bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytogenetic Effects in Patients after Computed Tomography Examination
Authors: Neronova Elizaveta , Aleksanin Sergei
Published: November 2022

Millions of people around the world are exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation from diagnostic computed tomography (CT) scans. Currently available data on the potential cancer risk after CT scans are contradictory and therefore demand further investigations. The aim of the current study was to obtain estimations of genome damage after CT scans in 42 non-cancer patients and to conduct a comparison of the results with 22 control subjects. The frequency of dicentric ring chromosomes and chromosome breaks was significantly increased in irradiated patients compared to the controls. The distribution of dicentrics among the cells demonstrated non-Poisson distribution that reflected non-uniform and partial-body radiation exposure. A fraction of patients followed Poisson distribution, which is typical for uniform whole-body exposures. Some patients demonstrated a level of dicentrics similar to the control subjects. The individual variations in the frequency and dicentric distribution suggested complex mechanisms of chromosome aberration induction and elimination that could be associated with individual radiosensitivity, as well as previous diagnostics that used ionizing radiation or the redistribution of small fractions of irradiated lymphocytes within the circulatory pull. In conclusion, CT scans may cause genome damage and possible increases in cancer risk. The introduction of a specific follow-up of such patients, especially in the case of repeated CT scans, is suggested.
Comparison of Retinal Imaging Techniques in Individuals with Pulmonary Artery Hypertension Using Vessel Generation Analysis
Authors: DuPont Mariana , Hunsicker John , Shirley Simona , Warriner William , Rowland Annabelle , Taylor Reddhyia , DuPont Michael , Lagatuz Mark , Yilmaz Taygan , Foderaro Andrew , Lahm Tim , Ventetuolo Corey E. , Grant Maria B.
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: Retinal vascular imaging plays an essential role in diagnosing and managing chronic diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, sickle cell retinopathy, and systemic hypertension. Previously, we have shown that individuals with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare disorder, exhibit unique retinal vascular changes as seen using fluorescein angiography (FA) and that these changes correlate with PAH severity. This study aimed to determine if color fundus (CF) imaging could garner identical retinal information as previously seen using FA images in individuals with PAH. (2) Methods: VESGEN, computer software which provides detailed vascular patterns, was used to compare manual segmentations of FA to CF imaging in PAH subjects (n = 9) followed by deep learning (DL) processing of CF imaging to increase the speed of analysis and facilitate a noninvasive clinical translation. (3) Results: When manual segmentation of FA and CF images were compared using VESGEN analysis, both showed identical tortuosity and vessel area density measures. This remained true even when separating images based on arterial trees only. However, this was not observed with microvessels. DL segmentation when compared to manual segmentation of CF images showed similarities in vascular structure as defined by fractal dimension. Similarities were lost for tortuosity and vessel area density when comparing manual CF imaging to DL imaging. (4) Conclusions: Noninvasive imaging such as CF can be used with VESGEN to provide an accurate and safe assessment of retinal vascular changes in individuals with PAH. In addition to providing insight into possible future clinical translational use.
Supplying Bee Pollen and Propolis to Growing Rabbits: Effects on Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites, and Meat Quality
Authors: Sierra-Galicia María Inés , Rodríguez-de Lara Raymundo , Orzuna-Orzuna José Felipe , Lara-Bueno Alejandro , García-Muñiz José Guadalupe , Fallas-López Marianela , Hernández-García Pedro Abel
Published: November 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with bee pollen (BP) and propolis (PRO) on productive performance, Eimeria oocyst counts in feces, blood metabolites, and the meat quality of growing rabbits. A total of 160 hybrid rabbits (California × New Zealand) of 30 days of age and 643 ± 8.0 g body weight (BW) were assigned to four treatments with 10 replicates each (four rabbits/replicate). The treatments were as follows: (1) CON: rabbits fed basal diet and not supplemented with BP or PRO; (2) BP500: CON + BP (500 mg/kg BW); (3) PRO50: CON + PRO (50 µL/kg BW); and (4) BP + PRO: CON + BP (500 mg/kg BW) + PRO (50 µL/kg BW). Higher daily weight gain (p = 0.04) and lower feed conversion rate (p = 0.03) were observed in rabbits supplemented with PRO50. In addition, supplementation with PRO50 and BP + PRO reduced the amount of Eimeria oocysts per gram of feces (p < 0.05). Most hematological and serum biochemical parameters were similar in rabbits of all treatments. Protein content, collagen, and meat color were similar between treatments. In conclusion, propolis supplementation (50 µL/kg BW) can prevent coccidiosis and act as a natural growth promoter in rabbits without affecting animal health and meat quality.
Bacterial and Fungal Co-Occurrence in the Nudibranch, Pteraeolidia semperi
Authors: Ng Ming Sheng , Soon Nathaniel , Chang Ying , Wainwright Benjamin J.
Published: November 2022

Despite the increasing recognition and importance surrounding bacterial and fungal interactions, and their critical contributions to ecosystem functioning and host fitness, studies examining their co-occurrence remain in their infancy. Similarly, studies have yet to characterise the bacterial and fungal communities associated with nudibranchs or their core microbial members. Doing this can advance our understanding of how the microbiome helps a host adapt and persist in its environment. In this study, we characterised the bacterial and fungal communities associated with 46 Pteraeolidia semperi nudibranch individuals collected from four offshore islands in Singapore. We found no distinct spatial structuring of microbial community, richness, or diversity across sampling locations. The bacterial genera Mycoplasma and Endozoicomonas were found across all samples and islands. The fungal genus Leucoagaricus was found with the highest occurrence, but was not found everywhere, and this is the first record of its reported presence in marine environments. The co-occurrence network suggests that bacterial and fungal interactions are limited, but we identified the bacterial family Colwelliaceae as a potential keystone taxon with its disproportionately high number of edges. Furthermore, Colwelliaceae clusters together with other bacterial families such as Pseudoalteromonadaceae and Alteromonadaceae, all of which have possible roles in the digestion of food.
Healing Time of Skin Ulcers in Homecare Residents in the Province of Reggio Emilia, Northern Italy
Authors: Iamandii Inga , Kouassi Abram Beatrice , Simonazzi Davide , Marchesi Cristina , Vinceti Marco , Filippini Tommaso
Published: November 2022

The growing phenomenon of skin ulcers represents an important health problem; therefore, we conducted a pilot study to evaluate the ulcer healing time among adult subjects followed by the Home Nursing Service of the AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Northern Italy, and diagnosed with at least one skin ulcer during the period of January–August 2020. We recruited 138 subjects (45.5% men) with a mean age of 86.1 years. The subjects presented with 232 ulcers, of which 76.7% were pressure ulcers (60.1% were stage II), 18.1% were vascular ulcers, and 4.7% were diabetic foot ulcers. Ulcer management required only one weekly access for the majority of subjects, with a recovery frequency of 53.6% at the end of the observation period. The median ulcer healing time was 3.6 months and was shorter in women (2.6 months) than men (5.1 months), with an increasing trend according to the number of ulcers and the severity of pressure ulcers for vascular and diabetic foot ulcers. In conclusion, this is the first study carried out in an Italian population describing the distribution and characteristics of homecare residents with skin ulcers and highlighting the factors influencing the healing time and as consequence the duration of nursing care.
Influence of Structural and Operating Parameters on Lubrication Performance of Water-Lubricated Polymer Bearing with Journal Misalignment
Authors: Lv Fangrui , Jiao Chunxiao , Jia Qian , Xia Kang
Published: November 2022

Marine water-lubricated polymer bearings support the propeller shaft that stretches out of the ship. The bending deformation of propeller shaft often leads to journal misalignment, significantly impacting the bearing performance. In this paper, a mixed lubrication model for water-lubricated polymer bearing is established considering the effect of journal misalignment, liner elastic deformation, and local turbulence. The influence of key structural and operating parameters on the performance of water-lubricated bearing with journal misalignment is investigated. The results show that the journal misalignment significantly reduces the load-carrying capacity, deteriorates the bearing tribological characteristics, and may cause different axial sections of the bearing to be in different lubrication regimes. Compared with aligned bearings, increasing the length–diameter ratio to improve the load-carrying capacity is significantly weakened for misaligned bearings. Increasing the liner thickness and the load improves axial uniformity of pressure distribution of misaligned bearings. A relatively large clearance ratio decreases the load-carrying capacity and increases the friction coefficient of bearings in the mixed lubrication regime.
Rheological Characterization and Printability of Polylactide (PLA)-Alumina (Al2O3) Filaments for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Authors: Smirnov Anton , Seleznev Anton , Peretyagin Pavel , Bentseva Ekaterina , Pristinskiy Yuri , Kuznetsova Ekaterina , Grigoriev Sergey
Published: November 2022

This article presents the study of the rheological properties and the printability of produced ceramic-polymer filaments using fused deposition method (FDM) 3D printing technology. Powder mixtures with an alumina content of 50 to 70 vol.% were fabricated by a wet processing route. A series of rheological experiments of the obtained mixtures were conducted in the temperature range from 200 to 220 °C for the commercial polylactide (PLA) powder and from 200 to 240 °C for ceramic-polymer, which corresponds to the recommended temperatures for 3D printing of commercial PLA filaments. The composition with the maximum content of alumina leads to a powdery material in which the molten polymer is insufficient to measure the rheological properties. In spite of this, the filaments were prepared from all the obtained mixtures with a tabletop single-screw extruder, the diameter and surface profile of which were analyzed. As the ceramic content increased, the diameter and surface roughness of the filaments increased. Therefore, it was only possible to print an object from a filament with the lowest ceramic content. However, the print quality of the 3D printed objects from the fabricated ceramic-polymer filament is worse (imperfect form, defects between layers) compared to the commercial PLA filament. To eliminate such defects in the future, it is necessary to conduct additional research on the development of printing modes and possibly modify the software and components of the 3D printer.
Influence of Anticorrosive Surface Treatment of Steel Reinforcement Fibers on the Properties of Ultra-High Performance Cement Composite
Authors: Bocian Lubos , Novotny Radoslav , Soukal Frantisek , Palovcik Jakub , Brezina Matej , Koplik Jan
Published: November 2022

The influence on the bond between the steel fiber and the matrix of the anticorrosive treatments of steel used for concrete reinforcement is not yet fully understood. The topic of steel fiber treatment was not also studied clearly in terms of brass removal before. This paper deals with how the brass on the surface of steel fibers behaves in the UHPC matrix and how it affects its properties. The steel fibers were firstly modified with a number of surface treatments to remove brass on their surface. Some of the treatments have never been tried before for this purpose. Secondly, the surface of the fibers was analyzed by SEM, EDS, XRF, and stereomicroscopy. Lastly, the properties of the composites were analyzed. It was found out that the majority of brass on the surface of the fibers could be removed by mixture of NH3 and H2O2 with a ratio of 3:1 (v/v). It was also found out that the surface treatment slightly affects the mechanical properties, but it does that only by mechanical interlocking between the fiber and the matrix. No dissolution of the surface treatment was observed under the given conditions. According to the results, steel fibers without surface treatment should be used in UHPC if available.
Performance of Plant-Produced Asphalt Containing Cellular Capsules
Authors: Traseira-Piñeiro Laura , Parry Tony , Haughey Frank , Garcia-Hernandez Alvaro
Published: November 2022

This paper aims to assess the influence of encapsulated rejuvenators on plant-produced asphalt’s performance. The polymeric capsules are evaluated as cellular materials that deform and absorb energy while they experience a progressive collapse of their porous structure, rather than a simply means to release the rejuvenator. Additionally, variables during asphalt manufacturing that may affect their plastic deformation under loading are assessed too. Firstly, plant-produced asphalt’s mechanical and morphological properties were evaluated, including the capsules’ distribution and integrity after mixing. Then, results were contrasted with lab-produced asphalt under controlled conditions. Lastly, the capsules’ deformation was qualitatively evaluated using a FE model to verify findings from the testing campaign. It was concluded that (i) cellular capsules can resist mixing at an asphalt plant without compromising their performance; (ii) the deformation of the capsules affected asphalt’s stability by up to 13%, reduced the particle loss by up to 25% and increased asphalt’s macrotexture by 10%; (iii) to maximize their energy absorption, the cellular capsules must be part of the aggregate skeleton.
Evaluation of a Prototype for Electrochemical pH-Shift Crystallization of Succinic Acid
Authors: Kocks Christian , Wall Diana , Jupke Andreas
Published: November 2022

Downstream processing of biotechnologically produced carboxylic acids, such as succinic acid, poses environmental and economic challenges. Conventional downstream processes cause large amounts of waste salts, which have to be purified or disposed of. Therefore, lean and waste-free downstream processes are necessary for the biotechnological production of succinic acid. Electrochemical downstream processes gain especially significant attention due to low chemical consumption and waste reduction. This work presents the pH-dependent solid-liquid equilibrium of succinic acid, a prototype for electrochemical pH-shift crystallization processes, and its characterization. Based on the supersaturation, energy consumption, and electrochemical protonation efficiency the proposed electrochemical pH-shift crystallization is evaluated. This evaluation highlights the potential of the proposed electrochemical crystallization processes as waste-free and economically attractive processes for bio-based succinic acid production.
Viscoelasticity in Large Deformation Analysis of Hyperelastic Structures
Authors: Dastjerdi Shahriar , Akgöz Bekir , Civalek Ömer
Published: November 2022

In this paper, an annular/circular plate made of hyperelastic material and considering the viscoelastic property was investigated based on a novel nonlinear elasticity theory. A new approach for hyperelastic materials in conjunction with the Kelvin–Voigt scheme is employed to obtain the structure’s large deformation under uniform transverse loading. The constitutive equations were extracted using the energy method. The derived partial differential time-dependent equations have been solved via the semi-analytical polynomial method (SAPM). The obtained results have been validated by ABAQUS software and the available paper. In consequence, a good agreement between the results was observed. Finally, several affecting parameters on the analysis have been attended to and studied, such as the nonlinear elasticity analysis, the boundary conditions, loading, and the material’s viscosity. It can be possible to obtain the needed time for achieving the final deformation of the structure based on the applied analysis in this research.
Effect of Layered Double Hydroxides on the Deterioration Process of Cement Paste under Sulfate Attack
Authors: Zhang Lei , Jiang Linhua , Zhi Fangfang , Jiang Chunmeng , Jin Weizhun , Yang Guohui , Chen Cheng , Zhang Jianfeng
Published: November 2022

This study investigated the effect of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) on the deterioration process of cement paste in the sulfate environment. Cement pastes with the addition of original and calcined LDHs at 2.5 wt.% and 5.0 wt.% of cement were exposed to Na2SO4 solution for 360 days. The macroscopic performance of the cement paste was assessed based on mass variation, porosity, compressive strength, and content of sulfate ions. Furthermore, the microhardness, microstructures, and composition of the degraded pastes were examined using Vickers hardness (HV), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results indicate that cement paste incorporated with LDHs can mitigate the corrosion caused by sulfate effectively, especially in the case of calcined LDHs (C-LDHs), which primarily increase the adsorption of sulfate. Compared with the control specimen, the 180 d compressive strength loss ratio of specimens with 2.5 wt.% and 5.0 wt.% of C-LDHs decreased by 63.66% and 80.51%, respectively. Moreover, LDHs can reduce the amount of ettringite crystals, densify the microstructure, and refine the pore structure to mitigate the cement paste’s sulfate corrosion significantly. Compared with the control specimen, the 180 d harmful pore volume fraction of specimens laced with 2.5 wt.% and 5.0 wt.% C-LDHs decreased by 43.77% and 54.51%, respectively. In terms of the content of C-LDHs, an optimal content of C-LDHs could ensure the dominant effect of adsorption, while excessive C-LDHs could refine pores. In addition, Vickers hardness has an excellent correlation with compressive strength, which could precisely predict the compressive strength. Moreover, by combining the Vickers hardness distribution and content distribution of sulfate ions, the cross-section of the paste could be classified into four regions to evaluate the deterioration process accurately: the degraded zone, the strengthened zone, the invaded zone, and the intact zone.
Grafting (S)-2-Phenylpropionic Acid on Coordinatively Unsaturated Metal Centers of MIL−101(Al) Metal–Organic Frameworks for Improved Enantioseparation
Authors: Zhao Rui , Bai Xueyan , Yang Wenhui , Fan Kun , Zhang Haiyang
Published: November 2022

Chiral metal–organic frameworks (cMOFs) are emerging chiral stationary phases for enantioseparation owing to their porosity and designability. However, a great number of cMOF materials show poor separation performance for chiral drugs in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The possible reasons might be the irregular shapes of MOFs and the low grafting degree of chiral ligands. Herein, MIL−101−Ppa@SiO2 was synthesized by a simple coordination post-synthetic modification method using (S)-(+)-2-Phenylpropionic acid and applied as the chiral stationary phase to separate chiral compounds by HPLC. NH2−MIL−101−Ppa@SiO2 prepared via covalent post-synthetic modification was used for comparison. The results showed that the chiral ligand density of MIL−101−Ppa@SiO2 was higher than that of NH2−MIL−101−Ppa@SiO2, and the MIL−101−Ppa@SiO2 column exhibited better chiral separation performance and structural stability. The binding affinities between MIL−101−Ppa@SiO2 and chiral compounds were simulated to prove the mechanism of the molecular interactions during HPLC. These results revealed that cMOFs prepared by coordination post-synthetic modification could increase the grafting degree and enhance the separation performance. This method can provide ideas for the synthesis of cMOFs.
Easy, Fast Self-Heating Polyurethane Nanocomposite with the Introduction of Thermally Annealed Carbon Nanotubes Using Near-Infrared Lased Irradiation
Authors: Jeong Hyunsung , Ryu Sooyeon , Kim Young Nam , Ha Yu-Mi , Tewari Chetna , Kim Seong Yun , Kim Jung Kyu , Jung Yong Chae
Published: November 2022

In this study, high-crystallinity single walled carbon nanotubes (H-SWNTs) were prepared by high-temperature thermal annealing at 1800 °C and a self-heating shape memory polyurethane nanocomposite with excellent self-heating characteristics was developed within a few seconds by irradiation with near-infrared rays. With a simple method (heat treatment), impurities at the surface of H-SWNTs were removed and at the same time the amorphous structure converted into a crystalline structure, improving crystallinity. Therefore, high conductivity (electric, thermal) and interfacial affinity with PU were increased, resulting in improved mechanical, thermal and electric properties. The electrical conductivity of neat polyurethane was enhanced from ~10–11 S/cm to 4.72 × 10−8 S/cm, 1.07 × 10−6 and 4.66 × 10−6 S/cm, while the thermal conductivity was enhanced up to 60% from 0.21 W/mK, 0.265 W/mK and 0.338 W/mK for the composites of 1, 3 and 5 wt%, respectively. Further, to achieve an effective photothermal effect, H-SWNTs were selected as nanofillers to reduce energy loss while increasing light-absorption efficiency. Thereafter, near-infrared rays of 818 nm were directly irradiated onto the nanocomposite film to induce photothermal properties arising from the local surface plasmon resonance effect on the CNT surface. A self-heating shape memory composite material that rapidly heated to 270 °C within 1 min was developed, even when only 3 wt.% of H-SWNTs were added. The results of this study can be used to guide the development of heat-generating coating materials and de-icing materials for the wing and body structures of automobiles or airplanes, depending on the molding method.
Failure Load and Fatigue Behavior of Monolithic and Bi-Layer Zirconia Fixed Dental Prostheses Bonded to One-Piece Zirconia Implants
Authors: Spitznagel Frank A. , Hoppe Johanna S. , Bonfante Estevam A. , Campos Tiago M. B. , Langner Robert , Gierthmuehlen Petra C.
Published: November 2022

No evidence-based prosthetic treatment concept for 3-unit fixed-dental-prostheses (FDPs) on ceramic implants is currently available. Therefore, the aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the failure load and fatigue behavior of monolithic and bi-layer zirconia FDPs supported by one-piece ceramic implants. Eighty 3-unit FDPs supported by 160 zirconia-implants (ceramic.implant; vitaclinical) were divided into 4 groups (n = 20 each): Group Z-HT: 3Y-TZP monolithic-zirconia (Vita-YZ-HT); Group Z-ST: 4Y-TZP monolithic-zirconia (Vita-YZ-ST); Group FL: 3Y-TZP zirconia (Vita-YZ-HT) with facial-veneer (Vita-VM9); Group RL (Rapid-layer): PICN “table-top” (Vita-Enamic), 3Y-TZP-framework (Vita-YZ-HT). Half of the test samples (n = 10/group) were fatigued in a mouth-motion chewing-simulator (F = 98 N, 1.2 million-cycles) with simultaneous thermocycling (5–55 °C). All specimens (fatigued and non-fatigued) were afterwards exposed to single-load-to-failure-testing (Z010, Zwick). Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, Tukey’s post-hoc tests and two-sample t-tests (p < 0.05, Bonferroni-corrected where appropriate). All specimens withstood fatigue application. While the effect of fatigue was not significant in any group (p = 0.714), the choice of material had a significant effect (p < 0.001). Material FL recorded the highest failure loads, followed by Z-ST, Z-HT and RL, both with and without fatigue application. Taken together, all tested FDP material combinations survived chewing forces that exceeded physiological levels. Bi-Layer FL and monolithic Z-ST showed the highest resilience and might serve as reliable prosthetic reconstruction concepts for 3-unit FDPs on ceramic implants.
Tuning the Curing Efficiency of Conventional Accelerated Sulfur System for Tailoring the Properties of Natural Rubber/Bromobutyl Rubber Blends
Authors: Pöschl Marek , Sathi Shibulal Gopi , Stoček Radek
Published: November 2022

The state of cure and the vulcanizate properties of a conventional accelerated sulfur (CV) cured 50/50 blend of natural rubber (NR) and bromobutyl rubber (BIIR) were inferior. However, this blend exhibits a higher extent of cure with remarkable improvements in its mechanical properties, particularly the tensile strength, modulus and hardness after curing with a combination of accelerated sulfur and three parts per hundred rubber (phr) of a bismaleimide (MF3). Moreover, with the use of 0.25 phr of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) along with the CV/MF3 system, the compression set property of the CV-only cured blend could be reduced from 68% to 15%. The enhanced compatibility between NR and BIIR with the aid of bismaleimide via the Diels–Alder reaction was identified as the primary reason for the improved cure state and the mechanical properties. However, the incorporation of a certain amount of bismaleimide as a crosslink in the NR phase of the blend, via a radical initiated crosslinking process by the action of DCP, is responsible for the improved compression set properties
Effect of Swirling Flow Nozzle on Fluid Flow and Solidification in a Round Bloom Continuous Casting Mold
Authors: Wang Jianli , Zhu Jiayu , Yang Yongkun , Wang Weian , Qiu Guoxing , Li Xiaoming
Published: November 2022

The nozzle structure has an important effect on the fluid flow in the mold, which can significantly improve the solidified shell and product quality of alloy steel round bloom. The transient fluid flow, heat transfer, and solidification behavior under different nozzle structures and mold electromagnetic stirring (M-EMS) are investigated using a 3D transient mathematical model. The results show that a third small recirculation zone appears near the meniscus after the application of the swirling flow nozzle (SFN). The impact depth of SFN is shallower than that of the original submerged entry nozzle (SEN) impact, and the lower circulation zone is shifted upward. The horizontal swirling flow generated by SFN can significantly weaken the washing of the initial shell by high-temperature steel and improve the uneven growth phenomenon of the inner and outer curved solidified shell caused by mold curvature. The swirling flow produced by M-EMS in the mold can also improve the washing of the initial shell by the high-temperature jet and the uneven growth of the inner and outer curved shell. M-EMS can expand the high-temperature zone in the upper part of the mold, promote the superheat dissipation of the molten steel, and promote the growth of the solidified shell. In addition, after the application of M-EMS, the tangential velocity of –15° SFN in the meniscus is smaller, and the resulting liquid level fluctuation is lower at 5.07 mm, which is less likely to produce slag entrapment and is conducive to improving the quality of round bloom.
Frontiers of Hydroxyapatite Composites in Bionic Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Shi Jingcun , Dai Wufei , Gupta Anand , Zhang Bingqing , Wu Ziqian , Zhang Yuhan , Pan Lisha , Wang Lei
Published: November 2022

Bone defects caused by various factors may cause morphological and functional disorders that can seriously affect patient’s quality of life. Autologous bone grafting is morbid, involves numerous complications, and provides limited volume at donor site. Hence, tissue-engineered bone is a better alternative for repair of bone defects and for promoting a patient’s functional recovery. Besides good biocompatibility, scaffolding materials represented by hydroxyapatite (HA) composites in tissue-engineered bone also have strong ability to guide bone regeneration. The development of manufacturing technology and advances in material science have made HA composite scaffolding more closely related to the composition and mechanical properties of natural bone. The surface morphology and pore diameter of the scaffold material are more important for cell proliferation, differentiation, and nutrient exchange. The degradation rate of the composite scaffold should match the rate of osteogenesis, and the loading of cells/cytokine is beneficial to promote the formation of new bone. In conclusion, there is no doubt that a breakthrough has been made in composition, mechanical properties, and degradation of HA composites. Biomimetic tissue-engineered bone based on vascularization and innervation show a promising future.
An Evaluation Index of Fracability for Reservoir Rocks Based on Fracture Process Zone
Authors: Chen Hongran , Niu Jingrui , Zhai Mengyang
Published: November 2022

A reliable evaluation method for the fracability (i.e., ability to generate abundant cracks) of reservoir rocks is a critical issue for maximum hydraulic fracturing efficiency. Most previous fracability indices lacked enough rationality and practicability, and thus could not consistently provide a reliable evaluation. We suggest a new fracability index called crack tolerance, which is represented by the maximum radius of the fracture process zone at the crack tip of a cracked chevron notched Brazilian disk specimen, which corresponds to the critical state for unstable propagation of the notched crack. In experiments and simulations based on the discrete element method, we showed quantitative methods to conveniently determine the value of the crack tolerance and showed that specimens with a greater crack tolerance generated more cracks before rupture and had complex morphologies, which would indicate stronger fracability. The crack tolerance can well characterize the effects of structural and loading conditions, including the grain size heterogeneity, bedding orientation, and environmental temperature, on fracability, and the inherent heterogeneity of rock is the physical basis for it as a fracability evaluation index. Our studies showed the rationality and practicability of this index and provide hints for how to produce abundant complex cracks in reservoirs.
A Novel Grain-Based DEM Model for Evaluating Surface Integrity in Scratching of RB-SiC Ceramics
Authors: Qi Huan , Wang Yuelei , Qi Zijian , Shi Liwu , Fang Zhufang , Zhang Li , Riemer Oltmann , Karpuschewski Bernhard
Published: November 2022

A novel grain-based DEM (Discrete Element Method) model is developed and calibrated to simulate RB-SiC (Reaction-Bonded Silicon Carbide) ceramic and associated scratching process by considering the bonded SiC and Si grains and cementitious materials. It is shown that the grain-based DEM model can accurately identify transgranular and intergranular cracks, and ductile and brittle material removal modes. It also shows that by increasing the scratching speed or decreasing the depth of cut, the maximum depth of subsurface damage decreases, because the scratching force is relatively large under the low scratching speed or large depth of cut that facilitates the occurrence of transgranular cracks, large grain spalling from the target surface and the propagation of median cracks into the target subsurface. It has further been found that increasing the cutting-edge radius can enhance the target ductile machinability and reduce the target subsurface damage.
Hydrogen-Fuel Cell Hybrid Powertrain: Conceptual Layouts and Current Applications
Authors: Fragiacomo Petronilla , Genovese Matteo , Piraino Francesco , Corigliano Orlando , De Lorenzo Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

Transportation is one of the largest sources of CO2 emissions, accounting for more than 20% of worldwide emissions. However, it is one of the areas where decarbonization presents the greatest hurdles, owing to its capillarity and the benefits that are associated with the use of fossil fuels in terms of energy density, storage, and transportation. In order to accomplish comprehensive decarbonization in the transport sector, it will be required to encourage a genuine transition to low-carbon fuels and the widespread deployment of the necessary infrastructures to allow for a large-scale innovation. Renewable hydrogen shows potential for sustainable transportation applications, whether in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), such as automobiles, trucks, and trains, or as a raw material for ship and airplane synthetic fuels. The present paper aims to present how hydrogen-fuel cell hybrid powertrains for road vehicles work in terms of conceptual layouts and operating strategies. A comprehensive overview of real and current applications is presented, concerning existing prototypes and commercially available vehicles, with a focus on the main key performance indicators, such as efficiency, mileage, and energy consumption.
Fullness and Decidability in Continuous Propositional Logic
Authors: Ren Xuanzhi
Published: November 2022

In this paper we consider general continuous propositional logics and prove some basic properties about them. First, we characterize full systems of continuous connectives of the form {¬,∸,f} where f is a unary connective. We also show that, in contrast to the classical propositional logic, a full system of continuous propositional logic cannot contain only one continuous connective. We then construct a closed full system of continuous connectives without any constants. Such a system does not have any tautologies. For the rest of the paper we consider the standard continuous propositional logic as defined by Yaacov, I.B and Usvyatsov, A. We show that Strong Compactness and Craig Interpolation fail for this logic, but approximated versions of Strong Compactness and Craig Interpolation hold true. In the last part of the paper, we introduce various notions of satisfiability, falsifiability, tautology, and fallacy, and show that they are either NP-complete or co-NP-complete.
Iron Transport across Brain Barriers: Model and Numerical Parameter Estimation
Authors: Ficiarà Eleonora , Stura Ilaria , Guiot Caterina
Published: November 2022

Iron is an essential element for brain metabolism. However, its imbalance and accumulation are implicated in the processes featuring neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The brain barrier’s system maintains the sensitive homeostasis of iron in the brain. However, the impairment of the mechanisms of iron passage across the brain barrier is not clearly established. A mathematical model is proposed to macroscopically describe the iron exchange between blood and cerebral compartments. Numerical simulations are performed to reproduce biological values of iron levels in physiological and pathological conditions. Moreover, given different scenarios (neurological control and AD patients), a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is applied to estimate the parameters. This reverse work could be important to allow the understanding of the patient’s scenario. The presented mathematical model can therefore guide new experiments, highlighting further dysregulated mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration as well as the novel disease-modifying therapies counteracting the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
COCM: Co-Occurrence-Based Consistency Matching in Domain-Adaptive Segmentation
Authors: Zhu Siyu , Tian Yingjie , Zhou Fenfen , Bai Kunlong , Song Xiaoyu
Published: November 2022

This paper focuses on domain adaptation in a semantic segmentation task. Traditional methods regard the source domain and the target domain as a whole, and the image matching is determined by random seeds, leading to a low degree of consistency matching between domains and interfering with the reduction in the domain gap. Therefore, we designed a two-step, three-level cascaded domain consistency matching strategy—co-occurrence-based consistency matching (COCM)—in which the two steps are: Step 1, in which we design a matching strategy from the perspective of category existence and filter the sub-image set with the highest degree of matching from the image of the whole source domain, and Step 2, in which, from the perspective of spatial existence, we propose a method of measuring the PIOU score to quantitatively evaluate the spatial matching of co-occurring categories in the sub-image set and select the best-matching source image. The three levels mean that in order to improve the importance of low-frequency categories in the matching process, we divide the categories into three levels according to the frequency of co-occurrences between domains; these three levels are the head, middle, and tail levels, and priority is given to matching tail categories. The proposed COCM maximizes the category-level consistency between the domains and has been proven to be effective in reducing the domain gap while being lightweight. The experimental results on general datasets can be compared with those of state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods.
Several Types of q-Differential Equations of Higher Order and Properties of Their Solutions
Authors: Ryoo Cheon-Seoung , Kang Jung-Yoog
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this paper is to organize various types of higher order q-differential equations that are connected to q-sigmoid polynomials and obtain certain properties regarding their solutions. Using the properties of q-sigmoid polynomials, we show the symmetric properties of q-differential equations of higher order. Moreover, we derive special properties for the approximate roots of q-sigmoid polynomials which are solutions of higher order q-differential equations.
Towards Higher-Order Zeroing Neural Network Dynamics for Solving Time-Varying Algebraic Riccati Equations
Authors: Jerbi Houssem , Alharbi Hadeel , Omri Mohamed , Ladhar Lotfi , Simos Theodore , Mourtas Spyridon , Katsikis Vasilios
Published: November 2022

One of the most often used approaches for approximating various matrix equation problems is the hyperpower family of iterative methods with arbitrary convergence order, whereas the zeroing neural network (ZNN) is a type of neural dynamics intended for handling time-varying problems. A family of ZNN models that correlate with the hyperpower iterative methods is defined on the basis of the analogy that was discovered. These models, known as higher-order ZNN models (HOZNN), can be used to find real symmetric solutions of time-varying algebraic Riccati equations. Furthermore, a noise-handling HOZNN (NHOZNN) class of dynamical systems is introduced. The traditional ZNN and HOZNN dynamic flows are compared theoretically and numerically.
Functional Diversification of Oyster Big Defensins Generates Antimicrobial Specificity and Synergy against Members of the Microbiota
Authors: De San Nicolas Noémie , Asokan Aromal , Rosa Rafael , Voisin Sébastien , Travers Marie-Agnès , Rocha Gustavo , Dantan Luc , Dorant Yann , Mitta Guillaume , Petton Bruno , Charrière Guillaume , Escoubas Jean-Michel , Boulo Viviane , Pouzadoux Juliette , Meudal Hervé , Loth Karine , Aucagne Vincent , Delmas Agnès , Bulet Philippe , Montagnani Caroline , Destoumieux-Garzón Delphine
Published: November 2022

Big defensins are two-domain antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that have highly diversified in mollusks. Cg-BigDefs are expressed by immune cells in the oyster Crassostrea gigas, and their expression is dampened during the Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS), which evolves toward fatal bacteremia. We evaluated whether Cg-BigDefs contribute to the control of oyster-associated microbial communities. Two Cg-BigDefs that are representative of molecular diversity within the peptide family, namely Cg-BigDef1 and Cg-BigDef5, were characterized by gene cloning and synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis and native chemical ligation. Synthetic peptides were tested for antibacterial activity against a collection of culturable bacteria belonging to the oyster microbiota, characterized by 16S sequencing and MALDI Biotyping. We first tested the potential of Cg-BigDefs to control the oyster microbiota by injecting synthetic Cg-BigDef1 into oyster tissues and analyzing microbiota dynamics over 24 h by 16S metabarcoding. Cg-BigDef1 induced a significant shift in oyster microbiota β-diversity after 6 h and 24 h, prompting us to investigate antimicrobial activities in vitro against members of the oyster microbiota. Both Cg-BigDef1 and Cg-BigDef5 were active at a high salt concentration (400 mM NaCl) and showed broad spectra of activity against bacteria associated with C. gigas pathologies. Antimicrobial specificity was observed for both molecules at an intra- and inter-genera level. Remarkably, antimicrobial spectra of Cg-BigDef1 and Cg-BigDef5 were complementary, and peptides acted synergistically. Overall, we found that primary sequence diversification of Cg-BigDefs has generated specificity and synergy and extended the spectrum of activity of this peptide family.
Rapid Biotic and Abiotic Transformation of Toxins produced by Ostreopsis. cf. ovata
Authors: Ternon Eva , Thomas Olivier P. , Lemée Rodolphe , Gerwick William H.
Published: November 2022

The dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. ovata produces several families of toxic polyketides. Despite only a few field measurements of these phycotoxins in seawater and aerosols, they are believed to be responsible for dermatitis and the toxic inhalations reported during blooms of this species. Therefore, the stability of these compounds in seawater is essential to understanding the causes of these symptoms, however, this has never been assessed. In the current study, the optimization of a solid phase extraction (SPE) procedure was first performed to ensure the most efficient extraction of all phycotoxins known to be produced by this strain, including the recently described liguriatoxins. The SPE cartridge SDBL® under non acidified conditions offered the best option. The stability of the ovatoxins and the liguriatoxins under biotic and abiotic stress was assessed by exposing the spent medium of a culture of Ostreopsis cf. ovata to its bacterial consortium and natural sunlight. A rapid biotic transformation was detected for both families of compounds. When exposed to bacteria, the half-lives of the ovatoxins were reached before 10 h and at 36 h, 97% of these toxins had been transformed. The half-lives of the liguriatoxins were 10 h under these conditions. Photolysis (abiotic degradation) of the ovatoxins (T1/2 < 36 h) was faster than for the liguriatoxins (T1/2 > 62 h). Although none of the catabolites of these phycotoxins were thoroughly identified, an untargeted metabolomics approach combined with molecular networking highlighted the presence of several compounds exhibiting structural similarities with the ovatoxins. Additional work should confirm the preliminary findings on these potential ovatoxins’ catabolites and their biological properties. The rapid transformation of O. cf. ovata’s phycotoxins introduces questions concerning their presence in seawater and their dispersion in the sea spray aerosols. The compounds involved in the toxic inhalations and dermatitis often experienced by beachgoers may stem from the catabolites of these toxins or even unrelated and as yet unidentified compounds.
Study on Corrosion and Wear Behavior Mechanism of Reactor Material in Metastannic Acid Synthesis
Authors: Zhang Wengao , Wei He , Su Ruichun , Yang Xiwen , Li Zulai , Shan Quan , Zhang Fei
Published: November 2022

AISI 316L, Ti2, and Zr1 are widely used in the selection of reaction still material, however, there is corrosion wear behavior in the use process. In this paper, the adsorption behavior of oxygen in Fe, Ti, and Zr is studied by the first principles method. Corrosion and wear behaviors of AISI 316L, Ti2 and Zr1 were studied by electrochemical corrosion and wear tests. The results show that AISI 316L can effectively resist the action of friction pair during wear by elastic modulus calculation. Oxygen is easily adsorbed at the top of the Fe(111) crystal plane and the bridge site of the Zr(110) crystal plane to form the most stable adsorption structure. The Ecorr of Zr1 (0.275 V) is greater than that of Ti2 (0.266 V) and AISI 316L (0.094 V), resulting in a ZrO2 passivated film with strong protection in the HNO3 solution. The wear rate of AISI 316L is higher than that of Zr1 and Ti2. In the selection of tin chemical reactor material, it is preferred that Zr1 can withstand corrosion and wear for a long time in a nitric acid system, which provides important guidance for corrosion and wear of reactor materials in the synthesis of tin acid.
The Protective and Therapeutic Anti-Alzheimer Potential of Olea europaea L. cv. Picual: An In Silico and In Vivo Study
Authors: Bagalagel Alaa A. , El-hawary Seham S. , Alaaeldin Rania , Elmaidomy Abeer H. , Altemani Faisal H. , Waggas Dania S. , Algehainy Naseh A. , Saeedi Nizar H. , Alsenani Faisal , Mokhtar Fatma A. , Elrehany Mahmoud A. , Al-Sanea Mohammad M. , Abdelmohsen Usama Ramadan
Published: November 2022

LC-HRESIMS metabolomic profiling of Olea europaea L. cv. Picual (OEP) (Saudi Arabian olive cultivar, F. Oleacea) revealed 18 compounds. Using pharmacology networking to specify the targets of the identified compounds with a relationship to Alzheimer’s disease, it was possible to identify the VEGFA, AChE, and DRD2 genes as the top correlated genes to Alzheimer’s disease with 8, 8, and 6 interactions in the same order. The mechanism of action on cellular components, biological processes, and molecular functions was determined by gene enrichment analysis. A biological pathway comparison revealed 13 shared pathways between the identified genes and Alzheimer protein genes (beta-amyloid band tau proteins). The suggested extract’s anti-Alzheimer potential in silico screening was confirmed through in vivo investigation in regressing the neurodegenerative features of Alzheimer’s dementia in an aluminum-intoxicated rat model (protective and therapeutic effects, 100 mg/kg b.w.). In vivo results suggested that OEP extract significantly improved Alzheimer’s rats, which was indicated by the crude extract’s ability to improve T-maze performance; lower elevated serum levels of AChE, AB peptide, and Ph/T ratio; and normalize the reduced level of TAC during the study. The results presented in this study may provide potential dietary supplements for the management of Alzheimer’s disease.