomiting, cough, and nausea. Anticipatory care planning was poorly recorded in both coded and uncoded records. Uncoded medications were dispensed in more than one- quarter of GPOOH consultations.

Conclusion

GPOOH delivers a substantial amount of pain management and palliative care, much of which is uncoded. Therefore, it is unrecognised and under-reported in existing large healthcare data analyses.
Polypharmacy and antidepressant acceptability in comorbid depression and type 2 diabetes: a cohort study using UK primary care data
Authors: Jeffery Annie , Bhanu Cini , Walters Kate , Wong Ian CK , Osborn David , Hayes Joseph F
Published: November 2022

Background

Polypharmacy may increase the risk of drug interactions, side effects, and poor adherence; however, the impact of polypharmacy on antidepressant acceptability in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is unknown.

Aim

To investigate the association between number of prescribed medications and early antidepressant discontinuation in adults with T2DM.

Design and setting

Cohort study using UK primary care data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2018.

Method

Cox regression with penalised B-splines was used to describe the association between the number of concurrently prescribed medications at the time of starting antidepressant treatment and each of the outcomes.

Results

A total of 73 808 individuals with comorbid depression and T2DM starting antidepressant treatment for the first time were identified. A median of 7 concurrent medications were prescribed. Within 32 weeks, 44.26% (n= 32 665) of participants discontinued antidepressant treatment altogether, and 11.75% (n= 8672) of participants switched antidepressant agents. An inverse relationship between the number of concurrent medications and discontinuing antidepressant treatment altogether was found. The median of 7 concurrent medications was associated with a 65.06% decrease in early antidepressant discontinuation; hazard ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval = 0.37 to 0.55. No evidence of an association between the number of concurrent medications and switching antidepressant agents was found.

Conclusion

Early discontinuation of antidepressants is common in adults with T2DM; however, individuals with higher levels of concurrent polypharmacy may be more adherent to treatment. These are likely to represent individuals with worse physical or mental health. Individuals with lower levels of concurrent polypharmacy may benefit from adherence support.
Cage Fish Culture in the Lakes of Pokhara Valley, Nepal, and Its Impact on Local Fishers
Authors: SWAR D.B. , PRADHAN B.R.
Published: November 2022

Cage culture of fish in Nepal began in Lake Phewa in 1972. At present, three lakes in Pokhara Valley are being used for this purpose, Lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa. The major species are planktivorous fishes, Aristichthys nobilis and Hypophthalmicthys molitrix, which are raised in floating cages, usually of nylon or polyethylene, without supplemental feeding. Fish stocking density varies with the trophic state of the lake; in Lake Phewa, 6 fish'm-3 and in Lakes Begnas and Rupa, 10 fish·m-3. Annual production rates per m3 are 3.4 kg in Lake Phewa, 4.7 kg in Lake Begnas and 5.0 kg in Lake Rupa. Mortality during the production period is about 6%. A five-cage system has proven to be sufficient additional work for one fisher family and can add Nepali Rupees 9,000-14,000 to their annual income. Cage culture faces several constraints, especially the shortage of fingerlings. A hatchery facility and technical support are needed to expand and intensify cage fish culture in the Pokhara Valley.
Spawning Migration of the Horseshoe Crab, Tachypleus gigas (Millier), in Relation to Lunar Cycle
Authors: CHATTERJI ANIL
Published: November 2022

Effects of lunar phases and tidal height on the spawning migration of the horseshoe crab, Tachypleus gigas (Moller), along the northeastern coast of India were studied. Mature pairs of crabs migrate towards the shore and build their nests in sandy beaches for spawning throughout the year with maximum activity during April-October at highest high tides of the full moon and November-February during new moon phases. The tidal height showed a significant correlation with the number of crabs migrating towards the beach for spawning.
Biology of the Spotted Scat (Scatophagus argus) in the Philippines
Authors: BARRY TERENCE P. , FAST ARLO W.
Published: November 2022

The spotted scat (Scatophagus argus) is an herbivorous, euryhaline teleost widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific basin. This species is a valuable brackishwater aquarium fish and an important foodfish in parts of its range. Length-weight relationships were calculated based on data from 797 females and 252 males. The sexes can be differentiated by head shape. The largest fish captured was a 1.2-kg female. Reproductive maturation first occurred in females of approximately 150 g, corresponding to fish estimated to be 7-9 months of age. Males mature at a smaller size (-80 g). Fecundity was found to be directly proportional to fish size. Data on the monthly abundance of mature females and fry (which peaked markedly in August) suggest that monsoon rains (which began in June) trigger spawning in the spotted scat. Observations of spawning behavior and early juvenile development are also reported.
Bacteriological Quality of Oyster (Crassostrea lugubris), Cockle (Anadara granosa) and Their Cultivation Areas in Thailand
Authors: SAITANU KRIENGSAG
Published: November 2022

Samples of oyster (Crassostrea lugubris) and cockle (Anadara grarwsa) meat and water and bottom sediments from their growing areas at Ban Don Bay, Surat Thani Province, were collected in March and August 1987. All samples were examined for total heterotrophic bacteria, total marine bacteria, total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, V. alginolyticus, V. cholerae and Salmonella spp. The bacte­riological quality of bivalves collected in March was acceptable while some of the sam­ples in August contained indicator organisms above the recommended wholesale mar­ket standard. All the bacterial levels of the samples collected in August were higher than in March.