bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supervised Contrastive Learning with Angular Margin for the Detection and Grading of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Zhu Dongsheng , Ge Aiming , Chen Xindi , Wang Qiuyang , Wu Jiangbo , Liu Shuo
Published: July 2023

Many researchers have realized the intelligent medical diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) from fundus images by using deep learning methods, including supervised contrastive learning (SupCon). However, although SupCon brings label information into the calculation of contrastive learning, it does not distinguish between augmented positives and same-label positives. As a result, we propose the concept of Angular Margin and incorporate it into SupCon to address this issue. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our strategy, we tested it on two datasets for the detection and grading of DR. To align with previous work, Accuracy, Precision, Recall, F1, and AUC were selected as evaluation metrics. Moreover, we also chose alignment and uniformity to verify the effect of representation learning and UMAP (Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection) to visualize fundus image embeddings. In summary, DR detection achieved state-of-the-art results across all metrics, with Accuracy = 98.91, Precision = 98.93, Recall = 98.90, F1 = 98.91, and AUC = 99.80. The grading also attained state-of-the-art results in terms of Accuracy and AUC, which were 85.61 and 93.97, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate that Angular Margin is an excellent intelligent medical diagnostic algorithm, performing well in both DR detection and grading tasks.
Online Multi-Label Streaming Feature Selection Based on Label Group Correlation and Feature Interaction
Authors: Liu Jinghua , Yang Songwei , Zhang Hongbo , Sun Zhenzhen , Du Jixiang
Published: July 2023

Multi-label streaming feature selection has received widespread attention in recent years because the dynamic acquisition of features is more in line with the needs of practical application scenarios. Most previous methods either assume that the labels are independent of each other, or, although label correlation is explored, the relationship between related labels and features is difficult to understand or specify. In real applications, both situations may occur where the labels are correlated and the features may belong specifically to some labels. Moreover, these methods treat features individually without considering the interaction between features. Based on this, we present a novel online streaming feature selection method based on label group correlation and feature interaction (OSLGC). In our design, we first divide labels into multiple groups with the help of graph theory. Then, we integrate label weight and mutual information to accurately quantify the relationships between features under different label groups. Subsequently, a novel feature selection framework using sliding windows is designed, including online feature relevance analysis and online feature interaction analysis. Experiments on ten datasets show that the proposed method outperforms some mature MFS algorithms in terms of predictive performance, statistical analysis, stability analysis, and ablation experiments.
AC Distributed Winding with Low Higher Spatial Harmonics Content in Mmf Distribution
Authors: Staszak Jan
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a new winding with a low higher spatial harmonics content. This winding enables the elimination of the fifth harmonic, as the most significant, in three-phase winding and the third harmonic in two-phase symmetrical winding. The suppression of higher spatial harmonics is particularly evident with the number of slots per pole per phase qs = 2. The winding factors for the higher spatial harmonics of the order ν = 6 k ± 1 in the case of three-phase winding, and ν = 4 k ± 1 in the case of two-phase winding, for k = 1, 3, 5, …, will be equal to zero. A two-phase measurement winding, with the number of slots per pole per phase qs = 1, was used to evaluate the higher spatial harmonics content in the magnetic field in the air gap of the machine. Experimental verification of the designed winding was carried out.
Study of the Structure and Catalytic Activity of B-Site Doping Perovskite for an Inferior Anthracite Coal Combustion
Authors: Wang Guohong , Zhang Shunli , Huang Zhuo , Cui Xin , Song Zhengchang
Published: July 2023

The unique structure and physical properties of perovskite-type catalysts make them highly promising for catalyzing efficient coal combustion. Mesoporous perovskite LaNixFe1−xO3 (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) coal combustion catalysts were synthesized using the sol–gel method. The effects of the doping amount of B-site doped nickel on both the crystal structure and catalytic performance were investigated. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption tests were used to characterize the catalyst samples. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and activation energy (Ea) calculations were used to assess the catalyst’s activity for the catalytic combustion of anthracite coal (JF coal, originating from Shanxi, China). Results revealed that nickel doping created lattice distortion and Ni-Fe alloy interactions. The difference in nickel doping significantly affects the morphology and catalytic activity of perovskite. The addition of LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 (NI6) with a mass fraction of 5% resulted in the highest average burning rate value (va = 4.52%/min) of JF coal among all synthesized catalysts. The Ea of JF coal catalytic combustion, calculated using the Coats–Redfern method and the Doyle method, showed a good agreement with the TG curves. The LaNixFe1-xO3 series catalysts were found to significantly decrease the Ea of JF coal combustion, with a maximum reduction of 42% compared to the case without any catalyst added. Among the synthesized catalysts, NI6 exhibited a favorable catalytic combustion performance and is thus a promising candidate for the clean and efficient utilization of coal resources.
Energy Management of Hybrid DC Microgrid with Different Levels of DC Bus Voltage for Various Load Types
Authors: Elmorshedy Mahmoud F. , Subramaniam Umashankar , Mohamed Ali Jagabar Sathik , Almakhles Dhafer
Published: July 2023

This article suggests a hybrid DC microgrid (HDCMG) with different levels of DC bus voltages to use for various types of loads. The available sources in the HDCMG are wind generating systems (WGSs), photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery banks, and the AC grid for emergencies. The various levels of the DC bus voltages are 760 V, 380 V, and 48 V for different application uses such as electric vehicles and home applications. In addition, the controller plays an important role in the proposed system to achieve the desired DC bus voltage levels and extract the maximum power point (MPP) from the WGS and PV systems. In order to check the power continuity for the critical loads and improve the overall system performance, a suggested energy management strategy (SEMS) is developed. The SEMS is based on the optimum generated power and the state-of-charge (SOC) of the battery banks. Further, the SEMS is developed as a way to prevent battery storage from overcharging and deep discharging. The mathematical relations of the proposed HDCMG and MPP tracking are described. The bidirectional 3-Φ inverter connects the 760 V bus voltage to the AC grid for regulating this DC bus by absorbing the excess power or supplying the required power during the shortage in the generation and the low SOC of the battery storage. Buck converters with controlled duty cycles rather than constant duty cycles are used to obtain 380 V and 48 V from 760 V to achieve better dynamic responses. The overall HDCMG is evaluated using the MATLAB/Simulink package under different working cases to verify the capability of the control system and the PEMS. The obtained results are discussed and show the good performance and the capability of the overall system under the different scenarios, including (i) a comparison between variable duty and constant duty; (ii) high/low generated power and the SOC of the battery in the acceptable region; (iii) high/low generated power and the SOC of the battery in the critical region; and (iv) high/low generated power and the SOC of the battery in the overcharging region.
Land Cover Changes in Evrytania Prefecture (Greece)
Authors: Kaloudis Spyridon , Glykou Maria , Galanopoulou Stavroula , Fotiadis Georgios , Yialouris Constantine , Raptis Dimitrios
Published: July 2023

To record land cover changes over time, geographic information systems software was used for selecting and studying sampling surfaces in ortho-aerial photographs. In particular, ortho-aerial photographs of the years 1945 and 2015 were used to record changes in land cover. A total of 103 test surfaces were obtained, which consisted of 25 cells each. The results showed that the area and density of forest cover have increased significantly during the study period. Changes in land cover, and in particular forest cover, are mainly attributed to (a) the gradual decline of the population, and therefore to the decline in man-made interventions such as crops, nomadic herd grazing, and logging, and to (b) natural species competition. Moreover, the effect of climatic change and the reduction in human presence on fir treelines was examined. Based on the results, no clear evidence about treeline changes was found. Also, the effect of soil and topographic factors on land cover changes, as well as the prediction capability of land cover changes, were examined using an artificial neural network. Promising results came out that could provide substantial explanations for land cover changes and quantify the effect of environmental factors on vegetation evolution.
Climate Change and Health: Challenges to the Local Government Environmental Health Workforce in South Australia
Authors: Whiley Harriet , Smith James C. , Moore Nicole , Burton Rebecca , Conci Nadia , Psarras Helen , Ross Kirstin E.
Published: July 2023

Climate change is the most urgent and significant public health risk facing the globe. In Australia, it has been identified that Environmental Health Officers/Practitioners (EHOs/EHPs, hereafter EHOs) are a currently underutilized source of knowledge and skills that can contribute to climate change adaptation planning at the local government level. The ability of local government EHOs to utilize their local knowledge and skills in human health risk assessment during a public health emergency was demonstrated through their role in the response to COVID-19. This study used a survey and follow up interviews to examine the roles and responsibilities of EHOs during the COVID-19 pandemic and used the results to examine the potential of the workforce to tackle climate change and health related issues. What worked well, what regulatory tools were helpful, how interagency collaboration worked and what barriers or hindering factors existed were also explored. A workforce review of EHOs in South Australia was also undertaken to identify current and future challenges facing EHOs and their capacity to assist in climate change preparedness. The findings demonstrated that the workforce was used in the response to COVID-19 for varying roles by councils, including in education and communication (both internally and externally) as well as monitoring and reporting compliance with directions. Notably, half the workforce believed they could have been better utilized, and the other half thought they were well utilized. The South Australian Local Government Functional Support Group (LGFSG) was praised by the workforce for a successful approach in coordinating multiagency responses and communicating directions in a timely fashion. These lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic should be incorporated into climate change adaptation planning. To ensure consistent messaging and a consolidated information repository, a centralized group should be used to coordinate local government climate change adaptation plans in relation to environmental health and be included in all future emergency management response plans. The surveyed EHOs identified environmental health issues associated with climate change as the most significant future challenge; however, concerningly, participants believe that a lack of adequate resourcing, leading to workforce shortages, increasing workloads and a lack of support, is negatively impacting the workforce’s preparedness to deal with these emerging issues. It was suggested that the misperception of environmental health and a failure to recognize its value has resulted in a unique dilemma where EHOs and their councils find themselves caught between managing current workload demands and issues, and endeavouring to prepare, as a priority, for emerging environmental health issues associated with climate change and insufficient resources.
A Genome-Wide Screen for the Exonisation of Reference SINE-VNTR-Alus and Their Expression in CNS Tissues of Individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Pfaff Abigail L. , Bubb Vivien J. , Quinn John P. , Koks Sulev
Published: July 2023

The hominid-specific retrotransposon SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) is a composite element that has contributed to the genetic variation between individuals and influenced genomic structure and function. SVAs are involved in modulating gene expression and splicing patterns, altering mRNA levels and sequences, and have been associated with the development of disease. We evaluated the genome-wide effects of SVAs present in the reference genome on transcript sequence and expression in the CNS of individuals with and without the neurodegenerative disorder Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This study identified SVAs in the exons of 179 known transcripts, several of which were expressed in a tissue-specific manner, as well as 92 novel exonisation events occurring in the motor cortex. An analysis of 65 reference genome SVAs polymorphic for their presence/absence in the ALS consortium cohort did not identify any elements that were significantly associated with disease status, age at onset, and survival. However, there were transcripts, such as transferrin and HLA-A, that were differentially expressed between those with or without disease, and expression levels were associated with the genotype of proximal SVAs. This study demonstrates the functional consequences of several SVA elements altering mRNA splicing patterns and expression levels in tissues of the CNS.
Impact of E484Q and L452R Mutations on Structure and Binding Behavior of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.1 Using Deep Learning AlphaFold2, Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Jiao Yanqi , Xing Yichen , Sun Yao
Published: July 2023

During the outbreak of COVID-19, many SARS-CoV-2 variants presented key amino acid mutations that influenced their binding abilities with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) and neutralizing antibodies. For the B.1.617 lineage, there had been fears that two key mutations, i.e., L452R and E484Q, would have additive effects on the evasion of neutralizing antibodies. In this paper, we systematically investigated the impact of the L452R and E484Q mutations on the structure and binding behavior of B.1.617.1 using deep learning AlphaFold2, molecular docking and dynamics simulation. We firstly predicted and verified the structure of the S protein containing L452R and E484Q mutations via the AlphaFold2-calculated pLDDT value and compared it with the experimental structure. Next, a molecular simulation was performed to reveal the structural and interaction stabilities of the S protein of the double mutant variant with hACE2. We found that the double mutations, L452R and E484Q, could lead to a decrease in hydrogen bonds and higher interaction energy between the S protein and hACE2, demonstrating the lower structural stability and the worse binding affinity in the long dynamic evolutional process, even though the molecular docking showed the lower binding energy score of the S1 RBD of the double mutant variant with hACE2 than that of the wild type (WT) with hACE2. In addition, docking to three approved neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) showed a reduced binding affinity of the double mutant variant, suggesting a lower neutralization ability of the mAbs against the double mutant variant. Our study helps lay the foundation for further SARS-CoV-2 studies and provides bioinformatics and computational insights into how the double mutations lead to immune evasion, which could offer guidance for subsequent biomedical studies.
The Effects of DDI1 on Inducing Differentiation in Ovine Preadipocytes via Oar-miR-432
Authors: Jin Meilin , Yuan Zehu , Li Taotao , Wang Huihua , Wei Caihong
Published: July 2023

Reducing fat deposition in sheep (Ovis aries) tails is one of the most important ways to combat rising costs and control consumer preference. Our previous studies have shown that oar-miR-432 is differentially expressed in the tail adipose tissue of Hu (a fat-tailed sheep breed) and Tibetan (a thin-tailed sheep breed) sheep and is a key factor in the negative regulation of fat deposition through BMP2 in ovine preadipocytes. This study investigated the effect of oar-miR-432 and its target genes in ovine preadipocytes. A dual luciferase assay revealed that DDI1 is a direct target gene of oar-miR-432. We transfected an oar-miR-432 mimic and inhibitor into preadipocytes to analyze the expression of target genes. Overexpression of oar-miR-432 inhibits DDI1 expression, whereas inhibition showed the opposite results. Compared with thin-tailed sheep, DDI1 was highly expressed in the fat-tailed sheep at the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, we transfected the overexpression and knockdown target genes into preadipocytes to analyze their influence after inducing differentiation. Knockdown of DDI1 induced ovine preadipocyte differentiation into adipocytes but suppressed oar-miR-432 expression. Conversely, the overexpression of DDI1 significantly inhibited differentiation but promoted oar-miR-432 expression. DDI1 overexpression also decreased the content of triglycerides. Additionally, DDI1 is a nested gene in intron 1 of PDGFD. When DDI1 was overexpressed, the PDGFD expression also increased, whereas DDI1 knockdown showed the opposite results. This is the first study to reveal the biological mechanisms by which oar-miR-432 inhibits preadipocytes through DDI1 and provides insight into the molecular regulatory mechanisms of DDI1 in ovine preadipocytes. These results have important applications in animal breeding and obesity-related human diseases.
The Arduous Path to Drug Approval for the Management of Prader–Willi Syndrome: A Historical Perspective and Call to Action
Authors: Singh Deepan , Miller Jennifer L. , Wassman Edward Robert , Butler Merlin G. , Foley Shenk Allison , Converse Monica , Picone Maria
Published: July 2023

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a neuroendocrine genetic disorder resulting from the loss of paternally expressed imprinted genes in chromosome 15q11-q13 [...]
Dual Targeted Nanoparticles for the Codelivery of Doxorubicin and siRNA Cocktails to Overcome Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Chen Li , Luo Jinlan , Zhang Jingyuan , Wang Siyuan , Sun Yang , Liu Qinying , Cheng Cui
Published: July 2023

Most anticancer treatments only induce the death of ordinary cancer cells, while cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the quiescent phase of cell division are difficult to kill, which eventually leads to cancer drug resistance, metastasis, and relapse. Therefore, CSCs are also important in targeted cancer therapy. Herein, we developed dual-targeted and glutathione (GSH)-responsive novel nanoparticles (SSBPEI–DOX@siRNAs/iRGD–PEG–HA) to efficiently and specifically deliver both doxorubicin and small interfering RNA cocktails (siRNAs) (survivin siRNA, Bcl-2 siRNA and ABCG2 siRNA) to ovarian CSCs. They are fabricated via electrostatic assembly of anionic siRNAs and cationic disulfide bond crosslinking-branched polyethyleneimine-doxorubicin (SSBPEI–DOX) as a core. Interestingly, the SSBPEI–DOX could be degraded into low-cytotoxic polyethyleneimine (PEI). Because of the enrichment of glutathione reductase in the tumor microenvironment, the disulfide bond (–SS–) in SSBPEI–DOX can be specifically reduced to promote the controlled release of siRNA and doxorubicin (DOX) in the CSCs. siRNA cocktails could specifically silence three key genes in CSCs, which, in combination with the traditional chemotherapy drug DOX, induces apoptosis or necrosis of CSCs. iRGD peptides and “sheddable” hyaluronic acid (HA) wrapped around the core could mediate CSC targeting by binding with neuropilin-1 (NRP1) and CD44 to enhance delivery. In summary, the multifunctional delivery system SSBPEI–DOX@siRNAs/iRGD–PEG–HA nanoparticles displays excellent biocompatibility, accurate CSC-targeting ability, and powerful anti-CSC ability, which demonstrates its potential value in future treatments to overcome ovarian cancer metastasis and relapse. To support this work, as exhaustive search was conducted for the literature on nanoparticle drug delivery research conducted in the last 17 years (2007–2023) using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
mTOR Inhibition via Low-Dose, Pulsed Rapamycin with Intraovarian Condensed Platelet Cytokines: An Individualized Protocol to Recover Diminished Reserve?
Authors: Sills E. Scott , Harrity Conor , Wood Samuel H. , Tan Seang Lin
Published: July 2023

No major breakthroughs have entered mainstream clinical fertility practice since egg donation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection decades ago, and oocyte deficits secondary to advanced age continue as the main manifestation of diminished ovarian reserve. In the meantime, several unproven IVF ‘accessories’ have emerged including so-called ovarian rejuvenation which entails placing fresh autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) directly into ovarian tissue. Among cellular responses attributed to this intervention are reduced oxidative stress, slowed apoptosis and improved metabolism. Besides having an impact on the existing follicle pool, platelet growth factors might also facilitate de novo oocyte recruitment by specified gene upregulation targeting uncommitted ovarian stem cells. Given that disordered activity at the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been shown to exacerbate or accelerate ovarian aging, PRP-discharged plasma cytokines combined with mTOR suppression by pulsed/cyclic rapamycin represents a novel fusion technique to enhance ovarian function. While beneficial effects have already been observed experimentally in oocytes and embryos with mTOR inhibition alone, this proposal is the first to discuss intraovarian platelet cytokines followed by low-dose, phased rapamycin. For refractory cases, this investigational, tailored approach could amplify or sustain ovarian capacity sufficient to permit retrieval of competent oocytes via distinct but complementary pathways—thus reducing dependency on oocyte donation.
Effect of Contact Pressure on Strain Distribution during Compression-Type Bulk Forming Processes
Authors: Hwang Joong-Ki
Published: July 2023

Inhomogeneity of the material properties of workpieces developed during compression-type bulk forming processes (CBFPs) is an important issue. The effect of contact pressure on the workpiece surface on the strain inhomogeneity in the workpiece was investigated to understand and reduce the formation of strain inhomogeneity during CBFPs. Workpieces fabricated via rod caliber rolling, rod flat rolling, plate flat rolling, and rod compression were analyzed and compared. The extent of strain inhomogeneity in a workpiece differs with the forming process, because the occurrence of macroscopic shear bands (MSBs) is dependent on the workpiece shape and tool design. A flat-rolled rod exhibits the maximum strain inhomogeneity, whereas a flat-rolled plate shows the minimum strain inhomogeneity. The occurrence of MSBs was influenced by the distribution of the normal contact pressure or compression stress. The MSBs were stronger when the contact pressure was higher in the edge region of the surface. For example, the flat-rolled plate exhibited weak MSBs due to the relatively uniform or higher contact pressure on the central region. In contrast, strong MSBs appeared in the flat-rolled rod and compressed rod, because the contact pressure in the edge region of these two processes was high. Thus, the strain inhomogeneity in a workpiece fabricated via CBFPs can be reduced by controlling the contact pressure distribution on the workpiece surface.
Experimental Research Regarding the Effect of Mineral Aggregates on the Wear of Mixing Blades of Concrete Mixers
Authors: Niță Adrian , Laudacescu Eugen , Petrescu Marius Gabriel , Dumitru Teodor , Burlacu Andrei , Bădoiu Dorin George , Tănase Maria
Published: July 2023

Industrial mixers are equipment used to mechanically combine different types of materials in order to obtain homogeneous mixtures. In concrete industry production, mixers play a crucial role by facilitating the efficient and consistent blending of various constituents to create high-quality concrete. Because the mixers in the concrete industry work in conditions characterized by abrasive and erosive loadings, the authors of this paper tried to establish a dependence between the quality of the material from which the mixing elements are made and their wear resistance. Three types of cast irons alloyed with chromium, specific to the construction of mixing blades, were used in this research. The working environment was a mixture of crushed mineral aggregates corresponding to the granulometric class 4–8 mm. The tests were carried out on an experimental stand designed and built by the authors of this paper. The stand reproduces on a scale of 1:2 a drum made up of a double-axis horizontal mixer. The stand had the possibility to change the value of the attack angle of the mixing blades, corresponding to the following values: 30, 45, and 60 degrees. The results of the tests established the dependence between the type of material and the wear rate of the blades as well as the influence exerted by the angle of attack on the wear of the mixing blades. It was shown that when the inclination angle of the blade relative to the shaft axis increases, the cumulative mass loss decreases, with values between 43% and 55.83%, as a function of the quality of blade material.
Effect of Nb on the Damping Property and Pseudoelasticity of a Porous Ni-Ti Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Sun Peng , Wang Qingzhou , Feng Jianhang , Ji Puguang , Zhang Jianjun , Yin Fuxing
Published: July 2023

In order to develop novel high damping materials with excellent pseudoelasticity (PE) properties to meet the application requirements in aerospace, medical, military and other fields, porous Ni50.8Ti49.2 shape memory alloy (SMA) was prepared by the powder metallurgy method. Different contents of Nb element were added to regulate the microstructures. It was found that after adding the Nb element, the number of precipitates significantly decreased, and the Nb element was mainly distributed in the Ni-Ti matrix in the form of β-Nb blocks surrounded by Nb-rich layers. Property tests showed that with the increase in Nb content, the damping and PE increased first and then decreased. When the Nb content reached 9.0 at.%, the highest damping and the best PE could be achieved. Compared with the porous Ni-Ti SMA without Nb addition, the damping and PE increased by 60% and 35%, respectively. Correlated mechanisms were discussed.
Enhanced Expression of p53 and Suppression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR by Three Red Sea Algal Extracts: Insights on Their Composition by LC-MS-Based Metabolic Profiling and Molecular Networking
Authors: Fahmy Nouran M. , El-Din Mariam I. Gamal , Salem Maha M. , Rashedy Sarah H. , Lee Gyu Sung , Jang Yoon Seo , Kim Ki Hyun , Kim Chung Sub , El-Shazly Mohamed , Fayez Shaimaa
Published: July 2023

Brown algae comprise up to 2000 species with wide dissemination in temperate zones. A comprehensive untargeted metabolic profiling guided by molecular networking of three uninvestigated Red-Sea-derived brown algae, namely Sirophysalis trinodis, Polycladia myrica, and Turbinaria triquetra, led to the identification of over 115 metabolites categorized as glycerolipids, fatty acids, sterol lipids, sphingolipids, and phospholipids. The three algae exhibited low-to-moderate antioxidant capacity using DPPH and ABTS assays. Preliminary in vitro antiproliferative studies showed that the algal extracts displayed high cytotoxic activity against a panel of cancer cell lines. The most potent activity was recorded against MCF-7 with IC50 values of 51.37 ± 1.19, 63.44 ± 1.13, and 59.70 ± 1.22 µg/mL for S. trinodis, P. myrica, and T. triquetra, respectively. The cytotoxicity of the algae was selective to MCF-7 without showing notable effects on the proliferation of normal human WISH cells. Morphological studies revealed that the algae caused cell shrinkage, increased cellular debris, triggered detachment, cell rounding, and cytoplasmic condensation in MCF-7 cancer cells. Mechanistic investigations using flow cytometry, qPCR, and Western blot showed that the algae induced apoptosis, initiated cell cycle arrest in the sub-G0/G1 phase, and inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells via increasing mRNA and protein expression of p53, while reducing the expression of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR.
Enhanced Predictive Model for the Mechanical Response of Compression-Loaded Slender Structures
Authors: Fragassa Cristiano , Pavlovic Ana
Published: July 2023

The study of the behavior of thin metal sheets subjected to external loads has always been a matter of great interest due to its numerous theoretical and practical implications. The present analysis aims to investigate how to improve the predictions offered by a numerical model based on the finite element method by considerations on the material properties. Specifically, different modeling alternatives are compared, assessing these choices both with the similar assumptions made by other researchers in the past and with measurements from our own experimentation. The case under consideration consists of a slender, aluminum crash-box structure (a bumper) with a truncated pyramid shape subjected to a concentrated load on the top (axial crushing) up to a 46% reduction in its height. The system is characterized by high deformations (>15%) and large displacements. This presents a complex situation with various nonlinear effects, where the chosen assumptions in material modeling can have significant implications for the results, both in terms of accuracy and computational time. Among the investigated aspects, of no less importance are those related to the appropriate modeling of the elasto-plastic-hardening behavior of the metallic material.
Simulation of the Damage and Failure Characteristics of Coal under True Triaxial Static–Dynamic Loads
Authors: He Hu , Gong Siyuan , Li Xuwei , Mu Zonglong
Published: July 2023

The damage evolution rules for coal under true triaxial combined static–dynamic loads are important to understand and reveal the mechanism of rockburst in coal mines. The numerical simulation was carried out using FLAC3D to explore the coupling effect of static and dynamic stress, especially the influence of dynamic load parameters. The results show that the increase in dynamic load amplitude not only makes the plastic zone grow exponentially and shortens the damage development time, but also decreases the residual strength of the coal sample, which leads to a much more violent dynamic failure. The stress wave propagation can be more stable in the coal sample with the increase in dynamic load frequency and the development time of the plastic zone also shows synchronous fluctuating features, and when the frequency is like the intrinsic frequency of the coal sample, the dynamic load has a significant stimulation effect. The static and dynamic loads have different damage effects on the coal sample under the true triaxial stress path, the weight decreases in descending order, namely the minimum principal stress, the maximum principal, the amplitude of the dynamic load and, lastly, the dynamic stress frequency, according to the entropy weight method analysis.
Two-Step Electrochemical Au Nanoparticle Formation in Polyaniline
Authors: Zhao Bin , Becker Hans-Werner , Gutsch Sebastian
Published: July 2023

In this work, we use a two-step cyclic electrochemical process to insert Au into polyaniline (PANI). It was suggested previously that this method would lead to the formation of atomic Au clusters with controlleds number of Au atoms without providing morphological proof. In each cycle, tetrachloroaurate anions (AuCl4−) are attached on the protonated imine sites of PANI, followed by a controlled reduction using cyclic voltammetry (CV). In contrast to previous work, we demonstrate that the reduction leads to the nucleation and growth of an Au nanoparticle (NP) whose density and size dispersion depend on the Au loading in PANI. Adding more deposition cycles increases the Au NP density and size. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and corresponding energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) indicate a homogeneous distribution of Au elements in the PANI matrix before CV reduction, while Au elements are aggregated and clearly localized in the NPs positions after CV reduction. We further use Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) to quantify the Au uptake in PANI. The Au distribution is verified to be initially homogeneous across the PANI layer whereas the increasing number of deposition cycles leads to a surface segregation of Au. We propose a two-step growth model based on our experimental results. Finally, we discuss the results with respect to the formation of atomic Au clusters reported previously using the same deposition method.
Current Insights Regarding Intestinal Failure-Associated Liver Disease (IFALD): A Narrative Review
Authors: Zafirovska Marija , Zafirovski Aleksandar , Rotovnik Kozjek Nada
Published: July 2023

Intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) is a spectrum of liver disease including cholestasis, biliary cirrhosis, steatohepatitis, and gallbladder disease in patients with intestinal failure (IF). The prevalence of IFALD varies considerably, with ranges of 40–60% in the pediatric population, up to 85% in neonates, and between 15–40% in the adult population. IFALD has a complex and multifactorial etiology; the risk factors can be parenteral nutrition-related or patient-related. Because of this, the approach to managing IFALD is multidisciplinary and tailored to each patient based on the etiology. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the etiology and pathophysiology of IFALD and examines the latest evidence regarding preventative measures, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for IFALD and its associated complications.
Impact of Vitamin D on Immunopathology of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: From Theory to Practice
Authors: Lebiedziński Filip , Lisowska Katarzyna Aleksandra
Published: July 2023

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is a common autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid gland, characterized by lymphocytic infiltration, damage to thyroid cells, and hypothyroidism, and often requires lifetime treatment with levothyroxine. The disease has a complex etiology, with genetic and environmental factors contributing to its development. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a higher prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity in certain populations, including children, adolescents, and obese individuals. Moreover, vitamin D supplementation has shown promise in reducing antithyroid antibody levels, improving thyroid function, and improving other markers of autoimmunity, such as cytokines, e.g., IP10, TNF-α, and IL-10, and the ratio of T-cell subsets, such as Th17 and Tr1. Studies suggest that by impacting various immunological mechanisms, vitamin D may help control autoimmunity and improve thyroid function and, potentially, clinical outcomes of HT patients. The article discusses the potential impact of vitamin D on various immune pathways in HT. Overall, current evidence supports the potential role of vitamin D in the prevention and management of HT, although further studies are needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic benefits.
Synthesis and Structure Determination of Substituted Thiazole Derivatives as EGFR/BRAFV600E Dual Inhibitors Endowed with Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: Al-Wahaibi Lamya H. , El-Sheref Essmat M. , Hassan Alaa A. , Bräse S. , Nieger M. , Youssif Bahaa G. M. , Ibrahim Mahmoud A. A. , Tawfeek Hendawy N.
Published: July 2023

2,3,4-trisubstituted thiazoles 3a–i, having a methyl group in position four, were synthesized by the reaction of 1,4-disubstituted thiosemicarbazides with chloroacetone in ethyl acetate/Et3N at room temperature or in ethanol under reflux. The structures of new compounds were determined using NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analyses. Moreover, the structure of compound 3a was unambiguously confirmed with X-ray analysis. The cell viability assay of 3a–i at 50 µM was greater than 87%, and none of the tested substances were cytotoxic. Compounds 3a–i demonstrated good antiproliferative activity, with GI50 values ranging from 37 to 86 nM against the four tested human cancer cell lines, compared to the reference erlotinib, which had a GI50 value of 33 nM. The most potent derivatives were found to be compounds 3a, 3c, 3d, and 3f, with GI50 values ranging from 37 nM to 54 nM. The EGFR-TK and BRAFV600E inhibitory assays’ results matched the antiproliferative assay’s results, with the most potent derivatives, as antiproliferative agents, also being the most potent EGFR and BRAFV600E inhibitors. The docking computations were employed to investigate the docking modes and scores of compounds 3a, 3c, 3d, and 3f toward BRAFV600E and EGFR. Docking computations demonstrated the good affinity of compound 3f against BRAFV600E and EGFR, with values of −8.7 and −8.5 kcal/mol, respectively.
Fast-Embeddable Grooved Microneedles by Shear Actuation for Accurate Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Yim Sang-Gu , Seong Keum-Yong , Thamarappalli Akash , Lee Hyeseon , Lee Seungsoo , Lee Sanha , Kim Semin , Yang Seung-Yun
Published: July 2023

Percutaneous drug delivery using microneedles (MNs) has been extensively exploited to increase the transdermal permeability of therapeutic drugs. However, it is difficult to control the precise dosage with existing MNs and they need to be attached for a long time, so a more simple and scalable method is required for accurate transdermal drug delivery. In this study, we developed grooved MNs that can be embedded into the skin by mechanical fracture following simple shear actuation. Grooved MNs are prepared from hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a highly biocompatible and biodegradable biopolymer. By adjusting the aspect ratio (length:diameter) of the MN and the position of the groove, the MN tip inserted into the skin can be easily broken by shear force. In addition, it was demonstrated that it is possible to deliver the desired amount of triamcinolone acetonide (TCA) for alopecia areata by controlling the position of the groove structure and the concentration of TCA loaded in the MN. It was also confirmed that the tip of the TCA MN can be accurately delivered into the skin with a high probability (98% or more) by fabricating an easy-to-operate applicator to provide adequate shear force. The grooved MN platform has proven to be able to load the desired amount of a drug and deliver it at the correct dose.
In Situ Monitoring of Drug Precipitation from Digesting Lipid Formulations Using Low-Frequency Raman Scattering Spectroscopy
Authors: Salim Malinda , Fraser-Miller Sara J. , Bērziņš Kārlis , Sutton Joshua J. , Gordon Keith C. , Boyd Ben J.
Published: July 2023

Low-frequency Raman spectroscopy (LFRS) is a valuable tool to detect the solid state of amorphous and crystalline drugs in solid dosage forms and the transformation of drugs between different polymorphic forms. It has also been applied to track the solubilisation of solid drugs as suspensions in milk and infant formula during in vitro digestion. This study reports the use of LFRS as an approach to probe drug precipitation from a lipid-based drug delivery system (medium-chain self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system, MC-SNEDDS) during in vitro digestion. Upon lipolysis of the digestible components in MC-SNEDDS containing fenofibrate as a model drug, sharp phonon peaks appeared at the low-frequency Raman spectral region (<200 cm−1), indicating the precipitation of fenofibrate in a crystalline form from the formulation. Two multivariate data analysis approaches (principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis) and one univariate analysis approach (band ratios) were explored to track these spectral changes over time. The low-frequency Raman data produces results in good agreement with in situ small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements with all data analysis approaches used, whereas the mid-frequency Raman requires the use of PLS-DA to gain similar results. This suggests that LFRS can be used as a complementary, and potentially more accessible, technique to SAXS to determine the kinetics of drug precipitation from lipid-based formulations.
Non-Wettable Microporous Sheets Using Mixed Polyolefin Waste for Oil–Water Separation
Authors: Saleem Junaid , Moghal Zubair Khalid Baig , Shakoor Rana A. , Luyt Adriaan S. , McKay Gordon
Published: July 2023

Mixed polyolefin-based waste needs urgent attention to mitigate its negative impact on the environment. The separation of these plastics requires energy-intensive processes due to their similar densities. Additionally, these materials cannot be blended without compatibilizers, as they are inherently incompatible and immiscible. Herein, non-wettable microporous sheets from recycled polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are presented. The methodology involves the application of phase separation and spin-casting techniques to obtain a bimodal porous structure, facilitating efficient oil–water separation. The resulting sheets have an immediate and equilibrium sorption uptake of 100 and 55 g/g, respectively, due to the presence of micro- and macro-pores, as revealed by SEM. Moreover, sheets possess enhanced crystallinity, as evidenced by XRD; hence, they retain their structure during sorption and desorption and are reusable with 98% efficiency. The anti-wetting properties of the sheets are enhanced by applying a silane coating, ensuring waterless sorption and a contact angle of 140°. These results highlight the importance of implementing sustainable solutions to recycle plastics and mitigate the oil spill problem.
A Leakage Prediction Model for Sealing Performance Assessment of EPDM O-Rings under Irradiation Conditions
Authors: Huang Xiaoming , Gu Jimin , Li Ming , Yu Xinli , Liu Yu , Xu Guoliang
Published: July 2023

In this work, a model for predicting the leakage rate was developed to investigate the effect of irradiation on the sealing performance of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) O-rings. The model is based on a mesoscopic interfacial gap flow simulation and accurately predicts the sealing performance of irradiated and non-irradiated materials by utilizing the gap height as an indicator in a mechanical simulation of the O-ring under operating conditions. A comparison with vacuum test results indicates that the model is a good predictor of leak initiation. The positive pressure leakage of the O-rings was investigated numerically. The results show the following. The sealing performance of the non-irradiated O-ring is much better than that of the irradiated one. The sealing performance is the worst at 0. 713 MGy and the best at 1.43 MGy, and the seal is maintained at an absorbed dose of 3.55 MGy. A theoretical analysis of the non-monotonic variation using the proposed model shows that the leakage behavior of the O-rings depends not only on the material properties but also on the roughness and prestressing properties. Finally, a method was proposed to classify the sealing performance, using the maximum allowable leakage rate as an indicator.
Effects of Heat Treatment under Different Pressures on the Properties of Bamboo
Authors: Li Dan , Yang Shoulu , Liu Zhu , Wang Zhongwei , Ji Ning , Liu Jialei
Published: July 2023

To optimize the bamboo heat treatment process, the corresponding evolution rules under various heat treatment conditions must be determined. When the heat treatment time and temperature remained constant, the effects of different heat treatment pressures on the equilibrium moisture content, dimensional stability, mechanical properties, and chemical composition of bamboo were systematically investigated. In this experiment, bamboo without heat treatment was used as the control group. The experimental findings demonstrate the following: (1) The equilibrium moisture content of heat-treated bamboo gradually decreases with increasing treatment pressure. When the heat treatment pressure was set at 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, and 0.25 MPa, the bamboo’s equilibrium water content decreased to 12.1%, 11.7%, 9.9%, and 8.6%, respectively, while that of the control group was 13.8%. (2) The dimensional stability of bamboo was enhanced with increasing heat treatment pressure. At pressures of 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, and 0.25 MPa, the radial air-dry shrinkage rates of the heat-treated bamboo decreased to 3.4%, 3.4%, 2.6%, and 2.3%, respectively, while the tangential air-dry shrinkage rates reduced to 5.6%, 5.1%, 3.3%, and 3.0%. In comparison, the radial and tangential air-dry shrinkage rates of the control group were measured as 3.6% and 5.8%, respectively. Similarly, the radial and tangential full-dry shrinkage of bamboo exhibited a similar trend. (3) With the increase in heat treatment pressure, the bending strength and longitudinal compressive strength of bamboo exhibited an initial rise followed by a decline. When it was at heat treatment pressures of 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, and 0.25 MPa, the corresponding bending strengths of the heat-treated bamboo were measured as 41.2, 26.7, 22.4, and 20.4 MPa, respectively; while the longitudinal compressive strengths were recorded as 42.6, 38.1, 29.1, and 25.3 MPa. In comparison, the bending and longitudinal compressive strengths of the control group were measured as 39.8 and 38.5 MPa, respectively. It is evident that the optimal heat treatment pressure for bamboo is 0.1 MPa, resulting in a significant increase of 3.5% and 10.6% in bending strength and longitudinal compressive strength, respectively, compared to the control group. (4) Based on the FTIR and XRD patterns of bamboo samples, a range of physical and chemical transformations were observed during the heat treatment process, including cellulose adsorb water evaporation, hemicellulose and cellulose degradation, as well as acetyl group hydrolysis on the molecular chain of hemicellulose. These changes collectively impacted the physical and mechanical properties of bamboo.
Hidden Dynamics of Religion and Human Rights in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Máté-Tóth András , Nagy Gábor Dániel
Published: July 2023

The relationship between human rights and religion cannot be seen as a relationship between two entirely distinct sets of values Human rights are deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian religious tradition. However, throughout history religious institutions have interpreted human rights differently and have supported or hindered their implementation. This paper discusses the relationship between human rights and religion in the social and cultural matrix of post-communist Central and Eastern Europe. Our statistical analysis focuses on Hungary as an example of the region. In our view, the variations in the relationship between human rights and religion in Central and Eastern Europe are primarily determined by the region’s wounded collective identity and the resulting overriding national and state security needs. Politically and culturally, the region is characterized by its betweenness, embodied in centuries of vulnerability to the great powers. Therefore, the social status and political discourse of human rights and religion should be tied to this primary regional marker. While examining the relationship between religion and human rights, we should be aware that the primary relationship is between human rights and the collective identity of the nation-state and between religion and the identity of the nation-state.